Written Answers Nos. 135-153
135. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost to the Vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4760/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated cost to the vote of my Department of an increase in the rate of employer PRSI to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000 is €25,704.
136. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a person (details supplied) who was a public sector worker is entitled to a supplementary pension at 63 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4796/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware the supplementary pension is part of the provisions of occupational pension scheme arrangements in which the pensions of fully insured (Class A PRSI) public servants recruited prior to 2013 are co-ordinated with the social insurance system. This means that social insurance benefits are taken into account as part of the overall pension benefits for retired public servants. For example the calculation of the pension of a fully insured Public Servant reflects their entitlement to a Contributory State Pension on reaching State Pension age.
Where a Public Servant retires before State Pension age (for example because they have a compulsory retirement age – in the case of certain staff categories such as Gardaí or Prison Officers ) they may be entitled to a supplementary occupational pension subject to meeting certain criteria.
There is insufficient information to respond comprehensively in respect of the individual referenced. However, in general, queries regarding the entitlement and/or payment of a supplementary pension can be directed to the individual’s pension paying authority.
137. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when funding will be provided to implement a Labour Court recommendation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4909/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress regarding a high level forum (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4910/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra139. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when funding will be provided for a redundancy agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4911/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 137 to 139, inclusive, together.
This issue relates to a claim by community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors who have been seeking, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme.
The matter was the subject of extensive discussion at the Community Sector High Level Forum which was reconvened to examine certain issues pertaining to the Community Employment sector and in particular to ensure that the matter was fully examined having regard to both costs and precedent in the context of the wider Community and Voluntary sector. The membership of this Forum includes public service management and union representatives.
The implications arising from this claim extend well beyond the CE Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors cadre and could have impacts across the entire Community and Voluntary sector (which may employ over 100,000 people). While CE supervisors and assistant supervisors represent only a very small part of the wider community and voluntary sector, any explicit provision of State funding for such a scheme in respect of those employees would inevitably give rise to claims for similar schemes and funding provision on the part of those many thousands of workers in the broader sector. Accordingly there has to be regard to the full potential Exchequer exposure associated with setting such a precedent.
With this in mind, a detailed scoping exercise was carried out by my Department in 2017 in order to comprehensively examine and assess the full potential implications of the issues involved.
The scoping exercise found that this matter presents very significant issues for the Exchequer, with a potential cost exposure for the State of between €188m and €347m per annum (depending on the exact size of the sector which is difficult to ascertain) were consequential demands to be made to fund employer pension contributions for all similar State funded Community and Voluntary organisations whose employees are in a similar position to the Community Employment scheme supervisors. This excludes any provision for immediate ex-gratia lump sum payment of pension for those imminently retiring, as sought, which could, depending on the size of the sector, give rise to a further Exchequer cost exposure of up to €318m.
It continues to be the position that state organisations are not the employer of the particular employees concerned and accordingly it is not for the State to provide funding for occupational pension scheme provision.
140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 5 March 2020, if the OPW, on foot of a draft strategic plan, is proposing to develop footpaths and or cycle lanes across the polo grounds in the Phoenix Park which has an historic association with the sport since 1873; if an alternative will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4950/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works has no proposals whatsoever to develop footpaths or cycle lanes across the polo grounds in the Phoenix Park.
141. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be made available for costal erosion works at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4980/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to coastal protection/erosion generally, it is a matter for local authorities to identify and prioritise the problem areas along their coastlines. The local authority may undertake any viable works using their own resources or, if necessary, apply for funding under the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
In 2018, the Office of Public Works approved funding of €150,000 under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme to Kerry County Council for the Ballyheigue-Banna-Carrahane & Brandon Bay Maharees Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management Study which includes the area mentioned in the Deputy’s question. The progression of the study is a matter for the local authority.
142. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if remedial measures will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who is being flooded regularly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5022/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme - the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State - 300 areas, including Athea, Co. Limerick, were believed to be at significant flood risk and hence assessed by that programme. The CFRAM Programme culminated with the launch of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans on 3 May 2018, and proposed 118 new outline flood relief projects (on top of the 42 major projects already completed and the 33 major schemes within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW)). All of these projects are to be funded under the Government's 10 year flood risk investment programme of almost €1 billion under the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027.
When launched, funding of €257 million was also announced for an initial phase of 50 flood relief projects throughout the country to be progressed to detailed design and construction; including the five largest schemes identified in the Plans, and 31 Small Projects (with an estimated preliminary project budget of under €1 million) which will be progressed directly by Local Authorities. The proposed flood relief scheme in Athea is included in the 31 small projects under €1 million, and is being progressed directly by Limerick City and County Council with full funding from the OPW.
Further scheme development for Athea, including a review of costs and benefits, environmental assessment, detailed design, and consultation will be required for such works before implementation. Accordingly, Engineering and Environmental Consultants were appointed by Limerick City and County Council in September, 2019, to undertake the next stages of this project for Athea.
143. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding the OPW plans to make available to Sligo County Council in 2020 toward the cost of drainage works on the Owenmore River, County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5050/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works has no statutory responsibility to provide funding to Sligo County Council towards the cost of drainage works on the Owenmore River. Statutory responsibility for funding towards maintenance by Sligo County Council of this river is allocated by the Minister for Housing Planning and Local Government.
In 2018, I made available on an exceptional and once-off basis funding of up to €50,000 to Sligo County Council towards the cost of an approved and planned programme of drainage maintenance on the Owenmore River. I understand that €42,000 of this funding was drawn down by Sligo County Council in 2019.
144. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if moneys due back in the second quarter of 2020 to retired civil servants will be paid out now such as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5065/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am assuming that the Deputy is referring to current measures to ameliorate the Public Service Pension Reduction, a reduction imposed on certain public and civil service pensions since 2011 and/or the pension increase policy currently in place with respect to public and civil service pensions.
I have been advised by the National Shared Services Offices (NSSO) who administer the pensions of retired civil servants that the pension of the individual referred to was never subject to the Public Service Pension Reduction as its value was under the exemption threshold in place when they retired.
I also understand that there are no pension increases scheduled for the second quarter of this year with respect to this particular individual’s pension, or indeed any other civil and public service pensions. The NSSO has noted that this individual’s pension is up to date, with all historical pension increases having been applied, and any arrears paid.
145. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for introducing the pension abatement in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 by which a retiree who returns to work in the public service will have their pension reduced to match the pay of the previous public service employment; his views on whether this acts as an incentive to work in the private sector over returning to the public sector; if the pension of such a person returns to normal once they retire from the second public sector employment; the estimated cost if the abatement was removed; the potential issues if the abatement were removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5078/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy of abatement of a public service pension is long-standing within the rules of various public service pension schemes. It was not introduced in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) 2012 Act (the 2012 Act) but rather it is a principle that dates back to the Superannuation Act of 1834.
With the introduction of the 2012 Act the application of abatement was widened. Previously, abatement generally applied only where the pensioner returned to work in the same sector or scheme from which the pension was drawn. As a result, the policy of abatement was not consistent in its application across sectors. Following the introduction of the Act, the principle of abatement is now applicable in respect of any public service employment obtained by a public service pensioner.
Sections 52(1) to 52(5) of the 2012 Act provides 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. Once a public service pensioner ceases to be employed in the public service their pension ceases to be abated.
The individual Pension Paying Authorities across the various sectors of the Public Service are responsible for ensuring that pension abatement is correctly calculated, processed and applied to pension payments as required. Information regarding the financial effects arising from the implementation of abatement is not routinely reported centrally as a matter of course.
Overall, I am satisfied that the measures taken in the 2012 Act were progressive, fair and necessary. The extension of abatement across the public service was appropriate as a modernising pension reform, and abatement continues to represent a suitable and measured response to legitimate public concerns about simultaneous payment of both a valuable pension and a salary to individuals working in the public service.
Finally, the Deputy may also be aware that in recent years some Public Service bodies have experienced retention issues in respect of experienced personnel. If retired individuals could return to work without being abated it could create incentives for more experienced staff to retire on pension and return to the public service workforce. In general retired staff should be used to fill posts in very limited circumstances and on a short-term basis only with policy directed toward filling posts through normal recruitment wherever possible.
146. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current status of conciliation under way in respect of the new Kevin Street Garda station and Galway Garda station; the costs incurred to date as a result of the conciliation processes; if other Garda buildings projects are in conciliation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5106/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe conciliation process for Kevin Street Garda Station is not yet concluded. Conciliation costs paid to date are €329,542.79, Vat. inclusive. The Galway Garda Station conciliation process is still ongoing and conciliation costs paid to date are €89,619.85, Vat inclusive. No other Garda projects have entered into the conciliation process.
147. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons who visited Maynooth Castle and Castletown in each of the years 2017 to 2019, in tabular form. [5114/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2019 visitor numbers for Maynooth Castle and Castletown are in the process of being compiled and audited. As such, fully verified visitor numbers to these sites last year are not yet available. The 2017 and 2018 visitor numbers are:
|
Site |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Maynooth Castle |
23,315 |
22,946 |
|
Castletown House |
32,493 |
27,760 |
|
Castletown Parklands (including Castletown House visitors) |
680,000 |
642,278 |
148. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding provided in 2019 and 2020 to date to a project (details supplied); the expected amount to be made available and provided in 2020 and each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5153/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe breakdown of funding provided on the Mountmellick Flood Relief project to date is as follows:
Expenditure in 2019: €127,683.07
Expenditure in 2020 (to date): €66,897.83
Estimated total expenditure in 2020: €475,000 approximately. It is important to note that due to the current Covid-19 related restrictions this figure may not be realised. The situation is being kept under close review and will be updated as soon as possible.
Expenditure to date on the project all relates to preparatory design and survey work. A Public Information Day on the project was held in November 2019 at which feedback was received from the public on the broad outline of the proposed scheme and its programme for implementation. This feedback is informing the further development of the scheme design.
In relation to projected spend for the next three years, the consultants are working on their data review with a view to selecting a preferred option. Until this work is finalised it is difficult to provide meaningful yearly projections beyond 2020. I wish to assure you however that the Office of Public Works is committed to the project and that the necessary funding to progress it is available within the overall allocation of €1 billion made available by the Government for flood relief in the National Development Plan 2018 - 2027.
149. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the impact longer working hours and the restricting of flexible working patterns under the Haddington Road agreement is having on childcare costs and the promotion of women in the public service in view of persisting gender imbalance in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5223/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016 ('Haddington Road Agreement’) provided for a series of reforms as agreed with unions in relation to the work hours, rostering, redeployment and performance management of public servants. There have been 2 public service pay agreements since Haddington Road (The Landsdowne Road Agreement and the Public Services Stability Agreement 2018-2020) and there has been no decision to revoke the provisions of the Haddington Road Agreement, in relation to working hours.
The Civil Service is a leading employer in Ireland in respect of work life balance and flexible working arrangements for employees. We provide a range of family friendly initiatives including work-sharing, a shorter working year scheme and flexible working hour arrangements which can be availed of, having due regard to the business needs of the organisation. These arrangements provide staff at all levels, with opportunities to find a good work life balance.
In terms of gender balance, we have made significant progress in relation to gender equality in the Civil Service, my own area of direct responsibility. Trends in the gender breakdown by grade are as follows:
|
Grade (Female) |
End August 2019 |
End August 2015 |
End August 2012 |
|
Sec Gen |
8 (24%) |
6 (20%) |
7 (23%) |
|
Dep Sec |
7 (37%) |
4 (22%) |
5 (36%) |
|
A/Sec |
88 (37%) |
67 (31%) |
49 (23%) |
|
Principal |
690 (44%) |
469 (37%) |
394 (34%) |
|
Assistant Principal |
2,477 (51%) |
1,666 (46%) |
1,432 (42%) |
|
HEO |
3,095 (58%) |
2,589 (57%) |
2,522 (55%) |
|
AO |
1,242 (47%) |
996 (47%) |
852 (45%) |
|
EO |
5,824 (63%) |
3,764 (61%) |
3,760 (61%) |
|
CO |
8,975 (71%) |
8,464 (76%) |
8,617 (76%) |
Figures from HR Databank on 14th Jan 2020
We have made good progress over the last number of years, particularly at Principal Officer and Assistant Principal level.
- We have moved from 34% female POs in 2012 to 44% female POs in 2019.
- We are now at 51% female APs.
- We have also made progress at Assistant Secretary level moving from 23% in 2012 to 37% in 2019.
- We are committed to building on this and further reducing differences between the genders in the civil service.
We have taken steps to increase female participation, particularly at senior levels.
The Civil Service Management Board (CSMB), which comprises of the Secretaries General in Departments, has identified a range of actions aimed at improving gender balance at senior levels of the Civil Service. The CSMB also monitors actions across departments and offices aimed at increasing the number of women in senior positions.
The CSMB has asked all Departments to consider a range of actions including:
- Training for Management Boards in unconscious bias
- Development supports such as mentoring
- Gender balance as a stated business priority
- Leadership training courses to encompass gender focussed knowledge and supports
- Assigning responsibility for Gender and Diversity to a member of the Management Board
Following a report by the ESRI the CSMB have initiated some key actions centrally which are aimed at improving the representation of women at senior level these include:
- Develop actions to support women on maternity leave to remain connected and to be supported on return to progress their career.
- Explore flexible working arrangements to facilitate staff at senior levels.
- Explore the feasibility of introducing job-sharing at senior levels for particular posts.
The CSMB will continue to monitor progress on gender diversity.
In relation to childcare costs, the National Childcare Scheme is a landmark scheme which was launched by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in 2019, providing financial supports to families for childcare. It establishes an equitable and progressive system of universal and income-related subsidies for children up to the age of 15, and provides an innovative and user-friendly online application process to access those subsidies. The Scheme provides 2 types of childcare subsidy for children over 6 months of age - a universal subsidy for children under 3 which is not means tested and an income assessed subsidy for children up to 15 which is means-tested.
150. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of protected disclosures his Department has received since the legislation was introduced; the number of protected disclosures examined to conclusion by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5310/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has procedures in place for protected disclosures that have been developed in line with the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 and agreed upon by the Management Board. These procedures detail: how staff members can make a disclosure; what happens when disclosures are made; and what the Department does to protect the staff members.
The Department has a strong commitment to ensuring its culture and working environment encourages, facilitates and supports employees. This particularly refers to anyone who might wish to 'speak up' on an issue that impinges on the Department’s ability to carry out its responsibilities.
I can confirm that there were no protected disclosures received by my Department to date since the commencement of the Protected Disclosures Act in July 2014.
151. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of applications for funding and the amounts approved and paid, respectively in respect of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5446/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources or apply under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which makes funds available to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding problems within their administrative areas. The eligibility criteria of this scheme, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie. It is open to the Council to submit a funding application for flood mitigation works under the Scheme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme's eligibility criteria and the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
In 2017, funding of €55,373 was approved under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to Laois County Council for a project on the River Nore - New Bridge to Knap Bridge. In 2018, additional funding of €27,000 was approved for the same project. To date €27,297 has been drawn down for this project.
In 2018, an application was submitted by Kilkenny County Council for a project at Parksgrove, Ballyragget Co Kilkenny. Further information has been requested to complete assessment of this application.
I am advised that the OPW has received no applications for funding in the years 2017 to date for works in this area from the remaining counties mentioned in the Deputy’s question.
152. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the National Children’s Science Museum, National Concert Hall project; if tenders have been issued for the project; if so, the expected date construction will commence; when the project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5447/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra153. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to ensure the conservation and protection of the Iveagh Gardens during construction works as part of the National Children’s Science Museum, National Concert Hall project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5448/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Children’s Science Centre project is currently the subject of Arbitration proceedings initiated by its promoters,the Irish Children’s Museum Ltd (ICML). I understand that the Commissioners of Public Works are currently engaging with the relevant stakeholders in relation to the appropriate next steps and it would be inappropriate for me to comment further as the matter is subject to an Arbitration process.
