Written Answers Nos. 285-304
285. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces within his Department and the workplaces of public bodies and agencies under his remit, including a list of said buildings which do and do not have these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50340/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails relating to dedicated spaces for breastfeeding or expressing breast milk in work locations within my Department are as follows:
|
Building |
Rest Rooms/Rooms Available for breastfeeding/expressing breast milk |
|
South Block, Government Buildings, Dublin 2 |
0 |
|
14/16 Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2 |
0 |
|
7/9 Merrion Row, Dublin 2 |
1 |
|
1st Floor, Miesian Plaza, Baggot Street, Dublin 2 |
1 |
|
3rd & 4th Floor, St Stephen’s Green House, Dublin 2 |
1 |
|
5th Floor, 90 North Kings Street, Dublin 7 |
1 |
|
Unit 9, Jamestown Business Park, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
0 |
In line with Government policy, breastfeeding employees of my Department are entitled to paid breaks of one hour per day from work, or a reduction of one hour per day working time, to facilitate breastfeeding or lactation (Circular 31/06 Implementation of the Regulations of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 ). At present, breastfeeding or lactation breaks may continue until the child is two years of age. This hour can be broken into two 30 minute breaks or three 20 minute breaks if desired. Paid breaks from work or a reduction in working hours are calculated on a pro rata basis for staff members who are working a reduced work pattern.
The position regarding the bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out below.
The Central Bank provides facilities for nursing mothers in both city centre office locations at its Docklands campus. The Investor Compensation Company, also a body under the aegis of my Department, shares the premises with the Central Bank. There is also a Medical Room which can be used for breastfeeding mothers at the Bank’s Cash Centre in Sandyford. Furthermore, the Central Bank, in line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 2007, requires line managers of pregnant or breastfeeding women to carry out a health and safety risk assessment.
The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman operates a dedicated space, which is available to all staff who are breastfeeding and expressing breast milk, at its leased premises at Lincoln House, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2.
The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal has no employees. As such, there are no dedicated spaces in the Tribunal offices for breastfeeding and expressing breastmilk.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council offices are located in the ESRI building, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2. The ESRI, which provides office accommodation and building services on a pro rata basis and support services to the Fiscal Council, has an onsite room available to breastfeeding staff.
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) provides employees with a space for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in Treasury Dock. The NTMA assigns staff to three further bodies under the remit of my Department, namely Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI), the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). The NTMA, HBFI, NAMA and SBCI operate out of the Treasury Dock building.
The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General operates from two floors of a building at 3A Mayor Street Upper, Dublin 1 that is owned by the Central Bank and leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW). While there are no spaces dedicated solely for the purpose of breastfeeding or expressing breast milk on either of the floors occupied by the Office or in any other parts of the building, there is a welfare/medical room on the ground floor that is available for use by all tenants of the building, when required, for the purpose of breastfeeding or expressing breast milk.
While none of the buildings occupied by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has a dedicated space for breastfeeding and expressing milk, the majority of its office accommodation has a “rest room” which is made available for all staff for a variety of needs. If a rest room is unavailable, suitable alternative facilitates are made available for breastfeeding mothers. It should be noted that where they are not available, staff are accommodated with flexible working arrangements.
The Tax Appeals Commission has a dedicated restroom available to staff members which can cater for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk, if required. The Commission is located at Fitzwilliam Court, Leeson Close, Dublin 2.
286. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current status and estimated completion time for the new Garda station at Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50054/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda project for Clonmel designed by OPW has Planning Permission for some time. The Clonmel project is part of a wider PPP combining another Garda project in Macroom and the proposed new Family Courts project in Dublin. The Macroom Garda project also has Planning Permission. The Family Courts project is presently being developed with the Court Service. When approved the scheme will be submitted for planning. The projects that make up the combined Garda and Court PPP must all be at the same level of development before they can go to market. Therefore the Garda projects need the Family Court project to have Planning Permission in order to progress. It is hoped that the Family Court will be submitted to planning in Q1 2023.
287. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address the matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49768/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have over-arching responsibility for public service pension policy.
Following on from agreement with the Public Service unions (under the Public Service Agreement “Building Momentum” – A New Public Service Agreement 2021-2022 ), pay increases have been awarded to Public Servants on 1 October 2021 and 1 February 2022, with a further pay increase due on 1 October 2022.
The 1 February 2022 pay increase is based on sectoral bargaining, whereby a quantum of 1% of the relevant pay bill was allowed to resolve longstanding disputes within the sectors. Some sectors opted to resolve issues agreed between the departments and the representative bodies under certain bargaining units and some applied a general 1% increase to the cohort's of staff.
Under the extension of the Building Momentum agreement for 2022-2023, 3% is due from the 2nd of February 2022 with a further 2% in March 2023 and 1.5% or €750 whichever is greater due on 1 October 2023. These increases are applied to all public service staff.
In accordance with these agreements, all pay increases have/will be passed on to public service pensioners who are members of pre-existing public service pension schemes (non-Single Scheme).
However the responsibility for the administration and payment of these pension increases for any former employee of ETB's falls under the remit of the Department of Education. They are best placed to advise on the status of all increases due to your pension.
In relation to the reference of double payments to class A PRSI contributors with other occupational pensions, this policy falls under the remit of the Department of Social Protection who can clarify the policy surrounding the double payments.
288. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Government plans to prohibit bookmaking firms from operating bets on the National Lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50005/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince its inception in 1987, through good times and bad, the national lottery has continually provided a steady stream of funding for good causes in the areas of the arts and culture, sport and recreation and various voluntary, community and local activities.
Therefore, to help sustain the contribution of the National Lottery into the future, I commissioned Indecon to carry out a report on the current allocation of national lottery funding to and its utilisation by Departments. Among other things, Indecon was asked to: examine best practice in other jurisdictions; develop policy options to enhance the connection between national lottery sales and the allocation of funding to good causes; monitor and report on the impact of funding allocated; and identify new areas for funding allocations.
I believe that work on finalising and submitting the report is close to completion and I understand that the report will be available for my consideration in the near future. I will bring the Report to Government and publish it thereafter.
Full consideration of the report will provide a useful basis for the consideration of any legislative initiatives regarding the National Lottery.
Any legislation such as that at issue in the question would need to be compatible with EU law. Specifically, there is the challenge of addressing the issue of proportionality in justifying a complete ban on a previously legitimate and legal business activity that has been in place for years. There would be a need to show overriding reasons to justify a complete ban as a non-discriminatory and proportionate means of achieving legitimate objectives in the public interest. It seems likely that some very considerable work would be necessary to mitigate and manage any legal risks that could arise in respect of any such legislation.
The European courts seem to have been very strong in their view that raising public funds does not by itself constitute a legitimate reason for governments to take actions in regard to the rights of lottery competitors to trade. This is no small issue that would have to inform the drafting of any legislation along the lines of that suggested in the question.
The issue of any legislation that had the effect of prohibiting bookmaking firms operating betting on the National Lottery therefore needs careful assessment and analysis and will require consultation with the Attorney General.
289. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Garda stations within the Clare Garda division that were refurbished by the OPW with costs in excess of €5,000 in 2021 and to date in 2022; the nature of works that were carried out at each station; if each of these capital works project is still ongoing or completed, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50071/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the Office of Public Works has carried out refurbishment works to 3 Garda Stations in the Clare Division between January 2021 and September 2022. Details of these works are given below and included works funded by both the Office of Public Works and An Garda Síochána.
|
Station |
Description of Works |
Status |
|
Ennistymon GS |
Emergency Lighting Upgrade |
Complete |
|
Kilkee GS |
Electrical Systems Upgrade |
Complete |
|
Scariff GS |
Fire Alarm & Emergency Lighting Upgrade |
Ongoing |
290. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of qualified gas engineers employed by the OPW as of 31 December 2020 and 4 October 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50072/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW does not employ Gas Engineers. However, the OPW has access to the services of external contractors for any works relating to gas installations, all of whom are Registered Gas Installers.
291. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 270 of 4 October 2022, the engagements that he has had concerning the OPW's engagements with the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage, Kilmainham Gaol and the National Graves Association on plans to move the remains of the Invincibles from the grounds of Kilmainham Gaol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50116/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of a consent order which would be required for such a proposal, as set out in the National Monuments Acts 1930-2014, is a matter for the consideration of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the first instance. There have been no substantive engagements sought of my Department from the Commissioners of Public Works or the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on this matter.
292. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is a policy regarding the appropriate use of domestic flights in his Department and bodies under the aegis of the Department. [50120/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a dedicated Policy on all matters relating to official travel by staff of the Department and its Offices, including air travel. The Policy is framed on the relevant circulars and advice from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and reflects the general principle of achieving efficiency and value for money and minimising travel and subsistence costs. The Policy is regularly reviewed. The last such review was completed in March of this year.
In respect of the Agencies that come within my remit, they are statutorily independent in their functions and this is an operational matter for them.
293. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to someone transferring from a public service position in the Prison Service to a State owned enterprise Dublin Airport Authority, if he will confirm that there is prior recognition of service meaning that the pay grade that they enter is comparable to their previous position; if any recent changes have been made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50140/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no statutory role into the setting the terms and conditions of such employees
The terms and conditions of employment for employees of Dublin Airport Authority is determined by the terms of the State Airports Act 2004 Section 12 which states that the "A member of staff of a company shall hold his or her office or employment on such terms and conditions as the company determines".
294. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 4 October 2022, if there has been a competitive tendering process for the promotion of the proposed National Children's Science Museum; if there are any other promoters in receipt of "free of charge" licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50189/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in my response of 4 October 2022, the proposal to build an interactive children’s science museum in Dublin originated in the early 2000s. The then Taoiseach and Tánaiste requested the Office of Public Works (OPW), on behalf of the State, to undertake to provide this facility for the promoters at a State-owned site. The matter of the arbitration proceedings and the next stages of this project are as previously outlined.
295. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason that his Department will not permit public access to the swimming pool in the Garda College in Templemore, given that there is a long tradition in the town of locals and groups being able to access this very important local amenity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50242/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdditional time is needed to collate the required information. The OPW will respond to the Deputy directly on the matter.
296. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces within his Department and the workplaces of public bodies and agencies under his remit, including a list of said buildings which do and do not have these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50346/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with Government policy, breastfeeding employees of my Department are entitled to paid breaks of one hour per day from work, or a reduction of one hour per day working time, to facilitate breastfeeding or lactation (Circular 31/06 Implementation of the Regulations of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004). At present, breastfeeding or lactation breaks may continue until the child is two years of age. This hour can be broken into two 30 minute breaks or three 20 minute breaks if desired. Paid breaks from work or a reduction in working hours are calculated on a pro rata basis for staff members who are working a reduced work pattern.
The information requested by the Deputy for my Department, including the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), and the bodies under its aegis is set out in the tables below.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
|
Building |
Number of rooms Available |
|
Merrion Campus, Dublin 2 |
1 |
|
1st Floor, Miesian Plaza, Baggot Street, Dublin 2 |
1 |
|
3rd & 4th Floor, St Stephen’s Green House, Dublin 2 |
1 |
|
5th Floor, 90 North Kings Street, Dublin 7 |
1 |
|
1st Floor, Unit 2, Central Business Park, Tullamore |
1 |
|
3A Mayor Street Upper, North Wall, Dublin 1 |
0 |
Office of Government Procurement
|
Building |
Number of rooms Available |
|
Jonathan Swift Street, Trim, Co. Meath |
1 |
|
3A Mayor Street Upper, North Wall, Dublin 1 |
0 |
|
7 Eastgate Avenue, Eastgate, Little Island, Co. Cork |
0 |
|
Floor 2, Government Offices, Cranmore Road, Sligo |
0 |
|
CityGate House, Raheem Business Centre, Limerick |
0 |
Bodies under the aegis
I wish to advise the Deputy that with the exception of the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the National Shared Services Office (NSSO), all bodies under the aegis of my Department operate from one office location. The OPW manages in excess of 100 locations countrywide. While there may not be dedicated spaces in each site, a safe space can be made available at short notice.
|
Building |
Number of rooms Available |
|
|
Office of Public Works (OPW) |
Jonathan Swift Street, Trim, Co. Meath |
1 |
|
1GQ, 1 Georges Quay, Dublin 2 |
1 |
|
|
Government Buildings, Hebron Road, Kilkenny |
1 |
|
|
Main Street, Headford, Co. Galway |
1 |
|
|
Public Appointments Service (PAS) |
Chapter House, 26-30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 2 |
1 |
|
National Shared Services Office (NSSO) |
Block 5, Belfield Office Park, Dublin 4 |
1 |
|
Central Business Park , Tullamore, Co. Offaly |
1 |
|
|
New Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry |
1 |
|
|
Deerpark Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry |
1 |
|
|
Renmore, Galway |
1 |
|
|
Trinity Point, 10/11 Leinster Street South, Dublin 2 |
1 |
|
|
State Laboratory |
Backweston Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare |
1 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2 |
1 |
|
Office of the National Lottery Regulator (ORNL)* |
Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1 |
0 |
* The ORNL is a small office of 11 staff. To date, no request / requirement for such space has arisen. In the event that it arises, the Office will give favorable consideration to such request.
297. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there is a policy regarding the appropriate use of domestic flights in her Department and bodies under the aegis of the Department. [50120/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a dedicated Policy on all matters relating to official travel by staff of the Department and its Offices, including air travel. The Policy is framed on the relevant circulars and advice from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and reflects the general principle of achieving efficiency and value for money and minimising travel and subsistence costs. The Policy is regularly reviewed. The last such review was completed in March of this year.
In respect of the Agencies that come within my remit, they are statutorily independent in their functions and this is an operational matter for them.
298. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she plans to open the next round of sports capital grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49906/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 applications were submitted.
Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6 million were announced on 6 August, 2021.
The remaining capital applications were then assessed and 1,865 individual grant offers with a total value of over €143.8 million were announced on Friday 11 February 2022.
Unsuccessful applicants were able to appeal the Department's decision. The deadline for submission of capital appeals was Monday 4 April and 146 appeals were received. On foot of that process, consequent allocations amounting to €6.14 million were announced on Tuesday 31 May.
The total allocation of €150 million for capital projects, and €166.6 million for the 2020 round in total, represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. Drafting of the Review is at an advanced stage and any recommendations arising will be reflected in the terms and conditions of the next round. Following the completion of the Review, I will announce the exact timing of the next round but it is hoped to have it open for applications early in the new year.
299. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the dates in 2022 on which she spoke formally with the chief executive officer and-or chairperson of each State agency under the remit of her Department, in tabular form. [49988/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below sets out the occasions on which I spoke to the CEO and/or Chairperson of the State Agencies under my remit to date in 2022 and includes meetings which took place as part of a formal launch event or official trip.
|
Agency |
Meetings |
|
Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Development Authority) |
31/01/2022 CEO03/03/2022 CEO24/03/2022 CEO31/03/2022 CEO and Chair02/06/2022 CEO12/09/2022 CEO |
|
Tourism Ireland |
31/01/2022 CEO 13/02/2022 – 17/02/2022 Tourism Ireland UAE visit: CEO 07/04/2022 CEO and Chair12/09/2022 CEO |
|
Arts Council |
24/02/2022 Director and Chair 25/05/2022 Director and Chair22/09/2022 Director and Chair06/10/2022 Director and Chair |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
06/10/2022 Director |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
05/07/2022 Director |
|
National Archives of Ireland |
30/06/2022 Director |
|
National Concert Hall |
19/01/2022 CEO and Chair01/03/2022 CEO23/03/2022 CEO17/09/2022 CEO and Chair |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
10/03/2022 Director |
|
National Library of Ireland |
17/03/2022 Director16/06/2022 Acting Director and Chair |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
25/05/2022 Director and Chair |
|
Screen Ireland |
23/02/2022 CEO 16/05/2022 CEO04/10/2022 CEO and Chair |
|
Sport Ireland |
26/03/2022 CEO |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
04/05/2022 CEO |
|
RTÉ |
19/01/2022 Director General |
In addition to the engagements outlined above, Minister Chambers has met with the Chairs and CEOs of Sport Ireland, An Foras Teanga (Bord o'Ulster Scots and Foras na Gaeilge) and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Meetings with all bodies under the aegis of the Department are also held at official level on an ongoing basis.
300. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of full-time staff, by job title, working in the National Concert Hall as of 4 October 2022, in tabular form. [49989/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Concert Hall is funded through a combination of Exchequer funding and income generated through its commercial activities. As such, the salaries of its staff members are met from that mix of Exchequer and commercial revenues. While the information sought by the Deputy is a matter for the National Concert Hall, I can confirm that at the end of 2021, the National Concert Hall had 41 staff members.
In January of this year, Government approved the transfer of the National Symphony Orchestra and Choirs from RTÉ to the National Concert Hall with effect from 24 January 2022. Additional Exchequer funding was provided to the National Concert Hall to cover, inter alia, the full cost of the salaries of the members of the National Symphony Orchestra and ancillary staff transferring from RTÉ. At the time of transfer this was 54 musicians and 9 ancillary staff.
301. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of funding that she announced for cultural events in Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50202/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Arts and Culture programme aims to promote and develop Ireland’s world class artistic and creative strengths at home and abroad, maximising their societal and economic value for the country, and supporting the Arts, Culture and Creative sectors to continue to develop and expand. In Budget 2023, the following programmes were announced making funding available towards a wide range of cultural events both at home and abroad.
The overall allocation for Culture in my Department's Vote for 2023 is €352.382m.
I was pleased, within this allocation to retain the record €130m funding for the Arts Council in 2023 in recognition of the transformational impact of this funding and to support artists and arts organisations as we look to further develop the sector.
An additional €10m in 2023 has been provided to fund the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, a three year, €105m scheme involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers which will support each beneficiary in developing and sustaining a professional arts practice.
I have also provided a €2m increase in funding for Culture Ireland for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide.
Complementing initiatives such as the funding for the Arts Council, the Basic Income for the Arts Pilot and Culture Ireland, is €7m in additional capital funding for artists’ spaces and climate adaptation, including a new scheme, details of which will be announced shortly.
An additional €2.5m will help ensure the National Cultural Institutions continue to provide high-quality programming, to promote learning and engagement opportunities and to safeguard the National Collections.
Up to €500k for supports for artists and arts workers has been put in place by my Department in partnership with the Irish Theatre Institute and others as part of the ‘Safe to Create’ programme, coordinated by ITI. This responds to concerns about harassment and inequality in the sector as found in the ‘SPEAK UP’ report.
My Department is also exploring options for up to €2m in capital supports for stakeholders in the Night Time Economy in the context of the implementation of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report. This is in addition to €4m in current spending for a range of initiatives and pilot projects to support a more vibrant and diverse Night-Time Economy.
Budget 2023 also saw a further €1m in additional funding for Screen Ireland for the continued implementation of the Government’s ten-year Audiovisual Action Plan. This is in addition to a decision by government to extend a key tax incentive for the film industry, Section 481, to 2028.
A new allocation of €3m to develop, oversee and manage a new archive and exhibition space as part of the overall National Centre for Research and Remembrance, has also been provided. This is a significant and unprecedented project of national and international importance which is being developed in partnership with a number of agencies over the coming years including the National Archives and the National Museum of Ireland.
302. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to an organisation (details supplied) that has lifted its ban on Russian and Belarussian athletes competing; if its Irish equivalent has a stance on this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50285/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the decision to which the Deputy refers and I consider the lifting of the ban by any sport on athletes competing internationally as part of Russian and Belarussian teams is unjustified and unwarranted. European Ministers of Sport have previously stated that Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war against Ukraine is abhorrent and a flagrant breach of its international obligations. Respect for human rights and peaceful relations between nations form the foundation of international sport.
303. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces within her Department and the workplaces of public bodies and agencies under her remit, including a list of said buildings which do and do not have these facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50350/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBreastfeeding mothers in my Department have access to secure and private rest rooms in each of its seven Departmental locations, some of which are shared with other Government Departments. The locations are set out in the table below. These spaces are also available to staff who become unwell or to pregnant staff who may need to rest.
Mothers who return to work in my Department following maternity leave are advised of their entitlements to paid breaks to facilitate breastfeeding or lactation.
|
Department Location |
Address |
|
Dublin: |
23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 TD30 |
|
Joyce House, 8-11 Lombard Street East, Dublin 2, D02 Y729 |
|
|
National Archives of Ireland, Bishop Street, Dublin 8, D08 DF85 |
|
|
Kerry |
New Road, Killarney, Co Kerry, V93 A49X |
|
Galway |
Na Forbacha, Co Galway, H91 KX39 |
|
An Coimisinéir Teanga, An Spidéal, Gaillimh H91 VK23 |
|
|
Donegal |
Aonad 4, Páirc Ghnó Ghaoth Dobhair, Na Doirí Beaga, Co Dhún na nGall, F92 AK61 |
In relation to Deputy’s question regarding public bodies and agencies, this information is not held centrally by the Department. I am contacting the Agencies in this regard and I will forward the information to the Deputy inaccordance with the timelines set out in Standing Orders.
304. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in County Donegal whereby families who have to move out of their homes in the county for safety reasons due to the impact of defective concrete blocks cannot source temporary alternative accommodation; and if he will urgently task the Housing Agency with assisting these families with temporary housing, either modular or in the private sector across the county. [50198/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra339. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is a plan to roll out modular buildings to cater for the demand for housing in County Donegal as a result of Mica-related re-housing needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50188/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 339 together.
Following on from the Government decision of the 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022 on 21 June and the Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President on the 23 July, 2022.
The purpose of this Act is to implement and give legislative underpinning to a series of measures to improve and enhance the scheme as agreed by Government on 30 November 2021. Full details can be found at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/328d7-minister-obrien-welcomes-progress-on-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/.
The Act includes significant improvements to the current scheme and includes the following enhancements:
- 100% grants subject to an overall maximum grant of €420,000 per dwelling;
- grant rates in keeping with advice from SCSI;
- a government guarantee in the form of a second grant option if required for a period of 40 years;
- a revised application process which removes the financial barrier to scheme entry;
- an independent appeals process for applicants;
- alternative accommodation and storage costs and immediate repair works to a maximum value of €25,000;
- the expertise of the Housing Agency in assessing applications;
- the inclusion of RTB registered rental properties;
- the inclusion of Clare and Limerick in the enhanced scheme upon commencement and the option for other counties to enter the scheme; and
- exempt development status for like for like remediation works completed under the scheme.
On 24 February I signed the Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks in Construction (Remediation) (Financial Assistance) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 which amend the Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks in Construction (Remediation) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020 to make provision for the inclusion as an allowable cost ‘essential immediate repair works’, up to a value of €5,555, which are identified by a competent engineer in a ‘building condition assessment report’ and relate to the structural stability of any part of a home affected by defective concrete blocks.
The role of the Housing Agency is to act as agents for each local authority in assessment, testing and categorisation of applications received as provided for in the Act, its remit does not include securing temporary accommodation for affected homeowners.
The priority now is to ensure regulations which are necessary to provide for the finer details around which the new and enhanced scheme will operate are prepared and signed off as soon as possible.
I can confirm work on drafting these regulations has begun and is being undertaken by my officials and will apply in respect of all matters within the Act which are to be or may be prescribed such as the damage threshold, the grant rates and the form and content of various reports, certificates, forms, declarations etc
Guidelines to facilitate, promote and support a consistent approach to the operation and administration of the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme will also be drafted by my Department. The aim and intention is to have the regulations and guidelines finalised before the end of the year with the scheme opening for applications as soon as possible thereafter, which I expect will only be a matter of weeks later.
