Written Answers Nos. 191-208
191. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39532/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic procurement is key priority for Government and has undergone significant reform aimed at ensuring sustainable delivery of much needed public services while also encouraging and supporting SME participation in these business opportunities. This approach is beneficial for the State because it nurtures competition which ensures value for money is maintained and provides SMEs with a platform to take advantage of similar opportunities in Ireland and across the European Union.
Specifically, the Office of Government Procurement have developed a suite of measures aimed at assisting SMEs to access public procurement opportunities (circular 10/14). These include:
- Proportionate financial capacity criterion (turnover requirements limited to twice the contract value);
- Contracting Authorities are encouraged to divide public contracts into lots;
- Provision for “consortia bidding” to assist SMEs to participate in procurement procedures where they would not have the relevant capability or scale; and
- Public bodies are required to advertise contracts for goods and services valued above €25,000 on the national eTenders portal.
In addition, my colleague, Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan, who has responsibility for public procurement, chairs quarterly meetings of an SME Advisory Group, in accordance with the Programme for Government. This ensures that the voice of Irish SMEs (including ISME, IBEC, SFA, Chambers Ireland, and CIF) is heard by Government.
The OGP proactively engages with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Inter-Trade Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to promote SME access to public procurement. The OGP participate at "Go-2-Tender" workshops and "Meet the Buyer" events held across the country which are designed to help SMEs.
A SME Communication Strategy sub-group, chaired by the OGP, was established in 2017 as a joint venture with the industry representative bodies. This further promotes awareness of potential opportunities and supports available for SMEs in tendering for public contracts. A series of information videos explaining specific public procurement topics, along with case studies of SMEs who have won government contracts, was launched by Minister of State O’Donovan earlier this year. A series of focused and targeted breakfast briefings have also taken place around the country in conjunction with Inter-Trade Ireland and the SME Advisory Group partners. Further events are planned.
The OGP continues to proactively engage with business to enhance the significant measures already in place to support SME access to public procurement opportunities.
192. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of each seminar held on Project Ireland 2040 up to and including September 2018 by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39588/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt was announced in the mid-term review of the 2015 Capital Plan that a Consultative Forum would take place with key stakeholders, to provide an opportunity to discuss and comment on the analysis of the review of the Capital Plan and to discuss a range of topics related to the National Development Plan. The Forum was an important input into the preparation of the NDP.
The Forum was held in the Motor House Conference Room, Farmleigh on 8 November 2017. It was attended by 36 stakeholder representatives, including Government Departments, Regional Assemblies, business and farming organisations, the trades union sector, social groups and the environmental sector.
The total cost associated with the event came to €583.74.
Apart from this, my Department has not hosted any other seminars on the NDP or Project Ireland 2040.
193. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the progress on the expanding of the car parking facilities at Clonmacnoise monastic site. [39607/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the short term, OPW intends to carry out a small civil engineering project at the Clonmacnoise carpark to improve the layout and efficiency of the existing car parking facilities and to provide better signage. A contract for an archaeological investigation, which is a necessary precursor to the work, has recently been placed and will commence on site shortly.
Any proposal to provide additional carparking at Clonmacnoise will involve a full assessment of the need for such additionality, taking into account changes in management of volumes at the site including the introduction of online booking, more efficient streaming of buses, etc.
194. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which the Civil Service spouses and children superannuation scheme satisfies the Employment Equality Acts on the ground of disability (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39628/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my replies to his previous questions on this matter on 6 December and 10 October 2017 (PQ Refs: 52089/17 and 42484/17).
I am satisfied that the Civil Service Spouses' and Children's Contributory Pension Scheme meets the requirements of the Employment Equality Acts, 1998 – 2015 in relation to all of the grounds of discrimination set out in the legislation, including on grounds of disability.
195. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent by his Department on third party public relations advice, communications advice, online advertising and public awareness campaigns to date in 2018, by month and company engaged in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39644/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below:
|
Company Name |
Service Provided |
Month |
Cost |
|
Public Appointments Service |
Social Media Advertising |
January/February |
€553.50 |
|
Morrow Communications |
OGP - Brand Development |
February |
€5,200.00 |
|
Morrow Communications |
OGP - Design of pull-up banners |
February |
€480.00 |
|
Morrow Communications |
OGP - Design of eInvoicing infographic and development of eInvoicing logo |
February |
€1,710.00 |
|
Morrow Communications |
OGP - Design of new PowerPoint and branded graphics for presentations |
May |
€2,430.00 |
|
Morrow Communications |
OGP - Design of web banner, redesign of Category Management and supplier registration form and new brand style OGP icons |
May |
€750.00 |
|
Morrow Communications |
OGP - Production, editing and eTenders animation for YouTube channel |
June |
€12,449.00 |
|
Morrow Communications |
OGP - Tender Advisory Service (TAS) Logo and leaflet design |
July |
€2,335.00 |
(OGP - Office of Government Procurement)
196. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a budget 2019 submission by an organisation (details supplied) will be given consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39655/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn framing Budget 2019 decisions, the Government has openly sought the views of stakeholders in our society. For example, the National Economic Dialogue took place in Dublin Castle on 27-28th June 2018. The dialogue is an important part of the budgetary process and provided an opportunity to consider how to optimise available resources in the interests of all citizens and allowed discussion on how to best sustain and strengthen the recovery while taking account of the many competing economic and social priorities within the limited available resources. Representatives of community, voluntary and environmental groups as well as business, unions, research institutes and the academic community attended the event.
Further to this, my Department has received numerous Pre-Budget Submissions from a wide range of groups and individuals. All of these are currently being considered by the relevant officials in the context of Budget preparation. However, as the Deputy will be aware, it is not the practice of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to discuss the details of measures which may be under consideration as part of the Budget in advance of the Budget day announcement.
197. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 217 of 7 September 2018, the reason a pension is not being paid in full to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39712/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the individual in this case had previous pensionable service in the pension scheme of the Permanent Defence Forces as well as in the health service. Accordingly, my Department was asked by the HSE for assistance in determining the impact upon his pension entitlements of Section 52 subsections (6) and (7) of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, which imposes a limit on the total amount of pensionable service which can be paid where an individual has been a member of more than one public service pension scheme.
The HSE was advised to calculate and pay pension benefits in this case based on service up until 28 July 2012. This advice was based on the fact that if the individual had total service greater than 40 years across all schemes at that point, the Act provides under Section 52(7) that he is entitled to receive that higher entitlement.
My Department is currently working on the preparation of new guidance on the implementation of Section 52 subsections (6) and (7) of the 2012 Act. In that context, I expect that the HSE will be in further contact with the individual in this case at the appropriate time.
198. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Public Service Pay Commission will conclude; and when and the way in which its recommendations will be implemented. [39748/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe initial Report of the Public Service Pay Commission was published on Tuesday, 9th May 2017. For its initial report the Commission was asked to provide input on how the unwinding of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest legislation should proceed having regard to:
- The evolution of pay trends in the public and private sectors, based on published data;
- A comparison of pay rates for identifiable groups within the public service with prevailing non-public sector market rates;
- International rates and comparisons where possible; and
- The state of the national finances
The Commission was also asked to give consideration to other conditions of service of public servants, including tenure and pension, as well as recruitment and retention trends in the public service.
The findings of the Commission contributed to and gave informed considerations in relation to Public Service remuneration by Public Service employers and staff interests in negotiations on the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020.
The second report of the Public Service Pay Commission, published on the 4th of September, went further and investigated recruitment and retention difficulties in some of the specific areas previously identified, starting with the health sector. Where a difficulty was identified, the PSPC were to further examine the full range of causal factors, including, remuneration, planned future adjustments to remuneration under the PSSA, supply constraints on qualified staff, career structures, work environment, and HR practices etc.
The main findings of the report were that there were no generalised recruitment and retention problems in respect of nursing and midwifery but some difficulties exist in meeting workforce requirements in specific areas, that training and promotion are the key influencers of migration and turnover in NCHDs and that there is a general difficulty in recruiting consultants, with certain specialities and locations experiencing more significant problems.
There was a commitment between Public Service employers and staff representatives to meet within four weeks of the publication to discuss issues around implementation of recommendations outlined in the Report.
Following these discussions it was decided that additional incentives recommended by the Commission (increase by 20% of existing Specialist Qualification and Location Allowances and extension of such allowances to Maternity Services on a similar basis and the eligibility requirements for Senior Staff Nurse /Midwife to be reduced to 17 years) would apply from 1 March 2019. These increases will be confined to parties covered by the Public Service Stability Agreement.
The Public Service Pay Commission will next proceed to explore recruitment and retention issues impacting on other grades and sectors of the Public Service identified in its 2017 report with further modules to be completed over the coming months.
199. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual volume in millions of public funds spent on the procurement of goods, services and capital projects for each of the years 2002 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [40004/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of contracts tendered annually to SMEs and businesses of less than 50 employees in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [40006/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 201 together.
I should point out that my Department is responsible for public procurement policy aimed at ensuring the sustainable delivery of much needed public services while also encouraging and supporting SME participation in these business opportunities. This approach is beneficial for the State because it nurtures competition which ensures value for money is maintained and provides SMEs with a platform to take advantage of similar opportunities in Ireland and across the European Union.
Individual accounting officers and accountable persons are responsible for procurement processes undertaken by their Department or public service body. Accordingly, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) does not collate the information requested by the Deputy as the expenditure data is, and will continue to be, held by the individual Government Departments and State Bodies that purchase goods, services and works. However, it is estimated that in the order of €12bn per annum is spent on goods, services and works.
In relation to actions that have been developed to improve SME access to public procurement opportunities, the OGP has developed a suite of measures (circular 10/14) aimed at assisting SMEs to access public procurement opportunities. These include:
- Proportionate financial capacity criterion (turnover requirements limited to twice the contract value);
- Contracting Authorities are encouraged to divide public contracts into lots;
- Provision for “consortia bidding” to assist SMEs to participate in procurement procedures where they would not have the relevant capability or scale;
- Public bodies are required to advertise contracts for goods and services valued above €25,000 on the national eTenders portal.
In addition, my colleague, Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan, who has responsibility for public procurement, chairs quarterly meetings of an SME Advisory Group, ensuring that the voice of Irish SMEs (including ISME, IBEC, SFA, Chambers Ireland, and CIF) is heard by Government.
The OGP proactively engages with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Inter-Trade Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to promote SME access to public procurement. The OGP participate at "Go-2-Tender" workshops and "Meet the Buyer" events held across the country which are designed to help SMEs.
In relation to data on the number of contracts awarded to SMEs, the position is that the contract award templates do not capture the size of businesses that have been awarded contracts. However, the "Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis for 2015" published on the OGP website indicates that the majority of spend analysed is with SMEs. The analysis also indicates that 76% of tender notices are of smaller value (below OJEU threshold). The median contract value of 2015 tender notices is less than or equal to €100k in 12 of the 16 procurement spend categories. This would indicate that government contracts in Ireland are accessible to SMEs given the low median size of published estimated contract values.
The OGP will continue to proactively engage with business and strive to enhance the significant measures already in place to support SME access to public procurement opportunities.
200. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of procurement contracts tendered annually in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [40005/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic sector buyers advertise contracts for supplies and services with an estimated value of €25,000 (exclusive of VAT) and upwards and contracts for works and works related services with an estimated value of at €50,000 (exclusive of VAT) on eTenders, the Government webportal. Therefore, activity below these levels is not captured.
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) will shortly be publishing the fourth Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis Report for 2016. Since 2013, these reports have analysed the tendering activity of the public service for both above and below the threshold for publication to the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU). The data analysed comes from the national electronic procurement tendering platform - eTenders.
The table below includes tender notices for 2017 and 2018. Reports have yet to be prepared for these years and, therefore, a preliminary view of 2017 and 2018 tender publication activity is provided.
I understand that prior to 2013, only above OJEU threshold reports were prepared for the annual statistical report under Article 75 of the European Procurement Directive 2004/18/EC, a smaller number of tender notices are included for 2011 and 2012.
|
Tender Notices Published |
|
|
Year |
Volume |
|
2011 |
1,130 |
|
2012 |
937 |
|
2013 |
5,826 |
|
2014 |
5,440 |
|
2015 |
4,999 |
|
2016 |
5,073 |
|
2017 |
5,828 |
|
2018 |
4,622 |
The accuracy of the data is dependent on that entered on eTenders by public sector buyers. While the tendering process is facilitated through eTenders, the complete data on public contracts is held by the contracting authority concerned. Tenders cancelled after they are published may not always be recorded on eTenders and this should also be borne in mind in reviewing the volume of tender notices.
I would point out that the Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis reports published by the OGP provide further data analysis and comparisons based on tender notices.
202. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will arrange for the OPW to carry out essential works on Lough Suedy, Ballymore, County Westmeath (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40034/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes and catchment drainage schemes designated under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995.
The OPW completes regular maintenance of a channel entering and leaving the lake in question to meet its statutory obligations as part of an Arterial Drainage Scheme. As the lake itself does not form part of an Arterial Drainage Scheme, the OPW has no responsibilities for the maintenance of the lake, nor the authority to address the issues detailed.
203. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of his Department's stand at the National Ploughing Championships 2018; the number of staff deployed from his Department for the week; and the cost of same. [40357/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform did not have a stand at the National Ploughing Championship 2018. However my Department, as the Government Department with responsibility for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), had one member of staff deployed in the European Union Commission tent for two days. The total expenses, which included travel by public transport, admittance charges and subsistence in accordance with Circular 06/17 "Domestic Subsistence Allowances", amounted to €197.00.
The purpose of attendance, at this major event, was to promote and communicate the work of the European Structural Investment Funds. Over the 2014-2020 programming period these funds will be used, together with Irish Government and Local Authority funding, to invest €6.2 billion in Ireland, across the whole of the country in support of initiatives in education, research and job creation to help create a sustainable and healthy economy across the whole of the country.
204. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if SOLAS will consider introducing a dedicated tiling apprenticeship in view of the rise in the need for construction-related employment roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39702/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprenticeship is a demand driven educational and training programme which aims to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. Consequently, the number of apprentices being registered is determined by employers in the sector.
As part of the ongoing review of apprenticeship in Ireland SOLAS has conducted standards development and programme reviews for 23 of the existing craft trade apprenticeship programmes. As part of this review and in response to the lack of sufficient numbers registering for both the tiling and the plastering apprenticeships it was decided to amalgamate both programmes. I am informed by SOLAS that in September 2015 it was decided in collaboration with industry to endorse the development of a single apprenticeship consisting of skills from both programmes.
The draft programme was developed in collaboration with industry representation from both the plastering and tiling sectors. The skills that were developed in the floor and wall tiling programme were fully included in the newly revised programme.
The new amalgamated programme is entitled the Plastering Apprenticeship and is subject to Quality and Qualifications Ireland validation. I am informed by SOLAS that the programme was submitted to QQI for validation in July 2018 and is expected to be validated in Q1 2019.
205. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a new computer system will be introduced at SOLAS in order to allow jobseekers and young school leavers to see a list of potential employers in apprenticeship scheme categories they are considering seeking work in; if SOLAS will be tasked with organising this list of potential employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39723/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that work is already underway in SOLAS on a new employer portal to provide capability for approved employers to advertise apprenticeships, as well other value-added services. SOLAS has brought together a small focus group of employers and education and training provider representatives to inform the project. Some existing solutions, including an app currently being offered by the Mid-West Regional Skills Forum, are also being examined as part of the work. The new portal is expected to be fully rolled out in 2019, with some piloting of the platform in advance.
206. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the communications, press and public relations budget allocated to his Department for 2018; the way in which it is being spent; if it is behind or ahead of profile; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39370/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have a dedicated communications, press and public relations budget for 2018. As such, the profiling of expenditure does not arise. Any costs arising from the operation of the office are met from my Department's Miscellaneous subhead and accounted for in the Department's annual Appropriation Accounts.
207. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the consideration of the building programme for further development at a school (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the school community in respect of the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39385/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, a building project to deliver a major project at the school referred to is included on my Department's 6 Year Capital Programme.
My Department has carried out a technical site visit at the school with a view to developing the project brief, which is currently being finalised. My Department will continue to liaise with the relevant authorities on the matter.
208. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of a new secondary school in southern areas of Swords, County Dublin; if land has been identified for such a school; the stage the land transfer is at for such a school; when a school will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39390/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy is referring to the new primary school for South Swords which I announced to open in 2019.
A site identification process in respect of the new primary school announced for South Swords is currently underway. In line with the policy on the use of state assets (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circulars 11/15 and 17/16), my Department will be seeking to maximise the use of sites already in my ownership and of available properties in the ownership of other State bodies, where these are considered suitable. In addition as part of my Department's ongoing engagement with Local Authorities in respect of statutory planning processes and under the MoU on school site acquisitions, my Department is examining all potential suitable site options, including appropriately zoned sites, to serve the relevant area.
A decision regarding the permanent location of the school in South Swords will be made at the earliest possible date.
The school will open in September 2019 in interim accommodation, pending the delivery of its permanent school building.
