Written Answers Nos. 135-146
135. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if it is legal for insurance companies to refuse a person a policy based on a previous criminal record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37126/24]
View answerFirstly, it is important to clarify that neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland have the authority to dictate insurance pricing or product offerings, as these are commercial decisions made by individual companies, governed by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive), which prevents Government from intervening in pricing or provision of insurance products.
Accordingly, it must be noted that insurers make their own commercial decisions; the terms and conditions of insurance policies vary between providers. Firms use various rating factors when deciding whether to provide coverage and on what terms. Insurers also base their prices on their own claims experiences, which means companies may weigh these factors differently. Consequently, products and the prices they are made available at vary across the market.
Mechanisms such as the Declined Cases Agreement, which is adhered to by all motor insurers in Ireland, are available to customers who are struggling to obtain private motor insurance. The only grounds on which an insurer can refuse cover are where to provide insurance be contrary to public interest. Customers seeking further information on the Declined Cases Agreement should contact Insurance Ireland by email at info@insuranceireland.eu or telephone 01 676 1820.
Finally, I wish to assure the Deputy that this Government remains strongly committed to achieving a competitive and sustainable insurance market. The Action Plan for Insurance Reform, a critical government initiative, is the primary vehicle to achieve this and is progressing well. Overseen by a Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform, chaired by the Tánaiste, the plan has seen significant progress, with most actions either delivered or initiated. This coordinated whole-of-Government approach aims to improve the domestic operating environment for insurers, and to enhance the affordability and accessibility of this key financial product for consumers.
136. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a submission (details supplied); his views on the requests therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37113/24]
View answerIn advance of the Budget, as Minister for Finance I receive a large number of pre-budget submissions on a wide range of issues. All submissions are acknowledged by my Department on receipt.
I can confirm the pre-Budget submission to which the Deputy refers was received and an acknowledgment issued on Friday, 28 June 2024.
The contents will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget and as the Deputy will be aware that it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
137. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the cost to the OPW of providing dog kennels in Garda dog handlers' homes, per kennel, in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37045/24]
View answerI am informed by the Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) that the provision of dog kennels at dog handlers homes in the past ten years was funded by An Garda Síochána. There was no cost to the OPW.
138. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the cost to the OPW of providing electrical vehicle charging points in Garda stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, per station, in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37046/24]
View answerThe OPW have procured, at the request of An Garda Síochána, the installation of electrical vehicle (EV) charging points in Garda stations. There has not been any cost to the OPW for providing these EV charging points in Garda stations as this programme of work is funded by An Garda Síochána.
139. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will address a specific issue concerning the Public Appointments Service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37072/24]
View answerI am informed by the Public Appointments Service that in accordance with the provisions of Section 160 of the Local Government Act 2001, the Minister of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (through a delegated power) declared the qualifications for the role of Senior Executive Engineer. The Public Appointments Service (publicjobs) are the recruiters for certain permanent posts in the local government sector, including that of Senior Executive Engineer.
In every publicjobs competition, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for the role. In this competition, candidates had to hold an honours degree, Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Engineering. It is important to note that this is irrespective of the country that the degree is awarded in.
The response from the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) outlining that the candidate can pursue engineering roles is not disputed by publicjobs. However, for this particular position a specific level of qualification was required. The qualification sought was not an engineering degree, but rather the qualification required, as set out by the Minister for Housing, Heritage, and Local Government, was an honours degree, Level 8 in the NFQ in Engineering.
As the Minister has determined the qualifying criteria for the role, publicjobs cannot, and is not entitled to, appoint a person who does not meet the qualifying criteria to the role in question. As outlined by the CPSA in their Code of Practice, once Section 7 and/or Section 8 review processes have concluded, there is no further recourse to review under the Code. Outside of this, candidates are free to exercise their rights as they see fit.
Note
There was a recent judgement in relation to how publicjobs assessed the qualifications for this role and this judgement referred to below found in favour of the approach and the reasoning adopted by publicjobs. This judgement did not relate to the candidate referred to above but did relate to this recruitment campaign.
Mr. Justice Cian Ferriter's judgement of Case 2023/857JR, was also concerned with the manner in which publicjobs interpreted the qualification standard set by the Minister for this competition. In point 42 he notes that “Ultimately, it seems to me that it was reasonably open to the PAS to take the view it did as regards the engineering degree requirement. The department had stipulated the requirement of an honours degree to level 8 in engineering and had not, as it might have done, qualified or extended that requirement by stipulating that a materially equivalent degree to the department’s satisfaction could also be acceptable. Over the course of the process as a whole, the applicant was fully heard as to his position on the question of whether his degree matched the engineering degree requirement. PAS did not ultimately agree with him. I can find no breach of fair procedures or want of lawfulness in the decision making process in the circumstances”.
140. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will clarify the identity of the main contractor on installation of a project overseen by the OPW (details supplied). [37154/24]
View answerI have requested that my officials in the Office of Public Works carry out an immediate, full review into the Leinster House covered bicycle shelter project.
I am currently awaiting the finalised report from the Chairman of the OPW.
141. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has engaged with a company (detail supplied) about the impact of its operations on indigenous communities and their lands in Colombia. [37165/24]
View answerI have not had any engagement on this matter with the company in question.
142. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of complaints made under OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises on responsible business conduct, per year, in tabular form. [37166/24]
View answerThe OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct (referred to as the Guidelines) are the most comprehensive government-backed instrument for the promotion of Responsible Business Conduct. In keeping with applicable laws and internationally recognised instruments, they provide non-binding principles and standards for all areas of business conduct.
Areas covered by the Guidelines include due diligence in the supply chain; disclosure, human rights; employment and industrial relations; environment; combating bribery and other forms of corruption; consumer interests; science, technology, and innovation; competition and taxation.
Governments adhering to the Guidelines are required to set up a National Contact Point (NCP) to promote the Guidelines and related due diligence guidance and to address complaints made under the Guidelines (these are referred to as “specific instances”). These complaints are addressed through a non-judicial grievance mechanism which offers parties a means to resolve issues through mediation. The Ireland NCP is a standalone Unit in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Last year saw the completion of a process of targeted updates to the Guidelines in response to urgent social, environmental, and technological priorities facing societies and businesses. Some of the key changes to the Guidelines include:
• Recommendations for enterprises to align with internationally agreed goals on climate change and biodiversity.
• Introduction of due diligence expectations on the development, financing, sale, licensing, trade, and use of technology, including gathering and using data.
• Recommendations on how enterprises are expected to conduct due diligence on impacts and business relationships related to the use of their products and services.
• Better protection for at-risk persons and groups, including those who raise concerns regarding the conduct of businesses.
• Updated recommendations on disclosure of responsible business conduct information.
• Expanded due diligence recommendations regarding all forms of corruption.
• Recommendations for enterprises to ensure lobbying activities are consistent with the Guidelines.
• Strengthened procedures to ensure the visibility, effectiveness, and functional equivalence of National Contact Points on Responsible Business Conduct.
As a core part of the NCP mandate, promotion of these updated Guidelines with stakeholders to make them aware of the Guidelines and the role of the NCP is ongoing, including presentations at the Department's Responsible Business webinars and articles in the Enterprise newsletter.
The NCP publishes statements regarding Specific Instances on the Department website, Specific instances - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie), with further details also available on the OECD database of Specific instances - Database of specific instances - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (oecd.org)
|
Year |
Number of cases submitted to IE NCP |
|
2024 |
0 |
|
2023 |
1 |
|
2022 |
1 |
|
2021 |
4 |
|
2020 |
1 |
|
2019 |
0 |
|
2018 |
2 |
|
2017 |
0 |
|
2016 |
0 |
|
2015 |
0 |
|
2014 |
0 |
|
2013 |
0 |
|
2012 |
0 |
|
2011 |
1 |
|
2010 |
0 |
|
2009 |
0 |
|
2008 |
1 |
|
Total |
11 |
143. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he or Enterprise Ireland have taken to safeguard the future of a State entity (details supplied); the amount expended to date on resolving issues that have arisen, including problems with non-compliance, and the expected overall cost to rectify; and the actions that have been undertaken to establish who bears responsibility for the problems that have occurred. [37212/24]
View answerHalo Business Angel Network (HBAN) is a programme which has been running since 2007. It is an all-island initiative that provides support to enable business angel investors and syndicate groups of such investors connect with early-stage companies who are seeking to raise funds, across all sectors, with a particular focus on technology.
In Q1 2023, following a competitive procurement process, the contract to run the HBAN programme was awarded to a new operator. Following the awarding of the new contract, both the new operator and Enterprise Ireland/InterTrade Ireland became aware of potential regulatory issues surrounding the independent legal entities (nominee vehicles) which were not and are not within the scope of the HBAN contract.
I am informed that Enterprise Ireland took a range of specific steps and actions in relation to the legal/regulatory position and the independent nominee vehicles. Enterprise Ireland’s portion of the cost in relation to these steps is €63,000.
I am further informed that Enterprise Ireland and InterTrade Ireland have agreed to a fee amendment to the HBAN contract. Notwithstanding this adjustment, the total contracted cost is still substantially below the contract cost with the previous operator.
I have been advised by Enterprise Ireland these events are not expected to impact on the long-term future of the HBAN network.
144. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the progress of a new school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37097/24]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects.The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural process. A planning application was lodged with Wicklow County Council and planning permission was granted in Quarter 1 2024.
When Stage 2b has been finalised and approved, the next stage is tendering for a contractor and then onwards to construction in due course.
While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the projects, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress.
145. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education the actions her Department will take to make safe a school (details supplied) in terms of the designated pedestrian gate to which they have no access, which was integral to the granting of planning permission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37107/24]
View answerThe issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools on public roads, such as road crossings, road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter , for the relevant Local Authority. Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools to ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children. My Department has no function in this matter.
In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. My Department will examine existing traffic management and safety at a school grounds where we are looking a wider building project or as part of a planning application for an extension at a school. It is also open for a school authority to look for funding to improve traffic safety on school grounds through applying under a future summer works scheme
146. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education for an update on a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37116/24]
View answerI wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school in question under the Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of my Department’s ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
The main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. However, my Department is working towards an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock, with particular focus on climate action goals.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.9 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 900 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings. These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
I also announced earlier in the year that close to 90 projects, including 28 new school buildings, would be authorised to proceed from tender stage to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025.
In total, around €800 million will be invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation.
Between projects currently under construction and projects moving to construction in this latest phase, investments by the Department of Education are adding over 550,000 square metres of new and modernised capacity to our school estate.
This is a record level of investment in school buildings. It will expand the number of school places, significantly increase provision for special education and upgrade and modernise our school infrastructure. The impact of this will be felt in communities right around the country.
The Department is required to manage the overall school building programme so that we target and prioritise areas that are under greatest pressure for additional school places. This reflects the Department’s fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.
Schools’ support for the establishment of special classes is most welcome. Where additional accommodation is indicated as being required, an analysis of both student demand and available accommodation in an area is required. In this regard, the Department is working very closely with the NCSE to ensure that this required analysis is thoroughly explored with a view to providing the most immediate and cost effective accommodation solutions for the establishment of new special classes.
The application for the school in question is being considered in this context and I can assure the Deputy that we are working to get a decision communicated to the school as soon as possible.
