Results 22,061-22,080 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Bodies (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: The Government has no plans at this point to establish an ombudsman for older persons.  It would fall to the relevant Minister with responsibility for policy regarding older persons to consider and to bring forward such a proposal. The costs related to such an establishment would be estimated at that time.  I would like to point out to the Deputy that older...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Expenditure (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: No request for expenditure approval was received by my Department in relation to either the role of UN special envoy or the person identified. In general, staffing matters are managed by Departments within overall expenditure ceilings. In the normal course of events, my Department is available to assist other Departments with the range of technical queries that can often arise with many...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flexible Work Practices (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 238, 248 and 249 together. I wish to advise the Deputy thatGovernment Departments and Offices are currently working in line with Government COVID-19 guidance, which provides for home working to continue where possible.  A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Defence Forces (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: A scheme for the transfer of pensionable service between the pre-existing (pre-2013) pension schemes of certain public sector bodies is facilitated by way of the Public Sector Transfer Network (PSTN). That scheme has its origins in section 4 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act 1963, which provides that a person who is employed in a pensionable capacity in an “approved...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Legislative Measures (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I fully acknowledge and appreciate the very important work undertaken by barristers who prosecute criminal work on behalf of the State and my Department has engaged constructively with key stakeholders including the Bar Council of Ireland, the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Justice in relation to this matter. In particular it has sought evidence to support any...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Reports (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: The Build Digital Project aims to ensure that world class digital practices, which already exist in certain elements of the Irish construction sector, are adopted throughout the industry and supply chain in order to achieve a more innovative sector from top to bottom. The project will provide guidance and leadership on the necessary digital tools, standards, approaches and training required...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Procurement Contracts (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: Building Information Modelling (BIM) has the potential to transform the processes surrounding project and data management on construction projects and can drive significant efficiencies.  It offers industry the opportunity to rationalise its working methods, reduce waste and explore opportunities for off-site production.  These all contribute to a leaner and safer project delivery...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Commissions of Investigation (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has not been responsible for the setting up of any Commission of Investigation since its establishment in 2011.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Functions (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: Awaiting reply from the Department.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Brexit Supports (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: Ireland is expected to receive a total allocation of €1.065 billion in 2018 prices (equivalent to €1.165 billion in current prices) from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), comprised of €991 million in pre-financing, and a further €74 million in 2025.  Expenditure under the Reserve must demonstrate a direct link to the negative impact of the withdrawal of the...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Expenditure (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: No request for expenditure approval was received by this Department in relation to either the role of UN special envoy or the person identified. In general, staffing matters are managed by Departments within overall expenditure ceilings. In the normal course of events, my Department is available to assist other Departments with the range of technical queries that can often arise with many...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Government Communications (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together. I can confirm that there is no evidence to indicate that my ministerial mobile phone has been compromised or of any attempts to hack this phone.  I occasionally use my personal phone in the course of my official duties and the above position also applies to this phone during my term of office.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Freedom of Information (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: The information requested by the Deputy in relation to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests received and responded to by my Department in the specified period is set out in the table below.   Year Number of Freedom of Information requests 2021 (to date) 178 2020 295 2019 306 ...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Ministerial Appointments (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I wish to advise the Deputy that the person in question has not held a formal or informal role in the name of my Department, or the Office of Government Procurement which is also part of my Department, since the commencement of the 33rd Dáil.  This is also the case in respect of the bodies under the aegis of my Department.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Government Communications (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I wish to advise the Deputy neither I nor my advisors use either of the named applications.  This is also the position with respect to members of the Department’s Management Board.   A number of other Department officials do use one of the applications, Slack. The purpose of this application is to facilitate quick updates between external partners and internal teams...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Summer Economic Statement (9 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together. The Summer Economic Statement (SES) laid out up to €8.1 billion in 2022 for non-core, temporary spending under the overall expenditure ceiling. This €8.1 billion under ‘temporary spending’ heading in Table 4 of the SES is made up of the non-core expenditure areas listed Table 8, intended to address the...

Freedom of Information: Motion [Private Members] (15 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after “Dáil Éireann” and substitute the following: “recognises the importance of a well-functioning Freedom of Information (FOI) regime in establishing trust and transparency in public life; and notes that: — the objective of Freedom of Information legislation is to ensure openness and transparency...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Expenditure (15 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I wish to advise the Deputy that as part of its commitment to the continuous professional development of its staff, my Department has participated in the Common Purpose Ireland senior leadership programmes.  These programmes offer participants the opportunity to share leadership experiences and challenges, exchange views and establish networks with a wide variety of diverse...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Projects (15 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: On 16 July 2021 my Department published details of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which has now been approved by the Council of Ministers and details of which can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/d4939-national-recovery-and-resili ence-plan-2021/ This includes details of projects and indicative allocations broken down by priority and by Department. ...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Procurement Contracts (15 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: All Irish public bodies are obliged to spend or invest public funds with care, and to ensure that optimal value for money is obtained in accordance with the Public Spending Code which sets out the rules and procedures to ensure that these standards are upheld across the Irish public service. Public Procurement is governed by EU legislation and national rules and guidelines with the aim of...