Written Answers Nos. 135-147
135. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance the spending commitments or paying down of debt the Government has entered into with regard to the profits arising from the winding down of NAMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54137/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware NAMA has now redeemed 100% of its guaranteed senior debt and expects to redeem its subordinated debt on its first call date in March 2020. NAMA will focus on completing its ongoing deleveraging, its Dublin Docklands SDZ and residential funding programmes in the interim period to 2020. It is through the successful completion of these objectives that NAMA currently projects a surplus in the region of €3bn to be returned to the State once it completes it work.
As per section 60(2) of the NAMA Act 2009, NAMA may use surplus funds to redeem and cancel its senior and subordinated debt. Surplus funds may only be returned to the Central Fund once NAMA's debt has been redeemed in full.
Any NAMA surplus paid, while Exchequer positive, will not impact the general government balance, in line with Eurostat rules. It will be a decision for the Government as to how any surplus returned by NAMA will be utilised within the framework of the fiscal rules.
It has always been the Government's intention to use such receipts from the resolution of the financial sector crisis to pay down our debt and help reduce our debt servicing costs. Given the uncertainty around the specific timing of or the amount that will be realised, such receipts have not been included our debt forecasts. Debt reduction underpinned by our national debt long term target of 45 per cent of GDP, will increase the resilience of the public finances to deal with any potential shocks which may emerge.
136. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the staff numbers in the Central Bank in each of the years 2008 to 2017 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54146/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Bank has provided a table which gives the staff numbers in the Bank at year end for each of the years 2008 to 2017:
|
Year End |
Headcount (Full Time Equivalents) |
|
2017 (November month end) |
1735.80 |
|
2016 |
1598.85 |
|
2015 |
1515.75 |
|
2014 |
1364.00 |
|
2013 |
1384.20 |
|
2012 |
1394.20 |
|
2011 |
1372.70 |
|
2010 |
1225.90 |
|
2009 |
1043.70 |
|
2008 |
1022.50 |
137. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of Central Bank and his Department's staff seconded to the European Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54147/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Central Bank that, as of 12/12/17 there are currently 59 Central Bank of Ireland employees on secondment to the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. The Central Bank is committed to increased participation and influence in the Eurosystem and as a result secondments to roles of strategic importance are a key priority. Employees are encouraged to view secondments as an opportunity to develop new skills and competencies, and to engage with their European counterparts.
At present, there are no officials from my Department on secondment to the European Central Bank.
138. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of European Central Bank on-site inspections of Irish financial institutions in 2015, 2016 and 2017; the number carried out by ECB staff; the number carried out by the Central Bank on behalf of the ECB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54148/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt was not possible for the Central Bank of Ireland to provide the information sought in the time available and, therefore, I will make arrangements to provide the information in line with Standing Orders.
139. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Finance the photography costs for his Department in each year since March 2011, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used in tabular form; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54228/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe costs incurred by my Department on photography are set out in the table.
There is no specific policy regarding the booking of photographers but the ordinary rules per the public financial procedures apply to such expenditure.
|
Year |
Supplier |
Details |
Amount € |
|
2017 |
Event Portraits Ltd |
Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD) Award Photos and Licences following Department's receipt of Best Learning and Development Organisation (medium category) 2017 |
701.39 |
|
2016 |
Brendan Lyon Photography |
Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD) Award photo following Department's shortlisting as part of the IITD Awards 2016 |
105.00 |
|
2015 |
Events Portraits Ltd |
Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD) Award photo following Department's shortlisting as part of the IITD Awards 2015 |
95.75 |
|
2015 |
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
Department of Finance Learning and Development as part of the Department's Recognition of Awards Ceremony |
462.53 |
|
2014 |
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
Department of Finance graduation ceremony for the Diploma in Taxation Policy and Practice, the Diploma in Project Management and the Refund of Fees Scheme - Recognition of Awards Ceremony |
510.75 |
|
2012 |
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
Signing ceremony for Double Taxation Agreement with Uzbekistan |
147.60 |
|
2012 |
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
Signing ceremony for Double Taxation Agreement with Switzerland |
285.05 |
|
2011 |
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
Signing of Taxation agreement with Germany |
400.21 |
140. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Finance the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department in each year since March 2011; the list of uses of the external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54244/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI take it that the Deputy is referring solely to external public relations and not to advertising that would be incurred by my Department in the normal course of business, such as entries into telephone directories, the placing of advertisements in national newspapers, recruitment advertising, etc.
The use of external public relations firms in respect of my Department since March 2011 is outlined in the following table:
|
Year Commenced |
Use of External Public Relations Firms |
Public Relations Firm |
|
2015 |
Following the Government decision of 13 May 2015 on mortgage arrears, my Department was asked to coordinate the development and implementation of a communications strategy around the Government-funded and other available supports for borrowers in arrears. The duration of the contract was from October 2015 until June 2016. Responsibility for the mortgage arrears publicity campaign now rests with the Abhaile Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service. |
Carr Communications was the successful tenderer following a public procurement exercise advertised on Etenders. |
|
2015 |
Under the Action Plan for Jobs 2015, action 110 required an "advertising campaign to leverage support for and drive utilisation of the Supporting SMEs Online Tool and increase awareness of the existence of State supports for business." This advertising campaign was co-ordinated by the SME Communications Group a sub-group of the SME State Bodies Group which is chaired by my Department. |
ICAN was the successful tenderer following a public procurement exercise. |
|
2016 |
As part of a range of competition measures agreed with the European Commission under their respective EU-Restructuring plans AIB and Permanent TSB are required to provide funding to a public awareness campaign (such campaign to be facilitated by Ireland through an appropriate state body) to raise awareness and promote customer switching. As such my Department are currently managing a contract for the provision of Research, Design and Media Buy Services (Public awareness and customer switching campaign) in retail banking markets. This is being funded in its entirety by the two banks. |
Language Communications Ltd was appointed as Prime Contractor for this campaign following a public procurement competition advertised on Etenders and the Official Journal of the EU. This contract was extended in 2017 in accordance with the provisions of the competition. |
|
2017 |
Public Relations consultancy, including media engagement, in relation to the Initial Public Offering of AIB. The costs for this consultancy was incurred by the Department of Finance, and was paid on behalf of Department of Finance by the NTMA. All costs will be recoupable from AIB in due course. |
Gordon MRM |
|
2017 |
Publication of an Article covering the success of the Department of Finance in the IITD Awards 2017 where my Department won the “Best Learning and Development Organisation- Medium Category 2017.” |
MediaVest |
The Department's policy regarding employing external groups is to follow the relevant public procurement rules and procedures.
141. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Finance the external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report; and the publication date in tabular form. [54260/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy’s question, I have included the requested information in relation to external consultant reports commissioned by my Department since 2011 in the following table:
|
Commission date |
?External Consultant Report |
Name |
Cost |
Published/Expected Publication date |
|
2017 |
Independent Impact Assessment of the Help-to-Buy Incentive |
Indecon Economic Consultants |
€54,570 (ex. VAT) |
10 October 2017 |
|
2017 |
Review of the Corporation Tax Code |
Séamus Coffey |
€30,000 |
September 2017 |
|
2017 |
SME Lending Survey October 2016 - March 2017 |
Behaviour & Attitudes |
€64,575.00 |
Published - June 2017** |
|
2016 |
SME Lending Survey April 2016 - September 2016 |
Behaviour & Attitudes |
€64,575.00 |
Published – December 2016** |
|
2016 |
Structure of the Banking Sector in Ireland in a Post-Crisis Era |
Seamus Coffey |
€543.28 |
Not published. Policy research paper. |
|
2016 |
Review of Corporate Tax Code |
Seamus Coffey |
Review ongoing |
Review Ongoing |
|
2016 |
SME Lending Survey October 2015 - March 2016 |
Red C |
€58,979.00 |
Published – June 2016** |
|
2015 |
SME Lending Survey November 2014 - April 2015 |
Red C Research & Marketing Ltd |
€58,978.50 |
Published - April 2015** |
|
2015 |
Review of Local Property Tax |
Dr Don Thornhill |
Nil |
Published - October 2015 |
|
2015 |
Tax breaks and the residential property market |
ESRI |
€30,677.43 |
Published - October 2015 |
|
2015 |
Spillover analysis of the effects of the Irish tax system on the economies of developing countries. |
IBFD |
€94,678.00 |
Published - October 2015 |
|
2015 |
Review of marine taxation |
Indecon |
€106,887.00 |
Published - October 2015 |
|
2015 |
SME Lending Survey May 2015 - October 2015 |
Red C |
€58,979.00 |
Published – September 2015** |
|
2015 |
Assessment of special regeneration areas for the Living City Initiative |
John Martin |
€2,500.00 |
Not published. Used as input to the decisions made on the special regeneration areas. The details of these areas were published when the Living City Initiative was launched. |
|
2015 |
The provision of a review of the current Health and Safety Arrangements within the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The final objectives are to update the Health and Safety Management Systems within both Departments in order to build on existing Health and Safety culture and practices within both Departments. |
Antaris Consulting |
€16,113.00 |
Not published. Internal Health & Safety report only. While the Department of Finance is the client the service is being provided to both the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. |
|
2015 |
SME Lending Survey November 2014 - April 2015 |
Red C Research & Marketing Ltd |
€58,978.50 |
Published - April 2015** |
|
2014 |
Cost benefit analysis of Irish Agri-taxation measures and international benchmark against other Agri-taxation incentives |
Indecon |
€103,689 |
Published - October 2014 |
|
2014 |
Effective rates of corporation tax in Ireland |
Seamus Coffey |
€4,900.00 |
Published - April 2014 |
|
2014 |
Importance of tax policy in the location choices of multi-nationals |
ESRI |
€30,750.00 |
Published - October 2014 |
|
2014 |
Research Programme on funding for Small, Medium Enterprises |
ESRI |
€122,833.96 |
Published - October 2014 |
|
2014 |
The historical development and international context of the Irish corporate tax system |
Ernst & Young |
€6,150.00 |
Published - October 2014 |
|
2014 |
SME Lending Survey April-October 2014 |
Red C Research & Marketing Limited |
€58,978.50 |
Published - November 2014** |
|
2014 |
SME Lending Survey October-March 2014 |
Red C Research & Marketing Limited |
€58,978.50 |
Published - June 2014** |
|
2014 |
Review of existing facilities management processes |
MKF Property Services |
€28,720.50 |
Published - June 2014 |
|
2014 |
Reviews into Mortgage Servicing? |
?Citibank Europe plc |
?€0.00 |
Cancelled |
|
2013 |
Assistance and Analysis in the Preparation of the Medium-Term Economic Strategy 2014-2020. |
PMCA Economic Consulting |
€49,043.00 |
Not published. It was commissioned to provide evidence-based economic analysis as an input to the MTES. This analysis is reflected in the text of the MTES. |
|
?2013 |
?Spatial Development Patterns - Implications for the Medium-Term Economic Strategy (MTES) |
?ESRI |
?€4,624 |
?Not published. Used as input to MTES and analysis is reflected there |
|
2013 |
Modelling Support - Medium Term Economic Strategy |
ESRI |
€35,362.50 |
Not published. Used as input to MTES and analysis is reflected there. |
|
2013 |
Report to Department in respect of a survey of R&D Active Companies 2013 |
Crowe Horwath |
€36,850.80 |
Published |
|
2013 |
Ex ante cost benefit analysis of proposed Living City Initiative |
Indecon |
€28,290.00 |
Published |
|
2013 |
SME Lending Survey October-March 2013 |
Red C Research & Marketing Limited |
€59,593.50 |
Published** |
|
2013 |
SME Lending Survey April-September 2013 |
Red C Research & Marketing Limited |
€58,978.50 |
Published** |
|
2013 |
Remuneration Review of Covered Institutions |
Mercer (Ireland) Limited |
€146,370.00 |
Published |
|
2012 |
External Review of the Compilation of General Government Debt Statistics |
Delotte & Touche |
€ 61,553.00 |
Published |
|
2012 |
(a) Survey of audio-visual producers (b) Review on international review of audio-visual state supports |
BDO and Amarach |
€64,575.00 |
Published |
|
2012 |
Assessment of Credit Review Office |
Grant Thornton |
€31,807.80 |
Published |
|
2012 |
SME Lending Survey October-March 2012 |
Mazars |
€60,885.00 |
Published** |
|
2012 |
SME Lending Survey April-September 2012 |
Red C Research & Marketing Limited |
€61,438.50 |
Published** |
|
2011 |
SME Lending Survey April-September 2011 |
Mazars |
€52,453.50 |
Published** |
|
2011 |
Acquisition by AIB of EBS Building Society |
Charles River Associates |
€50,000.00 |
Published |
|
2011 |
Mortgage arrears report commissioned to feed into Government strategy |
ARAM International Partners |
€100,000 |
Not published. It informed the deliberations of the Keane Group and fed into the Keane Report on Mortgage Arrears. |
**Reimbursed by AIB & Bank of Ireland
The Deputy may wish to note that the list does not include research outputs under the joint Macro-economy and Taxation research programme between the Department of Finance and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
142. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the level of expenditure by his Department from 1 January 2017 to date in 2017 on advertising of Government information campaigns published specifically in national and regional newspapers in addition to all online advertising for all such Government information campaigns; the name for each such information campaign to which this expenditure related; the cost of each, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54276/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following expenditure was made by my Department between 1 January 2017 to date on the advertising of Government information campaigns.
|
Advertising Type |
Supplier |
Information Campaign Description |
Amount € |
|
Newspaper |
Independent Newspapers Marketing Ltd |
Information notice re: Beneficial Ownership |
€1,110.69 |
|
Newspaper |
Irish Examiner |
Information notice re: Beneficial Ownership |
€375.15 |
|
Newspaper |
Irish Times Ltd |
Information notice re: Beneficial Ownership |
€921.89 |
|
Online Advertising (Video On Demand) |
Language Communications |
Switch Your Bank Campaign |
€19,940.02 |
|
Online Advertising (Digital) |
Language Communications |
Switch Your Bank Campaign |
€99,500.07 |
|
Online Advertising (Search) |
Language Communications |
Switch Your Bank Campaign |
€25,951.51 |
With respect to the "Switch Your Bank Campaign" the following should be noted:
1. The Switch Your Bank Campaign is funded entirely by AIB and
PTSB in the context of their restructuring plans.
2. All figures are ex VAT.
3. Language Communications Ltd was appointed as Prime Contractor for this campaign following a public procurement competition advertised on Etenders and the Official Journal of the EU. This contract was extended in 2017 in accordance with the provisions of the competition
4. Video On Demand included TV3, YouTube and 4OD.
5. Digital included BBC, Insightful, Irish Times, Journal, Independent and Gemini.
6. Search included Google Adwords, Adserving & OCM
143. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the level of expenditure by his Department or organisations under the aegis of his Department from 1 January 2017 to date in 2017 on photography, advertising, communications advice, public relations, website development, media interview training and preparation; the events, campaigns or policies to which this expenditure related; the company or person to which such payments were made, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54292/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLevel of Expenditure of the Department of Finance or under the aegis of that department 1 January 2017 to date in 2017
|
Year |
Supplier |
Details |
Amount € |
|
Photography |
Event Portraits Ltd |
IITD Awards and Licence |
701.39 |
|
Advertising |
Independent Newspapers Marketing Ltd |
Information notice re: Beneficial Ownership |
1,110.69 |
|
Advertising |
Irish Examiner |
Information notice re: Beneficial Ownership |
375.15 |
|
Advertising |
Irish Times Ltd |
Information notice re: Beneficial Ownership |
921.89 |
|
Advertising (Inclusive of TV, Video on Demand, Radio, Digital and Online Searching) |
Language Communications -subcontracted to Zenith Optimedia |
Switch Your Bank Campaign |
419,600.00 |
|
Public Relations |
Language Communications - subcontracted to Coyne Research |
Switch Your Bank Campaign |
52,000.00 |
|
Website Development |
Language Communications -subcontracted to Fusio |
Switch Your Bank Campaign |
18,000.00 |
Notes relating to the "Switch Your Bank Campaign":
The Switch Your Bank Campaign is funded entirely by AIB and PTSB in the context of their restructuring plans.
All figures above are ex VAT.
The campaign also included expenditure on project management and creative development meaning that phase one of the Switch Your Bank Campaign cost a total of €600,000 ex VAT (€738,000 VAT inc).
Language Communications Ltd was appointed as Prime Contractor for this campaign following a public procurement competition advertised on Etenders and the Official Journal of the EU. This contract was extended in 2017 in accordance with the provisions of the competition. Expenditure to date on the second phase has amounted to €3600 ex VAT.
With respect to the eighteen bodies under the aegis of my Department, I have been advised that three have not incurred any expenditure on items identified by the Deputy during the period outlined. These are the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, the Credit Union Advisory Committee and the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal.
It was not possible for the Central Bank of Ireland and the National Treasury Management Agency to provide the information sought in the time available and therefore I will make arrangements to provide the outstanding information in line with Standing Orders.
The remaining thirteen bodies have provided the information sought and this is set out in the attached table.
144. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of closed Garda stations that have been sold since 2011, by county; the revenue raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54138/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the following former Garda stations have been sold by them since 2011 with a total value of €3,228,000.
|
Former Garda Station |
County |
Sale Amount |
|
2014 |
||
|
Inchigeela |
Cork |
€55,000 |
|
Mallow Road |
Cork |
€260,000 |
|
Lettermore |
Galway |
€63,000 |
|
Cloone |
Leitrim |
€50,000 |
|
Grangemockler |
Tipperary |
€103,000 |
|
Baldwinstown |
Wexford |
€75,000 |
|
Newtowncashel |
Longford |
€50,000 |
|
Ballinure |
Tipperary |
€100,000 |
|
Dundrum |
Tipperary |
€90,000 |
|
Doon |
Limerick |
€50,000 |
|
Finea |
Cavan |
€56,000 |
|
Tullyvin |
Cavan |
€45,000 |
|
Kilmessan |
Meath |
€200,000 |
|
Longwood |
Meath |
€76,000 |
|
Ballymore |
Westmeath |
€55,000 |
|
2015 |
||
|
Rathowen |
Westmeath |
€15,000 |
|
Meelin |
Cork |
€44,500 |
|
Kiltyclogher |
Leitrim |
€58,000 |
|
Crossakiel |
Meath |
€6,000 |
|
Aclare |
Sligo |
€40,000 |
|
Ballywilliam |
Wexford |
€110,000 |
|
Carrigaholt |
Clare |
€105,000 |
|
Kiltealy |
Wexford |
€86,000 |
|
Inistioge |
Kilkenny |
€132,000 |
|
Johnstown |
Kilkenny |
€115,000 |
|
Geashill |
Offaly |
€123,000 |
|
Ballyragget |
Kilkenny |
€141,000 |
|
2016 |
||
|
Ballinakill |
Laois |
€92,000 |
|
Lahardane |
Mayo |
€70,000 |
|
Ballinahowen |
Westmeath |
€20,000 |
|
Labasheeda |
Clare |
€18,500 |
|
Lauragh |
Kerry |
€115,000 |
|
Dromod |
Leitrim |
€142,000 |
|
Churchill |
Donegal |
€62,000 |
|
Easkey |
Sligo |
€65,000 |
|
Ballacolla |
Laois |
€15,000 |
|
Tournafolla |
Limerick |
€42,500 |
|
Ballyfarnon |
Roscommon |
€40,000 |
|
2017 |
||
|
Fenit |
Kerry |
€110,000 |
|
Doochary |
Donegal |
€35,000 |
|
Menlough |
Galway |
€50,000 |
|
Glencolumbkille |
Donegal |
€47,500 |
|
Total |
€3,228,000 |
There was no disposal of former Garda stations during 2011, 2012 and 2013.
145. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual cost of security and maintenance on closed Garda stations that have not been sold, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54139/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total costs incurred by my Office on vacant former Garda Stations in the last complete year - from 1/1/2016 to 31/12/2016 - was €224,500.
These costs include any maintenance or other actions considered by OPW to be necessary to protect the structure and value of the property asset and/or for health and safety reasons. Unfortunately, a break-down of this cost by County is not readily available. I will arrange for the information to be collated and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
146. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the legislation to extend the mandatory retirement age in the public sector to 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53517/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has approved the General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to its decision last week to increase the compulsory retirement age for most public servants recruited before 1 April 2004. It is not possible to predict the length of time it will take for a Bill to be drafted and pass through both Houses of the Oireachtas given the need for meticulous drafting, ongoing detailed policy considerations, and the scheduling requirements of the Houses of the Oireachtas. However, I have asked the Attorney General to prioritise the drafting of this legislation so that the new compulsory retirement age will become effective as soon as possible which reflects the recent Government Decision on the matter.
In order to make some accommodation for public servants who reach the age of 65 in the period between the Government Decision on 5 December and the commencement of the necessary legislation, the Government approved some limited interim arrangements which became effective from the date of the Decision. The interim arrangements allow affected public servants who reach the age of 65 in that period, to remain in employment until they reach the age of eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory), which is currently 66. Details of these interim implementation arrangements are currently being put in place by the relevant sectors.
147. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Acts, or parts of Acts, awaiting commencement within his area of statutory responsibility; the reason for the delay in the commencement of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53573/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy’s question, I can confirm that this week I have signed the Commencement and Establishment Orders for the National Shared Services Office Act 2017 to take effect from 1 January, 2018. While this Act was passed by the Oireachtas in July, it was considered best that it commence in January to facilitate a smooth separation of the relevant functions from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to the new Civil Service Office in line with the budgetary cycles.
