Written Answers Nos. 90-113
91. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if recent comments concerning circumstances in which some nursing staff may not be awarded the same increases offered to other public sector staff under the agreement to deal with pay inequality are accurate; the legislation under which such measures could be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43951/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 (PSSA), which was negotiated last year, it was agreed by all parties that there would be an examination of remaining salary scale issues in respect of post January 2011 recruits at entry grades. This examination was informed by the Report to the Houses of the Oireachtas submitted by me as Minister, in accordance with Section 11 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act on 16 March last. Following discussions between Public Service Employers and the Public Services Committee of ICTU, agreement was reached on a measure to address the issues identified.
The cost of this measure during the remaining term of the PSSA is €75m (€27m in 2019 and €48m in 2020). Provision for the additional cost has been provided for in Budget 2019.
In general, the agreement provides for two separate interventions which will take place at point 4 and point 8 of pay scales. The practical effect of this is that for ‘new entrants’ the relevant points on the scale will be bypassed thereby reducing the time spent (by bypassing two increment points) on the scale for progression to the maximum point. The average individual benefit arising across all sectors is approximately €3,300 which is in addition to the pay benefits provided for under the Agreement and legislation of 7.4% to 6.2% (up to 10% for new entrants post 2012) which were already weighted in favour of new entrants and the lower paid.
The benefits under the measure will be effective from 1 March 2019 and will, in accordance with Paragraph 4.1.3 of the Agreement itself, be restricted to Parties adhering to the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020.
Section 8 of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2017-2020 (PSSA) precludes industrial action, cost increasing claims and claims relating to pay.
Section 3 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 (PSPP Act) distinguishes between ‘covered’ and ‘non-covered’ public servants. If a Union ceases to abide by the terms of the PSSA, public servants who are members of that Union will become non-covered public servants.
Non-covered public servants are subject to a 9 month delay in each pay restoration/increase; freezing of incremental progression until end 2020; a less favourable regime in relation to additional pension contributions and are excluded from benefits arising from the Reports of the Public Service Pay Commission or measures relating to New Entrants.
92. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Departments retain capital funding in the event that they underspend capital expenditure at the end of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43920/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlanned capital expenditure can be delayed for a variety of reasons. Because of this, Departments are permitted to carry over unspent capital up to a maximum of 10 per cent of their Voted capital allocation from the current year into the next financial year. Statutory provision for capital carryover by way of "deferred surrender" to the Exchequer was made in Section 91 of the Finance Act 2004.
The Act requires that capital carryover sums be specified by Vote in the Appropriation Act for the year from which moneys are carried.
To allow spending of the capital carryover amounts, I am required as Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform to make an Order no later than 31 March of that year determining the capital carryover amounts by subhead which will be available for expenditure on those subheads consistent with the amounts by Vote included in the Appropriation Act. Dáil approval of the draft Ministerial Order is required before I can make the Order. Once the order is made, the carryover amounts become a first charge against the subheads concerned. If the carryover sums are not spent in the next financial year, they must be surrendered to the Central Fund.
93. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has held discussions with the European Commission in relation to the possible allocation of additional funding for the Border region in view of the particular challenges that will arise in the area following Brexit and the need to improve infrastructure to assist existing businesses remain competitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43655/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I am sure the Deputy will agree, the EU-funded INTERREG and PEACE programmes continue to act as important drivers of regional development for the border region of Ireland and for Northern Ireland. The current INTERREG Programme has a total value of €282 million and is aimed at promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion. The current PEACE Programme has a total value of €270 million and aims to promote peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
Ever since the UK referendum on EU membership the Government’s clear and consistent position has been that it is committed to the successful implementation of the current programmes and to successor arrangements post-2020. My officials and I have been working with the European Commission at all levels to ensure that this important source of funding for the border region continues post-Brexit.
I am pleased, therefore, that the Government’s ambition for the programmes was reflected in last December’s EU-UK Joint Report on Brexit in which both parties undertook to honour their commitments to the PEACE and INTERREG programmes under the current Multiannual Financial Framework and to examine the possibilities for future support favourably. This was matched by a commitment from the Commission to propose the continuation of the programmes in its proposal for the next MFF covering the period 2021-2027.
This has now happened, and I warmly welcome the Commission’s recent proposal for a special new PEACE PLUS programme which will build on and continue the work of successive PEACE and INTERREG programmes. My officials and I are continuing to work with the Commission on the development of this new programme to ensure that the challenges facing the border region are addressed.
94. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will advance the flood relief works along the Sullane River at Ballyvourney to construction; the duration of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43882/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the Baile Mhúirne and Ballymakeera Flood Relief scheme is currently at outline design stage, and the preferred options for the scheme are in the process of being finalised.
The River Sullane has a history of freshwater pearl mussels, which have protected status as an Annex II listed species under the EU Habitats Directive. An environmental survey was carried out to establish the status of the population and the likely impact of any works.
Given the impact the proposed works could have on the Fresh Water Pearl Mussel population, a proposal to translocate Fresh Water Pearl Mussel from the River Sullane and re-introduce them post works was submitted to the NPWS and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
The submission was approved, allowing the scheme preparations to progress to site investigation, which will inform the preferred options for the scheme. A site investigation was completed in Q3 2018 and the results will further assist in determining the preferred options, and in refining construction cost estimates.
A second Public Information Day was held in March 2018 and the emerging preferred option was presented to members of the public and relevant stakeholders. A public exhibition of the preferred scheme is expected to take place in Spring 2019.
When these stages are successfully completed and, subject to the proposals being accepted by the public and the stakeholders, and the scheme being technically, environmentally and economically viable, the scheme will then proceed to formal Confirmation by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, and detailed design stage, following which the scheme can progress to construction stage.
My Office continues to liaise with Cork County Council and local representatives on this Scheme.
95. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the sources of funding to be utilised for supplementary estimates in the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43897/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Summer Economic Statement (SES) 2018, set out a General Government deficit of 0.2 per cent of GDP, or €780 million, for 2018. As outlined in Budget 2019, this General Government deficit target is now projected to be over-achieved, with the forecast General Government deficit for this year being 0.1 per cent of GDP or €315 million.
As outlined in Expenditure Report 2019, as a result of policy decisions, including in relation to the provision of a 100 per cent Christmas Bonus to social welfare recipients and additional capital funding for the Department of Housing, and expenditure pressures in particular in the Health sector, the gross voted expenditure outturn for the year is now estimated at €62.8 billion, an increase of €1 billion relative to the gross voted expenditure amount in the SES.
As outlined in the Expenditure Report 2019, at the end of September PRSI receipts were over €150 million ahead of profile, and it is currently projected that PRSI receipts will finish the year c. €250 million higher than projected in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) 2018. In addition, other Departmental receipts, or appropriations-in-aid, are anticipated to finish the year c. €0.2 billion ahead of profile. It is because of this additional revenue, along with higher than anticipated Exchequer tax receipts, higher-than-projected non tax revenues, and lower non-voted current expenditure, that the increase in gross voted expenditure can be accommodated, while at the same time seeing an improvement in the General Government deficit.
96. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if letters of invitation are being issued to Naval Service reservists to transfer to the Naval Service; and his views whether this is an appropriate method of recruitment for the Defence Forces. [44069/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service Reserve (NSR) is an important component of the Defence Forces and there are 125 effective personnel in the NSR (as at end August).
I am informed by the military authorities that an informal query was issued by a staff officer in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) Directorate to ascertain if any Naval Service Reservists were interested in joining the Permanent Defence Force in the future. The military authorities have confirmed that no letters of invitation to transfer to the Naval Service from the Reserve have been issued.
The RDF has typically been a source of recruitment to the PDF and over the years people who have joined the Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve have subsequently pursued a full time military career.
97. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed the draft Bill that has been drawn up in France for a no-deal Brexit with his French counterpart at the October 2018 EU Council. [43889/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister of State McEntee and I had a bilateral meeting with the French Minister for European Affairs, Nathalie Loiseau in Luxembourg on Tuesday, 16 October. At the meeting, Minister McEntee and I were briefed by Minister Loiseau on the French Bill on preparedness and contingency planning, which was published on 3 October. I also provided Minister Loiseau with an update on recent Government decisions on Brexit preparedness and contingency planning. We continue to engage with our European partners, both bilaterally and through the European Commission, on contingency planning and Brexit preparedness.
The European Commission has also offered guidance regarding potential consequences resulting from various Brexit scenarios through over 80 preparedness notices. Where planning is focused on areas of exclusive EU or mixed competence, the role of the Commission will be of great importance and we continue to engage actively with the Commission on this work.
98. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the case of a person (details supplied) has been raised at EU level; the action taken by the EU in relation to this matter; if he has raised this issue with the Saudi Embassy in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44082/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the disappearance of a person (details suppled) and diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44233/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 110 together.
The case referred to by the Deputies was discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 15 October. All were in agreement that an investigation into the case is the priority now. Since then Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Mr Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Istanbul. We heard further shocking details from the Turkish President yesterday, however we still do not have all the facts of the case. High Representative Federica Mogherini has issued a statement on behalf of the European Union insisting on the need for a thorough, credible and transparent investigation, shedding proper clarity on the circumstances of the killing and ensuring full accountability of all those responsible for it. Ireland supports calls for the completion of this investigation. I would also like to express my deepest condolences to Mr Khashoggi’s family.
As I mentioned in the Dáil last week, I met with the Saudi Ambassador, H.E. Mr Nail bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, on 18 October and stressed the widespread shock caused by the case and the necessity for a credible and open investigation. It is imperative that the ongoing investigation gets to the facts of the case and ensures that those responsible for the killing are held accountable.
While there are clearly very serious questions to answer, we must allow the investigation to proceed now, and await its outcome. Once the investigation is complete we can consider next steps. Our approach will be in tandem with our EU partners and these will depend on the next steps taken by Saudi authorities.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental right under international human rights law. Journalists play a vital role in holding governments to account. Ireland has consistently raised issues of human rights in Saudi Arabia, at bilateral, EU and international level. Ireland makes its position known through Ireland’s Embassy in Riyadh, through the Saudi Embassy in Dublin, and in cooperation with the EU delegation in Riyadh and other EU Member States. Ireland will continue to raise concerns about human rights issues directly with the Saudi authorities, and at EU and international levels, whenever appropriate opportunities arise.
99. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Northern Ireland Executive will be reconvened by March 2019. [43890/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the Northern Ireland Assembly elections of March 2017, the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Agreement, have worked tirelessly to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to form a new power-sharing Executive.Unfortunately, to date, it has not proved possible to reach an agreement on the formation of an Executive, despite intensive engagement. The absence of the Executive also means that that North South Ministerial Council cannot meet. I am currently engaging with Secretary of State Bradley on how both Governments can most effectively secure the effective operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. I met with Secretary of State Bradley in Dublin on 17 September and again in Belfast on 8 October.
Both Governments are continuing to engage with all of the political parties to seek a way forward to get the Institutions up and running again. All parties have re-affirmed their commitment to operating the devolved institutions and have provided views on their key concerns and issues.
In the period ahead, I believe a new political process is required to get beyond the current impasse and secure the necessary agreement between the parties on operating the devolved institutions again.
I do not underestimate the way to go in achieving that, but I firmly believe that a resolution is possible and that the calls from across all sections of the community in Northern Ireland for the devolved institutions to operate will be heeded.
The Government will continue to do everything in its power, in accordance with its responsibilities as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to secure the effective operation of all of the institutions of the Agreement.
100. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the study conducted by the British Government and the European Commission which listed 142 cross-Border activities on the island of Ireland that would be negatively impacted by Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44130/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the study conducted by the British Government and the European Commission which listed 142 cross-Border activities on the island of Ireland that would be impacted by Brexit will be published. [44131/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra102. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the 142 areas of cross-Border activity identified in a study commissioned by the British Government and the European Commission which are at risk according to a joint report between the UK Government and the EU Commission published on 8 December 2017 (details supplied). [44132/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if contributions by the Government into the study conducted by the British Government and the European Commission which listed 142 cross-Border activities on the island of Ireland that would be impacted by Brexit will be made public. [44133/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the areas of European Union legal and policy framework which impact on the 142 areas of cross-Border activities. [44134/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government undertook its own mapping exercise of those areas of co-operation that exist between the North and South as a result of the Good Friday Agreement that will be impacted by Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44135/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra106. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether a no-deal Brexit will have serious and significant consequences for the 142 areas of North-South co-operation identified by the British Government and EU Commission in a mapping exercise carried out in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44136/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 to 106, inclusive, together.
The North South co-operation we enjoy today brings tangible benefits to the daily lives of people in the border region and contributes to economic opportunity and development. It is also a very practical outworking of the peace process which allows for the normalisation of relationships between people across the island, to mutual benefit.
The Government is therefore firmly focused on protecting the full range of areas in which North South cooperation exists today in the context of the ongoing negotiations between the EU and the UK, and in doing so works closely with the Commission Taskforce. This includes our involvement in discussions, where appropriate, while respecting the negotiations structures that have been mandated by the European Council.
At the request of the EU and UK Coordinators for the High Level Dialogue on Ireland/Northern Ireland, officials carried out detailed work over October and November 2017 to map out areas of cooperation that operate on a North South basis on the island of Ireland and which rely on EU law and policies.
This included looking at the six North South implementation bodies, the areas of cooperation under the North South Ministerial Council, which cover agriculture, environment, health, education, transport and tourism; as well as other areas where there is practical cooperation between North and South, including justice and security, energy, broadcasting and communications, inland fisheries, sport and culture.
It has been made public that an initial listing established over 140 areas of North-South cooperation within this framework. This number was identified in the early stages of the process and was not prepared by the Irish Government. The listing provided a basis for further discussions in the course of the dialogue.
The exercise overall highlighted how the maintenance and future development of meaningful North South cooperation relies on the EU legal and policy frameworks to give direction to this cooperation and to facilitate its operation. The EU frameworks are both overarching and the foundation to North South cooperation in many instances. Much of the cooperation is interconnected, mutually supporting and complementary; it is not easily quantifiable.
The Joint Report agreed by the EU and UK negotiators on 8 December 2017 acknowledged that cooperation between Ireland and Northern Ireland is a central part of the Good Friday Agreement, and that the UK departure from the Union gives rise to substantial challenges to the maintenance and development of North-South cooperation. The UK has accordingly committed to protecting and supporting continued North-South cooperation across the full range of contexts and frameworks of cooperation, including the continued operation of the North-South implementation bodies. This is further reflected in the draft Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, including in Article 8, the text of which has been marked green, meaning that it is agreed at negotiator level.
As the mapping exercise was conducted by the EU and UK in the course of their dialogue on Ireland and Northern Ireland, joint publication of a final report is ultimately a matter for the EU and UK.
107. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his conversations with British Government Ministers and officials to protect and support continued North-South and east-west co-operation across the full range of political, economic, security, societal and agricultural contexts and frameworks of cooperation including the continued operation of the north-south implementation bodies. [44137/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the UK’s decision to leave the EU has serious implications for Ireland, we maintain a strong and constructive bilateral relationship with the UK government. We are fully committed to developing and enhancing this relationship over the coming years and to working together as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement to support the totality of relationships across these islands. Additionally, we will work to secure the closest possible positive relationship between the UK and the European Union. The Taoiseach and I have extensively engaged on behalf of the Government with our counterparts in the British government in support of the full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement. In addition, the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference met on 25 July to discuss issues of mutual interest to the Irish and British Governments, in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement, with the Irish Government represented by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Mr. Charles Flanagan TD and myself, acting as co-chair. The Conference discussed legacy issues, security co-operation, East-West bilateral issues, and political stability in Northern Ireland. Preparations for the next meeting of the Conference are actively underway.
At the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference and in my ongoing engagement with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, I of course strongly emphasise the centrality of North South Cooperation and the North South Ministerial Council to the Good Friday Agreement, and the imperative for both Governments as co-guarantors, to continue to work together to support the effective operation of the interlocking institutions of the Agreement.
At present, in the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive, it is not possible for the NSMC to meet and to bring the Government and Executive together to oversee ongoing North South work and further develop cooperation. Notwithstanding the current political situation, the North South Implementation Bodies continue to carry out their important public functions in line with their mandates and to deliver economic and social benefits for people across the island.
The Joint Report agreed by the EU and UK negotiators on 8 December 2017 acknowledged that cooperation between Ireland and Northern Ireland is a central part of the Good Friday Agreement, and that the UK departure from the European Union gives rise to substantial challenges to the maintenance and development of North-South cooperation. The UK has accordingly committed to protecting and supporting continued North-South cooperation across the full range of contexts and frameworks of cooperation, including the continued operation of the North-South implementation bodies.
In respect of East-West cooperation, the Government also actively engages in the work of the British Irish Council (BIC), as the institution of the Agreement to promote the mutually beneficial development of relationships between the two sovereign Governments, the devolved Administrations and the other Administrations of the Council.
In addition to cooperation and engagement within the framework of the Good Friday Agreement, Government Ministers also continue to meet with their British Government counterparts to support and advance bilateral cooperation between Ireland and the UK, across all relevant sectors and policy areas. In recent weeks, I have met with my counterpart, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP, and the Secretary to the Cabinet Office David Lidington, where we have had good discussions on the bilateral relationship between Ireland and the UK.
108. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet the Majority Leader of the United States of America Senate Mr. Mitch McConnell by the end of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44212/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government engages frequently with the US Administration and US elected representatives, both Republican and Democrat, on all aspects of the US-Ireland relationship and on other issues of mutual concern. The St. Patrick’s Day period in Washington, D.C., provides an excellent opportunity for such substantive engagement, and I can confirm that the Taoiseach met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in March, along with very many other US elected representatives. I hope to travel to Washington, D.C., after the mid-term elections, for a series of political and other engagements. The Embassy of Ireland in Washington, D.C., will prepare my programme for that visit and I would very much welcome the opportunity to meet with the US Senate Majority Leader at that time, as well as other key Congressional representatives.
109. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken recently with his South African counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44213/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that I have not spoken recently with the Foreign Minister of South Africa, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu. While I met with a number of my counterparts during the United Nations General Assembly in September, I did not meet with Foreign Minister Sisulu, as a meeting between Ireland and South Africa was held at Head of State or Government level between the Taoiseach and President Ramaphosa.
In October last year, I travelled to Pretoria to co-chair the 5th Session of the South Africa-Ireland Partnership Forum, along with Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Luwellyn Landers. The forum is a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the close relationship and ties between South Africa and Ireland, offering the chance to also look towards future cooperation in areas such as agriculture, education, the energy sector, trade and investment and multilateralism.
Officials in my Department engage regularly with South Africa, primarily through the Irish Embassy in Pretoria, and with the Embassy of South Africa in Dublin. The South Africa-Ireland Partnership Forum is a valuable part of that regular engagement, with officials from Ireland and South Africa scheduled to meet in that format next month for a mid-term review of the partnership. That review will inform the next meeting at Ministerial level.
111. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den an Tánaiste agus Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála cad iad na céimeanna atá tógtha aige lena dhéanamh cinnte go bhfuil dóthain daoine ar fáil in a Roinn le seirbhísí a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd ar mian leo a ngnóthaí a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge leis an státseirbhís; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44386/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den an Tánaiste agus Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála cén céadatán den státseirbhís atá inniúil chun seirbhísí in a Roinn a chur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44400/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMolaim Ceisteanna Uimh. 111 go 112, cuimsitheach, a fhreagairt le chéile.
Cé nach ndéanann mo Roinn inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge a mheas go foirmiúil don chuid is mó de rólanna, ta líon suntasach dár bhfoireann inniúil lena gcuid ghnó a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge. Is féidir leis na hoifigigh seo iad féin a chur chun tosaigh le gloanna a ghlacadh as Gaeilge agus seirbhísí a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge nuair is gá, agus go dtí seo tá sé déanta ag 56 oifigeach. Tá trí ról faoi leith ag mo Roinn ag a bhfuil an Ghaeilge riachtanach; an tOifigeach Gaeilge agus dá ról seirbhís chustaiméara sa tSeirbhís Pas. Líonadh na rólanna sin ag oifigigh a rinneadh measúnú ar a gcuid inniúlacht sa Gaeilge ag an tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí.
Ina theannta sin, úsáideann oifigigh atá lonnaithe inár misin thar lear an Ghaeilge go minic chun seirbhísí a sholáthar do bhaill an diaspóra. Oibríonn ár ngréasán d’ambasáid agus consalachtaí le páirtnéirí Gaeilge chomh maith le cur chun cinn agus tacaíocht a thabhairt d’úsáid na Gaeilge thar lear. Tá tacaíocht tugtha ag mo Roinn do roinnt eagraíochtaí agus tionscadail Gaeilge le tacú le cláranna Gaeilge tríd an gClár Tacaíochta Eisimirceach.
113. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the steps taken to ensure that the loadings applied by insurance companies for previous accidents are proportionate particularly in which there is no driving or criminal conviction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44110/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. Neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products. Consequently, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies as to the pricing level or terms or conditions that they should apply in respect of particular categories of drivers, including the loadings applied in the case of previous accidents.
I understand that motor insurers use a combination of rating factors in making their individual decisions on whether to offer cover and what terms to apply. Factors include, for example, the age and type of the vehicle, the age of the driver, the relevant driving experience, the claims record of the driver, the number of drivers and how the vehicle is used. Furthermore, my understanding is that insurers do not all use the same combination of rating factors, and as a result prices and availability of cover varies across the market. In addition, they will price in accordance with their own past claims experience.
Finally, Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service to assist the public with any queries or complaints they may have in relation to insurance. Insurance Ireland can be contacted at feedback@insuranceireland.eu or 01-6761914.
