Written Answers Nos. 275-298
275. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to deal with a drainage problem (details supplied) in County Monaghan as outlined through representations to the Office of Public Works; if the necessary remedial works will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44592/12]
View answerThe Office of Public Works received an application from Monaghan County Council earlier this year under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme for funding of €125,000 for a study of the flooding at Monaghan Creamery and in the Milltown and Ballyalbany areas around Monaghan Town. The purpose of the study was to investigate the causes of the flooding and to identify appropriate mitigation measures.
As the area is to be studied in detail under the OPW's ongoing North-West/ Neagh-Bann Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM) Study, it was not considered appropriate to fund a separate study. Therefore the application was not approved.
276. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount paid to each quantifying party leader in respect of Deputies belonging to his or her party and to each independent Deputy under Section 1 of the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Office) (Amendment) Act 2001, for the period of time between the commencement of the 31st Dáil and 25 February 2012; the specific number of payments made to each qualifying party leader and to each independent Deputy under the terms of Section 1 of the aforementioned act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44617/12]
View answerThe Party Leader’s Allowance is provided for in the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) Act, 1938, as amended by the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices (Amendment) Act, 2001.
The allowance is paid to the parliamentary leader of a qualifying party in relation to expenses arising from the parliamentary activities, including research, of the party. Payments are made in respect of members of the party elected to Dáil Éireann and members elected/nominated to Seanad Éireann at the last preceding general election or a subsequent bye-election or, in the case of Seanad Éireann, nominated to it after the last preceding general election. The conditions governing entitlement to payment of the allowance are set out in the Act. The primary restriction in the Act on the use of the allowance is that it may not be used in respect of election expenses.
Under the legislation, the amounts paid to the parliamentary leader of a qualifying party are calculated on the following basis:
Table 1
|
TDs |
Opposition Parties € |
Government Parties* € |
|
First 10 members |
71,520 |
47,680 |
|
11 members to 30 |
57,214 |
38,143 |
|
More than 30 members |
28,616 |
19,077 |
Table 2
|
Senators |
€ |
|
First 5 members |
46,766 |
|
Over 5 members |
23,383 |
*The legislation provides that, in the case of a qualifying party forming part of the Government, the combined allowances due in respect of TDs of that party are reduced by one third.
The legislation also provides that payments may be made to a member of Dáil Éireann, who at the last preceding general election or at a subsequent bye-election was elected as a member other than as a member of a qualifying party. Such qualifying Independent TDs are entitled to an annual rate of €41,152. A similar provision in the Act provides for an annual payment of €23,383 for Independent Senators.
The total amounts of the allowances paid to 25 February 2012 and number of payments made in respect of each party and each Independent TD and Senator is at Appendix I. Payments specified in respect of qualifying members of Dáil Éireann are for the period 25 February 2011 to 25 February 2012, with the next payments falling due on the 28 February 2012. Having regard to members of Seanad Éireann, in the case of elected members, the allowance was payable from 26 April 2011; for members nominated by the Taoiseach, the allowance was payable from 20 May 2011. The allowances are generally payable monthly in arrears into a bank account specified by the beneficiary of the allowance.
Appendix 1
|
Party |
Total € |
Number of Payments |
|
Fine Gael |
€2,473,722.95 |
11 |
|
Fianna Fáil |
€1,602,303.54 |
11 |
|
Labour |
€1,611,718.70 |
11 |
|
Sinn Fein |
€983,795.49 |
11 |
|
Socialist Party |
€132,822.86 |
11 |
|
People Before Profit |
€132,822.86 |
11 |
|
Independent TDs |
Total € |
Number of Payments |
|
F McGrath |
€38,212.53 |
11 |
|
M Lowry |
€38,212.53 |
11 |
|
M O Sullivan |
€38,212.53 |
11 |
|
S Ross |
€38,212.53 |
11 |
|
Michael Wallace |
€0.00 |
0 |
|
Michael Healy Rae |
€38,212.53 |
11 |
|
Noel Grealish |
€38,212.53 |
11 |
|
Stephen Donnelly |
€38,212.53 |
7 |
|
Luke Flanagan |
€38,212.53 |
11 |
|
John Halligan |
€38,212.53 |
11 |
|
Mattie McGrath |
€38,212.53 |
9 |
|
Catherine Murphy |
€38,212.53 |
8 |
|
Thomas Pringle |
€38,212.53 |
11 |
|
Tom Fleming |
€38,212.53 |
10 |
|
Seamus Healy |
€38,212.53 |
11 |
|
Independent Senators |
Total € |
Number of Payments |
|
D Norris |
€17,861.98 |
9 |
|
F Quinn |
€17,861.98 |
9 |
|
R Mullen |
€17,861.98 |
9 |
|
John Crown |
€16,613.40 |
9 |
|
Sean Barrett |
€17,861.98 |
8 |
|
Martin McAleese |
€5,196.21 |
3 |
|
Fiach Mac Conghaill |
€16,342.93 |
7 |
|
Eamon Coghlan |
€16,342.93 |
8 |
|
Dr. Katherine Zappone |
€16,342.93 |
8 |
|
Mary Ann O Brien |
€16,342.93 |
8 |
|
Marie-Louise O’Donnell |
€16,342.93 |
8 |
|
Jillian van Turnhout |
€16,342.93 |
8 |
*Members of Dáil Éireann - Total amount paid for the period 25 February 2011 to 25 February 2012.
Members of Seanad Éireann – Total amount paid for the period 26 April 2011 to 25 February 2012 in the case of elected members and from 20 May 2011 to 25 February in the case of members nominated by the Taoiseach.
277. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the approximate cost to his Department of the review of public service allowances that was undertaken during 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44756/12]
View answerThe review of public sector allowances and premium pay was announced in my address to Dáil Éireann on Expenditure Estimates 2012 on the 5th of December 2011.
In order to keep the cost of the Review to an absolute minimum, the Review was carried out within my Department using existing staffing resources. As these staff conducted the review along with their normal role, no specific cost can be attributed to it.
278. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is assured that the terms of all Exchequer funded construction projects state that they must be completed in accordance with regulatory standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44758/12]
View answerClause 2 of the standard form of the public works contracts, which were introduced in February 2007 as part of the Capital Works Management Framework, states that the contractor and his personnel are required to comply with all legal requirements (sub-clause 2.2).
The Works Requirements which are a key part of the contract documents set out in detail the form the project is to take but more importantly contains detailed specifications that set out how regulatory standards are to be met.
In order to be considered for the award of contracts, whether works contracts for construction or service contracts for design team members, applicants must pre-qualify by meeting criteria which are designed to assess their competence. Those who do not meet minimum criteria are excluded from further participation in a tender competition.
There is a substantial body of legislation that directly or indirectly governs construction activities, however two key pieces of industry specific legislation; the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 and the Building Regulations 1997 – 2012 both place considerable responsibility not only on contractors but on all those involved in construction projects including designers, supervisors and individual workers. The ultimate sanction for serious breach of these regulations is a criminal conviction and imprisonment.
279. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the contracted cost incurred to date by the Office of Public Works in preparation for the Irish Presidency of the EU; the estimated total cost that will be incurred; the proportion that will accrue to domestic firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44759/12]
View answerThe contracted cost incurred to date by the Office of Public Works in preparation for the Irish Presidency of the EU is €1.66m (capital and current expenditure). The estimated total cost to be incurred is €9.8m.
All of the contracts to date have been awarded to domestic firms.
280. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the minimum and maximum amount he hopes to save with the abolishing of 80 allowances. [44836/12]
View answer282. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total savings expected from cutting 88 public sector allowances for serving staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44867/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 282 together.
As part of the next steps of the Allowances Review process, my Department has written to sectoral management instructing them to immediately engage with staff interests with a view to securing their early agreement to the elimination of those departmental allowances payable to current beneficiaries, where no business cases exists to pay those allowances to new beneficiaries.
While it is a matter for Departments to prioritise the allowances to be pursued, my Department identified over 80 allowances for possible priority elimination. Departments have begun to respond to my Department on the request for prioritisation and engage with staff representatives on the issues.
Given the process now underway, it is not appropriate to identify a specific target for savings.
281. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44854/12]
View answerThe following table shows the details of the bank account used by my Department:
|
List of Accounts |
Purpose of each account |
Financial Institution |
Total Interest Charged/Fees Incurred 2011 (bank fees) |
Total Interest Charged/ Fees anticipated for 2012 |
% of payments issued electronically |
Any special arrangement regarding bank charges/fees |
|
Current Account |
For payment of invoices to suppliers and expenses to staff |
National Irish Bank |
€42.70 |
€107.00 |
99.06 |
No |
With regard to the offices and agencies under the remit of my Department the following is the position:
State Laboratory
The State Laboratory has one bank account in Ulster Bank and we also use the services of a Financial Services Company,FEXCO, to process our foreign payments. I have included the charges for these foreign payments in the reply below.
|
List of Accounts |
Purpose of each account |
Financial Institution |
Total Interest Charged/Fees Incurred 2011 |
Total Interest Charged/Fees anticipated for 2012 |
% of payments issued electronically |
Any special arrangement regarding bank charges/fees |
|
Current Account |
Payment & Receipts Processing |
Ulster Bank |
€457.78 |
€450.00 |
100% |
None |
|
Financial Services Company |
Foreign Payment Processing |
FEXCO |
€260.61 |
€250.00 |
100% |
None |
Public Appointments Service
|
List of Accounts |
Purpose of each account |
Financial Institution |
Total Interest Charged/Fees Incurred 2011 |
Total Interest Charged/Fees anticipated for 2012 |
% of payments issued electronically |
Any special arrangement regarding bank charges/fees |
|
1 |
Pay suppliers |
Ulster Bank |
€480 |
€700 |
100 |
N/A |
Office of the Ombudsman
The Office of the Ombudsman, the Office of the Information Commissioner, the Standards in Public Offices Commission, the Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Information and the Commission for Public Service Appointments are dealt with jointly. The Ulster Bank account relates to charges incurred by the Commission for Public Service Appointments.
|
List of Accounts |
Purpose of each account |
Financial Institution |
Total Interest Charged/Fees Incurred 2011 |
Total Interest Charged/Fees anticipated for 2012 |
% of payments issued electronically |
Any special arrangement regarding bank charges/fees |
|
Electronic funds transfer payments |
NIB |
383.48 |
415.25 |
100% |
none |
|
|
Electronic funds transfer payments |
Ulster Bank |
136.61 |
67.49 |
100% |
none |
|
|
online payments |
NIB |
64.61 |
56.91 |
n/a |
none |
|
|
(OIC) |
||||||
|
corporate credit card |
NIB |
106.79 |
77.4 |
n/a |
none |
Valuation Office
|
List of Accounts |
Purpose of each account |
Financial Institution |
Total Interest Charged/Fees Incurred 2011 |
Total Interest Charged/Fees anticipated for 2012 |
% of payments issued electronically |
Any special arrangement regarding bank charges/fees |
|
VAL OFFICE VISA PUBLIC BANK ACCOUNT |
To accept customer Visa/Laser and EFT payments. |
Bank of Ireland Talbot Street |
€115.54 |
€136.74 |
53% |
No |
|
EMTS DEPT OF VALUATION |
Payment of staff payroll and supplier invoices |
Bank of Ireland College Green |
€451.68 |
€458.04 |
100% |
No |
283. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any proceedings have been initiated against the State arising out of the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45600/12]
View answerNo proceedings have been initiated against the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform arising from the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal in the area of Ethics in Public Office and the wider Government Reform Programme.
284. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the grant assistance and support that is available to a qualified solicitor who wants to set up their own business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44187/12]
View answerThe person in question may wish to contact her local County Enterprise Board (CEB) to discuss what options may be available to her and her proposed business venture. Contact details for the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards can be found on www.enterpriseboards.ie .
The CEBs can provide both financial and/or non-financial assistance to a project promoter where eligible. However, whilst not all businesses will meet the criteria set to avail of financial assistance, the CEBs also offer a range of non-financial assistance in the form of business advice, training and mentoring services that may be of benefit to start-up and developing businesses.
The Microenterprise Loan Fund was launched on the 27th September and will improve access to credit for micro-enterprises and facilitate the growth and expansion of viable businesses from all industry sectors across the country, which have been refused access to credit from the banks. The Fund has a significant entrepreneurship focus to encourage all would-be entrepreneurs, including those who are unemployed. It will also add value to other Government schemes of support for entrepreneurs and unemployed persons, such as the Back to Work Allowance or the Seed Capital Scheme.
The Fund will provide support in the form of loans for up to €25,000, available to start-up, newly established, or growing microenterprises employing less than 10 people, with viable business propositions, that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by banks. The potential viability of the business proposal will be the dominant factor in all credit decisions.
As part of the overall Government approach to unemployment, the Department of Social Protection (DSP) operates a range of employment support measures designed to encourage and support social welfare recipients of working age to reduce their dependency on welfare payments by taking up self-employment opportunities.
These include the back to work enterprise allowance scheme (BTWEA), short term enterprise allowance scheme (STEA), employer job (PRSI) incentive scheme and JobBridge - the national internship scheme. The STEA is payable to a person who qualifies for jobseekers’ benefit and who wishes to commence in self-employment.
The person in question may wish to contact her local Social Protection for further information on her specific entitlements.
Further information on a range of financial supports is available in PDF downloadable format (Financial Supports for Irish Business) on the homepage of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation website at http://www.enterprise.gov.ie/News/News-Archive/Departmental-News/Financial-Support-for-Irish-Business.html
285. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff in his Department or agencies under his control that are currently on career break; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers by grade and agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44370/12]
View answer296. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff that availed of the special civil service incentive career break scheme 2009; the cost of the scheme since its introduction; the savings on the pay bill in that time period; the estimated full year cost for the return of all the new civil servants in 2013; the number of staff members that applied for a further extension of their leave; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45613/12]
View answer297. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff across the public service that are currently on a career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers on career leave by Department and agency; the estimated cost of this scheme per year; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; the reforms that have taken place in this general area in the past year; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45628/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 285, 296 and 297 together.
There are currently 39 staff of my Department availing of a Career Break Scheme, five of whom are currently on the Special Incentive Career Break Scheme, these are categorised by grade as follows:
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
|
Administrative Officer |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
12 |
|
Clerical Officer |
23 |
Staff on career break are treated as a reduction to the overall numbers employed in the Department in accordance with the Moratorium on Recruitment and Promotions in the Public Service, none of the vacancies created as a result of these career breaks have been filled using temporary staff.
The standard career break scheme creates no additional expense for the Department. However, the terms of the three year Special Incentive Career Break Scheme, which commenced during the second half of 2009, are such that they involve additional costs to all Departments. These costs are more than offset by savings in salaries and employers’ PRSI.
Special Incentive Career Break Scheme
Since its commencement, 30 staff from my Department availed of the Special Incentive Career Break Scheme. The cost to the Department per year was as follows:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2009 |
€55,775 |
|
2010 |
€278,134 |
|
2011 |
€276,671 |
|
2012 |
€214,450 |
Estimated saving in respect of Incentivised Career Breaks are as follows:
|
Year |
Salary |
Estimated saving Employer PRSI* |
|
2009 |
€196,168.97 |
€19,500 |
|
2010 |
€687,930.21 |
€73,300 |
|
2011 |
€640,540.32 |
€73,300 |
|
2012 |
€419,799.09 |
€48,900 |
* These figures are notional as no employer contributions were paid for the duration of the scheme and are based on 2009 contribution payments extrapolated forward for 2010, 2011 to end September 2012.
To date, nine staff have applied for an extension of their career break, under normal terms and conditions and at no additional cost, therefore, to the Department. A further five staff remain on the scheme and have the option to extend their break (again, at no additional cost to the Department). It is not possible at this point to provide figures in relation to the cost associated with staff resuming duty in 2013 as staff are required to serve a waiting period of up to 12 months before being reinstated, and some or all of the remaining staff may be redeployed to other Departments before their waiting period expires.
In relation to the agencies under the auspices of my Department, the granting of career breaks is an operational matter for the agencies concerned and I have asked them to respond directly to the Deputy.
Compilations of statistics on career breaks across the Public Service as a whole and issues relating to reforms which have taken place are a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which has central responsibility for the Career Break Scheme.
286. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he expects the local enterprise office to open in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44437/12]
View answerMicro and small businesses are a crucial part of our economy. Ensuring that more micro and small businesses can start up, expand and export is a key pillar of our plans for jobs and growth. That is why the Government has decided to implement an ambitious reform in the delivery of service to small and micro business. This will include: The development of a new Small and Micro Business Division within Enterprise Ireland (EI) as a centre of excellence in the provision of supports to the small and micro enterprise sectors;The dissolution of the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), of which Meath CEB is one, and the transfer of their functions, assets and liabilities to Enterprise Ireland (EI), and;The establishment of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to provide a high quality, innovative, “one-stop-shop” support service for small businesses within Local Authorities, and providing early access to the services of national bodies; Integration of key local authority business services into the Local Enterprise Office and promotion of a local environment in which enterprise can thrive.
Not only is it important that this restructuring is conducted as a priority, we must ensure that the new model is fit for purpose. A high level Implementation Working Group (IWG) Chaired by my Department is currently progressing the range of issues involved, including a focus on functions, structures and staffing, all of which will form the basis of a detailed and ambitious Service Level Agreement between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities. A project plan is also in preparation which will set out clear milestones and timelines for implementation. In tandem with the work of the IWG my Department is engaged with the Office of the Attorney General regarding the detailed primary legislation that will be necessary to implement the new arrangements.
It should be noted that it is business as usual for CEB clients, with no disruption or diminution of services. It is my intention to complete the transition process as rapidly as practicable, and I aim to give administrative effect to the new structures as soon as possible, in advance of the formal enactment of legislation.
I will shortly announce details with Enterprise Ireland of the new small and micro business division. Before Christmas, I expect to set out details of the legislative path to underpin these reforms which I hope can be completed in Quarter 2 of 2013 and by the end of the year I intend announcing details of the Service Level Agreement between Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities that will cover a full range of services and targets to be delivered by the LEOs.
287. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the cost in 2011 to his Department and to each body under the aegis of his Department of implementing the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44469/12]
View answerIn 2011, the cost to my Department and its Offices of implementing the Official Languages Act 2003 amounted to €48,424.
Costs incurred by the Agencies under my Department’s remit in terms of compliance with the Official Languages Act 2003 is a day-to-day administrative matter for the Agencies for which I have no direct function. However, I have referred the Question to the Agencies for direct reply to the Deputy.
288. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will respond to a query (details supplied) regarding career breaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44491/12]
View answerLegislation is critical in terms of protecting workers and providing a base level of protection. However, in general, conditions of employment in excess of statutory entitlements are determined by negotiation and agreement between employers and employees or a trade union acting on their behalf.
There are already in place a range of statutory entitlements aimed at supporting the goals of making workplaces more family friendly. Legislative measures which provide for statutory entitlements include maternity leave, adoptive leave, carer’s leave and parental leave, along with all the other employment rights legislation.
There is no statutory entitlement to a career break. Rather, an employee is entitled to avail of such leave where a provision exists in the employee’s terms and conditions of employment that provides for career breaks.
In this regard, it is a matter for individual enterprises to establish policies that reflect the reality of the workplace and meet the many diverse needs of employees. This is best achieved through consultation and discussion with the aim of achieving tailor made solutions to the benefit of the workforce and the employer.
Accordingly, I have no plans to introduce legislation to provide for a statutory right to a career break for workers.
289. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is in a position to clarify the criteria for the selection of Kerry Group’s Global Technology and Innovation Centre in Naas County Kildare supported by Enterprise Ireland; if he considered balanced regional development and the synergies and economic benefits such a development would have next to Kerry Group’s Headquarters in County Kerry; if he will elaborate on plans to create sustainable jobs in County Kerry, an area with the highest unemployment and emigration rates in the country. [44611/12]
View answerThe decision to locate the flagship Global Technology and Innovation Centre in Naas, Co. Kildare, to serve its global and regional customers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Region, was taken by the Kerry Group.
I understand from Enterprise Ireland that the agency during its meetings with the Kerry Group on the potential location of the Global Technology and Innovation Centre, while primarily focussed on winning the project for Ireland, discussed various regional options within Ireland.
It became quickly evident that the Group’s location decision would be largely driven by the need for maximum efficiency in terms of customer accessibility. Proximity to an international airport was therefore a key determining criterion. This Global Centre will function as a hub for the Group’s clients who will be moving in and out of Ireland on an intensive basis as research and innovation projects get underway.
The achievement of balanced regional growth continues to be a core objective of Government. Enterprise Ireland (EI) activity in Co. Kerry is focussed on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs to set up new High Potential Start-Up companies; on the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies through the support of company development plans; and enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland through support of research in companies and third level institutions.
EI actively engages with its client companies and has a number of supports and initiatives in place to assist companies. There are 124 EI client companies in Co. Kerry employing more than 3,000 people in full-time jobs. In 2011, EI paid almost €2.6m in financial support to client companies in Co. Kerry. EI has also approved funding towards the development of Community Enterprise Centres in Co. Kerry.
New Frontiers, Ireland’s national Entrepreneur Development Programme is delivered at a local level by the Institutes of Technology. The Programme aims to support the creation of high-value knowledge-based Irish owned businesses and is currently underway in the Institute of Technology, Tralee with 9 local companies participating on the Programme.
The Kerry County Enterprise Board has primary responsibility for the delivery of State support to the indigenous micro-enterprise sector i.e. businesses which employ 10 or less workers. They play a central role through the provision of financial and non-financial support in assisting many micro-enterprises in developing their growth potential and, in developing into strong export entities where they have sufficient mass to access the services of Enterprise Ireland.
IDA Ireland’s strategy for County Kerry is to work with Local Authorities and relevant infrastructure and service providers to: influence the delivery of appropriate infrastructure to the region; attract new Investment; progress the development of a knowledge economy so that the region can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment (FDI); work with the existing IDA client-base and help them to further develop their presence; and, provide modern property solutions with supporting infrastructure. Through its network of overseas offices, IDA Ireland markets the linked hub locations of Killarney in South Kerry and Tralee in North Kerry for new FDI. IDA is particularly targeting the ICT, International Financial Services and Globally Traded Business sectors.
While the IDA seeks to influence the location, it must be remembered that in all cases, it is the investor who decides where to locate.
290. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the need to introduce legislation for trade in second hand tyres in view of the fact that some companies may operate without paying rates or VAT, have no waste management policy, operate on cash sales and often sell products that are not certified and are often of questionable quality. [44612/12]
View answerThe Deputy’s question relates to a number of specific issues concerning the sale of second-hand or worn tyres. The issues raised by the Deputy do not relate to my own area of responsibility and I do not have any direct function in relation to these matters.
Insofar as the obligation to pay VAT is concerned, this obligation is enforced by the Revenue Commissioners who operate under the auspices of the Department of Finance.
The Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007 impose specific obligations on persons who supply tyres to the Irish market, whether as producers, suppliers or collectors of waste tyres as regards the reuse, recycling and recovery of waste tyres. These obligations are enforced by local authorities, who operate under the auspices of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
As regards the quality of tyres, the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, which are the responsibility of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, set out the specific requirements that vehicles using public roads must comply with in terms of tyre condition, tyre tread depth etc.
291. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when this Deputy may expect a response from him to the correspondence emailed to him on 31 July 2012 appealing to the him to take responsibility for ensuring that the young trainee pilots and their families impacted by the breakdown in the commercial relationship between the Pilot Training College in Waterford and the Florida Institute of Technology are provided with alternative training at no additional cost that enables them to attain their pilots licence. [44710/12]
View answerThe correspondence from Deputy Mac Lochlainn referred to in the question was addressed to my colleague Mr Leo Varadkar, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, who, I understand, replied to the Deputy in late September. The e-mail correspondence was also copied to my Office.
In this regard, the Deputy has since been in contact with officials in my Office who issued a response to the Deputy, by e-mail on 12th October, clarifying the procedures, and the course of actions that are pursued by Enterprise Ireland, should a supported company go into liquidation, receivership or examinership.
292. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of times sites in the Balbriggan area of North County Dublin have been shown to prospective investors in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44792/12]
View answerI am informed by IDA Ireland that the data on site visits by potential investors is tracked on a regional basis. Balbriggan is located in the Dublin Region and, in the period from the beginning of 2008 to the end of August 2012, there had been a total of 666 site visits to that region. Details of the number of visits to the Dublin Region in each of the years 2008 to 2012 are set out in the attached tabular statement.
Dublin is recognized as one of Europe’s leading business locations and has been a spectacular success in terms of Foreign Direct Investment as it hosts many of the world’s leading companies such as Google, eBay, PayPal, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Oracle, Pfizer, Amgen, IBM, Citi and Accenture. There are 492 IDA client companies employing 51,910 people in permanent employment and a further 5,075 in part-time and contract positions in Dublin City and County.
While, globally, the outlook for FDI continues to be challenging, IDA Ireland has assured me that there are still investment opportunities to be won in global markets. Accordingly, the Agency continues to compete vigorously for such projects for Ireland and, as part of that process, continues to promote Dublin City and County including Balbriggan for suitable investment.
While IDA tries to influence the location of investments, the final decision on where to locate is taken in all cases by the investor.
Table showing the number of site visits by potential investors to the Dublin Region in each of the years 2008 to 2012.
|
Year |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 (end of August 2012) |
|
Site visits |
92 |
90 |
197 |
150 |
137 |
293. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44852/12]
View answerDetails in relation to the bank accounts used by my Department are set out below:
|
Name of Bank |
Purpose of Bank Account |
Fees and Charges |
Interest Charged |
Interest Earned |
|
1. Bank of Ireland |
Current Account for EFT Payments |
2011: €491.27 2012*: €559.51 |
Nil Nil |
€5,154.51 €3,285.42 |
This is an interest bearing account therefore bank fees and charges are payable on the account.
|
Name of Bank |
Purpose of Bank Account |
Fees and Charges |
Interest Charged |
Interest Earned |
|
2. Bank of Ireland |
Current Account for Salary Payments |
2011: €38.00 2012*: €38.00 |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
|
3. Ulster Bank (2) ** |
Companies Registration Office: Receipt of on-line credit transactions. Receipt of fee payments via EFT. |
2011: Nil 2012*: €259.41 |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
|
4. Ulster Bank (2)*** |
Patents Office: Receipt of on-line credit transactions. Receipt of fee payments via EFT. |
2011: €12.00 2012*: €98.70 |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
* Period: 1 January – 30 September 2012
** Bank accounts in use from 14 Dec 2011.
*** Bank accounts in use from 11 Nov 2011.
Details of electronic payments issued to date in 2012 by my Department are set out below:
|
Number of Payments |
% of Payments |
Value of Payments |
% Value of Payments |
|
5988 |
82 |
€538m |
99.7 |
It should be noted that my Department pays 100% of salary payments by EFT.
294. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the efforts that are being undertaken to have production resumed at a company (details supplied) processing plants in counties Monaghan and Dublin; if he and the State's industrial development agencies are involved in such discussions in relation to the need to create much needed replacement jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44924/12]
View answerOn 10 October, the company concerned was placed into receivership.
Enterprise Ireland is heavily involved in all segments of the pork sector and has an in-depth working relationship with the primary and secondary processors within the sector.
Enterprise Ireland is available to work with all interested parties when a company faces trading difficulties and/or closure, in line with its remit. However, given the sensitive nature of situations such as this, discussions are conducted on a strictly confidential basis.
295. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any proceedings have been initiated against the State arising out of the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45598/12]
View answerI am unaware of any proceedings initiated in this regard.
298. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the level of FÁS funding, if any, that is available for unemployed persons enrolling on City and Guild approved courses; the criteria used in the application process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44338/12]
View answerAs outlined by my colleague the Minister of State, Ciaran Cannon T.D at the Department of Education and Skills in a reply to question number 58 dated 10th October 2012, FÁS training services provide training courses that are accredited by various bodies, including City and Guilds.
Under the technical employment support grant (TESG) managed by my Department, support can be provided to an eligible person to pursue certified courses, including City and Guilds. To qualify, an unemployed person must be in receipt of certain DSP payments, be experiencing barriers to entering or re-entering the labour market and must be registered with my Department’s Employment Services. TESG can be used to meet the full costs of such courses up to maximum of €500 per jobseeker per annum. In 2011 over 160 jobseekers availed of City and Guild courses funded by TESG. To the end of September 2012 the number that received funds from TESG for City and Guild certified courses was 191.
