Written Answers Nos. 118-137
118. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance if the new vacant homes tax will accrue to the local authority within which the empty home is based; if not, if it will accrue to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49102/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) will share some features of the Local Property Tax (LPT) for administrative purposes. However, VHT is a separate and distinct tax with a different policy aim. The measure aims to increase the supply of homes for rent or purchase to meet demand, rather than raise revenue. Accordingly, the VHT is not expected to yield significant revenue, with estimates in the region of €3-4 million at most. Unlike LPT, which is allocated to Local Authorities, the revenue raised from VHT will accrue to the Exchequer.
Likewise, while VHT will be charged at a rate equal to three times the property’s existing base LPT liability, the charge is unaffected by the Local Adjustment Factor (LAF) which is set by Local Authorities.
119. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if all his Department’s buildings have recycling arrangements in place; if not, the steps that are being taken to ensure that the recycling of workplace waste is facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49550/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that all buildings occupied by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have recycling arrangements in place. This arrangement has been in place for many years now.
Each office within the occupied buildings are supplied with at least one recycling bin, which are collected regularly and emptied into larger commercial ‘green’ bins. These commercial ‘green’ bins are collected regularly by the approved contractor.
I can also confirm to the Deputy that all buildings occupied by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have a composting arrangement in place. This arrangement has been in place since 2020. Each canteen and tea/coffee station within the occupied buildings have been supplied with a compostable ‘brown’ bin. These ‘brown’ bins are emptied every evening into larger commercial compostable ‘brown’ bins. These commercial ‘brown’ bins are collected regularly by the approved contractor.
120. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the BER rating of all Government department buildings in tabular form; the date each was last assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49100/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank you for your query relating to the BER ratings and the subsequent clarification provided:
"To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Display Energy Certificate energy rating of all Government department buildings that have been assessed, in tabular form; the date each was last assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. "
The table attached, shows the office buildings managed by the Office of Public Works (owned and leased) which are occupied by the various Government Departments and agencies, the Display Energy Certificate energy rating (where available) and the date each renewal was last completed.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has demonstrated significant success with regard to energy efficiency in its portfolio of buildings over many years. The bulk of the savings have been achieved through a large scale staff energy awareness campaign (Optimising Power @ Work). Launched in 2008 the campaign operates in over 275 large Central Government buildings (this covers approximately 80% of the energy usage in the OPW portfolio). Average energy savings of over 25% have been achieved through this initiative.
Since 2017, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communication (DECC) through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) have provided significant funding for energy efficiency retrofit projects in central government buildings. The programme is a joint venture between DECC/SEAI and OPW. The energy retrofits carried out, mainly comprised lighting, heating and controls systems upgrades. To date the OPW have completed approximately 120 projects through this initiative.
The OPW is currently collaborating with SEAI to deliver a “Building Retrofit Pathfinder Programme” with overall funding of (€30M). The shared objectives of SEAI and OPW is to develop a scalable model for energy management and retrofit investment in OPW’s building stock in the achievement of national policy targets. The Parties are planning to implement an initiative in a selection of OPW managed buildings in 2022-2024 to build an evidence base and to grow scale for a larger national programme. The complete approach to energy retrofit will look at a wide range of measure including; insulation improvements, air tightness upgrades, window and door upgrades, the removal of fossil fuel heating systems (i.e. heat pumps etc.), photovoltaic panel installations, LED lighting upgrades and other M&E upgrades. The energy standard that will be required in these projects will be to achieve a minimum BER B after the energy retrofit works are complete.
Despite an ageing office portfolio, OPW will continuously upgrade and refurbish its buildings with a view to progressively achieving increased energy efficiency and sustainability.
121. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has any contracts with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49171/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra132. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of any contracts or services procured by his Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49003/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 132 together.
I wish to advise the Deputies that my Department has no direct or subcontracted contracts in place with the named supplier. This is also the case for the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) in my Department. The Deputy may wish to note that the OGP have advised me that the named supplier is on the OGP’s Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for the Provision of Security Services.
122. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 275 of 22 March 2022, when works will resume at a facility (details supplied) in County Cork under the ownership of the OPW; if he will provide a clear timeline as to when works will be completed; if there will be public access to the structure itself when the works will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48672/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinor works are being undertaken within the interior of Conna Castle and the Office of Public Works envisages that these works will be complete by the end of the year.
In 2019, a significant project was undertaken which involved the installation of a temporary timber lintel and corbels to the upper battlements of the castle. This temporary measure was required to secure a particular section of the battlements that had become vulnerable to stone loss. The next phase of works for Conna includes the replacement of these temporary works with stone which is currently being sourced.
In the interim, the OPW is happy to create opportunities for the local community to view, under certain conditions, the progress made at Conna Castle so far. My officials will engage with local contacts in this regard to make suitable arrangements.
123. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the visitor numbers to each visitor attraction operated by the Office of Public Works for each month to date in 2022; the number for the same period in 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48709/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2019, 2020 and 2021 visitor numbers to each heritage site managed by the OPW are shown in the table below. The visitor numbers include data from people-counters which provide data on either an annual or quarterly basis. It is, therefore, not possible to give a full breakdown of visitor numbers by month. Due to this, and other checking and audit requirements that support the veracity of OPW visitor number data, the 2022 figures are not yet available.
|
Site Name |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Altamont |
73,821 |
76,749 |
108,962 |
|
Áras an Uachtaráin |
5,440 |
879 |
0 |
|
Ardfert Cathedral |
11,815 |
2,046 |
8,594 |
|
Athenry Castle |
10,595 |
1,846 |
10,156 |
|
Askeaton Castle |
0 |
261 |
359 |
|
Aughnanure Castle |
31,519 |
1,678 |
13,961 |
|
Ballyhack Castle |
2,155 |
0 |
0 |
|
Barryscourt Castle |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Battle of the Boyne/Oldbridge Estate |
427,148 |
407,378 |
509,876 |
|
Blasket Visitor Centre |
50,331 |
33,077 |
11,067 |
|
Boyle Abbey |
7,935 |
0 |
8,325 |
|
Brú na Boinne (incl Newgrange & Knowth) |
229,338 |
20,644 |
30,119 |
|
Cahir Castle |
87,333 |
7,630 |
34,959 |
|
Carrowmore |
44,011 |
8,228 |
13,253 |
|
Casino Marino |
4,941 |
0 |
0 |
|
Castletown House & Parklands |
965,632 |
947,009 |
1,070,673 |
|
Céide Fields |
30,391 |
17,200 |
24,176 |
|
Charles Fort |
97,990 |
45,307 |
73,363 |
|
Clonmacnoise |
141,969 |
16,283 |
43,325 |
|
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre |
8,549 |
3,615 |
10,203 |
|
Custom House Visitor Centre |
0 |
0 |
2,495 |
|
Derrynane House and Parklands |
226,664 |
299,937 |
355,622 |
|
Desmond Castle, Kinsale |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Desmond Hall (Desmond Castle Newcastle West) |
12,356 |
6,129 |
19,426 |
|
Doe Castle |
31,439 |
22,740 |
28,097 |
|
Doneraile Park |
490,000 |
480,000 |
490,000 |
|
Donegal Castle |
55,310 |
1,283 |
15,645 |
|
Dublin Castle |
430,692 |
60,858 |
229,310 |
|
Dún Aonghasa |
131,273 |
38,378 |
83,892 |
|
Dungarvan Castle |
13,430 |
0 |
12,931 |
|
Dunmore Cave |
36,199 |
2,768 |
0 |
|
Durrow Abbey |
4,776 |
641 |
322 |
|
Emo Court - Parklands and House |
390,481 |
330,000 |
379,161 |
|
Ennis Friary |
14,040 |
0 |
6,058 |
|
Famine Warhouse |
1,300 |
90 |
150 |
|
Farmleigh Estate |
428,925 |
261,191 |
359,174 |
|
Ferns Castle |
8,249 |
0 |
2,410 |
|
Gallarus Castle |
101,499 |
0 |
34,077 |
|
Garinish Island |
64,919 |
35,881 |
53,120 |
|
Glebe House and Gallery |
32,257 |
10,062 |
18,491 |
|
Glendalough Visitor Centre & Monument |
732,362 |
278,590 |
318,600 |
|
Grianan of Aileach |
96,154 |
47,518 |
7,646 |
|
Hill of Tara |
208,000 |
69,822 |
182,781 |
|
Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh, Connemara |
25,134 |
4,823 |
11,075 |
|
J F Kennedy Arboretum |
128,451 |
138,866 |
143,707 |
|
Jerpoint Abbey |
23,171 |
7,740 |
13,416 |
|
Kells Priory |
43,623 |
57,071 |
57,800 |
|
Kilkenny Castle & Parklands |
905,642 |
971,082 |
900,000 |
|
Kilmacurragh, National Botanic Gardens |
71,543 |
46,178 |
105,000 |
|
Kilmainham Gaol |
404,824 |
58,524 |
37,049 |
|
Listowel Castle |
11,498 |
0 |
0 |
|
Loughcrew |
28,416 |
15,213 |
13,810 |
|
Main Guard |
9,468 |
174 |
2,598 |
|
Maynooth Castle |
21,937 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mellifont Abbey |
31,951 |
23,618 |
14,715 |
|
National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin |
684,561 |
600,070 |
640,000 |
|
Newmills Corn and Flax Mills |
3,534 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ormond Castle |
7,264 |
848 |
3,871 |
|
Parke's Castle |
17,162 |
5,108 |
15,902 |
|
Pearse Museum |
33,223 |
6,645 |
27,550 |
|
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre |
209,024 |
1,641,875 |
1,805,660 |
|
Portumna Castle |
20,777 |
24,933 |
40,919 |
|
Rathfarnham Castle |
10,705 |
3,003 |
4,552 |
|
Reginald's Tower |
29,305 |
0 |
0 |
|
Reginald's Tower - French Church |
2,524 |
0 |
0 |
|
Rock of Cashel |
361,596 |
37,631 |
103,003 |
|
Roscrea Heritage |
16,900 |
0 |
1,380 |
|
Ross Castle |
101,212 |
2,495 |
5,267 |
|
Scattery Island |
6,530 |
4,877 |
6,104 |
|
Skellig Michael |
15,616 |
0 |
12,105 |
|
Sligo Abbey |
20,965 |
0 |
0 |
|
St. Audoen's Church |
36,816 |
0 |
0 |
|
St. Mary's Church, Gowran |
2,197 |
0 |
0 |
|
Swiss Cottage |
26,447 |
2,817 |
9,277 |
|
Tintern Abbey |
23,458 |
0 |
33,957 |
|
Trim Castle |
110,840 |
46,722 |
56,315 |
|
Hore Abbey |
75,380 |
38,442 |
47,069 |
|
Dowth |
17,093 |
11,095 |
15,459 |
|
Rock of Dunamase |
42,773 |
42,793 |
47,244 |
|
Fota Arboretum & Gardens |
113,695 |
101,413 |
155,111 |
|
Blasket Island |
8,854 |
2,581 |
8,137 |
|
Arbour Hill Cemetery |
Not available |
Not available |
72,928 |
|
Grangegorman Military Cemetery |
Not available |
Not available |
24,717 |
|
Iveagh Gardens |
Not available |
247,542 |
294,428 |
|
St Stephen's Green |
Not available |
2,317,149 |
2,786,698 |
|
Irish National War Memorial Gardens |
Not available |
691,242 |
694,478 |
|
Total |
9,445,347 |
10,688,288 |
12,782,080 |
124. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the overall annual cost of managing, maintaining and staffing the total number of national monuments in State care in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48710/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is a lead agency in the areas of conservation, preservation and presentation of cultural and heritage properties and is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, operation andpresentation of National Monuments and Historic Properties in State care. There are 780 National Monuments in the care of the OPW with Visitor services provided at in excess of 70 sites either directly by OPW or in cooperation with local partners.
The overall annual cost of managing, maintaining and staffing all of the National Monuments in State care in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to 30 September 2022 is set out in the table below.
|
2022 (to 30/09/22) |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
|
20,882,365 |
24,354,907 |
24,577,504 |
26,996,615 |
125. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total revenue generated from visitor entrance fees at national monuments in State care in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48711/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total revenue generated from visitor entrance fees at heritage sites managed by the OPW in 2019, 2020, 2021 and up to 31 August in 2022 is shown in the table below. A small number of sites do not have an admission charge. In response to Covid 19, the admission charges at many sites were waived during 2020 and 2021 to support the national tourism recovery agenda.
|
Site Name |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 up to 31/08 |
|
Altamont |
€ 2,187.00 |
€ 885.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Annes Grove |
€ 12,632.00 |
|||
|
Ardfert Cathedral |
€ 14,471.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 9,181.00 |
|
Askeaton Castle |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Athenry Castle |
€ 19,816.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 14,635.00 |
|
Aughnanure Castle |
€ 97,542.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 48,833.00 |
|
Ballyhack Castle |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Battle of the Boyne |
€ 94,352.00 |
€ 5,128.00 |
€ - |
€ 4,586.00 |
|
Blasket Centre |
€ 136,082.00 |
€ 8,788.00 |
€ - |
€ 48,334.00 |
|
Boyle Abbey |
€ 17,285.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 12,361.00 |
|
Bru na Boinne |
€ 575.00 |
€ 75,611.00 |
€ 2,406.00 |
€ 774,085.00 |
|
Newgrange |
€ 53,479.00 |
€ 44,502.50 |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Knowth |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Garinish Island |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Cahir Castle |
€ 266,261.00 |
€ 10,346.00 |
€ - |
€ 165,007.00 |
|
Carrowmore |
€ 117,549.00 |
€ 84.00 |
€ - |
€ 65,463.00 |
|
Casino Marino |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Castletown Experiences |
€ 12,146.00 |
€ 735.00 |
€ 54.00 |
€ 7,507.00 |
|
Castletown House |
€ 17,285.00 |
€ 3,514.00 |
€ 650.00 |
€ 28,870.00 |
|
Céide Fields |
€ 85,292.00 |
€ 316.00 |
€ - |
€ 36,682.00 |
|
Charles Fort |
€ 310,701.00 |
€ 17,861.00 |
€ - |
€ 203,739.00 |
|
Clonmacnoise |
€ 752,386.00 |
€ 47,374.00 |
€ 10.00 |
€ 374,708.00 |
|
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Custom House Visitor Centre |
€ 4,654.00 |
|||
|
Derrynane House |
€ 67,602.00 |
€ 20,969.00 |
€ 30.00 |
€ 34,930.00 |
|
Desmond Hall |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Donegal Castle |
€ 156,590.00 |
€ 3,291.00 |
€ - |
€ 109,810.00 |
|
Doneraile Estate |
€ 39,670.00 |
€ 6,926.00 |
€ 44.00 |
€ - |
|
Dublin Castle |
€ 2,520,182.50 |
€ 343,054.50 |
€ 570.00 |
€ 1,229,878.00 |
|
Dún Aonghasa |
€ 359,467.00 |
€ 6,701.00 |
€ - |
€ 259,903.00 |
|
Dungarvan Castle |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Dunmore Cave |
€ 83,873.00 |
€ 7,129.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Emo Court |
€ 23,558.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Ennis Friary |
€ 38,820.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 22,085.00 |
|
Farmleigh |
€ 61,984.00 |
€ 1,007.00 |
€ 206.00 |
€ 20,436.00 |
|
Ferns Castle |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
French Church |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Garinish Island |
€ 229,619.00 |
€ 53,675.00 |
€ 2,829.00 |
€ 160,196.00 |
|
Glebe House and Gallery |
€ 13,329.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 8,187.00 |
|
Glendalough Visitor Centre |
€ 230,719.00 |
€ 8,148.00 |
€ - |
€ 106,644.00 |
|
Hill of Tara |
€ 23,374.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
J F Kennedy Arboretum |
€ 91,532.00 |
€ 16,559.00 |
€ - |
€ 76,445.00 |
|
Jerpoint Abbey |
€ 74,869.00 |
€ 1,531.00 |
€ - |
€ 40,109.00 |
|
Kells Priory |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Kilkenny Castle |
€ 1,564,799.00 |
€ 281,910.00 |
€ 891.00 |
€ 1,015,453.00 |
|
Kilmainham Gaol |
€ 2,089,802.00 |
€ 292,244.00 |
€ 8,248.00 |
€ 908,060.00 |
|
Listowel |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Loughcrew |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Main Guard |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Maynooth Castle |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Mellifont Abbey |
€ 6,488.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 2,304.00 |
|
National Botanic Gardens |
€ 21,695.00 |
€ 3,200.00 |
€ 56.00 |
€ 5,705.00 |
|
Newmills Corn and Flax Mills |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Ormond Castle |
€ 12,087.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 6,684.00 |
|
Parke's Castle |
€ 45,083.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 28,056.00 |
|
Pearse Museum |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Pearse's Cottage |
€ 29,098.00 |
€ 847.00 |
€ - |
€ 14,338.00 |
|
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Portumna Castle |
€ 44,525.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 39,017.00 |
|
Rathfarnham Castle |
€ 6,734.00 |
€ 926.00 |
€ - |
€ 4,194.00 |
|
Reginald's Tower |
€ 51,462.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 104.00 |
|
Rock of Cashel |
€ 1,965,468.00 |
€ 99,334.00 |
€ - |
€ 1,096,503.00 |
|
Roscrea Heritage |
€ 5,193.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Ross Castle |
€ 136,704.00 |
€ 2,068.00 |
€ - |
€ 75,977.00 |
|
Scattery Island |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Skellig Michael |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Sligo Abbey |
€ 54,452.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 132.00 |
|
St. Audoen's Church |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
St. Mary's Church, Gowran |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Swiss Cottage |
€ 56,891.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Tintern Abbey |
€ 49,811.00 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ 35,813.00 |
|
Trim Castle |
€ 215,089.00 |
€ 12,262.00 |
€ - |
€ 75,376.00 |
|
Total |
€12,367,978.50 |
€1,376,926.00 |
€ 15,994.00 |
€ 7,187,616.00 |
126. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons within his Department who are working remotely on a part-time or full-time basis in County Clare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48740/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Blended Working Policy for Staff in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was published on 31 August 2022. This Blended Working Policy provides for staff to apply to work remotely for up to 2 days per week. There is no provision in the policy for remote working on a full-time basis.
The Blended Working Application process requires staff to indicate the proposed location for blended working. To date no applications have been approved for staff to work remotely from County Clare.
127. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of recruitment campaigns that have been undertaken by the Public Appointments Service in 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of recruitment campaigns that were due to be undertaken by the Service in 2022 and which have been postponed or abandoned; if he will detail these specific campaigns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48782/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the independent, statutory body that provides professional recruitment and selection services to the civil service.
PAS has undertaken 482 campaigns in 2021 and 308 campaigns by the end of August 2022.
Once a client has supplied PAS with all of the documentation needed to run a campaign, PAS will agree a plan for the campaign, including agreeing timelines. Clients may on occasion decide to run a recruitment campaign themselves or cancel the request at that point. Once a plan has been agreed, PAS would generally not cancel or postpone a campaign, however this can occur. For example, PAS had to cancel a Consultant Cardiologist competition for St Luke's General Hospital, Carlow/Kilkenny in 2022 as the client wished to make essential changes to the Job Specification after advertisement. The new Job Specification was provided by the client and the post has since been re-advertised.
PAS will always try and respond to the needs of core clients by running all campaigns required to meet their resourcing needs and scheduling campaigns to meet urgent and unexpected needs (such as the Temporary Clerical Officer with Ukrainian Language Skills).
128. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of staff in the Public Appointments Service in each of the years 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48783/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Appointments Service (PAS) has a statutory mandate to recruit quality staff to the civil and public service, and support and facilitate the ongoing implementation of the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.
Its role is to source the highest quality candidates for positions in the Civil and Public Service; and to manage the attraction and assessment of candidates for appointment to State Boards in line with the agreed Guidelines.
2020 (December);
- Headcount = 218
- FTE = 206.57
2021 (December);
- Headcount = 232
- FTE = 220.22
2022 (Present)
- Headcount = 271
- FTE = 259.58
129. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons that visited Kilkenny Castle in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [48786/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2021, there were approximately 900,000 visitors to Kilkenny Castle and Parklands of which 141,328 were ticketed visitors to the Castle.
Provisional ticketed visitor numbers to Kilkenny Castle up to end September 2022 are 356,706. Please note that this number has not been fully audited and is subject to change. The number of visitors to the Parklands to date in 2022 is not available. (This is reported once per annum at year-end.)
130. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 451 of 8 September 2022, the name of the main contractor procured to deliver the installation of the modular units in order that building companies can express their interest to the contractor directly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48831/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth(DCEDIY) is the lead Department, with the OPW as the contracting authority managing the site preparation and the acquisition and installation of the modular units on the sites.
The rollout of the modular homes programme is classified as a ‘matter of extreme urgency’ under the EU Directive governing procurement regulations.
My Office decided to procure the Main Contract using a competitive procedure, one designed to meet the urgent requirements of this project. This procedure involved inviting main contractors, to submit a combined qualification and tender submission.The main contractor will deliver the programme of works necessary to ensure that the installation of volumetric modular units can commence before the end of the year. The main contractor will have responsibility for all site enabling works and will also be arranging for the acquisition, transportation and installation of the modular units which will have to meet the standard set by my Office. In turn the main contractor has gone out to tender for the supply of modular units for delivery towards the end of 2022 and into early 2023. This tender process is now complete and submissions are currently being assessed.
131. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will make a decision on the recommendations made in a report (details supplied) on the pay and conditions of secretarial assistants in the Houses of the Oireachtas. [48933/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, a claim by SIPTU in respect of staff employed under the Scheme for Secretarial Assistance has been under consideration at the conciliation service of the Workplace Relations Commission. The staff in question are employed in the Houses of the Oireachtas by individual TDs and Senators. It was agreed to appoint a third party to conduct an independent review of the Secretarial Assistant grade in the Oireachtas Scheme for Secretarial Assistance and, as part of the terms of reference, to formulate proposals for my consideration.
I understand that the report referred to by the Deputy was considered and noted by the Oireachtas Commission at its meeting of 14 September 2022. The report was then sent to me on 28 September by the Ceann Comhairle in his role as Chairman of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission.
I intend to give this matter a complete and thorough review, and I will need time to consider the report's contents fully. Working together with my officials I will make my decision in due course.
133. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of all the one-off cost of living measures announced as part of the €4.1 billion package; the estimated cost of each measure and the measures which will arise in 2022 or 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe expenditure side measures announced as part of the €4.1 billion winter cost of living package amount to €2.4 billion. Tax side measures make up the remaining €1.7 billion.
This €2.4 billion expenditure figure comprises a package of €2.2 billion in measures to support households, which is set out in Table 5 of the Expenditure Report, and €0.2 billion in supports for business through the Ukraine Emergency Response Scheme to be administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. These are also set out in tabular form below. These are measures that provide targeted support, towards the causes of our current inflation and to those particularly vulnerable, and that can be delivered quickly to provide timely assistance to those who might be struggling.
|
Household Package Measure |
Monetary Benefit (€) |
Exchequer Cost (€m) |
Benefit Received |
Recipients (Unless Stated) |
|
Electricity Credit 1 |
200 |
400 |
November 2022 |
All Households |
|
Electricity Credit 2 |
200 |
400 |
Jan/Feb 2023 |
All Households |
|
Electricity Credit 3 |
200 |
400 |
March/Apr 2023 |
All Households |
|
Weekly Welfare Schemes double week |
Various |
316 |
October 2022 |
1.4 – 1.5 million |
|
Fuel Allowance Lump Sum |
400 |
149 |
November 2022 |
c.370k |
|
Once-off payment of €500 to those in receipt of the Carer's Support Grant and to people on Disability Allowance, Blind Pension & Invalidity Pension |
500 |
175 |
November 2022 |
c.350k |
|
Living Alone Allowance Lump Sum |
200 |
46 |
November 2022 |
c.230k |
|
Working Family Payment Lump Sum |
500 |
23 |
November 2022 |
c. 47k |
|
Child Benefit Double Payment (per child) |
140 |
170 |
November 2022 |
c.640k families relating to c.1.2 million children |
|
Once off reduction in the student contribution fee by €1,000 for undergrads and 1/3 for Apprentices; €1,000 increase to post-graduates tuition fee contribution grant |
1,000 (1/3 for apprentices) |
106 |
Q4 2022 |
c.96k undergrads, 2.4k post grads in receipt of SUSI and circa 10k apprentices |
|
Double payments to those eligible for SUSI maintenance grants and once off payment of €500 for SFI and IRC PhD researchers |
Various |
19 |
Q4 2022 |
50k SUSI recipients, and 4k PhD students |
|
Student Assistance Fund |
Various |
8 |
Q4 2022 |
Determined by Higher Education Institutions |
|
Total Household Cost of Living Package |
2,212 |
|||
|
Enterprise Measure |
Exchequer Cost (€m) |
Intended Recipients |
||
|
Ukraine Emergency Response Scheme |
200 |
Firms faced with liquidity shortages as a result of increased energy costs |
||
|
Net Total Expenditure Once-Off Cost of Living Package Measures within the €4.1 billion figure |
2,412 |
In addition to these €2.4 billion worth of measures, €0.3 billion in funding will be provided from remaining unallocated amount in the contingency reserve to provide support for other sectors and services. Funding will be provided to Local Authorities; Schools; the Further and Higher Education sector; Health funded bodies; and the cultural, sports, community and voluntary sector. These allocations are set out in Table 7 of the Expenditure Report. Separately, a Christmas Bonus will be paid to eligible social protection payment recipients in December, also funded from expected savings.
The Exchequer cost for all these items will arise in 2022. Households will continue to see a benefit on electricity bills into 2023 as Electricity Credits totalling €400 will be applied in the new year against winter bills.
134. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of additional supplementary estimates required in 2022 following the Budget 2023 announcements; if he will provide a list of each by Department, agency or vote; the estimated amount of funds required for each Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49028/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupplementary Estimates are expected to be required following Budget 2023 announcements for a number of Votes:
- Some €0.7 billion was held in reserve in Budget 2023 for the 2022 costs of the proposed extension to Building Momentum, including related pension impact. If the extension is ratified, funding will be provided through Supplementary Estimates where it cannot be met within existing allocations. This potentially impacts all Votes with a public service pay or pensions element.
- As part of Budget 2023, Government is providing €2.2 billion worth of additional temporary, targeted cost of living expenditure supports for households. This package comprises €1.2 billion in Electricity Credits for households through the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications; €0.9 billion in additional Social Protection payments; and €0.1 billion in student supports through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
- A Christmas Bonus payment for eligible social protection recipients in December was also announced which will have a cost of €0.3 billion on the Social Protection Vote Group.
- In recognition of the unprecedented rise in energy bills being experienced across the economy, Government also made €340 million available in Budget 2023 to support: Local Authorities; Schools; the Further and Higher Education sector; Health funded bodies; and the cultural, sports, community and voluntary sector.
- A €200 million Ukraine Emergency Response Scheme through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will provide funding to help firms faced with liquidity shortages as a result of increased energy costs.
- Budget 2023 also provided €30m to the Department of Foreign Affairs for 2022 actions to provide additional humanitarian assistance towards the food security crisis in the Horn of Africa.
As is usual practice the requirement for all Supplementary Estimates will be evaluated, with potential offsetting savings considered. Supplementary Estimates for certain Departments will also reflect additional costs incurred in responding to the war in Ukraine and in providing for the response to Covid-19.
135. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on the progress of the Irish Language Network in Ennis since the approval of an Irish language plan by her Department in January 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48722/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, status as an Irish Language Network was granted to Ennis following the approval of an Irish language plan for the town in January 2020 in accordance with the provisions of the Gaeltacht Act 2012.
I officially launched this language plan on 24 September 2021; I understand that in June of this year, the lead organisation, An Clár as Gaeilge, appointed an Irish Language Officer to co-ordinate the implementation of the language plan in the town.
Under the terms of the existing arrangements in place in support of the overall language planning process, An Clár as Gaeilge - as the lead organisation in question, together with each of the other two such Irish Language Networks recognised to date under the language planning process, are entitled to annual funding of up to €80,000 to support the ongoing implementation of their respective plan over their seven-year lifecycle.
136. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of persons within her Department who are working remotely on a part-time or full-time basis in County Clare in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48744/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised my Department has received no requests from staff to work remotely either on a part-time or full-time basis in County Clare.
137. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will seek advice as to whether a local sports club (details supplied) in County Louth is eligible for supports to offset rising electricity costs for the upcoming winter months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48870/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPigeon racing is not a sport which is recognised by Sport Ireland and, accordingly, funding is not provided under the various schemes overseen by my Department or by Sport Ireland.
In relation to my Department's responsibilities, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. Applications for modifications to sports facilities to reduce energy consumption are eligible under the Programme.
The recent Budget also saw the allocation of €35 million to sports clubs and organisations to help them meet energy costs this winter. This special fund will help clubs with the cost of floodlights, heating gyms and sports halls, as well as other energy costs. Sport Ireland is working on a framework for the allocation of this funding and will communicate this through the National Governing Bodies in due course.
There are other government supports for reducing energy costs for public organisations and community groups and more information on those can be found on the website of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland at www.seai.ie.
