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Institutional Framework

Institutional Framework

CSO statistical publication, , 11am

The CSO, through Ireland's Institute for SDGs (IIS), supports reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDG 16.6.1 Primary Government Expenditures as a Proportion of Original Approved Budget, by Sector

SDG 16.6.1 Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector is published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER).

Revised Estimates for Public Services 2023

The Revised Estimates for Public Services 2023 (REV) provides additional details and information in relation to the allocations contained in the 2023 Estimates, as set out in the Expenditure Report 2023, published on the 27 September 2022.

The REV compares the 2023 Estimates against the 2022 Estimates. The amounts included in respect of the 2022 Estimates include the supplementary estimates agreed by the Dáil during the year. The summary tables at the front of the REV also show some information on estimated 2022 Forecast Outturns.

Technical and Other Post Budget Adjustments

Budget 2023 set out overall gross voted expenditure for 2023 of €90,415 million. This included funding allocated at departmental level at the time of the budget of €61 million and amounts of funding under the overall ceiling held in reserve to be later allocated in respect of various measures. As is usual, there are a number of post budget technical and policy adjustments included in the REV. These adjustments are detailed in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2023

Table 7.1 below sets out the reconciliation between the REV Estimates and the overall government expenditure ceiling of €91,100 million for 2023.

7.1 - SDG 16.6.1 Revised Estimates 2022 Vote Estimates

€78 billion
Ireland's current expenditure for 2023 is €78 billion

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform - Databank

Tables 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 were downloaded from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Databank. The latest revisions to government expenditure estimates are available on their Databank.

Table 7.2 below shows the Total Budget 2023 Gross Expenditure was €90 billion. Capital expenditure accounted for €12 billion and current expenditure was €78 billion. The proportion of current expenditure allocated to social protection was 30.7%, while 29.3% was allocated to health, and education received 16.3% (Department of Education allocated 11.8% and Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science allocated 4.5%), in 2023.

7.2 - SDG 16.6.1 Gross Expenditure by Sector

2023
Further and Higher Education4.5
Housing3.7
Justice4
Health29.3
Social Protection30.7
Other16
Education11.8

Gross government expenditure was €89.9 billion in budget 2023, up 7.9% on the €83.3 billion in 2022. See Table 7.3.

7.3 - SDG 16.6.1 Gross Government Expenditure by Sector

Total government expenditure allocated by sector, 2020-2023 is shown in Table 7.4.

The proportion of expenditure allocated to social protection decreased from 35.9% in Budget 2020 to 26.6% in 2023. The health sector allocation increased from 24.6% in 2020 to 26.7% in 2023. 

7.4 - SDG 16.6.1 Total Government Expenditure Allocated by Sector

Local Authority Budgets 2022

The Local Authority Budgets 2022 publication contains information which has been compiled by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) from the statutory revenue budgets adopted by each local authority for 2022.

Local authority budgeted revenue (current) expenditure in 2022 was €6.3bn, see breakdown by County in Table 7.6.

In addition, Section 105 of the Local Government Act 2001 requires the chief executive of a local authority to prepare a report indicating proposed capital projects for the forthcoming and following two years. The estimated local authority capital expenditure for 2022 was in the region of €4.51bn as per local authority preliminary estimates returned to DHLGH, March 2022 in response to Circular FIN 01/2022. The information in the publication has been compiled by the DHLGH from the statutory revenue budgets adopted by each local authority for 2021 and 2022. See Table 7.5, Table 7.6 and Map 7.1.

7.5 - SDG 16.6.1 Summary of Current Income and Expenditure by Division - Local Authority Budgets

7.6 - SDG 16.6.1 Local Authority Gross Expenditure

SDG 16.6.2 Proportion of Population Satisfied with Their Last Experience of Public Services

SDG 16.6.2 Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services is published in the CSO Trust Survey and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER).

Trust Survey - CSO

The following information is extracted from the CSO's Trust Survey December 2021. See SDG 16.3.3 for further details on this survey.

Satisfaction with Public Services

In the Satisfaction with Public Services chapter of this report, respondents were asked to rate on a 0-10 point scale from ‘0 Not at all satisfied’ to ‘10 Completely satisfied’ their satisfaction levels with the quality of the health system, the education system and administrative services1 in Ireland. One in six (16.1%) respondents had a ‘0 Not at all satisfied’ score for their satisfaction level with the quality of the health system. The comparable rates for satisfaction with the quality of administrative services and the education system were 4.1% and 2.9% respectively. See Table 7.7 and Figure 7.2 and view Table TRA24 in PxStat.

1e.g. applying for an ID or a certificate of birth, death, marriage or divorce.

7.7 - SDG 16.6.2 Satisfaction Level with the Quality of Public Service on a 0-10 Point Scale by Service Type

X-axis labelEducation systemAdministrative servicesHealthcare system
0 Not at all satisfied2.94.116.1
10.51.93.9
25.75.48.2
35.86.714.1
456.713.4
59.91211
613.115.610.8
721.516.811.8
824.716.86.5
96.86.82.1
10 Completely satisfied3.87.30.8
Don't know0.10.11.1

The mean score for each satisfaction level indicator was calculated by adding individual scores and dividing the total by the number of individuals. The mean scores for satisfaction levels with the quality of the health system, the education system and administrative services in Ireland were 4.0, 6.3 and 6.0 respectively. View Table TRA25 in PxStat.

In line with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD’s) recommended groupings, responses were grouped as not satisfied (0-4), neutral (5) or satisfied (6-10). Overall, 56% of respondents were not satisfied with the quality of the health system. One in four (25%) were not satisfied with the quality of the administrative services and one in five (20%) were not satisfied with the quality education system. Just under one in three (32%) respondents were satisfied with the quality of the health system. The comparable rates for satisfaction with the quality of the administrative services and the education system were 63% and 70% respectively. See Table 7.8 and Figure 7.3.

7.8 - SDG 16.6.2 Satisfaction Level with the Quality of Public Service by Service Type

X-axis labelDon't knowSatisfied (6-10)Neutral (5) Not Satisfied (0-4)
Administrative services0631225
Education system0701020
Health system1321156

Analysis of interpersonal and institutional trust levels by respondents’ age shows that interpersonal and institutional trust levels increase with age. Analysis of trust levels by respondents’ voting status in the last general election shows that respondents who voted for a party not currently in government have lower trust scores when compared with respondents who voted for a government party, see Trust chapter.

Similarly, satisfaction levels with the quality of the education system, the health system and administrative services increased with respondents’ age and respondents who voted for a government party reported higher satisfaction scores for the quality of the public services. Seven in 10 (71%) respondents aged 18-44 were Not satisfied (0-4) with the quality of the health system, the comparable rate for respondents aged 45-64 was just over half (52%) and for those aged 65 and over, four in 10 (39%). See Table 7.9 and Figure 7.4 and view Table TRA26 in PxStat.

7.9 - SDG 16.6.2 Satisfaction Level with the Quality of the Health System by Respondents' Age Group

X-axis labelDon't knowSatisfied (6-10)Neutral (5) Not Satisfied (0-4)
18-44 Years020871
45-64 Years1341352
65 Years and over3471139

Irish Civil Service Customer Satisfaction Survey 2017

Scope: This is the seventh survey that has been carried out among the Irish general public to determine customer satisfaction levels of the Irish Civil Service (covering all departments and offices).

History: Previous surveys were carried out in 1997, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2009 & 2015. Data from the 2017 study is compared to the relevant previous surveys where appropriate. 

Design: The questionnaire was designed in consultation with the DPER team, retaining the majority of previous content to allow for comparisons to be made.

Interaction and Satisfaction Levels: Analysing the experience of the general public customers in their interaction with the Civil Service.

Areas for Improvement: To gauge possible reasons for any dissatisfaction with the service and determine areas for improvement.

Perceptions of the Civil Service: Assessing attitudes to and perceptions of the Civil Service among the general public.

Benchmarking: To assess progress since the previous surveys.

Satisfaction With Service

Overall satisfaction was highest recorded to date. Over 80% of customers were satisfied with both the service received and the outcome of their contact, while dissatisfaction levels have fallen. Almost one in three said the service received exceeded their expectations. The service delivered by civil service staff continued to rate favourably, while interactions in person showed particularly strong improvements. Though most were satisfied, a degree of dissatisfaction emerged for the speed and efficiency of service delivery via both e-mail and online. See Table 7.10 and Figure 7.5.

83%
83% of the population were satisfied with the service of civil service organisations
7.10 - SDG 16.6.2 Overall Satisfaction with Service

Respondent Score2005200920152017
Very Satisfied42373548
Fairly Satisfied36414135
Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied6575
Fairly Dissatisfied6886
Very Dissatisfied9786
Dont Know/No Answer111

Table 7.11 and Figure 7.6 shows that 82% of the people surveyed were satisfied with outcome.

7.11 - SDG 16.6.2 Overall Satisfaction with Outcome

Respondent Score2005200920152017
Very Satisfied43393650
Fairly Satisfied34394032
Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied7785
Fairly Dissatisfied7675
Very Dissatisfied7896
Dont Know/No Answer2211

SDG 16.7.1 Proportions of Positions in National and Local Institutions, Including (a) the Legislatures; (b) the Public Service; and (c) the Judiciary, Compared to National Distributions, by Sex, Age, Persons with Disabilities and Population Groups

SDG 16.7.1 Proportions of positions in national and local institutions, including (a) the legislatures; (b) the public service; and (c) the judiciary, compared to national distributions, by sex, age, persons with disabilities and population groups is published by (a) the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH); (b) CSO Census of Population and (c) Association of Judges of Ireland.

(a) The Legislatures

National Elections

The data for national elections were published by the Houses of the Oireachtas and the data for local elections were published by the DHPLG.

Women are significantly out-numbered by men in both local and national politics in Ireland. However, the introduction of gender quota legislation (i.e. quotas for women candidates) before the 2016 general elections did produce an increase of 6.5 percentage points in female representation in those elections, from 15.7% to 22.2%. 

The gender quota legislation does not apply to local elections, and the 2019 local elections saw a smaller increase of 3.8 percentage points in the number of seats taken by women, from 20.1% to 23.9%. 

According to the Houses of the Oireachtas there were 531 candidates in the 2020 general election, of whom 162 were female.  

The proportion of female candidates varied widely across the constituencies in 2020. Half or more of the candidates were female in Kildare South, Dublin Central, Dublin South Central and Meath East. At the other end of the scale, less than 8% were female in Cork East and Donegal. 

Women won 23% of seats in the 2020 General Election, resulting in 36 women TDs, one more than the previous election. The highest percentage of women elected in a constituency was 67% in Dublin Rathdown, while there were several constituencies with no women elected. See Table 7.12 and Map 7.2.

The Government of Ireland data hub for Sustainable Development Goals hosts story maps which provide information on various themes for SDGs. Here the Female Representation in Politics in Ireland Story Map illustrates changes in female representation in recent local government and general elections in Ireland between 2004 and 2019. This story map has been developed to showcase how the geospatial perspective can enrich the analysis of gender indicators. It is also part of the work involved in reporting Ireland’s status in relation to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

7.12 - SDG 16.7.1 (a) Number and Percentage of Seats and Candidates for Each Constituency by Gender

There was only one woman (1%) elected to the first Dail in December 1918 compared with 104 men. There were 36 women (22.5%) elected to the 33rd Dail in 2020 compared with 124 men. See Table 7.13 and Figure 7.7.

7.13 - SDG 16.7.1 (a) Number of Women and Men Elected to Dáil Éireann

X-axis labelWomenMen
1st Dail December 19181104
22nd Dail June 198111155
27th Dail November 199220146
32nd Dail February 201635123
33rd Dail February 202036124
Local Elections

Dublin City Council had the highest number of women elected to local government in 2019 with women securing 26 of the 63 seats available there (41.3% of elected members).

Longford had the lowest number of women elected in 2019 with one woman securing a county council seat there out of a possible 18 seats (5.6% of elected members). See Table 7.14 and Map 7.3.

7.14 - SDG 16.7.1 (a) Number and Percentage of Women Candidates and Seats Held by Local Authority

(b) The Public Service

Information on population in labour force by gender, age and disability can be seen in the following tables - for further information visit Census 2016 data in the CSO PxStat database.

47.5%
47.5% of public sector workers were female in 2016

In 2016, 47.5% of public administration and defence employees were female. This was similar to the 2011 figure of 47.2%. See Table 7.15.

7.15 - SDG 16.7.1 (b) Population in Labour Force (Excluding First Time Job Seekers) by Gender (%)

30.2% of employees in public administration and defence were aged 35-44 years, close to the average of 28.0% for all employees in that age group. The 45-54 year age group accounted for 29.7% of public administration and defence employees which was higher than the average of 22.4% for all employees in that age group. See Table 7.16.

7.16 - SDG 16.7.1 (b) Population in Labour Force (Excluding First Time Job Seekers) by Age Group (%)

Persons with a disability accounted for 7.4% of employees in public administration and defence, similar to the average of 7.7% for all sectors. See Table 7.17.

7.17 - SDG 16.7.1 (b) Population Aged 15 Years and Over in the Labour Force with a Disability

The Dublin region employed 30.8% of public administration and defence employees, the highest proportion of all regions; and similar to the 30.2% average for all sectors in the Dublin region. The Midlands region had the lowest proportion of public administration and defence employees at 7.1%. See Table 7.18 and Map 7.4.

7.18 - SDG 16.7.1 (b) Population in Labour Force (Excluding First Time Job Seekers) by Region (%)

National Disability Authority

The National Disability Authority (NDA) was established on the 12th of June 2000. They are the independent statutory body that provides information and advice to government on policy and practice relevant to the lives of persons with disabilities.

They assist the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in the co-ordination of disability policy. They also promote Universal Design through their Centre for Excellence in Universal Design.

Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the Public Sector

Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 details the obligations public bodies have to promote and support the employment of persons with disabilities. The National Disability Authority (NDA) to monitor compliance with Part 5 in the public sector. 

The Minimum Statutory Employment Target

The minimum statutory employment target for persons with disabilities to be employed in the public sector is currently at 3%. This will be increasing from 3% to 6%, likely by 2025. Legislation to place this increase on a statutory basis is due to be implemented during 2022. The National Disability Authority is consistently advising public bodies that the 3% is a minimum compliance target. They highlight that it’s important to focus on exceeding this target and progressing towards reaching the new minimum of 6%. 

In 2020, 61 (28.4%) public bodies reported that over 6% of their employees had a disability.

The NDA produces compliance reports that are sent to the Minister by the 30th of November each year.

Since 2011, the public sector has been reaching the minimum 3% target. In 2018 and 2019, the number of people reporting a disability decreased which led to a drop in the percentage of employees with disabilities. It went from 3.3% in 2018 to 3.1% in 2019. In both years, this decrease took place alongside an increase in the overall number of employees in the public sector.

In 2020, the total number of employees in the relevant public sector bodies continued to increase as did the number of employees reporting a disability. The overall percentage of employees reporting a disability in the public sector in 2020 remains at 3.1%, the same percentage as in 2019. The minimum target is set to increase to 6%. This is likely to be in 2025. See Table 7.19.

7.19 - SDG 16.7.1 (b) Number and Percentage of Employees Reporting a Disability in Public Sector Bodies

(c) The Judiciary

Gender within the Irish Judiciary

At present 42% of Irish judges are female. In the District Court, almost 44% or 27 out of 62 are female. The Circuit Court has 42% female representation. In the High Court, women constitute 38% of the judges. In the Court of Appeal, 9 of the 17 judges are female equalling 53% and in the Supreme Court the figure is 33%. See Table 7.20.

7.20 - SDG 16.7.1 (c) Proportion of Judges by Gender

SDG 16.7.2 Proportion of Population who Believe Decision-Making is Inclusive and Responsive, by Sex, Age, Disability and Population Group

SDG 16.7.2 Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive, by sex, age, disability and population group is published in the CSO, Trust Survey.

Trust Survey - CSO

Please see further information on the CSO's Trust Survey under SDG 16.3.3 of this report.

Extent to Which Respondents Trust People and Institutions

In the Trust chapter respondents were asked to rate their interpersonal and institutional trust levels on a 0-10-point scale from ‘0 Not at all’ to ‘10 Completely’. See Table 7.21 and view Table TRA01 in PxStat.

7.21 - SDG 16.7.2 Extent to Which Respondents Trust People and Institutions

SDG 16.8.1 Proportion of Members and Voting Rights of Developing Countries in International Organisations

SDG 16.8.1 Proportion of members and voting rights of developing countries in international organisations is published by the United Nations Statistical Division.

UN SDG Information

The UN SDG Indicators Database provides the following information on SDG 16.8.1 metadata.

Target

The target for this indicator is Target 16.8 which is to:

"Broaden and strengthen the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance".

Definition

The proportion of members and voting rights of developing countries in international organisations has two separate components: the developing country proportion of voting rights and the developing country proportion of membership in international organisations. In some institutions, these two components are identical.

The indicator is calculated independently for eleven different international institutions: The United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Security Council, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Trade Organisation, and the Financial Stability Board. 

Ireland's proportion of members in international organisations and of voting rights in international organisations are shown in Table 7.22. 

7.22 - SDG 16.8.1 Proportion of Members and Voting Rights of Developing Countries in International Organisations - Ireland 2020

Ireland's seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) is reflected in Table 7.22. Details were published on 1 January 2021, in the Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release:

"Ireland takes up its seat on the Security Council on 1 January 2021, for a two-year term (2021-2022). It joins newly elected members Kenya, India, Mexico and Norway alongside existing elected members Estonia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Niger, Tunisia and Vietnam. The permanent five members of the Security Council are: China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States".