Written Answers Nos. 348-360
348. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently outsources cleaning services and-or service officer or security officer roles to private companies; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3202/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra349. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently directly employs cleaners and-or service officers; if so, the number of staff employed in each role; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3220/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 349 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out by public body below.
Department Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform
Facilities services in the Department's offices in Government Buildings and a number of other nearby buildings are provided by the Department of Finance and those costs are reflected in that Department’s reply to this question.
This Department's other offices in Dublin, Sligo and Trim are shared with other Civil Service bodies and the lead tenant in each building procures cleaning services and associated costs are included as part of a quarterly service charge which is paid to the lead tenant. My Department does not hold contracts in its own right for these locations.
For the Department's offices in Limerick and Cork, the details are below.
|
Location |
Contract value |
Length of contract |
Service Provided |
Provider |
|
Limerick |
2024 annual cost of €4,813.06 |
Rolling interim provider in place pending the fit out of the office |
Cleaning Services |
Grosvenor Services |
|
Cork |
€14,976 estimated value over 4 years |
Rolling interim provider in place pending the fit out of the office. |
Cleaning Services |
Grosvenor Services |
Bodies under the aegis of the Department
Office of Public Works
I am advised that the Office of Public Works (OPW) will respond to the Deputy directly.
State Laboratory
The OPW manage and own the building in which the State Laboratory operates. Currently, the cleaning of the building is provided by a Facilities Management company managed by OPW.
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery
|
Service Provided |
Contract value |
Length of contract |
Provider |
|
Cleaning Services |
€6,126 |
1 Year |
MCR Cleaning Ltd |
National Shared Services Office
|
Service Provided |
Contract value |
Length of contract |
Provider |
|
Security |
€459,008 |
1 year with the possibility to extend by three 12-month extensions. |
Manguard Plus Ltd |
|
Cleaning Services |
Total: €331,440
Tullamore: Allpro €162,816
Clonskeagh: Mount Charles Group €168,624 |
Allpro: 2 years with the possibility to extend by two 12 month extensions (48 mths);
Mount Charles Group: 1 year with the possibility to extend by two 12 month extensions (36 months) |
Allpro Services Ltd.
Mount Charles Group (MCG) Ltd |
Office of the Ombudsman
|
Service Provided |
Contract value |
Length of contract |
Provider |
|
Service Officer (Directly Employed) (2 Posts) |
In accordance with civil service “Service Officer” pay scale |
In accordance with civil service “Service Officer” pay scale |
N/A |
|
Cleaning Services (Outsourced) |
€129,000 |
3 years |
Allpro Security Services Limited |
Public Appointments Service
|
Service Provided |
Contract value |
Length of contract |
Provider |
|
Service Officer (Directly Employed) (3 Posts) |
N/A – on appropriate point of Head Service Officer/Service Officer Salary Scales |
1 Head Service Officer commenced in 2002 1 Service Officer commenced in 2018 1 Service Officer commenced in 2023 |
N/A |
|
Security Officer (Outsourced) |
€55,485.88 annually |
24 Months |
Manguard |
|
Cleaning Services (Outsourced) |
€79,742.42 annually |
4 Years. Extended by 9 months. |
Bidvest Noonan |
350. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an updated copy of the "Instructions to HR Managers on the Staffing of Ministerial Office" produced for the incoming Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3242/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGuidelines on the Appointment of Ministerial Personal Staff for the 34th Dáil are currently being finalised by my Officials. Once agreed by Government the ‘Instructions to HR Managers on the Staffing of Ministerial Offices’ will then be circulated to Departments and will also be published on Gov.ie.
351. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the pay grade that applies to civilian drivers for Ministers of State; the current weekly rate and annual salary value respectively for civilian drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3243/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCivilian Drivers are paid a single point salary, this salary plan is aligned to the Clerical Officer (CO) pay scale for both pre 1995 Drivers (Non pension contributing drivers) and post 1995 PPC drivers who make pension contributions during their tenure. The pay point is set between Point 13 and 14 of the CO Non PPC and PPC scale.
Currently non-PPC Civilian Drivers receive a weekly salary of €804.60 (yearly salary of €41,984.03). This will increase in line with the terms of Public Service Agreement 2024-2026.
Currently PPC Drivers receive a weekly salary of €842.32 (yearly salary of €43,952.26). This will increase in line with the terms of Public Service Agreement 2024-2026.
352. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the total value of the annual mileage claims for each Minister of State assigned to his Department in 2023 and 2024 respectively; to provide a breakdown for each year of the individual claims; the annual cost of overnight allowances related to the civilian drivers of each relevant Minister of State in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3256/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinisters of State use their personal vehicle for official travel and can claim mileage in line with civil service rates. The mileage and value of the claims by the Minister of State are set out in the table below. There were no overnight allowances claimed by civilian drivers of the Minister of State in either 2023 or 2024.
|
- |
Mileage Distance Claimed |
Mileage Value Claimed |
|
2023 |
6,827 km |
€4,240.05 |
|
2024 |
6,012 km |
€3,980.96 |
|
Total |
12,839 km |
€8,221.01 |
I am advised that the Office of Public Works will reply directly to the Deputy in respect of relevant costs associated with the Minister of State with Special Responsibility for the OPW in 2023 and 2024.
353. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to list the composition of his private office, inclusive of the grade and increment of each civil servant assigned to their office; whether they are located in the private or constituency office; the value of any allowance paid to those individuals and the purpose of each allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3274/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. There are no allowances paid to any of the staff in question.
|
Title |
Grade and Point on Scale |
|
1 x Private Secretary (Private Office) |
AP Higher PPC * |
|
1 x Higher Executive Officer (Private Office) |
1 x HEO PPC * |
|
3 x Executive Officers (Private Office) |
1 x EO PPC * 1 x EO PPC * 1 x EO (Higher) * |
|
3 x Clerical Officers (Private Office) |
1 x CO PPC * 1 x CO PPC * 1 Vacancy |
|
1 x Executive Officer (Constituency Office) |
Vacancy |
|
1 x Clerical Officer (Constituency Office) |
Vacancy |
|
2 x Special Advisers (Private Office) |
1 x PO PPC * 1 x PO PPC * |
*Standard scale, increment in line with service point on scale.
355. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he is aware that over seven years since the devastating floods at Burnfoot, County Donegal, in August 2017 planning permission has still not been secured for flood defences at the village, even though many families remain displaced from their homes at Páirc an Ghrianáin; and if he will meet a delegation of concerned local residents to be updated on their plight and to make every effort to expedite this vital scheme. [3420/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the devastation that flooding causes to people and communities. The implementation of a proposed Burnfoot flood relief scheme is currently being actively progressed by consultants appointed on behalf of Donegal County Council in partnership with OPW.
The scheme's steering group incorporating the appointed consultants, Donegal County Council and the OPW have now identified a preferred option for the scheme.
As you will appreciate, delivery of flood relief schemes is a complicated process which has five distinct stages. The proposed flood relief scheme for Burnfoot has completed Stage one and is currently at Stage two which comprises the submission of the scheme for planning approval. The project is currently programmed for Donegal County Council to submit the Burnfoot Flood relief Scheme for planning consent in April of this year.
Currently landowner and CPO negotiations have begun with affected landowners. It is envisaged this will reduce potential challenges, negotiations, litigation and progress the scheme more expediently by starting the process in tandem with the submission of planning documentation.
Construction of the scheme, subject to planning consent, is projected to take approximately eighteen months. Quarterly updates on the progress of the Burnfoot Flood Relief Scheme are provided to elected members of the Inishowen Municipal District by the Flood Relief Scheme Unit of Donegal County Council.
Every effort is being made by all parties to expedite the process and ensure the scheme is in place as soon as is practically possible. It is currently envisaged that the scheme following its construction will provide protection from flood risk for all properties in both Líos Na Greíne and Páirc An Grianán.
While I have only just been appointed as Minister for the Office of Public Works, I will be delighted to discuss with the local community and Donegal County Council, the works to manage the flood risk, including the displacement of residents in Burnfoot, at the earliest opportunity.
356. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what plans, schemes or supports he and the Office of Public Works have to ensure that the flooding that took place in Tallow, County Waterford, during Storm Babet, causing severe damage to homes and businesses, will not occur under similar conditions in the future; if he will prioritise funding and resources to undertake works on the River Bride; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3435/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for leading and co-ordinating the implementation of Ireland’s national flood policy, which includes the development of a planned programme of feasible works for major flood relief schemes.
In 2018, to facilitate the development of a programme of works, the OPW completed a strategic study - the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM programme resulted in the publication of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs), which identified and described the flood risk in various river basins, including the Blackwater (Munster) River Basin, whose main rivers includes the river Blackwater and its tributaries, the Allow and the Bride (that flows through part of Co. Cork and Co. Waterford including the town of Tallow). The CFRAM programme did not propose structural flood risk management options for Tallow.
The OPW is aware that in October 2023 a flood event occurred in Tallow due to Storm Babet, which resulted in several properties been flooded. The OPW has since liaised with Waterford City and County Council (“the Council”) in relation to this flood event. The Council confirmed that during Storm Babet there was unprecedented hydraulic flows in the Glenaboy river, which resulted in flood water flowing out onto West Street in Tallow.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and that Local Authorities can apply to the OPW for funding under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to address local flooding issues. The purpose of this Scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
Applications for funding from local authorities are considered for flood relief and erosion protection measures costing up to €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. Full details are available on the OPW’s floodinfo website - www.floodinfo.ie/.
The OPW Engineering team will be meeting with Waterford County Council over the coming weeks and will discuss the flooding at Tallow and measures open to the Council to manage that risk.
357. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the up-to-date position regarding the building of a new Garda divisional headquarters in Northern Cross, Dublin 17; and when this project will move to the next stage. [3438/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the intention of An Garda Síochána to construct a new Divisional Headquarters for the DMR North Division, incorporating an enhanced custody suite for the DMR and a number of specialist training facilities for An Garda Síochána. The Property Management function on the Office of Public Works are currently carrying out site evaluations. Once a preferred site is identified the Office of Public Works will attempt to acquire this site. A Masterplan for the part of the site at Northern Cross has been developed and once this site acquisition process has been completed we will be in a position to progress the project.
358. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he can detail the ongoing role of the Office of Public Works in relation to the Sandymount flood relief scheme now that a company (details supplied) has been appointed to design the Sandymount flood defence scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3468/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for leading and coordinating the implementation of the national programme of flood relief schemes to protect Ireland against significant flood risk from rivers and the sea. A key part of the OPW’s role is to oversee and manage the implementation of a programme of investment in capital flood relief works, which includes Local Authorities being the lead authority in the delivery of Flood Relief Schemes (FRSs).
In 2022, Dublin City Council agreed to be the lead authority to deliver the Sandymount Flood Relief Scheme. To facilitate the progression of the Scheme, the OPW and Dublin City Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2023, which sets out the roles of both Dublin City Council (Sponsoring Agency) and the OPW (Approving Authority). As an Approving Authority under the Infrastructure Guidelines, the OPW has responsibility for the provision of project funding and project approvals at key milestones, while also providing technical oversight to ensure that the Scheme is designed to an appropriate Standard of Protection.
In 2024, Dublin City Council appointed an engineering consultant to enable the design and delivery of the Scheme, with the OPW approving the appointment of the consultant in accordance with its Sectoral Guidance for the Delivery of Flood Relief Schemes.
The project Steering Group meets monthly to oversee the delivery of the projects. The OPW is represented on the Steering Group through the provision of technical and administrative staff. Following the identification of a preferred design option, the Scheme will be required to go through various stages of development including environmental assessments, planning (Stage 2), detailed design (Stage 3) and construction (Stage 4).
The Scheme is being funded through the Government’s National Development Plan, which has a provision of €1.3bn for flood relief measures. When completed, it is envisaged that the Scheme will provide protection to some 1,100 properties.
359. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to examine the case of pension arrears affecting a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3556/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the administration of sectoral pension schemes and the processing of individual pension cases resides with the relevant Government Department or public body in the first instance, subject to the overarching policy framework set out by my Department.
Circular 12/2024 was published last year to clarify and standardise the policy with regard to occupational supplementary pensions. Per this circular, as of 1st August 2024 occupational supplementary pensions are uprated to take account of any pay increases which apply to public service pensions after the date of retirement, subject to the occupational supplementary pension not exceeding the maximum rate of the contributory state pension.
The calculation and application of any such increases within individual schemes is an operational matter for the relevant pension paying authority, and my Department remains available to provide any additional advice or guidance that they may require in order to implement this policy.
360. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the measures his Department is taking to encourage civil servants in his Department to take or avail of special leave or career breaks, or other forms of leave to encourage and facilitate Ireland's 2026 EU presidency, the Government "Career for EU" jobs strategy, and the Department's Gaeilge/Irish-language policy and promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3954/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is supporting the whole of Government approach, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), to planning for Ireland’s Presidency of the EU in 2026.
The Department supported the negotiations and agreement with the Commission last year on Ireland’s Action Plan on Geographical Balance to encourage more entrants at entry grades and increase the number of candidates from under-represented States. The actions in Ireland’s plan will be carried out by DFAT as part of the implementation of their EU Careers Strategy, A Career for EU.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that an EU Network was established in the Department last year promote a greater understanding of the growing EU footprint and highlight the Department’s work in these areas. The opportunities for staff in the EU Institutions and the OECD has been raised in this context.
The Department will also continue to circulate all opportunities advertised to staff for EU and other relevant postings. This will ensure that all staff have the opportunity to apply for such postings, thereby encouraging and facilitating Ireland's 2026 EU presidency, the Career for EU jobs strategy and Irish-language policy and promotion.
