Wednesday, 7 Feb 2018

Written Answers Nos. 97-116

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (97)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

97. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance his plans to formally meet the Dutch Finance Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6252/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

As part of my ongoing international engagements, I meet monthly with my EU counterparts at meetings of ECOFIN and Eurogroup, including with my Dutch colleague, Minister Wopke Hoekstra.   Most recently, I met with him and a group of other colleagues en marge of the Eurogroup meeting of 22 January.  I intend to continue dialogue with him and my other Finance Minister counterparts in the period ahead.

Brexit Data

Ceisteanna (98)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

98. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has commissioned economic or regulatory impact assessments of the risks to sectors under the purview of his Department following the decision of the UK to exit the EU and the various types of future relationships that might result; if he will provide a copy of such studies conducted; the persons or body commissioned to conduct this research; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6305/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

Contingency planning at both a domestic and an EU level is focused on three areas: preparing for a no-deal scenario or so-called “disorderly Brexit”; preparing for a transition period based on the “status quo”; and preparing for the future EU-UK relationship.

While the outcome of the December European Council and the move on to Phase 2 has lessened the likelihood of a disorderly Brexit, very detailed work on a no-deal or worst-case-scenario is advancing intensively through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade. This work is also informed by ongoing stakeholder engagement. Separately, a new preparedness unit in the Commission is considering EU-level responses.

All this work provides a baseline scenario for the policies and sectors impacted, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations. In this regard, it is welcome that the direction of travel is now firmly towards achieving a “status quo” transition period.  Agreement on a “status quo” transition will provide certainty to individuals and businesses while also aiming to avoid any cliff edge effects between the UK leaving the EU and a future relationship agreement coming into force. The period will provide time for businesses and citizenship to prepare for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU based on the outcome of the negotiations on the framework for the EU’s future relationship with the UK. In this respect, the expectation is that the European Council will adopt additional Guidelines at its meeting on 22-23 March 2018 on the framework for the future EU-UK relationship. These guidelines – as well as further clarity on the UK position, which has been sought by the European Council – will provide a clearer picture of the direction of travel in the negotiations.

The Government’s contingency planning continues to be firmly grounded in the extensive work and outreach that has already been undertaken by individual Departments and agencies, as well as by stakeholder organisations, academics and others.  Much of this is in the public domain.

Working through the cross-Departmental coordination structure, my Department has been to the fore in producing and funding a number of Brexit-related studies, both before and since the UK's referendum decision. In addition, regular updates of my Department’s Macro-Economic forecasts take account of the impact of Brexit. Published and commissioned Brexit-related studies by my Department and include:

- 'Scoping the Possible Economic Implications of Brexit on Ireland' – A scoping study of scenarios for the future relationship between the UK and the EU. Published under the Department of Finance-ESRI research programme in November 2015;

- ‘An Exposure Analysis of Sectors of the Irish Economy’. An in-depth analysis of the possible sectoral and regional impacts of Brexit arising from Ireland's trade relationship with the UK, published by Department of Finance in October 2016 (Updated March 2017);

- 'Modelling the Medium to Long Term Potential Macroeconomic Impact of Brexit on Ireland' - Published under the Department of Finance-ESRI research programme in November 2016; and

- ‘Trade Exposures of Sectors of the Irish Economy in a European Context’ – An analysis of trade exposure to the UK in comparison to other EU Member States, published by the Department of Finance in September 2017.

All of these studies have been made public on the Department of Finance Brexit webpage: http://www.finance.gov.ie/what-we-do/brexit/. Costs incurred for the 'Scoping the Possible Economic Implications of Brexit on Ireland'  paper and the 'Modelling the Medium to Long Term Potential Macroeconomic Impact of Brexit on Ireland' paper, formed part of the overall costs under my Department’s research programme with the ESRI.

The results in these studies published by my Department and the ESRI, show that the potential impact of Brexit on the Irish economy will be significant.  In the joint paper my Department published with the ESRI, that assessed the medium to long term potential macroeconomic impact of Brexit on Ireland, the study shows that ten years after a UK exit from the EU, the level of Irish output, could reduce in a range from 2.3 per cent to 2.7 per cent and 3.8 per cent (i.e. under a EEA scenario, a FTA scenario and a WTO “hard Brexit” scenario, respectively), below a baseline of what it otherwise would have been. These results are on a no policy change basis. However, with the future trade path between the UK and EU still unknown, it is crucially important that we prepare our economy for the challenges ahead.

In this context, the Government has already taken a number of important steps including in Budgets 2017 and 2018, the Action Plan for Jobs, Ireland Connected our Trade and Investment Strategy and the preparation of a new 10-year Capital Plan. The best way to deal with the uncertainties arising from Brexit is to continue the Government's competitiveness oriented policies and prudent management of the public finances.

Brexit Data

Ceisteanna (99)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

99. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance the additional budget for 2018 or other years, provided to his Department and all agencies and bodies within his remit to plan or prepare for Brexit; the number of additional staff that have been recruited to work on this policy area in each body, agency and his Department; the number of dedicated staff planning and working on Brexit matters in each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6322/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I wish to inform the Deputy that the Assistant Secretary who heads the EU and International Division of my Department is designated as the lead official in the Department for Brexit matters.  A dedicated Brexit Unit within the EU and International Division was established in July 2016 to oversee and coordinate Brexit work across the entire Department and to act as a key liaison point, in particular with the Departments of the Taoiseach and of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  There are currently four staff in the dedicated unit which is led at Principal Officer level.  Also, an additional staff member has been assigned to the Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels specifically to deal with Brexit.

We have appointed lead Brexit coordinators at Principal Officer level across all divisions of the Department.  The challenges which we face as a result of Brexit are mainstreamed across all divisions of my Department and this is reflected in business planning.

Brexit resourcing has been managed within the existing paybill allocation.  My Department will continue to monitor the resources needed to respond to specific policy challenges on an ongoing basis.

I am informed that the majority of the seventeen bodies under the aegis of my Department do not have additional funding or additional staff working on Brexit-related matters.

The budget of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners provides for up to 40 additional staff for Brexit planning and preparation. This work is carried out by a significant number of staff, currently estimated as 21 full-time equivalents, of whom 12 are dedicated to Brexit work full time, supported by additional staff throughout the organisation as required. Preparations will intensify once the Article 50 negotiations progress and clarity has been provided as to the nature of the future trading relationship between the EU and the UK and the customs regime that will apply. Additional resources will be allocated in line with these requirements.

Many staff across the Central Bank are working on Brexit-related matters on a daily basis in the course of their duties.  Given the nature of this work and how it relates to their role, the Central Bank has indicated that it is not feasible to capture the total staff working on matters related to Brexit in the manner requested by the Deputy. In 2017, the Central Bank allocated an additional 28 staff to address specific Brexit-related new business needs within existing divisions. Of these 28 staff, 18 have been allocated to supervisory divisions to address specific Brexit-related new business needs within existing divisions.  In 2017, the Central Bank Commission also approved an additional 36 resources principally to support increases in Brexit-related authorisation/supervisory activity, as well as to support extensions to the post crisis regulatory framework.

The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) has indicated that its direct exposure to the UK market is, at this stage, very limited, it continues to monitor any Brexit impact on the Irish assets securing its residual loan portfolio.

The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) has not recruited or allocated staff to work exclusively on Brexit-related matters. The NTMA is, however, continually monitoring Brexit developments and regards these as key considerations for 2018. The NTMA has internal working groups relating to Brexit which have been staffed by existing employees.

The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) has not allocated staff to work exclusively on Brexit-related matters. The only identifiable direct budget item is the 2018 budget allocation of €600,000 towards the Brexit Loan Scheme 1. However, Brexit-related solutions remain a key consideration and focus for the SBCI and it expect that the overall cost for 2018 (or possibly 2019) may be higher than the budget allocation as it is expected that a second Brexit related scheme will be developed and rolled out in late 2018/early 2019.

Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 96.

Appointments to State Boards Data

Ceisteanna (101)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

101. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the persons on State boards under the aegis of his Department that are also serving on other State boards; the persons on State boards under the aegis of his Department that have served previously on other State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6463/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for appointments to the boards of relevant bodies under the aegis of my Department.

All appointments are made in accordance with the requirements of the governing legislation and the Government Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.  However, the specific information sought by the Deputy is not available. 

Details of current membership of all applicable State Boards are published on the www.stateboards.ie website.

Public Private Partnerships

Ceisteanna (102, 103, 104)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

102. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if further investment in public private partnerships, PPPs, will be paused following the collapse of a company (details supplied) and the recent difficulties experienced by another company; the extent of PPP by the Government from 2005 to 2017, and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6234/18]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

103. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the implications for the provision of services and the completion of incomplete contracts here in view of the recent difficulties being experienced by British PPP companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6235/18]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

104. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on PPPs in view of the collapse of a company (details supplied) and the difficulties experienced by another company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6236/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 to 104, inclusive, together.

The Public Private Partnership (PPP) model is an internationally recognised model to design, build, finance, operate and maintain public infrastructure. In accordance with international best practice, PPP contracts already typically include detailed provisions that apply in the event of the liquidation of a consortium member of the PPP company, or an entity under the contract, to protect the public interest and ensure that the project proceeds to completion.

Under the terms of such PPP contracts, in the case of liquidation of a consortium member, or an entity under the contract, the PPP consortium’s funders and remaining shareholders are required to intervene and implement rectification measures to ensure that the project is completed to the satisfaction of the State. Liquidation of a company involved in delivering a public infrastructure project is an unfortunate development but would impact on any project where a supplier became insolvent during the delivery process, regardless of whether the project was being procured by PPP or by traditional means. The issue, therefore, is not PPP-specific, but where it arises in a PPP project, the provisions of the PPP contract ensure that the public interest is protected.

It is worth bearing in mind that this is not the first time a PPP in Ireland has experienced issues with its construction contractor, which is not uncommon given the risks inherent in the construction market. In all previous similar cases, the projects were completed successfully and are now fully operational. These examples demonstrate the resilience of the PPP contractual structure and underline the importance of adhering to the contractual documentation in resolving issues - which has previously been raised as a negative feature associated with PPPs.

While Carillion’s liquidation does give rise to a delay in completing the remaining construction works, payments under the PPP contract will not be made until the full works and services as set out under the project agreement are satisfactorily delivered for each school.

For these reasons, I do not see any need to pause PPPs currently in procurement or planning, as the contract terms of the PPP project will deal with the potential situation whereby a contractor or partner in the PPP company may become insolvent during the term of the contract.

However, as the Deputy may be aware, I established an Inter-Departmental / Inter-Agency Group last year to review Ireland's experience of using PPP and to make recommendations on the future role of PPPs, in the context of the new 10 year capital plan. I would expect the Group's deliberations to take account of any implications for future national PPP policy of the development referred to in the Deputy's question.

With regard to the extent to which PPPs have been used by Government, a summary update on PPP projects which are either operational or where contracts have been signed is available at the website http://ppp.gov.ie. A copy of the table is set out for the Deputy's information. The table summarises information on PPP projects across the public sector indicating for each project, the value of the contract, the operational date of the project and the name of the company to which the contract was awarded.

The Deputy should note that the table is intended to provide indicative information in relation to PPP projects generally, based on information provided to my Department by the sponsoring Departments or Agencies. The Central PPP Policy Unit in my Department endeavours to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible but any queries in relation to specific projects should be confirmed with the State authorities responsible for those projects.

Exchequer funded financial commitments under Public Private Partnerships and Concession Projects

Department/Agency	Project Classification	Operational From	Contractual  Value (€,m)	PPP Unitary Payments to End 2016 (€,m)	Projected Future PPP Unitary Payments in NOMINAL Terms (€,m)	Other PPP Payments, where available (€,m)	Projected Total Cost of all PPP Payments (€,m)	Year of Final Payment	PPP Company
Health
Primary Care   Bundle	DBFM	Phased   from Q3 2017	140.0	-	422.3	35.5	457.8	2042	Healthcare   Centres PPP Limited
OPW
National Conference Centre	DBFOM	Aug-10	189.8	269.2	477.3	32.9	779.4	2035	Spencer   Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd
Justice
Criminal Courts Complex	DBFOM	Nov-09	132.4	149.7	455.9	17.9	623.5	2035	IPP   CCC Partnership Ltd. Managed by amber Infrastructure Ltd.
Courts Bundle	DBFOM	2017	149.9	-	362.8	20.9	383.7	2042	BAM   PPP PGGM consortium
Total Justice			282.3	149.7	818.7	38.8	1,007.2
Education*
5 Pilot   Schools	DBFM	2002	63.7	161.3	129.1	TBC	290.4	2027	Schools   Public/Private Partnership (Ireland) Ltd
National   Maritime College	DBFM	2004	51.4	112.3	75.5	TBC	187.8	2029	Focus   Education (NMC) Ltd.
Cork School   of Music	DBFM	2007	49.3	85.4	144.8	TBC	230.2	2032	CSM   PPP Services Ltd
Schools   Bundle 1	DBFM	2010	59.9	63.7	181.9	TBC	245.6	2035	MPFI   Schools 1 Ltd
Schools   Bundle 2	DBFM	2011	81.7	75.7	266.7	TBC	342.4	2036	Pymble   Schools Ltd
Schools   Bundle 3	DBFM	2013	100.0	55.4	355.0	TBC	410.4	2039	BAM   PPP Ltd
Schools Bundle 4	DBFM	2016	61.3	14.0	201.6	TBC	215.6	2042	BAM   PPP Ltd
Schools Bundle 5	DBFM	2017	90.9	-	255.7	TBC	255.7	2042	Inspired Spaces   Consortium
Total Education			558.2	567.8	1,610.3	0.0	2,178.1
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
M3 Clonee Kells[2]	DBFOM	Jun-10	521.2	395.8	266.7	43.9	706.4	2052	Eurolink   Motorway Operations (M3) Ltd
Limerick Tunnel[1]	DBFOM	Jul-10	382.5	220.6	32.8	28.2	281.6	2041	DirectRoute   (Limerick) Ltd
M50 Upgrade	DBFOM	Sep-10	219.1	148.7	718.1	77.8	944.6	2042	M50   (Concession) Ltd
N11 Arklow/   Rathnew	DBFOM	Phased   with final completion Q2/Q3 2015	131.2	20.7	421.0	23.6	465.3	2040	N11   Arklow Rathnew PPP Limited
M17/18 Gort   / Tuam**	DBFOM	Dec-17	271.4	-	894.3	37.9	932.2	2042	Direct Route (Tuam)   Ltd
M11 Gorey /   Enniscorthy**	DBFOM	Jul-19	234.5	-	476.0	31.7	507.7	2044	Gorey to   Enniscorthy M11 PPP Limited
N25 New   Ross**	DBFOM	2019	150.6	-	304.2	32.1	336.3	2044	New Ross N25   Bypass Designated Activity Company
Total TII PPP			1,910.4	785.8	3,113.1	275.2	4,174.1
M4  Kilcock Kinnegad	Concession	Dec-05	301.8	168.2	5.4	5.7	179.3	2033	Eurolink   Motorway Operations (M4) Ltd
M1 Dundalk	Concession	Sep-05	112.6	-	3.1	3.8	6.9	2034	Celtic   Roads Group (Dundalk) Ltd
M8 Fermoy	Concession	Oct-06	182.7	134.2	15.7	1.8	151.7	2024	DirectRoute   (Fermoy) Ltd
N25   Waterford	Concession	Oct-09	262.3	155.1	39.3	2.4	196.8	2027	Celtic   Roads Group (Waterford) Ltd
N6 Galway   Ballinasloe	Concession	Dec-09	297.8	300.3	51.6	19.6	371.5	2035	N6   (Concession) Ltd
M7/8   Portlaoise	Concession	May-10	300.1	72.4	7.7	5.6	85.7	2023	Celtic   Roads Group (Portlaoise) Ltd
MSA	Concession	Sep/Oct-10	62.7	47.1	-	-	47.1	2010	Superstop   Ltd
Total TII Concession			1,519.9	877.3	122.8	38.9	1,039.0
Dublin City Council
Dublin Waste to Energy	Concession	2017	346.0	-	-	-	-	2062	Covanta
Total PPP			3,080.7	1,772.5	6,441.7	382.4	8,596.6
Total Concession			1,865.9	877.3	122.8	38.9	1,039.0
Total			4,946.6	2,649.8	6,564.5	421.3	9,635.6

* Education figures to be validated

**Figures include a provision for a VAT bullet payment when due.

[1] The Payments for Limerick Tunnel include payments required to be made under the traffic guarantee contract mechanism. The nominal value of remaining payments as at 31 December 2015 does not include any amounts for future payments under this mechanism.

[2] The Payments for M3 Clonee Kells include payments required to be made under the traffic guarantee contract mechanism. The nominal value of remaining payments as at 31 December 2015 does not include any amounts for future payments under this mechanism.

Notes

1. Estimates of future nominal committed payments are calculated on an assumed future annual inflation of 2 per cent per annum.

2. PPP Unitary expenditure by TII relates to construction, operation and availability payments.

3. Other PPP expenditure relates to VAT, rates, enabling works, authority variations etc.

4. A review of "Other PPP Payments" is currently being undertaken by the Dept. of Education and figures will be provided following completion of the review. Total PPP cost figures are also subject to change in that context.

5. Rounding effects totals.

Flood Prevention Measures

Ceisteanna (105, 106, 107)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

105. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has ensured that the ongoing flood risk to persons in Tromatty and Quigley's Point, Inishowen, County Donegal (details supplied) has been assessed; and the solutions, including the construction of flood defences, the OPW is planning to protect persons from future flooding. [6127/18]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

106. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has ensured that the ongoing flood risk to persons in Clonmany, County Donegal (details supplied) has been assessed; and the solutions, including the construction of flood defences, the OPW is planning to protect persons from future flooding. [6128/18]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

107. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has ensured that the ongoing flood risk to persons and local businesses in Carndonagh, County Donegal (details supplied) has been assessed; and the solutions, including the construction of flood defences, the OPW is planning to protect persons from future flooding. [6129/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 to 107, inclusive, together.

On Tuesday 22 August 2017 an extreme pluvial rainfall event occurred in Donegal. Having visited the area the following day I saw at first hand the extensive damage and disruption caused by this flood event, particularly to the community in the Inishowen Peninsula area.

Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Donegal County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. The Council may also apply to the Office of Public Works for funding of flood mitigation works under this Office's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of this scheme, introduced in 2009, is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The OPW has approved 32 Minor Works schemes in Donegal at a cost of €1.2m. Details of these schemes are on the OPW website, www.opw.ie

A national study to assess and propose measures to manage Ireland’s flood risk is being undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW) through its Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme is focussing on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) including 90 coastal areas, mainly in urban locations nationwide, designated in 2012 as being at potentially significant risk of flooding. The flood risk for each of these areas has been assessed, through detailed engineering techniques to assess their risk and impact from flooding. This risk and the proposed feasible measures, both structural and non-structural, identified to manage that risk are outlined in the Flood Risk Management Plans.

Carndonagh and Clonmany are two communities that have been studied as part of the North Western – Neagh Bann CFRAM Programme.

In relation to Carndonagh, the Plans propose measures consisting of using storage areas along with a series of embankments and walls along the Donagh River . Improved channel conveyance would protect properties impacted by flooding from the Carndonagh watercourse and hard defences would protect properties impacted by flooding from the Glennagannon River.

As the flood risk in Clonmany was assessed as relatively low no structural flood relief schemes are proposed, at this time. The Plans set out those non-structural measures in place or proposed that can benefit all at risk communities and properties, including emergency response, national flood forecasting, individual property protection and community resilience.

The Plans are currently subject to an independent review of the strategic level environmental assessments by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Once this independent review of all Plans is completed and observations addressed, I would hope in the coming weeks to seek the approval from the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for the Flood Risk Management Plans.

Tax Forms

Ceisteanna (108)

John Lahart

Ceist:

108. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to allow persons in receipt of a Garda pension to have their P60 issued in January of each year (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6201/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I am informed by the National Shared Services Office - the office responsible for issuing P60s to its 124,500 payees - that the statutory deadline for the issuing of P60s is 15 February each year.  I have been informed also that Garda pensioners’ P60s were released on Thursday 1 February, 2018 and were accessible from that date for those who use the Payroll Shared Services’ online portal.  Paper P60s for Garda pensioners are currently being printed and it is anticipated that they will issue by Friday 9 February.

Brexit Data

Ceisteanna (109)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

109. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has commissioned economic or regulatory impact assessments of the risks to sectors under the purview of his Department following the decision of the UK to exit the EU and the various types of future relationships that might result; if he will provide a copy of such studies conducted; the persons or body commissioned to conduct this research; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6310/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Contingency planning for Brexit is taking place across Government and is focused on preparing for a no-deal scenario, a status quo transition period, and the future EU-UK relationship.  My Department is taking part in this contingency planning, which provides a baseline scenario for the policies and sectors impacted.  This can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations.  

The Government’s contingency planning is grounded in the extensive work already undertaken by individual Departments and agencies, as well as by stakeholder organisations, academics and others.  Much of this is already in the public domain.

My Department has specific responsibility for the EU-funded cross-border programmes, PEACE and INTERREG.  It has been working with the Special EU Programmes Body, the Managing Authority for these two North South programmes, on the implications of Brexit for the programmes.  Research undertaken or commissioned by the SEUPB and the issue of publishing such research is a matter for discussion with the Northern Ireland Department of Finance, the joint Sponsor Department for the Body. 

In parallel, my Department is continuing its own assessment of the implications of Brexit, including in the area of North South cooperation.

Brexit Data

Ceisteanna (110)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

110. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the additional budget for 2018 or other years, provided to his Department and all agencies and bodies within his remit to plan or prepare for Brexit; the number of additional staff that have been recruited to work on this policy area in each body, agency and his Department; the number of dedicated staff planning and working on Brexit matters in each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6327/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

My Department’s Brexit / EU / North South Unit is responsible for coordinating Brexit issues across the Department.  The Unit comprises six staff, along with an attaché based in the Permanent Representation in Brussels.  It oversees Brexit work across the Department and works closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Finance, as well as other Government Departments.  It is represented on the Interdepartmental Group on the EU and Brexit, and supports me in my work on Brexit. 

Brexit issues are also addressed by staff in relevant areas across the Department.  The cost of the Brexit/EU/North South Unit is met from within the Department’s existing budget and is kept under review. 

My Department and the relevant bodies under its aegis engage as necessary in relation to Brexit matters.

Departmental Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (111)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

111. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the involvement his Department has had in respect of contracts with a company (details supplied) that provide public private partnership contracts; the nature of the contract; if it was for capital construction or service supply; the duration of each contract; the value of fee commitments; the alternative arrangements he has made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6344/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has no current contracts with the company in question.

The table sets out details of previous contracts the Department had with the company and details of a relevant Office of Government Procurement framework.  None of these contracts related to capital construction.

Department/Office	Purpose of Contract	Construction or Service Supply	Duration of Contract	Value of Contract
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (National Shared Services Office)	Provision of Business Architect and Deployment Lead roles on the Financial Management Shared Service Project.	Service Supply	6 Months (concluded 2014)	€173,550
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform	External advice sought to assess the costs, benefits, risks and implications associated to the component elements of the new shared model to deliver Learning and Development to the Civil Service, and to compile a business case outlining the findings.	Service Supply	35 Days (concluded December 2015)	€106,063
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Office of Government Procurement)	The Office of Government Procurement has established six framework agreements that include as a member the company named in the question. These frameworks are for the provision of Professional Services, ICT and Managed Services. To date, seven contracts have been awarded to the named company following direct invitation to tender to the members of these frameworks. These contracts were put in place on behalf of other public service contracting authorities. This Department has not signed a contract for provision of services with this company. The administration of the contract once awarded is a matter for each contracting authority and contract details are held by the individual authority concerned.	Service Supply	Not applicable	Not applicable

Appointments to State Boards Data

Ceisteanna (112)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

112. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the persons on State boards under the aegis of his Department that are also serving on other State boards; the persons on State boards under the aegis of his Department that have served previously on other State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6468/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In response to the Deputy’s question on appointments to State Boards under the aegis of my Department, I can confirm that I make appointments to the Board of the Public Appointments Service.  In accordance with the “Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards”, expressions of interest for all relevant appointments to this Board are made through www.stateboards.ie, which operates under the auspices of the Public Appointments Service. All applications submitted to the Public Appointments Service are confidential and used only for the purpose of assessing suitability against the specified criteria. The Public Appointments Service have advised that they do not have the specific information requested by the Deputy or access to the information. Details of the current membership of the Public Appointments Service Board are published on their website, https://www.publicjobs.ie/publicjobs/about/our_board.htm.

As the Deputy will be aware, details of the current membership of all applicable State Boards are published on www.stateboards.ie.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (113)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

113. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding is available for the refurbishment of colleges and schools of further education such as schools at locations (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6116/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that following the Capital Review that formed part of the Budget 2018 announcement last October, over €50 million under the capital budget will be made available over the period 2018 - 2021 to cover capital costs associated with new apprenticeship courses and new syllabi, as well as initiating a small number of building projects in the further education and training sector.

Applications for funding, including those referred to by the Deputy, will be considered by my Department, in consultation with SOLAS, in the context of competing demands for capital investment and available funding in future years.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (114)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

114. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the receipt of correspondence by a person (details supplied) will be confirmed; the reason no reply has yet been issued to this correspondence; when a response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6123/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The issues raised in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy have been considered by my Department.  The correspondence was resubmitted to my Department recently and a response has issued.

The issues raised relate to teacher mobility and the redeployment arrangements at primary level.

The redeployment arrangement is the first method used to fill vacancies in the primary school system.  Permanent teaching vacancies at primary level are filled, in the first instance, by permanent/CID holding teachers that are surplus in their own schools.  Following this process, permanent vacancies are filled by eligible teachers on Supplementary Panels.  Once the redeployment panels have cleared, primary schools with permanent vacancies may proceed to open competition to fill these vacancies. Temporary posts are filled by open competition which appropriately qualified teachers are eligible to apply for. 

The redeployment arrangements are reviewed annually with the education partners.  Arrangements for the 2018/19 school year have been finalised and are available on the Department website in Circular 0010/2018.

Circular 0063/2017, "Leadership and Management in Primary Schools", has introduced the phasing in of open competition for Deputy Principal posts. From 2022, all primary schools will be able to fill Deputy Principal posts through open competition, where vacancies exist. It is envisaged that this development will support teacher mobility and provide promotional opportunities for teachers.

School Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (115)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

115. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) is being considered for a new school on a greenfield site in view of its increasing pupil numbers and the fact that its lease is out in 2022; if so, the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6132/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I can confirm that my Department received a major capital application from the school to which the Deputy refers for the development of a new school building.

A project for the school has not been included in my Department's 6 Year Capital Programme and it is, therefore, not possible to provide an indicative timeframe for the delivery of a major project for the school at this time.

In regard to the increasing enrolments, I wish to advise that my Department has recently granted approval to the school for the provision of additional rented accommodation to facilitate the appointment of a developing teaching post.

Psychological Assessments

Ceisteanna (116)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

116. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a case for an assessment for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be examined. [6137/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy may be aware my Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary schools. This involves direct support in the event of a critical incident, access to national and regional support and development work to build school capacity to support students, access to a NEPS psychologist for responses to queries arising, and access to individual pupil casework via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments. (SCPA).

In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS has adopted a consultative model of service. The focus is on empowering teachers to intervene effectively with pupils whose needs range from mild to severe and transient to enduring. Psychologists use a problem solving and solution focused consultative approach to maximise positive outcomes for these pupils. NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties. Teachers may consult their NEPS psychologist should they need to at this stage in the process. Only in the event of a failure to make reasonable progress, in spite of the school's best efforts in consultation with NEPS, will the psychologist become involved with an individual child for intensive intervention or assessment.

This system allows psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.

I have made enquiries in relation to the child referred to in the Deputy’s question and am informed that he was the subject of an educational psychological assessment as recently as last autumn.

I would advise that if there are ongoing concerns in relation to the educational or social and emotional development of the child these should be raised by the parents, in the first instance, with the Principal of the school he is attending, with a view to Principal discussing the situation with the assigned NEPS psychologist or local NEPS service.