Results 4,861-4,880 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: National Development Plan (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 131 together. The National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-30 is underpinned by 10 National Strategic Outcomes. National Strategic Outcome 2, enhanced regional connectivity, seeks to enhance intra-regional accessibility through improving transport links between key urban centres of population and their respective regions, as well as improving...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Pay (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 120 and 140 together. Public service pay has been governed by a system of collective agreements since the Croke Park Agreement was negotiated in 2010. These collective agreements have helped to ensure that public pay is managed in a sustainable, affordable and orderly manner. These agreements have also enabled significant reform of public...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flexible Work Practices (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 136 together. The experience of the COVID pandemic has had a significant impact on the world of work, with an overnight move by necessity to remote working in many sectors.There have been many positive aspects to this experience for both employers and employees.  It has also highlighted certain challenges. In the context of the return to...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Ukraine War (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: Funding to support Ukraine following the invasion by Russia has been provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs.  €20 million in humanitarian aid has been provided to the Ukraine emergency response which is funding the UN Appeal through a number of trusted agencies and the Red Cross movement. Ireland’s rapid response roster has also been activated with a number of...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Procurement Contracts (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: In 2019, my Department published Circular 20/2019: Promoting the use of Environmental and Social Considerations in Public Procurement. This Circular requires departments to incorporate relevant green procurement measures into their reporting cycles. The Circular further advises that an Annual Report template with an accompanying guidance note will be made available by the Department of...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Ukraine War (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: The situation in Ukraine and providing for Ukrainian refugees is a key concern for the Government. We are providing support both through the overseas humanitarian aid and support for refugees arriving on our shores. Providing supports for arrivals from Ukraine is a key humanitarian concern for the Government but one which is likely to have significant costs.  As we are yet at an...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: National Development Plan (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: My Department monitors construction sector trends, including inflation, on an ongoing basis. In addition to reporting on the progress of the portfolio of projects that make up the NDP through the Capital tracker, my Department also publishes the Build Report on construction sector prospects and performance. As the Deputy will be aware, construction sector...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Cost of Living Issues (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: Government is acutely aware of the challenge that rising prices pose to many households, in particular for those on lower incomes. In light of this, a number of targeted support measures have been announced recently which build on the measures under Budget 2022 to provide additional assistance, focused on providing support against increased energy prices. In February Government announced a...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: National Development Plan (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: My Department monitors construction sector trends, including inflation, on an ongoing basis. Materials such as timber, structural steel and energy have increased significantly, as a result of pent-up demand following Covid-19 and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. These developments, if persisting for a prolonged period of time, would represent a risk to delivery of the...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Protected Disclosures (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: The Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2022 provides, among other things, for the transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/1937 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law ("the Whistleblowing Directive"). The Bill is currently at Report Stage in Dáil Éireann. It is my understanding that the Deputy's question relates to the provisions in the Bill that amend...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Lobbying Reform (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: At its meeting on 15 February 2022, the Government approved the publication of the General Scheme of the Regulation of Lobbying (Amendment) Bill 2022, its referral to the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach for pre-legislative scrutiny, and the priority drafting of the Bill by the Office of the Attorney General. The General Scheme was published on 16...

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

Michael McGrath: As the deputy will be aware, the Government recently agreed to the establishment of an Independent Review Panel into recruitment and pay determination processes in place for Senior Public Service posts. The Panel is chaired by Dr. Donal de Buitléir, with Ms. Jenny Smyth and Mr. Bryan Andrews members of the Panel. The review will focus on a number of important issues including an...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Procurement Contracts (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: There have been significant and sustained increases in the prices of a broad range of commonly used materials in the construction sector throughout 2021 in the aftermath of the pandemic.  Energy prices also showed marked increases in 2021 and have further escalated in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.   I introduced a series of measures in January in response to...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Information and Communications Technology (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: Digital transformation in the public service means redesigning and rebuilding government processes and services, if necessary across organisations, and using digitalisation and data to provide an integrated experience for our people, businesses and policy makers.  I am pleased to say that significant progress has been made in recent years in transforming the delivery of public services....

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Funding (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: I have not received any application for funding in relation to Clare County Council from either the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government or the Department of Transport. This is a matter for the two Departments.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: National Lottery (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: Funding raised by the National Lottery plays a very important role in supporting a range of good causes at national, regional and community level. In order to sustain this funding into the future I consider it important that there is a robust and transparent processes for its allocation.  I have accordingly commissioned an external review of the process for allocation of lottery funding,...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Information and Communications Technology (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: Connecting Government 2030 is the new Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland’s Public Service, which I was delighted to launch in early March along with Minister McGrath.  Our aim with this strategy is to provide better public services for individuals and businesses and to make services as seamless, user-friendly and accessible as possible. The strategy will enable us create...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: I want to acknowledge the contribution made by people across our society to the response to the COVID pandemic over the last two years.  Their continued contribution is key to enable us to navigate our way through the various challenges the pandemic has presented. Government was keen to acknowledge these contributions. Collaboration and solidarity have been hallmarks of our national...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Expenditure Policy (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy for his question. A range of budgetary reforms have been put in place in recent years, to drive spending efficiency and effectiveness. It is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister to manage expenditure within their respective allocations and careful monitoring of spending against profile and of progress on programmes and projects is required. Public...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Expenditure Policy (28 Apr 2022)

Michael McGrath: Project Ireland 2040 sets out the Government's overarching vision for the provision of infrastructure in order to better cater for the needs of the State’s existing population and to accommodate projected population increases in a balanced and sustainable way.  Project Ireland 2040 includes the National Planning Framework (NPF), which sets the overarching spatial strategy for...