Results 22,141-22,160 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: National Development Plan (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I thank all the Deputies for raising a host of projects with me directly on the floor of the House. Many of those projects have been brought to my attention over the course of the review of the NDP and colleagues have been in touch with the relevant line Ministers as well, as have I in respect of a number of the projects. I will do so again, particularly in regard to any that have been...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: National Development Plan (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: Finally, on the issues of value for money and the pressures that are arising in respect of construction inflation and so forth, I and the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, are both engaging with the Office of Government Procurement on the issues that are arising there in the context of the public works contract. We want to see tenders successfully completed and awarded and jobs delivered.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Lottery (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy for tabling this question. I was pleased to announce recently that Indecon International Consultants have been commissioned to support the Department in the review of the effectiveness and transparency of how national lottery funding for good causes is distributed. The national lottery plays a vital role in generating funding for a wide range of clubs, charities and...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Lottery (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I will arrange for a more detailed reply to be issued to the Deputy. However, I will give a sense of my thinking in asking for this review to be conducted. My view is that, at present, it can be difficult to track the good causes expenditure that has occurred and at times it can be difficult for clubs and organisations to navigate the funding options available and to identify if they are...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Lottery (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I strongly agree with the Deputy's sentiments on this issue. As part of the review, a steering group will be set up, led by my Department, comprising representatives from a number of Departments that have national lottery-related expenditure subheads. Public consultation will be conducted as part of this process, which is likely to involve a targeted group of relevant stakeholders. That...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh (Atógáil) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Public Sector Staff (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy for his question. The Government acknowledges the contribution of our front-line healthcare workers and all workers across the economy during the Covid-19 pandemic. The value of the contribution made by our front-line workers across the economy cannot be overstated. Their hard work and sacrifice have been crucial to getting the country through this pandemic and the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh (Atógáil) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Public Sector Staff (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: Our healthcare workers have been extraordinary over the past 18 months and that extraordinary effort warrants special recognition from the Government. Whatever we do in the coming weeks must be done in a fair and inclusive way. The Deputy has placed the emphasis on healthcare workers, which is justifiable. However, there are many others across the public service who did great work over...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh (Atógáil) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Public Sector Staff (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: As the Deputy knows, the Labour Court recommendation provides that the parties to the issue must make every effort to achieve clarity as regards potential arrangements to address the claim within the earliest opportunity and in any event during the autumn. The Government intends to deal with this issue in consultation with the representatives of the workers. We recognise the heroic efforts...

Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Public Sector Pay (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Following on from my exchange with Deputy Michael Collins, I wish to reiterate the position of the Government. The Government is committed to addressing this issue in the coming weeks and we do not want to allow it to drag on. We have a clear recommendation from the Labour Court, which we intend to abide by, and we will deal with this in the...

Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Public Sector Pay (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: Deputy Lahart makes an excellent point. There is a need for us to recognise the extraordinary efforts of so many people, particularly front-line healthcare staff. Nobody has an issue with them being singled out for praise which is richly deserved. If we get this wrong it could be divisive in society. Deputy Lahart touched on carers and the extra burden that fell on them over the course of...

Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Public Sector Pay (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: It is important to make the point there is no uniformity in how the Covid pandemic impacted on businesses across different sectors in the private sector economy. It was wide and varied. Some businesses closed while others thrived. Many others are struggling and others are staying afloat because of Government supports. I do not agree with the approach that the Government should seek to...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Freedom of Information (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and am glad to have this opportunity to provide to this House further details on the upcoming review of the Freedom of Information Act. My Department will in the coming weeks publish a roadmap document that will set out in detail the process for the review and give detailed information on how interested stakeholders can get involved. ...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Procurement Contracts (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: In July 2021, officials from HSE Procurement presented to the interim Procurement Reform Board on the HSE’s self-assessment of procurement performance in 2020. While the Board welcomed the provision of the assessment, they raised concerns with the figures presented and the Board’s Chairman subsequently wrote to me to advise me of the situation. The HSE’s...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: EU Funding (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 26, 53 and 59 together. At the end of June agreement was reached between the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers on the European Commission’s proposal for a Brexit Adjustment Reserve. The Reserve has a total value of €5 billion in constant (2018) prices, or €5.47 billion in current prices. All Member States are to receive...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flexible Work Practices (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 24 together. You 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 produced by my Department and agreed by the Civil Service...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Staff (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 28 and 75 together. The Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 sets out procedures relating to the recruitment and appointments for the civil service and certain other bodies in the public service. However as Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, I have responsibility under these acts for recruitment to the Civil...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Capital Expenditure Programme (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I should first explain that as Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform I am responsible for setting the overall multi-annual capital expenditure ceilings for each Ministerial Vote Group as set out in the National Development Plan and Project Ireland 2040. My Department is also responsible for maintaining the national frameworks within which Departments operate to ensure appropriate...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Regional Development (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: Balanced regional development is a key priority of this Government and this priority is at the heart of Project Ireland 2040. This strategic plan includes the National Planning Framework, which sets the overarching spatial strategy for the next twenty years, along with the National Development Plan which is currently in the process of being reviewed and is due for publication shortly. ...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Appointments to State Boards (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 38 together. I am committed to ensuring that we continue to build diversity within our State boards. This will be both better reflective of modern Ireland and also ensure we draw on the widest diversity of talent for better governance of our State bodies. In terms of gender diversity, on foot of the 2019 Inter-Departmental Group report on Equality,...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Expenditure (23 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: There is no central allocation of public funds by way of competitive bidding based on quality or innovation of proposals. The accounting officer of each public body is responsible for determining what portion of their allotted budget will be so allocated. 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...