Results 4,121-4,140 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Official Travel (22 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: I wish to advise the Deputy that neither I nor any of the officials of my Department or the bodies under its aegis attended the event in question.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Legal Aid (22 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: As the Deputy will be aware, counsel fees were reduced in both 2009 and 2010 respectively as part of a broader Government agenda to reduce escalating legal costs. Further cuts were imposed by the Minister for Justice in 2011 via statutory instrument primarily to control spending under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme. It is worth noting that expenditure on legal aid incurred by the...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: National Development Plan (22 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: The Deputy might be interested to know that I already publish two sets of financial data on PPPs. The data can be accessed on the PPP website at www.ppp.gov.ie/ppp-projects. The first set of data provides an update on the existing Financial Commitments for PPPs. This table contains detailed information in relation to all PPP projects for which contracts have been signed and which are...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Reviews (22 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: As part of the annual 2019 Spending Review process, DPER conducted a review of participation and costs associated with Apprenticeships. As the Deputy will be aware from my previous response, the Spending Review process aims to subject key policies and expenditure programmes across the whole of Government to critical assessment in support of the service-wide agenda of evidence-informed policy...

Estimates for Public Services 2022 (16 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: I move the following Supplementary Estimates: Vote 27 — International Co-operation (Supplementary Estimate)That a supplementary sum not exceeding €30,000,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December, 2022, for certain Official Development Assistance, including certain grants, and for contributions to...

Supplementary Estimates for Public Services 2022: Leave to Introduce (16 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: I move: That leave be given by the Dáil to introduce the following Supplementary Estimates for the service of the year ending on the 31st day of December, 2022: Vote 5 — Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Supplementary Estimate). Vote 12 — Superannuation and Retired Allowances (Supplementary Estimate). Vote 13 — Office of Public Works (Supplementary...

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2022: Referral to Joint Committee (16 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: I move: That the proposal that Dáil Éireann approves the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2022, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 10th November, 2022, be referred to the Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, in accordance with Standing...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Meetings (16 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: In response to the Deputy's question I have not visited County Clare in my capacity as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform since I was appointed in June 2020. I have, however, visited Clare on a number of occasions during the same period in a personal capacity. These visits, while informal in nature, have been very beneficial in enhancing my understanding of the challenges and...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Programmes (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy for the consistent and personal interest he has taken in the PEACE PLUS programme, which is so important to the Border counties and Northern Ireland. I am pleased that this new cross-Border programme is at its final stage of development as a successor to the EU's INTERREG and peace programmes. With an unprecedented funding allocation of some €1.1 billion, PEACE...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Programmes (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: That is a crucial point because there is a lot of human capital and a great deal of experience and expertise within the system - the SEUPB and the local authorities - and we need to protect and harness that. I had an opportunity on two occasions earlier this year to visit Northern Ireland and different projects that received funding under INTERREG 5A and PEACE IV. I visited Belfast in March...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Expenditure (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Nos. 11 and 245 together. Total gross voted expenditure to the end of October amounted to €66.531 billion, which is €80 million, or 0.1%, below profile overall. Gross voted current expenditure of €61.055 billion is €1.262 billion, or 2.1%, ahead of profile. Gross voted capital expenditure of €5.476 billion is €1.342 billion, or...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Expenditure (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: I reassure the Deputy and the House that we will always provide the resources necessary to respond to emergencies. Be it a flooding event or any other major humanitarian issue that arises, we will always step in and provide the necessary support. In adopting budget 2023 we have a strong fiscal framework and we are projecting a significant surplus next year. As the Deputy knows, we are in a...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Capital Expenditure Programme (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy. I certainly will. It is an important part of our ongoing work. It is true to say that so far this year we have a significant underspend in capital. I think that will continue to year-end although it is difficult to predict what the precise amount will be. We will certainly have a substantial carry-forward of unspent capital this year into 2023. I am working very...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Capital Expenditure Programme (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: Given the amount of ambition and indeed the need that is there across our country for investment in all of the areas I have already mentioned and others, we do have to make sure we deliver. It is about delivery. The budget is in place. We are at almost a unique point in our history where when it comes to capital expenditure, funding is not the greatest constraint. The greatest constraint...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Capital Expenditure Programme (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: As the Deputy is aware, my Department is responsible for allocating public funds across each area of Government spending and ensuring that expenditure is managed in line with these allocations by Departments. The National Development Plan 2021-2030, published last year, demonstrates the Government’s commitment to meeting Ireland’s infrastructure and investment needs over the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Development Plan (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: My role as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform involves setting the allocations for capital expenditure across a number of Departments relevant to this NSO. This objective, as the Deputy knows, seeks to strengthen rural economies and communities. It applies to the traditional pillars of the rural economy as well as those emerging from such developments as improved transport...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Development Plan (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: That is an especially exiting project in Charleville and I was pleased to see it at first hand. I understand it will see the renovation of a number of vacant and derelict buildings in the heart of the town. Charleville courthouse will be renovated into a remote working hub and a currently vacant heritage building on Chapel Street will be converted into a new arts and community centre. In...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Development Plan (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: I assure the Deputy that as a Government we recognise the importance and centrality of good broadband connectivity in rural Ireland. It is the great enabler in so many respects. In a post-Covid - if I can use that phrase - environment of remote and hybrid working, there are huge opportunities for towns and villages all over Ireland. The Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, as the line...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Development Plan (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: At the outset, it should be noted that my Department, in carrying out its role in co-ordinating the national development plan, NDP, review, does not consider the merit of individual projects or sectoral policy strategies, as this is primarily a matter for individual Departments and agencies. National strategic objective, NSO, 8 seeks the transition to a climate-neutral and...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Development Plan (15 Nov 2022)

Michael McGrath: The important point to make is that the funding that has been provided represents an enormous opportunity for local authorities all over Ireland. The Deputy is correct in saying that there have been underspends across some local authority areas. To be fair, it can take time to build up the capacity to deliver certain projects and to get them through the various planning approval processes....