Written Answers Nos. 110-134
110. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role the OPW plays in ensuring specific village infrastructure such as sewage infrastructure that is under threat from the damaging effects of coastal erosion is protected going forward; the way in which local communities can highlight such problems and concerns to the OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3938/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra111. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role the OPW and local authorities have in ensuring the protection of special areas of conservation as outlined by the European Commission such as sand dunes from the ruination caused from costal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3941/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
Coastal erosion is a natural and ongoing process, which takes place around the entire coastline. Coastal erosion may threaten human life, infrastructure such as roads, and may undermine and cause damage to properties.
The Government has agreed to the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Group to scope out an approach for the development of an integrated, whole of Government coastal strategy, for managing our changing coast and to report back to Government within a period of 6 months with its initial findings and recommendations. The Inter-Departmental Group will be jointly chaired by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Office of Public Works.
The Office of Public Works has no direct role in the protection of Special Areas of Conservation. The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has statutory responsibility under the 2011 Regulations to designate and advise on the protection of habitats and species identified for nature conservation, including Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.
At a local level, Local Authorities lead on identifying works to protect the coast in their respective areas and, in areas identified as being at greatest risk of damage or loss of economic assets through coastal flooding, Local Authorities identify appropriate and sustainable measures to protect those assets. Where defence measures are economically justified and compatible with all required environmental and other statutory requirements, they can be implemented, subject to the availability of resources. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures, depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
112. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when works on the development of property and evidence management stores in the Kildare Garda division will commence. [5113/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Capital Investment Plan for An Garda Síochána 2016-2021, includes for the provision of Property Exhibits Management Stores (PEMS) at several locations, including Naas Garda Station, Co. Kildare, which has been identified by An Garda Síochána as the preferred location for the Kildare Garda Division.
A Design Team has been appointed by the OPW and Planning Permission for the new facility is in place. Preliminary surveys are currently ongoing and once completed tender documentation will be prepared and issued.
It is envisaged that a construction contract will be awarded in late 2020 for the new facility and some enabling works will be undertaken over the coming months.
113. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is a decision on pension abatement for those in the Defence Forces to allow those that have been offered roles elsewhere to avail of them. [5125/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to a similar question asked in November 2019 (PQ Ref 48005/19) which was asked by his colleague, Deputy Michael McGrath.
Sections 52(1) to 52(5) of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 provide for the abatement of a public service pension where a retired public servant, whose pension is in payment, is re-employed in the public service such that no more of the pension when combined with the remuneration in the new job shall exceed the pensionable remuneration of the old job. It is the pension that is reduced and not the salary in the new job.
Abatement is an important component of public service pension policy and addresses legitimate public concerns about the simultaneous payment of both a valuable pension as well as a salary in the public service. The principle of abatement of a public service pension has also long been in existence within the rules of various public service pension schemes.
Finally, the application of abatement does not prevent a retired public servant from taking up other paid employment in the public service post retirement. Generally, decisions taken by individuals to take up new public service positions after retirement are, of course, voluntary in nature.
114. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual salaries of Ministers and Ministers of State who are not elected Deputies; the staff supports such Ministers and Ministers of State have; the offices and expenses such Ministers and Ministers of State have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5513/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under Article 28.11 of the Constitution, the members of the Government in office at the date of a dissolution of Dáil Éireann continue to hold Office and to carry on their duties until their successors have been appointed. Similarly, under the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No.2) Act 1977, Ministers of State in office at the date of dissolution continue to hold office until a new Taoiseach is appointed.
On that basis, during that interim period, Ministers and Ministers of State who are not re-elected to Dáil Éireann continue to receive their Officeholder salary – currently €79,510p.a. and €38,787p.a. respectively, and certain supports in the conduct of their duties.
In respect of a Special Adviser, following a dissolution of the Dáil, the term of office of a Special Adviser to a Minister of the Government terminates on the day the incoming Government is appointed, and that of a Special Adviser to a Minister of State on the day the Taoiseach’s successor is appointed.
In respect of other personal appointees (including civilian drivers), following a dissolution of the Dáil, the contracts of the personal appointees of a Minister of the Government terminate on the day the incoming Government is appointed, while the contracts of the personal appointees of a Minister of State cease on the day the incoming Taoiseach is appointed (even if the Officeholder concerned is appointed as an Officeholder of the incoming Government).
The payment of the Parliamentary Standard Allowance (PSA) and other supports such as those provided by the Houses of the Oireachtas Service under the Secretarial Assistance Scheme, cease upon the dissolution of the Dáil.
115. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the State and EU funding available through the OPW to enable studies, investigations and other coastal protection works to be conducted that aim to limit the damaging effects of costal erosion in villages here; the way in which this funding is applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3939/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra134. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of funding the OPW has spent and allocated towards the costs of conducting studies and reports aimed at combating the effects of climate change and costal erosion since 2011, by county in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4712/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 134 together.
In the context of coastal erosion: The OPW and other Central Government Departments provide support, where possible, to Local Authorities around the country tackling coastal erosion. It is the responsibility of each Local Authority, in the first instance, to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their own areas. The primary funding mechanism offered through the OPW for this is the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
Under this scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects, and the allocation of funding for the Minor Works scheme will be included in the overall allocation for flood risk management investment included under Vote 13 (Office of Public Works) in the Estimates for Public Services for 2020.
The table below outlines allocations and/or drawdowns for coastal/erosion risk management studies, per county, since 2011.
|
County |
No. Studies |
€ |
€ |
|
Clare |
5 |
EUR503,568 allocated / drawn down |
|
|
Donegal |
5 |
EUR382,500 allocated |
EUR76,500 drawn-down (1x study) |
|
Fingal |
1 |
EUR57,800 allocated / drawn down |
|
|
Kerry |
2 |
EUR225,000 allocated |
Not yet drawn down |
|
Louth |
1 |
EUR81,000 allocated |
EUR38,883 drawn-down to-date |
|
Sligo |
1 |
EUR57,055 allocated |
€45,644.00 drawn-down to-date |
|
Wexford |
1 |
EUR28,800 allocated / drawn down |
In the context of climate change: Consideration of the impacts of climate change is integral to the development and design for all flood relief schemes progressed by the OPW and its Local Authority partners.
It is not feasible, therefore, to provide budget-breakdowns of all activities specific to climate-change in the context of individual flood relief schemes under the Capital Flood Relief Programme, or overall expenditure in respect of flood risk management more generally. The OPW has, however, co-funded a number of specific national climate change research projects, as follows:
2016 - ‘Downscaling for Decision Making: Irish Climate Futures’:
OPW contribution: €78,537.20
2019 - ‘Sensitivity of fluvial flood peak flows to a changing climate’ (NUI Maynooth):
OPW contribution: € 157,863.60
2019 - ‘High-Resolution Coupled Atmosphere-Ocean-Wave Regional Climate Projections for Ireland’ (NUI Galway):
OPW contribution: € 43,748.75
116. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role the OPW played in assisting Clare County Council with the development of new costal erosion protection measures at Lahinch, County Clare; the cost associated with the entire costal erosion protection project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3940/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the severe storms of Winter 2013/2014 and on foot of submissions made by Clare County Council, total funding of €9,712,385 was allocated by the OPW to Clare County Council for the repair of damaged coastal protection infrastructure. This, however, was a once-off allocation and no further funding is available under this stream. Clare County Council has confirmed that some of the works carried out at Lahinch, which involved the repair and upgrading of the existing rock revetment and the repair of the existing sea wall damaged by the storms, were carried out using this funding. The Deputy is advised to contact the Local Authority directly for the total cost of the Coastal erosion protection measures at Lahinch.
117. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the attention of the OPW has been drawn to the damage being caused by costal erosion in the seaside village of Strandhill, County Sligo; the works the OPW has conducted in the area to try and alleviate the problem since 2000; the amount of funding allocated to the village by the OPW for costal protection works since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3942/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that, in the first instance, the management of problems of coastal protection in the area indicated remains a matter for Sligo County Council. The Council may carry out coastal protection works using its own resources, but where necessary, the Council may also put forward proposals to the relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
Since 2000, funding of €349,000 has been approved, under the Office of Public Works’ (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, for works on a number of coastal projects at Strandhill.
Furthermore, following the severe storms of Winter 2013/2014 and on foot of submissions made by the Sligo County Council, additional funding of €291,210 was allocated by the OPW to Sligo County Council for the repair of damaged coastal protection infrastructure. The Council has confirmed that the repairs to the rock armour revetment at the waste water treatment plant and works on the south side revetments in Strandhill were carried out using this funding. This, however, was a once-off allocation and no further funding is available under this stream.
It remains open to Sligo County Council, however, to apply for funding under the Office of Public Works’ (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, under which applications for funding from Local Authorities are considered for measures costing not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for projects that meet the eligibility criteria, including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial.
118. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Government Procurement has considered meeting media companies and newspapers in respect of securing access to publications for Departments and agencies at a discounted rate in view of the number of subscriptions required; if the OGP has considered offering media companies a bandwidth of IP addresses to reduce the costs of online subscriptions rather than a person to person log-in system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3995/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Procurement is governed by EU and National rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. There is provision for pre-market discussion with suppliers and independent experts, subject to safeguards against distorting competition or violating transparency and non-discrimination principles. On this basis, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) engages with suppliers on a regular basis ahead of conducting procurement processes. The OGP publishes a schedule of planned Frameworks and Contracts on a quarterly basis and currently, there are no plans to put in place central procurement arrangements in the area of online subscriptions. It should be noted that OGP procurement is conducted through the eTenders platform, www.etenders.gov.ie.
119. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount expended on access to online and hardcopy media publications in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the breakdown of online and hard copy subscriptions including the publications that his Department subscribes to; if consideration has been given to using a banded set of IP addresses for online subscriptions rather than individual accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4012/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. These subscriptions are required to support my Department in its day-to-day work and to ensure that its staff have access to the latest information on a broad range of domestic and international issues relevant to its role.
My Department keeps the cost and method of subscription under review to ensure that is effective and represents the best possible value-for-money.
|
Online Media Publication |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
|
Financial Times |
- |
€4,455.00 |
€2,129.00 |
€3,233.00 |
|
Irish Times |
- |
€1,900.00 |
€3,754.00 |
€3,754.00 |
|
New York Times |
- |
€280.00 |
€270.00 |
€282.00 |
|
The Economist |
€1,079.00 |
€916.00 |
- |
€916.00 |
|
Industrial Relations News |
€360.00 |
€5,083.00 |
€6,082.00 |
€4,930.00 |
|
Employment Law Hub |
€995.00 |
€995.00 |
€995.00 |
€995.00 |
|
Daily Telegraph |
€50.00 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Subscription to access to multiple sites: Independent.ie, Times UK, Phoenix Magazine, Irish Farmers Journal, Sunday Times / Sunday Business Post, Irish Times, The New Statesman, The Atlantic |
€739.00 |
€1,426.00 |
€1,426.00 |
€1,426.00 |
|
Financial Times, New York Times and Irish Times (separate to that listed above) |
€4,545.00 |
€6,636.00 |
€6,153.00 |
€7,269.00 |
|
Hardcopy Media Publication |
||||
|
Subscription to: Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Business Post, Irish Examiner, London Times, Evening Herald, Farmers Journal, Guardian, New York Times, Economist and Business & Finance. |
€4,318.00 |
€14,352.00 |
€15,571.00 |
€13,425.00 |
|
Weekend Papers |
€270.00 |
€656.00 |
€1,209.00 |
€1,306.00 |
|
Office of Government Procurement: |
||||
|
Hardcopy Media Publication |
||||
|
Food for Thought |
- |
€110.00 |
€110.00 |
- |
|
The Car Sales Guide |
- |
- |
- |
€350.00 |
|
The Light Commercial & 4WD Guide |
- |
- |
- |
€260.00 |
120. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the top ten websites visited by officials and political staff annually in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020 via hardware provided to them by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4028/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the voluminous data produced by our Web Security Appliances, data is currently available for the top 10 most visited websites by staff working in Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for July 2019 to December 2019 and from Jan 2020 to May, see details below. Please note that sites which operate in the background unbeknownst to the users which are deemed system sites e.g. advertising sites, tracking sites, content delivery networks etc have been excluded.
1. www.irishtimes.com
2. www.boards.ie
3. www.irishrail.ie
4. www.gov.ie
5. www.independent.ie
6. www.zmonitor.gov.ie
7. www.rte.ie
8. www.thejournal.ie
9. www.amazon.co.uk
10. www.gtp-marketplace.com
121. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has examined the possibility of creating a pay commission for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4080/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces personnel have received the benefits of collective pay agreements in the past and it is intended that the future remuneration of Defence Forces personnel will continue to be dealt with within this established process.
It is the position that the current Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) is currently delivering pay benefits of between 7.4% and 6.2% (or up to 10% for new entrants hired after 2012) for our public servants, including Defence Force personnel at a cost of over €1.1 billion, out to 2021.
In addition, the Public Service Pay Commission was specifically tasked under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 to conduct a comprehensive examination of recruitment and retention within the Defence Forces. Their published report was accepted by Government on 4 July 2019. The Report contains a broad range of recommendations which include:
- An increase of 10% in the Military Service Allowance which is a unique payment to the Defence Forces and paid to the majority of ranks. The overall annual estimated cost of this measure is €4.8 million p.a.
- Restoration of a 10% reduction in respect of duty allowances such as Security Duty Allowance and Patrol Duty Allowance that were introduced under the Haddington Road Agreement. The 10% cuts to overseas allowances was also restored. The overall estimated cost of the restoration of these measures is €3.3 million p.a.
- Restoration of premium weekend payment rates which were approximately halved under the Haddington Road Agreement. The annual estimated cost of this measure is €1.4 million p.a.
- Restoration of the Pilots Service Commitment Scheme for Flying Officers which is aimed at attracting pilots to continue in service on being able to stand down from the Air Corps. This Scheme was withdrawn in 2010. The cost of this measure is estimated at €600,00 p.a. depending on take up.
The Government also approved a high level plan for the implementation of the recommendations in the Report which provides for further measures in the short, medium and longer term.
The increase in Military Service Allowance and the restoration of the rates of the other allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission, have been paid and are in addition to measures relating to core pay which are in the current Public Service Stability Agreement.
The Pay Commission’s recommendations on the Defence Forces, taken together with the pay measures provided for under the PSSA, represent a tangible package of pay improvements for the members of our Defence Forces.
Public pay has been, and continues to be, determined in a public service wide context in Ireland and in a collective bargaining context under the framework of successive public service agreements. This is appropriate given the size of the Irish public service and in the interests of maintaining control of the public finances. There are no plans to change these arrangements.
122. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Ministers of State that collectively lobbied him for an improvement in their terms and conditions; and when this approach took place. [4145/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn impromptu meeting took place with a number of Ministers of State on the margins of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting in late 2018. There was no minute taker or official present.
A request was made by a number of Ministers of State present to me, which I had no plans to facilitate. I never had any intention to change policy in this area.
123. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the necessary financial assistance will be provided to Fingal County Council to tackle the alarming rate of coastal erosion that is occurring at Rush, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4166/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the issue of coastal erosion at Rush, County Dublin is a matter for Fingal County Council, who are working to address this issue in consultation with all relevant bodies including the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Consultants appointed by Fingal County Council have prepared a plan to address significant and long-term coastal change in the Rogerstown Outer Estuary including the Rush coastline. Fingal County Council has advised that due to the ecological sensitivity of the site and the complexity of the issues involved, it is likely that the assessment of this plan, which will include extensive public consultation, environmental assessment and the relevant consent processes, will take over a year to complete.
My Office continues to co-operate and assist Fingal County Council and if a viable option to address this issue is approved, the Council may submit an application for funding to OPW or other central Government Departments as appropriate.
124. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 5 March 2020, the timeline for the review of recommendation 12 by the Standards in Public Office Commission (details supplied) with regard to the one-year cooling off period for designated public officials, DPOs, who seek to engage in lobbying activities. [4255/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 5 March 2020, the data protection provisions to which he is referring in response to recommendation 17 by the Standards in Public Office Commission which seeks to publish summary details of investigations under section 19 of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015. [4256/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
The Deputy is referring to recommendations made by the Standards in Public Office Commission (the Commission) in its submission to the second statutory review of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 (the Act).
Recommendation 12 made by the Commission states, "Failure to comply with section 22 of the Act (either in relation to submitting an application for consent, where required, or in relation to complying with the Commission's decision on an application for consent) should be a relevant contravention under section 18 of the Act and an offence under section 20 of the Act".
Section 22 deals with restrictions on designated public officials in relation to post term employment as a lobbyist. Recommendation 12 is seeking an amendment so that it would be an offence to contravene section 22. As outlined in the conclusion to the Second Statutory Review of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, it is not recommended that any amendments be made to the Act. The third statutory review of the Act is required to commence by the 1st of September 2022. Further consideration regarding any amendment of the Act will be examined by my Department as part of the third review of the Act in 2022.
Recommendation 17 made by the Commission states, "The Commission should be allowed to publish summary details of investigations under section 19 of the Act". Section 25 of the Act already provides for the Commission to prepare an annual lobbying report to include, in a form which does not enable the identification of the persons involved, information relating to any investigations under section 19 of the Act, that were concluded in that particular year.
As the Deputy will understand, I am not be at liberty to disclose the full details of legal advice provided to my Department by the Office of the Attorney General (AGO), apart from outlining in a general manner that advice received from the AGO was that it would not be possible to include naming and shaming provisions as part of administrative penalties, as this would contravene data protection provisions. In relation specifically to investigations under the Act, advice was received by my Department that privacy should be respected and personal information should not be released.
It is always open to the Commission, as a data controller, to seek the advice of the Data Protection Commissioner in relation to any issues that arise in the context of its annual lobbying report.
126. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the fiscal capabilities in place to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak; the possible need for a supplementary estimate for the health service in particular; if an initial estimate has been made in terms of the extra amount the State will have to spend to deal with the outbreak; if there is cash flow capacity in the health budget to deal with the outbreak; if so, the capacity available in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4287/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn total the Government has agreed to an additional Covid-19 related gross funding of €1.83bn for the health sector to deal with the outbreak. As the Deputy is aware, the situation regarding the outbreak is very fluid and to date this spending has been monitored through the Health Budget Oversight Group (HBOG) comprising of officials from my Department, the Department of Health and from the HSE.
My officials are in regular contact with their counterparts in the Department of Health and I am assured that there is sufficient cash-flow capacity in the health budget to deal with the pandemic. Obviously this remains under ongoing review by my Department and by the Government. It is possible that further requests may arise for additional Covid-19 related expenditure, to be considered by Government as and when such requests arise. The full allocation for Health expenditure in 2020, inclusive of all Covid-19 related expenditures and reflecting any offsetting measures e.g. from redeployment of staff, will be brought by way of an Estimate before Dáil Éireann in due course.
127. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if immediate financial contingencies or assistance packages have been explored to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak, specifically cash flow remedies for businesses at serious risk of losing significant business through a fall in clients; if it is possible to implement a temporary suspension of VAT in which payments can be temporarily deferred; if so, the estimated cost of implementing such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4289/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recognition of the challenges facing businesses in terms of liquidity, my Department has engaged with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation as the Government sought to provide both additional direct Exchequer funding for business and to increase the loan finance available under a number of lending schemes.
In April, the Government announced a number of measures which, in aggregate, supported the provision of up to €1bn in liquidity to assist enterprises. Among the measures announced was the Sustaining Enterprise Fund which will be operated by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland and which will provide total funding of €180m by way of repayable advances to businesses.
Scope for higher levels of lending under a number of loan schemes was also announced. Total available funding of €450 under the Covid-Working Capital Loan Scheme, additional funding of €200m under the Future Growth Loan Scheme, and an extra €20m available to Microfinance Ireland to lend to microenterprises under the Microfinance Ireland COVID-19 Loan Scheme were also announced.
In April the Government also announced a temporary €15m Public Service Obligation (PSO) for strategic maritime connections. This will assist businesses with their supply chain.
On May 2nd, Government announced a further suite of measures amounting to c. €6.5bn to further support small, medium and larger business that are negatively impacted by COVID-19. These measures aim to support businesses to restart, reconnect and rehire staff who have been laid off or furloughed. These include:
- A €250m Restart Fund for micro and small businesses who have suffered a dramatic loss in turnover as a result of COVID-19. Companies will receive up to €10,000 based on a rates/waiver rebate from 2019;
- €260m for a three month commercial rates waiver for businesses who have been forced to close due to public health requirements as a result of COVID-19;
- A €2 billion Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund within the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), which will make capital available to medium and large enterprises;
- A €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to support lending to SMEs for terms ranging from 3 months to 6 years, which will be below market interest rates. The introduction of this scheme will require new legislation.
- The ‘warehousing’ of tax liabilities for a period of twelve months after recommencement of trading during which time there will be no debt enforcement action taken by Revenue. The introduction of this scheme will require new legislation.
- A commitment to local authorities to make up the rates shortfall, so that local authorities can continue provide full services to the public.
A number of measures have been announced by both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland which are designed to assist enterprises to deal with the challenges which now confront them, for example, the €2m Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme administered by Enterprise Ireland.
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme were introduced on a temporary, 12-week basis and are due to expire in mid-June. Reforms made to Illness Benefit and Sick Pay were also introduced for an initial period of 12 weeks.
In the short term, the wage subsidy scheme is supporting the maintenance of the crucial link between employers and their employees. In recognition of the liquidity problems facing businesses, local authorities are working with the most impacted businesses in relation to deferral of payment for commercial rates. The Revenue Commissioners have also set out a series of actions to support small and medium enterprises experiencing cash flow difficulties.
A wide range of policies and schemes have been put in place by Government in order to respond to the major challenges arising from Covid-19. This has been a cross-Government response, with schemes to support different sectors of society being led by different Departments and Offices. The role of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is to oversee the expenditure impacts of the response and, as is usual, to ensure that public funds are being utilised in an appropriate way.
128. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW is in ownership of Carndonagh courthouse, County Donegal; and if so, the plans of the OPW to provide the necessary funding to refurbish the building in order that the court sittings can be reinstated for Carndonagh and north Inishowen. [4319/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarndonagh Courthouse is not in the ownership of the Commissioners of Public Works.
The Court Services Act, 1998 provided for the transfer of property in the ownership of the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland to be transferred to the Courts Service on its establishment.
All matters relating to the refurbishment of Carndonagh courthouse should be addressed to the Courts Service.
129. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the change in the general government balance for 2020 as a result of the extra spending announced to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak; if the funding is coming out of existing resources; if a supplementary estimate will be required to be passed by Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4432/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Stability Programme Update (SPU), published last month, outlined overall expenditure of €78.4 billion for 2020, including €8 billion (across Health, Social Protection, and Business, Enterprise and Innovation) directly arising from the Covid-19 crisis. This represents a significant investment that will be partly funded through additional borrowing with a deficit of c. €23 billion projected for this year. This expenditure amount reflected Government decisions at that time in relation to:
- Social Protection measures – Illness Benefit, the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), and Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP);
- an amount was also included in respect of the estimated impact on income supports of the projections in relation to unemployment underpinning the fiscal scenario outlined in the SPU;
- Costs arising in the Health Sector;
- Exchequer funding to support business related liquidity measures.
There have been a number of developments in the period since publication of the SPU. On 2nd May, the Government adopted an additional suite of measures, targeted towards the business sector. The measures include liquidity supports (guaranteed loans and additional tax forbearance), additional investment funds (ISIF2 for medium- and larger-sized enterprises; establishment of an enterprise fund for micro- and small-sized enterprises) and the waiving of commercial rates for businesses forced to temporarily close due to restrictions. From a statistical classification perspective, not all of these measures are included in estimates of the general government balance – loan guarantees, for instance, are contingent liabilities rather than actual liabilities.
Given that the Revised Estimates for Public Services (REV) 2020, published on 18th December 2019, had not been voted before the dissolution of the Dáil there is scope to reflect the Covid-19 related measures that impact on voted expenditure in new Departmental Estimates for 2020 to be presented to Dáil Éireann.
Additional borrowing will be required to predominantly fund the introduction of these Covid-19 related measures this year.
130. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost if public service jobs were granted an additional 15 days annual leave over the 2020-21 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4627/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated gross costs of extending annual leave by 15 days for the staff of my Department and the staff of the bodies under the aegis of my Department are set out in the table below.
|
Public Body |
Gross Costs |
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
€1,741,847 |
|
Office of Government Procurement |
€694,340 |
|
Bodies under the Aegis |
|
|
Office of Public Works |
€6,370,000 |
|
National Shared Service Office |
€1,655,921 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
€529,000 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
€501,000 |
|
State Laboratory |
€344,878 |
|
National Lottery Regulator |
€37,000 |
I wish to advise the Deputy that the corresponding information in respect of other Departments and the bodies under their aegis would need to be subject of separate Parliamentary Questions to the relevant Ministers.
131. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Office of Public Works will finish consideration of an application from Galway County Council for funding to appoint a consultant to propose works to deal with coastal erosion in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4631/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Office of Public Works that an application submitted under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme by Galway County Council for a project at Tawin, Maree, Co. Galway is currently under consideration. Further information has been requested from the Council to complete the assessment.
132. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he plans to eliminate the reduced starting pay scales for civil and public servants introduced as an emergency measure in 2011 and 2012; the reason for continuing with this perceived unfair and discriminatory salary regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4644/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reduced new entrant pay scales for civil and public servants introduced in 2011 were abolished in 2013 under the Haddington Road Agreement, where it was agreed to merge the new scales and existing scales - typically by adding the lower two points of the new scale to the existing scale. As such there are no separate reduced pay scales for civil and public servants.
Under the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018 – 2020, it was agreed to examine the remaining salary scale issues, associated with the addition of the extra points, for those recruited to entry grades after January 2011. The report, available at the below link, was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in March 2018, estimates the point in time cost of advancing new entrants to the public service two points along their incremental scales. https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/4035/071218124404-860d0916d18542c1baa10ffa7dc482d5.pdf#page=1
The report estimated a cost of €199.8m in respect of 60,513 new entrants, an average cost of €3,300 per FTE.
Following this report, lengthy and intensive negotiations with the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions took place over 2018 resulting in an agreement on new entrant salary scales being reached in September 2018.
The main components of the agreement are:
- where two additional scale points were applied to pay scales under the Haddington Road Agreement, it was agreed that there will be two separate interventions in the pay scales as they apply to new entrant public servants recruited since January 2011.
- the two separate interventions will take place at point 4 and point 8 of the 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 on the scale for progression to the maximum point.
- this measure was applied from 1 March 2019 and will be applied to each new entrant as they reach the relevant scale points (point 4 and point 8) on their current increment date.
This is an agreement of considerable scale and complexity, each element of which was the product of negotiation with ICTU.
It is estimated that some 58% (35,750) of new entrants benefited from this measure in 2019, rising to 78% (47,750) in 2020.
133. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the discussions that have taken place on ensuring that Garda pensioners receive increases in their pensions in line with Garda pay increases and that such pensioners are represented at talks on pay and conditions in An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4655/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I should advise the Deputy that the Department has issued a Circular on this matter, Circular 19/2019, which gives further advice on the application of the pension increase policy agreed by the Government as part of the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020 (available online at: https://www.gov.ie/en/circular/b5d982-circular-192019-further-instruction-on-the-pension-increase-policy-i/). This policy applies for the duration of the PSSA.
Under that policy, increases granted to serving staff over the course of the PSSA are passed on to those pensions awarded under pre-existing public service schemes where the salary on which the pension is based does not exceed the salary of serving staff with the same grade and scale point, after the pay increase has been applied. If it qualifies, the pension is eligible for an increase to the extent that this will ensure alignment with the pay of serving staff.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Single Public Service Pension Scheme introduced for new entrants to the public service from 1 January 2013 onwards is a career average pension scheme which provides that both the referable amounts that are accrued by serving staff while in employment, as well as pensions in payment, are uprated in line with changes in the consumer price index.
My understanding is that the processing of increases for Garda Pensioners arising from pay rises under the PSSA is up to date at present and that no backlog exists.
As regards the representation of pensioner concerns, I can advise that my officials and I have engaged with public service pensioners in relation to public service pensions issues through meetings with the Alliance of Retired Public Servants (ARPS). Over the past few years, the interests and concerns of public service pensioners have been regularly articulated in those meetings. Through this process of engagement, I believe that public service pensioners have had, and continue to be afforded, a meaningful and direct means of articulating their concerns on pensions and related issues.
