Thursday, 25 Oct 2018

Written Answers Nos. 125-137

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (125)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

125. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Departmental capital allocations applying to each Department in each of the years 2019 to 2024. [44425/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The multi-annual Exchequer capital allocations agreed under the National Development Plan underpin each Department’s capital planning process for a five-year period from 2018 to 2022.  These five-year allocations will be reviewed and extended annually on a rolling basis to include a new fifth year, as part of the annual Estimates process.  This will provide Government with an annual opportunity to review the allocations in light of any implementation issues arising and/or new priorities which may emerge as the National Development Plan is implemented.

The latest multi-annual capital expenditure allocations for each Department are set out on page 228 of the recently published Budget 2019 Expenditure Report and cover the period 2019 to 2022.  The capital allocations for 2023 will be determined as part of the finalisation of the 2019 estimates process and will be published in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019. The allocations for 2024 will be established next year, as part of the Estimates process for 2020.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (126, 127)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

126. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the €84,000 capital allocation in the public expenditure and sectoral policy division, that is, Vote 11, of the budget 2019 expenditure report of his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44466/18]

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

127. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the €4,331,000 capital allocation in the public service management and reform division, that is, Vote 11, of the budget 2019 expenditure report of his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44467/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.

The capital allocation for Vote 11 – Department of Public Expenditure and Reform – is €4.33 million in 2019.

The information requested by the Deputy regarding Vote 11 is set out in the following table:

Subhead	Area of Spend / Project	Planned Completion Date	Allocation
Programme A - Public Expenditure and Sectoral Policy
A.2	Office Equipment	End 2019	€84,000
Programme B - Public Service Management and Reform
B.2	Office Equipment	End 2019	€196,000
B.2	Office Premises	End 2019	€35,000
B.6	Office of the Government Chief Information Officer	End 2019	€3,500,000
B.10	Civil Service Learning and Development Project	End Q1, 2019	€544,000
B.10	Civil Service Learning and Development Operations	End 2019	€56,000
			€4,331,000

The primary purpose of the capital investment undertaken from Vote 11 is to deliver greater effectiveness and efficiency across the Civil and Public Service. The main areas of spend in this regard are the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and Civil Service Learning and Development (OneLearning).

The OGCIO is the largest area of capital spend and this supports investment in ICT as part of the implementation of the Public Service ICT Strategy, including the ongoing roll-out of the Build to Share Programme and the eGovernment Strategy. OneLearning is the new Learning and Development Centre for the Civil Service, which is a key element of the Civil Service Renewal Plan. OneLearning is responsible for all core training that is common across the Civil Service and it will be enabled by a new learning and development technology platform.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (128)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

128. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the €687,000 capital allocation in the Office of Government Procurement for 2019, that is, Vote 39 of the budget 2019 expenditure report by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44468/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Government Procurement has been allocated a capital budget of €687,000 for 2019. This allocation is for a mixture of project based and routine ongoing capital spend.

Below is a summary of the project based work. All projects are anticipated to be completed during 2019.

Project	2019 spend	Description
eTenders ESPD	€20,000	eESPD project completion.
CRM	€292,000	Microsoft Dynamics365 implementation   and development.
Works on Dublin and Regional offices	€171,500	Necessary works to be carried out to   improve facilities and expand capacity
Total Project Based Spend	€483,500

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (129)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

129. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the €76,262,000 capital allocation in the flood risk management division of the Office of Public Works, that is, Vote 13 of the budget 2019 expenditure report for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44469/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The 2019 capital allocation for the Flood Risk Management area will allow (i) the continued implementation of the existing programme of major flood relief projects and the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme; (ii) the further development and progression of the initial tranche of 50 projects arising from the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plans (FRAMPs) which I announced on 3rd May and (iii) continued work on a range of other programmes which include Voluntary Home Relocation/Remedial Works, Second Cycle of the Flood Directive and National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service.

Table A below sets out the breakdown of projected expenditure in these areas for 2019:

Table A

Programme	Projected expenditure
Existing   Capital Projects to be at Construction stage during 2019	€54m
Existing   Capital Projects at Design Stage	€5m
Minor   Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme	€3m
New   Projects arising from Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plans (FRAMPs) - mainly design costs and other pre-construction costs eg site investigations surveys etc. Some of the smaller new projects may reach construction stage in 2019.	€7m
Other   Programmes	€7m

There are currently ten major projects at construction with six of these expected to be substantially completed and operational by the end of 2019. These include, Bandon and Skibbereen in Co Cork, Ennis Lower in Co Clare, Bellurgan in Co Louth and Claregalway and Dunkellin in Co Galway. Construction works on projects in Athlone in Co Westmeath, River Dodder in Dublin City, Clonakilty in Co Cork and Templemore in Co Tipperary will continue beyond 2019.

The following major projects are expected to commence construction before the end of 2019:

-  Blackpool, Co Cork

-  Glashaboy, Co Cork

-  Douglas, Co Cork

-  Ennis South, Co Clare

-  Lower Morell, Co Kildare

-  Sandymount, Dublin City

- Whitechurch Stream, Co Dublin

-  Ashbourne, Co Meath

-  Morrison’s Island, Cork City – subject to planning approval (Part Public Realm and part Flood Defence Scheme)

-  Crossmolina, Co Mayo

The further project level design and planning of the initial 50 schemes arising from the FRAMPs, launched in May of this year, is underway and will continue during the course of the next year as well.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (130)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

130. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the €105,787,000 capital allocation in the estate management division of the Office of Public Works, that is, Vote 13 of the budget 2019 expenditure report for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44470/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

A breakdown of the €105,787,000 capital allocation in the Estate Management Division of the Office of Public Works 2019, is set out below.  The allocations are indicative estimates only and are subject to change and reallocation during 2019.

Office of Public Works – Estate Management Capital Budget for 2019 - Summary

Expenditure Category	€’ 000
New Works Alterations and Additions	73,981
Administration	3076
Grants for Refurbishment Works and Services	250
Purchase of Sites and Buildings	3,480
Unitary Payments (Convention Centre, Dublin)	25,000
Total	105.787

Breakdown of New Works Alterations and Additions – Total Expenditure of €73.981 million

Expenditure Category	Planning/Enabling Works €’000	Commencing €’000	On Site €’000
Planning and Architectural Services	1,901
Garda Building Programme
Athlone Garda Station			4000
Portlaoise Garda Station		2,600
Donegal Garda Station		2,300
Athlone Garda Water Unit			950
Garda Station Cell Upgrade Programme			2500
Fabric Upgrade Programme (Garda Stations)			1000
Cultural and Heritage
Leinster House			5680
Cultural Institutions			2000
HistoricProperties			3200
Universal Access Programme			500
Mechanical & Electrical Programme Including Energy Conservation			14000
Minor New Works
Security Works Programme			500
Health & Safety Programme			500
Fabric Upgrade Programme			2500
Office Rationalisation and Fit Out Programme
Leeson Lane, Dublin 2		14,200
Tom Johnson House, Dublin 4	1,250
22-25 Clare Street, D2	100
Merrion Square/Fenian Street, D2	100
94 Merrion Square, D2		5,000
Hawkins House, D2	2,200
Office Accommodation fit-outs		7,000
Sub-totals	5,551	31,100	37,330

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (131)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

131. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the €2,500,000 capital allocation in the Public Appointments Service, that is, Vote 17 of the budget 2019 expenditure report for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44471/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) has been provided with a capital allocation of €2,500,000 in 2019. 

This funding will enable PAS to commence two capital projects in 2019 - Project Nova (€1m in 2019) and a project to upgrade the organisation's office premises (€1.5m in 2019). Details of both projects are outlined in the table below.

While both projects will commence in 2019, Project Nova is expected to conclude in 2021.

This funding will help to ensure that PAS can maintain and enhance its provision of quality recruitment and resourcing solutions across the public service.

Project	Description	2019 Allocation
Project Nova	A three-year project to: - Streamline, enhance and harmonise the recruitment and selection business processes of PAS; - Deliver necessary enhancements to the current online recruitment platform to allow for efficiency gains in the short to medium term; - Replace the current online recruitment platform with a fit-for-purpose, future-proofed IT platform that meets the strategic and operational needs of PAS.	- The €1 million provided for in the 2019 Budget is the first part of a three year investment in PAS’s critical IT recruitment and selection platform that will involve total estimated funding of €3.5 million over the period to 2021. The 2019 investment is expected to commence by mid-year.
Offices Premises Expenses	A year long project to: - Upgrade recruitment facilities for candidates to ensure optimal configuration and addition of interview suites to meet the evolving needs of the organization; - Upgrade staff work spaces to reflect new work streams that have opened within the Public Appointments Service in line with the aforementioned harmonisation project; and - Open additional staffing and customer spaces	- The project work relating to this €1.5 million funding provided in the 2019 Budget is expected to commence by the end of quarter one 2019 and be completed by end year.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (132)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

132. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the €10,900,000 capital allocation in the National Shared Services Office, NSSO, function of his Department, that is, Vote 18 of the budget 2019 expenditure report for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44472/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The NSSO Function, a business Division of the National Shared Services Office (Vote 18), will receive a capital allocation of €10,900,000 in 2019.

A breakdown of the €10,900,000 capital allocation in the NSSO Function is as follows:

Project	Cost	Commenced in 2019	Completed in 2019
Financial Mangement Shared Services Project (FMSS)	€8,256,000	No	Ongoing project with system to 'go-live' in 2019
Fixtures & Fittings	€35,000	Yes	Yes
IT Capital Expenditure	€2,609,000	Yes	Yes

Further supporting information is available as follows:

FMSS Project - Financial Management Shared Service

The introduction of Financial Management Shared Services for the Civil Service is progressing. 

In January 2016 the Government approved a feasibility study and business case which identified a significant opportunity to improve the delivery of financial management services across Government bodies through the establishment of a centralised Financial Management Shared Services 

Financial Management Shared Services is expected to commence provision of services in 2019 to a number of the 48 Government organisations who will eventually benefit from the project.  

IT Capital Expenditure

IT capital expenditure relates to IT support and development costs of all HR and Payroll solutions in operation in the National Shared Services Office, including Core HR and Peoplesoft. These costs include delivering on operational objectives of organisation scalability, process efficiency, data convergence and integration, and improved end-user experience.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (133)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

133. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the €100,000 capital allocation in the human resource shared services division of the National Shared Services Office for 2019, that is, Vote 18 of the budget 2019 expenditure report by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44473/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Human Resources Shared Services Division of the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) will receive a capital allocation of €100,000 to enable the upgrade of the Division's facilities in 2019.

A breakdown of the €100,000 capital allocation is as follows:

Project	Cost	Will Commence in 2019	Will be completed in 2019
Pensions Room	€20,000	Yes	Yes
Communal Canteen	€80,000	Yes	Yes

Pension Room

The NSSO is required to hold unique records of officers' service in paper format. The current facility requires an upgrade to provide additional capacity, and the project will also enable the NSSO to comply with fire regulations, health and safety and GDPR obligations.

Communal Canteen

This project will create a single communal canteen for the NSSO and enhance staff welfare.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (134)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

134. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the exact amount of Exchequer funding that his Department, including the Office of Public Works, has allocated and expended in each of the years since June 2016 on upgrading infrastructure at Dublin and Rosslare Ports in order to prepare for the possibility of the UK becoming a third country with the EU and the increased export certification, sanitary and phytosanitary controls required; and, if not, the reason. [44515/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works has engaged in extensive consultations with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Department of Health, Health Service Executive, Department of Transport and An Garda Síochána to identify additional infrastructural requirements in ports and airports. This work is ongoing and includes facilities for customs controls and sanitary and phytosanitary checks.

There has been no expenditure to date and the issue of funding has not been addressed.

Student Grant Scheme

Ceisteanna (135)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

135. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated full year cost of continuing the restoration of postgraduate grants with the restoration of the partial band rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44240/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy will be aware, additional funding of €7m was secured in Budgets 2017 and 2018 to facilitate the reinstatement of full maintenance grants from September 2017, for the most disadvantaged postgraduate students. This benefitted circa 1,000 postgraduate students who met the eligibility criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant for the academic year 2017/18 and reversed the budgetary cut that was imposed on this cohort of students in 2012.

If postgraduate supports and numbers were returned to the pre-2012 level, it is estimated that additional funding of €44.1m would be required on top of the additional €7m secured in recent budgets.

Schools Grievance Procedures

Ceisteanna (136)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

136. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44255/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

On 20 September 2018, an independent appeals committee held a full hearing on the appeal taken under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 by the person referred to by the Deputy. The appeal has been upheld and the decision of the appeals committee was forwarded to the appellant last week.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Ceisteanna (137)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

137. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the additional supports being put in place for a person (details supplied). [44269/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

My Department's policy is that all children with Special Educational Needs can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.

Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, delivered by fully qualified professional teachers, with the support of Special Needs Assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.

Enhanced pupil teacher and Special Needs Assistant ratios are provided to special schools to support them in dealing with pupil’s educational and care needs.

In regard to School Transport, Bus Éireann has confirmed that a school transport service is being provided for the child in question.