Written Answers Nos. 373-397
373. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the meetings he and his Ministers of State have had since the formation of the Government, by date, in tabular form (details supplied). [19659/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details of the external meetings attended by me as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform since the formation of the Government and that of the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Patrick O’Donovan, are outlined in the table below. To date Minister of State Ossian Smyth has not attended any external meetings.
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
|
Date |
Group/Person |
|
14/07/2020 |
Allianz for Insurance Reform |
|
15/07/2020 |
Allied Irish Banks |
|
15/07/2020 |
Bank of Ireland |
|
16/07/2020 |
Ulster Bank |
|
20/07/2020 |
Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council |
|
22/07/2020 |
Allianz for Insurance Reform |
|
22/07/2020 |
Representatives of Debenhams workers |
|
28/07/2020 |
ICTU |
|
28/07/2020 |
OPW |
|
29/07/2020 |
NPHDP (Children’s Hospital) |
|
29/07/2020 |
Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland |
|
29/07/2020 |
SIPTU/FORSA |
Minister of State for the Office of Public Works
|
Date |
Group/Person |
|
23/07/2020 |
Minister for Justice and Equality Helen McEntee - OPW/Department of Justice and Equality Garda Building Programme |
374. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of his advisers and those of the Ministers of State; the remuneration packages of same; and the date of commencement in their role. [19676/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The appointment of Special Advisers is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil, which incorporate the principles of section 11 of the PMSA Act, are currently awaiting Government approval.
The appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. At this stage, no Special Advisers have been formally appointed to my Department by the Government.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that I have assigned one person to date to work with me as Special Adviser and that person will be formally appointed by the Government once the Guidelines have been approved.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform must be notified of the rate of salary to be paid in all cases for Special Advisers. These rates will then be published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
375. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of successful tenders above €10 million by domestically owned company and foreign-owned subsidiary, respectively, in tabular form. [19682/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2015, my Department, through the Office of Government Procurement, has put in place 77 procurement solutions that have estimated values of over €10m. The majority of these solutions are framework agreements to be used by public service bodies from which contracts may subsequently be awarded. Framework agreements generally have a number of lots to facilitate access from a range of suppliers and to enable SMEs in particular to compete. Each framework agreement lot may also have multiple suppliers and some suppliers may be awarded a place on more than one lot and more than one framework. There are 811 suppliers who have been appointed under the 77 procurement solutions. These suppliers’ business locations, as registered on eTenders the national tendering platform, are set out in the table. 94% of the 811 suppliers are Irish registered businesses.
|
Location |
No. of Suppliers |
|
Ireland |
765 |
|
United Kingdom |
40 |
|
France |
1 |
|
United States of America |
1 |
|
Luxembourg |
2 |
|
Belgium |
1 |
|
Spain |
1 |
|
Total |
811 |
376. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the names and salaries of his special advisers; the salaries paid to each Minister and Minister of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19726/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The appointment of Special Advisers is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil, which incorporate the principles of section 11 of the PMSA Act, are currently awaiting Government approval.
The appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. At this stage, no Special Advisers have been formally appointed to my Department by the Government.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that I have assigned one person to date to work with me as Special Adviser and that person will be formally appointed by the Government once the Guidelines have been approved.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform must be notified of the rate of salary to be paid in all cases for Special Advisers. These rates will then be published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Full details of salaries and allowances paid to Members of the Oireachtas are available to the Deputy and the public on the website of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Members of the Oireachtas are paid a basic salary plus a salaried allowance based on any additional positions they hold.
377. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the appointment of the Secretary General of his Department to a position on the board of an organisation (details supplied); his views on the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19792/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that the Secretary General of my Department did consult with me prior to accepting a non-Executive Director position at this sporting organisation.
Requirements for the management of grant funding provided from public money issued in the form of a DPER Circular 13/2014 – Management and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds. This Circular outlines the public financial management principles, procedures, and additional reporting requirements to be followed in the management of grant funding provided from public money. The fundamental principle is that there should be transparency and accountability in the management of public money, in line with economy, efficiency and effectiveness. The provisions of the Circular apply to the movement of funds from a Vote to an outside body, and to any/all onward movements of that funding. The objective is to ensure that all Exchequer funds, regardless of the method of distribution, are accounted for and properly managed.
378. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of operations at a location (details supplied). [20055/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBarryscourt Castle was discovered in recent years to have significant problems with damp penetration which caused the internal electrical system to become inherently unsafe and, as a result, the visitor experience at the Castle had to be closed while extensive rehabilitation works were put in place.
The works project which has been ongoing since involves progressively drying the entire Castle structure and repointing all of the external walls to prevent future water ingress. This work has proved to be technically very challenging and has taken longer than was originally expected due to the discovery of additional works which needed to be performed last year to chimneys and roofs. The restrictions associated with COVID-19 imposed early this season have also had a serious impact on progress on the works. However, the OPW workforce is now back on site and it is envisaged that the work on the south and east elevations can be completed next year, unless a further issue is discovered, during 2021. It is planned, once the external work is completed, that the building will be rewired internally and a new heating system installed, clearing the way for a reopening to the public. Every effort is being made to expedite the works which can only be undertaken in sequence. It is not possible at this time to give a precise date for reopening to the public.
379. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of operations at a location (details supplied). [20056/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRestoration work, including works to provide safe walking routes, is ongoing at Anne's Grove Gardens to prepare for opening to visitors in 2021.
380. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of operations at a location (details supplied). [20057/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDoneraile Court, Gardens and Parklands are open daily. The House and Gardens opened on 29 June, 2020 and tours are being offered to the House & Gardens from 10 am to 6 pm with last entrance at 5 pm. The parklands in the summer open until 8 pm. We recommend that all visitors who wish to go on a tour visit the website first to make arrangements regarding booking tours.
381. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the volume of positions that have been filled by PAS in 2020, by month appointed and gender. [20066/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is an independent, statutory body which provides professional recruitment and selection services to the civil and public service.
The information requested is set out in the following table and includes all assignments made by PAS across the civil and public service:
|
Month |
Male |
Female |
Not Disclosed |
Grand Total |
|
January |
216 |
294 |
1 |
511 |
|
February |
261 |
311 |
2 |
574 |
|
March |
162 |
231 |
2 |
395 |
|
April |
91 |
118 |
5 |
214 |
|
May |
100 |
140 |
2 |
242 |
|
June |
97 |
161 |
1 |
259 |
|
July |
89 |
176 |
0 |
265 |
|
Total |
1,016 |
1,431 |
13 |
2,460 |
382. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the implementation and funding of the eastern CFRAM study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20221/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key outcome of the Eastern CFRAM Study was the publication of four Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs), which set out proposed measures, both structural and non-structural, to address the most significant areas of flood risk in the main river catchments in the Eastern region. The principal element in the Plans was the identification of 17 new flood relief schemes, in addition to those 13 schemes (or scheme phases) already underway in the Region prior to the publication of the FRMPs.
The four FRMPs for the Eastern River Basin District cover the eastern seaboard from Drogheda, Co. Louth to just south of Arklow, Co. Wickow and the river catchments draining to it, and included the Boyne Catchment (Area 07), the Nanny-Delvin Catchment (Area 08), the Liffey Catchment (Area 09) and a number of small catchments in South Dublin and Wicklow (Area 20). These four Plans were among a total of 29 such Plans published nationally by the Government in May 2018 as the key output on the culmination of the national CFRAM Programme. To support the implementation of the 29 Plans and, specifically, the 118 new flood relief schemes they recommended, the Government has committed almost €1 billion in funding for flood risk management in the National Development Plan 2018 - 2027. As it is not possible to undertake all the recommended schemes at the one time, some 60 schemes have been prioritised nationally for implementation in the first tranche. Of the 17 new schemes proposed in the Eastern FRMPs, 7 have been included for implementation in the first tranche. The Government is committed to the implementation of all of the schemes included in the Plans within the lifetime of the NDP 2018 – 2027.
Work was already underway on progressing Flood Relief Schemes in the following areas prior to the publication of the four Eastern FRMPs:
|
Scheme |
Current Status |
|
Camac River |
Design Stage |
|
Dodder: - Phase 2 - Phase 3 (Clonskeagh Road Bridge to Orwell Road Bridge) - Whitechurch Stream |
Phase 2 – At Construction Phase 3 – Design Stage Whitechurch Stream – Design/Pre-planning Stage |
|
Dublin City (River Wad - Phase 1B) |
Design stage |
|
Poddle River Scheme |
Planning Process |
|
Malahide and Portmarnock (Strand Road) |
Appraisal stage |
|
Sandymount (Phases 1 & 2) |
Appraisal stage |
|
Skerries Mill Stream |
Design stage |
|
Arklow (Avoca River) |
Design/Pre-planning |
|
Morell River |
Construction stage |
|
Ashbourne |
Construction stage |
In addition, 17 schemes as indicated in the table below were recommended in the Eastern FRMPs announced in May 2018 – 7 of which were included in the first tranche of implementation. Since the publication of the Plans in May 2018, good progress has been made in progressing the 7 tranche 1 schemes.
|
Scheme |
Current Status |
|
Baltray |
Design Scoping underway |
|
Drogheda |
Design Scoping underway |
|
Loughlinstown |
Design consultants appointed Deansgrange phase – construction of flood storage area in Kilbogget Park to commence shortly. |
|
Naas |
Design Consultants Appointed |
|
Avoca |
Local Authority to progress as Small project |
|
Leixlip |
Local Authority to progress as Small project |
|
Mornington |
Local Authority to progress as Small project |
|
Ashford & Rathnew |
To be progressed in lifetime of NDP 2018-2027 |
|
Blessington |
To be progressed in lifetime of NDP 2018-2027 |
|
Greystones & Environs |
To be progressed in lifetime of NDP 2018-2027 |
|
Wicklow |
To be progressed in lifetime of NDP 2018-2027 |
|
Clane |
To be progressed in lifetime of NDP 2018-2027 |
|
Newbridge |
To be progressed in lifetime of NDP 2018-2027 |
|
Raheny (Santry River) - Phases II and III |
To be progressed in lifetime of NDP 2018-2027 |
|
Lucan to Chapelizod |
To be progressed in lifetime of NDP 2018-2027 |
|
Old Connaught / Wilford |
To be progressed in lifetime of NDP 2018-2027 |
|
Sutton & Howth North |
To be progressed in lifetime of NDP 2018-2027 |
While the Eastern CFRAM process investigated possible structural flood relief measures for a number of other areas in the region, economically viable schemes for these other communities were not identified, and so a review of the risk in these communities and the likely costs and benefits is to be undertaken to determine if viable schemes may be available. The OPW has put in place a process for undertaking such reviews as recommended in the FRMPs nationally, and it is envisaged that these reviews will be complete within the next 12 months. These areas include Aughrim, Kilcoole, Newcastle, Celbridge, Rush, Navan and Ratoath.
In addition to the structural measures (i.e. flood relief schemes ), the Plans also contain important non-structural measures to address flood risk and the overall implementation of the Plans is being overseen by an Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group.
A key role of the Interdepartmental Group is to carefully consider the extent of non-structural solutions that can inform the ten-year implementation strategy of the Flood Risk Management Plans. The 2009 Planning System and Flood Risk Management guidelines are informing planning decisions to prevent new properties being built in areas at risk from flooding. In 2016, the Government agreed to the establishment of a National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service to enable members of the public and local authorities take more preventative action to reduce the impact of flooding. An Implementation Plan for this service is being delivered by Met Eireann and is overseen by a Steering Group chaired by the Office of Public Works. It is a vital resource to inform future response to flood risk including how local authorities plan for and respond to flood events.
383. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of social clauses included in public procurement contracts since 2013, by year, in tabular form. [20322/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe inclusion of strategic, green and social policy considerations in procurement processes is a key feature of the Programme for Government.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, developed Circular 20/2019: Promoting the use of Environmental and Social Considerations in Public Procurement.
The Circular highlights the potential for Departments to support wider social and environmental aims through public procurement. The Circular provides a clear signal of the direction of travel towards greener public procurement. The Circular also requires Departments to incorporate relevant green procurement measures into their planning and reporting cycles, with reporting arrangements due to commence this year. The Annual Report template is due to be published by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment later this year.
Further actions taken by the Office of Government Procurement in this area include; the publication of an Information Note on Incorporating Social Considerations into Public Procurement in December 2018 and the establishment of a cross-departmental Social Considerations Advisory Group to bring together officials from policy Departments with procurement practitioners to share best practice and to facilitate the process of incorporating social and environmental considerations into public procurement.
At present, there is no capability on eTenders to centrally record the use of social considerations in procurement competitions. The next generation of EU e-Forms will have the ability to capture high level data in this area and its implementation is being considered in the context of the procurement project for replacing eTenders, currently underway.
384. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for sanctioning the engagement of and expenditure on special advisers to Ministers of State who do not attend Cabinet; if he will provide details of requests made to his Department by any Department on behalf of Ministers of State in terms of the possible appointment of special advisers to assist them in their roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20493/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware on the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil are currently awaiting Government approval.
Appointments to the position of Special Adviser are made in accordance with Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 which states that the Government may by Order, appoint Special Advisers to the Minister or Minister of State who is assigned to a Department or to a Scheduled Office provided that the number of Special Advisers shall not in the case of a Minister (other than the Taoiseach or the Tánaiste or the leader of a political party registered in the Register of Political Parties) be greater than 2, in the case of a Minister of State who regularly attends meetings of the Government be greater than 2, and in the case of any other Minster of State be greater than 1.
All appointments to the position of Special Adviser require a Government Order to be made.
At this stage no requests for sanction have been received for the appointment of Special Advisers to a Minister of State, this process will start once the Guidelines have been approved by Government and details will be published on the DPER website.
385. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Public Service 2020 strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20494/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the significant reforms in the public sector initiated by my Department since it was established in 2011 continues to deliver improved services and value for money across a range of areas. Moreover, a number of these reforms - such as the ‘build-to-share’ ICT infrastructure, progressive digitalisation of services, a streamlined and centralised Government procurement system, shared-services, as well as centralised strategic HR capability – have greatly facilitated our civil and public services in responding rapidly to the unprecedented challenges that have emerged from the Covid 19 public health emergency.
The current framework for public service reform and innovation, Our Public Service 2020 (OPS 2020) – launched at end-2017 - builds on earlier programmes of reform while expanding their scope in order to accelerate the digital delivery of public services, deliver better services to customers, drive innovation and develop our people and organisations.
Some notable examples of reform initiatives delivered under Our Public Service 2020 include:
- Transforming and driving Digital Delivery of Services, such as for example; An Garda Síochána's Active Mobility Service; Passport on-line; Library Service’s My Open Library initiative; Revenue Commissioners PAYE Modernisation programme;
-Driving the take-up of Robotic Process Automation including the establishment of Procurement Framework to enable draw down of support and expertise;
- Innovation: A pilot Innovation Fund to support Public Service innovation, launched in May 2019; establishment of a central Innovation Support Team and Innovation Studio; launch of a first Public Service wide Innovation Network and first Public-Service wide Innovation Week held on 9-13 December 2019;
- A significant strategic workforce planning initiative commenced in selected public service organisations;
- An initiative to support greater diversity and inclusion in our Public Service;
- Creation of a Public Service Leadership Board (PSLB) - at Sec Gen equivalent level- supported by the Public Service Management Group (PSMG).
Further details of these and the other reforms that continue to be delivered can be found in the first progress report on Our Public Service 2020, published last October. Information and up-dates on the full range of OPS 2020 activities can also be accessed at the website OPS2020.gov.ie.
The Department intends shortly to begin consultations on developing a successor framework to OPS2020: This vision and strategy will focus on large-scale ambitious transformation to support the delivery of better public services through enhanced: service delivery; collaboration; innovation; data and insight; and people and organisations, while embedding the key gains made in digitalisation, the use of data, a growing culture of innovation, and programme management.
386. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the programme of organisational capability reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20495/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAction 20 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan sets out the ambition to undertake a programme of regular and objective assessments of the capability of Departments to achieve their objectives. These reviews are to be forward-looking, conducted in collaboration with the Department under review and focus on the areas of Leadership, Strategy, Delivery/Implementation and overall Organisational Capability (with a focus on the corporate support areas of the Department). The reviews are also designed to propose practical recommendations/actions to develop and improve overall capability.
While the team of officials tasked with delivering this programme of work is based in my Department, responsibility regarding operational issues affecting the work of the OCRs lies with a sub-group of the Civil Service Management Board (CSMB). The reviews are conducted in collaboration with the Department under review and the process and methodology was designed by the CSMB which also has responsibility for deciding on the timing of reviews in the various Departments.
To-date reviews have been completed in 6 Departments as follows:
Transport, Tourism & Sport (2017)
Courts Service (2018)
Business, Enterprise & Innovation (2018)
Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht (2019)
Housing, Planning & Local Government (2019)
Rural & Community Development (2020)
Due to the ongoing Covid19 restrictions, I understand the CSMB is currently considering how best to manage the future programme of reviews with so many staff continuing to work remotely.
387. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the eGovernment Strategy 2017-2020 and Public Service Data Strategy 2019-2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20496/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe eGovernment Strategy 2017-20 and the 2015 Public Service ICT Strategy have both helped to progress our Digital Government agenda. The process to replace both has just been initiated by the new eGovernment Minister, Ossian Smyth. The initial consultation and exploration phase started this week and will proceed over the next few months. We are also engaged with the EU Commission and the German Presidency on a planned Berlin Declaration on Digital, which will inform our own Strategy.
The first activities of the implementation of the Public Service Data Strategy have also started, including the recruitment of a specific team.
388. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the reason the recent Estimates have not contained updated performance indicators relating to new expenditure allocations; if this will impede the work of the central expenditure policy and reporting division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20497/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra389. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for effective oversight of July stimulus funding in view of the absence of performance indicators attached to recent Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20498/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra390. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to establish oversight and conditionality measures to ensure well managed and effective expenditure of the July stimulus funding; if this will include stakeholder oversight groups at sectorial levels with involved of trade unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20499/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 388 to 390, inclusive, together.
The Revised Estimates (REV) 2020 published in December 2019 set out an overall allocation of €70.4 billion in gross voted expenditure for the year. Taking into account the additional expenditure agreed by the Dáil in relation to Covid-19 measures, the revised Government Expenditure Ceiling now stands at €79.7 billion. This includes an additional €6.8 billion for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, nearly €2 billion for the Department of Health and €483 million for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
Further to this, a number of additional measures have been announced by Government in response to the Covid-19 crisis. At the end of June, additional Covid-19 related expenditure was estimated at approximately €12 billion. This included the decision to extend the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme beyond the original end date of the schemes to August. Taking this into account, as well as the substantial package of measures included in the July Stimulus Plan and also taking into account further spending that may be required as the year progresses to support key sectors, including Education for the reopening of schools and for further and higher education, it is now estimated that the additional expenditure relating to Covid-19 in 2020 will be approximately €16.2 billion.
At this time, a number of reconfigurations of Government Departments are in progress. When work in relation to all transfers of functions and related allocations is complete, restated Estimates will be presented to the Dáil reflecting the new Departmental structures and their associated expenditure allocations. These restated Estimates will reflect decisions in relation to additional funding to respond to Covid-19, including for those measures set out in the July stimulus.
Managing expenditure within allocations is, as always, a key responsibility of every Department and Minister. As outlined above, in the last number of months, significant additional expenditure has been allocated to a number of Departments to support our citizens and our health service at this time of crisis. While we find ourselves in an unprecedented situation with regard to Covid-19, all of the usual measures remain in place in relation to the sanctioning and management of expenditure with regular reporting on spending by Departments. This applies to all voted expenditure, including that set out in the July stimulus plan.
Looking at the Department of Health, a key Department in the response to Covid-19, a number of processes have been put in place or adapted in order to facilitate timely and appropriate allocation of additional resources in a streamlined manner. In the context of the prevalence of time-sensitive requests for procurement expenditure on items such as PPE, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform agreed a streamlined sanction process with the Department of Health, in which expenditure items falling under the Covid-19 National Action Plan would be dealt with as a matter of urgency within the usual sanctioning processes.
Health Budget Oversight Group meetings are an oversight forum attended by senior officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Health and the HSE. In normal times these serve as an early warning mechanism to alert the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform of potential spend overruns and related issues. Previously held on a monthly basis, in the context of Covid-19 the Group now meets remotely on a weekly basis and its meetings consider COVID-19 related expenditure in detail.
The Health Service Executive reports to the Department of Health on Covid-19 related expenditure, with this expenditure then subsequently being reviewed by the Health Budget Oversight Group, which is chaired by an official in my Department.
In relation to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, which has been allocated substantial additional resources in response to Covid-19, new specific subheads were created for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS). This means that there is transparency around where this funding has been allocated and how it is being spent. Regular reporting is in place with detailed analysis of payment data published on a regular basis by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Revenue Commissioners in regard to the PUP and the TWSS, respectively. The most recent update for the PUP can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/2ea1e-update-on-payments-awarded-for-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment-and-enhanced-illness-benefit/. The most recent update for the TWSS can be found here: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/number-of-taxpayers-and-returns/covid-19-wage-subsidy-scheme-statistics.aspx
Turning to performance indicators, the need for Departments to provide an immediate response to the Covid-19 crisis will have impacted on outputs in certain areas as resources were directed to respond to Covid-19. The Public Service Performance Report for 2019 was published this month. Work on the next iteration of this report will involve consideration of how to outline the impact of Covid-19 in terms of performance. The Revised Estimates Volume for 2021, due to be published in December, will also require consideration of how to deal with the impact of Covid-19 on Departmental performance and on performance indicators.
The aim of the Performance Budgeting initiative is to facilitate meaningful dialogue and engagement around how public funds are allocated and used. There are other elements of the whole-of-year budget process which aim to do this, including the National Economic Dialogue (NED). The role of the NED is to foster discussion on how to optimise available resources in the interests of all citizens, taking into account the many competing economic and social priorities within the limited available resources. This becomes ever more important in these unprecedented times. While this year’s NED has been postponed in light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the necessary containment measures introduced to address it, providing stakeholders with a forum to discuss and promote debate on key issues, reflecting on national and sectoral developments remains an important element of the budgetary process. As outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government recognises the importance of regular and open engagement with all sectors of society and that this is particularly important as we steer our way out of the pandemic, rebuild our economy and support communities that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. In particular the Programme for Government outlines that Government will:
- Establish a unit in the Department of Taoiseach to coordinate social dialogue.
- Utilise public consultations, citizens’ assemblies and strengthen current mechanisms such as the National Economic Dialogue and the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF).
- Ensure in all our engagements that the role of the Oireachtas and Government in policy formation is fully respected.
391. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a schedule of advisers, special advisers and seconded civil servants currently working in his Department, appointed and-or recruited and-or in an acting capacity; the roles and responsibilities attributed to each; and the salary scale for the role, in tabular form. [20624/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The appointment of Special Advisers is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil, which incorporate the principles of section 11 of the PMSA Act, are currently awaiting Government approval.
The appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. At this stage, no Special Advisers have been formally appointed to my Department by the Government.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that I have assigned one person to date to work with me as Special Adviser and that person will be formally appointed by the Government once the Guidelines have been approved.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform must be notified of the rate of salary to be paid in all cases for Special Advisers. These rates will then be published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
No civil servants have been seconded to Special Adviser posts in my Department since the formation of the government.
392. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of special advisers employed in each Department; and the annual salary of each special adviser, in tabular form. [20718/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, on the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil are currently awaiting Government approval.
Appointments to the position of Special Adviser are made in accordance with Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. All appointments to the position of Special Adviser require a Government Order to be made.
Special Advisers to Ministers and Ministers of State who regularly attend Cabinet are to be placed on the Principal Officer (Standard) PPC scale: currently €87,325 - €101,114.
At this stage no appointments to the role of Special Adviser have been formally made by members of the Government, this process will start once the Guidelines have been approved by Government and details will be published on the DPER website. by the Government once the Guidelines have been approved.
393. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of special advisers employed during the 32nd Dáil in each Department; the annual salary of each special adviser; and the cost of spending on special advisers, in tabular form. [20719/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table sets out details of the Special Advisers appointed to Ministers and Ministers of State for the 32nd Dáil and the annual salary of each special adviser.
Special Advisers 32nd Dail
|
Department |
Minister/Minister of State |
Adviser |
Appointed |
Sanctioned Pay Rate |
Relevant Payscale |
Information |
|
Aine Kilroy |
14/06/2017 |
€87,258 |
PO Standard non PPC |
|||
|
Michael Creed |
Jonathan Hoare |
06/05/2016 |
€79,401 |
PO Standard |
||
|
Agriculture, Food & the Marine |
MoS Andrew Doyle |
Avril Cronin |
02/10/2018 |
€66,495 |
AP Standard |
|
|
John Keogh |
08/01/2018 |
€91,943 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
Josepha Madigan |
Cian Connaughton |
01/02/2018 |
€88,471 |
PO Standard |
|
|
Attorney General |
Seamus Wolfe |
Ian Fahey |
14/06/2017 |
€81,767 |
PO Standard |
|
|
Patricia Ryan |
14/06/2017 |
€85,750 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Children & Youth Affairs |
Katherine Zappone |
Sinead Fennell |
09/07/2019 |
€85,823 |
PO Standard |
|
|
Sarah O'Neill |
16/10/2018 |
€85,012 |
PO Standard non PPC |
|||
|
Richard Bruton |
Patrick Clusky |
16/10/2018 |
€88,345 |
PO Standard non PPC |
||
|
Communications, Climate Action and Environment |
MoS Sean Canney |
Robert Hughes |
07/01/2019 |
€85,823 |
PO Standard |
Departments of Communications, Climate Action & Environment and Rural & Community Development |
|
Ed Carthy |
17/10/2018 |
€85,823 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Joe McHugh |
Mark O'Doherty |
17/10/2018 |
€94,535 |
PO Standard non PPC |
||
|
MoS John Halligan reappointed |
Anthony McFeely |
29/06/2019 |
€66,495 |
AP Standard |
||
|
Roy Dooney |
14/06/2017 |
€94,521 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Education & Skills |
MoS Mary Mitchell O'Connor |
Lynda McQuaid |
25/07/2017 |
€94,521 |
PO Standard |
|
|
Daniel Rowan |
14/08/2017 |
€81,767 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Rural & Community Development |
Michael Ring |
Padraig Hughes |
11/06/2018 |
€93,599 |
PO Standard Non PPC |
|
|
Jack O'Donnell |
14/06/2017 |
€81,767 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Housing, Planning & Local Government |
Eoghan Murphy |
Paul Melia |
07/02/2019 |
€99,375 |
PO Standard |
|
|
Caitríona Fitzpatrick |
15/06/2017 |
€78,670 |
PO Standard non PPC |
|||
|
Matt Lynch |
04/12/2017 |
€88,471 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Chris Donoghue |
04/12/2017 |
€98,391 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Simon Coveney |
Laura McGonigle |
22/07/2019 |
€92,862 |
PO Standard |
||
|
Tanaiste & Foreign Affairs & Trade |
MoS Helen McEntee |
Paul Fox |
04/09/2017 |
€65,093 |
AP Standard |
|
|
Joanne Lonergan |
14/06/2017 |
€87,258 |
PO Standard non PPC |
|||
|
Simon Harris |
Sarah Bardon |
20/09/2018 |
€84,973 |
PO Standard |
||
|
Gerry Maguirre |
14/06/2017 |
€75,647 |
PO Standard non PPC |
|||
|
MoS Finian McGrath |
Damien O'Farrell |
14/06/2017 |
€79,401 |
PO Standard |
||
|
MoS Jim Daly |
Darren Hourihan |
07/09/2017 |
€73,846 |
AP Standard |
||
|
Health |
MoS Catherine Byrne |
Nicola Clavin |
01/05/2018 |
€65,837 |
AP Standard |
|
|
Pauric McPhillips |
14/06/2017 |
€85,091 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Business, Enterprise & Innovation |
Heather Humphreys |
Lucy Moylan |
18/09/2017 |
€81,767 |
PO Standard |
|
|
Sean Kavanagh |
15/06/2017 |
€85,091 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Justice & Equality |
Charlie Flanagan |
Caroline Murphy |
10/04/2018 |
€91,943 |
PO Standard |
|
|
Deborah Sweeney |
15/06/2017 |
€88,392 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Paschal Donohoe |
Ed Brophy |
12/02/2018 |
€98,391 |
PO Standard |
||
|
MoS Kevin 'Boxer' Moran |
Eugene Deering |
03/06/2017 |
€65,000 |
AP Standard |
||
|
Finance/Public Expenditure & Reform |
MoS Michael D'Arcy |
Caroline Hofman |
04/06/2019 |
€66,495 |
AP Standard |
|
|
Denise Duffy |
14/06/2017 |
€81,767 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Employment Affairs and Social Protection |
Regina Doherty |
Alex Connolly |
01/10/2018 |
€107,109 |
On Secondment from Failte Ireland |
|
|
Angela Flanagan |
14/06/2017 |
€105,000 |
PO Standard (Off Scale) |
|||
|
Brian Murphy |
14/06/2017 |
€157,433 |
Deputy Secretary |
|||
|
John Carroll |
05/07/2017 |
€128,682 |
Assistant Secretary |
|||
|
Philip O'Callaghan |
14/06/2017 |
€81,767 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Patrick Geoghegan |
14/06/2017 |
Assistant Secretary |
||||
|
Jim D'Arcy |
04/09/2017 |
€74,498 |
AP Higher |
|||
|
Taoiseach and Defence |
Leo Varadkar |
Claire Mungovan |
30/01/2018 |
€88,471 |
PO Standard |
|
|
Tony Williams |
14/06/2017 |
€94,521 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Independent Alliance |
Donal Geoghegan |
14/06/2017 |
€94,521 |
PO Standard |
||
|
Peter Harper |
16/10/2018 |
€85,823 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Chief Whip |
Sean Kyne |
Peter Feeney |
16/10/2018 |
€85,823 |
Po Standard |
|
|
Niall O'Connor |
29/01/2018 |
€84,973 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Defence/Taoiseach |
MoS Paul Kehoe |
John Coughlan |
14/06/2017 |
€79,401 |
PO Standard |
|
|
Aisling Dunne |
15/06/2017 |
€79,401 |
PO Standard |
|||
|
Richard Moore |
01/07/2019 |
€85,823 |
PO Standard |
Covering Sick Leave |
||
|
Transport, Tourism & Sport |
Shane Ross |
Carol Hunt |
15/06/2017 |
€79,401 |
PO Standard |
The salary rates listed are those sanctioned at appointment. Annual increments may have been awarded.
394. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of special advisers employed during the 31st Dáil in each Department; the annual salary of each special adviser; and the cost of spending on special advisers, in tabular form. [20720/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table sets out details of the Special Advisers appointed to Ministers and Ministers of State for the 31st Dáil.
List of Special Advisers - 31st Dáil
|
Department |
Minister/Minister of State |
Name of Adviser |
Sanctioned Pay Rate |
Relevant Payscale |
|
Simon Coveney |
Aine Kilroy |
€80,051 |
PO |
|
|
Agriculture Fisheries and Food |
Caitriona Fitzpatrick |
€75,647 |
PO |
|
|
Heather Humphreys |
Lorraine Hall |
€75,647 |
PO |
|
|
Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht Affairs |
Sarah Meade |
€79,401 |
PO |
|
|
Attorney General |
Máire Whelan |
Sinead McCarthy |
€75,647 |
PO |
|
James Reilly |
Mark Costigan |
€87,258 |
PO |
|
|
Children & Youth Affairs |
Camile Loftus |
€75,647 |
PO |
|
|
Alex White |
Madeline Mulrennan |
€79,401 |
PO |
|
|
Communications,Energy & Natural Resources |
Bernard Harbor |
€91,624 |
PO |
|
|
Defence/Taoiseach/Chief Whip |
Paul Kehoe |
Mark O'Doherty |
€80,051 |
PO |
|
Jan O'Sullivan |
Neil Ward |
€75,647 |
PO |
|
|
Education & Skills |
Paul Daly |
€80,337 |
PO |
|
|
Alan Kelly |
James McGrath |
€75,647 |
PO |
|
|
Environment, Community & Local Government |
Liam Cahill |
€85,750 |
PO |
|
|
Michael Noonan |
Mary Kenny |
€83,337 |
PO |
|
|
Finance |
Paul Bolger |
€75,647 |
PO |
|
|
Charlie Flanagan |
Sarah Kavanagh |
€79,401 |
PO |
|
|
Susie O’Connor |
€79,401 |
PO |
||
|
Foreign Affairs & Trade |
MoS Dara Murphy |
Conor Gouldsbury |
€61,966 |
AP |
|
Leo Varadkar |
Brian Murphy |
€99,370 |
Approved Rate |
|
|
Health |
Dominic Miller |
€84,706 |
PO |
|
|
MoS Kathleen Lynch |
Patricia Ryan |
€65,000 |
AP |
|
|
Richard Bruton |
Conor Quinn |
€80,051 |
PO |
|
|
Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation |
Ciaran Conlon |
€127,000 |
Approved Rate |
|
|
Minister of State (SJ) |
Ged Nash |
Finbar O'Malley |
€87,258 |
PO |
|
Deirdre Grant |
€84,706 |
PO |
||
|
Frances Fitzgerald |
Niamh Connolly * |
€43,629 |
PO |
|
|
Marrion Mannion |
€84,706 |
PO |
||
|
Justice & Equality |
William Lavelle * |
€40,838 |
PO |
|
|
Brendan Howlin |
Anne Byrne |
€83,337 |
PO |
|
|
Public Expenditure & Reform |
Rónán O'Brien |
€114,000 |
Approved Rate |
|
|
Tánaiste Joan Burton |
Ed Brophy |
€144,550 |
Deputy Secretary |
|
|
Terry Quinn |
€114,224 |
Approved Rate |
||
|
Claire Power |
€79,401 |
PO |
||
|
Karen O'Connell |
€75,647 |
PO |
||
|
Tánaiste & Social Protection |
Paul O'Brien |
€80,051 |
PO |
|
|
Enda Kenny |
Mark Kennelly |
€168,000 |
Dep Sec |
|
|
Andrew McDowell |
€168,000 |
Dep Sec |
||
|
Paul O'Brien |
€80,051 |
PO |
||
|
Taoiseach |
Angela Flanagan |
€80,051 |
PO |
|
|
Paschal Donohoe |
Deborah Sweeney |
€75,647 |
PO |
|
|
Transport, Tourism & Sport |
Stephen Lynam |
€79,401 |
PO |
* Niamh Connolly and William Lavelle operate on a half/half work sharing basis.
The salary rates listed are those sanctioned at appointment. Annual increments may have been awarded.
395. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of special advisers employed during the 30th Dáil in each Department; the annual salary of each special adviser; and the cost of spending on special advisers, in tabular form. [20721/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table sets out details of the Special Advisers appointed to Ministers and Ministers of State for the 30th Dáil.
List of Special Advisors as at October 2010
|
Department |
Minister/Minister of States' Name |
Name of Special Adviser |
Salary Details € |
Salary Scale and Point |
|
Educ & Sc |
Mary Coughlan |
Dermot Murphy |
€92,672 |
Principal Officer |
|
Michael Shovlin |
€92,853 |
Principal Officer |
||
|
Sean Perry (Press Adviser) |
€80,051 |
Principal Officer |
||
|
Social Protection |
Éamon Ó Cuív |
Pádraig Ó hUigínn (Spec. Advisor) |
€92,672 |
Principal Officer |
|
Michelle Hoctor (Special Media Advisor) |
€86,604 |
Principal Officer |
||
|
D/SFA up to 23 March 2010 |
Mary Hanafin |
Averil Power |
€92,672 |
Principal Officer |
|
Finance |
Brian Lenihan |
Cathy Herbert |
€99,236 |
Principal Officer Higher Scale |
|
Alan Ahearne |
€131,308 |
Lecturer in NUI Galway (on secondment) |
||
|
JELR |
Dermot Ahern |
Ciarán Ó Cuinn |
€95,550 |
Principal Officer Higher Scale |
|
Richard Moore |
€95,550 |
Principal Officer Higher Scale |
||
|
Enterprise, Trade & I |
Batt O'Keeffe |
Bernard Mallee |
€86,604 |
Principal Officer |
|
Deirdre McDonnell |
€99,236 |
Principal Officer Higher Scale |
||
|
CE&GA |
Pat Carey |
John Regan |
€80,051 |
Principal Officer |
|
Seán Tadhg Ó Gairbhí |
€80,051 |
Principal Officer |
||
|
Mary White (Minister of State) |
Stephen Dineen |
€66,519 |
Modified AP standard scale |
|
|
Tranport |
Noel Dempsey |
James Fegan |
€99,236 |
Principal Officer Higher scale |
|
Olive Stephens (Press Adviser) |
€92,672 |
Principal Officer |
||
|
Sean Fitzpatrick (temporary Maternity Leave cover to 3 Aug 2010) |
€61,966 |
Principal Officer |
||
|
Ciarán Cuffe (Minister of State) |
Stiofán Nutty |
€96,295 |
Principal Officer Higher Scale |
|
|
CENR |
Eamon Ryan |
Stephen O'Connor |
€99,236 |
Principal Officer Higher Scale |
|
Brid McGrath |
€89,898 |
Principal Officer |
||
|
Conor Lenihan |
Suzanne Duke |
€89,898 |
Principal Officer |
|
|
Defence |
Tony Killeen |
Declan Ryan |
€92,672 |
Principal Officer |
|
Derval Monaghan |
€77,710 |
Existing salary plus 10% attraction allowance |
||
|
Hlth & Child |
Mary Harney |
Patricia Ryan |
€138,655 |
Off-Point of A/Sec Non-PPC scale |
|
Derek Cunningham |
€112,646 |
Fixed Salary |
||
|
Barry Andrews |
Liam Cullen |
€99,236 |
Principal Officer Higher |
|
|
Foreign Affairs |
Micheál Martin |
Christopher Mannion |
€102,190 |
Principal Officer |
|
Tim Conlon |
€84,132 |
Principal Officer - on secondment from HEA |
||
|
Dick Roche |
David Grant |
€92,672 |
Principal Officer |
|
|
Peter Power |
Jerry O'Connor |
€89,869 |
Principal Officer |
|
|
Agric., Fish & Food |
Brendan Smith |
Philip Hannon - Media Adviser |
€92,672 |
Principal Officer |
|
Dermot Ryan - Special Adviser |
€95,500 |
Principal Officer |
||
|
Tourism, C&S |
Mary Hanafin |
Averil Power |
€92,672 |
Principal Officer |
|
Env, H&LG |
Minister John Gormley |
Ryan Meade |
€89,898 |
Principal Officer |
|
David Heay |
€89,898 |
Principal Officer |
||
|
Liam Reid |
€95,550 |
Principal Officer |
||
|
Donal Geoghegan* |
€168,000 |
Deputy Secretary |
||
|
Taoiseach |
Brian Cowen, Taoiseach |
Joe Lennon - Programme Manager |
€188,640 |
Secretary General (pre 95) |
|
Deirdre Gillane- Special Adviser |
€95,550 |
Principal Officer |
||
|
Gerry Steadman - Special Adviser |
€132,687 |
Linked with A/Sec Grade |
||
|
Brian Murphy - Special Adviser |
€132,687 |
Linked with A/Sec Grade |
||
|
Peter Clinch - Special Adviser |
€181,243 |
UCD Salary plus attraction allowance |
||
|
Minister John Curran - Chief Whip |
Padraig Slyne |
€96,295 |
Principal Officer Higher |
*Mr Geoghegan's salary is paid from the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government vote but he is
396. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Standards in Public Office Commission cannot hold investigations unless the six members are in situ and present; and the date by which the two recently retired commissioners will be replaced. [20722/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Standards in Public Office Commission is comprised of six members, and is supported by a Secretariat. The roles of Chairperson and Ordinary Member are currently vacant, and will be filled in due course in accordance with the process outlined in the Standards in Public Office Act 2001.
The Commission is responsible for the oversight and administration of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 (together known as the Ethics Acts), the Electoral Act 1997 (as amended), the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act 2014, and the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.
I am advised by the Commission that the majority of their work continues notwithstanding any vacancies that arise. The only limitation that arises in the event of vacancies on the Commission is in respect of proceeding to an investigation under section 23 of the Ethics Acts. However the Acts explicitly contemplate vacancies arising, and this enables the appointment of inquiry officers who may conduct preliminary inquiries into complaints.
The Commission is not statute-barred from progressing any other matter, including its operational and investigative responsibilities under the Electoral Act, the Regulation of Lobbying Act and the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act 2014.
397. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the payments for services or goods by his Department to a company (details supplied) since 2015. [20781/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe payments made by my Department to the named company for the period requested are outlined in the table.
|
Service Provided |
Cost |
|
|
2019 |
Catering Service |
€658.30 |
|
2020 |
Catering Service |
€571.76 |
