Written Answers Nos. 197-218
197. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the work of Enterprise Ireland on remote working hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15836/21]
View answerOn 15 January last I published Ireland’s first National Remote Work Strategy to make remote working a permanent option for life after the pandemic. A key action within the National Remote Work Strategy is to extend the mapping and classifications of hubs - as completed by Western Development Commission on the Atlantic Economic Corridor - across the country to develop national data on hub infrastructure. Enterprise Ireland is actively working to support the implementation of this strategy through:
- mapping and classification of hubs;
- mapping regional and local need to inform future investment in enterprise centres/hubs; and
- investment in remote work hubs and infrastructure in under-served areas thus underpinning the development of the national hubs network.
On 20 November 2020, I announced €8.24m in grants for 95 Enterprise Centres around the country administered through Enterprise Ireland. The funding will ensure that the Enterprise Centres, many of which have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, can sustain their businesses, pivot and further develop their services to support the next wave of Irish start-up companies. Enterprise Centres provide important infrastructure for entrepreneurs and are an essential part of the start-up ecosystem across Ireland. The Centres, many of which are regionally based, provide space, mentoring and support to start-up founders and teams, helping them to scale internationally.
To date, my Department has provided funding of €250 million to support the establishment of approximately 270 enterprise centres throughout Ireland and administered by Enterprise Ireland. This investment has enabled:
- Establishment of physical space for entrepreneurs, start-ups, scaling companies, SMEs and a balance of small scale FDI;
- Delivery of enterprise relevant programmes to companies; and
- Provision of physical space to support remote working.
Since 2017, Enterprise Ireland has administered Departmental funding to 91 projects totalling €16,434,595 under both the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Community Enterprise Centres Schemes. An emerging feature of projects funded under these schemes is the provision of physical space to support remote working.
Currently there is an Enterprise Ireland open ‘Regional Development Feasibility Fund’ that promoters, looking to scope out and investigate the viability of larger full-scale projects such as remote working hubs, can apply for. A feasibility grant of €15,000 or 50% of eligible costs, whichever is lesser, is available to qualifying applicants meeting the required criteria.
198. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 22 of 3 February 2021, if his attention has been drawn to price fluctuations of as much as 30% for steel products (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15864/21]
View answerMy reply to the Deputy’s Question of 3rd February related to the application and operation of the European Union's Safeguard Measures on steel, which have been in operation since July 2018 and which were initiated in response to the United States applying a 25% tariff on steel imports originating from 3rd countries, including the European Union.
In this regard, this action by the US resulted in steel originally destined for the US market being diverted to the EU with the associated risk of flooding the EU market with steel products to the detriment of Union industry and producers. Therefore, in response, in 2018, the European Commission brought forward Safeguard Measures to manage the volume of steel entering the Single Market from 3rd countries. Importantly, as I indicated previously, the Measures currently in place allow for the import of steel from 3rd countries by way of quotas, determined in line with traditional volumes of trade in steel using the 2015-2017 reference period. Steel imports outside of the quota limits are subject to a 25% tariff on landing in the EU. Moreover, since the UK left the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union, there is no longer the free flow of steel between the UK and EU and the Steel Safeguard Measures in conjunction with the terms of the EU-UK TCA (Trade and Cooperation Agreement) apply. In this regard, Irish importers can continue to import steel from the UK without the additional "Safeguard" tariff of 25% if the volume of imports remains within the EU's quota allocations for the UK. Imports from the UK to Ireland, or other EU Member States, in excess of these quotas will attract a 25% tariff. Similarly, imports of steel from other 3rd countries into Ireland would also be subject to a 25% tariff if the exporting country exceeds the available quota. Importantly, however, Irish importers can continue to import steel from the rest of the EU as part of the Single Market where no tariffs or quotas apply. Thus, supply sourced within the EU should not incur a tariff on moving from the fellow EU Member State to Ireland.
Moreover, as indicated in my earlier reply, two reviews of the Measures by the European Commission found that a significant level of quotas remained unused with quotas available in every product category. This would indicate that the application of the EU's Safeguard Measures does not affect the availability of supply, as quotas are not exhausted before the end of a given period. The imposition of Safeguard Measures are not designed to unduly restrict trade flows but are instead designed to allow a level of imports proportionate to the needs of the Union market.
These Safeguards are currently under Review by the European Commission on foot of a request from several Member States as the Measures are due to lapse in June unless the Commission formally proposes to the Member States a continuation of the Safeguards. In parallel, the Commission is engaging with the new US Administration with a view to seeking a discontinuation by the US of the original 2018 imposition of the tariffs on EU steel imports, and this should assist in the EU’s consideration of the need for any prolongation of the current Safeguards. However, I should note that if the Safeguards Measures were discontinued from June, imports of steel would revert to being governed by the terms of any bilateral FTA between the EU and 3rd Countries including the UK, where Rules of Origin of imports are import considerations.
Finally, I must note that as Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment I have no function in relation to monitoring or regulating commercial product pricing which is subject to international market forces.
199. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the financial business supports available for a small wedding photography business such as in the case of a business (details supplied) that is closed due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15876/21]
View answerI am keenly aware that businesses are continuing to make massive sacrifices to protect their communities and I am committed to ensuring that the Government will offer as much assistance and support as possible. My Department has worked to ensure that appropriate supports are in place for businesses that require finance as they develop their response to their exposure to impacts arising from COVID-19. Details of all schemes can be found on my Departments website: Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie)
The financial support the Government is providing businesses and workers affected by the pandemic is unprecedented. Almost a million people of working age are now in receipt of weekly payments including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), Employment Wage Subsidy (EWSS) and Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance. Support for business includes the weekly CRSS payment for businesses forced to close their doors to the public, the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), reduced VAT rates, a commercial rates holiday, the Sustaining Enterprise Fund, the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme as well as low-cost loans.
Budget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. Details of the wide range of supports available are on my Department’s website.
These measures are in addition to the €7 billion July Stimulus of enterprise measures, which includes the Wage Subsidy Scheme extended through 2021, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst self-employed. We are providing for an extension of the tax warehousing scheme to include repayments of Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme funds owed by employers and preliminary tax obligations for adversely affected businesses.
As announced in the July Stimulus, the Enterprise Support Grant was extended to assist eligible self-employed, including sole traders, who exit the PUP or jobseekers schemes, to re-start their business. Further information is available at www.gov.ie.
On the 9th of December my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Social Protection, announced the doubling of the PUP threshold from the current €480 over four weeks to €960 over an eight-week period effective immediately. This measure is to assist those who are trying to restart their businesses and will allow self-employed people to take on intermittent jobs without losing their entitlement to the PUP. The Department of Social Protection is also providing the Enterprise Support Grant, a once-off payment worth up to €1,000 per person is aimed at sole traders who do not pay commercial rates.
The three main schemes, the CRSS, EWSS and PUP compare favourably with any other packages on offer in other countries. The new Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid I announced last month will provide funding of up to €8,000 for those businesses that are in receipt of a rates bill from their local authority or in a rateable premises. While the grant is modest, it will help smaller businesses in particular to cover these costs – rent, insurance, utilities, security.
I would urge business owners to seek the supports outlined above if they have not already done so. I would also suggest they contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business.
200. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure the waiving of intellectual property rights for Covid-19 products during the pandemic through the World Trade Organization, in particular vaccines, as recommended by the World Health Organization; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15932/21]
View answerInternational Trade is a competence of the EU under the Treaties. In exercising that competence at the WTO, the European Commission engages with Member States, including Ireland, through a variety of Committee and Working Parties/Groups, including on intellectual property.
The EU’s current position on the proposed waiver is that the WTO international agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (the TRIPS Agreement) allows countries the flexibility to respond to the concerns raised by proposers of the waiver. Specifically, the TRIPS Agreement allows compulsory licensing which is when a government permits an entity to produce the patents products or process without the consent of the patent owner.
The EU continues to be committed to an open and comprehensive dialogue with all WTO members to explore how the multilateral rules-based trading system can best support universal and equitable access to COVID-10 vaccines and treatments.
The EU considers that the COVAX Facility, the international initiative to ensure global supply and access to COVID-19 vaccines, is the mechanism that is best placed to ensure that high-income countries finance the vaccines and support the developing countries to secure their share of global supply.
Ireland has consistently championed collaborative responses to the pandemic, with a focus on ensuring that the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable are served by our collective effort. As a member of the global health community, Ireland continues to play an active role in ensuring fair and equitable access to vaccines for all. This includes supporting the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Global Vaccine Alliance and the Global Fund, to develop, produce and equitably distribute effective technologies in the COVID-19 global response.
201. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on reclassifying children’s clothing and shoes as essential retail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15933/21]
View answerI understand this is an incredibly difficult time for families and businesses across the country and I would like to thank them for their efforts at this difficult time. By each of us following the spirit of the rules and working together we can hopefully ease some restrictions soon.
S.I. No. 701 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 and S.I. No. 4 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/) clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/ and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/.
Under Level 5, only essential retail outlets will remain open and all measures in Level 5 will stay in place until at least April 5 2021. Further information can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/. Non-Essential items can be ordered remotely for delivery and are also available on compassionate grounds as circumstances arise.
Retailers can and have made arrangements, on compassionate grounds, for individual customers to urgently purchase a non-essential item in store. This is only in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to plan ahead and avail of remote ordering services such as in emergencies, e.g., admission to hospital.
We are asking retailers to fully get behind the spirit of the regulations. In particular, we are asking retailers with mixed retail offering which have discrete spaces for essential and non-essential retail to make arrangements for the separation of relevant areas.
We are also asking retailers to exercise their best judgement and common sense on a case by case basis, to ensure those requiring urgent access to a non-essential item are accommodated.
Minister English has met regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to continuously discuss and assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
202. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will allow all retail to operate click-and-collect services during level 4 and 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15934/21]
View answerI understand this is an incredibly difficult time for families and businesses across the country and I would like to thank them for their efforts at this difficult time. By each of us following the spirit of the rules and working together we can hopefully ease some restrictions soon.
S.I. No. 701 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 and S.I. No. 4 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/) clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/ and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/.
Under Level 5, only essential retail outlets will remain open and all measures in Level 5 will stay in place until at least April 5 2021. Further information can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead which can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/, sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation. All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.
Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential stores, including clothes stores. This is to stop people making unnecessary journeys, congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus.
Under the current temporary restrictions while click and collect of non-essential retail items is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.
Retailers can and have made arrangements, on compassionate grounds, for individual customers to urgently purchase a non-essential item in store. This is only in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to plan ahead and avail of remote ordering services such as in emergencies, e.g., admission to hospital.
We are asking retailers to fully get behind the spirit of the regulations. In particular, we are asking retailers with mixed retail offering which have discrete spaces for essential and non-essential retail to make arrangements for the separation of relevant areas.
An Garda Síochána are engaging with retailers and enforcing the regulations where necessary.
We are asking retailers to operate staggered opening and closing hours, as well as facilitating starting and finishing hours, in order to minimise the impact on public transport and to continue to provide dedicated hours for vulnerable customers.
We are also asking retailers to exercise their best judgement and common sense on a case by case basis, to ensure those requiring urgent access to a non-essential item are accommodated.
My colleague Minister English has met regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail, grocery and distribution sector to continuously assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
The Government has introduced a wide range of supports to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and they can be found on my Department’s website https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
203. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide the retail sector with advanced notice of the lifting of restrictions to enable a safe reopening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15935/21]
View answerI understand this is an incredibly difficult time for families and businesses across the country and I would like to thank them for their efforts at this difficult time. By each of us following the spirit of the rules and working together we can hopefully ease some restrictions soon.
Decisions on reopening are made by Government based on health advice. I know that adequate notice is important for the sector and I will provide as much notice as possible based on the timing and nature of the decision by Government.
S.I. No. 701 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 and S.I. No. 4 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/) clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/ and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/.
Under Level 5, only essential retail outlets will remain open and all measures in Level 5 will stay in place until at least April 5 2021. Further information can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead which can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/, sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation. All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.
Minister English has met regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to continuously discuss and assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
The Government has introduced a wide range of supports to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and they can be found on the Department’s website https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
204. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on reactivating the future growth loan scheme long-term loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15936/21]
View answerThe Future Growth Loan Scheme makes lending available to SMEs and small mid-caps (up to 499 employees) seeking financing for long-term strategic investment, including in response to the impacts of Brexit and COVID-19.
The scheme was launched in 2019 and initially provided for up to €300m in long-term lending, however in July of 2020 it was expanded by €500m to make a total of €800m available through participating financial providers. As of 22 March 2021, 3,246 loans have been sanctioned through the Future Growth Loan Scheme to the value of €675.61 million.
Funding under the scheme is made available through commercial finance providers: AIB, Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank, Permanent TSB, KBC and Close Brothers. The scheme has seen rapid uptake and as such the majority of the participating finance providers are currently closed to new applications as they process a “pipeline” of existing applicants. That pipeline is expected to amount to further tens of millions of lending through those participating providers.
At present, Close Brothers and KBC remain open to new applications.
As noted above, this scheme makes funding available to businesses seeking to make long-term, strategic investments. That the uptake of the scheme has remained strong throughout the pandemic is a positive indication that businesses are looking beyond the difficulties of the last year.
I would also encourage businesses seeking funding for investment to consider their options under the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, which makes lending available at favourable terms to COVID-19-impacted businesses for terms up to five-and-a-half years. Loans under that scheme range from €10,000 to €1m and loans of up to €250,000 are available unsecured.
205. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total Covid-19-related spend in 2020 by his Department, agency and budget line item; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16271/21]
View answerThe 2020 Revised Estimates Volume published in December 2019 provided my Department with an original gross allocation of €970.908 million for use last year. The Estimate also permitted the Department to carryover €42.5 million in unspent 2019 capital appropriations for use in 2020.
The Revised Estimate actually presented to and approved by the Dáil on 30th June 2020, increased the Department’s 2020 allocation to €1.453.9 billion. The Department subsequently had a Further Revised Estimate in November approved by the Dáil which further increased the Department’s 2020 gross allocation to €1.907 billion.
This €937 million increase in funding in the Department’s Vote, of which €919 million was capital, was provided to enable the Department, its Offices and Agencies to roll out a myriad of Covid and Brexit focussed schemes and initiatives necessary to assist businesses and consumers impacted by the challenges of the pandemic and the fallout of the changed trading relationship with the UK.
The Department’s current allocation increased by €17.969 million. The transfer of employment and trade functions into the Department accounted for an additional €1.969 million of this funding. The July Stimulus accounted for the remaining €16 million and was provided to support the Department and its Agencies in their responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, as set out below.
- IDA Ireland €10m
- Enterprise Ireland €1.7m
- Local Enterprise Offices €1.3m
- DETE €3m
The additional €919 million capital allocated to the DETE Vote for Covid measures in 2020 was distributed to the particular Programmes set out in the Table below:
Table: REV Change 2020 Capital (€.000)
|
Subhead |
2020 REV Allocation (Dec 2019) |
2020 FRE Allocation (NOV 2020) |
Total Change (Dec 2019 v Nov 2020) |
|
InterTrade Ireland – Subhead A4 |
€ 7.695 |
€ 10.195 |
+ € 2.500 |
|
IDA Ireland – Subhead A5 |
€ 136.000 |
€ 156.000 |
+ € 20.000 |
|
Enterprise Ireland – Subhead A7 |
€ 65.750 |
€ 804.250 |
+ € 738.500 |
|
Local Enterprise Offices – Subhead A8 |
€ 27.500 |
€ 85.500 |
+ € 58.000 |
|
Credit Guarantee Scheme – Subhead A9 |
€ 0.500 |
€ 1.000 |
+ € 0.500 |
|
Interreg – Subhead A10 |
€ 5.800 |
€ 5.050 |
- € 0.750 |
|
SBCI Loan Schemes – Subhead A14 |
€ 5.750 |
€ 56.960 |
+ € 51.210 |
|
Humanitarian Relief Scheme – Subhead A15 |
€ 0.001 |
€ 0.251 |
+ € 0.250 |
|
Micro Finance Ireland – Subhead A16 |
€ 0.001 |
€ 41.791 |
+ € 41.790 |
|
Enterprise Ireland – Subhead B4 (R&D) |
€ 122.000 |
€ 127.000 |
+ € 5.000 |
|
Tyndall National Institute – Subhead B4 (R&D) |
€ 5.500 |
€ 7.500 |
+ € 2.000 |
|
Total |
+ € 919.000 |
It should also be borne in mind that in addition to the increased allocations provided to the DETE Vote in the June and November Estimate/Further Revised Estimate, elements of the core funding for the existing programmes on the Department’s Vote were adapted to assist in the response to the pandemic.
In terms of actual Covid-related expenditure in 2020, it is estimated that of the additional €937 million Covid and Brexit monies beyond the initial Revised Estimate allocation for the DETE Vote in 2020, just over €771 million was drawn down and expended in 2020. This funding was expended on the Programmes/Subheads sets out in the Table below.
|
Subhead |
Covid Specific Expended in 2020 €m |
|
InterTrade Ireland – Subhead A4 |
2.5 |
|
IDA Ireland – Subhead A5 |
16 |
|
Enterprise Ireland – Subhead A7 |
652 |
|
Local Enterprise Offices – Subhead A8 |
35.29 |
|
SBCI Loan Schemes – Subhead A14 |
42.54 |
|
Micro Finance Ireland – Subhead A16 |
21.79 |
|
Enterprise Ireland – Subhead B4 (R&D) |
1 |
|
|
771.12 |
Whilst programme spend was somewhat less than what was allocated, this was due to a number of factors, not least the nature of the specific Covid Schemes rolled out by the Department’s Agencies whereby in some instances there are time lags between applications/projects being approved, projects being completed, and applications then being submitted for payment. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of the capital monies that were not spent in 2020 will be carried over for use by my Department and our Agencies this year.
206. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the payment options available to persons to pay fines, charges or bills by his Department; and if there are plans to provide further online payment facilities. [16290/21]
View answerDetails of the payment options available for persons to pay fines, charges or bills to my Department and the Offices under its aegis are as follows:
Workplace Relations Commission
The Workplace Relations Act 2015 provides for the charging and payment of a fixed payment notice (a fine) for four specified contraventions of employment law by a person / employer.
A person who receives a Fixed Payment Notice may, within 42 days of the date of the Notice, make a payment to the Commission of the amount specified in the Notice. If the payment is made within the statutory 42 day period, no prosecution will be instituted against such person. Failure to make payment against a Fixed Payment Notice will cause a Prosecution to be instituted by the Commission in the Courts.
Payment may be made by Electronic Fund Transfer or by alternative means such as cheque or money order.
Employment Permits
Payments for Employment Permits may be made online by debit/visa card at https://epos.djei.ie/. Over 99% of applications are paid for this way. The Department also continues to provide a payment facility for manual paper-based applications via Electronic Funds Transfer.
Intellectual Property Office of Ireland (IPOI)
All fees relating to national Trademark and Design applications or fees for the grant or renewal of Patents may be made online via the IPOI website. IPOL are in the process of developing a system to allow other statutory patent fees to be paid online. All payments can be also be made by debit/credit over the phone, or by Electronic Funds Transfer/Bank transfer.
Freedom of Information Requests
Persons may make a request for records under the Freedom of Information Act, 2014 to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. While there is no fee for an FOI request there is a fee if a person seeks an internal review of the initial decision. These charges can be paid by way of bank draft, money order, postal order or personal cheque. Payment can also be made by Electronic Fund Transfer.
Companies Registration Office
The Companies Registration Office (CRO) receives three types of payments from customers:
Filing fees
Online payment, either by credit card or by customer account, is mandatory for those forms where online filing is mandatory. For manual forms, customers can opt to pay by customer account or by cash/cheque.
Fines
The only fine that the CRO charge is the late filing penalty and that can only be paid online.
Search fees
For online searches, search fees are paid via customer account or credit card. In addition, it is possible to write to the CRO requesting documents by enclosing cash or a cheque.
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE)
The ODCE occasionally receives payments in respect of recovery of costs in legal cases. The ODCE accepts payments made by EFT or by cheque.
Occasional Trading Permits
Applicants for occasional trading permits are currently required to pay the fee by cheque. A review of occasional trading legislation is underway to determine its continued fitness for purpose and any decisions on the application process will be made following the conclusion of this review.
Labour Court
The Labour Court receive a fee of €300 in instances where the appellant did not attend the original WRC hearing. The fee is paid by EFT to the Departments account. In the development of its new Case Management System, the Labour Court will consider other online payment facilities for this account.
207. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures in place to prevent the illegal sale and distribution of coal and bottled gas from Northern Ireland; the estimated value of such sales; the cost of the negative impact the activity is having on traders in this jurisdiction; the number of such illegal traders that have been prosecuted in the past five years; the number of operators and distributors in this jurisdiction that have been prosecuted to date; the estimated loss of revenue to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15195/21]
View answerThe threat that fuel fraud and illicit trade poses to legitimate business, to consumers and the Exchequer is recognised, and State agencies are working collaboratively to combat such criminality.
It is inherently difficult to estimate the extent of any illegal trade with confidence and it is not possible, therefore, to estimate the potential loss to the Exchequer of the illegal sale and distribution of coal and bottled gas from Northern Ireland.
Enforcement action against breaches of the Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012 is a matter for Local Authorities and my Department does not compile statistics in relation to prosecutions taken or fines imposed. However, Local Authorities do report information to the Environmental Protection Agency each year regarding inspection and enforcement activities under environmental legislation; the most recent report, which is with respect to 2019, can be accessed at: https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/enforcement/performanceframework/focusonlocalauthorityenvironmentalenforcement-activityreport2019.html
The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to develop a regional approach to air quality enforcement and a multi-agency approach to clamping down on the sale of high sulphur content fuel imported from the UK, with Local Authorities and the Revenue Commissioners involved.
Such a coordinated approach is required given the links between the burning of solid fuels and the health effects of air pollution, as well as the potential for market distortion for businesses properly adhering to the regulations. Increased multi-agency inspections and enforcement, including the use of fixed payment notices, are required and my Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities in this regard.
208. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of staff currently working in cybersecurity. [15214/21]
View answerThe National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has developed significantly in terms of capacity and resources. Staffing of the NCSC has increased from 8 posts in early 2017 to 26 posts in 2020. The 2019 National Cyber Security Strategy set out a series of measures to further improve and develop the capacity of the NCSC. In order to assess the capacity of the NCSC to deliver its objectives as set out in the strategy, an external review of the NCSC has been commissioned. The capacity review, which commenced in January 2021, is examining the current organisational structure, staffing, work processes and financing of the NCSC and will benchmark it against international best practice models. Work in relation to the capacity review is on-going and the report of the independent experts is expected in Q2. The findings of the review will then be considered and will inform decisions to be taken on the future resourcing of the NCSC.
209. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a draft of Ireland’s second national progress report on the sustainable development goals will be published; when a finalised document will be submitted to the United Nations in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13903/21]
View answerThe UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a significant and ambitious policy agenda that concerns all Government Departments.
The 2030 Agenda emphasises the importance of transparent and participatory follow-up and review arrangements at the national, regional and international levels, in order to accurately assess implementation of the SDGs up to 2030. As part of the follow-up and review arrangements, countries are encouraged to conduct regular reviews of progress at national level and also to participate in the Voluntary National Reviews (VNR) of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Ireland supports such an approach to ensure all UN members are accountable and take ownership of the Goals. In this regard Ireland committed, under the first SDG National Implementation Plan 2018 - 2020, to prepare a national report on implementation of the Goals every two years and to present a VNR to the UN every four years. Ireland presented its first VNR to the HLPF in July 2018 and is due to present its second VNR in 2022.
Work has commenced on the next SDG Implementation Plan and I propose to integrate the progress report as part of development of the next Plan, which I intend to publish later this year.
On an on-going basis, an SDG GeoHive website (https://irelandsdg.geohive.ie/) provides data on Ireland’s progress in implementing the SDGs. In addition, in 2020 the Central Statistics Office began publishing statistical progress reports on individual SDGs, supported by infographics to summarise the report contents in an accessible manner. Reports for SDGs 1 to 6 are now available, with a report on Goal 7 for energy due in the second quarter of this year. These reports are available at https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/unsustainabledevelopmentgoals/.
210. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the revised EU Internal Electricity Market Directive 2019-944 and EU Renewable Energy Directive 2018-2001 will be transposed into Irish legislation; the process and format of transposition of provisions of both directives; the implications for failure to transpose by required deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13905/21]
View answerThe Electricity Directive (EU)2019/944 and Renewable Energy Directive (EU)2018/2001 (REDII), which form part of the Clean Energy Package (CEP), are recasts of Directive 2009/72/EC, and Directive 2009/28/EC, respectively. Both were included in the EU's 2009 Third Energy Package and transposed over the period to 2015.
My Department has been working to transpose the two directives and transposition has been progressed by way of SI 704 of 2020 and SI 365 of 2020, as regards several new obligations within Chapters 5 and 7 of the Electricity Directive, and Articles 4 and 6 of the Renewable Energy Directive, respectively. The remaining elements of these Directives will be addressed in the coming months by way of Statutory Instrument under section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972 and by administrative provisions. The transposition process has included engagement with key stakeholders, including the regulator, industry, and the European Commission (Commission). In line with the public notice on the Electricity Directive transposition process on gov.ie, further stakeholder engagement will take place on 25th March in a seminar for registered participants.
My Department has provided regular updates to the Commission on progress in transposing the Directives and notified transposing statutory instruments using the THEMIS system. The Department continues to provide such updates pending notification of transposition of the remaining provisions of these directives. Regarding implications for failure to transpose by required deadlines, the Commission has responsibility for initiating proceedings where it deems appropriate in accordance with its process. These Directives are not the subject of extant proceedings, with various transposition deadlines set out within the Directives from October 2020 to June 2021.
211. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the selection process and timelines in 2021 regarding Ireland’s proposals for the fifth list of EU energy projects of common interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13906/21]
View answer212. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the manner in which and when Ireland will withdraw a previously submitted energy project from the fourth list of EU projects of common interest list in 2021, as noted in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13907/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 212 together.
The process and associated timelines for selection of a list of EU energy Projects of Common Interest (PCI) to take place every two years are set out in EU Regulation 347/2013 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure. According to provisions in the regulation, regional groups, comprising EU member states, national regulatory authorities, applicant project promoters and relevant stakeholders, are established for the purpose of proposing and reviewing PCIs. While the final PCI list is adopted by the European Commission, individual EU Member State approval is required for any PCI that relates to their territory.
Regional Group meetings as part of the process to determine the 5th PCI list have recently commenced, with a final list scheduled to be adopted by the European Commission towards the end of 2021.
The Programme for Government sets out that as Ireland moves towards carbon neutrality, it does not make sense to develop LNG projects importing fracked gas. It further commits to ensuring the Shannon LNG project is not included in the EU PCI list in 2021. In line with the Programme for Government I have previously confirmed that if an LNG project were to apply for inclusion on the 2021 PCI list, Ireland would not provide the required Member State approval and accordingly such a project would not be included on the list. I would note that no LNG projects in Ireland have applied for inclusion on the 2021 list. Furthermore, the European Commission has proposed an update to the relevant EU regulation, which Ireland has supported, that will ensure no LNG projects would be eligible to be PCIs in future.
213. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline for an area (details supplied) in County Leitrim to be connected to broadband as part of the roll-out of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13984/21]
View answerThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 17 March 2021, nearly 194,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Leitrim around Carrick-on Shannon, Tullybeg, Leitrim Village, Mong, Foxborough, Lismannagh, Drumsha, Clogher, Drishoge and Lisnagat. Surveying is the first step towards delivering the new fibre network and involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This informs design solutions for provision of the fibre network to each and every premises in the surveyed area and leads to detailed designs. The detailed designs are then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with Open eir for the area, where Open eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose and the make ready of other required infrastructure. This step also informs decisions on equipment ordering. Survey data is also needed to initiate pre-works which pave the way for the deploying of fibre. Pre-works involve construction of new duct routes, erection of poles, building chambers, and tree trimming. On completion of these pre-works, the main construction works can commence. This involves deploying fibre overhead on poles and in underground ducts, splicing of fibre, and unblocking of ducts. Once the main construction works are completed and the appropriate level of testing has been undertaken, the fibre network can be commissioned and end users can order their connection.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Leitrim through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 17 March, 289 BCP sites have been installed 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 publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are installed at Gortlettragh Community Centre, Donaghmore Workhouse and Famine Museum, and Glencar Waterfall. The site at Aghanlish Community Centre is installed and connected. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Aughawillian National School and Saint Michael's Primary School are connected by NBI for educational access as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
214. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to overhaul the legislation governing noise pollution and statutory nuisance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14009/21]
View answerThe European Communities (Environmental Noise) Regulations 2018 (S. I. No 549 of 2018) transpose EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. The Directive aims to provide a common framework to avoid, prevent or reduce, on a prioritised basis, the harmful effects of exposure to environmental noise.
The Regulations set out a two-stage process for addressing environmental noise. Firstly, noise must be assessed through the preparation of strategic noise maps for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria, e.g. large agglomerations, major roads, railways and airports. Secondly, based on the results of the mapping process, the Regulations require the preparation of noise action plans for each area concerned. The fundamental objective of action plans is the prevention and reduction of environmental noise.
The Regulations assign primary responsibility for both noise mapping and action planning to Local Authorities, and designate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the National Authority for the purposes of the Regulations.
My Department is currently working on transposing Commission Directive (EU) 2020/367, which introduces dose-effect relations for a set of health endpoints such as cardiovascular disease, annoyance and sleep disturbance. These assessment methods are based on the high quality and statistically significant information contained in the World Health Organisation Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region.
Any person experiencing noise nuisance may contact their local authority, which may initiate proceedings on grounds of noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992. This Act also provides for any person, or group of persons, to seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation.
215. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the evaluations that have been conducted to appraise the potential risk of subsidence of adjacent roads and houses related to proposals to re-wet bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14053/21]
View answerThe Bord na Móna Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme includes the provision of funding of €108 million for the implementation of the Scheme over a period of 5 years. The Scheme will, over time, employ 307 people, some of whom will be engaged on a seasonal basis, with 210 full time equivalents engaged over the delivery period. The scheme will encompass 33,000 hectares of Bord na Móna peatlands previously harvested for peat extraction for electricity generation. The Scheme will protect the storage of 100 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. It is estimated that over the period 2020 to 2050, 3.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions will be avoided through the implementation of the Scheme.
Under the Scheme, Bord na Móna are required to submit to the National Parks and Wildlife Services an Enhanced Rehabilitation Bog Plan for each bog to be rehabilitated. Individual bog plans are developed on the basis of detailed baseline information collected during Bord na Móna ecological baseline surveys, additional site visits, stakeholder input and monitoring and desktop analysis. The baseline information includes detailed drainage characteristics, bog topography and hydrological modelling, all of which are key considerations in the development of the bog plans. This allows for mitigation measures to be put in place, should any risk be identified. However, it is considered very unlikely that subsidence would occur as a result of bog re-wetting given the relatively flat topography of Bord na Móna bogs,
216. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated completion date of the national broadband plan; the original estimated date; and the number of delays in the plan. [14115/21]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools. In line with the NBP Contract, the deployment plan is a 7 year build programme which is due to be completed by the end of 2026. This remains unchanged.
The Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network resulting in delays on delivery of aspects of the programme. Impacts include challenges with mobilisation of key contractors with restrictions on operations, supply chain and logistic delays both nationally and internationally, as well as the recruitment of key personnel as NBI and its contractors scale up, including challenges associated with on-boarding and training people. The extent of this impact is currently being assessed and NBI has committed to put in place measures to mitigate the impact 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. The Programme for Government commits 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.
217. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps his Department is taking to improve and expand the cybersecurity remit across colleges and universities following an attempted cyberattack at a university (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14179/21]
View answer219. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a dedicated business cybersecurity hub within the National Cyber Security Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14181/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 219 together.
The National Cyber Security Centre has a broad remit across the cyber security of Government ICT and critical national infrastructure. The NCSC has a key role in monitoring and responding to cyber security incidents in the State, in managing and sharing intelligence relating to threats to network and information security in the State, including during incidents and to improving the resilience and preparedness of the State in cyber security terms, including Government, critical national infrastructure and business.
The NCSC acts as a central contact point in the event of a government or nation-wide cyber security incident affecting the State, including the provision of advisory notices to over 160 constituents, including entities in the business sector. The NCSC also provides expert advice and analysis on cyber security issues. The Centre has established relationships with cyber security firms based in Ireland for sharing threat intelligence, and has developed links with Cyber Ireland to promote cyber security.
In relation to engagement with third level institutions, the NCSC liaises directly with the HeaNet IT security team to highlight threats specific to the third level sector as the need arises. The NCSC also works directly with third level institutions when a specific threat is identified, in order to provide support and guidance to those organisations on a case-by-case basis.
218. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the context and rationale for the Office of Government Procurement provision of IT security services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14180/21]
View answerMy Department has no governance or oversight function in relation to contracts awarded by the Office of Government Procurement for the provision of IT security services, and I have no role or function in relation to the operation of the Office of Government Procurement. The functions of the Office of Government Procurement fall under the remit of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
