Written Answers Nos. 317-336
317. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when the new Garda station in Bailieborough will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32088/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project for a new Garda Station at Bailieborough, Co. Cavan includes conservation of the existing former National Irish Bank building and the construction of a new three storey over basement building to the rear on a site located on the town’s main street. A significant portion of these works are now complete.
The purchase of a neighbouring property by the Office of Public Works (OPW) allowed for the provision of extra secure parking spaces and safer processing of those being arrested. Plans to facilitate this were approved by Garda Estate Management and the associated Planning Permission for these works was granted in September 2023. These works are progressing as part of the overall project.
It is expected that all works will be completed in Q4 2025 and thereafter An Garda Síochána (AGS) will commence occupation of the building. The date for the opening of the station is an operational matter for AGS.
318. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in relation to capital carryover, whether such funds may be redeployed for all types of one-off capital expenditure; to identify restrictions if they are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32126/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartments and Offices are permitted to carryover unspent capital, up to a maximum of 10 per cent of their Voted capital, into the following year. Statutory provision for capital carryover by way of "deferred surrender" to the Exchequer is made under Section 91 of the Finance Act 2004.
Capital carryover is an important technical element of the multi-annual capital envelope system which assists Departments in managing their capital budgets effectively.
The Finance Act 2004, requires that capital carryover sums be specified by Vote in the Appropriation Act for the year from which carryover is taking place. To allow for the capital carryover amounts to be spent in the following year, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is also required to make an Order no later than 31 March to confirm the capital carryover amounts by subhead, which will be available for expenditure against those subheads. The carryover amounts should be consistent with the amounts by Vote included in the Appropriation Act, however, the Minister has authority under subsection 91(4)(c) to amend or revoke the Order. Dáil approval of the draft Ministerial Order is required before the Minister can make the Order. Once the order is made, the carryover amounts become a first charge against the subheads concerned and cannot be vired to other subheads. If the carryover is not spent in the year of carryover, the funds must be surrendered to the Central Fund.
319. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of new public sector jobs created in each of the past five years, disaggregated by civil service, local government, HSE, education, and other public bodies; and if this data can be compared with new employment figures provided by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in relation to multinationals and domestic private-sector employment. [32144/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the oversight and monitoring role of my Department, officials collate public service staffing data on a quarterly basis. The table below shows the total full-time equivalent (FTE) end-year numbers, as supplied to my Department by the relevant Departments, in this capacity.
|
Growth in Public Service Numbers (FTE) by Sector2019-2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sector |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Civil Service |
40,755 |
42,647 +1,891 |
44,027 +1,380 |
46,063 +2,036 |
48,268 +2,205 |
51,137 +2,869 |
|
Civil Service Industrials |
1,518 |
1,455 -63 |
1,610 +155 |
1,595 -14 |
1,629 +34 |
1,656 +27 |
|
Defence |
9,107 |
8,727 -380 |
8,848 +121 |
8,306 -543 |
7,917 -388 |
7,904 -13 |
|
Education |
109,830 |
113,366 +3,535 |
117,112 +3,746 |
121,743 +4,631 |
126,320 +4,577 |
134,556 +8,236 |
|
Health |
119,817 |
124,816 +4,999 |
132,323 +7,507 |
137,745 +5,422 |
149,922 +11,977 |
148,266 -1,456 |
|
Justice |
14,665 |
14,595 -70 |
15,076 +481 |
13,908 -1,168 |
13,947 +39 |
14,081 +134 |
|
Local Authorities |
29,231 |
29,796 +565 |
31,112 +1,316 |
31,736 +624 |
31,792 +56 |
32,372 +581 |
|
Non-Commercial State Agencies |
14,335 |
15,052 +718 |
15,786 +734 |
16,214 +428 |
17,527 +1,313 |
18,923 +1,396 |
My Department does not produce employment data for the economy as a whole. The Central Statistics Office produces quarterly employment data in the Labour Force Survey, which is a nationwide survey of households in Ireland primarily designed to produce quarterly labour force estimates for Ireland in accordance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) concepts and definitions.
320. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department monitors or oversees the grant aid and service-level agreements made between the HSE and organisations funded under section 38 and section 39 of the Health Act 2007; and to outline what role, if any, his Department plays in the governance, financial reporting, or performance review of these arrangements, given that such agreements fall outside the scope of standard public procurement frameworks. [32149/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service and Reform and Digitalisation works from the centre of Government to drive the delivery of better public services, living standards and infrastructure for the people of Ireland.
As highlighted in my Department's Statement of Strategy (2023 to 2025), it aims to promote effective corporate governance and accountability frameworks. It also seeks to enhance governance by promoting more open and accountable public bodies that apply resources effectively and sustainably for better outcomes.
As set out in the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011, my role as Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is to manage public expenditure within the overall financial envelope set by Government.
The management of voted expenditure in individual Departments is the responsibility of the relevant Accounting Officer. However, they are supported in this work through a range of central governance and accountability frameworks developed by my Department, including the following, among others:
• The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies provides a framework for the application of best practice in corporate governance by State bodies;
• The Public Financial Procedures (PfP) set out the main principles of government accounting;
• The Public Spending Code provides guidance on the value for money standards to be applied for public expenditure; and
• Circular 13 of 2014 (Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer funds) outlines the public financial management principles, procedures, and additional reporting requirements to be followed in the management of grant funding provided from public money.
As the Deputy may be aware, Sections 38 and 39 of the Health Act 2004 legally underpin the provision of services by Agencies on behalf of the HSE (Section 38), or the provision of services similar or ancillary to a service that the HSE may provide (Section 39).
The Service Agreement is the document which sets out the contractual relationship between the HSE and the individual Section 38 and Section 39 Agencies that receive more than €250,000 in a calendar year. For voluntary Agencies that receive less than €250,000 of funding in a calendar year from HSE, the Grant Aid Agreement is used to underpin the release of this funding.
The design, implementation and monitoring of each individual agreement is in the first instance a matter for the HSE, in line with the requirements of Circular 13 of 2014. This includes matters such as financial and performance reporting as well as the availability of books and accounts for the Comptroller and Auditor General. Consequently, it is for the HSE to ensure that agreements are well designed and overseen.
321. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will direct the OPW to extend the opening hours at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery’ Sligo (details supplied). [32196/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarrowmore is one of Ireland’s most important prehistoric sites, representing the largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs in the country. As part of the Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo, it holds a prominent place on Ireland’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage status. The OPW remains fully committed to the protection, enhancement, and presentation of this exceptional site.
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is currently closed to facilitate essential conservation works and visitor facility upgrades, which include new interpretive installations to enrich the visitor experience and improved accessibility and safety enhancements across the site. Works are progressing as planned, with reopening anticipated in July 2025 once all necessary improvements are completed.
These works are being delivered under the Strategic Partnership between Fáilte Ireland, the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This partnership was specifically created to transform Ireland's most iconic heritage attractions into world-class visitor experiences that boost tourism numbers both at the sites themselves and in their surrounding regions.
Ahead of the 2026 season, the OPW will review opening hours as part of its annual planning process, taking into account operational requirements and public demand. The OPW remains committed to balancing public access with the responsible conservation of this nationally significant heritage site, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
322. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if, in relation to the incorrect pension related payments to Ministers and civil servants, he will identify the number of Ministers/Ministers of State who will be required to make repayments/incur deductions; if there is a date by which these overpayments must be returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32247/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NSSO review has identified that some members of the current and previous Governments and a number of serving office holders are impacted.
I understand that the NSSO has commenced engagement with those impacted.
323. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total amount owed in underpayments in terms of the pensions of public servants in respect of the NSSO pension issue review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32320/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NSSO’s review into all three cohort impacted is ongoing and final figures have not yet been determined.
324. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total amount owed by the State to public service pensioners arising from the NSSO pension issue review; the sums of money and the numbers involved in the form of bands and at intervals of €5,000; when these monies will be able to be recouped by those affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32321/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NSSO has identified an issue with the calculation of pension entitlements for retirees who were working on a Reduced Working Hours/Shorter Working Year basis and in receipt of certain allowances at the time of retirement.
The NSSO review is underway to identify those impacted; in these instances individuals will receive, in most cases, small pension increases. The NSSO is committed to ensuring that any arrears outstanding to this cohort will be paid as a matter of priority.
325. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the solicitors acting on behalf of the Office of Public works have completed the necessary legal and administrative steps to progress the relocation of the Turoe Stone. [32490/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to PQ number 25903/25, I am happy to advise the Land Transfer process has been concluded.
The Office of Public Works in now progressing with the required Consent submission to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with the intention of progressing the project to delivery stage.
326. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department’s website employs analytics tools (details supplied) that track website traffic using UTM parameters (for example, utm_source); if so, whether any visits have been recorded with a specific parameter or similar identifiers indicating traffic from ChatGPT; and to provide the monthly number of such visits, if recorded, for each of the past 12 months, in tabular form. [32505/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department and the Dept of Taoiseach currently employ the data analytics platform Matomo for website monitoring. Please find here attached the data requested for both departments for the twelve months from 11 June 2024 to 11 June 2025.Please note – In late 2024 the government analytics provider changed for operational reasons. Therefore the data for the period from 11 June 2024 to 30 November 2024 is from Google Analytics 4 (GA4). The data supplied from 1 December 2024 to 11 June 2025, is from the current provider, Matomo.
|
11-30 June 2024 |
Jul-24 |
Aug-24 |
Sep-24 |
Oct-24 |
Nov-24 |
Dec-24 |
Jan-25 |
Feb-25 |
Mar-25 |
Apr-25 |
May-25 |
1-11 June 2025 |
|
0 |
0 |
28 |
81 |
137 |
70 |
89 |
207 |
358 |
286 |
170 |
196 |
102 |
|
11-30 June 2024 |
Jul-24 |
Aug-24 |
Sep-24 |
Oct-24 |
Nov-24 |
Dec-24 |
Jan-25 |
Feb-25 |
Mar-25 |
Apr-25 |
May-25 |
1-11 June 2025 |
1-11 June 2025 |
|
0 |
0 |
18 |
59 |
179 |
60 |
180 |
226 |
446 |
258 |
134 |
294 |
56 |
327. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the engagement process for the NSSO pension errors recently identified by a review; if those who have been affected by the errors have the option of legal redress; and if all payments identified in error will be recouped in full by all concerned. [32517/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NSSO is engaging directly with those identified by the reviews to date. For those impacted who owe money to the state the NSSO will be seeking collection of their tax liabilities.
Retirees who were working on a Reduced Working Hours/Shorter Working Year basis and in receipt of certain allowances at the time of retirement, are also impacted by the NSSO review.
In these instances individuals will receive, in most cases, small pension increases. The NSSO is committed to ensuring that any arrears outstanding to this cohort will be paid as a matter of priority and will engage directly with these individuals once they have been identified and monies owed confirmed.
The NSSO has extended its customer phone lines to 4pm to accommodate any queries relating to these issues.
The NSSO will of course be in direct contact will each individual affected once the review is completed.
328. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation where in the Freedom of Information Act 2014 it authorises the Information Commissioner to develop and deliver training modules for and to public bodies, considering section 8(11) of the Act stipulates this is the responsibility of each respective Minister. [32525/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Information Commissioner to answer, as the Information Commissioner is independent in the performance of his function as a matter of law and in practice. Section 43(3) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014 refers.
The Commissioner has indicated that he is happy to engage directly and will provide a response on the matters raised.
330. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the Information Commissioner maintains his independence under section 43(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 when both training and reviewing the self-same public bodies. [32527/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra329. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the Information Commissioner justifies wasting his experienced staff's time and effort to develop and deliver training modules for public bodies when he only closed 51% of cases in 2023 within the four months stipulated at section 22(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2014. [32526/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 329 together.
This is a matter for the Information Commissioner to answer, as the Information Commissioner is independent in the performance of his function as a matter of law and in practice. Section 43(3) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014 refers.
The Commissioner has indicated that he is happy to engage directly and will provide a response on the matters raised.
331. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of staff who left the Office of the Information Commissioner during 2023; the number of exit interviews conducted; the three main reasons for leaving the office; and the number of exiting staff who expressed dissatisfaction with the way in which the Office of the Information Commissioner was being run. [32528/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Information Commissioner to answer, as the Information Commissioner is independent in the performance of his function as a matter of law and in practice. Section 43(3) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014 refers.
The Commissioner has indicated that he is happy to engage directly and will provide a response on the matters raised.
332. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the Information Commissioner rates the experience of his team, considering that paragraph 4 page 27 of his predecessor's briefing document said the office had a relatively inexperienced team overall. [32529/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Information Commissioner to answer, as the Information Commissioner is independent in the performance of his function as a matter of law and in practice. Section 43(3) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014 refers.
The Commissioner has indicated that he is happy to engage directly and will provide a response on the matters raised.
333. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the costs incurred by his Department and bodies under its aegis from contracts awarded to communications and PR firms in 2024; the name of the contractor and a description of the work undertaken in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32645/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there were no such contracts awarded by my Department in 2024.
The position with regard to the bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out in the table below. Please note that this reply does not include information in respect of the Public Appointments Service, which is finalising its reply and will shortly write directly to the Deputy in this regard.
|
Name of Body |
Name of Contractor |
Work Undertaken |
Cost |
|
Special EU Programmes Body |
Lanyon Group (Consello Ireland) |
Event coordination and associated wider content for social media campaigns |
€9,047 (ex VAT) |
|
Special EU Programmes Body |
Lanyon Group (Consello Ireland) |
Strategic support and advice regarding communications, PR and public / stakeholder engagement. |
€22,501 (ex VAT) |
|
National Shared Services Office |
BMF Business Services E&P Ltd. |
Print Media Feature and Promotion |
€12,294 (inc VAT) |
|
National Shared Services Office |
Coyne Research |
Customer Satisfaction Survey |
€21,894 (inc VAT) |
|
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery |
Gibney Communications |
Developed annual Communications Plan for 2024; Inputted to presentation of 4 new external communications documents; Scripted, recorded and edited multiple videos for RNL website; Drafted and issued media releases on annual report and retail mystery shop; Managed requests for media interviews; Responded to all media queries received |
€41,937 (inc VAT) |
|
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery |
Clarity Vision & Purpose Consulting Ltd |
Strategy 2025-27 development including conducting stakeholder consultation |
€36,162 (inc VAT) |
334. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the current number of staff in the National Shared Service Office who have applied through the civil service mobility scheme to transfer to a position elsewhere in the civil service. [32675/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 401 current NSSO staff members who have applied for list based mobility.
During 2024, 30 people left the NSSO through Civil Service Mobility and 7 joined the NSSO through mobility.
335. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on the implementation of the Financial Management Shared Services Project; the number of bodies that have migrated to the new system; if the number of bodies that have migrated to the new system is up to date with the agreed project timeline from the project's commencement; the current projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32679/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Financial Management Shared Service Project (FMSS) will result in nearly 50 Public Services Bodies receiving a broad range of accounting and finance related services over the next number of years operating on a single finance shared service platform. This large transformation process will result in a greater standardisation of financial reporting, accounting processes and facilitate greater technology innovation.
Public Service Bodies will be migrated to the Finance Shared Services platform over a number of waves with 8 public bodies already going live on the platform in April 2022. They have now successfully completed 3 financial year ends with close to 30,000 payments processed on an annual basis. The Finance Shared Services has maintained its annual ISAE 3402 Type II accreditation, without exception, following an independent audit that evaluates not only the design and implementation of controls but also their operating effectiveness.
The Finance Shared Services is currently migrating the second wave of entities with planned go-live dates in September 2025 and Quarter 2 2026. This will result in a further 13 public service bodies migrating to the Finance Shared Service platform once completed. It is expected that the remaining entities will be migrated over a number of waves to be completed by the end of 2027.
The change from the indicative timeline for full implementation of 2025 has arisen primarily due to the large scale nature of the programme and a requirement to upgrade the existing technology infrastructure platform before scaling and extending the service to Wave 2 organisations and beyond. Although this was an operational requirement, it had a consequential impact on the programme delivery timeframe.
336. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will outline the spending to date on the development, implementation and roll out of the financial management shared services system, by company, the timeline, the purpose and desired or completed output, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32680/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below provides details of the project payments up to the end of May 2025:
|
Supplier Name |
Pre-2021 €’000 |
2021 €’000 |
2022 €’000 |
2023 €’000 |
2024 €’000 |
2025 €’000 |
Total €’000 |
Purpose / Desired Outcome |
|
Accenture Consulting |
22,710 |
5,915 |
2,102 |
0 |
263 |
101 |
31,091 |
System Integrator – Wave 1; Initial hardware and software purchases |
|
EY |
3,725 |
6,463 |
2,392 |
1,621 |
3,287 |
977 |
18,465 |
Client Service Partner and Advisory Services |
|
Staff Costs |
10,518 |
2,068 |
902 |
670 |
1,560 |
725 |
16,443 |
NSSO staff involved in project work such as business readiness, migration, functional design, testing, training etc |
|
Deloitte |
6,204 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6,204 |
Advisory services |
|
IBM |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
492 |
246 |
738 |
System Integrator |
|
OPW |
1,673 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1,674 |
Building fit-out |
|
Evros |
1,485 |
1 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1,501 |
Technical support |
|
Oracle |
935 |
322 |
3 |
1,680 |
481 |
0 |
3,421 |
Hardware upgrade and software maintenance |
|
CPL Solutions Ltd |
388 |
227 |
99 |
83 |
267 |
86 |
1,150 |
Technical support |
|
Next Generation Ltd |
644 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
644 |
Technical support |
|
Others |
4,102 |
176 |
163 |
206 |
28 |
1 |
4,676 |
Various project costs and overheads |
|
Gross Expenditure |
52,384 |
15,173 |
5,676 |
4,260 |
6,378 |
2,136 |
86,007 |
|
|
Receipts |
-53 |
-143 |
0 |
0 |
-8 |
-1 |
-205 |
EU Funding for eInvoicing and various staff-related receipts |
|
Net Expenditure |
52,331 |
15,030 |
5,676 |
4,260 |
6,370 |
2,135 |
85,802 |
|
The desired outputs from the project will be:
• the standardisation of accounting processes across central government;
• the modernisation of finance in government with end to end integrated financial controls;
• compliance with existing and emerging international reporting and transparency requirements and agility in responding to further changing international reporting requirements;
• a platform for compliance with EU directives in eProcurement;
• support for the professionalisation of finance teams across government; and
• enhanced and enriched financial data to enable data analytics.
