Results 10,561-10,580 of 29,533 for speaker:Brendan Howlin

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (24 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that Mayo County Council submitted an application for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for works to prevent water infiltration through the river walls on the left bank of the River Moy at the location referred to. The application was not approved as it is the OPW's view that other factors may be...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Pension Provisions (24 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: I have been informed by the Pensions Authority that this company has been deemed by them as eligible to make an application to join the Pensions Insolvency Payments Scheme (PIPS). I have not received an application to date but should one be received it will be processed in a timely fashion.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Commercial Rates Issues (24 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The basis of rateable valuation for all property is "net annual value", i.e. the rental value of the property and is set out in Part 11 of the Valuation Act, 2001.  In accordance with well established valuation principles and case law, various methodologies may be used in estimating the net annual value (NAV)/rental value of the property.  The most common methodology used is direct...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Gender Balance Issues (24 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together. My Department is responsible for the Civil Service Gender Equality Policy and the Diversity Policy.  Substantial progress has been made in relation to the objectives set out in the Civil Service Gender Equality Policy and the Diversity Policy which were reviewed in 2006, in particular, in relation to the specific targets set...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Anti-Racism Measures (24 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: I am aware of the PSEU Survey on anti racism and inter-culturalism in the Civil Service which was carried out in 2012. As an employer, the Civil Service is strongly committed to equality of opportunity in all its employment practices.  My Department has  produced a Diversity Policy for the Civil Service entitled 'Diversity in the Civil Service - A Policy on Equality of...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Procurement Contracts (19 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: Public Procurement is governed by EU and National rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. It would be a breach of the EU rules for a public body to favour or discriminate against particular candidates on grounds such as nationality, organisational size, etc. and there are legal...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Heritage Projects (19 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they have not received a request for a meeting with the Lough Mask Heritage Group. Work has been continuing in relation to the development of certain proposals relative to the Moran's Mill, Ballinrobe Conservation project which were agreed with the Lough Mask Group prior to Christmas 2013 without delay. Arrangements will be advanced...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Staff Remuneration (19 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: In response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that no  unapproved salary top-ups are currently being paid by my Department, or bodies under the remit of my Department.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Reform Implementation (19 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: Since this Government took office in 2011, sustainable and far reaching Public Service Reform has been a key element of our strategy to meet the significant challenges that have faced the country.  Our commitment to reform was highlighted at the outset by the creation of a new Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Government published its first Public Service Reform...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Freedom of Information Legislation (19 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The Freedom of Information Bill 2013 which passed Committee Stage in the Dáil last November and is scheduled for Report Stage on 16 and 17 July reflects the outcome of a detailed and comprehensive review of Ireland's FOI legislation.  In overall terms the Bill comprises a substantial updating and modernisation of FOI legislation based on international best practice, it extends FOI...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: State Assets (19 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The Deputy will recall my announcement in February 2012 of the scope and content of the State Assets Disposal Programme that was agreed by Government. NewERA subsequently prepared financial reports, including valuations, on the assets announced in the disposal programme.  As no additional State assets are under consideration...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Staff Remuneration (19 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The Haddington Road Agreement (HRA), which came into force on 1 July 2013, included a number of measures including pay reductions for those public servants on annual salaries of €65,000 or more under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2013. These measures  provided for a reduction of the  public service pay and pensions bill by...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Commencement of Legislation (18 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The Construction Contracts Bill passed all stages of the Houses of the Oireachtas in July 2013 and was signed into law on the 29 July 2013.  The enactment of the legislation marked a significant step towards the Programme for Government commitment to introduce new legislation to protect small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies. The...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Expenditure (18 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: In response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that from the establishment of my Department in 2011 and to date in 2014 no amount has been paid by my Department under the terms of settlements which included confidentiality agreements or confidentiality clauses.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Appointments to State Boards (18 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: As the Deputy is aware in 2011 the Government introduced new arrangements for the appointment of State board members.  Under the new arrangementsDepartments now invite expressions of interest on their websites from the public in vacancies on the boards of bodies under their aegis. It is open to all members of the public regardless of gender, political affiliations or geographical...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Staff Recruitment (18 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: Recruitment to the civil service and a range of other public bodies is handled under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 which established a central recruitment agency, the Public Appointments Service (PAS), for this purpose.  The PAS operates under licence from the Commission for Public Service Appointments and is independent in its operations. No...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Commercial Rates Valuation Process (17 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The Valuation Act 2001 provides for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Act and the making of valuations for rating is his sole prerogative and I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard. The Valuation Act 2001, which came into effect on 2 May 2002, provides for...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: National Lottery Licence Sale (17 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: While I, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, have overall responsibility for the National Lottery, the appointment of Lottery agents is a matter for the National Lottery Company. I have no role in day-to-day commercial decisions of this nature which are a matter between the individual retailer and the National Lottery Company.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Staff Sick Leave (17 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: Access to the Critical Illness Protocol operates on the basis of the severity of any specific medical condition rather than by classifying specific illnesses or injuries as critical illnesses.  Any condition sufficiently serious to meet the criteria set out in the Critical Illness Protocol may  be given access to extended sick pay...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: National Monuments (17 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they intend to hold a competition during the summer to award a permit for a replacement boat operator to ferry passengers to Skellig Michael. The competition documentation, the criteria applicants will have to meet and, the rules governing the award process are being drafted currently. The competition will be advertised locally in the...