Written Answers Nos. 44-58
44. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of plans to carry out remedial works to the railings at Carlow courthouse being managed by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Courts Service; if there is an update to tender documentation for the repair of ten sections of the railings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45071/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works Heritage Services Division has recently received a number of tenders for the repair of the railings at Carlow Courthouse. On September 16th 2021 the Conservation Procurement Unit issued both the letter of intent and results letters. A standstill period of 14 days came into effect from Friday 17th of September. The Commissioners of Public Works would hope to be in a position to issue the letter of award on or shortly after the 4nd October 2021 for the completion of remedial works to the specified sections of the Carlow Courthouse railings.
45. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he plans to change public sector procurement to make the process more accessible to small suppliers and contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45654/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Procurement is governed by EU legislation and National rules and guidelines to ensure compliance with the principles of transparency, non-discrimination and equal treatment which are key to demonstrating the State’s attainment of maximum value for money through competitive procedures. To create a level playing field for all businesses across the Single European Market, EU law sets out minimum harmonised procurement rules for all Member States.
The Government recognises the importance of the SME sector and continues to enhance the already substantial measures to support SMEs in accessing the public procurement market. The Office of Government Procurement (OGP), an office within my Department, has developed a suite of policy measures aimed at assisting SMEs to access public procurement opportunities (implemented through Circular 10/2014). These include:
- Proportionate financial capacity;
- Division of public contracts into lots;
- Provision for “consortia bidding” to assist SMEs where they would not have the relevant capability or scale;
- Proportionate insurance levels; and
- All contracts for goods and services valued above €25,000 must be advertised on eTenders.
This ensures that as many businesses and SMEs are aware of tendering opportunities as possible. The latest analysis carried out by the OGP indicates that 53% of the €4.8 billion procurement addressable expenditure analysed is with the SME sector.
The Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments including training for Irish indigenous SMEs so that they can compete for public procurement contracts in Ireland and abroad. The OGP will support the work of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in this regard.
My colleague, Minister of State, Ossian Smyth TD, who has responsibility for public procurement, chairs quarterly meetings of the SME Advisory Group with industry representative bodies Irish SME Association (ISME), Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC), Small Firms Association (SFA), Chambers Ireland, and Construction Industry Federation (CIF). The Tender Advisory Service, which was re-launched in 2018 following consultation with the SME Advisory Group, is available to assist SMEs with public procurement issues.
My Department will continue to proactively engage with business to enhance the significant measures and strategies already in place to support SME access to public procurement opportunities building on the progress to date.
46. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to review freedom of information legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45687/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and am glad to have this opportunity to provide to this House further details on the upcoming review of the Freedom of Information Act.
My Department will in the coming weeks publish a roadmap document that will set out in detail the process for the review and give detailed information on how interested stakeholders can get involved.
My firm belief is that we should be seeking to promote a collaborative approach not only to the review process, but also to “doing transparency” more broadly. We should recognise that all stakeholders, from the public sector to the media, academia, activists and interest groups, as well as individual requesters, have a role to play in delivering effective and meaningful state transparency for the Irish public, and must work together to achieve that goal.
The remit and outcomes of the review will be driven by evidence. The review will accordingly seek inputs from the broadest possible range of stakeholders throughout the process. It is planned that public consultation will take place later this year, which will largely determine the scope of the review. I would urge all interested parties to take this opportunity to make their voices heard and to define the issues that will be considered in the review.
Following the scoping consultation, my Department will prepare and publish a document setting out the issues that have been identified. This document will be published and a further consultation will take place early in the new year that will allow stakeholders the opportunity to make detailed submissions based on the themes that have been identified. These submissions will be central to the outcome of the review.
Alongside the public consultation process, my Department will undertake focused and targeted information gathering, driven by any knowledge gaps identified as the review progresses.
Two particular projects have already been identified as necessary and will commence later in the year. Firstly, a customer satisfaction survey will be undertaken to assess the attitudes of requesters and staff members of public bodies towards the FOI process. Secondly, a project that aims to assess the cost of FOI, so that we can have a clear picture of the resourcing demands that are required to operate the system as it currently stands.
In addition, the review will consider international good practice and developments and seek to take account of the transformation in the manner in which people interact with information since the 2014 Act came into force.
Finally, as a key sectoral stakeholder with a unique and unrivalled understanding of the operation of the Freedom of Information Act, my Department will consult with the Office of the Information Commissioner on an ongoing basis as the review progresses.
By the middle of next year, my Department will be in a position to prepare a report for publication setting out the findings and recommendations of the review.
49. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the CFRAM programme specifically in relation to schemes in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45568/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, detailed engineering analysis, assessment and extensive public consultation was undertaken for 300 communities throughout Ireland, including 90 coastal areas, which in 2012 were identified as being most likely to be impacted by future coastal and fluvial flooding.
One key output of the CFRAM Programme were the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP’s) that contain proposed flood relief measures - informed by costs, benefits and environmental factors - to address the flood risk in each community and nationwide.
The evidence provided by the CFRAM Programme, launched in May 2018, supports the Government’s €1bn planned investment in flood relief through the National Development Plan 2018-2027 as part of Project Ireland 2040.
As part of this, Louth County Council, working with the Office of Public Works, has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of flood relief schemes at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford / Greenore, Baltray and Ardee, all of which are in the first tranche of projects being progressed.
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Dundalk / Blackrock South includes the Ardee Flood Relief Scheme and will protect some 1,880 properties when completed.
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Drogheda and Baltray will protect some 450 properties when completed.
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Carlingford and Greenore will protect some 409 properties when completed.
While the CFRAM process investigated possible structural flood relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin, economically viable schemes for these communities were not identified, and so a review of the risk in these communities and the likely costs and benefits is to be undertaken. The Office of Public Works has put in place a process for undertaking such reviews, and it is envisaged that these reviews, including those for Annagassan and Termonfeckin, will be complete within the next 12 months.
The tender for Engineering Consultancy Services was awarded in 2020 to Binnies (formerly Black and Veatch) and Nicholas O ‘Dwyer (Joint Venture) for the Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee projects that are being progressed simultaneously.
The tender for Engineering Consultancy Services has recently been awarded to RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd for the Drogheda and Baltray projects that are also being progressed simultaneously.
The Engineering Consultancy Services tender brief for the Carlingford and Greenore scheme is currently being developed and is due to be published in the coming months.
Once consultants are appointed to progress each scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the general public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the proposals within the Scheme.
50. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expected timeframe for completion of an overflow pipe at Lough Funshinagh. [44887/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe works at Lough Funshinagh were initiated by Roscommon County Council. In response to the Deputy’s question, I have asked Roscommon County Council to contact you directly.
51. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to achieve the 20% target for remote working across the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45398/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraYou will be aware that the Government has committed in the Programme for Government to mandating public sector employers to move to 20% home and remote working.
In July, 2021, the Government approved a Policy Statement on Blended Working in the Civil Service, which was produced by my Department and agreed by the Civil Service Management Board. The Policy Statement commits the Civil Service to implementing a policy of blended working for the future that can provide flexibility to both employees and their employers in a manner that supports the continued delivery of high quality services to Government, the public and business while providing employees, where appropriate, with choice and opportunity.
Remote working in the Civil Service, post pandemic, will be facilitated on a blended basis. In this context, Officials in my Department have also been working with, and continue to work with employers across the Civil and Public Service to develop a Blended Working Policy Framework for the Civil Service with the aim of achieving the 20% target.
This Framework focuses on the longer-term approach to remote working in the sector and can assist in providing a consistent approach across the wider public sector. The Framework will be finalised over the coming months, following engagement with employee representatives. When this engagement has concluded and the Framework is agreed, it will be rolled out to all civil service organisations. The Framework will provide consistency on certain issues and inform the development of organisational blended working policies which will be tailored to meet the specific requirements of each Department/Office.
52. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has provided for the recent pay agreement with school secretaries and caretakers in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45716/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPolicy in relation to school secretaries and caretakers is a matter for the Minister for Education. The Deputy alluded to a pay agreement in his question, however, I understand that the parties remain in discussions at the WRC at this time.
55. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the planned expenditure on flood relief in Cork city over the next ten years. [45594/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has allowed for €1 billion of capital investment in Flood Risk Management over the period 2018 to 2027 as part of the National Development Plan. This allocation is to allow the OPW, in collaboration with Local Authority Delivery Partners, to continue implementation of its comprehensive programme of investment in flood relief schemes nationally. This programme currently includes over 150 projects, with eight currently at construction and a further 38 at various stages of design. The Government and I are committed to implementing the remaining projects within the timeframe of the National Development Plan, a number of which have already commenced and all of which are scheduled to be complete or underway in the lifetime of the NDP. In addition to these projects, the OPW will continue to fund Local Authorities to undertake local flood mitigation projects under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
The Office of Public Works has planned significant expenditure for flood relief works in Cork City as part of the NDP. The projects included in this expenditure profile include the main Lower Lee (Cork City) Flood Relief Scheme, as well as schemes for Blackpool, Glashaboy and Douglas/Togher, and co-funding flood defence works in Morrison’s Island.
Lower Lee and Morrison’s Island
The Lower Lee (Cork City) Flood Relief Scheme has an estimated cost of approximately €140m, including contributions to the estimated cost of approximately €12m for the Morrison’s Island scheme, which is a Cork City Council-led public realm scheme with flood defence elements part-funded by OPW.
The Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is currently at Detailed Design stage and it is intended to submit the Scheme for Confirmation to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in early 2022. While the project budget of the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme at Public Exhibition stage was €140m, significant enhancements to the proposed scheme design, resulting from engagement and submissions at Public Exhibition stage, will require this figure to be revised before the submission for Confirmation. Once the Scheme is confirmed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, and following the appointment of Contractors, the Scheme will have an anticipated construction period of 5-6 years.
Although the Morrison’s Island project is primarily a public realm project, which is being advanced by Cork City Council, it will also include the integration of flood defences in the area, and elements of its design are therefore being coordinated with the design of the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme, and co-funded by the Office of Public Works. An Bord Pleanála granted approval for the Morrison’s Island Public Realm and Flood Defence Project in June 2020. However, in August 2020, the Save Cork City (SCC) Community Association Ltd. applied for, and was granted, leave to take a Judicial Review of An Bord Pleanála’s decision to approve the project. The Judicial Review hearing took place in July 2021 and the High Court upheld the Decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant the planning permission for the proposed development, and refused a stay on the undertaking of any works pursuant to the grant of the planning permission for the proposed development. Accordingly, tender documentation for the procurement of a civil works contractor is to be finalised and issued later in 2021.
Blackpool
The Blackpool flood relief scheme has an estimated cost of €20.5m. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform confirmed the Blackpool Flood Relief Scheme in March 2021 and construction was expected to commence in 2022. However, due to ongoing Judicial Review proceedings, expenditure on the Scheme will be significantly reduced in 2022 and, subject to the outcome of Judicial Review proceedings, construction may not commence until 2023 at the earliest, which in turn may delay the substantial completion target date of 2025.
Douglas
The Douglas flood relief scheme (including Togher culvert) is being progressed by Cork County Council and Cork City Council (following boundary extension). In November 2017, planning approval was given by An Bord Pleanala for the Douglas (including Togher culvert) scheme. The scheme is being delivered in three Phases. Construction of the scheme commenced in 2019, with the first two phases now substantially complete. The construction contract was awarded for the final phase, Phase 3 - Togher Main works in summer 2021 with the scheme now at construction. The total project budget for the scheme is €28m, which will protect 231 properties. The current expenditure on the scheme is €12.9m.
The flood relief scheme will be funded from within the allocated €1 billion for flood risk management over the period of the National Development Plan 2018-2027. Provision for the cost of the Scheme is included in the Office of Public Works' multi-annual capital allocation.
Glashaboy
The Glashaboy River Flood Relief Scheme at Glanmire / Sallybrook, Cork is being progressed by Cork City Council. This scheme was confirmed on 18th January 2021 by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The twelve-week period for judicial review expired on 12th April 2021 without receipt of any objections. The procurement to appoint the civil works contractor for this scheme is being progressed. I am advised by Cork City Council, as the contracting authority for this flood relief scheme, that it expects to invite tenders for this civil work contract within the coming weeks. The scheme will provide protection to 103 properties with an estimated total project of €13.9m. The current expenditure on the scheme is €2.7m.
The flood relief scheme is being funded from the Government’s €1 billion investment for flood risk management over the period of the National Development Plan 2018-2027, as part of Project Ireland 2040. Provision for the cost of the Scheme is included in the Office of Public Works' multi-annual capital allocation.
56. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the work underway to introduce blended working into the Civil Service in a way that provides flexibility for workers whilst maintaining customer service levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45402/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraYou will be aware that the Government has committed in the Programme for Government to mandating public sector employers to move to 20% home and remote working.
In July, 2021 the Government approved a Policy Statement on Blended Working in the Civil Service, which was produced by my Department and agreed by the Civil Service Management Board. The Policy Statement commits the Civil Service to implementing a policy of blended working for the future that can provide flexibility to both employees and their employers in a manner that supports the continued delivery of high quality services to Government, the public and business while providing employees, where appropriate, with choice and opportunity.
Remote working in the Civil Service, post pandemic, will be facilitated on a blended basis. In this context, Officials in my Department have been working with, and continue to work with employers across the Civil and Public Service to develop a Blended Working Policy Framework for the Civil Service. This Framework focuses on the longer-term approach to remote working in the sector and can assist in providing a consistent approach across the wider public sector. The primary Principle set out in the Framework is that blended working must support the business needs of the Organisation. Blended working presents an opportunity to meet business needs in a new way of working; to enhance service delivery; underpin business continuity; and improve the performance of organisations, provided the role being performed is suitable to be carried out remotely.
The Framework will be finalised over the coming months, following engagement with employee representatives. When this engagement has concluded and the Framework is agreed, it will be rolled out to all civil service organisations. The Framework will provide consistency on certain issues and inform the development of organisational blended working policies which will be tailored to meet the specific requirements of each Department/Office.
57. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if will review the efficacy of the Public Appointment Services in view of both the protracted appointment of the Shannon Group chairperson which has taken 13 months to date coupled with another fact (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45426/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a Government decision in 2014 in relation to reforms to the State Boards appointments process, appointments have been advertised openly on the State Boards portal www.stateboards.ie, which is operated by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
Appointments should meet specific and detailed criteria which are determined by the relevant Minister as necessary for the effective performance of the relevant role. Appointments should also be processed by way of a transparent assessment system, designed and implemented by PAS, to support the relevant Minister in making appointments to State Boards under their remit.
I believe that the PAS has played an important role in achieving greater openness in the appointments process to State Boards in recent years, and delivering increased transparency regarding the selection process. I understand that PAS has also been successful in developing a diverse and highly experienced pool of people who are willing to contribute to the assessment process as members of Assessment Panels.
While it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the details of a recruitment process which has been undertaken by PAS on behalf of another Minister, my official undertake regular governance and budgetary meetings with PAS, and I have asked them to follow up on this issue, and whether there are any lessons that can be applied into the future. More generally, I understand that since 2014 PAS has provided Ministers with names of 3,784 high calibre candidates who are suitable for appointment to State Boards.
58. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cumulative additional spending his Department has sanctioned as a consequence of the pandemic since March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45488/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponding to the impacts of Covid-19 has been a key priority for Government with significant supports put in place to respond to the pandemic. Across 2020 and 2021, Government will have made available over €31 billion for direct expenditure measures to support our people, businesses and key public services deal with the impacts of Covid-19.
Over €16½ billion was allocated during 2020 to Departments in response to Covid-19 following the onset of the pandemic.
For 2021, spending on Covid-19 related measures is currently expected to cost almost €15 billion. As outlined in the Mid-Year Expenditure Report, €10.7 billion of this amount has been allocated to Departments in Estimates voted by Dáil Éireann, with approximately €4 billion to be allocated including for measures announced in June under the Economic Recovery Plan.
Budget 2021 had set aside €12 billion for Covid-19 measures, with €6½ billion of this allocated to Departments and €5.4 billion initially set aside in reserve to allow Government respond to the evolving situation with the virus during the year. The increase in expenditure relative to the amount set aside in October last year is driven primarily by the higher than anticipated expenditure on the Covid-19 related income and employment support schemes following the resurgence of the virus in late 2020 and the decisions to extend the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment beyond the end of March. As set out in the Mid-Year Expenditure Report, it is now estimated that the cost of Covid-19 related supports provided through the Department of Social Protection will be c. €10 billion this year.
As set out in the Summer Economic Statement, inclusive of an amount of c. €0.2 billion in spending under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, €7 billion is being made available for Covid-19 related expenditure, including a contingency fund, which will allow essential public health measures to continue in key areas next year and for a phased withdrawal of supports.
