Written Answers Nos. 208-227
208. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will instruct the NTA to extend the deadline of the current public consultation for BusConnects in Cork to ensure traffic data and modelling is published to allow submissions to be informed of same. [20094/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Cork.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
209. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of contracts his Department currently has with a company (details supplied); and the estimated value of those contracts. [20194/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that the supplier concerned does not have any current contracts with my Department.
210. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that cross-Border workers who are employed in the State but reside in Northern Ireland are being advised by their credit union that their MYCU debit cards are being cancelled as the new card issuer advises that it is only permitted to offer debit cards to members resident in the European Economic Area (details supplied); if the same will apply to debit cards that are issued by Irish banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20038/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question. Credit unions in Ireland are regulated and supervised under the Credit Union Act, 1997 (the 1997 Act) and regulations issued by the Central Bank, which set out the framework for the registration, regulation and operation of credit unions including detailed governance and prudential requirements.
Credit union current accounts
The 1997 Act and the Credit Union Act 1997 (Regulatory Requirements) Regulations 2016 (the 2016 Regulations) set out the services that credit unions may provide to their members. These include loans and savings under the 1997 Act and a further suite of services under the 2016 Regulations such as third party payments; ATM services; bureau de change and certain insurance services on an agency basis.
Where a credit union wishes to provide other services to its members, an application may be made to the Central Bank for approval to provide such services in accordance with the provisions set out in sections 48-52 of the 1997 Act. One such additional service is the Member Personal Current Account Service (MPCAS), under which approved credit unions may offer personal current accounts with debit cards, overdrafts and a wide range of payment services within an appropriate risk framework.
Move to single credit union current account brand
Until very recently, credit unions providing current account services have provided these under one of two separate brands – ‘MYCU’ and ‘Current Account from your Credit Union’ - each supported by different service providers. Those credit unions who previously operated under the ‘MYCU’ brand have now moved to the ‘Current Account from your Credit Union’ brand and supporting service providers, including a new card issuer. The new card issuer is not authorised to issue cards to members of the credit unions who are working in the State but resident in Northern Ireland. This specific matter is relevant to a small number of credit unions and credit union members and is not related to debit cards issued by banks.
It is my understanding that impacted customers have been notified by their credit unions, who have advised them to seek an alternative debit card solution as soon as possible.
More generally, in respect of the provision by EEA financial services firms, including card issuers, of services in the UK, a temporary permissions regime (TPR) was established in the UK by the UK Government to enable relevant EEA firms and funds who were using the passporting regime to transition to the UK full regulatory regime post Brexit. The TPR will end on 31 December 2023; however relevant firms that wanted to apply for full authorisation in the UK were required to do so by 31 December 2022.
211. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that provision will be made to allow anyone who installed solar panels prior to 1 May 2023 to obtain a refund for the VAT they have previously paid, given that the VAT rate on the supply and installation of solar panels will drop to zero for private dwellings on 1 May 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20064/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware VAT operates on two monthly cycles, consequently the Dáil passed a Financial Resolution on 18 April 2023 to allow this important measure in relation to solar panels to come into effect on 1 May which is the start of the next VAT period.
Were I to have waited until the Finance Bill passes through the Oireachtas and is signed into law, the measure would not come into effect until 1 July. In order to prevent market dislocation by an extended lead in period for the measure I secured cabinet approval for the use of a Financial Resolution to bring forward the implementation date to 1 May. The zero rate of VAT for solar panels can only operate from this date forward. I have no discretion to apply this measure on a retrospective basis.
212. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the total revenue generated by the universal social charge for the 2021 financial year; the total estimated revenue for 2022 and 2023, respectively; if he will provide a breakdown for each category of income threshold; the total number of taxpayers contributing to each category, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20091/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra215. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the total annual amount generated by the USC from taxpayers classed as self-employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20197/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 215 together.
I am advised by Revenue that the total Universal Social Charge (USC) receipts broken down by PAYE and non-PAYE are presented in the table below. It is important to point out that figures in respect of 2023 are projections.
|
Year |
PAYE (€m) |
Non-PAYE (€m) |
Total (€m) |
|
2023 (f) |
€4,610 |
€625 |
€5,235 |
|
2022 |
€4,288 |
€607 |
€4,895 |
|
2021 |
€3,742 |
€625 |
€4,367 |
|
2020 |
€3,260 |
€572 |
€3,832 |
I am further advised by Revenue that the breakdown of the number of taxpayer units paying USC at each USC rate and the amount of liability associated with each USC rate is set out in the following table. It is important to note that in the table below taxpayer units may be included in some or all of the USC rate categories depending on their income levels. For example, a taxpayer unit subject to the USC surcharge of 3 per cent on non-paye income above €100,000 per annum, will also be classified in the 2 per cent, 4.5 per cent and 8 per cent rate categories. The data relates to 2020, the latest year for which tax returns data are currently available for dissemination. Couples who are married or in a civil partnership and elect to be jointly assessed are counted as one taxpayer unit, in all other cases a taxpayer unit represents an individual taxpayer.
|
USC Rate |
Number of Taxpayer Units |
USC Liability (€m) |
|
2% |
1,822,800 |
514 |
|
4.5% |
1,466,000 |
1,822 |
|
8% |
301,800 |
1,426 |
|
Surcharge (3%) |
13,800 |
67 |
|
Total |
N/A |
€3,830 |
I am further advised by Revenue that the breakdown of taxpayer units by ‘Range of USC income’, as well as their USC liability, for the tax year 2020, is set out in the following table.
|
- |
Range of USC Income |
Number of Taxpayer Units |
USC Liability (€m) |
|
0 |
10,000 |
931,200 |
0.00 |
|
10,000 |
12,000 |
68,900 |
0.00 |
|
12,000 |
13,000 |
32,400 |
0.00 |
|
13,000 |
14,000 |
39,000 |
3 |
|
14,000 |
15,000 |
38,700 |
4 |
|
15,000 |
17,000 |
75,000 |
10 |
|
17,000 |
20,000 |
106,500 |
20 |
|
20,000 |
25,000 |
176,600 |
53 |
|
25,000 |
27,000 |
72,100 |
32 |
|
27,000 |
30,000 |
105,700 |
57 |
|
30,000 |
35,000 |
163,700 |
113 |
|
35,000 |
40,000 |
142,400 |
127 |
|
40,000 |
50,000 |
217,700 |
255 |
|
50,000 |
60,000 |
152,100 |
235 |
|
60,000 |
70,000 |
118,000 |
233 |
|
70,000 |
75,000 |
50,000 |
116 |
|
75,000 |
80,000 |
42,200 |
110 |
|
80,000 |
90,000 |
68,500 |
208 |
|
90,000 |
100,000 |
51,800 |
186 |
|
100,000 |
150,000 |
128,500 |
665 |
|
150,000 |
200,000 |
40,600 |
362 |
|
200,000 |
275,000 |
20,400 |
288 |
|
Over |
275,000 |
19,800 |
755 |
|
Totals |
2,861,600 |
3,830 |
Figures in relation to the count of taxpayer units have been rounded to the nearest hundred, while liability figures have been rounded to the nearest million. Rounding differences may apply.
213. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the number of housing developments approved for funding by Home Building Finance Ireland to date in each county; the number of such developments that have ten units or less; the number of such developments with 20 units or less; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20107/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraHome Building Finance Ireland was set up by the Government in 2019 to provide funding directly to housebuilders to build homes for owner occupiers, renters and those in need of social housing.
Since then, HBFI has approved funding of €1.25bn to fund 5,717 new homes across 21 counties. 68% of the funding approved to date is for houses and 32% for apartments.
HBFI provides funding for all types of supply from smaller schemes of five units up to larger schemes of 300 units.
To 31 December 2022, HBFI has approved 99 facilities across 21 counties. HBFI publishes regular updates on its funding to date on its website at www.hbfi.ie/data-protection-notice/about-hbfi/hbfi-data. The table below summarises the total number of developments approved for funding in each county:
Approved Facilities by County:
|
- |
No of Approved Facilities |
No of Homes |
Value €m |
|
Carlow |
1 |
22 |
€2.6 |
|
Cavan |
- |
- |
- |
|
Clare |
2 |
30 |
€5.3 |
|
Cork |
18 |
760 |
€104.5 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
82 |
€9.2 |
|
Dublin |
16 |
1,795 |
€505.8 |
|
Galway |
4 |
196 |
€52.6 |
|
Kerry |
4 |
175 |
€33.1 |
|
Kildare |
7 |
536 |
€75.1 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
113 |
€42.1 |
|
Laois |
3 |
116 |
€20.6 |
|
Leitrim |
- |
- |
- |
|
Limerick |
1 |
76 |
€16.4 |
|
Longford |
- |
- |
- |
|
Louth |
9 |
466 |
€87.4 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
92 |
€15.1 |
|
Meath |
9 |
517 |
€95.5 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
12 |
€1.3 |
|
Offaly |
5 |
143 |
€34.1 |
|
Roscommon |
- |
- |
- |
|
Sligo |
- |
- |
- |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
32 |
€6.3 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
44 |
€12.4 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
70 |
€12.2 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
426 |
€114.1 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
14 |
€2.0 |
|
Total |
99 |
5,717 |
€1,247.7 |
HBFI is committed to supporting all types of developments across Ireland in order to boost the supply of new homes. The majority of the 99 approved developments funded by HBFI are small to medium sized schemes with 64% of the approved developments being <50 units with an average size of 19 units.
|
- |
No. of Approved Facilities |
Average Units per Development |
% of Approved Facilities |
|
Small (<50 units) |
63 |
19 |
64% |
|
Medium (50-100 units) |
23 |
69 |
23% |
|
Large (>100 units) |
13 |
223 |
13% |
|
Total |
99 |
58 |
100% |
214. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of contracts his Department currently has with a company (details supplied); and the estimated value of those contracts. [20184/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that my Department does not have any record of contracts awarded by it to the company mentioned in the details supplied.
216. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he has plans to review and increase mileage rates for public servants using an electric vehicle, in light of the costs introduced for public charging facilities and given that this would act to support the wider adoption of EVs across public-service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19941/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra218. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the analysis that has been carried out of the potential to incentivise a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by adjusting the mileage rates for public servants using cars and bicycles of various categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19943/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 218 together.
Whilst travel for official duties is an integral part of the functions carried out by many civil and public servants, opportunities for online meetings should always be considered prior to any travel being undertaken. If travel is essential, public servants should always strive to use public transport in the first instance.
The motor travel rates are designed to compensate an officer for the costs incurred in using their own car on official business. The rates are set based on a methodology agreed with the Staff Associations. The methodology takes account of both overhead costs (such as car cost, depreciation and insurance) and also running costs including fuel and maintenance. The rates are intended to reimburse an officer for the costs incurred and are not considered a source of emolument or profit.
The Deputy may wish to note that the formula underpinning the motor travel rates was reviewed in 2022 with a view to reflecting increased efficiencies and improvements in motor technology. The rates are laid out in three categories, up to 1200 CC, 1201 to 1500 CC and 1501 CC and over. In recognition of Government commitments under CAP 21 in relation electric vehicles (EVs), it was decided to recoup EVs at the same rate as that applying to internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicles with engine capacities of 1201 cc to 1500 cc. Moving from the 1200 cc category at 2017 rates to 1201 cc to 1500 cc category at 2022 rates represents an increase of approximately 15%.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the formula underpinning the motor travel rates is next due for review in 2025.
Circular 16/2022, which sets out the revised motor travel rates effective 01 September 2022, is attached for your information.
data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2023-04-27_pq216-218-27-04-23_en.pdf Circular16-2022
217. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he has plans to review and increase mileage rates for public servants using an electric bicycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19942/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhilst travel for official duties is an integral part of the functions carried out by many civil and public servants, opportunities for online meetings should always be considered prior to any travel being undertaken. If travel is essential, public servants should always strive to use public transport in the first instance.
Where an officer uses their own bicycle for official travel, they may claim mileage at a rate of 8 cent per kilometre. I am aware that this rate has been in place since 2007 and was determined by reference to annual wear and tear, the average cost of a bicycle, depreciation, maintenance, cleaning and repairs, and protective clothing applying. My officials plan to incorporate a review of the rates applying for electric bicycles as part of the next scheduled review of motor travel rates. This is due to take place in 2025.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Revenue Commissioners administer the Cycle to Work scheme which is available to civil and public servants. This scheme incentivises, by way of tax relief, travel by bicycle, to/from work and for official duties. This scheme operates by way of a salary sacrifice and may also be used towards the cost of an electric bike.
219. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when the 3% pay increase granted in February 2022 to public servants under the ‘pay restoration programme’ will be paid out to those workers who have not yet received it. [20005/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI take it that the Deputy is referring to the review and extension to the public service pay agreement Building Momentum that was brokered by the Workplace Relations Commission last August.
The following pay adjustments were scheduled to apply during Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022:
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2021.
• The equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund on 1 February 2022.
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2022.
Discussions took place last year between the parties to the Agreement following the triggering of the review clause in Building Momentum by public service unions and associations due to the increases in the cost of living. As mentioned above, the outcome of these discussions was a set of proposals put forward by the Workplace Relations Commission to extend Building Momentum 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.
These proposals were accepted by the relevant unions and representative associations and were progressed by payroll operations in each sector.
I understand relevant adjustments for 2022 have been implemented for the vast majority of staff and pensioners at this stage. However, queries in relation to the implementation in particular sectors, such as Health or Education, should be raised in the first instance with the relevant parent Department. Queries in respect of individuals should be directed to the relevant local Human Resources Units.
The current rates of pay for the civil service, for which I have responsibility, are set out in DPENDR Circular 02/2023 Application of 1 March Pay Adjustment, which can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/circular/64f5a-circular-02-2023-application-of-1-march-pay-adjustment/
220. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the total number and percentage of civil servants who retire at or above retirement age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20074/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI and my Department are responsible for the civil service pension schemes, which cover members of established and unestablished civil service and State industrial schemes.
The authorities responsible for the administration of the large number of pension schemes operating in the various sectors of the public service are, in general, the relevant employers and Ministers in those sectors.
It would be a matter for those sectoral authorities, including relevant Ministers, to supply such information as may be available in respect of the number of retirees in each year to those individual pension schemes.
The mandatory retirement age for civil service employees is based on their date of joining the service. Since 2018, the mandatory retirement age for the majority of civil servants is age 70; however, there is no mandatory retirement age for employees who joined the service between 2004 and 2012.
Over 2022, there were 1,960 new retirees from the civil service. Of these, there were 13 retirees (i.e. 0.7% of 1,960 retirees) aged 70 and 12 retirees over age 70 (i.e. 0.6% of 1,960 retirees).
221. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline the potential role that the ERDF could play in financing offshore renewable energy port infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20075/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCohesion policy is the European Union strategy to promote and support the overall harmonious development of Member States and regions by strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion, through measures aimed at reducing disparities in the level of development between regions. The European Regional Development Programmes (ERDF) form part of those measures.
In the development of the two 2021-2027 ERDF programmes, there was extensive engagement with the Northern Western Regional Assembly, and the Southern Regional Assembly, who were appointed as the Managing Authorities of the 2021-2027 ERDF Programmes by my predecessor. The Programmes have undergone nearly three years of planning and development, taking into account the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, a Needs Analysis, public consultation, and are now finalised, and were formally adopted by the Commission on the 18th of November 2022.
While the ERDF 2021-2027 Programmes do not provide for financing offshore renewable energy port infrastructure projects, as they would not fit with the objectives of the Programmes provided for by the Regulations, it will further the aim of balanced regional development in the Programme areas, by focusing on the following key strategic outcomes, which were arrived at based on the analyses and consultative processes conducted:
1. Developing Smarter More Competitive Regions by building RD&I capacity within the public research institutions in our regions, by accelerating the translation of cutting-edge research into commercial applications at a regional level.
2. Creating Greener More Energy Efficient Regions and a Just Transition by focusing on scaling up investment in actions that improve the energy efficiency of residential homes while targeting homeowners in, or at risk of, energy poverty.
3. Supporting Sustainable Urban Development in our Regions by taking an integrated strategic approach to the regeneration of our towns using a Town Centres First Framework.
222. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 208 of 20 April 2023, if his Department will monitor the inclusion of social consideration in regards to apprenticeship in public procurement to ensure that the information note leads to the adoption of this practice; if he will consider bringing in mandatory inclusion of social consideration in regards to apprenticeship in construction projects over a certain size; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20076/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2021, my colleague, Simon Harris T.D., the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, published the Action Plan for Apprenticeships 2021-2025 with a suite of over 60 actions to drive the uptake of apprenticeships in the State. The Office of Government Procurement, an office in my Department, published the information note on Apprenticeships and Public Procurement on 18 April 2023 in line with Action 6.4 of the Action Plan to deliver guidance on the inclusion of an apprenticeship/staff development provision within Public Sector tendering processes. The note informs contracting authorities of the procedures to follow where they have decided to include an apprenticeship provision in their procurement.
The Action Plan states that a new National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) will be established with responsibility for all aspects of the management, oversight and development of the apprenticeship system in Ireland and for implementing the Action Plan for Apprenticeships including monitoring and assessing targets.
The inclusion of apprenticeship provisions and the monitoring of the impact of such provisions is primarily the responsibility of each individual contracting authority. For example, a requirement for a specified target percentage of workers on the site who are to be engaged in an approved registered apprenticeship, training or educational work placement scheme has been included in the PPP programme and certain education projects that are being delivered by the National Development Finance Agency (on behalf of several departments) for several years now.
Furthermore, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) has been proactive in advising on the use of strategic procurement, including apprenticeships, by contracting authorities with the publication of an Information Note on Incorporating Social Considerations into Public Procurement in 2018 followed by Circular 20/2019: Promoting the use of Environmental and Social Considerations in Public Procurement . In addition, consideration is also being given to developing template contract clauses and guidance for contracting authorities to deploy in public works projects on a case by case basis where the scale and nature of the project lends itself to apprenticeship opportunities.
223. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 20 April 2023, if he can confirm that he is unable to provide an indicative timeframe for the completion of the review of the capital works management framework which commenced in March 2019; if his Department required additional resources and staff in order to deliver this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20077/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) encapsulates all aspects of public works delivery from inception through to completion and review. It does this by means of a comprehensive suite of guidance, including best practice project management, cost control, design development as well as providing a suite of template tender documents and contracts. It was developed in 2007 in response to the prevailing challenges at that time and points contracting authorities to clear delivery pathways in a complex technical and commercial environment that is highly regulated.
The nature of public works delivery is changing in response to reducing the environmental impact of construction, developing more efficient methods of delivery such as off-site construction and the adoption of digital project delivery processes which enable both. An agile approach to the review of the CWMF has therefore been adopted based on work streams that have been developed in consultation with stakeholders aimed at addressing these aspects as well as the issues that are impacting project delivery.
This approach enables focused engagement with a range of stakeholders in a structured fashion. The intention is that once recommendations are developed that these can be implemented to progressively refine core elements of the CWMF. This approach is preferred over one that seeks to complete a comprehensive report which may not reflect market conditions once the implementation phase commences.
Some of the measures already introduced in 2022 and so far this year are delivering on key work streams listed in the response to Parliamentary Question No. 209 including a) price variation and b) liability, indemnity and insurance. The response also included an overview of the various other work streams that are currently being progressed as part of the review of the CWMF, where they currently stand and their timelines to completion.
The review involves engagement at different levels with contracting authorities and industry, it also requires input from a range of technical perspectives, cost management experts and specialist lawyers in the development of solutions. Coupled with that it must consider new and innovative measures to streamline processes and develop tools that will enable the better management of projects as well as improved quality and environmental outcomes.
It is certainly the case that the disruption caused by the pandemic and its aftermath diverted resources to developing responses to the exceptional events that have arisen since February 2020 where the focus shifted to developing the co-operation frameworks to address the shutdowns, the changes imposed on working conditions as a result of social distancing and, most recently, the exceptional levels of inflation. The OGP not only developed these solutions but provided extensive support to contracting authorities in operating the measures throughout 2020, 2021 and 2022. It should be noted that much of the research and groundwork already undertaken since the review commenced has enabled an agile and swift response to safeguard the assets being developed as part of the NDP.
Throughout 2023 measures to address the carbon footprint of public works projects and the adoption of Building Information Modelling will be announced that will have far reaching implications for project delivery. There are a range of supports and dependencies that are external to the OGP that are under development to enable industry to respond to these new demands and the OGP is working with bodies such as the Irish Green Building Council and the Build Digital Project on these initiatives. Consultation and engagement with public bodies and industry is a key aspect of the successful implementation of these new approaches.
It is also recognised that specialist resources will be required on the part of contracting authorities and industry in adapting to these new requirements as well as for the OGP in co-ordinating and supporting the adoption.
224. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 19 April 2023, if there are limits on the amount of ERDF funds that can be transferred from “More Developed” regions to the Northern and Western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20078/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCohesion policy is the EU strategy to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion of Member States, through measures to reduce disparities in the level of development between regions.
There was extensive engagement with the Northern Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) in the development of the 2021-2027 programme. My predecessor appointed the NWRA as the Managing Authority of the 2021-2027 ERDF Programme for the Northern and Western region in October 2020, prior to which the NWRA played a very active role in the programming for the 2021-2027 round. The NWRA were represented on the Partnership Process Steering Group, guiding the development of the Partnership Agreement for 2021-2027. The Steering Group oversaw the development of a Needs Analysis by Indecon Economic Consultants, specifically looking at regional development needs, including the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES). The NWRA were also part of a working group that managed the public consultation process to inform the use of EU funding for the next period. In December 2020 the NWRA and other Regional Assemblies, oversaw a paper on high-level priorities for the 2021-2027 ERDF Programmes. Drawing on all of these, the Northern Western Regional ERDF Programme focuses on three selected Policy Objectives, and chose three priorities;
Priority 1: A Smarter and More Competitive Region;
Priority 2: A Low-Carbon Energy Efficient Region;
Priority 3: Sustainable and Integrated Urban Development.
ERDF resources at Union level were determined as part of the overall negotiations of the EU Budget for the 2021 – 2027 period, and used an agreed allocation methodology. Allocations for transition regions and more developed regions were established by taking account a range of factors including population, relative GDP per capita, unemployment, youth unemployment, greenhouse gas emissions etc. In recognition of the Region in Transition status of the Northern and Western region, my predecessor decided, in consultation with the Regional Assemblies, to transfer €20m in ERDF resources from the two More Developed Regions to the Northern and Western Region. My Department, in conjunction with the Regional Assemblies, engaged with the Commission on this matter and secured their agreement on this use of ERDF funds.
The two ERDF programmes for the 2021-27 period have undergone nearly three years of development as set out above, are now finalised, and were formally adopted by the Commission on the 18th of November 2022. There are no unallocated funds available at this point as commitments to the seven-year programme have been made, and schemes under Priorities 1, 2, and 3 in both ERDF Programmes have been allocated funding, and are proceeding based on funds allocated.
225. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 44 of 9 November 2022, if the final flood maps and reports were published by the Office of Public Works for the Carnmore and Claregalway area, County Galway; if not, when they will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20096/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the consultant appointed to design the Claregalway Flood Relief Scheme is currently producing updated flood maps that represent the flood hazard (post completion) of all flood relief scheme works undertaken in the Claregalway area. It is currently envisaged that this mapping will be completed in Q3 2023.
226. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide a breakdown of funding on period poverty measures that goes towards each Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20103/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPeriod poverty is a priority for this Government, which has supported the roll-out of period dignity measures in Budgets 2022 and 2023.
The Department of Health also chairs an inter-Departmental Period Poverty Implementation Group with representation from most Government Departments, to co-ordinate implementation of period dignity measures across Government.
The funding of period poverty measures in each sector is a matter for the individual Government Departments concerned.
227. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of his consideration of the River Shannon Management Agency Bill 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20118/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra228. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when the €7 million allocated in December 2019 to alleviate constrictions to the flow of water in the Shannon Callows between Athlone and Meelick will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20119/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.
The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group’s (the Group) work is informed by the Flood Risk Management Plans for the Shannon River Basin District (RBD). Currently, there are 13 completed schemes in the Shannon RBD and these schemes are already providing protection to over 2,600 properties. A further 36 flood relief schemes will be delivered or underway as part of the Government’s €1.3bn investment in flood relief measures over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030. 24 of these schemes are currently being progressed including Athlone and Springfield which are currently at construction stage. When completed, all schemes will protect 95% of properties identified as being at significant risk from flooding in the Shannon RBD.
The Group met on 26th April 2023 and discussed a range of issues relating to work underway to assist with flood risk management along the River Shannon, including the project for the removal of the ‘pinch points’ through the Callows region between Athlone and Meelick weir. The Government has noted the decision of the Group to invest €4m in this project and a further €3m in strategic maintenance along the River Shannon.
A Steering Group is in place to oversee the project for the Callows region. A brief is currently being finalised for the appointment of a consultant to carry out the initial analysis and design work. The project will be subject to Planning consent which will require Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment under the Birds and Habitats Directives. Further consents may be required under other legislation. No work can commence in the absence of all appropriate consents being granted.
The Deputy will recall that I committed to carrying out an analysis of the legislation regarding the management of the River Shannon. On the recommendation of the Attorney General, the OPW engaged counsel to examine the legislation relating to the River Shannon and, in particular, to review the powers of the various bodies involved with the river. This analysis has informed a proposed approach and the OPW is in the process of engaging with relevant stakeholders on this matter.
