Written Answers Nos. 501-520
501. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if, to ensure quality public service, he will introduce timelines for decisions, in order that the public can know the exact timeline for delivery of a public service, similar to a planning application which must be dealt with within the statutory time limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32936/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you Deputy for the question. My Department has been responsible for a number of recent reform initiatives, including ‘Better Public Services’ transformation strategy, which aims to deliver inclusive, high quality and integrated Public Service provision that meets the needs and improves the lives of the people of Ireland.
Under ‘Better Public Services’, public service bodies are tasked to identify and prioritise reform actions aimed at improving the delivery of public services. Bodies are requested to have regard for these priorities in developing their corporate strategies, by aligning the delivery of these actions in their business plans and reporting on progress in their annual reports. The specific actions and timelines are a matter for the organisations and their line departments.
My Department also supports public service bodies to continuously improve the delivery of public services and how we engage with our customers through the coordination of a number of enabling initiatives.
In 2022 through coordination of the Quality Customer Service Initiative (QCSI), my Department published updated guidance for how public service bodies should engage with customers in a timely and efficient manner to ensure they achieve and maintain the highest standards of management and accountability. Departments and Public Service Bodies were required to update, redevelop and implement their organisations' Customers Service Action Plans and Customers Charters to set out the level of service that the public can expect when dealing with them. It is the responsibility of organisations and their line departments to demonstrate responsiveness through accessible, transparent and regular reporting and evaluation of performance against the service standards set out in their Customer Service Action Plans and Charters. This provides clear accountability by organisations on the implementation of those standards and drives continuous improvement in quality customer service and public service delivery.
Last year, my Department also published an Action Plan for Designing Better Public Services. This Action Plan sets a national direction for how public services should be developed going forward. It provides a tangible, practical and comprehensive pathway for how Government will integrate design principles across the Public Service leading to more people-centred, inclusive, user-friendly and effective public service delivery.
502. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress his Department, the OPW, and other State agencies have made in providing emergency temporary protection for properties and public roads that his department officials recognise are at significant risk from severe coastal erosion at Portrane beach, north County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33174/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoastal protection and localised flooding issues are matters, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address.
To assist Local Authorities in managing the coastline for coastal erosion, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS). This data enables Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.
In addition to this, the OPW provides support to local authorities through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which has been in operation since 2009. The scheme provides funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. Applications for funding from local authorities for measures, or studies, costing up to €750,000 can be made under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the total cost is available, subject to meeting specific economic, technical, social, and environmental criteria.
Following the publication of the report of the Interdepartmental Group on Coastal Change Management, the Government established a steering group to act on the recommendations of the report. This group will also develop an evidence-based coastal change management strategy facilitating key decisions to be taken to address and manage the impacts of coastal change over the short, medium and longer term. The group is chaired by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who have lead policy responsibility for this area. My Department and the Office of Public Works are represented on the steering group and are providing input to the work programme as appropriate.
503. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide a full update on the delivery of the National Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme for the Fingal County Council administrative area, further to the most recent flooding events in the area; the current timelines for the delivery of the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33175/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra504. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide a full update on the delivery of the National Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme for the Dublin City Council administrative area, further to the most recent flooding events in the area; the current timelines for the delivery of the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33176/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 503 and 504 together.
The Office of Public Works, as the lead agency for flood risk management, is coordinating the delivery of measures towards meeting the Government’s National Flood Risk Policy.
In 2018, the OPW completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State: the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme studied 80% of Ireland’s primary flood risk and identified solutions that can protect over 95% of that risk. Some 150 additional flood relief schemes were identified through this Programme.
Since 2018, a phased approach to scheme delivery, in partnership with Local Authorities, has allowed the OPW to treble the number of schemes at design or construction at this time to some 100 schemes. As well as a financial commitment to meet costs, progressing this significantly increased number of flood relief schemes requires capacity and capability in highly specialized areas of engineering, such as hydrology.
Since 1995, the OPW has invested some €550m in 55 completed schemes that are providing protection to over 13,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damage and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion. The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of these flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan.
Flood relief schemes are large, complex, multiannual projects. They require detailed analysis of the sources and causes of flooding. They involve extensive landowner and stakeholder engagement and detailed environmental assessments and mitigation measures. While expenditure on each project in any year is dependent on many variables, the majority of expenditure for flood relief projects is incurred during the construction phase. Throughout the scheme-delivery stages, project budgets of flood relief schemes are continually monitored and reviewed by the OPW and the local authorities, that are typically the contracting authority for engineering and environmental consultants and contractors.
Delivery of flood relief schemes is a complicated process which has five distinct stages which are as follows;
Stage I: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design
Stage II: Planning Process, Public Exhibition / Confirmation
Stage III: Detailed Design
Stage IV: Implementation/Construction
Stage V: Handover of Works
The current status of projects within the Dublin City Council administrative area is set out below.
Camac River Flood Alleviation Scheme
The flood alleviation scheme for the Camac River is currently at Stage I and is being progressed through Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations. A public consultation day was held in April 2024 where the consultant presented details on the emerging flood alleviation measures and options. As the preferred options become clearer, additional environmental surveys will be considered. It is envisaged the scheme will progress to Stage II towards the end of 2025.
Clontarf Promenade
DCC is currently engaging with the OPW regarding the development of a project brief for the appointment of consultants to progress works on the Clontarf Promenade, and will seek to procure consultants through its Multi Party Framework Agreement for Consultant Engineering Design Services for Flood Alleviation Projects.
Dodder Phase 3 Flood Relief Scheme
Phase 2C, 2D and 2E of the flood relief scheme reached substantial completion in 2023. Dublin City Council, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are now advancing with Phase 3 of the River Dodder Flood Relief Scheme. Phase 3 is currently at Stage I and is being progressed through Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations. A public consultation day was held in June 2023. Options development continues, in order to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. It is envisaged the scheme will progress to Stage II towards the latter half of 2025.
Dublin City (River Wad – Phase 1B) Flood Relief Scheme
The OPW and Dublin City Council are currently progressing the works on Phase 1B of the Wad River Flood Relief Scheme. The scheme is currently at Stage III. Dublin City Council have advertised to procure contractors to commence flood alleviation works. It is anticipated that works should commence by Q1/2025.
Sandymount (Phase 1 & 2) Flood Relief Scheme
The development of a detailed project programme for the Sandymount Flood Relief Scheme will commence following the appointment of a consultant. Following the appointment of an engineering and environmental consultant, the scheme will progress to Stage I. This appointment is expected to be made by Dublin City Council in the coming weeks. The Council is also establishing a Consultative Forum to inform the progress of this scheme and other capital projects in the Sandymount area.
The current status of projects within the Fingal County Council administrative area is set out below.
Malahide
A proposed flood relief scheme is at scoping stage, and may include, rehabilitating and raising existing coastal defences, construction of flood defence embankment on the Sluice River together with construction of demountable flood defences at the railway underpass along with embankments. Studies are ongoing to identify a scheme that is expected to provide protection against a 100-Year flood (1% Annual Exceedance Probability) for fluvial flooding.
Portmarnock (Strand Road)
A proposed flood relief scheme is at scoping stage and may include, rehabilitating and raising existing coastal defences, construction of a flood defence embankment and construction of demountable flood defences. Studies are ongoing to identify a scheme that is expected to provide protection against a 100-Year flood (1% Annual Exceedance Probability) for fluvial flooding.
Skerries (Mill Stream)
A proposed flood relief scheme for Skerries (Mill Stream) is undergoing a Scheme Viability Review, which has commenced, and the results of the review will be discussed and progressed with Fingal County Council. The purpose of an SVR is to determine whether or not potential schemes should be taken to full Flood Relief Scheme (FRS) project stages.
Sutton and Howth
The OPW is also engaging with Fingal County Council regarding the Sutton and Howth North Flood Relief Scheme. A potential solution to flooding in this area was identified under the CFRAM Programme. While this scheme was not in the first tranche of schemes prioritised to be progressed, nationally, following the launch of the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP) in 2018, there is a commitment by Government to progress this scheme under the National Development Plan.
Further information for all flood relief schemes is available at www.floodinfo.ie/scheme-info/
505. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to detail all the OPW-owned sites in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33257/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Monuments in Co Louth, listed in the table below, are in State ownership and/or the guardianship of the Minister for Heritage.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the conservation, maintenance and presentation of 780 National Monuments in State ownership or guardianship including these monuments in Co Louth.
The OPW undertakes regular surveying at the sites across the County and undertakes planned routine conservation and maintenance as part of regular programmes of work. Separately, the OPW has ministerial consent for substantial conservation works now required at Castleroche Castle and these works will be advanced in the near future. There is scaffolding in place in another area of the castle due to stone collapse which requires further investigation.
|
Dromiskin |
Church & Round Tower |
DROMISKIN |
Ownership |
|
Mellifont Abbey |
Religious house - Cistercian monks |
MELLIFONT |
Ownership |
|
Monasterboice |
High crosses, churches & round tower |
MONASTERBOICE |
Ownership |
|
Greenmount |
Motte |
GREENMOUNT |
Ownership |
|
Termonfeckin Castle |
Castle |
TERMONFECKIN |
Guardianship |
|
Carlingford Castle |
Castle |
LIBERTIES OF CARLINGFORD |
Guardianship |
|
Roodstown Castle |
Castle |
ROODSTOWN |
Ownership |
|
St. Mochta's House (Louth) |
Church |
PRIORSTATE |
Guardianship |
|
Aghnaskeagh |
Two Cairns |
AGHNASKEAGH |
Guardianship |
|
Dun Dealgan |
Motte |
CASTLETOWN (Dundalk Upper By.) |
Guardianship |
|
The Mint (Carlingford) |
Urban Tower House |
LIBERTIES OF CARLINGFORD |
Guardianship |
|
Castleroche Castle |
Castle |
ROCHE |
Guardianship |
|
Clochafarmore |
Standing Stone |
RATHIDDY |
Guardianship |
|
Proleek |
Portal Tomb & Wedge Tomb |
PROLEEK |
Guardianship |
|
Mansfieldstown |
Church |
BAWN |
Guardianship |
|
St. Laurence's Gate (Drogheda) |
Town Gate |
MONEYMORE |
Guardianship |
|
Donaghmore |
Souterrain |
DONAGHMORE |
Guardianship |
|
Townleyhall |
Passage Tomb |
TOWNLEYHALL |
Ownership |
|
Rockmarshall |
Court Tomb |
ROCKMARSHALL |
Ownership |
|
Lisnaran Fort |
Ringfort |
LINNS |
Guardianship |
|
Ravensdale Park |
Cairn |
RAVENSDALE PARK |
Ownership |
|
Carlingford Abbey |
Friary (Dominican) |
LIBERTIES OF CARLINGFORD |
Ownership |
506. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will detail each allocation made to Louth County Council under the OPW’s minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme for the years 2013 to 2023; what each of these allocations were for, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33258/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal flooding and coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the Office of Public Works, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
Under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Details of Minor Work schemes are available on www.floodinfo.ie/minor-works/
Between 2013 and 2023 the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €1.5 million to County Louth for some 13 projects, set out in the tabular form.
|
Project Location |
Works Type |
Project Details |
Approved Funding € |
|
Ballagan |
Coastal Erosion |
The works will involve replacement of sections to the existing Sea Wall and repairs to other locations along the Sea Wall |
118,472 |
|
Drummullagh, Omeath |
Coastal Erosion |
Proposed works will include strengthening of existing boundary wall foundations with mass concrete slab and installation of rock armour over a length of 35m |
62,100 |
|
Townparks Dundalk |
Non Coastal |
Extend an existing 1350mm diameter drainage pipe towards Balmer’s Bog & associated works |
668,571 |
|
Seabank Castlebellingham |
Coastal Erosion |
Rock armour protection to 20m of unstable cliff face, rock armour to be approx. 2m high |
67,950 |
|
Rampark Lordship |
Coastal Erosion |
Construction of rock armour revetment for 65m |
14,400 |
|
Whitestown |
Coastal |
To repair the revetment & associated works |
7,200 |
|
Blackrock Sea Wall |
Coastal |
To repair the revetment & associated works |
27,000 |
|
Dunleer |
Non Coastal |
Detailed Flood Study |
81,000 |
|
Dundalk Bay (Greenore, Dillonstown & Blackrock) |
Coastal Erosion |
Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study |
81,000 |
|
Annagassan |
Coastal Erosion |
Construction of rock armour revetment |
136,350 |
|
Carlingford Promenade Sea Wall |
Coastal |
To repair the revetment & associated works |
9,990 |
|
Baltray |
Coastal |
To repair the sea defence, including: realignment and raising of a 21m section of the existing promenade wall re-point & fill low level voids on seaward side to prevent further water ingress structural analysis of wall. |
54,000 |
|
Bellurgan |
Coastal |
To facilitate the transport of and stockpiling of currently available embankment fill material and placing of rock armour. |
189,000 |
|
Total approved funding 2013 to 2023 |
1,517,033 |
507. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cost of a 1% increase in public sector pay for all those earning less than €100,000. [33264/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total public service pay bill figure (inclusive of Local Authorities) for 2024 is estimated to be €27.5 billion. This includes all elements of pay, including basic pay, allowances, overtime, premiums, and employer PRSI. The estimated cost of a 1% pay increase for public service workers earning less than €100,000 would be approx. €0.26 billion.
508. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cost of abolishing sub-minimum pay rates in the public sector. [33266/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current pay rates for the civil service are available here: www.gov.ie/en/circular/4a886-circular-082024-application-of-1-june-2024-pay-adjustments/
The public service information sought in this request would require detailed data on the position of staff on each salary scale across the public service and details of the standard working hours per week for each individual grade. This data is not held in my Department.
509. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cost of paying apprentices in the public sector the minimum wage from year one of their apprenticeship. [33267/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021 2025 seeks to deliver annual registrations of 10,000 apprentices by 2025 through an apprenticeship system that is flexible and responsive, providing a strong value proposition and delivering high standards and sought after qualifications. Under this plan, the public sector (excluding commercial semi-state organisations) will deliver an increased level of high quality apprenticeship opportunities for those seeking to join and build careers in the public service. The Public Service Apprenticeship Plan, which launched in August 2023, sets out an ambition for the civil and public service to reach 750 apprentice registrations per year by 2025. Apprenticeship provides an opportunity for public service employers to widen the recruitment pool and attract diverse talent in line with commitments under the Better Public Services Transformation Strategy 2030, to upskill and reskill for the future and establish the public service as an employer of choice.
A subcommittee of the Public Service Leadership Board (PSLB) has recently been established to progress the actions in the Plan. The Public Service Apprenticeship Leadership Group (PSALG), which is jointly chaired by DPENDR and DFHERIS, will monitor and report on progress in advancing the plan at individual organisational level in line with agreed sectoral targets. In addition, a working group is focussing on building supports for public sector employers and providing guidance that will assist with meeting these targets underpinned by shared principles relating to pay and terms and conditions of employment, and subject to the relevant legal framework for responsibility in this area. The Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is responsible for setting the pay and terms and conditions of employment for civil servants and the current pay rates for civil servants are set out in Circular 8/2024 (www.gov.ie/en/circular/4a886-circular-082024-application-of-1-june-2024-pay-adjustments/ ).
With regard to the cost of paying apprentices and by way of example, the Civil Service ICT apprenticeship has recruited approximately 160 ICT apprentices to date, providing an invaluable talent pipeline for public service organisations seeking to fill ICT posts and develop ICT skills. In the case of ICT apprentices in the Civil Service, remuneration is in line with the Executive Officer pay scale and ICT apprentices are paid at 75 % of this pay scale, which is above the minimum wage.
510. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for a breakdown of the expenditure from the contingency reserve assigned for temporary protection and international protection related expenditure in each of the years 2025 to 2027, in tabular form. [33375/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile we operate in an uncertain international environment with wars in Ukraine, Middle East and Africa, and deal with certain legacy impacts of the pandemic, it is appropriate to maintain a contingency reserve within the overall expenditure amounts across the years 2025 to 2030 in line with what was previously set out in the Stability Programme Update (SPU).
In Budget 2024 a sum of €4.5bn was allocated for non-core items that are now aligned with the contingency reserve. These reflect costs that driven by external developments or additional EU funded projects that must be taken account of in the expenditure ceiling. The allocation in 2024 covered pressures such as our humanitarian response to the arrivals fleeing war in Ukraine (€2.5bn), legacy Covid issues (€1.3bn) mainly in the Health area, EU funding related projects (€0.35bn) primarily under the EU National Recovery and Resilience Plan and certain other payments including under the Mother and Baby Home payment scheme.
The €4.5 billion provision outlined for the contingency reserve in the SPU will be fully utilised in 2025 in meeting current and capital needs, primarily across Health (and is included in the overall 2025 Health allocation set out in the SES), Ukraine and IPAS related costs. This will also provide for allocations related to certain EU funded programmes, broadly in line with this year’s amounts, and smaller demands across a limited number of other areas. In relation to the balance of the contingency reserve, it is expected that savings in expenditure in relation to Covid and other items funded within the overall amount for this year will arise and will be utilised to offset pressures on international protection expenditure.
The final amounts in relation to each area to be funded from the contingency reserve in 2025 will be determined as part of the estimates process. In advance of this it is not possible to disaggregate funding by programme type. Any allocations made will be included in the Estimates or Revised Estimate publications as appropriate.
The requirements in relation to expenditure in future years to be funded from the contingency reserve will be considered on an annual basis as part of the whole year budgetary process taking into account, in particular, developments in the international environment.
511. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for a breakdown of core expenditure allocated to the Department of Children; Equality; Disability; Integration and Youth for temporary protection and international protection related expenditure in each of the years 2025 to 2029, in tabular form. [33376/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2024 Summer Economic Statement (SES) was published on July 9th. The SES sets out the Government’s medium-term budgetary strategy and outlines the fiscal parameters within which discussions will take place ahead of Budget 2025 in planning the fiscal and budgetary response for 2025.
An overall package of €8.3 billion is being made available, which will result in voted expenditure growth of 6.9 per cent. The package is composed of additional public spending amounting to €6.9 billion and taxation measures amounting to €1.4 billion. €90.9 billion is being provided for current expenditure, while €14.5 billion is being provided for capital expenditure under the Government’s National Development Plan.
Of the €6.9 billion expenditure growth, €5.1 billion is attributed to the costs of covering Existing Level of Service (ELS) requirements and increased capital spending in 2025. The remaining €1.8 billion will be subject to new measure announcements as part of the Budget 2025 package.
The distribution of funding across departments and policy areas will be determined as part of the Estimates process. In advance of this it is not possible to disaggregate funding by programme type. Any allocations made will be included in the Estimates or Revised Estimate publications as appropriate. The requirements in relation to expenditure for specific departments or policy areas in future years will be considered on an annual basis as part of the Estimates process.
512. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the first- and full-year cost of increasing all wages in the public sector to a minimum of 14.80, 15.00, 15.20, 15.40 respectively, in tabular form. [33379/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the civil service, for which my Department holds detailed data, the suggested Wage at, €14.80, €15, €15.20, €15.40 per hour based on the civil service 35 hour standard net working week equates to an annual salary of approximately €27,029, €27,395, €27,760, €28,125 respectively. Detailed data on civil service staff indicates that approximately 0.3% of staff (FTE) in the civil service are on salary points less than €28,125. It is expected that this number will reduce significantly on implementation of the next pay adjustment of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, due on October 1 2024 under the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026.
Those currently on an annual salary of less than €28,125 may be receiving remuneration in excess of the suggested living wage through additional premium payments in respect of shift work or atypical working hours. In addition, these salary scales progress to the suggested Living Wage and above through normal incremental progression.
The current public service agreement is Public Service Agreement 2024-2026. In total, the Agreement provides for increases of 10.25% over a two and a half year period. This is made up of general round increases totalling 9.25%, as well as a provision for a Local Bargaining mechanism equivalent to 1% of the basic pay cost. Over the lifetime of the agreement, the lowest paid public servants will see benefits of up to 17.3%, inclusive of the local bargaining provision.
The public service information sought in this request would require detailed data on the position of staff on each salary scale across the public service and details of the standard working hours per week for each individual grade. This data is not held in my Department.
513. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cost of a 10 percent increase in funding for the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, in tabular form. [33380/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe gross REV allocation for the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General in 2024 was €18.156m. The estimated cost of a 10% increase in funding for the Office is €1.816m.
|
C&AG REV Allocation 2024 |
18,156 |
|
Cost of a 10% Increase |
1,816 |
514. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cost of a 10 percent increase in the funding for the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service, in tabular form. [33381/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra516. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cost of increasing the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service budget by 5, 10 and 20 percent respectively, in tabular form. [33385/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 516 together.
The Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) is a cross-Departmental network of Civil Service economists and policy analysts working directly for their respective Departments. IGEES consists of persons recruited through the IGEES recruitment stream and other Civil Servants in policy analysis roles.
The IGEES budget is managed by the IGEES Corporate Support Unit, which has responsibility for IGEES strategy and corporate operations, and is based in the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform.
The IGEES budget, as set out in the DPENDR section of the annually published Revised Estimates, relates to annual allocations to fund the corporate operations of the IGEES network. These activities include recruitment, training (L&D), research funding and other corporate support activities for the network of approximately 200 IGEES analysts across the civil service. Decisions in respect of the IGEES budget form part of the estimates process for DPENDR.
The IGEES CSU budget for 2024 is €225,000.
It is relevant to note that this does not include staff remuneration, as this is accounted for under general staffing costs in respective Departments.
% of IGEES CSU Budget (2024 Base)
|
% of 2024 IGEES budget |
Amount |
|
5% |
€11,250 |
|
10% |
€22,500 |
|
20% |
€45,000 |
515. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cost of a 25%, 50% and 100% increase in the funding for the OPW for the construction and acquisition of buildings for public sector use, in tabular form. [33384/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated cost of increasing funding at the percentages requested is based on the 2024 REV allocation Subheads B5, B6 and B12. The figures are set out below.
Details of what spend is covered in each subhead below.
B5 - Purchase of Sites and Buildings
This subhead provides for the acquisition of properties and the perfection of title on existing properties in the state portfolio.
B.6 - New Works, Alterations and Additions
This subhead provides for the construction, refurbishment and fit-out of buildings required by the State e.g. Government Offices, Garda Stations, Cultural Institutions and Heritage sites
B.12 – National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)
This subhead is funded through the NextGenerationEU recovery package for Europe in the shared response to the severe health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Specific projects will be carried out including a Building Energy Retrofit Programme on Regional buildings as well as completion of Tom Johnston House and Datacentre, Backweston.
517. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cost of increasing the Office of the Chief Information Officer budget by 5, 10 and 20 percent respectively, in tabular form. [33386/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) drives the Government’s digital agenda, making Ireland an exemplar in the delivery of high quality digital Public Services. OGCIO works in collaboration with Government Departments and agencies across the Civil and Public Service and has growing involvement in supporting sectoral digital development.
My officials have provided the requested calculations in the table below taking the 2024 budget allocation as the baseline.
|
Vote 43 |
Budget 2024 |
5% Increase |
10% Increase |
20% Increase |
|
Salaries, Wages, Pensions and Allowances (A1) |
7,768,000 |
8,156,400 |
8,544,800 |
9,321,600 |
|
A2 Admin |
1,597,000 |
1,676,850 |
1,756,700 |
1,916,400 |
|
A3 Programme |
29,628,000 |
31,109,400 |
32,590,800 |
35,553,600 |
|
Public Service Transformation |
14,000,000 |
14,700,000 |
15,400,000 |
16,800,000 |
|
Total |
52,993,000 |
55,642,650 |
58,292,300 |
63,591,600 |
|
Increase on 2024 budget |
2,649,650 |
5,299,300 |
10,598,600 |
518. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cost to increase expenditure on flood defences by capital expenditure by 5%, in tabular form. [33387/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works, as the lead agency for flood risk management, is coordinating the delivery of measures towards meeting the Government’s National Flood Risk Policy.
In 2018, the OPW completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State: the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme studied 80% of Ireland’s primary flood risk and identified solutions that can protect over 95% of that risk. Some 150 additional flood relief schemes were identified through this Programme.
Flood relief schemes are large, complex, multiannual projects. They require detailed analysis of the sources and causes of flooding. They involve extensive landowner and stakeholder engagement and detailed environmental assessments and mitigation measures. While expenditure on each project in any year is dependent on many variables, the majority of expenditure for flood relief projects is incurred during the construction phase. Throughout the scheme-delivery stages, project budgets of flood relief schemes are continually monitored and reviewed by the OPW.
Since 1995, the OPW has invested some €550m in 55 completed schemes that are providing protection to over 13,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damages and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion.
Since 2018, a phased approach to scheme delivery, in partnership with Local Authorities, has allowed the OPW to treble the number of schemes at design or construction at this time to some 100 schemes. The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of these flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan. As well as a financial commitment to meet costs, progressing this significantly increased number of flood relief schemes requires capacity and capability in highly specialized areas of engineering, such as hydrology.
Expenditure in the earlier stages of a project (Scoping, Scheme Development and Preliminary Design, Planning Process, and Detailed Design) represents a small proportion of the overall budget of a flood relief scheme. Schemes at construction (Stage 4 of the project) incur the greatest expenditure, and there is no legislative or regulatory means of fast-tracking schemes to this stage. There are currently eight schemes at construction.
Investment of some €355m has taken place since 2018 on flood relief scheme measures to the end of 2023. In the coming years, further schemes will progress through the project stages, will attain planning permission, and will begin construction, requiring increased annual expenditure. As the overall delivery programme advances, OPW engages with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform regarding the capital and current funding required through the annual budget process.
The OPW is continually profiling its capital funding requirements for the coming three years based on progress with delivery of individual projects. Based on the OPW’s own assessment, at this time, the breakdown of the estimate capital expenditure profile per year from 2025 to 2027 together with the cost of a 5% increase on flood relief measures is shown below in tabular form.
|
Year |
2025€m |
2026€m |
2027€m |
|
Estimated Outturn |
94.5 |
100 |
105 |
|
Estimated Outturn inclusive of 5% Increase (Cost of 5% Increase) |
99.2 (4.7) |
105 (5.0) |
110.3 (5.3) |
The annual outturn of expenditure of flood relief schemes can be dependent on a range of constraints outside of the control of the OPW and local authorities, including judicial reviews, landowner agreements and ground conditions.
519. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated saving of reducing the salary top up of politicians, including An Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers and Ministers of State, by 25, 50 and 75 percent respectively, in tabular form. [33388/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below lists the estimated annual savings from reducing salaries by 25%, 50% and 75% of the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers, Ministers of State and certain Ministers for State, whilst leaving the current rate of the salary for Deputies in place.
|
Office |
Salary as of 01 June 2024 |
25% Reduction |
50% Reduction |
75% Reduction |
|
Taoiseach |
€128,927.00 |
€32,231.75 |
€64,463.50 |
€96,695.25 |
|
Tánaiste |
€110,192.00 |
€27,548.00 |
€55,096.00 |
€82,644.00 |
|
Minister (13) |
€92,018.00 |
€299,058.50 |
€598,117.00 |
€897,175.50 |
|
Minister of State (20) |
€45,346.00 |
€226,730.00 |
€453,460.00 |
€680,190.00 |
|
Certain Ministers* (3) |
€13,015.00 |
€9,761.25 |
€19,522.50 |
€29,283.75 |
520. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cost of a one percent increase in public sector pay, inclusive of pensions, in tabular form. [33390/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated cost of a 1% pay increase in the public service is approximately €0.3bn inclusive of pension costs.
