Written Answers Nos. 361-380
363. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on what interim measures have been implemented in east Cork after the most recent flooding disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15031/24]
View answer364. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if interim flood relief measures can be put in place as soon as possible to prevent further flooding in parts of Midleton, Castlemartyr, Whitegate Village and Mogeely; what immediate supports are available to those housing estates to expedite the safety of those homes and prevent future flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15033/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 364 together.
I am aware of and saw at first hand the devastation caused by flooding from Storm Babet to the communities of East Cork and the significant impact on people, families, businesses and communities.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme - Ireland’s largest study of flood risk, was completed by the Office of Public Works in 2018. This studied the flood risk for two-thirds of the population against their risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. An output of the CFRAM Programme, the Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans provide the evidence for a proactive approach for designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities. The delivery of these Plans is supported by €1.3 billion through the National Development Plan to 2030. To date, 55 schemes have been completed, which 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.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme provided the Government with the evidence necessary to launch a national programme of 150 additional flood relief schemes in 2018. While Midleton was a part of the CFRAM programme, major flooding in December 2015 and again in January 2016, were the catalysts to commence work on the design of a flood relief scheme for Midleton before the conclusion of the CFRAM programme.
Cork County Council is leading the delivery of the scheme and in 2017 appointed engineering and environmental consultants. Designing any flood relief scheme is complex and requires data on the flood sources and their associated risks. Midleton has proven to be one of the most complex schemes. It has flood risks from four sources, fluvial, tidal, groundwater and pluvial. In 2017, data did not exist on all these sources and monitoring was required over a number of years to allow the flooding mechanism to be properly understood.
The data gathering and changing regulatory requirements, including environmental assessments, further increased the scale and scope of the project. Throughout this period, three separate Public Participation Days were held in 2017, 2020 and 2022. These served to gather useful information and assess the community’s views on the emerging and preferred option for the Flood Relief Scheme. This outcome also increased the scope of the analysis and assessments required.
The preferred scheme has now been identified with an estimated budget of €50m, three times the estimated budget in 2017. This highlights the scale of the project’s increase in scope. It also highlights that we have designed a scheme that is robust, supported by strong evidence that has the support of the local community, and is future proofed being adaptable to climate change scenarios. The preferred option protects 580 properties and can give back flood insurance to the town, as well as standing up to scrutiny or challenge.
Following Storm Babet, an assessment of the proposed scheme is now underway, so we can be confident that we have designed a scheme that can meet the standard of protection required by the insurance industry. The next major step is to seek planning consent and work is ongoing on the development of the planning design for the scheme.
Identification and implementation of interim flood defence measures for Midelton has also been progressed, which include the following:
• the removal of trees in channel at Moore’s Bridge
• installation of water level gauges at Tir Cluain Bridge , Lidl Bridge and the pedestrian bridge in People’s Park
• jetting the town’s drainage system
• continuing to engage with landowners in relation to the removal of restricted bridges on the Owenacurra River
• removing of debris from the river is being assessed by the engineering consultants for this scheme. Subject to derogation from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications these instream works will be undertaken ahead of the seasonal window in July
• revising the Emergency Response Plan for Midleton
• procuring a consultant to design the Carrigogna Bridge Watermain diversion
• The OPW Hydrometric section will install two new hydrometric gauges on the Owenacurra River and on the Dungourney River. These gauges are expected to be installed in Q2 2024
• Plans for the provision of Individual Property Protection to properties in Midleton are being developed, and will be subject to funding approval from the Office of Public Works.
An assessment of additional works, which could be delivered in advance of the main scheme is ongoing. Detailed hydraulic assessment of such measures is required, as is compliance with the relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks.
In relation to flood relief schemes and interim measures for other communities in East Cork, it is not possible to progress all 150 flood relief schemes identified by the Flood Risk Management Plans simultaneously. This is due to the limited availability of the professional and specialised engineering skills required to design and construct flood relief schemes. This prioritised approach to delivering flood relief schemes means that work is complete, or underway to protect some 80% of all at-risk properties nationally.
The proposed Flood Relief Scheme for Castlemartyr, Youghal and Rathcormac are not in the first phase of projects being progressed as part of the national programme.
The OPW is working closely with Local Authorities, and at all times strives to expedite and progress capital flood relief works with the minimum of delay. It is open to Cork County Council to make an application under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, to undertake minor flood mitigation works to address localised fluvial flooding in advance of the proposed Flood Relief Scheme for these communities and other communities to address localised flood risk.
The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works may be up to a value of €750,000 with 90% funded by the OPW and are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Local Authority. The OPW welcome applications under this scheme and is always willing to engage with Local Authorities in this regard.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved €64m across some 880 unique local flood relief projects that protect some 7,900 properties through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. In that same time the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €5.7 million to County Cork for some 45 projects across the county.
The OPW is working closely with Cork County Council to expedite the delivery of flood relief schemes in County Cork with the minimum of delay and currently provide funding for five full-time engineering staff in Cork County Council. This includes two engineers dedicated to the Midleton interim works and Flood Relief Scheme. The OPW are currently in discussions with Cork County Council to fund additional engineering and administrative staff for the purpose of delivering flood relief schemes across the County and expect to conclude these discussions shortly.
I understand Cork County Council is reviewing its emergency response plans, to reflect the experiences of flooding in late 2023.
The following interim works are underway or under consideration by Cork County Council for the following towns and villages located in East Cork:
Castlemartyr
In July 2018, Cork County Council submitted an application under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for river cleaning works upstream and downstream of Castlemartyr Bridge. This application did not meet the criteria for the scheme. Following the recent devastating flooding caused by Storm Babet, Cork County Council confirmed that it would review its original application and has recently submitted an updated application to the OPW for Castlemartyr. This application is being considered by the OPW and is under discussion with Cork County Council, especially in relation to the linkages of any proposed minor works with the flood relief scheme for the town.
Whitegate Village
The OPW understands that Cork County Council have undertaken a post flood event report in Whitegate Village and have identified the need for further assessment.
Mogeely
The OPW have been advised that Cork County Council is currently preparing an application to the scheme for interim flood risk mitigation works at Gleann Fia and at other locations in Mogeely. I understand that Cork County Council are considering all possible solutions to mitigate against flooding in that area.
365. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the total cost of holding the two referenda on 8 March 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15044/24]
View answerThe deadline for Returning Officers to submit all of their costs to my Department is six months after the referendums are held, so final figures for the cost of the referendums held on 8 March will not be available until then. However, it is estimated that the costs over which my Department has oversight will be approximately €21 million, broken down as follows:
• €17 million in payments to Returning Officers to facilitate the running of the referendums
• €3.5 million to An Post to cover the postal costs associated with the referendums
• €400,000 of smaller payments to the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage and the Office of Public Works.
Costs incurred by the Electoral Commission are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
366. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the implementation of eco-toilets in the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15198/24]
View answerThe Phoenix Park is an Archaeological Complex and National Historic Park of international significance and the toilet facilities in the Phoenix Park have been developed to date where there is suitable water and wastewater infrastructure. These public toilets are available at the following locations;
• The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
• The Tea Kiosk adjacent to Dublin Zoo
• Farmleigh House
• Knockmaroon Biodiversity Centre
• Temporary toilets located at the Papal Cross carpark
• Toilet facilities are also located within Dublin Zoo
The Office of Public Works continues to examine a variety of eco-toilet solutions for the areas within the Park which may benefit from added toilet facilities. The installation of any system will be subject to all necessary planning permissions, availability of resources, and the availability of funds to support the initial capital costs and the ongoing costs to operate and maintain the system.
367. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reason a reduced rate pension paid by An Post to a former employee, who after leaving that company took up a job with the HSE and became entitled to a separate pension under the nominated health agencies superannuation scheme, is taken into account for rebatement purposes under the latter scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15222/24]
View answerPension abatement may apply to a public service pension where the pensioner is re-employed in a public service body. It is provided for under Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The 2012 Act also defines the public service bodies to which abatement applies and also, in the Schedule of the Act, the bodies to which abatement does not apply.
This Department has responsibility for the policy on abatement of public service pensions and the arrangement for same is contained in Circular 24/2022: Guidance on the Application of Abatement of Public Service Occupational Pensions.
Specific queries in relation to the operation of the An Post pension scheme and/or the Nominated Health Agencies Superannuation Scheme (NHASS), including in respect of abatement of pensioners, are a matter for An Post and the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications or the HSE in the first instance.
368. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on proposed developments at the Oldbridge site since the welcome announcement of up to €10 million in shared island funding to develop the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15330/24]
View answerThe OPW welcomes the announcement of €10m of funding from Shared Island for the enhancement of the visitor attraction at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and Oldbridge Estate. The 500-acre Estate was acquired in 2000 in order to preserve and present the unique history of the Battle of the Boyne, and the visitor centre located in Oldbridge House opened in 2008. The parklands currently attract over 400,000 visitors per year.
The deputy may find my response to PQ 1758/24 useful, as this outlines in some detail the vision for Oldbridge Estate.
The OPW's plan for the Estate has three elements, which it is hoped can progress in parallel.
The first element is a refurbishment of Oldbridge House, to restore and open the upper floors in compliance with disability access and fire regulations. It is envisaged that the fully restored house will serve both as a heritage experience and will also have the flexibility to serve as a location for Government business.
The second element is the Farmyard Complex, located between the battlefield and the River Boyne, which is in need of restoration works, and is not currently open to visitors. The OPW plans to develop a full project to refurbish and conserve the Farmyard which will transform how we tell the story of the Battle of the Boyne through new visitor experience elements on site.
The final element of the project is ancillary visitor facilities, such as car and bicycle parking, lighting, signage and other exterior enhancements.
Enabling works to the Farmyard complex are nearing completion. These works include the relocation of the gardening works depot to another location on site as well as the examination, categorisation and relocation of the architectural salvage within the yard. A contract for preliminary archaeological investigations in the form of a ground penetrating radar survey has been signed and will take place in the coming weeks. At the same time a definitive project brief is being developed and it is anticipated that an integrated design team will be appointed to the project in the coming months.
The renovation will be a major capital project and a full programme of works is not yet available. However, it is expected that this will be a multi-annual process leading to a landmark change for the Estate. The OPW looks forward to delivering a fully reimagined offering at the Battle of the Boyne that builds on the successes and learnings from the last sixteen years of visitor operations.
369. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the delivery of the CFRAM scheme for County Louth and east Meath, 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. [15342/24]
View answerLouth County Council, working with the Office of Public Works (OPW), are the Lead Authority in the delivery of flood relief schemes at Dundalk/Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford/Greenore, Baltray and Ardee, all of which are in the first tranche of projects being progressed. The funding for these schemes has been allocated under the €1.3bn investment in flood relief under the National Development Plan to 2030.
The development and progression of flood relief schemes is overseen by project Steering Groups with representatives, meeting typically monthly, from the OPW and Louth County Council and the consultant engineers. Delivering a flood relief scheme involves five distinct, sequential and related stages. Aligned to the decision gateways of the Infrastructure Guidelines these are assessing the flood risk and identifying options; seeking planning consent, detailed design, construction and maintenance. Public consultation forms part of the scheme design and project websites, available on floodinfo.ie provide updates on each scheme’s progress.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee projects are being progressed simultaneously and engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. The proposed scheme will protect some 1,880 properties when completed. The emerging scheme option for Dundalk/Blackrock South is expected later in 2024 and the finalisation of options appraisal for Ardee is being prepared.
Consultants for the Drogheda and Baltray flood relief schemes were appointed in September 2021. The proposed schemes will protect some 454 properties when completed. The scheme option is expected in Q4 2024.
The OPW established a working group on Carlingford and Greenore that is focused on ensuring that all approaches for implementation are considered from a technical perspective and to propose the best method to proceed, and has met with Louth County Council engineers to progress the project. Louth County Council have recently advertised a CCTV and Topographical Survey Tender competition for Carlingford and Greenore to collect data to develop a flood relief scheme.
While the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme investigated possible structural flood relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin, economically viable schemes for these communities were not identified. The OPW is reviewing the flood risk in these communities and is due to have a final report completed for both locations in Q2 2024.
The OPW since 2009, has approved €1.9m for 31 local flood projects under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to Louth County Council.
In east Meath, the Mornington Flood Relief Scheme (FRS), consented to under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, was substantially completed in 2013, providing protection to 162 properties. This flood relief scheme has a design standard of 0.5% AEP coastal flood event and 1% AEP fluvial flood event. The OPW directly managed the construction and funded the development of the flood defences. The Mornington FRS is maintained annually by the OPW East Region Drainage Maintenance Section. Maintenance involves silt and vegetation removal from circa 3km of channel, and vegetation management on circa 5km of embankment. Maintenance is generally carried out in Q4 of each year.
The Catchment Flood Risk Management Programme (CFRAM) proposed a further flood relief scheme for Mornington to augment the existing scheme. The proposed further measures for Mornington that may be implemented after project-level assessment and planning or exhibition and confirmation may include physical works such as a series of hard defences (flood embankments and walls). These works would complement the existing flood scheme already completed. The hard defences would protect to the 1% AEP fluvial flood event and to the 0.5% AEP coastal flood event.
There is currently a group in place with representatives from the OPW and Meath County Council to progress the development of further works for the Mornington/Bettystown area. There are a number of projects in this area that are currently being considered in addition to the CFRAM proposals and the group is assessing the best approach to delivering these projects. This includes the installation of a permanent pumping station in the Dunes Estate, flood defences in the Villages and a culvert upgrade required for the Northlands Flood Relief Scheme. It is intended that the pumping station and culvert upgrade will be completed this year, the appropriate planning and design development route for the other works is currently under consideration.
After the August 2023 flood event in the Mornington/Bettystown area a senior level group involving the OPW and Meath County Council was established to review the event and any additional measures in the Mornington/Bettystown area that may now be required.
The OPW instructed RPS to investigate both the cause and magnitude of the flooding events in Mornington in August and October of last year. This investigation will inform any appropriate short term measures that can be taken to manage the flood risk in this area and in the longer term the design for those further flood relief defences currently proposed. Phase 1 of this report was completed and presented to the senior level group in December, 2023. Based on the recommendations of the Bettystown/Mornington Flood Event Investigation Report (Phase 1) which covers the August and October 2023 flood events, RPS will now commence with a further two phases, whereby Phase 2 will involve model upgrades and Phase 3 will be updating of the flood relief options.
Northlands Flood Relief Scheme
The Northlands Flood Relief Scheme commenced in November, 2016. Construction of this scheme, consisted of in-situ reinforced concrete walls and precast concrete “U-channels”, and was carried out by the OPW (direct works) on behalf of Meath County Council, and was substantially completed in Q1 of 2018.
A Steering Group consisting of representatives from the Office of Public Works, Meath County Council and the design consultant was established to progress a design for a culvert upgrade as an extension to the Northlands Flood Relief Scheme. It is proposed to carry out water diversion works in 2024 to enable the construction of a replacement culvert on Eastham Road.
370. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to identify if reports have been undertaken to ascertain the level of coastal erosion underway between the mouth of the River Boyne at Baltray to Clogherhead in County Louth; if so, what are the results; what plans, if any, there are to mitigate coastal erosion at this location into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15369/24]
View answerCoastal 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) and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website. This data enables Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by OPW in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
Under the 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, technical social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of approximately €1.9 million to County Louth for some 20 projects, which includes funding of approx. €1 million for coastal studies/projects in County Louth. Details of the minor works schemes in County Louth are available here: https://www.floodinfo.ie/minor-works/?la=17
The Government recognises the clear challenge posed by rising sea levels for the country as a whole and for coastal communities in particular. The Government established an Inter-Departmental Group on Managing Coastal Change Strategy to scope out an approach for the development of a national co-ordinated and integrated strategy to manage the projected impact of coastal change to our coastal communities. The Report of the Group, which was published in October 2023, sets out 15 recommendations centred on developing responses to coastal change and developing a comprehensive whole of Government approach to the development of policy response to the challenge of coastal change.
Amongst the key recommendations is the assignment of the lead role to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to promote a joined-up, whole of government response to coastal change by all relevant Departments / Agencies having regard to their existing policy remits and to chair a new Inter-Departmental Steering Group on Coastal Change. The OPW has been designated as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints. These assessments will comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal change risk nationally, and then in detail at higher risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works to manage the risk. This work will contribute to the work of the Inter-Departmental Steering Group on Coastal Change.
371. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to ensure that proposed working conditions measures will not have a negative impact on SMEs in increased operating costs as they will not be in a position to absorb such costs over the proposed period for these changes to be implemented in working conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15209/24]
View answerThe Government has advanced a range of measures to improve working conditions in Ireland, including the transition to a Living Wage, Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings, Parent’s Leave and Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay, an Additional Public Holiday, the Living Wage, and Remote Working. These improvements will bring wider societal benefits and will serve to bring Ireland in line with other advanced economies.
My Department, in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection, assessed the cumulative impact of changes to working conditions, including Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme, Parent’s Leave and Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay, the additional Public Holiday, the Living Wage, and the Right to Request Remote Working. This report was published on the 5th March.
The paper recognises that businesses may face rising costs, in particular in the short term. Reflecting the findings of this assessment, a range of measures are being brought forward to assist businesses in adjusting to these increased costs as well as more generally to improve cost competitiveness of firms.
These measures include making available up to €15 million to Local Enterprise Offices to enable a top up payment of up to €3,000 in the Energy Efficiency Grant for businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors bringing the grant up to €8,000; preparation of an options paper on the application of the lower 8.8% rate of Employer PRSI contribution; a range of measures to reduce red tape and the administrative burden on business, including: an enhanced SME Test; accelerating the roll out of a fully functioning National Enterprise Hub with staff available to provide immediate advice and support to vulnerable firms.
This Government has adopted an active approach in supporting Irish businesses across multiple crises over the last number of years, including the introduction of unemployment supports during the COVID -19 pandemic, the provision of financial supports to firms facing the implications of Brexit, and more recently, through the period of increasing overhead costs. My Department is fully committed to supporting businesses and the measures included in Budget 2024, and more recently in the measures announced following the publication of the ‘Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland’ reflect this.
372. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount spent by his Department on travel and accommodation costs associated with Ministerial visits abroad to date in 2024, in tabular form. [13803/24]
View answerThe table below provides a schedule of official flights and cost associated with same and details of hotels and costs while I was on official State business in 2024. It should be borne in mind that some travel is booked directly by my Department, whilst some travel is arranged and paid through my Departments Agencies and broken down in the below table.
It should also be noted that certain travel arrangements and costs are sometimes borne by the Permanent Representation to Ireland in Brussels.
Department Travel Bookings
|
- |
Flight Cost |
||
|
Dublin to Paris 18th January – same day return |
Minister |
€957.01 |
|
|
Special Advisor |
€873.01 |
|
- |
Flight Cost |
||
|
Dublin to Brussels 22nd – 23rd January |
Minister |
€87.98 |
|
|
Special Advisor |
Special Advisor |
€40.00 |
|
|
- |
Flight Cost |
Hotel Cost |
|
|
Dublin to Aberdeen – 08th February |
Minister |
€571.78 |
€108.84 |
|
Special Advisor |
€52.44 |
€110.12 |
|
|
Staff 1 |
€52.44 |
€108.84 |
|
- |
Flight Cost |
||
|
Aberdeen to Belfast – 09th February |
Minister |
€197.62 |
|
|
Special Advisor |
€197.62 |
||
|
Staff 1 |
€197.62 + €14.99 Train Ticket |
|
- |
Flight Cost |
||
|
Dublin to Dubai to Abu Dhabi Return 25th February to 01st March |
Minister |
€6677.76 |
|
|
Special Advisor |
€6601.76 |
||
|
Staff 1 |
€6162.76 |
|
- |
Flight Cost |
Hotel |
||
|
Dublin to London7th March-8th March |
Minister |
€202.10 |
€363.59 |
|
|
Special Advisor |
€192.10 |
€363.59 |
|
- |
Flight Cost |
Domestic Flights |
Hotel in New Delhi |
|
|
Dublin to Dubai to Bangalore / Delhi/Bangladesh -Return 10th to 19th March |
Minister |
€5245.49 |
€478.85 |
€767.95 |
|
Special Advisor |
€5245.49 |
€478.85 |
€1,054.28 |
|
|
Staff 1 |
€5245.49 |
€461.73 |
€1,542.02 |
|
|
Staff 2 |
€5245.49 |
€478.85 |
€917.26 |
|
- |
Hotel in Delhi |
Visa for Bangladesh |
Hotel in Bangladesh |
|
|
Dublin to Dubai to Bangalore / Delhi/Bangladesh -Return 10th to 19th March |
Minister |
589.53 |
47.47 |
184.24 |
|
Special Advisor |
€586.20 |
€47.47 |
€184.24 |
|
|
Staff 1 |
€560.88 |
€47.47 |
€184.24 |
|
|
Staff 2 |
€1,197.75 |
€47.47 |
€184.24 |
Enterprise Ireland Travel Bookings
|
- |
Flight Cost |
Hotel |
|
|
Abu Dhabi to Ryadh 26th February, Ryadh to Kuwait 27th February, Kuwait to Abu Dhabi 28th February |
Minister |
€934.19 |
€152.86 |
|
Special Advisor |
€766.19 |
€152.86 |
|
|
Staff 1 |
€766.19 |
€152.86 |
|
|
Staff 2 |
€934.19 |
€152.86 |
373. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of properties either owned or leased by his Department, which are currently vacant; the length of time the properties have been vacant for; and the location of the properties, in tabular form. [13821/24]
View answerI can confirm that my Department does not own any property and therefore does not have any vacant properties.
I can also confirm that any leasing agreements for buildings occupied by my Department are managed by the Office of Public Works and that no buildings under such lease agreements on my Department's behalf are vacant.
374. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the analysis that has been done on the Russian trade sanctions; and if he is satisfied they are working and not being circumvented in any way. [13999/24]
View answerEU sanctions are instruments used by the EU to bring about a change in policy or behaviour by the target country, entity or individual. EU Member States are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of EU sanctions, as well as for identifying breaches and imposing penalties. However, decisions on the adoption, renewal, or lifting of sanctions regimes are taken by the Council of the European Union. The Department of Foreign Affairs negotiates for Ireland at EU level on proposed sanctions packages.
Assessments of the effectiveness of current EU sanctions (including trade sanctions against Russia) are also made at EU level and new EU sanctions packages are brought forward if, and when, deemed necessary. The EU has adopted thirteen packages of sanctions in response to the situation in Ukraine since 23 February 2022.
My Department has specific responsibility for implementing those EU sanctions which relate to trade. The Department works closely with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to ensure comprehensive implementation of the trade measures.
In order to prevent circumvention, my Department conducts audits of both enterprises and academia, during which it carries out document checks on exports. The Department also issues notifications when there is an update to EU Regulations and provides information on the “European Commission Guidance for EU operators: Implementing enhanced due diligence to shield against Russia sanctions circumvention”. In addition, my Department also engages with representative bodies to ensure that they play a role in communicating the compliance requirements to their members.
My Department also attends a number of international enforcement meetings such as the Article 25 (Regulation (EU) 821/2021) Enforcement Coordination Mechanism, where enforcement officers from across the EU come together to discuss various elements of enforcement and also means of combatting circumvention and diversion. Trends are identified at these meetings so that officers can target possible routes of circumvention. The Department also works with Conflict Armament Research (CAR) which assesses battlefield finds on behalf of EU member states. If required, the Department can work with CAR and other member states to determine where the goods originate from and, where illegality is found, to take the requisite actions.
375. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the civil service mobility transfer list in relation to positions in Mullingar, County Westmeath; how many positions have been filled through this list within the past year; and the position of a person (details supplied) with regard to this particular list. [14082/24]
View answerMy Department does not hold this information; the Civil Service Mobility List is managed by the NSSO. Notwithstanding the above, my Department has no offices in Co. Westmeath and is therefore not in a position to provide information on any possible positions in that location.In relation to the individual query, it should be noted that all civil servants are subject to the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, as published by the Standards in Public Office Commission which can be found at hr.per.gov.ie/en/publications/civil-service-code-of-standards-and-behaviour/. As set out in Section 13 of the Code civil servants should not approach any elected official to make representations on their behalf. Officers must follow agreed formal processes in relation to any HR related matters, and depending on the matter in question raise appropriate queries with their local HR Unit, to the NSSO or the PAS. Officers can do this in their own capacity or through a union representative.
376. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department uses community radio for advertising and public awareness campaigns; if not, the reason, given the vital role community radio often plays in the dissemination of information to local communities; if his Department will consider using community radio for public awareness campaigns in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14170/24]
View answerMy Department engages the services of a third-party media agency for the purposes of advertisement placement and reaching audiences across a range of mediums. All campaigns are developed carefully in collaboration with our media buyer using the best mix of media formats to ensure that messages target members of the public effectively while ensuring the best value for money.
I can confirm that my Department does not use community radio for advertising and public awareness campaigns. Many community radio stations do not accept advertisements and those that do, do not have certified listenership figures.
377. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if employer PRSI will be reformed to ease the burden on businesses and to mitigate against the effects of Government induced payroll measures (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14218/24]
View answerPay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) is primarily a matter for the Minister for Social Protection. As per the PRSI Roadmap which has been agreed by Government, there will be incremental increases in all classes of PRSI (employer, employee and self-employed) over the coming years. These increases will support the retention of the State Pension Age at 66. They are as follows:
• 2024: 0.1 percentage points
• 2025: 0.1 percentage points
• 2026: 0.15 percentage points
• 2027: 0.15 percentage points
• 2028: 0.2 percentage points
Alongside the PRSI Roadmap, the Government has also advanced a range of measures to improve working conditions in Ireland, including the transition to a Living Wage, Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings, Parent’s Leave and Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay, an Additional Public Holiday, the Living Wage, and Remote Working. These improvements will bring wider societal benefits and will serve to bring Ireland in line with other advanced economies.
The Government previously directed that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment – in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection – undertake an assessment of the combined impact of proposed measures to improve working conditions in Ireland. This was published on March 5th 2024. The paper recognises that businesses may face rising costs, in particular in the short term. Reflecting the findings of this assessment, a range of measures are being brought forward to assist businesses in adjusting to these increased costs as well as more generally to improve cost competitiveness of firms.
One of the measures includes the preparation of an options paper on the application of the lower (8.8%) rate of Employer PRSI contribution. The Minister for Social Protection will consult with the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to develop a paper on the application of the lower (8.8%) rate of Employer PRSI contribution and revert to Government by end-April 2024. This paper could also consider how to target the National Training Fund to help assist in reducing costs for business. The Government will consider the outcome of this paper ahead of making any decisions on changes to employer PRSI rates.
This Government has adopted an active approach in supporting Irish businesses across multiple crises over the last number of years, including the introduction of unemployment supports during the COVID -19 pandemic, the provision of financial supports to firms facing the implications of Brexit, and more recently, through the period of increasing overhead costs. My Department is fully committed to support businesses and the measures included in Budget 2024 reflect this.
378. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total number of active employment permits in the State (details supplied), broken down by type of permit, i.e. Critical, General, Other and SOC Code (4 digit). [14223/24]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of the Department has informed me that there are approximately 66,500 active employment permits in the state. This is an approximate figure, based on a data set extracted on the 26 March. The precise figure will fluctuate daily. The requested breakdown (permit type, soc code) is set out in the attached documents.
379. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the targets for commercial building emission reductions and energy targets; the steps being taken to achieve this target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14260/24]
View answerUnder the Programme for Government, Ireland has committed to reducing emissions by 51% across all sectors of the economy by 2030 and to become net zero by 2050. These commitments are enshrined in law under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.
The Sectoral Emissions Ceiling (SECs) prescribe how the emissions reduction targets are divided among different sectors of the economy. Accordingly, I as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and alongside the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, am committed to reducing emissions from the heating of commercial buildings by 20% by 2025 and 45% by 2030. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will also set minimum standards for efficiency and retrofit targets for our non-residential buildings.
These targets now require significantly reducing the fossil fuels we use to heat the space and water used in our commercial premises including offices, hotels, restaurants, retail, and other places of work. It requires us to retrofit inefficient buildings, remove natural gas, heating oil or other fossil fuels when and where economically feasible, and to change our behaviour to use the energy we need as efficiently as possible. Many businesses have already made progress on this journey, and the Climate Toolkit for Business is a useful online resource for those who are just getting started.
The Government is providing significant financial supports for businesses to take these measures. Thousands of businesses are being supported through the Green Transition Fund, SEAI energy programmes, SkillNet Ireland training, the LEO Green for Business programme, and a range of other advisory, training and grant aid offerings. We are constantly looking for ways to better equip enterprises for this transition, and to increase the uptake of available supports - for example, we amended SEAI's Solar PV grants for businesses last summer to make them more accessible and attractive, and seen a substantial increase in demand for that scheme following this amendment.
Under the Heat and Built |Environment Taskforce, my officials are also preparing a Decarbonisation Roadmap for our commercial built environment, that will set out the key additional policy interventions required to achieve the objectives set out for emissions reduction from our commercial building stock. The Roadmap will include reference to the standards, regulations and implementation timelines that will help drive the necessary changes in heating systems, minimum equipment efficiencies and smart operational and monitoring strategies and technologies required to meet the targets. The Roadmap will further assess the opportunities to address the 'spit incentive' where a building is leased, including through the use of green lease clauses. I expect that this Roadmap can be published in the coming months.
380. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current status of full ratification of CETA; and if he considers the recent decision by the French parliament to reject CETA will impact on the agreement. [14378/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union and Canada (CETA) is a mixed agreement containing both EU and Member State competencies.
Only those parts of the agreement for which the EU has exclusive competence, which are the trade elements, have been provisionally applied, pending the completion of each Member States' ratification procedures. To date, CETA has been ratified by 17 EU Member States.
The Investment Court System (ICS), which provides for the settlement of investment disputes, is an area of Member State competence and has therefore been excluded from the provisional application of CETA.
In March 2021, Deputy Patrick Costello commenced High Court proceedings based on his view that CETA requires a referendum in order for the Agreement to be ratified in Ireland. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled on this case on 11 November 2022.
By a 4:3 majority, the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution of Ireland precludes the Government and Dáil Éireann from ratifying CETA as Irish law now stands. However, the Court also ruled by a 6:1 majority, that certain amendments to the Arbitration Act 2010, would allow ratification to proceed.
The Government remains committed to the ratification of the Agreement and is taking advice from the Office of the Attorney General with a view to informing next steps.
Regarding the recent vote in the French Senate, while I am aware of the outcome, the procedures to be followed in regard to ratification of CETA in France are an internal matter for that country, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment.
However, I would again reiterate that CETA continues to apply on a provisional basis allowing tariff-free trade between the EU and Canada. With Ireland exporting over €6 billion worth of goods and services to Canada in 2022, the evidence of the tangible benefits of CETA only continue to grow.
