Results 5,861-5,880 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Capital Expenditure Programme (21 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: As the Deputy is aware, the Housing for All strategy was published by my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on 2nd September 2021. The development of the Housing for All Plan has been closely aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) to ensure the capital funding is identified and committed to the delivery of the social and affordable home measures. ...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Covid-19 Pandemic (16 Sep 2021)

Michael McGrath: I wish to advise the Deputy that the majority of staff of my Department continue to work remotely in line with current Government and HSE guidelines unless, due to business needs, it is necessary to be physically present in the office.  In line with the Work Safely Protocol, my Department has a Covid Response Plan that is available to all staff and provides guidance on a broad range of...

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...

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

Michael McGrath: The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. Title of Bill Number of Bill Regulatory Impact Assessment Appropriation Bill 2020 75 No Public Service Pay Bill 2020 78 No Draft Scheme of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill Not available until Bill ...

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

Michael McGrath: Due diligence must be given to any proposal that involves additional expenditure by the Exchequer, including by reference to the requirements set out in the Public Financial Procedures manual.  In this instance, D/PER received a submission from the Department of Education on 30 April regarding a proposed settlement to the club in question.  There was no engagement with my officials...

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

Michael McGrath: The relevant information in respect of penalty interest is set out in the table below.  As can be seen from the table, my Department has reduced the overall level of penalty interest incurred in recent years across its three Votes.  Due to the devolved nature of budgeting within the Department, the Finance Unit works with business units where penalty interest has...

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

Michael McGrath: As the Deputy will be aware, this Government made a commitment in the 2020 Programme for Government to “reform and consolidate the Ethics in Public Office legislation”, which is the statutory basis for the operations of the Standards in Public Office - SIPO.  To progress this commitment, the Government has recently agreed to a review of the Ethics Acts which my Department...

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

Michael McGrath: I do not plan to introduce a specific public sector email provider, as there are many free commercial offerings the public can use. However, in February of this year, I did announce the introduction of a State Digital Postbox, where individuals can, if they choose, receive their letters, documents, certificates and other messages from Government online.

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

Michael McGrath: As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have policy responsibility for recruitment to the Civil Service.  The Civil Service is strongly committed to equality of opportunity for all in terms of its recruitment and employment practices.  This commitment is demonstrated in the Civil Service 2030 Renewal Strategy which was launched in May 2021. The Public...

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.