Written Answers Nos. 372-391
372. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if small community and voluntary groups in receipt of Exchequer funding are required to submit full accounts that are audited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63196/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe framework for the management of Exchequer grants is set out in Circular 13/2014 Management and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds apply. The overall principle is that there should be transparency and accountability in the management of public money, in line with economy, efficiency
and effectiveness.
The circular provides that Grantees should submit their audited accounts to the grantor without delay after the end of the financial year. However, the circular also acknowledges that small community and voluntary groups will only have basic financial statements and receipts available as a basis for reporting and provides that subject to the approval of the relevant Accounting Officer, suitable financial statements can be provided as an alternative to audited accounts.
373. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures he is taking to facilitate remote working for staff in Departments; the number of staff who have applied to work from home on a part-time or permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63325/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraYou will be aware that the Government has committed in the Programme for Government to mandating public sector employers to move to 20% home and remote working.
In July, 2021, the Government approved a Policy Statement on Blended Working in the Civil Service, which was developed by the Civil Service Management Board. The Policy Statement commits the Civil Service to implementing a policy of blended working for the future that can provide flexibility to both employees and their employers in a manner that supports the continued delivery of high quality services to Government, the public and business while providing employees, where appropriate, with choice and opportunity.
Remote working in the Civil Service, post pandemic, will be facilitated on a blended basis. In this context, Officials in my Department have also been working with, and continue to work with employers across the Civil Service to develop a Blended Working Policy Framework for the Civil Service.
It is intended that the Framework will be finalised following engagement with employee representatives. When this engagement has concluded and the Framework is agreed with the Civil Service Management Board, it will be rolled out to all civil service organisations. The Framework will inform the development of organisational blended working policies, which will be tailored to meet the specific requirements of each Department/Office.
The current Government advice is that everyone should work from home unless it is necessary to attend the workplace in person.
374. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason that funding will no longer be provided to an organisation (details supplied) given the work undertaken by same on the reporting of the non-profit sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63383/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) has provided grant funding to Benefacts since 2015. The project was funded as a pathfinder initiative in the area of data analytics on the non-profit sector. Benefacts was initially co-funded with philanthropy, however in recent years the Department has been providing the majority of funding to the entity.
In 2019, DPER received an independent report which it commissioned to provide analysis of the market for data on the non-profit sector. This report examined, inter alia, issues around the demand for the data concerned; methodologies and technologies used; the potential for direct provision by the State of these services itself, and; the maturity of the market to provide these services efficiently. On foot of this report, DPER undertook a review in 2020 which found that the business case for its continued funding of Benefacts was no longer justified and accordingly the decision was made to terminate funding. This decision was notified to the Chairperson of the Board of Benefacts and other relevant stakeholders from June 2020.
Recognising that other public service bodies with direct policy involvement in the not-for-profit sector may have wished to consider whether they had an appreciable business case to continue funding Benefacts, my Department agreed to fund the initiative up to the end of 2021. This provision was made to facilitate relevant public service bodies to consider their position and to assess all of the options in relation to their respective business needs concerning data on the not-for-profit sector.
In April 2021, my Department reaffirmed its 2020 decision to all of the parties concerned. Furthermore, in acknowledgment of the impact of Covid-19 on this deliberative process, DPER sanctioned a final three month extension of funding to Benefacts up to the 31st March 2022. As of December 2021, no department or agency had identified a need to continue to avail of and provide funding to the service.
The factors influencing the original decision of April 2020 have not changed materially and, consequently, the decision of this Department to terminate funding remains unaltered.
My officials are continuing to work closely with the executive and Board of Benefacts to ensure that all necessary requirements under the funding agreement will be met, including those which may arise under a wind-up scenario.
375. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the campaign organised by a number of trade unions seeking greater supports for those who work in the community and voluntary sectors which includes calls for pay increases and the establishment of a collective bargaining forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63437/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt should be noted that Community and Voluntary sector organisations are not public service bodies and their employees are not public servants. Accordingly, my Department does not have a direct role in relation to these workers as their terms and conditions of employment are a matter for the relevant private sector employers in the first instance.
376. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the communications he has received from a person (details supplied) in relation to a specific product or group of products. [1040/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question I have not received any communications from former Taoiseach Brian Cowen in relation to product specified.
377. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of officials in each Department that waived a portion of their salary in 2021; the amount of funding saved by the Exchequer for these returns in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1117/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 483 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, provides for a gift on an annual basis to be made to the Minister for Finance to be applied for any purpose for or towards the cost of which public moneys are provided. Gifts are accepted by the Minister for Finance.
Gifting of salary is a personal matter for individual taxpayers. If an official wishes to gift part of his or her salary, the relevant Department is required to put in place administrative arrangements to facilitate this. The information is not centrally held by my Department.
In any event, I understand that the tax affairs of individual taxpayers cannot be disclosed due to the obligation to protect taxpayer confidentiality as provided for by section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. Furthermore, I understand that there are considerations under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in relation to the disclosure of personal data.
However, I understand that some aggregate information in relation to gifting of salary is provided in the Finance Accounts - Audited Financial Statements of the Exchequer, Statement 1.2 Non-Tax Revenue – Current and Capital, which are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and published each year.
378. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full cost of salary remuneration provided to the secretary general of each Department for each month in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1118/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the following document (TAB A) which details the current levels of Secretary General posts listed by Government Department, and the sanctioned salary levels during 2021 for each post.
Information on the payments made on a monthly basis to each individual is of a personal nature. Due to General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) around personal data a further breakdown of these figures is unable to be provided.
379. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the independent body established under the Building Momentum Agreement section 4.2.1 and tasked with reviewing Haddington Road additional hours has submitted a report which was due by the end of 2021; if not, when it will; when this report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1132/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra392. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the recommendations of the Independent Body Examining Additional Working Hours; if he will implement each of the recommendations; the cost for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1751/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 392 together.
I have received correspondence from the Chairperson of the Independent Body together with the Independent Body’s conclusions and recommendations. This estimates that the cost of implementing their recommendations will be €180M this year with an implementation date of July 1, 2022.
I understand that the Independent Body intends to issue a completed report by the end of January. I look forward to receiving this detailed report in the coming weeks. The Government, continuing to prioritise service delivery, will then respond to the Independent Body’s recommendations.
380. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update in respect of the salary scale related to the post of the Secretary General of the Department of Health; and if he has engaged with the Secretary General regarding the continuation of a waiver and or acceptance of €81,000 related to the pay scale in 2021 or to date in 2021. [1213/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA revised salary of €292,000 was sanctioned in January 2021 for recruitment to the post of the Secretary General of the Department of Health, reflecting the challenges and very significant responsibilities attached to this role.
Section 3.1.3 of Building Momentum - A New Public Service Agreement 2021-2022 provided for a general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2021. Reflecting this adjustment, the rate for the post in the Department of Health with effect from 01 October 2021 is €294,920.
Further information on Building Momentum is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/e9d23-building-momentum-a-new-public-service-agreement-2021-2022/
I have no role in the gifting of salary by the Secretary General of the Department of Health. Gifting is a matter for the individual concerned.
381. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has considered the recommendations contained in a report by the Houses of the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts and the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach regarding the way in which an annual salary for the Secretary General of the Department of Health was developed and awarded. [1214/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Report on the Processes and Procedures Applying to the Appointment of Senior Executives in the Public Service by the Houses of the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts and the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach is a lengthy examination of complex issues that span a number of policy and legislative areas. Given the scope and extent of the 288 page report, and the detailed recommendations therein, the report requires careful consideration. I am conducting a review of these issues which I expect to be completed in the near future. The recommendations of the Committee's report will form an important input to this review.
382. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the exceptional circumstances of a person (details supplied) will be considered; the actions that can be taken to address the Covid-19-related illness of the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1224/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received a query directly from the person, who indicated they had a reaction to a COVID-19 vaccination and enquired about the type of leave available to them for this situation. My Department issued a response on 10 January 2022, with information on the guidance for public service employers to assist them with the management of working arrangements during COVID-19. The guidance provides where there may be an adverse reaction to COVID-19 vaccinations, ordinary sick leave and associated rules apply.
The response included information on the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, which sets out in law the sick leave limits that apply to all Public Servants. These limits are applied equally to all regardless of the nature of an illness and that the legislation does not provide for any additional entitlements to paid sick leave beyond the maximum period set out in the scheme. The responsibility for the application and implementation of the scheme lies with each public service sector employer.
The response informed the person of their potential entitlements, particularly under the provisions of the Critical Illness Protocol (CIP) and the details of the CIP were provided.
It was also suggested that the person might consider discussing with their employer the possibility of reasonable accommodations[1] to support a return to work, if appropriate. They were advised that any consideration of reasonable accommodations would be a matter for their employer.
[1]Reasonable accommodation is about meeting the needs of people with disabilities, so that they can have access to and participate and advance in employment.
383. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the engineer’s report his Department is to undertake in relation to an incident (details supplied) in County Cork in February 2021; if he will expedite same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1284/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works commenced construction of the Fermoy North flood defence scheme in 2009, and the scheme was completed in 2011. The Scheme comprises grass embankments, permanent walls and demountable flood barriers and pumping stations and is designed to protect 77 properties on the north side of Fermoy against the 1-in-100-year flood event. Damages avoided in such an event in are in the order of €18 m.
Cork Co. Council carries out the Operation and Maintenance of the Fermoy North scheme on behalf of the Office Public Works (OPW), the Contracting Authority. An OPW-developed Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), which is used for both the towns of Fermoy and Mallow, is operated by Cork County Council staff in Mallow. Upon receipt of a flood warning, Local Authority staff erect the substantial demountable defences on the completed scheme on the north side.
As part of the operation and maintenance arrangements, the Council engages a contractor who regularly services the pumping stations at Rathealy Road and the Western Embankment. The contractor made immediate interim adjustments at the pumping stations following the flood event of 23 February 2021 and then serviced the pumps to ensure the systems were functioning correctly. Council personnel monitor the pumping stations.
Cork County Council, with support from the OPW, have been investigating the possible cause or causes which led to the February 2021 flood event, including investigations regarding the functioning of the pumping stations at Rathealy Road and the Western Embankment.
As part of the investigations, Cork County Council engaged a specialist who has completed a comprehensive diagnostic analysis of both Fermoy North pumping stations. This analysis is to determine what occurred in February and to establish if all the original pumping systems are functioning correctly (as designed), and to provide appropriate recommendations to rectify any outstanding issues.
Further to the Deputy’s question on the status of a report to be prepared by The Office of Public Works following the flood event in February 2021, I am informed that Cork County Council are preparing this report which they have advised will be completed in the coming weeks. I can also confirm that the investigation and report into the February event is being carried out by Cork County Council only. In regards to insurance claims made to the Council, this is a matter for Cork County Council.
384. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date the report by the Commission for Public Service Appointments into the recruitment process of ministerial drivers was issued; the terms of reference for this report; and the key findings of the report. [1342/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have policy responsibility for recruitment and selection within the civil service.
I understand that the Deputy is likely referring to a number of complaints made in respect of an internal recruitment and selection process undertaken by the Garda Commissioner in respect of the assignment of sworn members of An Garda Síochána, who are public servants, as Garda Drivers assigned for security reasons to certain Ministers and Officeholders. Accordingly, in accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner has statutory responsibility for the management of Garda business, including the recruitment and assignment of Garda members.
?As the Deputy will be aware, the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) is an independent statutory body. It is responsible for overseeing appointments to a wide range of positions in the Civil and Public Service. In carrying out its oversight role, it audits recruitment processes and examines complaints from individuals unhappy with the conduct of an appointment process. The CPSA may make recommendations, offer advice or give instructions to recruiting bodies within its remit.
As it is an independent statutory body, my Department has no involvement in the examination of complaints made to the CPSA.
I understand that the CPSA has considered a number of individual complaints in relation to this matter and issued reports on the decisions to each of the complainants concerned and the Garda Commissioner. I understand that the CPSA found that the scoring system was applied consistently and appropriately to all candidates but that deficiencies were identified by the CPSA with the internal review process including concerns around communications with complainants. The CPSA has, I understand, recently made appropriate recommendations to the Garda Commissioner, as the relevant officeholder under the legislation, in relation to this matter for his consideration.
385. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public sector workers under his remit, by sector (details supplied), in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1448/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra386. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1463/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra388. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1632/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 385, 386 and 388 together.
My reply relates to the Civil Service and to the number of state industrial and public service staff employed within the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The total number of civil servants, on a full-equivalent (FTE) or headcount basis employed in County Clare in each of the years ending 31 December 2016 to 2021 is set out in the following table. This data does not include the small number of civil service state industrial employees or civil servants who are primarily working abroad. Data relating to the number of civil servants, categorised by local electoral areas, is not available.
|
- |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Full-time Equivalent |
496.22 |
501.08 |
503.55 |
510.26 |
483.90 |
497.65 |
|
Headcount |
533 |
536 |
539 |
546 |
515 |
527 |
A breakdown of the public service employees, including state industrial employees, by geographic or local electoral areas is not available on public service IT systems accessible by my Department.
However, there are no public service employees under the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform employed in Co Clare. I am informed of the following numbers of state industrial staff employed by OPW in Co Clare, the only office under the auspices of my Department, with state industrial staff, for each of the years in question. These figures relate to end -September each year when the figures are at their highest due to seasonal staff.
|
- |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Full-time Equivalent |
3 |
3 |
8 |
8 |
11 |
15 |
I understand that the appropriate Departments will respond separately in respect of the sectors under their remit.
387. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him in tabular form; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [1558/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy for my Department and the Office of Government Procurement, which is also part of my Department, is set out in the following tables.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
|
Title |
Planned End Date |
|
Review of Civil Service Organisational Design and Structures |
Quarter 1 2022 |
|
Post Covid-19 Review of the organisational structures and design of the Irish Civil Service (Phase two) |
Quarter 1 2023 |
|
Pilot of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Maturity Model by An Garda Síochána and Department of Justice |
Quarter 2 2022 |
|
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Trust in Government Survey |
Quarter 2 2022 |
|
Strengthening Policy Development and Foresight in the Irish Public Service (funding provided by the European Commission) |
Quarter 2 2023 |
|
Civil Service Business Customer Satisfaction Survey |
Quarter 2 2022 |
|
Build Report 2022 – Construction Sector Performance and Prospects |
Quarter 1 2022 |
|
Prospects - Ireland’s Pipeline of Major Infrastructure Projects |
Quarter 1 2022 |
|
Supporting Excellence Leadership Group and Skills Competency Framework |
Quarter 4 2022 |
|
Spending Review 2022 (2022 topics / studies to be confirmed) |
Quarter 3 & 4 2022 |
|
Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP): Upgrading of budgeting/financial management systems and processes in support of performance related budgeting (incorporating equality/gender, green/climate, SDG and wellbeing budgeting, and programme evaluation) |
Quarter 4 2022 |
|
Well-being and Public Policy – Utilising a well-being perspective to inform the policy process |
Ongoing (expect to publish a series of papers) |
|
River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Relief Scheme |
To be confirmed |
|
River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme |
To be confirmed |
Office of Government Procurement
|
Title |
End Date |
|
Medium Term Strategy - Review of procurement policy for public works projects (MTS) |
To be confirmed |
|
Review of price variation mechanisms in the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) contracts |
To be confirmed |
|
Demand Analysis for Cloud Services across the Public Service |
Quarter 1 2022 |
389. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 518 of 16 December 2021, if the matter relates to his Department and the Department of Health as referred to in the reply from the HSE (details supplied). [1645/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy has asked if a recent PQ to the Minister for Health on the Critical Illness Protocol (CIP) provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme as set out in S.I.124 of 2014 relates to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and I can confirm that these regulations were introduced by this department.
Public servants who suffer from a critical illness or injury can apply for the Critical Illness Protocol (CIP) to avail of extended paid sick leave. The CIP and the details of these provisions are set out in the Appendix A. The CIP is managed by each individual public service employer and by way of example the arrangements for CIP in the Civil Service are set out in Appendix 3 of Circular 05/2018 Arrangements for Paid Sick Leave and follows for the Deputy's information.
The CIP defines eligibility criteria for the granting of extended sick leave. The medical criteria are set out in the CIP and the relevant Occupational Health Provider appointed by the employer will advise if the nature of the illness meets the medical criteria.
The decision to award CIP is made by management following consultation with the relevant Occupational Physician and with consideration of all the circumstances of the case. CIP may still be granted based on management’s discretion where the medical criteria are not met. There are guidelines available to assist managers in making a fair and equitable decision.
Appendix A: CRITICAL ILLNESS PROTOCOL
Critical Illness Provisions
Where an individual is given access to the critical illness provisions, the Scheme provides for:
- Up to 365 days' paid sick leave in a four year period (comprising 183 days or 6 months on full pay in a rolling one year period, followed by 182 days a further 6 months on half pay). This is the same as the access that existed under the previous sick leave schemes in place across much of the public service.
- Under a protective year provision, an individual who has taken sick leave because of a critical illness will continue to have access to the extended sick pay limits for 12 months following the date of return to work following a critical illness or injury to afford further protection.
- An extended period of temporary rehabilitation remuneration (TRR) of up to 730 days (2 years). This may be paid where it is a direct continuation of an illness under the Critical Illness Protocol and
- A further period of sick leave is required to rehabilitate from the critical illness/injury;
- An occupational health physician certifies that there is a reasonable prospect of the individual returning to work and giving regular and effective service; and
- The decision to award the additional period of temporary rehabilitation remuneration is reviewed every 6 months.
The rate of payment of TRR is determined based on pensionable service. Public servants who pay Class A PRSI may also receive Illness Benefit from the Department of Social Protection in addition to TRR.
These are the general provisions of the extended paid sick leave that relate to critical illnesses.
390. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent on social media by his Department and agencies under his remit in 2021; and the platforms the monies were spent on in tabular form. [1705/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy for my Department and for the bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out in the following tables.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
|
Social Media Platform |
Cost |
|
|
€4,404 |
|
|
€2,332 |
|
|
€1,901 |
|
Google Advertisements |
€1,700 |
|
Hootsuite |
€307 |
Bodies under the aegis
|
Social Media Platform |
Public Appointments Service (PAS) |
Office of Public Works (OPW) |
|
|
€76,206 |
- |
|
SnapChat |
€6,000 |
- |
|
|
€4,566 |
€2,383 |
|
|
€3,500 |
€12,221 |
|
|
€2,642 |
- |
|
TikTok |
€680 |
- |
I am advised that there were no relevant costs for the Office of the Ombudsman, the State Laboratory, the National Shared Services Office or the Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery, which are also bodies under the aegis of my Department.
391. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent on consultancy services by his Department in 2021; the reason for each consultancy; and the name of the consultancy in tabular form. [1723/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that details of the consultancy services, professional fees and legal advice spend by my Department is regularly updated and published on gov.ie. Details of this spend since the Department’s establishment in 2011 up to the end of September 2021 can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/8b97d6-consultancy-costs/.
The costs for the periods October to December 2021 are currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
