Written Answers Nos. 207-219
207. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the outcome of the work of the Banking Forum to date; if specific consideration is being given to the need to ensure that large parts of rural Ireland are not deprived of banking services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63114/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that the Retail Banking Review Team, in line with schedule, submitted the draft Review to me in November. Having considered the Review in detail, I brought it to Government on 29th November to seek its approval to publish the Review and to implement the 34 recommendations contained therein.
Following consideration of the Review, the Government duly gave the approvals I sought and, accordingly, the recommendations are now Government policy.
Access to banking services, particularly the ability to withdraw and deposit cash, was a key issue identified by the Review and a number of recommendations address this issue. My Department will now develop legislation and prepare heads of a bill in 2023 which will include requiring banks, that meet objective criteria, to provide reasonable access to cash.
Reasonable access to cash will be defined in consultation with the Central Bank and other stakeholders. A separate recommendation states that, pending development of this legislation, banks should seek to preserve their customers' access to cash services at December 2022 levels.
The recommendations approved also cover issues in relation to access to branches which the Central Bank should address under the Consumer Protection Code. This includes:
- Requiring banks to submit board approved assessments to the Central Bank when they are planning to significantly alter branch services, or when planning to close branches;
- Requiring banks to conduct ex-post assessments, to include a customer survey, after the change or closure and a requirement to rectify material issues; and
- Increasing the notice period from one to four months for significant change, and from two to six for branch closures.
The Review also outlined the important role that An Post and the credit union sector play in providing access to financial services across the State. With regard to the latter, the Review highlighted that the credit union sector is well placed to provide even more competition at scale given the strength of its brand and locations across the State. It also has the capital and deposits needed to provide such additional competition.
The Review called on the credit union sector and its leadership to develop a strategic plan that enables the sector to safely and sustainably provide a universal product and service offering, which is community based, and which is offered to all credit union members, directly or on a referral basis. The strategic plan should take the reforms in the Credit Union (Amendment) Bill 2022 into account and the Review said that the Department should consider further legislative changes if necessary to achieve a universal product offering and associated business model transformation.
The Review is available on the Department's website with the full list of recommendations immediately following the Executive Summary.
208. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the projections for future growth in expenditure related to PPP charges that includes all planned PPP projects at various stages of development such as the projects contained in bundles 1 and 2 of the higher education public private partnership programme in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62865/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of financial commitments in relation to PPPs in operation were furnished to the Deputy in my response to PQ no 224 on 8 December. Projections of future growth in expenditure related to planned PPP projects which have not reached financial close and are at various stages of development, are not available. Any queries in relation to the details of specific projects could be confirmed directly with the State authorities responsible for those projects, namely the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
209. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 350 of 8 September 2020, if his officials can provide an update on this search; if the search has been completed; if so, the items found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62913/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA significant number of physical files were located and deposited to my Department in November 2020, on foot of the Deputy's initial query. These are in the form of pension files for individuals, which may also contain information in relation to the committees in question from the early years of the State.
A search of these files was not feasible at the time, due to then-ongoing pandemic advice regarding working from home.
However contact has now been made directly with the Deputy's office, in regard to assisting with this search insofar as possible.
210. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he intends to approve the confirmation process for the Crossmolina flood relief scheme; when construction will commence on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62947/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has engaged independent environmental consultants to assess the environmental impacts of the River Deel (Crossmolina) flood relief scheme in accordance with the Arterial Drainage Acts, as amended. Following the receipt of further information in respect of the environmental impacts of the scheme, a further period of public consultation was held earlier this year. The independent environmental consultants have reviewed the submissions received and I expect that a reasoned conclusion on whether to confirm the scheme based on this will be made to me in due course. This is required to inform any recommendation.
Regarding the commencement of construction works on this particular project, these are operational matters for the Office of Public works in collaboration with the Local Authority and any contractors procured to deliver the scheme following the conclusion of the confirmation process.
211. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the need for the annual publication in a national newspaper of details of the disbursement of "Funds for Good Causes", in light of the report on the independent review of the allocation and utilisation of National Lottery funding. [63056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Lottery is a significant asset which plays an important role in generating funds for Good Causes throughout Ireland and across a range of areas including sport and recreation, culture and heritage, community health, the arts, and youth affairs.
The National Lottery Fund transferred €289m to the Exchequer in 2021, which represents a significant 14% increase on 2020 and is a record, unprecedented figure under the license commenced by Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) in 2014.
Approximately €6 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery commenced operations in 1987.
An important element of the ‘Review of the Distribution and Utilisation Lottery Funding’ published by my Department in recent weeks is to highlight to a greater extent the disbursement of funds for Good Causes arising from the sale of National Lottery tickets.
In this regard, the report encompasses a review of the current model for distribution and utilisation of Lottery funding in the light of international best practice. As I acknowledged at the time of publication, significant positive benefits are generated through National Lottery Good Causes funding for thousands of clubs and communities right across Ireland and the aim of the review was to strengthen this impact.
One of the recommendations in the review is the publication of an annual report setting out information on the beneficiaries of Good Causes funding. This type of publication would provide transparency around Good Causes funding and build on the publication of Appendix 1 in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) each year, which provides details of expenditure that is part funded by the Exchequer.
212. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the risk of flooding in Sutton and Baldoyle has been assessed a part of his nationwide flood assessment; if measures are being considered which would reduce this risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63092/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State, culminated with the launch in 2018 of 29 flood risk management plans which propose 118 new outline flood relief projects on top of the major projects already completed and the schemes that were ongoing at the time within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW). All projects are being funded under the Government's flood risk investment programme of almost €1.3 billion under the National Development Plan to 2030.
Since 2018, the OPW has trebled the number of schemes, to 90, in the pipeline being designed and at construction. Given the highly specialised market for designing flood relief schemes, it is not possible to progress all proposed new schemes at once.
While the proposed scheme in Sutton and North Howth is not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed, the OPW continues to liaise closely with Fingal County Council to ensure that the programme of flood relief projects identified for Fingal is kept under review, and that all projects will be commenced as soon as possible and within the timeframe for the National Development Plan.
As the flood risk management plans did not identify a scheme for Baldoyle, it is open to Fingal County Council to make an application under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for funding for a scheme in this location, if necessary.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.
Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie/
213. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are regulations in place to ensure that smaller and local media organisations are included in advertising campaigns run by Government Departments and publicly funded bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62889/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe local media sector faces longer term challenges as a result of changing patterns of media consumption, technology and shifts in advertising revenue to online services. I recognise the essential role that the local media plays and the particular value of local and regional newspapers in sharing reliable and relevant local news and bringing communities together.
Since I assumed formal responsibility for the media sector in September 2020, I have met key stakeholders including NewsBrands Ireland, Local Ireland and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).
While there are no general regulations in place at this time in relation to the placement of advertising by public bodies on local media, I would draw the Deputy’s attention to the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021, which provides that at least 20% of public bodies’ annual advertising is done through the medium of Irish and that at least 5% of their annual advertising budget is spent on Irish language advertising in Irish language media.
Furthermore, I note that on 16 September 2022, the European Commission published a proposal for a new Regulation, the European Media Freedom Act. The core objectives of the proposal are to strengthen the Internal Market for media services and to protect media pluralism and independence. The proposed regulation seeks to accomplish this by harmonising different national rules and procedures relating to media freedom and pluralism. The proposal builds on the findings of the European Commission's annual rule of law reports and on the regulatory frameworks established by other EU legislation, namely, the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive and the Digital Services Act. The proposed Regulation contains new requirements regarding the allocation of State advertising to media, so that it is transparent and non-discriminatory. This includes a proposed requirement to ensure public availability of information on advertising expenditure by public bodies. Negotiations with Member States on the proposed regulation commenced at official level in October 2022 and will be progressed in 2023.
214. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the 2021 annual report for Tourism Ireland will be published. [62923/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department submits annual reports and accounts of all State bodies under its aegis to the Government, in advance of their being laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. In addition, it is standard practice that each body will publish their annual report and financial statement once the documents have been submitted and laid as outlined above.
The Department prepares the annual reports and accounts of bodies under its aegis for submission and laying before the Houses of the Oireachtas once the audit certificate is issued by the Comptroller and Auditor General and the financial statements/accounts are submitted to the Department.
I can confirm that my Department has received the annual report and accounts for 2021 for Tourism Ireland which have been approved by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The report will now be brought to Cabinet for noting at the earliest opportunity and will be subsequently laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
215. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is considering taking an interest in Shannon Heritage in the context of preserving and enhancing the State’s tourism offering. [63109/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials are participating in an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of Transport, to consider the possible transfer of key Shannon Heritage sites to the relevant local authorities. While Shannon Heritage DAC is part of the Shannon Group Plc which comes under the aegis of the Minister for Transport, it is recognised that these sites are an important part of the wider tourism offering in Clare and Galway, and in the wider mid-west region.
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. Implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as other bodies. While my Department provides capital funding to Fáilte Ireland to invest in the tourism product offering, it does not have a role in the administration of its funding programmes and nor does it have discretionary funding to assist with individual tourism proposals. Fáilte Ireland is available to offer advice to current Shannon Heritage sites on the development of those sites.
216. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding streams that are available to citizens to assist them to meet the costs for the unveiling of a plaque (details supplied). [63115/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role as Minister with responsibility for leading the coordination of the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2012-2023 is to help ensure that the challenging events of this important and formative period in our history and related themes, are meaningfully, proportionately and sensitively remembered. The Government's approach to commemorations continues to be underpinned by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations (EAG) and informed by consultation with the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations. The Easter Rising has a great historical significance and legacy. In 2016, those who participated in the events of 1916 were recognised by the State with a broad, imaginative, inclusive and well-resourced Ireland 2016 programme.
While the provision or maintenance of memorials, erection of monuments, plaques, busts or statues and the production of commemorative medals or pins are not generally supported under my Department's funding allocation to the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2012-2023, I allocated almost €2m in funding for local authorities in 2022 under the Programme, to support their leading role in developing community-led commemorative activities during this final phase of the Decade of Centenaries. I expect to maintain a similar level of funding to the authorities under the Programme in 2023.
My Department has developed comprehensive guidance for the allocation of funding to assist local authorities. However, it is, of course, within the discretion of individual local authorities to provide support from within their own resources to local communities who wish to erect and maintain monuments, where this is deemed to be the appropriate approach. The Group referred to by the Deputy can apply for funding for their event, through the relevant local authority contact and I understand that the Decade of Centenaries co-ordinator for Dublin City Council is Brendan Teeling (Brendan.teeling@dublincity.ie/).
217. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the establishment, recruitment and implementation of the new body, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62957/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA dedicated MARA Establishment Unit is in place within my Department leading the critical work enabling the timely establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). The unit is directing a detailed Implementation Plan along three workstreams - governance, corporate development and operational development and is on track to have MARA formally established in March 2023.
I hope to be in a position to make appointments for the role of Chair and members of the Board of MARA shortly. In addition, the campaign to recruit a Chief Executive Designate was launched on 30 September 2022. This competition is being managed by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Top-Level Appointments Committee and it is anticipated to be completed early in 2023.
Filling these key leadership positions is a critical step in establishing the new maritime consenting regime. During this period of great change in how the State manages its maritime space, MARA will have a key role to play and it is important that the Board and CEO provide effective leadership and strategic vision to the organisation.
In addition, recruitment to the MARA Establishment Unit is continuing within my Department. Staff of the unit will transfer to the agency on establishment to ensure continuity of the work. A strategic workforce planning and skills needs assessment is being finalised and will inform MARA’s future recruitment planning.
In line with the Government’s decision on Prioritisation of Renewable Energy Maritime Plans and Projects as a response to the Energy crisis the MARA Establishment Unit’s focus is prioritising the development of the new consenting regime to ensure MARA will have the necessary processes and procedures in place relating to applications for Offshore Renewable Energy Maritime Area Consents (MACs) and subsequently, for other MACs for marine infrastructure that will support delivery and deployment of offshore wind projects, such as port developments.
218. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if some members of the Dublin Fire Brigade have been excluded from the €1,000 bonus for front-line workers; if so, the reason for same. [63093/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 19 January 2022, the Government announced a Covid-19 recognition payment for front-line healthcare workers to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. This once-off payment is ring fenced to staff who were ordinarily on site in Covid-19-exposed healthcare environments within the period from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2021. It applies to eligible staff in the public health service and six other specific cohorts, one of which is staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver paramedic services on behalf of the Health Service Executive. This is a matter for the HSE and DFB and I have no role in relation to it.
219. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the higher social housing income thresholds will come into effect. [62862/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 90 of 30 November 2022 which sets out the position in the matter.
