Written Answers Nos. 195-204
195. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current status of the OPW auction of Ballyforan Garda station, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13646/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that all surplus properties, including the former Garda station at Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon are treated in line with the disposal policy of the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The OPW policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property is to:
1. Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government Departments or the wider public sector.
1. If there is no other State use identified for a property, the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer.
1. If no State requirement is identified, or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW may consider community involvement (subject to a detailed written submission, which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer).
In line with the above policy, the OPW has sought alternative State use for the property but to-date no State requirement has been identified.
The former Garda station in Ballyforan is currently being prepared for public auction in 2022/2023.
196. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current status of the OPW lease of the former Garda stations at Knockcroghery, Tarmonbarry and Ballintober to Roscommon County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works (CPW) that the Chief State Solicitor’s Office is in the process of drafting Lease Agreements between the CPW and Roscommon County Council for the former Garda station properties at Knockcroghery, Tarmonbarry and Ballintober in County Roscommon.
197. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current status of the OPW disposal of the former Garda station at Ballymore, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13648/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe former Garda Station in Ballymoe, Co. Galway was one of the 139 Garda stations identified in An Garda Síochána’s Policing Plans for 2012/2013 as no longer required for operational purposes. The OPW’s policy with regard to closed Garda stations is as follows:
1. Identify, in the first instance, if other State Bodies, including government departments and the wider public sector has a use for the property.
2. If there is no other State use for a property the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market, if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate much needed revenue for the Exchequer.
3. If no State requirement is identified, or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW can consider community use subject to the receipt of an appropriate business case which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and provide a benefit to the wider community.
Disposal of this property was delayed to allow consideration of an approach by a Community Group to occupy this property as a licensee. To make allowance for the impacts of Covid, extended time has been given to this Group to prepare their proposal. If received, this proposal will be considered, and a decision made to either license the Group to occupy the property or prepare the property for disposal.
198. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a person (details supplied) qualifies for a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13670/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised that the individual concerned worked for a period as a non-established State Employee with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and that following his redundancy from that Office he retained an entitlement to a preserved pension in respect of his service. However, he sadly passed away prior to reaching preserved pension age, when this pension would have become payable.
While the civil service pension scheme of which he was a member provides for pension upon death for a legal spouse and eligible children, these benefits are limited to those beneficiaries. As a result, no pension benefits will be payable in this case based on the application of scheme rules.
I understand that the OPW issued correspondence advising the individual's family of the above on 23 February 2022 in order to fully inform them of the position.
199. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the response of his Department to the Ukrainian war crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13728/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe invasion of Ukraine has had tragic humanitarian consequences, the full impact of which are continuing to unfold and Ireland, with our EU and other partners, is committed to taking action to help Ukraine and its people.
My Department is currently working with other Government Departments in respect of estimating potential resources that may be required to address the refugee crisis and the impacts on public expenditure. A team has been established within my Department to coordinate this input to Government planning and Ireland’s overall response. The Secretary General will participate in the weekly meetings of Secretaries General of Government Departments, which will monitor developments and coordinate necessary actions, and provide weekly reports to Government.
The effects of the conflict and the sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus are being kept under close review, both in terms of the overall fiscal impacts and for key areas under the remit of my Department.
The Office of Government Procurement in my Department is monitoring the implications of war in the region for supply chain constraints and inflationary pressures. Russia and Ukraine are significant suppliers of natural resources and raw materials, with potential sustained impacts on energy, production and distribution costs, in addition to potential impacts on supply.
Further, the Office of the Government Information Officer (OGCIO) has worked very closely with the National Cyber Security Centre to strengthen the public service protection against cyber-attacks. These activities include:
- Running a programme of education and issuing regular reminders to staff;
- Producing and advising on new baseline security standards for public service bodies;
- Implementing additional protection on Government Networks;
- Implementing additional protection on our shared infrastructure;
- Increased blocking of categories of email attachments that are deemed a security risk;
- Increased blocking of web traffic that are deemed a security risk;
- Regular meetings with our supply chain and key partners;
- Reviewing our contingency plans, risk register and our mitigation strategies;
- Increasing overall monitoring in this area, including broadening this monitoring to include further threat intelligence feeds; and
- Implementing appropriate updates to controls and measures in an expedited manner.
My Department has Member State responsibility for a number of European Union funds including the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe (REACT-EU). My officials are currently engaged with the European Commission and relevant officials of other EU Member States to allow more flexible use of existing EU funds so that such funds can be allocated to measures targeted at refugees. Any such flexibilities will require change to European Union regulations and are therefore being advanced and agreed at European level.
200. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is giving active consideration to allowing a pension increase for semi-State pensioners, for example, CIÉ pensioners who have been denied their pro-rate cost of living increases since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13752/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe normal process by which pension increase proposals are advanced involves the parent Government Department under whose aegis responsibility for individual Commercial Semi State Bodies falls considering and approving any changes to pension scheme rules or discretionary benefits.
Consideration of the affordability of pension increases is an important matter for review by the key stakeholders involved in the pension schemes of the Commercial Semi State Bodies such as the parent Department, the scheme trustees and the employer.
My Department considers proposals when a fully completed set of business case and technical assessment documents are submitted in line with the standard governance requirements. This process applies to all proposals before they are brought forward for my consent.
A pension increase request relating to CIÉ pensioners has not been received by my Department. Further queries on this issue can be directed to the Minister for Transport.
201. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will reconsider the request from a group (detail supplied) for the installation of a memorial as requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13753/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2018, the Office of Public Works was very pleased to support Ms. Purcell and the World War 1 relatives in remembering those who fought in and lost their lives in the Great War through the temporary exhibition of the ‘Haunting Soldier’ statue at St. Stephen's Green Park. This was a unique and poignant piece of temporary public art which attracted significant public and media attention and resonated with a diverse population of visitors.
St. Stephen's Green Park which dates from 1635 is an important finite cultural amenity in the centre of Dublin, enjoyed by millions of visitors on an annual basis. While the site is home to many fine sculptures and monuments commemorating important periods and figures in Irish History, it is at capacity and no new sculptures or memorials have been permitted in the last 10 years. Temporary exhibitions and installations are however, permitted from time to time in the Green. In caring for St. Stephen’s Green, the Office of Public Works aims to present this historic, cultural and tourist attraction to the highest international standards while maintaining the balance between cultural features such as memorials and statuary and the designed landscape and horticultural elements.
I must emphasise that, from the State's perspective, the Irish National War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge are the premier national location of remembrance, dedicated to those who both fought and lost their lives in the Great War. For decades, the State has invested in the conservation and refurbishment of these gardens and continues to invest on an annual basis in staffing and conservation to ensure this memorial site is presented to the highest standards. These internationally significant commemorative gardens serve as a location of contemplation and reflection for families who lost loved ones in World War I but also for those who fought and returned home.
I must also advise that the OPW has turned down other similar requests from individuals and communities for a variety of memorials or sculptural features in these national historic properties. I suggest that Ms Purcell liaise with Dublin City Council Arts Department to explore other potential locations in Dublin for this proposal.
I wish Ms Purcell well with this project.
202. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of external consultant's reports commissioned by her Department in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the cost of same; the company involved; the title and publication date of the report in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13570/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously advised the House in response to Dáil Questions No. 484 of 19th January and No. 95 of 29th September last, I am advised that no expenditure was incurred on external consultancy from my Department's Administrative Budget during the period from its establishment in June 2020 to date.
From time to time, my Department commissions experts to provide technical reports or advice on specific issues. While the providers of these services may describe themselves as consultants, their work is not classified as consultancy services and is not funded from my Department's Administrative Budget.
Details of expenditure for the years 2019 and 2020 is available in the published Appropriation Accounts in respect of Vote 33 for those years which are available here.
203. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an mbeadh sí sásta i bprionsabal deontas a chur ar fáil le haghaidh halla scoile ar oileán Gaeltachta ó tharla go bhfuil ráite ag an Aire Oideachais nach bhfuil aon mhaoiniú ag a Roinn do thionscadail dá leithéid faoi láthair; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [13684/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCuireann mo Roinn cúnamh caipitil ar fáil faoi Chlár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga na Roinne chun cabhrú le forbairt bhonneagar pobail agus teanga na Gaeltachta - lena n-áirítear oileáin Ghaeltachta.
I gcás áiseanna scoile den chineál atá luaite ag an Teachta, b'iondúil gurb í an Roinn Oideachais a dhéanfadh cúram den chineál sin cáis faoin na scéimeanna atá aici ar an gcéad dul síos.
Moltar don Teachta pé scoil oileánda atá i gceist a chur i dteagmháil le mo Roinn le go bhféadfaí comhairle a chur orthu de réir mar is gá.
204. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad é suim an deontais reáchtála a ceadaíodh do gach comharchumann agus gach comhlacht pobalbhunaithe Gaeltachta sna blianta 2021 agus 2022; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [13695/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs as an soláthar airgid a chuirtear ar fáil go bliantúil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta faoi fhómhír C7 de Vóta mo Roinne a chuirtear cúnamh ar fáil d’eagraíochtaí pobalbhunaithe agus comharchumainn Ghaeltachta. Ina thaobh sin, ní miste a mheabhrú don Teachta go bhfuil €5.750 milliún curtha ar fáil don Údarás faoin bhfómhír seo do 2022 – sin allúntas reatha breise de €1m i mbliana.
San áireamh sa gclár seo, bíonn soláthar maoinithe bhliantúil d’fhochuideachtaí na heagraíochta Muintearas CTR, Ealaín (na Gaeltachta) CTR agus do Chomhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta CTR chomh maith le deontais reáchtála na gcomharchumann agus na n-eagraíochtaí forbartha pobail.
Léirítear sa tábla a leanas an briseadh síos ar an soláthar a ceadaíodh do gach comharchumann agus comhlacht pobalbhunaithe Gaeltachta sna blianta 2021 agus 2022, dar leis an Údarás:
|
Ainm an Eagrais |
Soláthar 2021 |
Soláthar 2022 |
|
Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach Teo., |
€81,820.00 |
€95,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann Mhic Dara, |
€87,230.00 |
€107,000.00 |
|
Comhar Chuigéal (Leitir Mealláin) Teo., |
€56,200.00 |
€76,000.00 |
|
Forbairt Chonamara Láir Teo., |
€85,300.00 |
€101,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Árann, |
€136,210.00 |
€152,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann Sliogéisc Chonamara Teo., |
€40,000.00 |
€50,000.00 |
|
Forbairt Pobail Mhaigh Cuilinn, |
€56,650.00 |
€63,000.00 |
|
Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin, |
€117,580.00 |
€136,000.00 |
|
Comhlacht Forbartha an Spidéil CTR., |
€56,350.00 |
€56,350.00 |
|
Comharchumann Sailearna Teo., |
€86,520.00 |
€97,000.00 |
|
Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán Teo., |
€82,250.00 |
€98,000.00 |
|
Comhar Caomhán Teo., |
€116,230.00 |
€136,000.00 |
|
Coiste Cultúir Teanga agus Forbartha Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, |
€70,250.00 |
€81,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile Teo., |
€78,530.00 |
€92,000.00 |
|
Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla CFTR, |
€91,410.00 |
€98,500.00 |
|
Comhar Dhún Chaocháin Teo., |
€57,320.00 |
€67,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann Ráth Chairn, |
€83,156.00 |
€98,000.00 |
|
Forbairt Eachla CTR, |
€59,960.00 |
€59,960.00 |
|
Céim Aniar Teo, |
€73,320.00 |
€82,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair Teo., |
€84,970.00 |
€101,000.00 |
|
Pobal Eascarrach CTR, |
€61,940.00 |
€79,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór CTR, |
€122,640.00 |
€137,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann Thoraí Teo., |
€121,140.00 |
€135,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann na nOileán Beag, |
€41,220.00 |
€52,000.00 |
|
Lár Chomhairle Paróiste Ghleann Cholm Cille, |
€66,210.00 |
€77,000.00 |
|
Comhar Fhánada & Ghleann Bhairr CTR |
€42,000.00 |
€50,000.00 |
|
CDP na Rosann CTR |
€72,500.00 |
€77,500.00 |
|
Pobail le Chéile CDP CTR |
€72,500.00 |
€77,500.00 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne Teo., |
€102,300.00 |
€118,000.00 |
|
Comhchoiste Ghaeltachtaí Chiarraí Theas CFTR, |
€111,400.00 |
€92,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha an Leith Triúigh Teo., |
€81,800.00 |
€91,000.00 |
|
Forbairt na Dromoda Teo., |
€71,220.00 |
€81,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí Teo., |
€77,120.00 |
€93,000.00 |
|
Comharchumann Chléire Teo., |
€131,800.00 |
€141,000.00 |
|
Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise, |
€80,500.00 |
€98,190.00 |
|
Iomlán |
€2,857,546 |
€3,246,000 |
