Results 23,581-23,600 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Fiscal Policy (22 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: Increases in expenditure over recent years have allowed for continued investment in the provision of quality public services and additional capital spending for key infrastructure projects. The resources allocated in each Budget supports the provision of current services as well as allowing Government to progress key longer term policies. The overall Budget allocations and additional...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Pension Provisions (22 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has over-arching responsibility for public service pension policy. Following on from agreement with the Public Service unions (under the Public Service Agreement “Building Momentum” – A New Public Service Agreement 2021-2022), pay increases have been awarded to Public Servants on 1 October 2021 and 1 February 2022, with a...

Financial Resolutions 2022 - Budget Statement 2023 (27 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: Once again, we stand to deliver a budget against an extraordinary backdrop of uncertainty and challenge. INTRODUCTION We know that many of our people are finding it very difficult to make ends meet, face difficult choices in their daily lives and are seeing their household bills rise, seemingly by the day. We know that many are genuinely worried about what lies ahead in the months to come....

Financial Resolutions 2022 - Budget Statement 2023 (27 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: To acknowledge the additional costs that carers, who provide invaluable support, are incurring at this time, we will be making a payment of €500 to those who qualify for the carer’s support grant in November. We will also make a once-off payment before Christmas of €200 to those in receipt of the living alone allowance. In addition, it is important that we acknowledge...

Financial Resolutions 2022 - Budget Statement 2023 (27 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: The total value of the new cost-of-living measures for households is €2.2 billion and will provide much needed help to individuals and families. This package of measures has been designed to help alleviate the financial burden faced by all households, but in particular to provide extra assistance to those who need it the most. SUPPORTS FOR PUBLIC SERVICES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS...

Financial Resolutions 2022 - Budget Statement 2023 (27 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: -----above the relevant rate of the State pension contributory. For over 70s specifically, I am increasing the weekly fuel allowance means test limit to €500 for single people and €1,000 for couples. I am increasing the rate of domiciliary care allowance by €20.50 to €330 per month and making this allowance available to parents of babies who have to remain in...

Financial Resolutions 2022 - Budget Statement 2023 (27 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: This Government has prioritised special education. The last three budgets have delivered more than 3,300 additional special needs assistants, SNAs, and more than 2,000 additional special education teachers. Today’s budget allows for 686 additional teachers to support those with special educational needs in special classes, special schools and mainstream settings. With an additional...

Financial Resolutions 2022 - Budget Statement 2023 (27 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: The Department of Education will work closely with schools and other stakeholders in the coming months on the implementation of this major reform. In recognition of the ongoing impact that Covid-related school closures and disruption has had on our school system, I am providing funding for the continuation of the enhanced summer programme for a further year, along with other well-being...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Staff (27 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together. As the Deputy will be aware, the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the primary recruiter for the civil service and establishes panels that individual civil service employers may access as vacancies fall to be filled. A specific HEO Irish competition - DPER Circular 26/2021 - Interdepartmental Competition for Promotion to Higher...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Information and Communications Technology (27 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), which is a division of my Department, works in collaboration with Government Departments and agencies across the Civil and Public Service. This is to ensure the delivery of the benefits of digital transformation of public services to both individuals and businesses. Providing advisory support is a...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Data (27 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: Neither the Minister nor the Department receive specific reports from Premier Lotteries Ireland (“PLI”) on the financial returns to its shareholders. Nor does the Regulator of the National Lottery. Pursuant to Section 47(2) of the National Lottery Act 2013, the Regulator receives a copy of the annual audited accounts of PLI and, in turn, provides this to the Department for...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Reports (27 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: The National Lottery is a significant asset which plays an important role in generating funds for Good Causes throughout Ireland and across a range of areas including sport and recreation, culture and heritage, community health, the arts, and youth affairs. The National Lottery Fund transferred €289m to the Exchequer in 2021 which represents a significant 14% increase on 2020 and...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Reviews (27 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question 246 on 20 September, 2022, the further information requested by the Deputy for my Department, including the Office of Government Procurement, is set out in the tables below. Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Purpose of review / research / study Provider Cost The development of guidance...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Staff (28 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: It is estimated that there were over 365,000 full time equivalents (FTE) public servants at the end of December 2021.  The table below sets out the estimated full time equivalent staffing numbers as provided to my Department in the incremental banding format requested by the Deputy at the end of December 2021. These figures reflect basic pay only and do not include any additional...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Pensions (28 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: Under the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017 (“the 2017 Act”), a ‘complainant’, which includes a beneficiary or potential beneficiary of an occupational pension scheme, may make a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO), subject to the criteria set out under that Act. I understand that one such requirement is that a...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Bodies (28 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: I wish to advise the Deputy that the Public Appointments Service (PAS) have informed me that its Head of Marketing and Communications leads a team with responsibility for marketing and communication of opportunities across the civil and public sector and with raising awareness of publicjobs.ie and stateboards.ie in new markets and among new audiences. The Institute of Public Administration...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Pension Provisions (29 Sep 2022)

Michael McGrath: Based on the information provided the individual previously served as a member of the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) and subsequently became a member of An Garda Síochána (AGS).  As I understand it, the individual exercised an option to transfer their pensionable service in the PDF pension scheme into the AGS pension scheme.  Where an individual transfers their service...