Written Answers Nos. 176-195
176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the 2023 tourist season is likely to be in a position to avail of improved air transport services in terms of the number of flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10681/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aviation sector's recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continues its upwards trajectory with estimates showing a potential return to 2019 levels of traffic overall by 2024, and Ireland widely predicted to return to such levels during 2023.
Eurocontrol's most recent statistics report Ireland's traffic in late February as being approximately 95% of what it was during the equivalent period in 2019. This is an incredible starting position for our airlines heading into the summer. Both major Irish airlines have announced very extensive offerings within their respective route networks covering both Europe and North America, reported as their largest to date.
There has been a multitude of announcements of new routes and holiday offerings which is a very positive sign of what should be a very busy summer period. By way of example, over 20 new routes operating from Dublin, Cork, Shannon, and Ireland West (Knock) airports have been announced for the summer season which augurs well for the tourist season.
177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the timeline for the electrification of the Maynooth rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10682/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and implementation of the DART+ Programme covering the Maynooth line.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
178. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of any reviews undertaken on extending the short-hop zone in County Wicklow; if he has any plans to extend it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10726/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to extending the short-hop zone in County Wicklow, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
179. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of any costings carried out for moving the rail line between Bray and Greystones inland to bypass Bray Head and lay twin tracks to increase the frequency of trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10727/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on the timeframe for the delivery of new train carriages; if these will be used on the Dublin to Rosslare rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10728/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 180 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, any costing which may have been carried out in relation to moving the rail line between Bray and Greystones.
The Deputy may also be aware that there are two major relevant rail carriage capacity enhancement projects underway. There is the purchase of 41 additional intercity railcars, delivery of which commenced last September. These new railcars will allow for enhanced services across the rail network when introduced into service this year. As part of ongoing work by the NTA and Iarnród Éireann on a network-wide basis, consideration will be given to providing new and additional carriages where demand, available carriages and suitable infrastructure support such provision.
Secondly, approval by Government of the DART+ Preliminary Business Case in December 2021 permitted the purchase of 95 DART carriages from Alstom, for entry into service in 2025. On 29 November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework agreement with Alstom, which will see 90 further new battery-electric multiple units enter service in 2026.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
181. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on any plans to develop park-and-ride facilities along the N11-M11 between Bray and Arklow; if he can provide a timeframe for the design, planning and delivery of any such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10729/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
185. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a further update regarding a demand for repayment of a State support (details supplied); if the matter has been reviewed in light of evidence provided to show compliance with the spirit of the scheme as designed by him; if so, when the small business owner will be contacted with an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10737/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that it is currently concluding an Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme eligibility review intervention in respect of the claimant in question. Revenue has reviewed the claimant’s eligibility based on all the information provided and all issues identified under the intervention have been satisfactorily addressed and the taxpayer’s agent has been informed accordingly.
186. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to streamline the section 481 tax credit and ensure fundamental governance issues are addressed when film and television productions are receiving this incentive, in order that the rights of performers are not contractually overridden from the lack of adherence to regulation with legislation such as the Copyright and Related Acts 2000 and the European copyright directive, similar to other international jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10754/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 481 provides relief in the form of a corporation tax credit related to the cost of production of certain films. The scheme is intended to act as a stimulus to the creation of an indigenous film industry in the State, creating quality employment opportunities and supporting the expression of Irish culture.
I would note that copyright policy and legislation falls within the remit of the Department of the Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). I have been informed by DETE that the main source of Copyright legislation in Ireland is the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 (as amended) (the CRRA). Copyright is a property right and the CRRA covers matters such as providing the owners of copyright works the exclusive right to prohibit others from making a copy of the work, performing the work, making the work available to the public or any adaption of the work. In addition, protection is afforded to others involved in the production of the work such as performers (including actors), producers and broadcasters of works by what are known as ‘related rights’. The CRRA also ensures that copyright holders have an effective means of enforcing their rights should they consider that they have been infringed.
I am further informed by DETE that the CRRA is complimented by a number of Statutory Instruments. The EU (Copyright and Related Rights in the Digital Single Market) Regulations 2021 transposed the EU Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market (EU) 2019/790. The Regulations strengthen the rights and protections afforded to various categories of right holders in order to reflect the impact of technological advances and increased digitalisation. They also provide for wider access and use of copyright protected works to the potential benefit of the creative sectors, press publishers, researchers, educators, cultural heritage institutions, and citizens.
I am aware that the issue of copyright is an important one for the Irish culture, arts and media sectors. I am also aware that there have been issues raised in relation to intellectual property rights and remuneration of actors and performers.
Screen Ireland is the national development agency for Irish filmmaking and the Irish film, television and animation industry, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise. I have been informed that Screen Ireland has engaged a consultant to facilitate the process of examining the complex and varied issues on the topic of intellectual property and this will involve engagement with Industry stakeholders over the coming weeks to explore the issues being raised.
In addition, my officials have engaged with film industry representative bodies to gain an understanding of the topic and the various perspectives of those concerned. Department officials will continue to monitor progress in this area, including industrial relations negotiations on this matter, to inform considerations of any proposed amendments to the operation of the relief.
187. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Finance if the €70 million cap on section 481 tax breaks will be uncapped for a pilot period on the back of major capital investment in studio space in recent years and the potential for Ireland to attract tent-pole productions of scale following the recent success of Irish film production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10755/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 481 is intended to act as a stimulus to the creation of an indigenous film industry in the State, creating quality employment opportunities and supporting the expression of the Irish culture.
The scheme provides relief in the form of a corporation tax credit related to the cost of production of certain films. The credit is granted at a rate of 32% of the lowest of eligible expenditure, 80% of the total cost of production of the film or €70 million.
The minimum amount that must be spent on the production is €250,000 and the minimum eligible expenditure amount to qualify is €125,000.
Prior to 2015, the scheme operated by giving tax relief to individuals investing in the film industry. In 2015, the relief was restructured from an investor-based relief to a corporation tax credit.
The cap on eligible expenditure was increased from €50 million to €70 million in 2016. The increase to €70 million struck an appropriate balance between providing a sufficient increase to attract big budget films, while also being mindful of the possible cost to the public finances if a number of such films were to come to Ireland.
I am aware that there have been a number of calls to increase the cap, however, there is no plan for its increase at this time.
The Deputy may be aware that Finance Bill 2022 provided for the extension of Section 481 from its current end date of 31 December 2024 to 31 December 2028. This extension is subject to European Commission approval. Extension of the relief in advance of this date demonstrates this Government’s commitment to the Irish audio-visual industry, and is intended to provide certainty regarding the future availability of the relief. This certainty will foster further confidence in Ireland as a centre of excellence for screen production.
188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the procedure to be followed by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10789/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note that the question relates to an individual seeking to obtain motor insurance. As the Deputy will appreciate, as Minister for Finance, I am unable to comment on individual cases.
In general, it is important to note that under the terms of the Declined Cases Agreement (DCA), which is adhered to by all motor insurers in Ireland, the insurance market will not refuse to provide insurance to an individual seeking motor insurance if he or she has approached at least three insurers and has not been able to obtain cover from them. More information on the DCA can be found on the website of Insurance Ireland: www.insuranceireland.eu/consumer-information/general-non-life-insurance/declined-cases-agreement. The relevant e-mail address is: declined@insuranceireland.eu.
Insurance Ireland also operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be accessed at: feedback@insuranceireland.eu. In addition, Brokers Ireland has access to a wide range of providers and products, and can offer advice for customers in sourcing cover. Brokers Ireland can be contacted at: 01-661-3067 or at insurancequeries@brokersireland.ie.
189. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline the capital expenditure budget for projects in County Wexford identified in the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10772/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. My Department therefore allocates expenditure on a Departmental basis and not a geographic basis.
The NDP published in October 2021 provides a detailed and positive vision for Ireland out to 2030 and delivers total public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030. The NDP establishes the Government’s over-arching investment framework and broad direction for investment priorities for this decade.
In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, 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 Government will 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.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, including County Wexford, and contains smaller investments such as schools and social housing projects. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 in the Southern Region have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. The reports set out the regional projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered in the Southern Region, including Wexford, as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure in the region, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040, including in County Wexford.
The Project Ireland 2040 Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
190. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when additional long-service increments for Defence Forces personnel will be implemented in accordance with the recommendations in the high-level action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10764/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, this is a matter for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister of Defence in the first instance but I will address the Deputy’s question from my Department’s perspective.
A series of enhancements to pay and terms have been introduced for the Defence Forces in recent years including, for example, enhancements arising from recommendations of the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.
More generally, members of the Defence Forces also benefit from the terms of public service pay agreements. The Deputy will be aware that the current Building Momentum agreement was extended for a period of 12 months to the end of 2023. Three additional pay adjustments totalling 6.5% are provided for under the Building Momentum extension over 2022 and 2023. These are:
- An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 3% backdated to 2 February 2022.
- An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 2% on 1 March 2023.
- An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 1.5% or €750, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2023.
The extension acknowledges the higher than anticipated rates of inflation that have emerged since 2021 and in particular the impact of cost of living pressures.
The existing Building Momentum Agreement provided headline benefits of 3%. In total, including the existing Agreement and the extension, headline benefits over the lifetime of Building Momentum amount to 9.5%.
In respect of public servants at lower pay levels, the extended Building Momentum provides for increases of 12.5% over its lifetime.
In relation to the High Level Action Plan referenced by the Deputy, this was agreed by Government last July. My Department has been working with the Department of Defence to progress work on the various actions in this plan.
191. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 203 of 23 February 2023, when the memorial plaque for the Great Irish Famine, which is already in the possession of the OPW, will be put in an appropriate prominent place at the Custom House, Dublin, given that the exhibition in the Custom House visitor centre does not afford An Gorta Mór the significance it deserves in the narrative. [10617/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware from to my reply to Parliamentary Question No 203 of 23rd February, the design of a memorial plaque for An Gorta Mór (the Great Irish Famine) is being finalised at present and, once completed, will form part of the overall visitor experience. The next phase will be to determine a suitable location for installation of the memorial plaque within the Custom House Visitor Centre. An announcement will issue in due course once design and installation have been finalized.
192. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the development plans for Drogheda Garda station; if he will provide the overall details on the plans; the estimated costs of the plans; the projected date of commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7517/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is in the process of providing a new two-storey facility on the site of Drogheda Garda Station, to the north-east of the existing station, to enhance the operational capability of the station and to provide improved accommodation facilities for the serving officers on site.
Louth County Council issued a Dangerous Structure Notice to OPW in February 2020 with regard to the boundary wall on Patrickswell Lane, instructing OPW to make safe the boundary wall. The wall was enclosed by Heras Fencing to offset any immediate danger to the public. Given the need to rectify and make safe the boundary structure, the repair and restoration of the boundary wall has been identified as enabling works to accommodate the delivery of the adjacent PEMS (Property and Evidence Material Systems) Unit. At present, the wall to the north-east boundary of the station requires repair and conservation before the development can commence. These works, along Old Abbey Lane, are to be carried out in accordance with Part 9 Planning and the conditions set out in Ministerial Consent C000952.
OPW issued tenders for the remedial works to the wall on 18 July 2022, with a tender return date of 22 August 2022. A Letter of Intent issued to the preferred contractor on the 26 October 2022.
The Letter of Acceptance has issued to the contactor (DEMAC Construction Ltd) and contract placed following agreement on all sides on the 9th January 2023 for the enabling works. There is an existing gas main on site which needs to be relocated. The works to relocate the meter will form part of the overall enabling works undertaken by the appointed contractor.
The total Project Budget is €459,000 for the enabling works. OPW will provide funding for the enabling works to the Boundary Wall and the PEMS facility only, which will be based on the ground floor of the two-storey building. Staff facilities, housed on the first floor, are categorised as elective works and will be funded by An Garda Síochána. The estimated project cost is €2,320,000 for the main works.
The remedial works have commenced from the 16th January 2023 with a planned programme of 21 weeks duration in total. It is envisaged that the tender package for the main building works will follow completion of said remedial works. Construction for the main works will take approximately 12 months.
193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he expects reform to continue to be a feature in dealing with the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10664/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he has identified particular issues in relation to the implementation of the national development plan; his plans for the resolution of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10667/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the degree to which his Department continues to observe and encourage best practice in terms of the delivery of such matters as the national development plan; if savings for the taxpayer will emerge as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10672/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 193, 196 and 201 together.
The Government has committed €165 billion for capital investment through the National Development Plan (NDP) published in 2021. In 2023, almost €12 billion will fund vital infrastructure in areas such as housing, transport, education, enterprise, sport and climate action. Achieving value for money and reducing cost and schedule overruns is a vital part of delivering the NDP.
My Department is responsible for the Public Spending Code (PSC), which sets the value for money requirements and guidance for evaluating, planning and managing Exchequer-funded capital projects. With the scale of capital investment in the NDP, it is vital that proper oversight and governance procedures are in place and that capital projects are appraised in a manner that ensures value for money and that the projects are delivered on schedule and within budget.
Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks is a key responsibility of the Account Officer in every Department and the relevant Minister.
The majority of public investment projects are delivered on budget and on time and there is a high level of professionalism across the sectors. However, noting the higher risk profile of larger projects, new procedures were introduced in order to improve project out-turns, avoid cost overruns and delays to project delivery.
My Department put in place an External Assurance Process (EAP) to provide independent scrutiny for major public capital projects with independent expert reviews at key stages in the project lifecycle. This is to improve value for money and support funding departments and Government with expert insight relating to project risks, delivery feasibility, and robustness of costings, governance and procurement.
The Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG) was also established by my Department. MPAG supports my Department in assimilating the outputs from the external reviews, and aiding government departments and agencies in improving the quality of project proposals, informed by the perspective of those who have successfully delivered major public infrastructure in Ireland. Project proposals and external reviews are scrutinised by MPAG as a prerequisite to seeking Government approval in principle to proceed with a proposal and Government approval for permission to tender.
In 2022, MPAG completed four reviews of major project proposals; BusConnects, Metrolink, Clonburris URDF and the elective care centres proposed for Cork and Galway.
Experience from other countries which have introduced similar independent assurance processes shows that such arrangements reduce project schedule delay and cost overruns. This brings Ireland in line with leading international performers and meets a recommendation of the IMF’s Public Investment Management Assessment of Ireland.
While the Public Spending Code is being applied in a successful manner and Departments and agencies have developed sector-specific arrangements, all options to improve delivery and ensure that capital allocations are best utilised are currently being examined and a review of the Public Spending Code is ongoing with the objective of streamlining the capital appraisal requirements for Government departments in order to improve NDP delivery and maximise delivery of vital infrastructure such as housing, schools, hospitals, roads and public transport.
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which reform remains a feature of public expenditure, with a view to maximising benefit for the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10665/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he continues to examine all Departments and their respective agencies, with a view to speeding up and creating greater efficiency in terms of public expenditure and value for the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10668/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he continues to liaise with all Departments and their subsidiaries and agents, with a view to achieving the maximum in terms of efficiency and delivery in line with best international practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10670/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 194, 197 and 199 together.
With an overall goal of ensuring value for money for the taxpayer, budgetary and expenditure reforms remain a key feature of public expenditure management throughout all Departments. This important goal has been fully embedded across the system of Government and is progressed in a number of ways including the day-to-day management of resources, regular engagement across Departments on cross cutting issues and through the public service reform programme.
Managing the delivery of public services within budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and their Department and important measures are in place to help ensure that these budgetary targets continue to be met. My Department is in regular communication with all Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within the overall fiscal parameters. The drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is monitored against the published expenditure profiles. There is regular reporting to Government on these matters and information in relation to voted expenditure is published monthly with the Exchequer Returns.
Budgetary reform remains a key feature of public expenditure management, and is progressed through a range of initiatives including, but not limited to:
- National Development Plan;
- Performance Budgeting;
- Equality Budgeting;
- Green Budgeting
- Well-being budgeting; and
- The Spending Review Process.
These reforms and processes broaden the approach to how public expenditure is appraised, implemented and reviewed. They govern not only how and where the money is spent but also the impact of public expenditure across different cohorts of society and the different categories of expenditure. They work in tandem with broader initiatives, such as the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), to develop capacity and enhance the role of economics and value for money analysis in public policy making.
Additionally, my Department engages regularly in international fora, including the OECD working parties and committees, to discuss and share insights. These discussions focus on spending reviews, budgetary reform and other areas that strengthen public sector institutions’ ability to promote systemic change as way to respond to economic, social and environmental challenges.
In respect of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of policy delivery, improving and supporting the evaluation capacity within Government Departments has formed an important part of the reform programme. Supported by the establishment of IGEES, this has led to the development of a number of additional processes and reports to support the budgetary framework.
For example the spending review process, managed by my Department, seeks to assess the effectiveness of public expenditure in meeting policy objectives and fostering engagement. Additionally it aims to enhance learning and deliberation between Departments in relation to the formulation and implementation of public policy based on policy insights. To date 14 of 18 Government Departments, alongside a number of agencies, have engaged with the spending review process; which has seen more than 160 papers published since introduction in 2017.
While each reform listed above may be considered in isolation, it is important to recognise that each represents one part of the overall reform process. Together, these expenditure reforms aim to provide a more comprehensive and thorough insight into how public services are supporting society.
It is with this more complete understanding that policymakers can work towards the achievement of value for money objectives in the context of the entire budgetary process, ensure responsiveness to emerging opportunities and trends where appropriate, and enhance the impact of policies and programmes on the lives of people in Ireland.
195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he anticipates the degree to which he can improve the public procurement system in the coming years, with particular reference to a more efficient and speedy system of placing contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10666/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic procurement is governed by EU legislation and national regulations with the aim of promoting an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime that delivers the best value for money for the State. All Irish public bodies are obliged to spend or invest public funds with care, and to obtain optimal value for money in accordance with the Public Spending Code.
For contracts above the EU thresholds, minimum time-limits are set down for the different stages of the particular contract award procedure chosen in the 2016 Regulations. Under the 2016 Regulations, the statutory minimum time limits for suppliers to respond to advertised procurements and submit tender documents have been reduced by approximately one third when compared with the previous rules. This flexibility speeds up simpler or off-the-shelf procurements, but still permits longer timescales for complex procurements where more detailed responses are necessary. Contracting authorities should take into account the complexity of the tender and the volume or complexity of information that the tenderers are required to submit when setting any time limits. The timelines for the different procurement procedures can be found in Appendix V of the above mentioned Procurement Guidelines.
The introduction of centralised procurement in earlier phases of reform continues to be embedded in the delivery of services to clients and customers. To assist contracting authorities in their procurement of common goods and services and to get value for money promptly, efficiently and without delay, contracting authorities are encouraged to check the Office of Government Procurement website for existing or planned procurement arrangements which may meet their needs.
In line with the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future, the focus now is to develop further the potential of strategic procurement, with an emphasis on sustainability and social considerations, public works reform and innovation. While value for money remains a key consideration, the strategic use of public procurement will support green, social and innovation policies strategic objectives in line with the Programme for Government, international developments and EU priorities such as the Green Deal and digitalisation.
To support best practice and the timely delivery of public procurement procedures, a number of approaches are being implemented. The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) recently launched a new website in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency that allows contracting authorities to search for Green Public Procurement (GPP) Criteria for their competitions. The online search tool allows users to rapidly find, select and download GPP criteria relevant to a specific procurement project.
The OGP is responsible for the implementation of updated digital procurement notices, known as e-forms, which are central to the digital transformation of public procurement nationally and across the EU. Introduced by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1780, implementing the new e-forms will support best practice, improve the accuracy of information included on procurement notices, increase transparency in public procurement and make it easier for suppliers to find and identify relevant notices. All of which will contribute to the timely delivery of procurement procedures.
My Department continues to actively explore new areas and mechanisms to further embed reforms and efficiencies that will enhance the cost-effectiveness of public services; for example, through greater use of opportunities presented through digitalisation, innovation and the implementation of new ways of working and service design.
