Written Answers Nos. 87-111
87. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Public Service Pay Commission will produce its report on the unwinding of FEMPI legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10933/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my answer to PQ 8799/18, Parliamentary Question No. 169, on the 20th of February 2018.
88. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to further expand the role of the National Shared Services Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10934/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe role and functions of the National Shared Services Office are set out in the National Shared Services Office Act 2017. Section 9(2) of the Act prescribes that the NSSO is responsible for providing shared services in the civil service, setting standards and developing operational policies in relation to the provision of those shared services and providing guidance and advice on shared services across the public service.
The NSSO is currently delivering HR and pensions administration shared services to 35,200 civil servants and payroll shared services to 124,600 public servants. The NSSO will begin the provision of finance shared services during 2018 and by 2020 will be delivering finance shared services to 48 public service bodies. There are shared services projects currently underway in the sectors of Health, Education and Local Government, as well as in the civil service.
In order to balance scale and risk and establish a co-ordinated approach to shared service policy implementation, the governance for design and implementation of shared services in each sector resides with the sector, not with the NSSO. A cost-benefit analysis is typically required before any investment in shared services is made.
I am not aware of any current plans to further expand the role of the National Shared Services Office, in 2018, beyond what is currently provided for.
89. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to support an expansion of the budget scrutiny process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10935/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's commitment to reform of the budgetary process is demonstrated by the changes to the budget scrutiny process that have been implemented as part of the ongoing budgetary reform agenda. A key objective of these changes is to ensure adequate information is provided throughout the budget process to allow for meaningful and timely engagement between Government and the Oireachtas.
Key milestones for the current budgetary process within the reformed approach, implemented to ensure that the process is underpinned by substantially enhanced Dáil input and feedback on budget proposals, include:-
- The publication of the Government’s Summer Economic Statement, which provides an updated assessment of the macro-economic and fiscal prospects, including the medium-term fiscal framework;
- The National Economic Dialogue that facilitates an open and inclusive exchange on the competing economic and social priorities in advance of the Budget. These discussions can then inform Government and Oireachtas considerations on the Budget;
- The publication of a Mid-Year Expenditure Report that identifies baseline pre-Budget expenditure ceilings; and
- Circulation of the Tax Strategy Papers in advance of the Budget.
To enhance the ongoing performance budgeting initiative, which aims to facilitate Oireachtas Committees in holding Ministers and Departments to account for how resources are used, last year my Department published the first Public Service Performance Report. A key objective of this Report is to equip Oireachtas Committees with timely information on what was delivered with public funds for each Department the previous year. The Report on performance in 2017 is currently in preparation. Following on from the pilot programme in relation to equality budgeting, with equality goals and indicators published in the Revised Estimates, the Report will contain an update on the progress and steps that are being taken by Departments to work towards realising their objectives in this area.
Specifically looking at the equality budgeting initiative my Department will continue to work on the future roll-out and expansion of this initiative and to support Departments participating in the initiative to develop the skills necessary to successfully equality proof relevant policies and programmes.
As part of my Estimates speech on Budget day in 2016, I announced that a spending review would take place on a three-year rolling basis. The Spending Review in 2017 was the first cycle of a series of selective reviews of the current expenditure base that will remain in place for a 3-year period. The spending review will operate as a separate but parallel process to the Budget and will therefore inform the preparation of the next two Budgets.
In advance of Budget 2019, the Spending Review in 2018 will examine the next phase of expenditure topics. It is planned that the remaining phase of the Spending Review will be covered the following year. The primary objective of the Spending Review in 2018 is to build on the work completed in 2017 and continue to reinforce the use of data, evidence and analysis to support decision-making in the Estimates process.
The work programme of the Committee on Budget Oversight supported by the work of the independent Parliamentary Budget Office also have a very important role to play in the budget scrutiny process. In that context, I am open to considering proposals agreed by the Committee on the how the budget scrutiny process can be further strengthened.
90. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a flood defence project for Crossmolina, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11100/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme is being progressed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in conjunction with Mayo County Council and consultants Ryan Hanley.
Currently, Site Investigations into the preferred route for a channel diversion upstream of the town are underway. This follows detailed hydrogeological studies to determine the ground conditions, along with various environmental studies. The Environmental Impact Assessment Report is nearing completion.
It is envisaged that the scheme will move to formal Public Exhibition in mid 2018, which is the formal statutory public consultation phase of the Scheme development. This will involve a month-long public display of the preferred option and attendant documents. Following this, all comments/observations received will be assessed, and the detailed design of the scheme will be finalised. The next step will be the submission of the scheme for formal Confirmation by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, which should take place later in 2018. Subject to Ministerial approval, construction should commence in early 2019.
91. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the regulator of the national lottery has issued a code of practice and or guidelines to lottery agents in respect of the way in which they market and display the lottery in and outside their premises; if the regulator has issued sanctions or penalties to agents in breach of guidelines; the number of agents found to have sold lotto tickets to persons under legal gambling age; if the authority of the regulator extends to online lottery advertising and marketing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11204/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra92. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which the national lottery manages its unclaimed prizes fund; if marketing campaigns are paid for or part paid for from that fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11207/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra93. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of agents that were granted permission to sell national lottery tickets from 2014 to date in 2018; if a cap exists on the number of agents that can sell lotto tickets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11210/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 91 to 93, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Office of the National Lottery Regulator as follows:
The Regulator of the National Lottery does not directly regulate the activities of lottery agents; lottery agents are selected, appointed and sanctioned by the Operator.
The licence to operate the National Lottery requires that the Operator must prepare codes of practice and submit them to the Regulator for approval. The codes of practice which are relevant to the marketing and display of the National Lottery in and outside National Lottery agents’ premises are the Sales Code of Practice and the Advertising and Promotion Code of Practice. A copy of the codes can be found on the Regulator’s website.
Under the terms of their appointment, lottery agents are required to comply with the provisions of the above codes as they relate to their activities and the Operator provides lottery agents with guidelines regarding best practice relating to the point of sale placement and display of materials. Under the Sales Code, the Operator is responsible for monitoring lottery agents’ compliance with their obligations and the Operator, not the Regulator, is responsible for issuing any sanctions or penalties to lottery agents.
No lottery agents have been found to have sold National Lottery tickets to persons under 18. The sale, or offer for sale, of a ticket to a minor is a criminal offence under section 42(9) of the National Lottery Act 2013.
The Regulator does regulate the advertising and marketing of the National Lottery by the Operator, including advertising and marketing online. The Advertising and Promotion Code of Practice contains numerous standards designed to maintain the integrity and sustainability of the National Lottery whilst protecting players’ interests.
In regard to unclaimed prizes, Clause 6.9.2 of the Licence provides that any expired Unclaimed Prizes shall be forfeited in favour of the Licensee, provided that such Expired Unclaimed Prizes shall be used: solely for the promotion of the National Lottery and/or the Lottery Games (excluding Base Marketing), in a manner determined by the Licensee, which shall include the funding of special draws and additional or top-up prizes; and which may include Incremental Marketing and advertising of the National Lottery and/or Lottery Games; or such other activities to promote the National Lottery and/or Lottery Games as specifically agreed in writing with the Regulator from time to time; and no later than within three hundred and sixty five (365) days from the day on which they were forfeited in favour of the Licensee.
The Licence is available to read on the website of the Regulator of the National Lottery:
http://www.rnl.ie/publications-and-research/legislation-licence/.
As of Tuesday 6th March, the number of authorised retail outlets is 5,790. This represents an increase of 2,090 outlets since the start of the Licence in 2014 and the 3,700 minimum number of agents that the Licence requires the Operator to have.
Section 42(1)(b) of the National Lottery Act 2013 provides that the Licence must set out a minimum number of agents. Neither the Act nor the Licence impose a maximum number.
94. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of each capital application to his Department for projects in County Wexford including OPW projects; the type and extent of each application; the status of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11403/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFlood Relief Projects
The following Flood Relief Projects are currently under development in County Wexford.
Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme
The River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Relief Scheme is being progressed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in conjunction with Wexford County Council. Consultants Mott Mc Donald are leading on the design of the flood defences element, with Roughan O’Donovan commissioned to design the proposed new road bridge. Initial site investigations have been completed, along with archaeological and ecological assessments and reports. An advance programme to control and eradicate invasive species of vegetation is currently underway.
The current estimated total cost of the scheme is c. €40 million.
Minor WorksOne Minor Works application was submitted by Wexford County Council in 2017 for a non-coastal project at Wexford Racecourse. Funding of €126,000 was approved for the project on the 22nd February, 2018. No application has been received to date in 2018. CFRAM
Wexford town is one of the locations addressed under CFRAM and the Flood Risk Management Plan for the South East River Basin proposes a flood relief scheme for the town to protect 179 properties.
Estate Management
The Office of Public Works are also managing a number of other capital projects under the Estate Management programme which are at various stages of planning and development in County Wexford at an estimated cost of €5.75 million:
- Consolidation of the Revenue Commissioners Customs Terminal accommodation in Rosslare Harbour
- Refit of Government Buildings in Enniscorthy to enable consolidation of Department of Social Protection Services
- Construction of a new Coastguard Station in Kilmore Quay.
95. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has reached agreement with the insurance industry on the use of demountable defences; if the insurance industry has given assurance that flood cover will be reinstated once a flood defence scheme involving demountable defences has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11539/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s strategy is that in return to its investment on flood defence schemes in the most at risk communities, households and businesses should be able to access flood insurance.
While the Office of Public Works has no responsibility for oversight or regulation of the insurance industry in relation to flood risk insurance, or to insurance matters generally, the Office of Public Works has a very specific role in the exchange of information with the insurance industry in relation to completed flood defence schemes.
On 24th March 2014, the Office of Public Works agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with Insurance Ireland, the representative body for the insurance companies in Ireland. This Memorandum of Understanding has a specific focus with agreeing a basis on which information can be provided to the insurance industry on flood relief schemes completed by the OPW to an agreed standard of protection desired by the industry.
The Memorandum came into effect on 1st June, 2014 with an initial tranche of data provided by the Office of Public Works to Insurance Ireland in respect of twelve completed flood defence schemes; showing the design, extent and nature of the protections offered by these works. Details of a further five schemes were provided in January 2015 and details of the Waterford Flood Defence Scheme were provided last year.
The Department of Finance and the OPW meet with Insurance Ireland on a quarterly basis in order to address issues in relation to this transfer of data. Recent meetings, while not exclusively, have focused on the flood cover in areas protected by demountable defences. The insurance sector has acknowledged that demountable defences are designed and when properly erected meet the desired standard. The OPW has given Insurance Ireland detailed information it sought to explain the protocols and procedures in place to maintain, test and erect demountable defences. Discussions are continuing with the Department of Finance to explore options to address the industry’s concerns about the ‘human element’ of demountable defences.
The Memorandum notes the OPW requirement that, when assessing exposure to flood risk, insurers take full account of information provided by the OPW on completed flood defence schemes. The Memorandum does not guarantee the availability of flood risk cover in the locations for which information has been provided by the OPW, and it accepts that the provision of cover, the level of premiums charged and the policy terms applied are a matter for individual insurers.
96. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Regulation and Lobbying Act 2015 has not been adhered to for some time within his Department, in particular regarding not publishing the minutes of meetings of the high level forum and working group on community employment issues since April 2016 in view of the fact that a number of meetings have occurred since then; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11652/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you may be aware meetings between the management and union side interests to the Community Sector Forum took place on 24 February 2017, 7 April 2017 and 23 November 2017. It remains the position that the minutes of these meetings await formal approval by the parties to the Forum and will on such approval be publicly available on my Department's website.
97. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the change in policy regarding the use of unclaimed prize money which was agreed during the sale of the national lottery in 2014; if the intention to allow the use of unclaimed prize money to fund marketing activities was communicated to the tender bidders prior to the awarding of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11566/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the objectives relating to the sale of the National Lottery licence for a 20 year period was to generate significant up-front proceeds for the State. Proceeds of €405m were used to fund a range of expenditure projects and served to reduce the need for any further tax increases at that time.
Equality of treatment of bidders was a core principal of the competitive process for the licence. All prospective bidders participated in the process in a uniform manner through a centralised online communications platform put in place by the Department’s advisers, Davy Corporate Finance. All process documentation and communications occurred via a centralised Q&A and all documents and information provided were available to each prospective bidder for the duration of the competitive process. Information relating to the treatment of unclaimed prizes was shared in this manner with all prospective bidders during the process prior to the selection of a preferred bidder.
100. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of proposals for a voluntary home relocation scheme for domestic dwellings affected by flooding and unable to receive insurance cover or adequate remedial works; the number of homes due to be covered by the scheme; the amount due to be allocated; the timeframe of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11621/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the trial on lowering water levels in Lough Allen undertaken by the Shannon flood risk State agency co-ordination working group; if there are legal or statutory impediments to such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11623/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra102. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of meetings held by the interdepartmental flood policy co-ordination group in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11624/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the establishment and operation of the national flood forecasting and warning service unit; the number of staff employed in the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11625/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of meetings held by the River Shannon co-ordination group in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11626/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of funding put aside for the pilot scheme of individual home protection measures; the amount drawn down; the timeframe for a decision on the future of the pilot scheme's national roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11627/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra106. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the minor works flood scheme review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11628/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra107. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of work on riparian rights and landowners legal obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11631/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 to 107, inclusive, together.
On April 11th 2017, the Government agreed the administrative arrangements for a once-off Voluntary Homeowners Relocation Scheme for those primary residential properties that flooded between, or as a result of flooding between 4th December, 2015 and 13th January, 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 homeowner’s 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.
At this time, in relation to those homeowners being considered under the scheme, the OPW is working with each of the Local Authorities, using their extensive and detailed local knowledge, to consider approximately 70 homes that have been flooded during the event may benefit from a known or possible engineering solution. A further 31 homeowners have been contacted and/or met by the OPW under the administrative arrangements for the scheme, of which the OPW is seeking further information from 7 of these homeowners.
Where it has been established that there is no viable engineering solution at this initial stage of assessment, the Local Authorities have contacted homeowners known to have flooded during the period in question. These homeowners have been asked to make contact with the OPW in relation to being considered under the scheme.
The numbers of homes within the process are changing regularly as homeowners make contact with the OPW and as assessments are completed.
The OPW has budgeted up to €3m this year for the potential costs associated with this scheme.
Shannon Group & Lake Levels
The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group met on six occasions in 2016. During 2016, the primary focus of the Group was to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies and set out a Work Programme. In 2017, a number of sub-committees were established in accordance with the Group's Terms of Reference to progress the delivery of initiatives agreed by the Group. The Group met formally twice in 2017 with sub-committee and other bilateral meetings taking place more frequently as required. The Group will meet twice during 2018.
Information about the Group is available on the OPW website, www.opw.ie.
The Group took a decision in October 2016 to trial the lowering of the lake levels on Lough Allen, within the existing statutory framework, during the Winter 2016/2017 to help mitigate potential flood risk. A protocol was finalised between ESB, Waterways Ireland and the OPW
to lower the late Autumn and Winter minimum lake levels in Lough Allen by approximately 0.7 metres with the first reduction implemented in October 2016. The trial has been repeated for the Winter 2017/2018.
Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group
The Interdepartmental Flood Policy Coordination Group, that I chair, met twice in 2015, four times in 2016, and once in 2017. The most recent meeting was held on 7th February, 2018.
In November 2016, Government agreed an interim report from the Interdepartmental Flood Policy Coordination Group setting out progress on its work and making appropriate recommendations for consideration by Government. This report is available to view on the OPW website at
https://www.opw.ie/en/media/Interim-Report-Interdepartmental-Flood-Policy-Coordination-Group-final.pdf
At the Group’s most recent meeting, members reported on progress in their areas in national flood policy that included updates in relation to the National Adaptation Framework, published by Minister Denis Naughten T.D. on 19 January 2018 and the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme and the associated Flood Risk Management Plans.
National Flood Forecasting & Warning Service
A Steering Group has been established to steer, support and oversee the establishment of a new National Flood Forecasting Service. The Steering Group has met on fifteen occasions to date, agreed a Terms of Reference and prepared and agreed an implementation plan comprising a number of phases, including an initial set-up phase and a development and trial phase. Work is now progressing on these phases. The service will deal with flood forecasting from fluvial (river) and coastal sources. When established it will involve the issuing of flood forecasts and general alerts.
Given the complexities involved in establishing, designing, developing and testing this new service, it is anticipated that it will take at least 5 years before it is fully operational and it is estimated it will require a staffing complement of 15 full-time posts. Met Éireann has appointed two staff members to date to the project.
Individual Property Protection
The Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group this year is considering the potential costs and benefits associated with the introduction of an individual property protection scheme.
The Group is being informed by two different pilot projects, in Thomastown and Graiguenamanagh in County Kilkenny and Crossmolina in County Mayo. The Co-ordination Group’s work, when completed, will be submitted to Government for consideration in the context of the merits of the introduction by Government of any scheme to support individual property protection measures.
Both pilots are being funded through the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. In respect of the Kilkenny pilot, the OPW is funding the costs of a research and feasibility study into the potential provision of individual property protection. Kilkenny County Council is considering the consulting engineers’ preliminary report to help inform recommendations to the OPW on the next stages of the pilot. To date the council have drawn down some €30,000 towards the cost of the study.
In Crossmolina, consultants completed surveys of individual properties to assess their suitability for floodgates and Mayo County Council procured a contractor who is currently engaging with the community and installing the defences at the relevant properties. The OPW has provided some €237,000 in funding to date for this pilot.
Minor Works
The review of the Minor Works Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was completed in June 2017 which resulted in many improvements to the eligibility/benefit criteria of the Scheme.
For example, the upper financial threshold has been increased substantially from €500,000 to €750,000 and benefit allowances have been updated to reflect different property types, with inclusion of farm yard/buildings as commercial premises.
All Local Authorities were notified of the revised criteria, which are effective for applications received after 1 June 2017. The revised criteria are available on www.opw.ie.
Riparian Guidance
The OPW will shortly be publishing on www.flooding.ie guidance to landowners in relation to the maintenance of watercourses on or near their lands in the context of managing flood risk.
108. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made in addressing the issue of pensions for community employment supervisors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11639/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 262 answered on 16 January 2018.
110. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding allocated here to funds (details supplied) in each of the years 2014 to 2020; and the amount spent in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018 in tabular form including the breakdown between exchequer funding and EU funding to same. [11684/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) has overall policy responsibility for the European Structural and Investment Funds. In addition, DPER has administrative responsibility for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The information in relation to the ERDF which was requested by the Deputy is set out below.
In relation to the other funds listed in the Deputy’s query, the Department of Education and Skills has administrative responsibility for the European Social Fund. The Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine has administrative responsibility for the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. The Connecting Europe Facility is managed by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The aspects of the PQ which are relevant to each of these funds have been transferred to the relevant departments for direct reply.
In relation to the Research and Innovation Framework Programme, this is a matter for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Deputy’s query has been referred to them for written reply in early course.
Ireland has not been eligible for funding under the Cohesion Fund since 2003, as we are now categorised as a more developed region on the basis of our GDP.
In relation to ERDF, Ireland has been allocated €410,775,098 support for the programming period 2014-2020. Details of the indicative annual allocation are set out in the following table.
|
Allocation of ERDF by year (total Union support) |
|||||||
|
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Total |
|
€55,040,482 |
€56,142,428 |
€57,266,276 |
€58,792,949 |
€59,969,564 |
€61,169,686 |
€62,393,713 |
€410,775,098
|
It should be noted that this amount is matched with an equal amount of Exchequer funding, bringing the total support available for the period to €821,550,196.
In relation to expenditure, each Member State is required to submit an annual report to the Commission on implementation of the programme in the previous financial year. The most recent report available is that provided to the Commission in June 2017, which relates to expenditure to end December 2016. The total amount includes the matching Exchequer funding.
|
ERDF Spend to end 2016 |
- |
|
Total |
€220,784,226
|
111. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 28 February 2018, the reason for the contradiction between his reply and the advice received by the Public Accounts Committee in 2001 when the Attorney General stated there was no obstacle to the Comptroller and Auditor General assuming this function (details supplied). [11686/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI do not accept that the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 28 February 2018 and the advice received by the Public Accounts Committee in 2001 are in conflict. My reply of 28 February is that it is constitutionally impermissible to proceed with a PAC recommendation to legislate to give the Comptroller and Auditor General oversight in respect of wardship funds, which are not public funds. The context in 2001 was the contemplated audit of court funds by a bespoke statutory body with some mooted and unspecified, but seemingly indirect, involvement on the part of the Comptroller. There was and remains a constitutional concern regarding the direct involvement of the Comptroller and Auditor General in performing any such oversight function.
