Written Answers Nos. 98-117
98. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if the desirability and possibility of having heavy rail or light rail connections to, or adjacent to, Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Shannon and Ireland West Airport, Belfast city, Belfast International and Derry airports is being examined as part of the all-Ireland rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9191/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The results of the review will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Strategic Rail Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities, including the potential for higher/high-speed; enhancing regional accessibility; supporting balanced regional development; and rail connectivity to our international gateways. The potential for rail connectivity to airports across the island is a specific consideration within this scope.
A draft report is currently being finalised. The draft report will be submitted for approval to Ministers in Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as the Irish Government. After the necessary approvals have been secured, my Department will publish the report.
99. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers disqualified in each year since 2016; the number who surrendered their licence to the RSA each year from 2016 following disqualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9224/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.
100. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the problems faced in relation to insurance costs (details supplied); the assistance his Department can provide with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8959/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSecuring a more sustainable and competitive market through deepening and widening the supply of insurance in Ireland is a key policy objective for this Government. It is recognised that a small number outdoor/high-footfall activity sectors, including motorcycle sports, are currently facing difficulty in terms of affordability and availability of insurance. Government has therefore prioritised the implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform, which aims to improve the cost and availability of insurance for all groups, including sporting organisations. The latest Implementation Report, published in November 2022, demonstrates that significant progress has been made, with approximately 90 percent of the actions either delivered or initiated.
One of the most significant achievements has been the implementation of the Personal Injuries Guidelines, which have reduced average award levels by nearly 40 per cent for cases settled through the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB). Government has consistently stressed its clear expectation that insurers should pass-on any savings arising from the reform agenda to customers. Minister of State Carroll MacNeill is meeting with the main insurers in the Irish market this month and will impress upon them the need to reflect lower claims costs through reduced premiums, but also to expand their risk appetite to provide cover to lesser-served, ‘pinch-point’, albeit high risk sectors, such as motorsports.
Work remains ongoing on a whole-of Government basis to ensure the timely implementation of the remaining elements of the Action Plan. Of particular relevance are the proposed amendments to the duty of care legislation. The policy intent is that these measures will have a significant impact on the issue of slips, trips and falls, and thus should assist the sporting and outdoor activity sector as a whole.
In conclusion, it is my intention to work with my Government colleagues to ensure that the implementation of the Action Plan will continue to have a positive impact on the affordability and availability of insurance for all groups, including sporting clubs and organisations.
101. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) can be considered as part of a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8996/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) are set out in Finance Act 2022. The scheme provides support to qualifying businesses in respect of energy costs relating to the period from 1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023 and is available to tax compliant businesses carrying on a trade or profession the profits of which are chargeable to tax under Case I or Case II of Schedule D where they meet the eligibility criteria.
Businesses consisting of self-employed individuals, partnerships or companies may be eligible for payments under the TBESS.
The TBESS operates by reference to bills for the metered supply of natural gas and electricity. It is available to eligible businesses whose average unit price of electricity or gas has increased by at least 50% for the relevant billing period between September 2022 and February 2023, as compared with the average unit gas or electricity price in for the corresponding reference period in the previous year. Where this threshold is met, payments will be made to qualifying businesses on the basis of 40% of the amount of the increase in eligible electricity or natural gas costs between the bill amount which is the subject of the claim and the bill amount in the corresponding reference period in the previous year.
The TBESS legislation provides, in respect of the metered supply of electricity or gas, that the electricity or gas bill should be provided or made available by an electricity or gas supplier to an eligible business. The legislation also requires that the electricity account or gas connection should be held by the eligible business who uses or consumes the electricity or gas.
A business that does not hold an energy account, and therefore does not receive bills directly from an energy supplier, will not be able to make a claim for payments under the TBESS because the business does not meet the qualifying criteria.
102. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the amount of funding allocated for the SBCI loan schemes under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9131/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) began lending in March 2015. By the end of December 2022, the SBCI had supported lending of €3.4 billion to more than 53,000 SMEs, from all sectors of the Irish economy and across a wide geographical spread.
The SBCI has a number of schemes launched and in development to help release further funding to support suitable projects. These include the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme, the Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme, the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Residential Retrofit Scheme.
Three Government departments allocate funding towards the operation of these loan guarantee schemes; the Department of Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE); the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM); and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC).
I have been informed that none of the three departments have sought a supplementary allocation in 2023 in respect of SBCI loan schemes to date.
103. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider a Government-sponsored life cover scheme operated by the State at a reasonable cost to the policy holders, to enable people with certain conditions that would not otherwise qualify for life cover through a commercial company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9189/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the issue of access to certain insurance services – in particular mortgage protection insurance – for individuals who have recovered from cancer and those with certain other conditions. This is a very sensitive matter for many in our community.
The Deputy has suggested a Government-sponsored scheme for affected individuals. While I appreciate the intent of such a proposal, I would be very cautious about this approach for a number of reasons.
Firstly, any State insurance scheme would be required to comply with the same prudential rules as private companies, as set out in the Solvency II Directive, which means that the cost would need to reflect the risk involved.
Secondly, there is no reason to believe that the State would be any better at managing risks than private insurers, and therefore be in a position to provide insurance more affordably than existing providers.
Thirdly, an unintended consequence of such an approach could serve to reduce competition, potentially increasing the cost of premiums elsewhere in the economy as insurers could seek to discontinue certain other lines if there is a view the State will insure these risks instead, particularly for market segments considered as unprofitable.
Nonetheless, there is work underway at the EU level in relation to individuals who have recovered from a previous cancer diagnosis when accessing insurance products. There are plans to adopt an EU-wide Code of Conduct on the “Right to be Forgotten” (RTBF) by next year. A RTBF is designed to prevent insurers taking into account a historical illness, such as cancer, when calculating the risk involved in insuring such individuals, thereby ensuring that they can access insurance on similar conditions to other applicants.
The introduction of such a Code of Conduct is an objective which is set out in “Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan” which was published in 2021. Last year, EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides announced the launch of an EU-wide initiative to address the RTBF in all Member States, including working with Financial Services Commissioner Mairead McGuinness.
In addition, in ongoing negotiations at EU level on the Consumer Credit Directive , the inclusion of a RTBF provision is being considered as part of this legislative process.
The Department of Finance is monitoring these EU-level developments, while considering any separate measures introduced at the national level do not conflict with a future EU Code of Conduct. Given the complex and sensitive nature of this issue, this is the best course of action.
Domestically, I also understand that Insurance Ireland is currently reviewing this issue and its considered feedback on the investigation of RTBF policies is expected later this year.
Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, under existing legislation (Section 126 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995), lenders are permitted to provide a mortgage in situations where a borrower may be unable to obtain life insurance, or where such insurance is unduly costly compared to that payable by borrowers generally. For individuals, including those recovering from cancer or living with other conditions, who may experience difficulties acquiring mortgage protection insurance when securing a home loan, this is an important provision to be aware of.
104. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the turnover of staff in his Department for each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and the percentage of total staff this represents in each category. [9277/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the Dept. of Finance Turnover figures for the relevant years are as follows.
Turnover - The number of staff who have moved from / left the Department within the period.
|
2020 |
13.05% - 44 Officers |
|
2021 |
15.89% - 52 Officers |
|
2022 |
25.41% - 82 Officers |
The Department also kept a copy of Attrition numbers for the years – which is those who left the Civil Service completely for context.
Attrition - The number of staff who have left the Civil Service within the period e.g. retirements and resignations.
|
2020 |
5.41% - 17 Officers |
|
2021 |
4.58% - 15 Officers |
|
2022 |
7.13% - 23 Officers |
105. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance his views on maintaining the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector, given the view that the lower VAT rate is critical to Ireland's international competitiveness and tourism business model (details supplied); if he will extend the 9% tourism VAT rate beyond 28 February 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8936/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in making any decision in relation to VAT rates or other taxation measures, the Government must balance the costs of the measures in question against their impact and the overall budgetary framework. In the case of the tourism and hospitality sectors an extension of the 9% VAT rate to the end of 2023 would cost over €500m.
However, Government recognises the challenging business environment the tourism and hospitality sectors are operating in and the role that these businesses play in driving employment and economic activity across Ireland.
For this reason I will be extending the 9% VAT rate for these sectors to 31 August 2023. It will revert to the 13.5% VAT rate on 1 September 2023. The estimated cost of this measure is €300m. This extension strikes a balance between the cost to public finances and the provision of support for these sectors.
106. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the treatment of corporation tax loss relief with respect to a bank (details supplied) has or will change, given the State no longer has a shareholding in the bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8980/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note that the Deputy’s question relates to a particular banking institution. However, section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 precludes the Revenue Commissioners from directly or indirectly disclosing taxpayer information to third parties unless this is specifically provided for in legislation. Therefore, neither Revenue nor I can comment on the tax affairs of any individual or company so I can only answer in relation to corporation tax relief for losses more generally.
As the Deputy is aware, loss relief for corporation tax is a longstanding feature of the Irish corporate tax system and a standard feature of corporation tax systems in most OECD countries. It recognises the fact that a business cycle runs over several years and that it would be unfair to tax income earned in one year and not allow relief for losses incurred in another. Loss relief works by allowing a deduction for losses incurred in one accounting period against profits earned in another period.
The value of these tax losses to the State is realised through share sales, and any change in the tax treatment of losses forward would give rise to a negative impact on the valuation of the State’s remaining bank investments. The banks’ share prices recognise a certain value for the tax losses and, as such, the State receives value for the balance of tax losses sell-downs complete. As I announced in September 2022, the State has completed the sale of its shares in Bank of Ireland for a total of €841m. The government has now recovered almost €6.7 billion in cash from its €4.7 billion investment in and support for Bank of Ireland over the 2009-2011 period.
In 2018, Department of Finance officials produced a detailed technical note for the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach on the subject of both bank losses and corporation tax losses more generally (see www.gov.ie/en/publication/436ff7-technical-note-on-the-potential-consequences-of-changes-to-the-treat/). The technical note considered in some detail the potential implications of restricting the use of losses carried forward, or the introduction of a specific time limit or “sunset clause” on loss relief, for Irish banks, for the wider banking sector, or for the corporate sector as a whole. Among other considerations, it examined the possible effect of such a restriction on consumers, with the probability that an increased cost base for the banks would be passed on to the consumer in the form of higher fees, higher interest rates on loans, or lower deposit rates.
It also noted potential negative consequences for the valuation of the State’s banking investments, and for capital levels in the banks with possible resulting regulatory impacts. It also considered potential effects on competition within the banking sector in Ireland, a factor of increasing relevance as banks have since left the Irish market. Taking all these factors into account, it is my view that it would be detrimental to Irish consumers and Irish taxpayers if a restriction were to be placed on the use of losses carried forward by the banks. Therefore, a change to the treatment of corporation tax relief for losses for the banking sector is not currently contemplated.
107. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue he expects to generate from the changes to the benefit-in-kind relief on company cars, which became effective as of January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9039/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecent Government policy has focused on strengthening the environmental rationale behind company car taxation. Until the changes 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, a CO2-based BIK regime for company cars was legislated for from 1 January 2023. From that date the amount taxable as BIK is determined by the car’s original market value (OMV) and the annual business kilometres driven, while new CO2 emissions-based bands determines whether a standard, discounted, or surcharged rate is taxable. The number of mileage bands has reduced from five to four.
In certain instances, this new regime will provide for higher BIK rates, for example in relation to above average emissions and high mileage cars. It should be noted, however, that the rates remain largely the same in the lower to mid mileage ranges for the average lower emission car. Additionally, EVs benefit from a preferential rate of BIK, ranging from 9 – 22.5% depending on mileage. Fossil-fuel vehicles are subject to higher BIK rates, up to 37.5%. This new structure with CO2-based discounts and surcharges is designed to 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 that are 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 brings 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.
It should be noted that this new BIK charging mechanism was legislated for in 2019 and was announced as part of Budget 2020. I am satisfied that this has provided a sufficient lead in time to adapt to this new system before its recent implementation.
Additionally, it is not possible from the data submitted to Revenue in respect of benefit-in-kind to identify specific statistics solely in relation to BIK on employer-provided vehicles, as the information submitted is not itemised based on the type of benefit granted.
108. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the number of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed by the officeholder of the day to State boards, authorities and other State-appointed bodies, after being recommended on draft lists submitted by the Public Appointments Service, in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9051/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that since its establishment in 2018, a serving public servant was appointed to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Council (FSPOC). The One Person One Salary rule was applied in respect of the FSPOC member during this period. That member continued in the role of FSPOC member following their retirement from a State Agency in 2020.
Following a Public Appointments Service recruitment process in 2015, a retired civil servant was appointed as a member of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council.
One member appointed to the Board of the National Asset Management Agency Board in 2018 was previously a public servant, having formerly worked as a full time Board member of An Bord Pleanála from 1999 to 2006.
In respect of the National Treasury Management Agency Board members appointed following a Public Appointments Service process, one such member is a retired university professor, appointed in 2019.
109. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the number of senior staff members of his Department or of State bodies under the aegis of his Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9069/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not routinely collect the information requested in the format that the Deputy has asked for. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, this information has been collated and I am informed that there are 5 senior staff members of my Department who are on the boards of bodies that fall within the scope of the question. I would note that in the majority of cases, the staff members are members of the Boards as a result of the role that they have within the Department.
In relation to the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), two senior members of staff of the NTMA and one senior staff member of the SBCI hold directorships on boards of charitable organisations registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.
As the Deputy is aware, the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour and the Ethics legislation pertaining to designated positions in Public Bodies covers conflict of interest matters which provide significant directions on this matter.
110. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 16 February 2023, if a requirement for payment service providers to compensate customers where authorised push-payment fraud occurs would require new legislation, to, for example, give the Central Bank powers to require compensation; if such legislation would be possible under PSD2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9241/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe revised Payment Service Directive (2015/2366/EU) (PSD2) is a maximum harmonisation directive and insofar as the Directive contains harmonised provisions, Member States shall not maintain or introduce provisions other than those laid down in this Directive.
PSD2 provides the customer with recourse for unauthorised transactions. However, it does not directly provide recourse for the customer in the case of authorised push payment fraud.
The European Commission are currently undertaking a review of PSD2, which is expected to cover a wide variety of areas related to the Directive. As part of the review fraud prevention mechanisms, strong customer authentication rules and their impact on fraud rates are being assessed. Transparency requirements and rules on single payment transactions and framework contracts are also being reviewed in light of market developments (e.g. the rules related to rights and obligations, such as the right of refunds).
Officials from my Department have been engaging with the Commission’s review on areas of Irish interest. The outcome of the review will enable the Commission to decide whether EU coordinated action and/or policy measures are warranted. It is likely that when the review is complete the Commission will bring forward a proposal for a new Directive (PSD3).
111. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) in respect of a prison officer retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8958/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, I have overall policy responsibility in relation to public service occupational pension schemes payable to retired public servants.
Since 6 April 1995, all newly-appointed public servants became fully insured under the Social Insurance System. They pay Class A PRSI, which would entitle them to Social Insurance Benefits such as, maternity benefit, illness benefit, State Pension Contributory (SPC) and other social insurance entitlements not available to public servants paying modified PRSI (Class B, C or D). A significant number of occupational pension schemes (both private and public sector) take account of a member’s entitlement to the SPC when calculating occupational pension benefits. This is known as ‘integration’, and is also sometimes referred to as 'coordination'.
A public servant paying Class A PRSI will receive both an occupational pension and, it is assumed, they will be also be entitled to the maximum rate of the SPC. As the SPC element is paid for by way of PRSI contributions, this part of the pension is bound by the rules and criteria as set by Department of Social Protection (DSP). However, in the case of public servants, an occupational supplementary pension may be payable in circumstances where the total pension package (i.e. the combined total of the public service occupational pension plus any social insurance benefits) is less than that of the pension payable to a public servant on an equivalent salary and whose pension is not integrated with the Social Insurance system and who do not have an entitlement to the SPC.
The payment of an occupational supplementary pension is subject to an individual meeting certain criteria, such as the retired public servant shall not be in paid employment and:
(i) fails to qualify for Social Insurance Benefit or
(ii) qualifies for Social Insurance Benefit at a reduced rate and
(iii) has reached minimum pension age or is in receipt of an ill-health pension
The following Social Insurance payments are considered when assessing an individual for an Occupational Supplementary Pension: The State Pension Contributory (SPC), the State Pension Transition (also known as a Retirement Pension and now abolished since January 2014), Illness Benefit, Invalidity Benefit, Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds and Jobseeker’s Benefit. Other benefits/allowances not listed above are not taken into account when assessing an individual’s entitlement to an Occupational Supplementary Pension e.g. Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension, Jobseeker’s Allowance and any other means-tested benefit/allowance. In order to qualify for the payment of a supplementary pension, a retired public servant must engage with the Department of Social Protection and apply for any of above mentioned benefits to which they may have an entitlement. The rules regarding qualifying for any of the above Social Insurance payments are a matter for the Department of Social Protection.
It is worth noting that if an individual in receipt of a supplementary pension takes up employment, for example, for one day, the supplementary pension would cease for that one day and be payable for the other 4 working days in the week, similar to how an entitlement to Jobseeker’s Benefit is treated.
112. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed by the officeholder of the day to State boards, authorities and other State-appointed bodies, after being recommended on draft lists submitted by the Public Appointments Service, in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9057/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Bodies of the nature specified in the question |
Number of appointments of the nature specified in the question |
|
2022 |
Data Governance Board |
1 |
|
2021 |
National Shared Services Office Advisory Board |
1 |
|
2021 |
Public Appointments Service Board* |
1 |
|
2018 |
Public Appointments Service Board |
1 |
2018 reappointment
113. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of senior staff members of his Department or of State bodies under the aegis of his Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9075/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there is currently one senior staff member in my Department on the board of a body that meets the criteria set out in the question. For the information of the Deputy, this person is on the board of a charity.
With the exception of the Office of Public Works (OPW), there are currently no senior staff members in the bodies under the aegis of my Department on boards that meet the criteria set out in the question. The OPW has advised my Department that there are currently three senior staff members on the boards of bodies that meet the criteria in question.
Directions in relation to the involvement of senior staff members with State Boards are set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and relevant circulars. Directions in relation to the involvement of senior staff members on the boards of other bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 would similarly be set out in the relevant circulars and/or contracts covering terms and conditions of employment. Furthermore, the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 (the Ethics Acts) provide for annual disclosure of interests for designated positions of employment in the Civil and Public Service at and above Principal Officer grade or equivalent and certain other positions whose work area could produce conflicts of interest and the disclosure of material interest in an official function.
114. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide details of the turnover of staff in his Department for each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and the percentage of total staff this represents in each category. [9277/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy for my Department, including the Office of Government Procurement, is set out in the tables below.
Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform
|
- |
Grade* |
Number |
Percentage |
|
2022 |
Above Principal Officer |
2 |
0.4% |
|
|
Principal Officer |
6 |
1.3% |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
21 |
4.7% |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
18 |
4% |
|
|
Administrative Officer |
16 |
3.5% |
|
|
Executive Officer |
7 |
1.6% |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
5 |
1.1% |
|
|
Total |
75 |
16.6% |
|
|
|||
|
2021 |
Above Principal Officer |
2 |
0.4% |
|
|
Principal Officer |
7 |
1.5% |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
16 |
3.5% |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
17 |
3.7% |
|
|
Administrative Officer |
18 |
3.9% |
|
|
Executive Officer |
11 |
2.4% |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
4 |
0.9% |
|
|
Total |
75 |
16.4% |
|
|
|||
|
2020 |
Above Principal Officer |
1 |
0.2% |
|
|
Principal Officer |
4 |
0.9% |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
9 |
2% |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
10 |
2.2% |
|
|
Administrative Officer |
11 |
2.4% |
|
|
Executive Officer |
2 |
0.4% |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
5 |
1.1% |
|
|
Total |
42 |
9.2% |
*Not including Minister, Minister of State, Special Advisers, Civilian Drivers, Temporary Clerical Officers, Student Interns and Trainees.
Office of Government Procurement
|
- |
Grade* |
Number |
Percentage |
|
2022 |
Above Principal Officer |
- |
- |
|
Principal Officer |
3 |
1.2% |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
9 |
3.7% |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
12 |
5% |
|
|
Administrative Officer |
3 |
1.2% |
|
|
Executive Officer |
4 |
1.7% |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
5 |
2.1% |
|
|
Total |
36 |
14.9% |
|
|
2021 |
Above Principal Officer |
- |
- |
|
Principal Officer |
- |
- |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
4 |
1.7% |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
7 |
2.9% |
|
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
0.4% |
|
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
0.4% |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
4 |
1.7% |
|
|
Total |
17 |
7.1% |
|
|
2020 |
Above Principal Officer |
- |
- |
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
0.9% |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
6 |
2.6% |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
8 |
3.5% |
|
|
Administrative Officer |
- |
- |
|
|
Executive Officer |
3 |
1.3% |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
1.3% |
|
|
Total |
22 |
9.6% |
* Equivalent
115. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide details of the turnover of staff in her Department for each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and the percentage of total staff this represents in each category. [9277/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details of staff turnover for this Department for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, and the percentage of total staff represented in each category, is set out in tabular form below.
The 2020 details provided are those available since the formation of this Department in September 2020.
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|||
|
Category |
Staff Turnover |
% of total staff (355*) |
Staff Turnover |
% of total staff (375**) |
Staff Turnover |
% of total staff (416**) |
|
Resignation |
3 |
0.85% |
8 |
2.13% |
11 |
2.64% |
|
Retirement |
2 |
0.56% |
11 |
2.93% |
15 |
3.61% |
|
Transfer Out (Promotion) |
- |
- |
6 |
1.60% |
6 |
1.44% |
|
Transfer Out (Secondment) |
1 |
0.28% |
2 |
0.53% |
1 |
0.24% |
|
Death in Service |
- |
- |
1 |
0.27% |
1 |
0.24% |
|
Contract Expiry |
- |
- |
7 |
1.87% |
11 |
2.64% |
|
Transfer out (Mobility) |
- |
- |
3 |
0.80% |
2 |
0.48% |
|
Transfer of Functions |
- |
- |
5 |
1.33% |
- |
- |
|
Return to Parent Department |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5 |
1.20% |
|
Total |
6 |
1.69% |
43 |
11.47% |
52 |
12.50% |
* Total staff number at 31st December 2020
** Total staff number at 31st December 2021
*** Total staff number at 31st December 2022
116. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if his Department has negotiated terms for the repayment of the €7.6 million loan given to an organisation under the 2020 memorandum of understanding; if not, if consideration is being given to converting the loan into a non-repayable grant; if he will provide a repayments schedule; the interest rate applied to the loan; and the date on which it is due for full settlement. [8914/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recognition of the importance of the continued operation of the Aviva Stadium, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government and the organisation to which the Deputy refers, dated January 2020, provides for a repayable grant totalling €7.6338 million over the years 2020 - 2022 to the organisation towards the licence fee payable to the Aviva Stadium up to 2022.
In April 2020, a Memorandum of Agreement was entered into between Sport Ireland, the organisation, and New Stadium DAC - the company which operates the Aviva Stadium - for the disbursement of the organisation’s licence fee direct to New Stadium DAC. The Agreement outlines that the recoupable grant will be paid in instalments totalling €2,544,600 annually by Sport Ireland directly to New Stadium DAC on behalf of the organisation mentioned by the Deputy in each of the years 2020 to 2022.
With regard to repayment of the grant, the Agreement outlines that Sport Ireland will recoup the grant from the organisation by way of a reduction of €1 million in the annual grant provided by Sport Ireland to the organisation from 2024 onwards until the full sum is recouped.
While the organisation has written to me regarding aspects of the MOU the loan repayment arrangements as set out remain unchanged. As this is a repayable grant, no interest will apply.
117. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to commence the next round of the sports capital programme; when it will be open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8949/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if pony and equine clubs are eligible to apply for funding under the sports capital programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8951/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Thousands of projects have been completed under the scheme and the Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The final grants under the latest round were announced on Tuesday 31 May last year and the total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
The priority in the short term is to advance the successful applications to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage.
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review is complete and I expect to be in a position to publish this Review shortly. Any recommendations arising from the finalised Review will be reflected in the next round. Furthermore, my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the next round of the SCEP. Once this process is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.
Over €1.1 million was allocated to 43 successful equestrian grantees under the 2020 round. These grantees included various pony clubs, Horse Sport Ireland and Para Equestrian Ireland. Members of the equestrian sector will be eligible to apply again under the next round. It should be noted however, that grants are only provided to "not-for-profit" organisations. Full details of the SCEP including the latest "Guide to Making an Application" can be found at: www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/
