Written Answers Nos. 112-132
112. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the delay in publishing the report on the review of the Freedom of Information Act 2014, which was scheduled for early in quarter 3 of 2022, according to the roadmap; if he has received the review report and recommendations yet; when he intends to publish it; if he will be bringing forward changes to the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56435/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe review of the Freedom of Information Act is now at an advanced stage. As outlined in the roadmap document, it took the form of an open and collaborative process, taking in the views of a diverse range of stakeholders. Almost 1,300 submissions were received from individuals and organisations in the course of my Department's consultations in the review, which took place in two phases: an initial consultation on the scope of the review and a more detailed consultation that closed in September.
Alongside this work, my Department held focus group sessions with key stakeholders, such as the National Union of Journalists and Patient Advocacy Service, as well as with public bodies in various sectors and around various topics. A customer satisfaction survey was undertaken to gauge perceptions of the legislation among requesters and public servants, which additionally received a little over 1,000 responses. Yet another strand to this process has been an analysis of comparable legislation elsewhere.
The review has been a thorough and careful one, aimed at improving the FOI regime. The information-gathering phase of the process has been completed, and initial findings and recommendations are under consideration at the present time. While such a step would of course require Government approval, it would appear likely that amending legislation will be required in 2023. Alongside this, it is also likely that the review will inform a longer programme of work around FOI and transparency policy to address some of the issues that have been identified in this process. I confirm that my Department will publish the review report once it has been approved by Government.
While, under the circumstances, I am not in a position at this time to provide significant detail in relation to the findings and outcome of the review, I would like to take the opportunity to reiterate comments I previously made in this House in relation to the review. In my view, the goal for FOI into the future should be not only to ensure that the request mechanism is robust, but also to move in a direction whereby we reduce the need for more and more FOI requests.
This would mean that by default we publish more information and that we entrench an open and transparent approach within the public sector in doing its work on a daily basis, in order to reduce the need for the public to formally apply under FOI to access records that should be published or routinely made available in the normal course of events.
113. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures it is expected will be funded by the contingency reserve fund in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55591/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA series of successive external shocks are having an impact on our society, economy and fiscal position, challenges that will carry through into 2023. Budget 2023 set out the Government response to support investment in public services, facilitate continued responses to externally driven challenges; alongside substantial measures to alleviate the cost of living pressures being experienced by households and businesses.
Our fiscal policy has remained responsive by providing supports through non-core expenditure. This is temporary funding to respond to challenges facing our economy and society which are considered separately from core expenditure allocations.
Given the expected continued impact of Covid-19, Brexit and the war in Ukraine into 2023, funding will be provided to respond to these challenges. Budget 2023 set out €4.5 billion in non-core expenditure in as per the table below.
Table 1: Non-Core Funding 2023
|
Non Core Funding Area |
€ Billion |
|
Covid (Including National Recovery & Resilience Plan) |
1.7 |
|
Ukraine |
2.0 |
|
Other (including Brexit Adjustment Reserve) |
0.8 |
|
Total |
4.5 |
The €4.5 billion will support a number of measures including:
- Covid 19 pandemic funding for public health measures (€757M) including PPE, Test and Tracing, Vaccinations and Covid waiting list measures,
- National Recovery and Resilience allocations of €214M thus far across eight Government Departments to contribute to a sustainable, equitable, green and digital recovery,
- A provision of €2 billion for key humanitarian supports for people arriving to Ireland from Ukraine, including accommodation, education and social protection supports,
- Over €272M allocated thus far from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to provide financial support for the adverse effects of Brexit on business. These have principally been in the area of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
€1.8 billion of this funding was allocated at Departmental level in Budget 2023, with €2.7 billion held in reserve. The estimates set out in the table are based on the latest data at the time of preparing the Budget in September 2022. A number of assumptions were required to estimates these figures particularly in relation to forecasting Ukraine-related expenditure.
This approach facilitates responsive fiscal policy, providing supports to deal with emerging issues while protecting core day-to-day expenditure and investment. Further allocations of non-core funding to specific Departments will be considered in finalising the Revised Estimates for 2023 and throughout 2023, as required, on the basis of the most up to date information.
114. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on when the review of ethics legislation will be published; if he will confirm that ten submissions were received by the closure date of the public consultation in mid-January 2022; if those submissions have now all been considered; if he has considered the findings of the review yet; when he intends to bring forward a general scheme of a Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56431/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am happy to inform the Deputy that a draft report of my Department’s review of our statutory framework for ethics is at the point of being completed. My Department is now engaging with major stakeholders across the public service to finalise the report. I will then consider the final report and bring it to Government for its approval and publication. It is intended that Government approval will also be sought to prepare a General Scheme of a Bill, to be drafted during Q1 2023.
As the Deputy notes, the review process included a public consultation exercise, which launched last November and concluded in mid-January 2022. My Department received eleven responses to this from members of the public, political parties, political groups and civil society - one of which, from a member of the public, was received after the closure date.
The submissions received have been considered as part of the review. Many of the themes emerging from the public consultation align with the Government's main reasons for reform including:
- The urgency of reform in this area, support for the 2015 Public Sector Standards Bill approach and regret that that Bill did not complete the legislative process;
- Calls for the reinforcement of the obligation of public officials, as well as the investigative and enforcement powers of the Standards in Public Office Commission, and its resources;
- Suggestions for generalised ‘cooling off’ periods, while acknowledging that a balance is to be achieved between personal freedom and obligations placed on public officials to safeguard the integrity of public life;
- Concerns flagged regarding increased administrative burdens and the potential for a chilling effect on those considering entering the public sector, in particular the commercial State sector.
I foresee that all the responses to the public consultation will be published as part of the review report.
115. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps being taken by the OPW to ensure buildings it has responsibility for are fully accessible for persons with disabilities, including having a suitable toilet and changing places facilities. [56221/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works endeavour to integrate best practice into every aspect of our building compliance requirements. We aim to understand and encompass techniques, where the best solutions for the buildings within their specific context can be applied. Ideally, a refined suite of solutions may be applicable across other similar building types in the portfolio. This approach benefits all of society and re-frames and prioritises the work of OPW architects, engineers, surveyors, district inspectors, clerks of works and other stakeholders working directly within the Office of Public Works or acting as agents on our behalf. This in turn enhances the experiences of building users. It ensures Accessibility and Universal Design principles frame and guide all aspects of the built environment to which the public have the right to access. This is enabled through the application of Codes of Practice, Technical Guidance Documents and Building Regulations.
The OPW is responsible for a portfolio of modern and historical buildings, monuments, parks and sites. Each property has its own challenges in terms of optimising accessibility. Some of the projects completed in recent years have been a particular success, in that innovative solutions have been designed and brought to fruition, often in challenging circumstances.
1.) Accessibility Audits of building stock:
A reframed accessibility audit review of all OPW buildings across the State is to be carried out taking account of the proposed amendments to Part M of the Technical Guidance Documents. The original programme was adversely disrupted by the pandemic over the last two and a half years, whereby site visits and reports, critical to the completion of our inspections, were mostly postponed, cancelled or delayed. Over 1,900 buildings overall in the category have been identified to be audited. Of these, following initial desk-top surveys, where collating documentary data relating to each building is co-ordinated, approximately 29% of buildings can generally be excluded i.e. they are vacant properties, sites or properties in the process of being released. When our finalised schedule of audits is identified and subsequently completed, we will be in a position to confirm an updated programme of upgrading works throughout the State.
Our technical teams are focusing on the most urgent and essential works across the country at this time. Even with progress to date, we fully appreciate that must further strive to create a built environment and public spaces best suited and equipped to ensure all our citizens are treated with dignity and consideration. Since the publication of the I.S. EN 17161:2019 Standard on Design for All in 2019, we have looked forward to moving towards wider application of the Universal Design principles in our buildings and sites. This will, in addition, benefit from amendments to Technical Guidance Document Part M including those proposed for the provision of Changing Places Facilities in specific settings. (Proposed legislation: Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2022).
2.) Changing Places Facilities Update:
In relation to the provision of Changing Places Facilities for the public, the following is the current position: In December 2020, in support of Government policy on advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage established a Working Group to examine the provision of a Changing Places facility in certain buildings. The Working Group has now published its recommendations on the types and sizes of buildings where this facility should be incorporated. Their recommendations have been published for consultation as: Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis Draft Proposal for the Provision of a Changing Places Toilet in Certain Buildings. Public consultation was launched on the 9th February 2022. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage sought submissions, observations and comments on a proposed amendment to the Building Regulations and associated Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use to make provision for a Changing Places toilet in certain buildings. The deadline for submissions was 12th of May 2022 and the responses are currently under review by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
It is proposed by the Working Group that at least one Changing Places Toilet be provided to enhance public facilities where a) extending the existing building results in an increase of at least 25% in its floor area or b) buildings/ facilities undergo a Material Change of Use. Building types managed and/or designed by the Office of Public Works in this category would potentially include Museums, Schools, Offices with a public reception area, Heritage sites where sanitary facilities are provided already and/or outdoor amenities primarily used for recreation or entertainment fulfilling certain criteria. These criteria and building requirements are listed in Table 1 Section 6.0 of the Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis Draft Proposal for the Provision of a Changing Places Toilet in Certain Buildings, pp.14-17.
3.) Summary:
There are considerable challenges with resourcing, planning and statutory consents and approvals in this area of work. In addition, associated site services and other infrastructural requirements often create unanticipated difficulties to be resolved. This demands professionalism in consideration of the visitor’s needs, time and sensitive design solutions, evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the overall impact of the introduction of proposed Changing Places facilities will see wider potential for participation by the public and increased social inclusion. This amendment to the Building Regulations Part M can, when enacted, add considerable value to the visitor experience and ensure full and equal participation for all in the community whether it be visiting cultural institutions and museums or attending official government facilities and services.
116. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps taken since the enactment of the amended Official Languages Act 2021 to increase the intake of civil servants who are capable of doing their business through Irish and English; the number recruited to date in 2022 with such a competency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56384/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra227. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 16 June 2022, if he will provide a status update on his Department's work on the implementation of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 to date; the progress on reaching the target whereby at least 20% of staff recruited to public bodies are competent in the Irish language to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56428/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 227 together.
Some of the actions that my Department and the Public Appointments Service (PAS) are taking to increase the number of fluent Irish speakers in the civil service include:
1. Dedicated recruitment and promotion competitions targeted at Irish language speakers: PAS has held general civil service competitions for individuals with fluency in Irish at Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, Higher Executive Officer and Principal Officer level. The out-turn of these competitions shows that the number of fluent Irish speakers applying to join the civil service, or otherwise declaring a fluency in Irish, remains low.
I am advised by PAS that since the enactment of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 on 22 December last, a total of 49 candidates have been assigned from panels established from recruitment competitions - from Clerical Officer to Principal Officer level - where fluency in Irish was specifically required for the post in question and for which proficiency in Irish was tested as part of the PAS assessment process.
There are currently panels in place for Irish posts at CO, EO and HEO levels and these panels will be drawn from as requests are received from Departments and Offices. The CO panel is due to expire on 30th June 2023, the EO panel is due to expire on 29th February 2024 and the HEO panel on 31st December 2023. New competitions will be considered closer to the expiry date of each current panel.
In addition, some Departments or Government Officers may also have recruited fluent speakers directly under their local recruitment licence instead of through PAS.
2. In addition to new hires, existing civil servants are encouraged to pursue Irish language training courses via OneLearning - the Learning and Development Centre for the civil service based in my Department. Close to 500 such enrolments for such courses took place in 2021, with a further 583 enrolments to date in 2022.
3. The Irish Languages Services Advisory Committee, with representatives from my Department and PAS has been meeting regularly to prepare a National Plan to increase the provision of services through Irish and survey the number of Irish speakers employed by the public service, and is considering approaches to the future recruitment of Irish speakers.
117. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an analysis of the impact the climate action plan will have on the revised national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56468/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe updated Climate Action Plan is led by the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications on behalf of the Government. The National Development Plan was reviewed in 2021 and approved by Government. All public capital policy interventions, including those that might be developed to support climate action, will need to be afforded within the parameters detailed in the National Development Plan 2021-2030.
It was not the role of the NDP Review to set out a specific blueprint for the achievement of the Climate Action Plan actions. Rather, the Departments in receipt of the capital investment allocations are directly responsible for developing a detailed suite of policies and measures to maximise the impact of this planned investment in delivering actions and achieving targets detailed in the Climate Action Plan. It is the effective implementation of these policies, which will need to blend regulation, behavioural change and taxation measures with direct Government investment that will lead to the achievement of Ireland’s climate ambitions.
118. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures his Department has taken and which have been effective in promoting equality in Ireland under equality budgeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56230/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIntegrated within the Performance Budgeting framework, Equality Budgeting adds an additional lens which focuses on how policy and expenditure decisions effect specific cohorts of our society.
Equality objectives and indicators are published every year in the Revised Estimates Volume and the Public Service Performance Report. Piloted in 2018, Equality Budgeting initially focused on gender and has been gradually extended to other equality dimensions including socio-economic inequality, disability and minority groups.
An Expert Advisory Group was established in 2018 to guide development of Equality Budgeting policy. The role and objectives of the Group are to provide constructive, critical feedback and provide expert guidance and informed insights on the future direction and areas of focus for Equality Budgeting.
To drive this important work forward in line with international best practice, in 2019 the OECD was requested by my Department, and the Department of Justice and Equality, to conduct a scan of Equality Budgeting in Ireland. The report, published on Budget day 2020, supported the approach taken, and also provided a roadmap to drive this initiative forward.
Implementation of the report's recommendations is well advanced.
In cooperation with my Department, the CSO conducted a data audit in 2020 to ascertain the availability of public service data that is disaggregated by equality dimension. This work was guided by the Expert Group and the audit findings were published alongside Budget 2021. The information is published on the CSO website and will continue to be updated as new data is identified.
Following the data audit, work is now underway to identify a data strategy that will identify what actions are needed to improve the disaggregation of data and identify actions needed to address data gaps.
A key recommendation was the establishment of an inter-departmental network of Equality Budgeting contact points. In March 2021, Government agreed to establish an inter-departmental network on Equality Budgeting in order to facilitate full implementation across all departments. The network members are tasked with ensuring that policy makers in their departments are fully aware of, and implementing, Equality Budgeting policy where applicable.
All eighteen Government Departments are now participating in Equality Budgeting and further metrics are expected to be included in December's Revised Estimates Volume.
119. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will request a full assessment of the existing heating and lighting systems at Glendalough visitor centre; his plans regarding upgrading to more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly options at this location and other OPW-owned buildings in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56300/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works has a proven track record of success with energy efficiency in its property portfolio. The Optimising Power @ Work programme is a large-scale energy awareness campaign involving the largest 275 Central Government buildings. This accounts for approximately 80% of the energy usage in the OPW portfolio. Through this initiative, average annual savings of over 25% have been achieved. As part of this programme, the OPW has completed Energy Audits in over 250 large buildings. Each Energy Audit contains a “Register of Opportunities” of potential energy saving projects that can be carried out in each particular building. Due to limited resources, it is necessary to prioritise the identified projects based on those that will achieve the best energy efficiency improvements, highest carbon reductions and quickest payback periods. Energy Audits have been completed in the following large buildings in County Wicklow: Bray Courthouse, Arklow Intreo Office, Wicklow Government Offices and Bray Intreo Offices. Further to the Deputy’s request, I shall ask that the relevant officials in my Department complete an initial energy audit of Glendalough Visitor Centre. 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 learnings from this initiative shall be used to inform a large scale retrofit programme in the portfolio in the coming years.
120. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56475/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP), together with the National Planning Framework (NPF), combine to form Project Ireland 2040, which sets the overarching spatial strategy for the next twenty years for the social, economic and cultural development of Ireland.
The NDP published in October 2021 provides a detailed and positive vision for Ireland over the next 10 years, and sees total public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030.
In overall terms, over €12 billion will be available next year for public capital investment which will provide more schools, homes, hospitals and other pieces of vital infrastructure. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, and, most importantly, delivering the infrastructure to support our future climate, social and economic requirements.
The NDP sets out the range of actions that are being taken to strengthen delivery, maximise value for money and ensure to the greatest extent possible that projects are delivered on time, on budget and with the benefits targeted at the outset.
The Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board oversees the delivery of the NDP and earlier this year I appointed five external members to the Board to bring additional expert knowledge, independent and regional perspectives, and an enhanced challenge function to the deliberations of the Board.
In addition, two elements were introduced to strengthen the assurance process for major public investment projects to provide more structured scrutiny. The External Assurance Process (EAP), to provide independent scrutiny for major public capital projects over €100m at two key stages in the project lifecycle under the Public Spending Code and the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG) who scrutinise project proposals and external reviews as a prerequisite to seeking Government approval for major projects at the relevant decision gates.
The Government is also committed to continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map as well as the publication of annual reports and regional reports highlighting Project Ireland 2040 achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments which have been made throughout the country.
121. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 81 of 4 October 2022, the status of Ireland’s partnership agreement for cohesion funding for the period 2021 to 2027; the timeline for the publication of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56396/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Partnership Agreement sets out Ireland’s investment strategy for its Cohesion Policy Funds. Ireland will receive €1.4 billion in Cohesion Policy funding for the 2021 to 2027 period. When this funding is co-financed at a national level and taking account of the funding for the PEACE PLUS Programme, it will mean Cohesion Policy programmes add a total value of almost €3.5 billion to the economy. Using these funds, implementation of the Partnership Agreement will strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion and further reduce disparities between different regions, including in the Northern and Western region.
Following two years of negotiation and development of the Partnership Agreement led by my Department, the European Commission adopted it on the 16th of September. I launched the Partnership Agreement with the Commissioner for Regional Affairs, Elisa Ferreira on the 20th of September in Dublin. The Commissioner was in Ireland in September as part of a two day visit to see European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund projects and engage with project participants.
When I sought Government approval to submit the Partnership Agreement for formal negotiations with the European Commission in July, I undertook to return to Government with the final text of the Partnership Agreement. I secured Government approval of the final Partnership Agreement on the 9th of November. Following this meeting, I published the Partnership Agreement on my Department's website last week.
122. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has carried out an analysis of infrastructure projects in the revised national development plan in respect of the new climate action plan targets for sectoral emissions reductions; if not, if his Department will do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56467/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the NDP review completed in October 2021, an assessment was undertaken of the contribution that the Exchequer-funded capital spending in the NDP will make to 7 climate and environmental outcomes – climate mitigation, climate adaptation, water quality, air quality, waste & circular economy, nature & biodiversity and just transition. Priority investment programmes included in the NDP were assessed on the above environmental outcomes given a score of +3 or +1 if the estimated impact was positive, 0 if the impact was neutral, and -1 or -3 if the estimated impact was negative. Departments were initially asked to self assess their programmes based on the criteria above and those scores were reviewed by a panel of experts across the public sector.
A measure’s cumulative score, across all outcomes, was then used to determine that measure’s overall climate and environmental impact. In total, 128 measures were assessed. 67% were deemed on balance to have an overall positive impact. 17% where deemed to be neutral, while 16% of measures were tagged as having a net unfavourable impact on climate and environmental outcomes.
A positive assessment was not an endorsement of the proposed measures while a negative assessment does not mean that these measures are incompatible with the achievement of Ireland’s climate and environmental objectives. An unfavourable assessment demonstrates that there should be an increased focus on ensuring that the climate and environmental impact of this investment is minimised in so far as is possible.
It was not the role of the NDP Review to set out a specific blueprint for the achievement of Ireland’s climate targets. Rather, the Departments in receipt of the capital investment allocations for the climate and environmental strategic priorities they have identified are directly responsible for developing a detailed suite of policies and measures to maximise the impact of this planned investment. It is the effective implementation of these policies, which will need to blend regulation, behavioural change and financial measures with direct Government investment that will lead to the achievement of Ireland’s climate ambitions.
123. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding public toilets provision on An Blascaod Mór; the up-to-date position regarding signage to help protect the seal population from nuisance; the position regarding future conservation of buildings on the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56502/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW’s involvement with An Blascaod Mór goes back to 1988 with Ionad an Bhlascaoid, (the Blasket Centre) being developed with assistance from the locally based voluntary group, Fondúíreacht an Bhlascaoid in 1992/3. The Centre was first officially opened to the public in April 1994 and the centre plays a critical role in the cultural life of Dún Chaoin and is an important facility for the local community. It is also an important heritage visitor experience, operated by OPW, which celebrates and interprets the extraordinary literary legacy of the Great Blasket and as such, it makes a significant contribution to the economic and tourism agenda in West Kerry.
At An Blascaod Mór itself, the State purchased the majority of the land holdings in 2009. The OPW has provided a very successful guide service on the island since 2013, highlighting the heritage of the island for visitors. The OPW, with assistance from Fáilte Ireland, has also restored two houses on the island, including the home of the pre-eminent Blasket author, Tomás Ó Criomhthain. Further work is currently underway with a view to the further conservation of the largely abandoned island village.
In 2020 I opened a striking new ‘Viewing Platform’ at the Ionad site in Dún Chaoin, on a clifftop site overlooking the Blasket Sound. This project was funded by Fáilte Ireland and the OPW to create a unique way for visitors to experience the dramatic landscape of West Kerry. It connects with the headland walking routes which provide a safe way for visitors of all ages to enjoy the natural landscape.
As part of this strategic programme of investment with Fáilte Ireland, Ionad an Bhlascaoid itself has been upgraded, incorporating a completely reimagined interpretive exhibition of world-class standard. I was delighted to open the new world-class visitor experience in June 2022, which is a flagship destination on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The conservation and protection of An Blascaod Mór continues to be of great importance to the OPW in order to secure safe access for visitors and to protect the unique landscape of the Island. A key element of this protection is a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CMP). There has been a plan in place since 2004 to fully document the heritage assets of the Island, outline a strategy for conserving and developing the Island and provide a ‘roadmap’ for the Island’s future, prioritising the most urgent work and setting out a clear vision for the Island over the coming decade. These plans are regularly reviewed to ensure that the protection of the Island continues to meet the highest standards of best practices.
The OPW will shortly invite tenders for consultants to devise a new Conservation Management Plan (CMP), to continue guide the development and care of the Island into the future. This plan will consider the elements of conservation, heritage protection, archaeology, transport planning, marine biology and environmental ecology in relation to the Island. The CMP will include a comprehensive inventory of the built and natural heritage of the Island, with reference to the Island’s status as a Special Area of Conservation and a Natura 2000 site and its unique role in Irish cultural heritage. Work has already been undertaken to survey ‘An Dáil’, one of the most significant structures on the island.
The provision of public conveniences on the Island is an ongoing challenge given the unique nature of the Island. The OPW is currently investigating options for the provision of public toilets and have discussed this matter with the landowners. OPW is preparing to seek quotes from suitably qualified professionals to assess the suitability of potential locations on the island for such facilities. Toilets were successfully provided on Skellig Michael for the first time earlier this year, and the learning from that project will inform the considerations on An Blascaod Mór.
Regarding the seal colony and other biodiversity on An Blascaod Mór, the vast majority of people who visit the island are conscious of the need to be careful not to cause any damage or disturbance to either the built heritage, wildlife and the natural environment. Visitor boat services to the island have now finished for 2022, and will re-commence in April 2023 subject to weather conditions. During this off-season period the OPW will work on the installation of appropriate signage on the island ahead of the 2023 visitor season, to include signs related to the protection of the seals and birdlife, in particular the vulnerable Manx Shearwater. Local OPW management have been in dialogue with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to progress the signage project and look forward to having the signage in place when access to the island resumes in 2023.
The OPW team will also co-ordinate with ferry operators to ensure that all visitors receive conservation information before they disembark on the island.
My most recent visit to the Island was on 19th September, where I was accompanied by the Deputy, and I will continue to work with the local community to continue to protect the Island and in supporting sustainable tourism to share the unique culture of the Island with visitors.
124. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has received an update regarding the business case submitted to the major projects advisory group within his Department for an elective hospital in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56245/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra126. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will confirm that his Department has now signed off on the proposals submitted to it by the Department of Health in respect of the elective hospital for Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56366/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 126 together.
Enhanced external scrutiny was a key recommendation from the PWC Escalation in National Children’s Hospital Costs Review and the establishment of the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG) is one of the key reforms brought in by my Department to meet recommendations in that review. Assessment by MPAG is an essential element of ensuring value for money and robust project governance for the proposed Elective Care Centres.
The Preliminary Business Case and External Review for the proposed Elective Care Centre in Cork were submitted to my Department by the Department of Health for review by MPAG on 27th September. Prior to seeking Government approval at Decision Gate 1, these are being considered by MPAG alongside the Preliminary Business Case and External Review for the proposed Elective Care Centre in Galway.
The full review meeting between MPAG and the Department of Health occurred on Thursday, November 10th and MPAG is now in the process of finalising its review note on the proposals. This note, outlining the findings and recommendations of the Group, will be submitted to the Department of Health and my Department shortly.
125. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way his Department is pursuing equality budgeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56422/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIntegrated within the Performance Budgeting framework, Equality Budgeting adds an additional lens which focuses on how policy and expenditure decisions effect specific cohorts of our society.
Equality objectives and indicators are published every year in the Revised Estimates Volume and the Public Service Performance Report. Piloted in 2018, Equality Budgeting initially focused on gender and has been gradually extended to other equality dimensions including socio-economic inequality, disability and minority groups.
An Expert Advisory Group was established in 2018 to guide development of Equality Budgeting policy. The role and objectives of the Group are to provide constructive, critical feedback and provide expert guidance and informed insights on the future direction and areas of focus for Equality Budgeting.
To drive this important work forward in line with international best practice, in 2019 the OECD was requested by my Department, and the Department of Justice and Equality, to conduct a scan of Equality Budgeting in Ireland. The report, published on Budget day 2020, supported the approach taken, and also provided a roadmap to drive this initiative forward.
Implementation of the report's recommendations is well advanced.
In cooperation with my Department, the CSO conducted a data audit in 2020 to ascertain the availability of public service data that is disaggregated by equality dimension. This work was guided by the Expert Group and the audit findings were published alongside Budget 2021. The information is published on the CSO website and will continue to be updated as new data is identified.
Following the data audit, work is now underway to identify a data strategy that will identify what actions are needed to improve the disaggregation of data and identify actions needed to address data gaps.
A key recommendation was the establishment of an inter-departmental network of Equality Budgeting contact points. In March 2021, Government agreed to establish an inter-departmental network on Equality Budgeting in order to facilitate full implementation across all departments. The network members are tasked with ensuring that policy makers in their departments are fully aware of, and implementing, Equality Budgeting policy where applicable.
All eighteen Government Departments are now participating in Equality Budgeting and further metrics are expected to be included in December's Revised Estimates Volume.
128. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if current expenditure is within profile for the year to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56446/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTotal gross voted expenditure to end-October 2022 amounted to €66,531 million which is €80 million (0.1%) below profile overall. Gross voted current expenditure of €61,055 million is €1,262 million (2.1%) ahead of profile. Gross voted capital expenditure of €5,476 million is €1,342 million (-19.7%) below profile.
There has been a number of developments in 2022 which have an impact on the level of current expenditure. These include the extension of the Building Momentum pay agreement, the response to the cost of living crisis, humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine and the ongoing recovery from the Covid pandemic.
The position of the gross voted current expenditure in some of the major spending Departments is as follows;
- The Department Social Protection is ahead of profile by €517 million (2.7%). The position is mostly reflective of the payment of some cost of living measures in October which were announced as part of Budget 2023 but not included in the 2022 profile.
- Gross current expenditure in the Department of Health is €581 million ahead of profile (3.3%). This is largely due to higher Covid-19 related expenditure than anticipated due to the Omicron wave and the pandemic recognition payment.
- Gross current expenditure in the Department of Education is €168 million (2.4%) ahead of profile, mostly due to increased costs associated with substitutions and payments of Covid-19 supports to schools for Term 3, as well as increased escort payments for school transport.
- Gross current expenditure in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is €84 million (3.6%) ahead on 2021 and €115 million (4.6%) below profile. This underspend versus profile is due to timing issues related to grant payments.
- Gross current expenditure in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is €345 million (20.0%) ahead of profile mostly reflecting expenditure associated with accommodation and other costs related to the provision of humanitarian support to people arriving from Ukraine.
The October Fiscal Monitor provides further information on the current spending position by Department and is available on the Department of Finance website gov.ie - Fiscal Monitor - October 2022 (www.gov.ie).
129. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding remedial works being carried out on the Wicklow town courthouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56304/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWicklow town Courthouse is owned by the Courts Service who are responsible for the scope and funding of any works.
The Office of Public Works does provide support to the Courts Service on request, assisting with maintenance and works projects. In this regard the Office of Public Works carried out maintenance works on Wicklow Town Courthouse in April of this year. The works included painting of the rails, windows and doors on the front elevation, cleaning the façade of the building and removal of weeds around the building. The scope and financing of this work was a matter for the Courts Service.
130. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the land, properties or buildings the OPW or his Department have made available in 2022 for housing or accommodation for Ukrainian refugees or those seeking international protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56432/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) manages a property portfolio in excess of 2,500 properties ranging from heritage buildings, commercial office blocks, green field sites, warehouses, Coast Guard Stations and Garda Stations. As would be the norm in such a large portfolio, at any given time, there will be a number of properties being refurbished or vacant. The State will always retain a number of vacant properties for future use. As a matter of policy, no property or site is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property.
Housing
In terms of alternative uses such as housing, the OPW notifies all relevant stakeholders of any vacant, surplus properties that may be considered for housing or other State use. This includes notifying the Land Development Agency and the relevant local authorities or other State bodies.
While the provision of social/affordable and emergency residential accommodation is a function of the Local Authorities and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the OPW has in recent years provided:
- Eight residential units in Dublin City Centre that were transferred to Dublin City Council for use by the Peter McVerry Trust.
- A building in Crumlin, Dublin that is now licensed to Dublin City Council for use as a Family Hub.
- Five former Garda residences in Templemore that were transferred to Tipperary County Council for social housing.
- Two former Garda station properties at Goleen and Adrigole that were transferred to Cork County Council for social housing.
In addition, there are a number of properties that are in the process of being transferred to local authorities and the Land Development Agency, as follows:
- The former Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum which will be transferring to the Land Development Agency for housing purposes
- A further seven buildings and a site that are in the process of transferring to Cork County Council for social housing
- Two former Garda residences that are transferring to Tipperary County Council for social housing.
- A property at Carrigrohane, Cork City that is in the process of being leased to Cork City Council for housing purposes.
- The former Garda station at Inagh that is to be used as a local housing office by Inagh Housing Association following its transfer to Clare County Council.
It should be noted that buildings owned or managed by the OPW are primarily commercial offices, Garda stations, warehouses or others that are not suited to residential use. However, the OPW has actively engaged with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in providing information on any non-operational, vacant buildings owned. The Department then assesses those buildings in terms of what might be suitable for residential use.
Accommodation for Ukrainian Refugees
The OPW has been asked by Government to develop the programme of rapid build modular homes, on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) who are the lead Government Department for the emergency humanitarian response. The OPW is the Sponsoring Agency for the purposes of rolling out the programme, with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) in identifying sites that might be suitable.
Those sites are then assessed by the Department (DCEDIY) in terms of location, access to local facilities, with the OPW undertaking the necessary technical site assessments. When sites are identified as suitable, the OPW will be responsible for site preparation and the acquisition and installation of the homes onto the sites. Thereafter, the DCEDIY will take over the management of the sites and the housing units.
In that regard, the OPW is contributing three of its sites for development – at Cavan, Thurles and Claremorris. These sites are included in an initial phase of site development on State owned lands around the country to achieve a target of an initial 500 housing units by February 2023. Other sites in the first phase are in Cork and Sligo (owned by the Local Authorities), with a number of other sites currently being assessed for further phases over the coming months, in order to reach the target number of homes. In addition, the OPW has made a large property in Shannon available to DCEDIY, which is currently being adapted for emergency accommodation.
The OPW has provided a list of its vacant properties, including former Garda stations, to DCEDIY, DHLGH and the relevant local authorities so that they can assess them for suitability for social or humanitarian housing purposes. The OPW continues to engage with other State bodies on a regular basis in this regard.
131. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on efforts by the Office of Public Works to increase public access to the Dunsink observatory; and the way the efforts may support the work of DIAS. [56342/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the property at Dunsink, Dublin 15 is held by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies on a 150-year lease from the Commissioners of Public Works.
The Observatory at Dunsink is the oldest purpose-built scientific research centre in Ireland, having opened in 1785 as the observatory attached to Trinity College Dublin. It was home to the Royal Astronomer of Ireland for over a century. Some of Ireland’s greatest scientists, including Sir William Rowan Hamilton (seen by many as the founder of modern theoretical physics) have lived and worked at Dunsink. This impressive history led to the property being recognised in 2018 as a “site of historical significance” by the European Physical Society, joining similarly significant scientific locations across Europe, such as Einstein’s house in Bern and Marie Curie’s laboratory in Paris.
The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) is a statutory corporation established for the purpose of fundamental research and education by the Irish Government under the Institute for Advanced Studies Act (1940). DIAS is the world’s second, and Ireland’s only, institute for advanced studies, attracting talent from all over the world to conduct fundamental research in three areas with a humanistic and scientific focus: Celtic Studies, Theoretical Physics and Cosmic Physics (encompassing Astronomy, Astrophysics and Geophysics).
For over 80 years, DIAS has pushed the boundaries of discovery: their research gains insights into Celtic society and its legacy; progresses the understanding of our island, our planet, and the universe; and deciphers the underpinning mathematical principles of nature. DIAS also leads Ireland’s participation in a number of global research endeavours and is active in science outreach and public engagement.
The OPW has supported DIAS at Dunsink over the years in terms of the preservation and maintenance of the property and continues to support its future plans for the site. The OPW contributed observations in support of the future of Dunsink into the Draft Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029, emphasising the importance of the protection of the Observatory’s historic, architectural and scientific significance. Over the years, the OPW has undertaken major restoration work at the site (most notably, the two domes atop Observatory House and on the nearby South Observatory); and in 1988, the Grubb telescope was fully renovated.
More recently, the OPW worked with DIAS to secure the registration of the Hamilton Way walk, which is incorporated into the new Fingal Development Plan. The OPW has invested significantly in the site to assist DIAS. Works have included roof repairs, repairs to the entrance walls and gate, repairs to the gate lodge, upgrading windows and refurbishment of the coach house, as well as upgrading security CCTV and external lighting to improve access by members of the public, etc. It is envisaged that, working with the other relevant State agencies such as Fingal County Council and the Department of Further and Higher Education, the plans for greater access and improved facilities at Dunsink over the coming years will improve visitor experience and protect this sensitive historic site.
The OPW continues to engage with DIAS in relation to its future plans to increase public access, in line with the vision for the area set out in the overall Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029.
132. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are many Cvil Service pensions that were eligible for the pension increases that took place on 1 October 2022; the number of these pensions that have had the increases applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56373/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I have overall policy responsibility in relation to civil service pension schemes, and for the National Shared Service Office (NSSO) which makes pension payments to retired civil servants.
Over 29,000 Civil Service Pensioners (approximately 96% of Civil Service Pensioners) will be receiving their increases for the 1st October 2022 on the 25th of November. There are still a number of pensioners whose records are being manually reviewed, where the pay scale they retired from was not in line with standard pay scales. As not all civil service pensioners are necessarily eligible for the increase, checks must be done to ensure they are correctly applied.
