Neale Richmond
Question:146. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Taoiseach the plans in place to establish a citizens' assembly in 2021 to discuss the proposal to bring a directly elected mayor to Dublin. [23299/20]
View answerCitizens' Assembly
Questions (146)
Written answers
Under the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to establishing a Citizens’ Assembly to consider the type of directly elected mayor and local government structures best suited for Dublin, in 2021.
There are a number of other Citizens Assemblies proposed in the Programme for Government . The current Citizens’ Assembly on gender equality has been adapting its method of citizen engagement to ensure compliance with Public Health guidelines in light of Covid-19. How this progresses will have implications and learnings for the operation of future Citizens' Assemblies, including the Citizens' Assembly to bring a directly elected mayor to Dublin.
Census of Population
Questions (147)
Seán Sherlock
Question:147. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach the measures being taken by the CSO for the preparation of the census due to Covid-19. [23109/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Covid-19 crisis has introduced a number of significant concerns and challenges to the planning and execution of the Census of Population, 2021 project. Foremost in the decision making, is the need to ensure the safety of the general public and CSO field staff, coupled with the need to deliver a Census that achieves the highest possible response rate, across all facets of Irish society.
Furthermore, the Census of Population is a major logistical operation that involves several large-scale activities including a nationwide recruitment campaign, the training of several thousand field staff, a cross-country transport operation and a field operation which involves enumerators calling in person to every dwelling in the country. The COVID-19 restrictions have delayed or prevented many key planning activities from taking place over recent months.
As a result, on 15 September, on the recommendation of the CSO, the Government formally postponed the date of the Census from 18 April 2021 to 3 April 2022.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Questions (148)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:148. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the support available to small business that were impacted by recent flooding in Clifden, County Galway; the conditions that apply to such aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24061/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Emergency Humanitarian Scheme which is overseen and funded by my Department provides urgent funding to small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations which could not secure flood insurance and have premises that have been damaged by recent exceptional weather events.
I am informed through our liaison with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government through the Local Authority on the ground that the flooding damage in Clifden was in respect to private residences only. The provision of humanitarian aid for damages suffered in this respect is under the remit of my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (149)
Denis Naughten
Question:149. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason businesses which failed to pay their rates demand for 2019 are able to draw down the restart grant based on the demand figure whereas business which obtained a reduction in their rates demand for 2019 are only able to avail of a restart grant based on the revised figure; his plans to review the anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23397/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Restart Grant Plus is a key part of the government’s July Stimulus package, a €7.4bn package of measures designed to stimulate a jobs-led recovery and build economic confidence while continuing to manage the impact of COVID-19.
The actual or estimated commercial rates paid by a business form the basis of calculating the grant, rather than being a re-imbursement for the specific rates payment, which is why businesses which are in arrears on their rates are also eligible for the payment. However, the Scheme is kept under constant review to address ongoing issues with the Scheme. The apparent anomaly which the Deputy has brought to my attention will be further examined in that context.
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
Questions (150)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:150. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of full-time staff by job title working in the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission as of 1 September 2020. [23725/20]
View answerWritten answers
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Number of full-time staff by Job Title working with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission as of 1 September, 2020 |
|
3 x Analyst-Investigator |
|
5 x Case Officer |
|
1 x Chairperson |
|
1 x Consumer Contacts Executive |
|
3 x Consumer Contacts Manager |
|
1 x Consumer Media Manager |
|
4 x Consumer Protection Executive |
|
7 x Consumer Protection Manager |
|
1 x Corporate Communications Executive |
|
1 x Corporate Services Executive |
|
1 x Corporate Services Manager |
|
2 x Corporate Services Officer |
|
5 x Deputy Director |
|
1 x Detective Sergeant |
|
1 x Digital Communications Executive |
|
1 x Digital Investigations Executive |
|
6 x Director |
|
1 x Finance Manager |
|
1 x Financial Education Manager |
|
1 x Financial Programmes Executive |
|
1 x Head of Administration |
|
1 x Head of Contact Management & Analysis |
|
1 x Head of Corporate & Stakeholder Communications |
|
1 x Head of Digital Investigations |
|
1 x Head of Finance |
|
1 x Head of ICT |
|
1 x Head of OD |
|
1 x Head of Product Safety |
|
1 x HR Assistant/PA to Chair |
|
2 x HR Executive |
|
1 x ICT Manager |
|
1 x Internal &Corporate Communications Specialist |
|
2 x Investigator-Analyst |
|
2 x Legal Advisor |
|
1 x Marketing Communications Manager |
|
1 x Media Communications Manager |
|
3 x Member of the Commission |
|
1 x Policy Analyst |
|
3 x Product Safety Manager |
|
7 x Product Safety Officer |
|
6 x Senior Analyst-Investigator |
|
2 x Senior Consumer Protection Manager |
|
1 x Senior Digital Forensics Specialist |
|
1 x Senior Investigator-Analyst |
|
2 x Senior Legal Adviser |
|
2 x Senior Policy Analyst |
|
1 x Senior Safety Educational and Policy Projects Manager |
Total: 95 fulltime employees
Job Losses
Questions (151)
Denis Naughten
Question:151. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 8 September 2019, the outcome of discussions held by the Western Region Enterprise Committee on the job losses at a company (details supplied) and the specific measures now being taken to support job creation in Ballinasloe, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23878/20]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that a meeting of the West Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee took place on the 8th September as scheduled. The meeting was chaired by Mr Peter Duggan, Acting CEO, Mayo Co. Council. The meeting was attended by a range of regional stakeholders including those representing enterprise and sectoral development agencies, the LEOs, the local authorities, the third level and further education sector, N&W Regional Assembly and Western Development Commission.
The main focus of the meeting was to gather considered views from those present on the enterprise impacts of COVID-19 and to review the continued relevance of current objectives and actions in the West Regional Enterprise Plan given new economic challenges for the region and nationally. This Plan covers the counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
The meeting heard a report back on the reviews from the working groups driving each of the Objectives in the current Regional Enterprise Plan since the previous meeting in July. The areas identified as of key importance over the coming months are as follows:
- Increasing Life Science capability in the West region;
- Attracting a wider tourism audience including the development of a ‘hybrid’ model for business tourism;
- Pivoting of the creative assets in the West to identify potential areas of growth;
- Establishing the region as an Ag Tech hub identifying niche opportunities;
- Addressing the Skills needs for the region with adaptable approaches in supporting Apprenticeships, adult learning and the Tertiary sector; and
- Extending the utilisation of Enterprise Centres and Hubs in the region to support remote working
It was agreed that the individual reports from each working group/theme would be drawn together in a unified document and submitted to my Department for input to considerations in the preparation of the forthcoming National Economic Plan.
As part of the meeting, the IDA representative provided an update on the job losses at Aptar, Ballinasloe and outlined IDA engagement with the company and all the relevant Agencies. He also confirmed that the Job Loss Protocol that is in place with DEASP has been activated.
During the subsequent discussion Galway LEO confirmed that the LEO is available to support any Aptar worker who might wish to start their own business. Galway ETB also detailed that they are available to provide many different types of training assistance to the individual staff members from Aptar.
As regards specific measures being undertaken by IDA to support Aptar and jobs in Ballinasloe these have included, since June 24th:
- Ongoing engagements with the local management of Aptar Ballinasloe;
- Ongoing engagements and support from IDA to employee representatives;
- Engagement with Enterprise Ireland regarding potential for local sourcing of suppliers or to seek interest in the Ballinasloe plant from Enterprise Ireland companies, in collaboration with the Enterprise Ireland Global Sourcing team;
- IDA West Regional team has connected the local Intreo and ETB with employees of Aptar;
- Following the decision by Aptar Global to close the Ballinasloe plant, a number of introductions to interested parties have been made to Aptar by IDA.
There are also a number of ongoing and planned Actions:
- IDA and Enterprise Ireland plan to use the Aptar Employee skills audit and plant layout as marketing collateral to attract new investment to Ballinasloe and to assess potential interest from existing FDI clients, particularly in Pharma, MedTech and Engineering sectors;
- IDA’s overseas office has ongoing engagement at corporate level with Aptar Global.
Job Losses
Questions (152)
Denis Naughten
Question:152. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he plans to convene a meeting of the enterprise agencies, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, members of the regional enterprise plan committee, Ballinasloe Area Community Development, Galway and Roscommon local authorities and other local stakeholders following the announcement of job losses at a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23879/20]
View answerWritten answers
The decision by Aptar that it will close its facility in Ballinasloe is deeply disappointing. My primary concern, as always in these situations, is for the workers and families who have been impacted by this decision. Many of these workers have been with the company for many years. The Government will make every State support available to those affected in order to help them transition and find new employment opportunities.
The IDA have worked hard to sustain and support the firm’s presence here and have had close and regular contact with management, both at a local and corporate level. The IDA also provided support to employee representatives as they put together a plan for efficiency savings that could be made in the Ballinasloe plant.
Now that the decision has been taken to close the facility, The IDA is working closely with the company to market the plant to potential investors. This process is still ongoing. Both the IDA and Enterprise Ireland will use the employee skills audit in their efforts to attract new investment to Ballinasloe. The IDA Regional team has also connected the local Intreo office and the Education and Training Board with employees of Aptar.
The West Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee met on 31 July and 8 September and considered the range of economic challenges and the impact of jobs losses in the region, including at Aptar. The committee was updated by the IDA and other regional agency representatives, and finalised options for additional measures that can be taken in to mitigate the COVID-19 and wider economic challenges in the region.
My Department and its Agencies have also been working hard, over a sustained period, to support job creation in the regions. This has included setting ambitious targets to ensure that employment and investment are distributed as evenly as possible across the country. Last year, there were over 21,000 people employed in IDA-supported firms in Galway. This is almost double the number employed in 2010 (11,235). While the period ahead may prove more challenging, an important objective will remain securing new foreign direct investment for the County.
Wider enterprise efforts are also underway to generate new growth in Galway and the surrounding area. For example, regional stakeholders – including Enterprise Ireland, the LEOs and the Higher and Further Education Institutes – are working together on implementation of the Regional Enterprise Plan for the West. This is aimed at strengthening the environment for job creation in the region and Ballinasloe will also benefit from this.
Another important initiative in this context is the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, through which over €16.7m in funding for the West – over three competitive calls – has been approved for collaborative regional enterprise projects. The region has had particular recent success, with five Galway-based projects being awarded a total of €9.6m. These projects are currently being developed and their completion will enhance the attractiveness of the area for further investment and job creation.
While the announcement of job losses at Aptar is deeply disappointing, I want to assure you that the Government and its agencies are working to create employment opportunities in the West and across all of our regions.
IDA Ireland
Questions (153)
Seán Canney
Question:153. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the provision of water and sewerage facilities for the IDA lands at Athenry, County Galway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23896/20]
View answerWritten answers
The availability of marketable lands in advance of demand continues to be a crucial ingredient in the IDA’s capacity to compete for mobile foreign direct investment (FDI). Not only does such a supply of properties help the Agency to secure high quality jobs but it also allows projects to begin at an earlier date by diminishing difficulties associated with land acquisition, planning and construction. It therefore remains an important means by which the IDA can encourage and attract new investors to Ireland, particularly to regional locations.
The IDA Ireland Athenry Strategic Site is a key asset in the Agency's property portfolio and forms part of the Strategic Economic Corridor in the Galway County Development Plan. The site is concept master planned and all available lands are marketed to prospective investors through the IDA's network of offices in Ireland and overseas.
As the Deputy may be aware, the IDA completed a Phase 2 infrastructure project in 2018 which consisted of further access infrastructure of two new bridges over the R348 and the Dublin to Galway railway line. This project also included the extension of access infrastructure to service the northern portion of the Athenry site.
The IDA is currently progressing a further technical design review for a Phase 3 project. This includes the delivery of treated water and disposal waste water infrastructure. These works will require further capital investment and engagement with key stakeholders including the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), Irish Water and local authorities.
County Galway has traditionally been a strong performer in terms of FDI and the IDA continues to draw the attention of clients looking to invest or expand in the County, including Athenry. Galway has seen an increase in employment numbers with over 850 net new jobs created by IDA Ireland client companies in 2019. The enterprise agencies under my remit will continue to engage with their clients and with one another to secure further investment and job creation for Galway and the West region.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (154)
Cathal Crowe
Question:154. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration will be given to a broadening of the criteria for the business restart grant plus; if a consecutive grant will be rolled out in order that businesses which do not pay rates outside of just bed and breakfasts can apply and access supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23949/20]
View answerWritten answers
The July Jobs Stimulus Package was designed to help businesses which haven’t reopened yet and those struggling to do so. We have listened to businesses and responded with a package of scale and speed to meet their most immediate needs.
The Restart Grant Plus is aimed at helping micro, small, and medium-sized businesses with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. The scheme is designed to help with the cost of reopening or adapting business premises so that normal business can resume. The focus is on saving the business and employment by supporting it to start again.
The Restart Grant Plus is just one part of the wider suite of schemes available to firms of all sizes, which includes low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.
On Monday the 14th of September I visited Kildare and announced a Scheme aimed at helping small businesses most acutely impacted by COVID-19 Restrictions. The Micro-Enterprise Assistance Fund will help businesses with fewer than 10 employees, which are ineligible for existing grants, with a grant of up to €1,000 to help them adapt and invest to rebuild their business. About 2,000 businesses nationwide will benefit and businesses can apply through their Local Enterprise Office.
All COVID-19 Business Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate. In that regard, I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine how best to further assist businesses impacted by Covid-19 as part of the forthcoming National Economic Plan.
Local Enterprise Offices
Questions (155)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:155. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a local enterprise office will be funded for Drogheda and east County Meath to assist the largest town in the area to deal with the effects of a possible Brexit scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23975/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for anyone intending to start or grow a business.
My Department, through the LEOs, has continued to develop a range of supports to help local businesses in preparation for the challenges of Brexit
In that regard, both the Louth and Meath LEOs encourage a strong spirit of enterprise throughout their respective County areas and ensure that all micro-businesses in the Counties are supported on the basis of needs and qualifying criteria equally. Notwithstanding that the offices of LEO Louth are located in the County Council Offices in Dundalk, I am assured that the full range of programmes and activities that it delivers are dispersed evenly throughout the County. Similarly, LEO Meath provides the same business supports throughout the County having engaged in numerous mentor assignments and training programmes for LEO clients based in East Meath.
I note that the Deputy has enquired about funding for a new LEO to cover the Drogheda and East Meath region. He will be aware that when the LEO network was instituted under the County Enterprise Boards (Dissolution) Act, 2014, a LEO was legally established on the basis of the functional area of the 31 County and City Councils in Ireland. This model, in operation for over 5 years, has been the platform for ongoing and incremental success in terms of client engagement and strong local jobs growth.
There are a wide range of Brexit supports available to further strengthen the capacity of our microenterprise sector such as:
- The Brexit Mentor Programme was developed for businesses to work with an experienced mentor on a one-to-one basis to identify key areas of exposure within their business and to maximise potential opportunities arising from Brexit.
- Prepare Your Business for Customs is a one-day interactive workshop, run regionally by Local Enterprise Offices, which provides all businesses with a better understanding of the potential impacts, formalities and procedures to be adopted when trading with a country which is outside the Single Market and Custom Unions.
- LEAN for Micro encourages businesses to adopt Lean business principles in their businesses to increase performance and competitiveness. Applying LEAN principles will help to build resilience to be better positioned to cope with the challenges and opportunities of Brexit.
- Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters (TAME) Grant supports clients to explore and develop new export market opportunities, such as participation in international trade fairs and development of export related marketing and websites. With a focus on helping companies to diversify, this scheme is a match-funding opportunity with up to €2,500 available.
- Research and Development Tax credit aimed at small and micro firms, provides for an increase from 25% to 30% which may be claimed and for improved options with regard to claiming the payable credit. These firms will also be able to claim the credit for expenditure incurred in advance of commencing to trade.
IDA Ireland
Questions (156)
Dara Calleary
Question:156. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the investments by IDA Ireland at a property (details suppled) in County Mayo; the planning status of the site; the process to update the status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23984/20]
View answerWritten answers
IDA Ireland owns approximately 11 hectares of industrial zoned land on the Sligo Road in Quignashee, Ballina. Planning permission was previously obtained in 2004 for its infrastructural development, although that subsequently expired in September 2009. The site has, however, been concept master planned by the IDA to help demonstrate its potential to investors. The Agency also continues to actively market it to clients considering investing or expanding in County Mayo.
The IDA is assessing the potential of its land bank in the context of its upcoming new strategy. A revised planning permission application for this site in Mayo remains under consideration as part of that assessment.
To date, IDA Ireland has spent approximately €383,800 on services for this site. These services include site investigation works, a traffic assessment as well as a utilities and services assessment related to the planning application. This investment also includes additional works in the form an environmental audit; geotechnical site investigations; design services for the potential procurement of infrastructure works on site; landscape treatment works and the concept master plan itself.
More generally, County Mayo continues to be a strong performer in terms of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). There are 17 IDA client companies in the County employing nearly 5,000 people. Mayo has experienced year-on-year increases in employment by IDA client companies since 2013 with 108 net new jobs created in 2019.
IDA Ireland
Questions (157)
Dara Calleary
Question:157. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the strategy used by IDA Ireland as an alternative to site visits as a consequence of Covid-19 restrictions; the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on IDA strategy to date in 2020; and his plans to increase support to IDA Ireland to assist its operations. [23985/20]
View answerWritten answers
COVID-19 has presented undeniable challenges to our ongoing efforts to sustain and grow foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ireland. The introduction of travel restrictions around the world is already disrupting the typical way in which the IDA engages with investors, resulting in fewer numbers of site visits and client meetings. The pandemic has also impacted investor confidence and has likely caused some investment decisions to be delayed or postponed.
As an alternative to site visits, the IDA has migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities to digital platforms. The Agency has developed new digital content and has also put in place an E-Site Visit experience for potential investors.
My Department has approved a number of supports that will assist the IDA in its efforts to attract further FDI. As part of the 2020 July Jobs Stimulus Package, the Government approved additional funding of €10m for the IDA to undertake new marketing and promotional activities. The Government also announced funding of €25m for the Covid Life Sciences Products Scheme which can be accessed by IDA clients to aid the research, development and production of medicinal products in Ireland that will be used in the fight against COVID-19.
Notwithstanding the challenges posed by this pandemic, IDA Ireland's results for the first six months of this year have demonstrated the resilience of our FDI base. The Agency has secured over 130 investments to date in 2020, which have the potential to create almost 10,000 jobs. Almost half of these new projects were secured for locations outside Dublin, with 53 investments from companies investing in Ireland for the first time.
I believe that these 2020 investments reflect our continuing attractiveness to overseas firms. Multinational companies continue to value our FDI strengths. These include our talented and flexible work-force, a track record as a successful home to global businesses and a hard-won reputation as a pro-enterprise jurisdiction. Our continued commitment to the European Union, the single market and Eurozone, as well as to free trade and multilateralism, are other key selling points that help us convince multinational companies to establish operations and create jobs here.
At the same time, we do recognise that the global competition for FDI is intensifying and we are under no illusions that the time ahead will prove more challenging. We will have to fight, harder than ever before, for new investment projects and the jobs that go with them. I look forward, as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to taking on that challenge. This will include working with the IDA on the formulation of a new strategy that will guide the Agency's work in the time ahead.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (158)
Mattie McGrath
Question:158. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if supports have been considered for the self-employed and small businesses that do not qualify for the restart grant or the enterprise support grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24011/20]
View answerWritten answers
The development and promotion of schemes to support incomes is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands Ms. Heather Humphreys, T.D.
While every effort is being made by this government to identify and develop supports that will benefit the widest spectrum of our communities, the primary objective of my Department in tackling the challenge of COVID-19 is to assist businesses to re-open in a safe manner thereby supporting employees to return to their work.
The Local Enterprise Offices operate nationwide as a ‘First Stop Shop’ for assistance and advice to people who wish to start, grow and recover their own business and I would encourage business owners to contact their Local Enterprise Offices to enquire about any assistance they can avail of, noting that the Local Enterprise Offices do not provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses.
In response to the current health crisis, the LEOs have moved their training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online making them more accessible than ever. The LEOs' business mentors may be able to assist business owners, such as those mentioned, by identifying the appropriate assistance available to them such as:
- Micro-finance Ireland (MFI) COVID-19 Loans, if the impact of COVID-19 has resulted in a reduction of 15% or more in turnover or profit, and the business is unable to secure finance from banks and commercial lending providers, the MFI COVID-19 Business Loan may be an option to help the business. These loans can be used for working capital or changes required by the business to manage COVID-19. MFI offers support in the form of business loans from €5,000 to €25,000, with 0% interest and zero repayments for the first 6 months and the business will receive a government rebate on interest paid in the following 6 months. If you apply for a COVID-19 loan through your LEO, the interest rate after the first 6 Months will be at a reduced rate of 4.5% APR. MFI Loans typically have a 3-year loan term, with fixed repayments, no penalty for early repayment and no fees or charges.
- The Trading Online Voucher scheme (TOVs), an initiative under the Government's National Digital Strategy that is actively promoted by the Local Enterprise Office on behalf of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The Scheme offers skills training, mentoring and financial support of up to €2,500 to help small and micro-businesses to develop their ecommerce capability. New flexibilities to the Scheme were introduced in April including reducing the requirement for co-funding from 50% to 10% and allowing businesses to apply for a second voucher of up to €2,500 where they have successfully utilised their first one.
On Monday the 14th of September I visited Kildare and announced a Scheme aimed at helping small businesses most acutely impacted by Covid-19 Restrictions. The Micro-Enterprise Assistance Fund will help businesses with fewer than 10 employees, which are ineligible for existing grants, with a grant of up to €1,000 to help them adapt and invest to rebuild their business. About 2,000 businesses nationwide will benefit and businesses can apply through their Local Enterprise Office.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (159)
Holly Cairns
Question:159. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if targeted financial supports will be established for small pubs which cannot open or will not be economically viable under the Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions. [24175/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has authorised the reopening of pubs which do not serve food (so-called "wet pubs") on 21st September next after discussions with NPHET subject to strict regulations on social distancing and hygiene.
However, given concern over the incidence of COVID-19 in Dublin, and based on NPHET’s recommendations, the Government has agreed that "wet pubs" in the County should remain closed beyond 21 September.
The Government accepts that there are ongoing costs that pubs face over and above those of other businesses. In that regard the Government introduced a range of measures to support pubs, bars and nightclubs on 28th August, which amount to a further €16 million support package, recognising the economic impact of Covid-19 on their businesses and to assist planning and adaptation for their re-opening.
This €16 million package is in addition to the range of measures announced for businesses, including pubs, in the July Stimulus Package, which is a substantial financial package to stimulate our economy worth more than €5 billion, with an additional €2 billion in loan guarantees.
Those pubs, bars and nightclubs that remain closed to help them to reopen will now receive 40% top-up to the Restart Grant Plus. Therefore, businesses remaining closed and planning their re-opening can now receive a minimum of €5,600 and a maximum of €35,000 under the Restart Grant Plus. This can be used to help additional expense and adaptations associated with re-opening when the time comes.
Further measures include:
- Waiver of court fees and associated excise and stamp duties relating to the renewal of pub and other liquor licenses in 2020; and,
- Waiver of excise duty on on-trade liquor licenses on renewal in 2020.
These measures are in addition to the existing Restart Grant Plus, Tourism Adaptation Fund, the wage subsidy scheme, commercial rates waiver, liquidity supports and tax measures (such as warehousing of tax debt and reduction in VAT).
As regards liquidity measures, such as the COVID-19 Loan Scheme by Microfinance Ireland, I am aware that many small businesses are reluctant to take on debt, but would nevertheless emphasise that the terms and conditions of these loans are significantly more favourable to small business borrowers than loans from commercial banks. The fact that the first of these loan schemes is now fully subscribed and a second loan scheme has been launched attests to the fact that many small business owners are aware of these favourable conditions.
I launched the new Credit Guarantee Scheme on Monday 7th September, which is part of the Government’s suite of supports for businesses that have been negatively impacted as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ireland, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme will facilitate up to €2 billion in lending to eligible businesses.
The Scheme offers a partial Government guarantee (80%) to participating finance providers against losses on qualifying finance agreements to eligible SMEs, small Mid-Caps and primary producers.
It is designed to incentivise participating finance providers to continue to play their role in supporting the availability of additional liquidity to Irish businesses.
Loans under the Scheme range from €10,000 to €1 million, for terms of up to five-and-a-half years. Financing will be offered through a range of products, including term loans, working capital loans and overdrafts. Loans of up to €250,000 under the Scheme are available unsecured (except where this is a requirement of the product feature, as in the case of asset finance, invoice discount facilities, etc).
The Government will continue to work with representative organisations and sectoral interests on finding solutions which conform with public health guidelines.
Departmental Projects
Questions (160)
Ged Nash
Question:160. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Exchequer-funded projects over €1 billion overseen by his Department; the expected rise in cost in both numerical amount and percentage terms in tabular form, and delays as result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24308/20]
View answerWritten answers
I would advise the Deputy that the exchequer funding provided through the DBEI Vote is mainly to support the activities and programmes of the Department, its Enterprise and Innovation Agencies and its Regulatory Bodies and would not normally involve expenditure of over €1 billion.
The Deputy will be aware of the recently launched €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme. Whilst the 80% guarantee for loans issued by participating lenders under the Scheme creates a maximum potential liability of €1.6 billion for the State, the actual quantum of exchequer funding required to support the guarantee will depend on a number of factors, including the level of losses experienced in operating the Scheme.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (161)
Ged Nash
Question:161. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the status of the purchase of environmental compliance, that is, statistical transfers from other members states; the anticipated cost in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23751/20]
View answerWritten answers
The 2009 EU Effort Sharing Decision established binding annual greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for Member States for the period 2013 to 2020. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their value in 2005. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest projections published earlier this year, our 2020 emissions could be 2 to 4% below 2005 levels, and we will need to avail of flexibilities in order to comply with our obligations. Covid-19 will undoubtedly impact our 2020 emissions, and this is not reflected in these projections. Pre-Covid estimates of the additional costs of this compliance requirement were in the region of €6m to €13m, depending on the price and final quantity of credits required. The Department is currently in discussion with the NTMA in relation to purchasing additional carbon credits from the market to make up the expected shortfall.
The EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy demand from renewable sources by 2020. Latest projections by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland show that between 12.5% and 13.2% of Ireland’s energy requirements are expected to be met from renewable sources by 2020. This is a very significant increase since 2005, when renewable energy was at just 3.1%. Nevertheless it is accepted that Ireland will not meet the 16% target.
The Department is exploring the potential mechanisms and cost of addressing our renewable energy targets within the framework of the Directive. Any requirement for statistical transfer purchases will be undertaken against a background of discussions with the EU Commission and relevant Member States. The public data on trades in statistical allowances in 2017 between Luxembourg, Lithuania and Estonia suggest potential costs for Ireland in the order of €110m, while the more recent agreement between the Netherlands and Denmark would suggest a significantly lower figure. However the cost of purchasing statistical transfers will depend on a number of factors, particularly the availability of supply and market costs at the time of the agreement.
The Programme for Government sets out our commitment to further increase our ambition, and halve our national carbon emissions over the course of the coming decade. As Minister for Climate Action, I will lead on delivering our shared commitment to achieve an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The 2050 target will be set in law in the Climate Action Bill, which I aim to publish within the first 100 days of government. The Bill will define how five-year carbon budgets will be set and will make the adoption of five-year carbon budgets, setting maximum emissions by sector, a legal requirement.
Exploration Licences
Questions (162)
Bríd Smith
Question:162. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the status of the commitment on page 36 of the programme for Government to end the issuing of new licences for exploration and extraction of gas on the same basis as the recent decision on oil exploration and extraction; the legislation that will be put forward in this regard; and the form it will take. [23788/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future - contains a commitment to end the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of gas on the same basis as the decision taken in 2019 by the previous Government in relation to oil exploration and extraction.
I have made this commitment effective immediately: my Department is no longer accepting new applications for exploration licences for natural gas or oil, nor will there be any future licensing rounds in Closed areas.
While there is no requirement for legislative underpinning, I and my Department will evaluate whether any further actions would be useful in terms of providing maximum clarity.
Geological Survey of Ireland
Questions (163)
Matt Carthy
Question:163. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the cost of a survey (details supplied); the details of the contractual basis on which the programme operates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23847/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Tellus Programme is undertaken by Geological Survey Ireland and is funded by my Department. All of the data from Tellus is made available free of charge online. The programme has an annual cost of €3.5m and expenditure by the state to end 2019 is €14.4m. A number of service providers support my Department in the delivery of the Tellus programme. Procurement of these services is carried out under normal Government procurement rules.
Further details are available at https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/programmes-and-projects/tellus/Pages/default.aspx.
Bord na Móna
Questions (164)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:164. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks if the €15 million for peatlands rehabilitation includes those already committed allocations; and if not, if it is in addition to same. [24015/20]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the July Stimulus package, €15 million was committed to commence a multi-year programme to rehabilitate 33,000 hectares of Bord Na Móna peatlands. The funding will support a just transition by maintaining jobs in the Midlands, as well as laying the foundation for more substantial and sustainable job creation into the future. The enhanced rehabilitation scheme will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by significantly increasing the area of wetland habitats in post-production peatlands.
This commitment is separate and in addition to previous commitments made in Budget 2020.
Broadcasting Sector
Questions (165)
Holly Cairns
Question:165. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks if terrestrial television broadcasts will be required to include subtitles. [24180/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is the independent regulator for broadcasting in the State.
Under Section 43(1)(c)of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the BAI are required to prepare and, from time to time, revise Access Rules which set out the specific steps each broadcaster is required to take to promote the understanding and enjoyment of television by people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted. The Access Rules apply to broadcasters within the jurisdiction of the State, including the Public Service broadcasters (RTÉ and TG4) and broadcasters who hold content provision contracts with the BAI under Section 71 of the Broadcasting Act.
The BAI published the 2019 Access Rules to cover the period 2019–2023. The Access Rules set out Targets for individual broadcasters in respect of the provision of subtitling, Irish Sign Language (ISL) and audio description. The BAI monitor compliance with the Access Rules on a regular basis. The 2019 Access Rules can be found at the following link: https://www.bai.ie/en/bai-publishes-updated-access-rules/.
Departmental Projects
Questions (166, 167, 175)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:166. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the work carried out to date on the Avoca mines remediation project plan; the timeline for future proposals; the value of funding allocated for the purposes of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23262/20]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:167. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the membership of the project board for the Avoca mines remediation project; the way in which the body is constituted; the reporting requirements of the body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23263/20]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:175. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the details of the work done to date on the Avoca mines remediation project plan; the future proposals and timeline for same; the value of funding allocated for the purposes of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23557/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 167 and 175 together.
The Avoca mine site in Co. Wicklow was worked intermittently for approximately 250 years to extract copper and other metals, which were processed on site. The mine closed in 1982 but mineral extraction has left a number of health and safety issues as well as an environmental legacy.
A feasibility study undertaken by the Department in 2008 developed integrated rehabilitation and management plans for the site that address human and ecological concerns, safety and physical hazards, heritage, future uses and long-term site monitoring and management. The overall estimated cost for the works included in the 2008 study was over €50m with works envisaged to take place on a phased basis.
Since the publication of the feasibility study, my Department has prioritised recommendations that addressed the most critical safety, human health and environmental concerns at the site. To date, in excess of €5 million has been expended on remediation and monitoring costs at the site. Works undertaken include: the capping of open shafts; addressing the stability of the Dublin Rosslare railway line which passes through the site; regrading and capping the mine waste area at Tigroney West and constructing surface drains to divert the surface flow around or across the capped area into the river and vegetating the capped surface. A number of actions were also undertaken to preserve mining heritage features on the site, notably the complete rehabilitation of a pair of historic ore bins.
As well as the health and safety work, environmental monitoring of the site is undertaken to ensure no significant change in conditions occurs without detection. An annual inspection of an underground tunnel, the 850 Adit, raised safety concerns about a section of the tunnel which passes under a local residential road. This necessitated emergency repairs to the Adit between January and June 2020 to ensure its stability and expenditure associated with this highly specialised work will be in excess of €900,000.
The project is managed by a Project Board which comprises staff from my Department including Technical, Legal and Administrative staff. In relation to the long term plans for the site, work is now underway to begin a re-evaluation of the 2008 feasibility study and the approach to managing and restoring the site. The composition of the Project Board is being reviewed as part of this overall reappraisal.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (168)
Neale Richmond
Question:168. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the status of the roll-out of the national broadband strategy in view of the fact that broadband speeds here are among the slowest in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23291/20]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract signed last November.
The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. This represents an increase from the 150Mbps committed to under the Contract. The current deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years. Design work is complete or ongoing in target townlands across 20 counties and steady progress is being made with over 89,000 premises surveyed as of 8 September. This survey work is feeding into detailed designs for each deployment area and laying fibre should commence shortly with the first fibre to the home connections expected around December this year. Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP and will provide high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. Over 130 BCP sites have been connected by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publically available sites and by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) for schools. Approximately 300 sites in rural areas are targeted for completion by the end of 2020 including 75 schools. The Department will work with DES to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP. While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network. The extent of this impact is currently being assessed and NBI has committed to put in place measures to mitigate the impact in as far as possible.
The Covid 19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of good reliable broadband to ensure that citizens across Ireland can avail of remote working, education and other essential online facilities. This is reflected in the commitments in the Programme for Government where delivery of the National Broadband Plan will be a key enabler to many of the policies envisaged particularly around increased levels of remote working. The Programme for Government has committed to seek to accelerate the roll out of the National Broadband Plan. In this regard, my Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of this rollout to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. Exploring the potential to accelerate the network rollout is being undertaken in parallel with the measures required to mitigate delays arising as a result of Covid-19.
Telecommunications Services
Questions (169)
Neale Richmond
Question:169. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks if measures have been considered to encourage phone network providers to waive data roaming costs for Irish persons who were stranded in mainland Europe during the Covid-19 pandemic with no safe way to return home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23292/20]
View answerWritten answers
EU "Roam Like at Home" (RLAH) came into effect on 15 June 2017 and provides Irish and EU consumers with the ability to use their mobile devices, within other EU countries, at domestic rates, subject to Fair Use Policy. The RLAH regulation covers data services, voice and SMS.
ComReg (http://www.comreg.ie ), the independent telecoms regulator, is responsible for ensuring that all providers meet relevant obligations in areas such as roaming alerts. ComReg also has information for customers in relation to roaming on their website (https://www.comreg.ie/consumer-information/roaming), including tips on how to avoid inadvertent roaming.
As ComReg are statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions, I have no authority to intervene in those functions.
As the Deputy may be aware, on 15th of April 2020 all major telecommunications providers committed to a number of measures to help people stay in touch and work from home during Covid 19. Included in these commitments, service providers agreed that they would engage with any customer that contacted them who was in financial difficulty as a result of Covid-19 and had difficulty paying their bills to agree the best way of keeping them connected to voice and data. It is my understanding that telecommunications operators encouraged customers to contact them if they were experiencing any particular difficulties and each customer was dealt with on a case by case basis.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (170)
Neale Richmond
Question:170. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the status of the climate action bill promised within the first 100 days of Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23293/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Climate Action (Amendment) Bill is being drafted as a priority with the aim of publishing the Bill in the first 100 days. The necessary resources to deliver this have been assigned in my Department and in the Office of the Attorney General.
The Bill will, inter alia:
- significantly strengthen the statutory framework for governance of the climate challenge in Ireland;
- establish a 2050 target in law;
- introduce a legal requirement for Government to adopt a series of three successive, economy-wide carbon budgets and decarbonisation ranges for each relevant sector.
- strengthen the role of the Climate Change Advisory Council, enabling it to propose appropriate carbon budgets.
As Minister, I will lead on delivering the Programme for Government commitment of an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050.