Written Answers Nos. 63-89
63. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount to be collected in 2017 from the compliance measures specified in the summary of budget measures 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42439/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2017 specified three compliance measures: amendments in relation to Section 110 and fund changes (projected yield of €50 million); tackling offshore tax evasion (€30 million); and increased resources for Revenue to confront non-compliance (€50 million).
I am informed by Revenue that it is too early to accurately assess the impact of, or collection under, these headings for 2017. This will not be possible until after the end of the year. I am, however, advised that Revenue expects the target will be exceeded based on evidence to date. This includes €79 million collected from disclosures in relation to offshore assets.
Revenue will undertake detailed analysis of the Budget 2017 measures when data are available.
64. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the cost of regulation in the Central Bank per year in the past five years; the portion of these costs obtained from levies on financial institutions; his plans for the funding model for regulation at the Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42440/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSections 32D and 32E of the Central Bank Act 1942 (as amended by the Central Bank Reform Act 2010) provide that the Central Bank Commission may make regulations prescribing levies and fees to be paid by entities subject to regulation by the Central Bank, subject to my approval as Minister for Finance.
The annual Industry Funding Levy is designed to recoup, directly from regulated entities, the relevant proportion of the budgeted cost of regulation for the year in question. The balance is funded by the public by means of subvention from the Central Bank. In previous years, there has been a 50:50 funding contribution model, with industry funding approximately 50% of the costs of financial regulation, and the remainder being funded by a subvention from the Central Bank.
The Central Bank of Ireland publishes the guide to Industry Funding Levies on an annual basis. The 2017 Funding Levies are due to be published shortly. The cost of regulation and the income from the levy for 2012–2016 (as per the annual financial statements of the Central Bank) are as follows:
|
|
Cost of Regulation |
Industry Levy Income |
|
2016 |
€155.1m |
€73.3m* |
|
2015 |
€146.7m |
€67.7m* |
|
2014 |
€139.4m |
€75.8m* |
|
2013 |
€128.0m |
€69.7m |
|
2012 |
€110.7m |
€65.2m |
*Excludes deferred levy income arising from spreading the impact of pension volatility over a rolling ten-year period.
This year, the contribution by industry to the Central Bank’s overall cost of financial regulation will be 65%, for most industry categories, with the remainder to be funded by public subvention by the Bank.
This move to 65% funding follows a period of review and public consultation on funding the costs of financial regulation, by my Department and the Central Bank which has taken place over several years. A joint feedback statement to the public consultation was published on 28 September 2017. The press release and joint feedback statement are available at the following link:http://www.finance.gov.ie/updates/department-of-finance-and-central-bank-publish-feedback-statement-to-joint-public-consultation-paper-on-funding-the-cost-of-financial-regulation/.
65. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has received approval from the European Commission to reform NAMA in order to allow it to develop social and affordable housing on State-owned land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42444/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that NAMA is a wind-down vehicle, which is repaying its debt and maximising the value of its remaining assets.
There are valuable expertise and skills in NAMA which may have a role to play in future housing delivery. Work is ongoing in considering how this expertise may be best utilised, giving due cognisance to the various legislative, balance sheet and State aid implications of any such proposals. Since this work is ongoing, no approval has been sought from the European Commission with regard to the Deputy's question.
66. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the State's final structural deficit in percentage terms in 2016; and if he expects changes at this point. [42445/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated structural deficit for 2016 was 1.4% of GDP, as published in the Summer Economic Statement 2017.
As the structural balance is a function of the general government balance, GGB, it may be updated should the Central Statistics Office revise the GGB in its October Excessive Deficit Procedure transmission to Eurostat. The structural balance is also a function of the estimated output gap in 2016, and this will change over time.
An update will be provided in the Budget 2018 documents.
67. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the public service records management plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42699/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July this year, I brought a joint memorandum to Government on behalf of myself and Minister Humphreys seeking approval of a Public Service Records Management Plan. The Government has approved this plan, which is to be implemented by the National Archives with the support of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The plan is to be carried out over three years and aims to achieve the following high-level objectives.
|
Timeframe |
Objective |
|
Short-term |
To give direction to public bodies with regard to records management |
|
Short-term |
To reduce spend on offsite storage for records not meriting long term preservation |
|
Short-term |
To produce a framework by which public service bodies can implement electronic systems for the efficient and effective management of digital records |
|
Long-term |
To develop capacity and capability within the public service with regard to records management and increasingly electronic records management |
|
Long-term |
To develop capability and capacity in the National Archives to accession and preserve digital records |
Officials from the National Archives and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform continue to meet regarding this plan and its execution, and are currently working through the initiation phase of the project, putting in place the necessary resources required to implement the plan over the next three years.
68. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider in conjunction with relevant Departments and other agencies introducing a pilot initiative for the clearance and upkeep of water courses, channels, streams and rivers in areas subject to flooding and or prone to future flooding in an effort to avoid future flooding in areas of poor drainage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42860/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaintenance of rivers and other watercourses can have a positive role to play in preventing the deterioration of channel conveyance capacity. A regular maintenance programme to remove excess inorganic material and vegetation or remove debris and rubbish from river channels, and ensure that culvert screens are kept clear, can help reduce flood levels during flood events.
However, international evidence and expertise shows that maintenance on its own is not going to protect towns and would have had no beneficial effect on extreme flood events as experienced recently in Donegal. That being said, it is recognised that maintenance can assist in mitigating against the effects of less severe flood events and summer flooding.
The Office of Public Works, OPW, carries out a programme of Arterial Drainage Maintenance to a total of 11,500 km of river channel and approximately 730 km of embankments nationally. These maintenance works relate to arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. The OPW has a statutory duty to maintain the completed schemes in proper repair and effective condition. The annual maintenance programme typically involves some clearance of vegetation and removal of silt build-up on an average five-year cycle. Each year, work is carried out to approximately 2,000 km of channel and about 200 structures around the country. Maintenance of all drainage schemes carried out under earlier Acts, known as Drainage Districts, is the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority.
In order to explore how state agencies can come together to address maintenance issues, the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group agreed to carry out some targeted maintenance activity. During September, works were carried out at the first of a series of locations on the River Shannon to remove silt and vegetation to enhance the conveyance capacity and navigation.
The current priorities of the OPW are to publish and implement Flood Risk Management Plans to address significant flood risk for 300 communities throughout Ireland and to deliver the capital investment programme of major flood defences that will protect thousands of properties during severe flood events. The OPW will continue to provide important funding to Local Authorities to deal with localised flooding issues through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme.
69. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of complaints received from the unions and safety representatives based at a location (details supplied); the nature of the complaints; his plans to deal with the matters raised; if there is a basic maintenance plan in operation at the site; if the staff toilets and public toilets are adequate and up to standard; the amount of money spent on the provision of an apartment in the location for a caretaker; if the apartment is in use; the cost of security at the site; his views on whether the staff levels including groundsmen are adequate; if he is satisfied with the management structure at the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42463/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraKilkenny Castle, one of our nation’s most celebrated historic properties, attracts circa 308,000 paying visitors annually and many multiples of this number visit the parkland.
As with all busy visitor attractions, a wide variety of issues can arise which require ongoing dialogue between staff and management. The management of Kilkenny Castle engages in a timely and proactive manner with staff in relation to all concerns including Health and Safety issues. In the last 12 months, management at the Castle has received two formal communications from a Shop Steward and a Safety Representative. The issues raised ranged from day-to-day operational matters to application of annual leave entitlements for seasonal staff. Management has responded comprehensively to all of the issues raised to date.
There is a detailed maintenance plan for both the Castle and the Parkland, which ensures the site is presented for our visitors to OPW's high standards. Toilet facilities for both staff and visitors are considered adequate with reference to staffing and visitor numbers and this is reviewed annually.
The apartment at the Castle was provided as part of Phase 3 of the Castle restoration project which was completed in May 2000. No further investment has been made in this area of the Castle since. The apartment is deemed unsuitable for use on Health and Safety grounds due to its location (on the top floor of the West Tower, accessed via a medieval spiral staircase with the only emergency evacuation route being over the roof battlements.)
The safety and security of Kilkenny Castle, its contents and the surrounding parkland is an absolute priority for the OPW and security arrangements are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Security expenditure to date in 2017 is €65,661.95.
Staffing requirements at all OPW heritage sites are regularly reviewed with reference to operations and visitor figures as part of our Work Force Planning. The management and staff structure at Kilkenny Castle is in line with all other OPW National Historic Properties.
70. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether PeoplePoint has sufficient resources to process all the incoming information; the number of persons in the Civil Service waiting on salary adjustments; the length of time they are waiting; if this delay is in accordance with the Payment of Wages Act 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42478/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll payments are made with regard to the provisions of Payment of Wages Acts.
There are approximately 600 pay adjustment cases with PeoplePoint related to acting up allowances, assignment to higher scale and pay on promotion, of which 50% are over 30 days old.
A specialist team is dedicated to progressing the above-mentioned cases. It is expected all pay instructions will have issued to the pay centre within the period of six weeks
71. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it is a breach of the Employment Equality Acts in relation to terms and conditions of employment on the ground of disability to oblige disabled civil servants to be members of the 1984 Civil Service (Spouses and Children's) Superannuation Scheme in view of the 2002 IPA report on the employment and career progression of civil servants with a disability in the Civil Service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42484/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Civil Service Spouses’ and Children’s Scheme is a contributory scheme, membership of which is compulsory for men appointed on or after 1 January 1969 and women appointed on or after 1 June 1981. Men and women serving prior to the relevant dates were given options to join the scheme. The original scheme provides pensions for the spouse and/or dependent children of a member or eligible dependent children of a member who dies in service, or after qualifying for pension (or preserved pension). It does not provide pensions for spouses of marriages occurring after retirement or children resulting from such marriages. Following discussions with staff interests, a further option was given to all officers in 1984 to join the revised spouses' and children’s scheme. This covers the spouses of post-retirement marriages and all of the member’s children.
The Commission on Public Service Pensions, which examined a range of public service pension issues in its 2000 report, concluded that:
"The spouses’ and children’s contributory pension schemes are key components in the public service pension system. We consider that the former, in particular, have proved to be one of the more important developments in public service pensions policy over the last 30 years. Through public service spouses’ and children’s schemes, it has been possible to provide for the surviving family members of public servants when they die after retirement or while in public service employment. As well as meeting an important social need, the schemes have helped ensure a degree of financial security and peace of mind for individual public servants and for their dependants."
The Pensions Commission stated that it accepted the view that public service spouses’ and children’s schemes are structured on a group insurance basis and that member contribution rates take account of the fact that payment of benefits will not arise in respect of all members.
I am satisfied that the Civil Service Spouses' and Children's Contributory Pension Scheme meets the requirements of the Employment Equality Acts, 1998–2015 in relation to all of the grounds of discrimination set out in the legislation, including on grounds of disability.
72. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the planning permissions for communication masts on sites need to be regularised to comply with planning regulations in instances in which a Garda station has been closed; the number of Garda communication masts that have been decommissioned and disposed of; if costs have been incurred as part of the decommissioning; if so, the details of the costs by station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42494/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the licences granted by the Commissioners of Public Works, OPW, to third parties in relation to the installation of telecommunications equipment on the masts at Garda Stations, compliance with planning is the responsibility of the Licensee. Of the 139 Garda Stations closed in recent years, 17 of the associated telecommunications masts were licensed to third parties, including ten sites to Tetra Ireland Limited for the provision of digital radio services. Tetra Ireland Ltd provides the national system for emergency services communications, of which An Gárda Síochána, AGS, is a primary user.
Decommissioning of telecommunications equipment is a matter for the owner of the equipment, whether it be AGS or mobile phone operators. The OPW is then responsible for the removal of the mast and one such mast has been removed at Cloghane, County Kerry, at a cost of €5,551.
The planning status of masts at the remaining stations will be reviewed when the ongoing review of closed Garda Stations is complete.
73. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date on which the Data Sharing and Governance Bill will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42513/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe draft general scheme of the Data Sharing and Governance Bill was approved by Government and published in August 2015. The purpose of the Bill is to promote and encourage data sharing between public bodies by providing a statutory framework for data sharing for legitimate and clearly specified purposes that are compliant with data protection law; and to improve the protection of individual privacy rights by setting new governance standards for data sharing by public bodies.
Pre-legislative scrutiny hearings on the Bill were held in April and May 2017 by the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach with officials from my Department and the Department of Justice, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and representatives of civil society groups with an interest in the area of digital rights and data protection. The Committee published its report in July 2017.
Work is well underway on the drafting of the Bill, which will be informed by the findings and recommendations contained in the Committee's report. The Bill must also take into account the provisions of the EU General Data Protection Regulation, which was published in April 2016 and comes into effect on 25 May 2018, as well as the October 2015 ruling of the European Court of Justice in the case of Smaranda Bara and Others, which sets out certain criteria for the lawful sharing of data by public bodies.
I intend to submit the text of the Bill to Government for approval to publish and commence passage through the Oireachtas by the end of this year or shortly thereafter.
74. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the arrangements in place for visitors to the homestead of the 1916 signatory Seán Mac Diarmada; the months, days of the week and opening hours of the monument; his plans to extend these hours; the amount of publicity dedicated to the homestead by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42587/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sean Mac Diarmada Cottage is a National Monument in State care and is managed and maintained by the Office of Public Works.
Visitor access to the Cottage is currently feasible on a pre-arranged basis only. The OPW made arrangements in 2016 for a local Heritage Centre in Kiltyclogher to be made keyholders for the property to facilitate this and also supported the Centre financially in the employment of a Tús worker to lead Guide Services to the Cottage as part of the Year of Commemoration. Currently, in the absence of a local response initially, anyone requiring access to the site must contact the OPW at Dromahair, as the OPW does not itself participate in the direct delivery of Guide services at this site. However, it is not in a position to give details in relation to the timing or frequency of tours and it is not currently involved in any marketing of the site; it was the general understanding that during 2016, the Centre made tours available on demand during normal working hours in the summer months as required by visitor arrivals in their facility in Kiltyclogher.
The Centre was not in a position to provide services to the Cottage in 2017 and is currently closed. The OPW remains open to the possibility of assisting a local initiative at the site and has indicated publicly recently that funding support options remain available. The OPW has also indicated that it will support initiatives such as publication distribution, creating an online presence and any other measures designed to increase awareness of the property.
75. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of principal officer grade positions in the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42679/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest reconciled figures relating to end-Q2 2017 are that there were 771 serving Principal Officers at end June 2017 (in full-time equivalent or FTE terms), made up of 472 FTEs serving at PO standard, and 299 FTEs serving at PO higher.
76. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of Secretary General, Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Principal (Higher) Officer grade positions in the Civil Service respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42680/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy on the numbers of personnel serving in particular senior grades in the Civil Service is set out in the table (in full-time equivalent or FTE terms).
|
Grade |
Serving Numbers |
|
Secretary General |
27 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
11 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
135 |
|
Principal Higher |
299 |
77. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of positions above Principal Officer grade in the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42681/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the basis of the latest reconciled data which relates to end-Q2 2017, there was a total of 269 (full-time equivalent) personnel serving in grades above Principal Officer in the Civil Service. These include officers in the grades of Secretary General, Second Secretary and Deputy Secretary plus officers serving in positions equivalent to these grades, for example Chief Parliamentary Counsel (equivalent to Secretary General), or Chief Medical Officer (equivalent to Deputy Secretary).
78. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the powers he has delegated to the Ministers of State in his Department; the date on which such delegation was made; if there were changes in powers delegated relative to the situation in place prior to 14 June 2017; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42785/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are three Ministers of State appointed to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform:
- Deputy Patrick O’Donovan is Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for Public Procurement, Open Government and eGovernment;
- Deputy Michael D'Arcy is Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for Financial Services and Insurance; and
- Deputy Kevin “Boxer” Moran is Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief.
No formal Delegation of Ministerial Functions Orders have been signed. This position is kept under review in light of the requirements of the respective roles. There were no changes in powers delegated on or after 14 June 2017.
79. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding his Department's gender-proofing departmental budgeting processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42851/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to develop the process of budget and policy proofing as a means of advancing equality, reducing poverty and strengthening economic and social rights. This is also a commitment that has been included in The National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020.
A policy paper prepared by my Department in relation to equality budgeting is being published today alongside the Expenditure Report. This paper sets out the pilot approach that will be adopted for gender budgeting in the Budget 2018 budgetary cycle anchored in the performance budgeting framework. In developing the pilot approach, my Department has extensively reviewed international best practice in this area, and has had ongoing engagement with IHREC and the National Women’s Council, as well as drawing on best international practice in other OECD countries.
In preparation for the introduction of a pilot programme of gender budgeting, my Department has hosted a workshop focused on gender budgeting which was attended by officials from across the Civil Service. The workshop aimed to familiarise participants with the concept of gender budgeting and to provide them with tools to identify a gender perspective and to gender-proof policies. Further work to embed the skills and capacity required for gender budgeting across the Civil Service will be ongoing during the course of the year.
80. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if persons (details supplied) in County Kerry can be relocated in view of the persistent flooding problem at their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42864/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn April 11 2017, the Government agreed the administrative arrangements for a Homeowners Voluntary Relocation Scheme for those primary residential properties that flooded during 4 December 2015 to 13 January 13 2016. This is a national scheme of humanitarian assistance, targeting aid at those worst affected properties, for which there are no alternative feasible measures.
The Government decision confirmed that a homeowner had to meet a number of conditions to be eligible for assistance under this scheme, including:
- That floodwater entered and damaged the building during the relevant dates such as to render it uninhabitable.
- That the property was the homeowners primary residence at the time of the floods.
- That the affected property must have a significant probability of the recurrence of the flood depth, duration or frequency on a scale that could cause further serious and similar damage to the home.
- That the property is not due to or may not benefit from a planned or possible future major, minor or individual flood defence scheme.
- That the property may not be protected adequately from being flooded in the future at an economically feasible cost through other flood mitigation works including minor works, individual property protection or other possible measures that can be considered at this time.
- That the homeowner is unable to obtain flood risk insurance.
The OPW are working with each of the Local Authorities, using their extensive and detailed local knowledge, to identify the homes that flooded during the event, and of those identified which properties may not benefit from a known or possible engineering solution. These homeowners will be invited to meet with the OPW to discuss the details of the scheme and may be invited to formally apply for the scheme. It is expected that contact will begin with the identified homeowners in the coming weeks.
In addition to the identification process underway with the local authorities, homeowners also had the opportunity to express an interest directly with the OPW, before 28 July 2017, to be considered under the Scheme. Some 67 expressions of interest were received from homeowners in 19 different local authority areas. The details of these properties has been shared with the local authorities for their consideration in the Stage 1 desktop assessment.
The homeowner referred to by the Deputy did not express an interest in the Scheme directly with the OPW. The local authority have identified a property in the area that flooded during the relevant dates but they are currently unable to confirm if it is the same property referred to by the Deputy.
81. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform what pay rises public servants are due to receive under the Lansdowne Road agreement and its recently agreed successor, by salary bands and dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42919/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Stability Agreement runs from 2018-20 and has a cost over that period of €887 million. The overall benefits to different income groups range from 7.4% to 6.2% over three years.
Pay increases under the agreement are scheduled as follows:
2018
- 1st January annualised salaries to increase by 1%;
- 1st October annualised salaries to increase by 1%.
2019
- 1st January annualised salaries up to €30,000 to increase by 1%;
- 1st September annualised salaries to increase by 1.75%.
2020
- 1st January annualised salaries up to €32,000 to increase by 0.5%;
- 1st October annualised salaries to increase by 2%.
A full breakdown of resulting salary benefits is available on my Department's website: http://www.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/PSSA-2018-2020-Benefit-Tables.pdf.
Pay increases under the Lansdowne Road agreement were as follows:
2016
- 1st January annualised salaries up to €24,000 are increased by 2.5%;
- 1st January annualised salaries from €24,001 up to €31,000 are increased by 1%.
2017
- 1st September annualised salaries up to €65,000 are increased by €1,000.
The impact of these benefits can be found at the following link: http://per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Impact-of-pay-proposals-for-public-servants.docx.
It should be noted that in response to the anomaly created by the Labour Court recommendation on Garda pay, the Government approved an increase in annualised salaries of €1,000 for the period 1 April 2017 to 31 August 2017 inclusive for:
- those on annualised salaries up €65,000;
- who are parties to the Lansdowne Road Agreement; and
- who do not stand to benefit from the Labour Court Recommendations (CD/16/321 & CD/16/322) issued in respect of the Garda Associations.
This effectively brought forward the 1 September 2017 increase to 1 April 2017 for those public servants covered.
82. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 98 of 4 October 2017, what companies are subletting a space or fixing to a Garda telecom mast and their location by Garda station, in tabular form. [42925/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra84. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 98 of 4 October 2017, the location in which the income from rental space on telecoms masts is lodged to; if An Garda Síochána keeps the income; if he is satisfied that the collection of income is revenue compliant; if the OPW or An Garda Síochána is engaged in long-term rental contracts with companies for rental space on telecoms masts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43008/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 84 together.
The Commissioners of Public Works, OPW, have issued licences to install telecommunications equipment on masts at Garda Stations to the following companies, all of which are licensed by ComReg to provide services in Ireland:
- Three Ireland (Hutchison) Ltd.;
- Three Ireland Services (Hutchison) Ltd. (formerly O2 Ireland Ltd);
- Vodafone Ireland Ltd.;
- Meteor Mobile Communications Ltd. (now known as eir);
- Tetra Ireland Ltd.
These licences are for the provision of digital radio services to An Garda Síochána and other emergency services and as a result of this a licence fee is not payable.
The table shows the number of companies licensed at each location. All licences are granted by OPW and are generally for a ten-year term. All licence fees are payable to OPW and are subject to VAT. The fees are initially lodged to OPW, and subsequently 15% plus VAT of the annual licence fees are paid to OPW’s agent for managing the sites on OPW’s behalf and 30% is transferred to the Department of Justice & Equality.
|
County |
Site Name |
Number of Operators Licenced |
|
Carlow |
Carlow Garda Station |
3 |
|
Carlow |
Tullow Garda Station |
2 |
|
Cavan |
Arva Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cavan |
Bawnboy Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cavan |
Blacklion Garda Station |
4 |
|
Cavan |
Cavan Garda Station |
4 |
|
Cavan |
Cootehill Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cavan |
Mullagh Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cavan |
Shercock Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cavan |
Swanlinbar Garda Station |
2 |
|
Clare |
Ballyvaughan Garda Station |
1 |
|
Clare |
Ennis Garda Station |
2 |
|
Clare |
Kildysart Garda Station |
1 |
|
Clare |
Killaloe Garda Station |
4 |
|
Clare |
Newmarket-on-Fergus Garda Station |
1 |
|
Clare |
Shannon Garda Station |
3 |
|
Clare |
Sixmilebridge Garda Station |
2 |
|
County |
Site Name |
Number of Operators Licenced |
|
Cork |
Anglesea Street Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cork |
Ballycotton Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cork |
Ballydesmond Garda Station |
2 |
|
Cork |
Ballynoe Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cork |
Bandon Garda Station |
3 |
|
Cork |
Bishopstown Garda Station |
2 |
|
Cork |
Buttevant Garda Station |
3 |
|
Cork |
Carrigaline Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cork |
Castletownbere Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cork |
Castletownshend Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cork |
Charleville Garda Station |
2 |
|
Cork |
Clonakilty Garda Station |
4 |
|
Cork |
Donoughmore Garda Station |
2 |
|
Cork |
Durrus Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cork |
Gurranabraher Garda Station |
4 |
|
Cork |
Kealkill Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cork |
Kinsale Garda Station |
3 |
|
Cork |
Liscarroll Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cork |
Middleton Garda Station |
3 |
|
Cork |
Mitchelstown Garda Station |
3 |
|
Cork |
Rathduff Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cork |
Roscarberry Garda Station |
3 |
|
Cork |
Schull Garda Station |
1 |
|
Cork |
Skibbereen Garda Station |
3 |
|
Cork |
Youghal Garda Station |
2 |
|
Donegal |
Buncrana Garda Station |
1 |
|
Donegal |
Carrick Garda Station |
1 |
|
Donegal |
Dunfanaghy Garda Station |
1 |
|
Donegal |
Falcarragh Garda Station |
1 |
|
Donegal |
Glenties Garda Station |
2 |
|
Donegal |
Letterkenny Garda Station |
2 |
|
Donegal |
Lifford Garda Station |
1 |
|
Donegal |
Milford Garda Station (Donegal) |
3 |
|
Donegal |
Moville Garda Station |
2 |
table cont.
|
County |
Site Name |
Number of Operators Licenced |
|
Dublin |
Ballyfermot Garda Station |
3 |
|
Dublin |
Blackrock Garda Station (Dublin) |
1 |
|
Dublin |
Blanchardstown Garda Station |
4 |
|
Dublin |
Bridewell Garda Station |
3 |
|
Dublin |
Cabinteely Garda Station |
4 |
|
Dublin |
Cabra Garda Station |
3 |
|
Dublin |
Clondalkin Garda Station |
1 |
|
Dublin |
Clontarf Garda Station |
2 |
|
Dublin |
Coolock Garda Station |
4 |
|
Dublin |
Crumlin Garda Station |
3 |
|
Dublin |
Dalkey Garda Station |
1 |
|
Dublin |
Donnybrook Garda Station |
1 |
|
Dublin |
Dun Laoghaire Garda Station |
2 |
|
Dublin |
Fitzgibbon St Garda Station |
4 |
|
Dublin |
Garristown Garda Station |
1 |
|
Dublin |
Howth Garda Station |
4 |
|
Dublin |
Irishtown Garda Station |
1 |
|
Dublin |
Kill o the Grange Garda Station |
1 |
|
Dublin |
Kilmainham Garda Station |
3 |
|
Dublin |
Lucan Garda Station |
4 |
|
Dublin |
Malahide Garda Station |
2 |
|
Dublin |
Mountjoy Garda Station |
4 |
|
Dublin |
Pearse Street Garda Station |
2 |
|
Dublin |
Phoenix Park - GHQ |
3 |
|
Dublin |
Raheny Garda Station |
4 |
|
Dublin |
Rathfarnham Garda Station |
3 |
|
Dublin |
Rathmines Garda Station |
4 |
|
Dublin |
Ronanstown Garda Station |
2 |
|
Dublin |
Saggart Hill Garda Radio Mast |
1 |
|
Dublin |
Santry Garda Station |
2 |
|
Dublin |
Shankill Garda Station |
4 |
|
Dublin |
Stepaside Garda Station |
3 |
|
County |
Site Name |
Number of Operators Licenced |
|
Dublin |
Store St Garda Station |
1 |
|
Dublin |
Sundrive Road Garda Station |
1 |
|
Dublin |
Swords Garda Station |
2 |
|
Dublin |
Tallaght Garda Station |
3 |
|
Dublin |
Terenure Garda Station |
2 |
|
Dublin |
Whitehall Garda Station |
2 |
|
Galway |
Athenry Garda Station |
1 |
|
Galway |
Ballinasloe Garda Station |
1 |
|
Galway |
Eyrecourt Garda Station |
1 |
|
Galway |
Galway Mill St. Garda Station |
1 |
|
Galway |
Glenamaddy Garda Station |
1 |
|
Galway |
Gort Garda Station |
2 |
|
Galway |
Inverin Garda Station |
1 |
|
Galway |
Killimor Garda Station |
3 |
|
Galway |
Kilronan Garda Station |
2 |
|
Galway |
Loughrea Garda Station |
4 |
|
Galway |
Maam Garda Station |
1 |
|
Galway |
Oranmore Garda Station |
1 |
|
Galway |
Oughterard Garda Station |
2 |
|
Galway |
Salthill Garda Station |
2 |
|
Galway |
Woodford Garda Station |
2 |
|
Kerry |
Ballinskelligh Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kerry |
Ballybunion Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kerry |
Ballyheigue Garda Station |
3 |
|
Kerry |
Caherciveen Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kerry |
Camp Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kerry |
Castleisland Garda Station |
3 |
|
Kerry |
Dingle Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kerry |
Glenbeigh Garda Station |
2 |
|
Kerry |
Kenmare Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kerry |
Kilgarvan Garda Station |
3 |
|
Kerry |
Killarney Garda Station |
2 |
|
Kerry |
Killorglin Garda Station |
3 |
|
Kerry |
Knocknagoshel Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kerry |
Listowel Garda Station |
2 |
|
Kerry |
Rathmore Garda Station |
3 |
|
Kerry |
Sneem Garda Station |
2 |
|
Kerry |
Tarbert Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kerry |
Tralee Garda Station |
2 |
|
Kerry |
Waterville Garda Station |
3 |
table cont.
|
County |
Site Name |
Number of Operators Licenced |
|
Kildare |
Kilcock Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kildare |
Kildare Garda Station |
2 |
|
Kildare |
Kill Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kildare |
Leixlip Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kildare |
Monasterevin Garda Station |
4 |
|
Kildare |
Naas Garda Station |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
Ballyhale Garda Station |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
Callan Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
Castlecomer Garda Station |
2 |
|
Kilkenny |
Freshford Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
Goresbridge Garda Station |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
Thomastown Garda Station |
1 |
|
Laois |
Portarlington Garda Station |
1 |
|
Laois |
Portlaoise Garda Station |
2 |
|
Laois |
Stradbally Garda Station (Laois) |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
Carrick-On-Shannon Garda Station |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
Kinlough Garda Station |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
Manorhamilton Garda Station |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
Mohill Garda Station |
1 |
|
Limerick |
Abbeyfeale Garda Station |
3 |
|
Limerick |
Bruff Garda Station |
2 |
|
Limerick |
Croom Garda Station |
2 |
|
Limerick |
Drumcollogher Garda Station |
3 |
|
Limerick |
Foynes Garda Station |
3 |
|
Limerick |
Kilmallock Garda Station |
2 |
|
Limerick |
Murroe Garda Station |
1 |
|
Limerick |
Pallaskenry Garda Station |
1 |
|
Limerick |
Rathkeale Garda Station |
3 |
|
Limerick |
Roxboro Garda Station |
1 |
|
Longford |
Granard Garda Station |
3 |
|
Louth |
Carlingford Garda Station |
4 |
|
Louth |
Castlebellingham Garda Station |
1 |
|
Louth |
Clogherhead Garda Station |
2 |
|
Louth |
Dundalk Garda Station |
1 |
|
Louth |
Dunleer Garda Station |
1 |
|
Louth |
Hackballscross Garda Station |
1 |
|
Louth |
Omeath Garda Station |
3 |
|
Mayo |
Ballycastle Garda Station |
2 |
|
Mayo |
Ballycroy Garda Station |
1 |
|
Mayo |
Glenisland Garda Station |
1 |
|
Mayo |
Swinford Garda Station |
2 |
|
County |
Site Name |
Number of Operators Licenced |
|
Meath |
Dunboyne Garda Station |
4 |
|
Meath |
Dunshaughlin Garda Station |
2 |
|
Meath |
Kells Garda Station |
4 |
|
Meath |
Slane Garda Station |
3 |
|
Meath |
Summerhill Garda Station |
4 |
|
Meath |
Trim Garda Station |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
Carrickmacross Garda Station |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
Castleblayney Garda Station |
3 |
|
Monaghan |
Clones Garda Station |
3 |
|
Monaghan |
Clontibret Garda Station |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
Emyvale Garda Station |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan Garda Station |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
Rockorry Garda Station |
1 |
|
Offaly |
Clonbullogue Garda Station |
1 |
|
Offaly |
Moneygall |
1 |
|
Roscommmon |
Boyle Garda Station |
4 |
|
Roscommmon |
Castlerea Garda Station |
1 |
|
Roscommmon |
Roscommon Garda Station |
2 |
|
Sligo |
Ballymote Garda Station |
1 |
|
Sligo |
Collooney Garda Station |
2 |
|
Sligo |
Easkey Garda Station |
3 |
|
Sligo |
Gurteen Garda Station |
1 |
|
Sligo |
Riverstown Garda Station |
2 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo Garda Station |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
Ardfinnan Garda Station |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
Ballingarry South Garda Station |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
Cahir Garda Station |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
Cashel Garda Station |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
Holycross Garda Station |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
Killenaule Garda Station |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
Nenagh Garda Station |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
Templemore Garda College |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
Thurles Garda Station |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
Tipperary Garda Station |
2 |
|
Waterford |
Dungarvan Garda Station |
1 |
|
Waterford |
Dunmore East Garda Station |
1 |
|
Waterford |
Kilmackthomas Garda Station |
1 |
|
Waterford |
Lismore Garda Station |
1 |
|
Waterford |
Tramore Garda Station |
2 |
|
Waterford |
Waterford Garda Station |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
Killucan Garda Station |
1 |
|
Westmeath |
Mullingar Garda Station |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
Multyfarnham Garda Station |
1 |
|
Wexford |
Bunclody Garda Station |
2 |
|
Wexford |
Campile Garda Station |
1 |
|
Wexford |
Clonroche Garda Station |
1 |
|
Wexford |
Courtown Garda Station |
2 |
|
Wexford |
Duncannon Garda Station |
4 |
|
Wexford |
Enniscorthy Garda Station |
1 |
|
Wexford |
Gorey Garda Station |
2 |
|
Wexford |
Kilmore Quay Garda Station |
4 |
|
Wexford |
Rosslare Harbour Garda Station |
1 |
|
Wexford |
Wexford Garda Station |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
Arklow Garda Station |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
Aughrim Garda Station |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
Avoca Garda Station |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
Blessington Garda Station |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
Dunlavin Garda Station |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
Enniskerry Garda Station |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
Greystones Garda Station |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
Roundwood Garda Station |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
Tinahely Garda Station |
3 |
83. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 21 September 2017, when he expects to present a new Revised Estimates Volume for 2017 to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43004/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the decision in relation to re-organisation of Government Departments, the composition of a number of Departments has changed particularly with the establishment of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The Estimates for 2017, published in the Revised Estimates Volume 2017, were voted on by Dáil Éireann in May 2017. Further Revised Estimates are to be presented to Dáil Éireann that will reflect the impact on Departmental allocations of the transfer of functions.
Work in relation to finalising the exact allocations to be transferred between Departments has just been finalised. My Department is making the necessary arrangements required in advance of presenting the Estimates to the Dáil in due course.
85. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the OPW's discussions on the refurbishment of a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42200/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works continues to engage in discussions with the landlord regarding the extent of necessary works to be carried out on the property.
86. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when pharmacists and other self-employed persons will have their pay restored in view of the fact that FEMPI has been unwound in many sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42233/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 9 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 (as amended), the power to vary fees paid to pharmacists and other health professionals is the responsibility in the first instance of my colleague the Minister for Health.
87. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of occasions on which he has been lobbied in respect of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill since March 2016; the persons he has met; the dates of these meetings; the details of the basis of the lobbying; his views on the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42296/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince March 2016, there have been seven Representations received from a number of organisations regarding the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, as listed below:
- Alcohol Health Alliance Ireland;
- Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland;
- Responsible Retailing of Alcohol in Ireland, RRAI - three REPS received;
- Galway Health Cities Alcohol Forum;
- IBEC.
This correspondence was dealt with at official level.
My Special Adviser has also received representations on this issue.
I have not attended any meetings regarding the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill. I am informed that my predecessor did not attend any such meetings in the timeframe indicated.
Meetings with Designated Public Officials are required to be registered on the Register of Lobbying and are publicly available at: https://www.lobbying.ie/.
88. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the location of the site for the new Garda headquarters (details supplied) in County Sligo; if it has been procured; the status of the project; the timeframe for planning, construction and completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42318/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works continues to progress the procurement of a suitable site for the new Garda station. As the negotiations are not yet complete, the location of the site cannot be disclosed at this stage.
The construction of this Garda station is to be undertaken as part of a larger PPP bundle.
89. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the discussions and meetings he has had with the local authority in Cork city regarding extra funding for the event centre; and if other Ministers have discussed it with him. [42371/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues related to the Cork Event Centre are a matter for the Minister of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in the first instance. I have not had discussions or meetings with Cork City Council in relation to the project.
