Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:35. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the port capacity study is now complete; the date on which it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50511/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPorts Policy
Ceisteanna (35, 38)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:38. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when the National Ports Policy review will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50527/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 38 together.
The port capacity study is currently underway and is due for completion shortly. Upon its finalisation a full review of National Ports Policy will commence later this year which will look at the overall ports policy framework.
National Ports Policy provides the overarching policy framework for the governance and future development of Ireland’s state port network. The responsiveness and competitiveness of Ireland's maritime transport industry are underpinned by National Ports Policy 2013. It has helped foster competition between ports and ensure minimal barriers to entry for shipping companies seeking to enter the Irish market.
The aim of the National Ports Policy is to facilitate a competitive and effective market for maritime transport services and to ensure that the system has adequate and efficient capacity. It included a commitment to undertake regular independent assessments of port capacity starting in 2018. A consultancy team were contracted to assess the capacity of Ireland’s port network. However, COVID-19, Brexit, and more recently the Russian/Ukraine conflict have been a key priority for stakeholders and has delayed this work.
The national and international environment for which the 2013 policy was developed has changed fundamentally. As Minister, I recognise that a new approach is needed to assist our ports with the environmental, technological, demographic, and geopolitical challenges of the next decade and beyond.
In line with National Development Project objectives and National Ports Policy, the State ports are continuing to progress projects under their Masterplans. The Ports of Dublin, Cork, Shannon Foynes and Rosslare will spend €144m in capital expenditure in 2022 and almost €500m over the next five years. These non-exchequer funded investments will enhance Ireland’s capacity and connectivity and will allow the ports to respond to market needs, handle increases in ship sizes and frequency and serve the import and export needs of the economy.
Ports Policy
Ceisteanna (36)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:36. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) regarding the readiness of ports for the construction and installation of offshore wind; if he has considered the report and plans to ensure that Irish ports are ready to construct and install offshore wind farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50512/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I welcome the contents of the National Ports Study commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) which provides a useful profile of port infrastructure and the proposed development plans of the port companies for both fixed and floating installations.
Ireland has ambitious plans with regard to the development of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) in the Seas around Ireland. This report aligns with Government Policy I published last December on the facilitation of ORE by Irish Commercial Ports in identifying that a number of port facilities will be required for deployment activity and a multiple of ports will be needed for O&M operations. Delivery of the necessary infrastructure is ongoing in ports to address the requirements of industry.
Ireland will potentially need to build on a phased basis, around 4 to 5 standard ORE port facilities (each capable of building 500 MW of ORE annually) that will act as construction and deployment ports over the next 25 – 30 years. In addition, a number of smaller ports will be required for ORE Operation and Maintenance activities.
A multiport approach will ultimately allow investments that are commercially viable in the long-term progress without undermining the ability of any port to meet its primary obligations in relation to the facilitation of international trade.
Officials in my Department have engaged with WEI in relation to the Study and the association, along with Marine Renewable Industry Ireland (MRIA), made a presentation last week at the ORE Ports Co-ordination Group chaired by my Department.
In relation to the Study recommendations directed at the Department of Transport, already arrangements are being made to facilitate more regular exchanges of views and updates between the Department and the industry representative associations.
In relation to funding, it is envisaged that like all port infrastructure, the ORE facilities will be funded through a combination of port revenues, EU funding and borrowing from the likes of ISIF, EIB and other financial institutions. My Department is already engaging with the various institutions, including the EU Commission, about the availability of funding for ports in providing the ORE infrastructure to meet EU and Ireland's ambitions.
In relation to the other recommendations, significant work is ongoing at official level across a number of Government Departments to accelerate and drive delivery and capture the wider and longer term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables in Ireland.
Ports Policy
Ceisteanna (37)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:37. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he intends to support Rosslare Port to become ready to act as a construction and installation port for offshore wind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50513/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports, as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts but is instead operated on a commercial basis as a division of Iarnród Éireann. Like all other commercial state ports, its investments must be funded from port revenues.
While the primary function of our commercial State ports is to facilitate maritime transport, it is recognised that there is a pressing need for Ireland to have the port capacity in place to exploit the opportunities presented by ORE.
To provide clarity to stakeholders, including ports, I published a Policy Statement in December 2021 on the facilitation of Offshore Renewable Energy by commercial ports in Ireland, setting out a Government's multiport approach to the provision of the necessary port facilities.
Ireland will potentially need to build on a phased basis, around 4 to 5 standard ORE port facilities (each capable of building 500 MW of ORE annually) that will act as construction and deployment ports over the next 25 – 30 years. In addition, a number of smaller ports will be required for ORE Operation and Maintenance activities. A multiport approach will ultimately allow investments that are commercially viable in the long-term progress without undermining the ability of any port to meet its primary obligations in relation to the facilitation of international trade.
Located on the east coast where the first Offshore Wind Energy (ORE) developments will progress, Rosslare Europort is ideally situated to service a range of windfarms in the Irish Sea.
A number of ports, including Rosslare, and private entities are already progressing plans to provide the facilities and infrastructure required to assist the ORE sector to develop in Ireland. It is intended that the first largescale facilities that will be required at construction and deployment stage will be in situ as early as possible, subject to all consents being obtained in a timely fashion.
In order to capture the wider and longer the economic and business opportunities associated with ORE, significant work is ongoing at official level across a number of Government Departments to accelerate delivery of the various workstreams that are needed for the development of ORE in Ireland, including the delivery of port infrastructure. This includes the establishment of a Ports Co-Ordination Committee in this Department which involves ports and relevant Departments to ensure alignment with Government policy in the delivery of the port projects.
Work is also underway in the Department of Environment, Communications and Climate in preparation for the holding of the Offshore Renewable Energy Support Scheme (ORESS1) auction. The completion of this auction will provide clarity around the projects to be progressed and allow for deeper engagement between developers and ports on requirements and revenue streams for services. In addition, the Government has decided that ORE projects will be prioritised through all planning and consenting stages.
It is envisaged that like all port infrastructure, the ORE facilities will be funded though a combination of port revenues, EU funding and borrowing from the likes of ISIF, EIB and other financial institutions.
In order to maximise EU funding opportunities, the Department engaged extensively with other Member States and the Commission advocating for the inclusion of funding for ORE required port infrastructure under the Connecting Europe Funding facility (CEF). The CEF criteria was extended in 2021 to allow EU funding of port infrastructure for ORE for ports (or terminals within ports) on the Trans European Network for Transport (TEN-T). This is significant as successful applicants can obtain grant funding of up to 50% of eligible costs for studies and up 30% of infrastructure works costs. This is a competitive process and generally oversubscribed. While the outcome of the 2021 CEF call was disappointing, the 2022 CEF call is now underway. It is expected that ports, including Rosslare Europort, will be making new applications for EU funding under that call. The Department assists, as appropriate, eligible applicants with the application process. In addition, my Department and I engaged intensively with the EU Commission, along with separate feedback to ports, to understand the 2021 decisions so that we could work towards a better outcome for the 2022 CEF call.
Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 35.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (39)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:39. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the 17, 116 and 175 Dublin Bus routes not operating at full capacity, and as such are unable to deal with the numbers of passengers (details supplied); if he will engage with Dublin Bus on this; the further steps that he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50550/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The independent Transport Regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of those services.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s specific question, in relation to Go-Ahead Ireland No 17 and No 175 bus routes and Dublin Bus No 116 bus route, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (40)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:40. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the 75 and 75A bus routes causing significant issues in the Stillorgan area (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to this delay causing people’s employment to be put in jeopardy; if he is taking steps to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50711/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
It is the case that operators in the public transport sector are experiencing difficulties with staffing both as a result of COVID-19 related absences and also difficulties in recruiting new drivers; however, it is also the case that Go-Ahead Ireland is experiencing higher than normal levels of Covid-related staff absences at present resulting in a knock-on effect on service delivery with some services not operating as scheduled.
As part of the NTA’s performance monitoring system poor reliability and punctuality performance does result in financial penalties. I am informed that these matters will be discussed between the NTA and Go-Ahead Ireland at their forthcoming quarterly review meeting.
The NTA formally meets Go-Ahead Ireland on a weekly basis to review performance, associated customer feedback and driver recovery plans and will continue to monitor and engage closely with the operator in an effort to improve the situation.
Operators are forecasting improvements in reliability in the coming months, dependent on successful recruitment and retention of critical staff, in particular drivers, and it is hoped that this will help to resolve to current reliability issues being experienced.
Banking Sector
Ceisteanna (41)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:41. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to instances where banks have rejected mortgage applications but refused to issue letters of refusal to persons wishing to apply for the local authority home loan; if he has had contact with banks in relation to this issue; and if he has considered measures to compel banks to issue letters of refusal where a mortgage application has been rejected. [50706/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Union (Consumer Mortgage Credit Agreements) Regulations 2016 (CMCAR) provides that, where an application for mortgage credit is refused, the lender must inform the consumer without delay of the refusal.
In cases not covered by the CMCAR, the Consumer Protection Code 2012 provides that, where a personal consumer's application for credit is turned down, the lender must clearly outline to the consumer the reasons why the credit was not approved and provide those reasons on paper if requested. The Central Bank advises that it expects all regulated firms to engage proactively, to take a consumer focused approach and to act in their customers’ best interests at all times.
If a mortgage applicant is not satisfied with how a regulated firm is dealing with them, or they believe that the regulated firm is not following the requirements of the Central Bank’s codes and regulations or other financial services law, they should make a complaint directly to the regulated firm.
If they are still not satisfied with the response from the regulated firm, they can refer the complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (42)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:42. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the charges for import and VAT on a package from another EU member state (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50431/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that there are no Customs formalities or Customs charges for goods coming direct from another Member State once the goods are in free circulation within the EU. If goods are shipped from an EU Member State through a non-EU country on route to Ireland, then a Customs transit declaration is required but no Customs charges are due. If the transit procedure is not used, then goods are imports from a non-EU country and Customs formalities and charges will apply.
The specific circumstances regarding the import referred to by the Deputy will determine whether customs charges are due. Any person importing goods which are the subject of charges where that person is unclear as to the circumstances in which Customs charges may have arisen should contact the business who completed the Customs declaration and imported the goods on their behalf to check the circumstances.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (43)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:43. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 232 of 4 October 2022, the reason that karate-class training for children is not “care of the human body” in the same way as yoga and pilates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50440/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Services consisting of the care of the human body supplied in the course of a health studio business or similar business, such as a yoga studio, are not listed in Annex III and therefore would in general be subject to the standard rate. However, the Directive allows a Member State to continue its application of a historic VAT treatment, under certain strict conditions, including that the application of the historic treatment cannot be expanded. On this basis, Ireland has retained the application of its reduced rate of VAT, currently 13.5%, to the services of yoga studios. There is no discretion under the Directive to expand the application of this VAT rate to other supplies, for example to karate-class training for children.
As the Deputy may be aware, changes in the VAT Directive agreed in April this year would allow for a reduced rate to apply to the supply of sport or physical exercise classes. Changes in VAT rates are considered as part of the normal annual Budget and Finance Bill process. In addition to the overall impact of tax changes to the budget, any VAT changes considered by a Member State must account for the new limitations introduced on the number of categories of goods and services to which a Member State may apply a reduced VAT rate within Annex III.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (44)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:44. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a schedule of the number of staff by grade who are assigned on a full-time basis to liaise and provide support to the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in order for that Department to fulfil its areas of responsibility in respect of providing for the needs of those seeking international protection and persons categorised by virtue of the temporary protection directive by the European Union; and if he will provide a schedule of the services that his Department provides to the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in that regard. [50449/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no staff within my Department assigned on a full-time basis to liaise and provide support to the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for the purpose of that Department fulfilling its areas of responsibility in respect of providing for the needs of those seeking international protection and persons categorised by virtue of the temporary protection directive by the European Union.
Employment Rights
Ceisteanna (45)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:45. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 230 of 4 October 2022, if the Revenue Commissioners will be taking any action to recover the difference in tax from the amount that was paid as labelled self-employed as opposed to the amount that should have been paid, had the workers been correctly labelled as employees (details supplied), given that the Revenue Commissioners, as a PRSI collection agent, is responsible for recovering unpaid PRSI for the Department of Social Protection. [50462/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As previously advised in response to Parliamentary Question No. 230 dated 4 October 2022, regarding the details supplied, Section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 requires Revenue to uphold taxpayer confidentiality and prohibits the release of any information that could lead to the identification of taxpayers.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (46)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:46. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider reducing the VAT rate on clothing rentals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50490/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the EU VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate, unless they fall within the categories of goods and services specified in Annex III of the VAT Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply a lower rate of VAT. The supply of hire or rental of clothing is not specified in Annex III and is therefore, liable to VAT at the standard rate, currently 23%.
Consequently I am not in a position to reduce the VAT rate on clothing rentals.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (47)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:47. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 29 September 2022, if the EU VAT directive allows a member state to apply a reduced rate of VAT regarding the supply and installation of solar panels on agricultural buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50574/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the EU VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate (currently 23% in Ireland), unless they fall within the categories of goods and services specified in Annex III of the VAT Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply a lower rate of VAT. Ireland is also permitted to retain some historic VAT arrangements, under strict conditions.
Following amendments to Annex III of the VAT Directive, agreed in April 2022, it now includes a category for "the supply and installation of solar panels on and adjacent to private dwellings, housing and public and other buildings used for activities in the public interest." This does not include agricultural buildings.
Outside of the above category in Annex III, the supply of solar equipment, including rooftop solar photovoltaic, is liable to VAT at the standard rate, currently 23%. However, if these goods are supplied as part of a “supply and install” contract, they may be subject to VAT at the reduced rate of 13.5%. A “supply and install” contract is where installation services are provided in conjunction with the goods for example, solar panels. As a result, if solar panels were supplied on agricultural buildings as part of a “supply and install” contract, then the contract may be subject to VAT at the reduced rate of 13.5%, provided that the value of the goods supplied does not exceed two thirds of the total value of the contract.
The Deputy should also note that in accordance with the EU VAT Directive farmers may register for VAT or be treated as an unregistered flat rate farmer for VAT purposes. Farmers that are not registered for VAT are not entitled to recover VAT incurred on their expenses. However, these farmers are compensated for the VAT incurred on goods and services used in the course of their farming business through the flat rate addition which they receive on payments for their supplies of agricultural produce and services.
Unregistered farmers may also be able to avail of a VAT refund on certain expenses allowed for under the Value-Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (Flat-rate Farmers) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 201/2012). This provides for a refund of VAT to unregistered farmers on “the construction, erection or installation of qualifying equipment for the purpose of micro-generation of electricity for use solely or mainly in his or her farming business”. The equipment that qualifies under this Refund Order includes a wind turbine system, photo-voltaic system, and equipment ancillary to these systems.
Alternatively, farmers may elect to register for VAT and will have an entitlement to reclaim VAT on costs incurred in relation to their farm business. A VAT registered farmer would be entitled to reclaim VAT incurred on the purchase and installation of solar panels used for their farming business through their VAT returns.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (48)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:48. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the benefit-in-kind tax on company car increase is hindering those for whom travelling across the country for work is a crucial part of their employment; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that for those travelling long distances each day electric vehicles are not always an option; if he will take steps to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50704/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset, the Deputy should note that recent Government policy has focused on strengthening the environmental rationale behind company car taxation. Until the changes I brought in as part of the Finance Act 2019, Ireland’s vehicle benefit-in-kind regime was unusual in that there was no overall CO2 rationale in the regime. This is despite a CO2 based vehicle BIK regime being legislated for as far back as 2008 (but never having been commenced).
In Finance Act 2019, I legislated for a CO2-based BIK regime for company cars from 1 January 2023. From that date the amount taxable as BIK remains determined by the car’s original market value (OMV) and the annual business kilometres driven, while new CO2 emissions-based bands will determine whether a standard, discounted, or surcharged rate is taxable. The number of mileage bands is reduced from five to four. EVs will benefit from a preferential rate of BIK, ranging from 9 – 22.5% depending on mileage. Fossil-fuel vehicles will be subject to higher BIK rates, up to 37.5%. This new structure with CO2-based discounts and surcharges will incentivise employers to provide employees with low-emission cars.
I am aware there have been arguments surrounding the mileage bands in the new BIK structure as they can be perceived as incentivising higher mileage to avail of lower rates, leading to higher levels of emissions. The rationale behind the mileage bands is that the greater the business mileage, the more the car is a benefit to the company rather than its employee (on average); and the more the car depreciates in value, the less of a benefit it is to the employee (in years 2 and 3) as the asset from which the benefit is derived is depreciating faster. Mileage bands also ensure that cars more integral to the conduct of business receive preferential tax treatment.
I believe that better value for money for the taxpayer is achieved by curtailing the amount of subsidies available and building an environmental rationale directly into the BIK regime. It was determined in this context that reforming the BIK system to include emissions bands provides for a more sustainable environmental rationale than the continuation of the current system with exemptions for electric vehicles (EVs). This will bring the taxation system around company cars into step with other CO2-based motor taxes as well as the long-established CO2-based vehicle BIK regimes in other member states.
In addition to the above and in light of government commitments on climate change, Budget 2022 extended the preferential BIK treatment for EVs to end 2025 with a tapering mechanism on the vehicle value threshold. This BIK exemption forms part of a broader series of very generous measures to support the uptake of EVs, including a reduced rate of 7% VRT, a VRT relief of up to €5,000, low motor tax of €120 per annum, SEAI grants, discounted tolls fees, and 0% BIK on electric charging.
This new BIK charging mechanism was legislated for in 2019 and was announced as part of Budget 2020, therefore providing a sufficient lead in time to adapt to this new system before its implementation in 2023. There are no plans to review it.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (49)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:49. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the rationale behind limiting the business energy support scheme to those businesses that fall under Case I income category given that Case II Income businesses pay tax as well and have incurred a rise in energy costs too. [50705/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I indicated in my Budget speech that I would be introducing a Temporary Business Energy Support scheme (TBESS) to assist businesses with their energy costs over the winter months.The scheme is being designed to be compliant with the EU state aid temporary crisis framework and will need to be approved by the EU Commission in advance of making payments.
The TBESS will be open to businesses that carry on a Case I trade, are tax compliant and have experienced a significant increase in their natural gas and electricity costs. The scheme will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners and will operate on a self-assessment basis. Businesses will be required to register for the scheme and to make claims within the required time limits. These are similar requirements to the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme. The focus is on Case I trades rather than Case II professionals because of the likely differences in energy consumption between trading and non-trading businesses.It is proposed that the scheme will operate by comparing the average unit price for the relevant bill period in 2022 with the average unit price in the corresponding reference period in 2021. If the increase in average unit price is more than 50% then the threshold has passed and the business is eligible for support under the scheme. A business who has not seen an increase of 50% over the period will not be eligible for the scheme. Once eligibility criteria are met, the support for businesses will be calculated on the basis of 40% of the amount of the increase in the bill amount. A monthly cap of €10,000 per trade will apply and an overall cap will apply on the total amount a business can claim in accordance with the State Aid Temporary Crisis Framework .
Where a business meets all of the criteria for the scheme, they may apply for support under the scheme subject to the applicable caps.
The operational details of the scheme are being worked through by officials and will be available soon.
State Properties
Ceisteanna (50)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:50. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 473 of 8 September 2022, the reason that he will not give consideration to the request to extend the evening opening time of the National Botanic Gardens in view of the widespread public interest in visiting the facility; if his attention has been drawn to the additional enjoyment that local people and visitors from further afield could reap by having the gardens open later than 5 pm on summer evenings; if he will undertake to discuss this matter with the Director of the Gardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50584/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Botanic Gardens is primarily a scientific collection. Its mission is to educate, inform and stimulate visitors, and research there is directed towards conservation of our national flora. A range of tours, talks, exhibitions and activities, especially for children are provided as part of this programme. Public parks close by, include Griffith Park, Tolka Valley Park, Johnstown Park and Albert College Park which provide evening opening. Unlike a public park, the collections, in line with Botanic Gardens internationally, require greater oversight and have to be adequately staffed during opening hours.
Visitors from further afield have a range of after-hours choices from beaches, to Phoenix Park to large municipal parks such as St. Anne’s Park and Ardgillan Castle. This matter has been discussed with the Director and it is agreed that the fundamental role of the gardens as an internationally significant living collection of rare plants deserves the protection afforded by the existing operations and therefore there are no plans to extend the hours but the matter will be kept under review by my officials and the Director of the Gardens.
State Properties
Ceisteanna (51)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:51. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will gift vacant unused Garda stations to the relevant local authorities for the purpose of public housing given the unprecedented housing crisis that exists. [50399/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Additional time is needed to collate the required information. The OPW will respond to the Deputy directly on the matter.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (52)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:52. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a schedule of the number of staff by grade who are assigned on a full-time basis to liaise and provide support to the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in order for that Department to fulfil its areas of responsibility in respect of providing for the needs of those seeking international protection and persons categorised by virtue of the temporary protection directive by the European Union; and if he will provide a schedule of the services that his Department provides to the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in that regard. [50455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The role of my Department is to serve the public interest by supporting the delivery of well-managed, well-targeted and sustainable public spending through modernised, effective and accountable public services.
On 12 October 2022, my Department will seek to move a motion on the Order Paper to move a Supplementary Estimate for that Department to provide additional funding for providing accommodation and other costs in respect of refugees from Ukraine.
While my Department has not directly redeployed staff to the Department of Children,Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth there are staff from a variety of grades and across a range of areas within my Department who have been available to support colleagues in DCEDIY in relation to the Ukraine response issues ranging from expenditure, pay and pensions, industrial relations, strategic HR, reform and procurement.
DPER has assisted DCEDIY with their call for temporary assignments by sending the call out through the Civil Service Sector Group (CSSG) which was established in 2020 to share knowledge and work collaboratively on issues arising from COVID-19 and how they should be addressed in the workplace context in line with public health advice. There are representatives from each Civil Service department on the group.
Public Appointments Service
Ceisteanna (53)
Ged Nash
Ceist:53. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason that the Public Appointments Service could not proceed with the recruitment campaign for Dublin Fire Brigade which the Service was requested to undertake in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50500/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Recruitment to the civil service and a range of other public bodies operates under the provisions of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Acts, 2004 to 2013. The Public Appointments Service operates under licence from the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) and is independent in its operations. In carrying out its recruitment and selection processes, it complies with the Codes of Practice published by the CPSA, which ensure that fair and open processes are in place.
I am informed by the Public Appointments Service that in early 2022 Dublin City Council approached PAS requesting to hold a new Fire Fighter competition. This competition would typically attract a large volume of applications, requiring expertise in managing competitions of this nature. It was assigned to the Large Volume Competitions Unit to be considered in the context of the work on hand and planned for the year.
Upon review, PAS had 14 live competitions that were going through multiple batches of assessment and interview stages, 5 additional competitions advertised in early 2022 and a further 10 general grade competitions planned for launch in 2022.
In respect of the Local Authority sector PAS is required to recruit for roles at senior executive level and above only. PAS is therefore not funded or resourced to carry out the Fire Fighter competition for Dublin City Council. However, PAS has previously assisted Dublin City Council with the preliminary stages of the recruitment process. In 2019 when PAS previously ran the Fire Fighter competition, PAS had a total of 12 general grade competitions and therefore had capacity to handle additional competitions.
Given the context outlined, PAS was unfortunately unable to provide the service requested due to core clients commitments and the volume of work required to satisfy ongoing demands.
Given the context outlined, PAS were unfortunately unable to provide the service requested due to core clients commitments and the volume of work required to satisfy ongoing demands. These challenges remain in place in the context of 2023 and any further requests, would need to be considered in that context.
Departmental Priorities
Ceisteanna (54)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:54. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding his Department's progress in finalising a working paper to locate wellbeing within the context of the budgetary process; the expected timeline for the completion of that work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50563/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The working paper that locates well-being within the context of the budgetary process is currently being peer reviewed. It is anticipated that this process will take a number of weeks. It is my Department's intention to publish it once that process has been completed.