Written Answers Nos. 357 - 376
357. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he intends to publish the draft heads of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill. [3776/13]
View answerMy officials are currently liaising with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) on the text of the Bill to amend the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. Subject to the agreement of Government, it is expected that the Bill will be published during the Spring Session.
358. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will begin holding meetings with the various industry stakeholders about the review of the Government form of construction contracts; the industry stakeholders that he proposes to invite to these meetings; the expected timeframe for the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3825/13]
View answerFixed-price lump-sum public works contracts were developed during the last decade. The standardised contracts were introduced as a significant reform measure in the construction area in 2007 on foot of a Government decision in 2004 to deal with significant cost overruns on public works projects. The main objectives of this reform initiative are cost certainty at tender stage; better value for money; and more efficient delivery of public works projects.
A commitment was given to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) in 2006 by the Minister for Finance at that time that a review would be conducted by the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (GCCC) at an appropriate time when adequate experience had been obtained in the use of the new contracts by contracting authorities. Consideration was given to a review in 2010 but at the time it was agreed that insufficient numbers of contracts had reached final account stage to provide material for a review. I am satisfied that sufficient projects have now reached agreed final account stage to conduct a review of the performance of the contracts. The CIF’s most recent request for a review is currently being considered. The arrangements about which the Deputy is enquiring will be decided shortly.
359. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will detail the policies being implemented by his Department on which he wrote to the EU / ECB / IMF troika; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3887/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware Ireland is in the final year of the EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support. The Programme is subject to a quarterly review mission with the three external partners, the EU, the ECB and the IMF (the Troika). It is at these review missions that discussions take place with regard to programme commitments which translate into the Programme documents which are updated and agreed after every mission. The review missions, the 9th of which begins today, involve a large number of technical meetings which are attended by my Department, the Department of Finance and, when appropriate, other Departments, the Central Bank and the NTMA. A wide range of topics are covered at these meetings, including financial reforms, structural reforms, economic developments and the progress of the Programme itself.
Following each review mission the external partners and the Irish authorities agree updated programme documents, specifically the Memorandum of Understanding on Specific Economic Policy Conditionality, the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies and the Technical Memorandum of Understanding. The programme documents outline the policies discussed with our external partners and detail the commitments which we have agreed to. Once the documents are finalised, the Letters of Intent are signed jointly by the Minister for Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank and are issued to the EU and the IMF, along with the accompanying programme documents. The Programme documents then go through an EU and IMF approval procedure and once approved these documents are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and placed on the Department of Finance website following their transmission.
I have not had the need to write separately to the Troika on the policies being implemented because of the processes which we have in place, as outlined above. There are, of course continuing contacts at official level, relating to technical and implementation issues.
360. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding transfer of land (details supplied) in County Kerry from the Office of Public Works to Kerry County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4193/13]
View answerThe conveyancing of the property at Derrynane from the Commissioners of Public Works to Kerry County Council has been a complex legal process. The key issue is establishing title documentation. I understand that the matter has progressed significantly in conjunction with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office and I am hopeful that the contracts can be concluded in the near future.
361. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the State's sale of part of land and assets (details supplied) [4241/13]
View answerSection 28 (2) of the State Property Act 1954, provides that the Minister for Finance assumes responsibility for all personal property and land vested in or held in trust for a body corporate (other than personal property or land held by such body in trust for another person) immediately prior to its dissolution. Upon the dissolution of the body corporate, such property becomes State property. This function transferred in July 2011 to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 2011 and S.I. No. 418/2011 — Finance (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011. The effect of Section 28 is that the Minister does not hold the assets of dissolved companies as beneficial owner. He holds them in trust. The title which the Minister acquires under this Section has been described as a defeasible title since, if the dissolved company is restored to the Register of Companies within twenty years of the date of its dissolution, its property is automatically restored to it. The State Property Act also includes, in Section 31, a power for the Minister to waive the interest acquired under Section 28 of the Act.
It is understood that the property which is the subject of the current question was held within a company which was struck off the Register of Companies in September, 1972 for failure to file annual returns with the Companies Office. The beneficial owner of the property applied to the Department of Finance for a waiver of the interest acquired by the Minister for Finance under the provisions of the State Property Act and that waiver, in respect of which the consideration was £160, was completed in October, 1986, approximately 14 years after the dissolution of the company. The effect of the waiver, which was not a sale by the State, would have been to allow the beneficial owner to complete the process of assembling a satisfactory title. The waiver itself would have formed only a limited element in the establishment of that title and the transaction was a normal exercise of Departmental functions. The price which the beneficial owner may have secured in a subsequent sale was not a matter for consideration in the context of the waiver.
362. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider the sale or lease on a building (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4277/13]
View answerThe property in question forms part of the property portfolio currently utilised by the Department of Social Protection. I can confirm that the Department of Social Protection have no plans at this time to withdraw from the property. In the circumstances, the Commissioners of Public Works are not in a position to consider the sale or lease of the property.
363. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with reference to the public service reform document published by his Department on 17 November 2011, Appendix IIa, Bodies to be rationalised, Amalgamated or Abolished in 2012, the progress that has been made on those bodies; the changes that require legislation; the expected timeframe for conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4292/13]
View answerIn response to the Deputy’s question regarding progress made on Bodies listed in Appendix IIa of the Public Service Reform Plan within my Department that were rationalised, amalgamated or abolished in 2012 I can confirm that the Commission for Public Service Appointments merged with the Ombudsman’s Office as a rationalisation measure. I am glad to say that this merger has been completed and is legislated for in the Ombudsman (Amendment) Act 2012.
364. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [3758/13]
View answerThe Employment Appeals Tribunal is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function and I have no direct involvement in its day to day operations. Its sole function is to adjudicate on disputes on individual employment rights and as such its function in this matter is completed. I understand that the Tribunal received a claim from your constituent on 23rd June 2010 under the Unfair Dismissal Acts 1977 to 2007. The matter was heard by the Tribunal on 28th May 2012. The Tribunal found that the claimant was unfairly dismissed and that the appropriate redress was compensation. The decision of the Tribunal was conveyed by registered post to the parties concerned on 20th September 2012.
If an employer fails to implement a determination of the Employment Appeals Tribunal in relation to a claim for redress within 6 weeks from the date on which the determination is communicated to the parties, I as Minister may, if it is considered appropriate having regard to all the circumstances, institute proceeding in the Circuit Court on behalf of the employee against the employer for redress under the Act. The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) acts on behalf of the Minister in processing requests in this regard. However, in this case as the employer involved went into receivership with effect from 24th February 2012 it is more appropriate in that circumstance that the claim for payment of the award is made to the Minister for Social Protection under the Insolvency Payments Scheme.
An application for payment of the award should be made to the insolvent employer’s representative, in this case the receiver, Mr. Kieran Wallace of KPMG, 1 Stokes Place, Stephen Green, Dublin 2. The form EIP3 can be used to make an application to the fund which is managed by the Department of Social Protection. The Receiver may choose to use the on-line facility available at www.welfare.ie . The claimant would need to make contact with Mr. Wallace to agree the best way of forwarding the determination for submission for payment.
There are statutory limitations and conditions with regard to the payment of such awards under the Insolvency Payments Scheme, and further details of these may be sought from the Department of Social Protection at: Insolvency Payments Section, Floor 3, Department of Social Protection, Block C, Earlsfort Centre, Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Telephone:(01) 6734501, (01) 6734502, (01) 6734503, (01) 6734504, (01) 6734505, (01) 6734506, (01) 6734507, (01) 6734508.
365. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a tabular breakdown of the number of Industrial Development Agency supported jobs both created and lost in the years between 2007 and 2012, inclusive, in the Dublin 15 area, including the number of jobs involved, the name of the company and location of their investment in the Dublin 15 area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3807/13]
View answerThe Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are supported by the enterprise development agencies. Data is compiled on an annualized basis and is aggregated at county level. The information is provided by companies on a confidential basis for statistical purposes only. It is therefore not possible to provide information at company level or for individual locations throughout the country. The attached tabular statement shows the number of jobs lost and gained in Dublin, including Dublin City, in each of the years 2007 to 2012.
Table showing the number of jobs gained and lost in IDA Ireland supported companies in Dublin, including Dublin City, in each of the years 2007 to 2012 inclusive
|
Year |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
Jobs gained |
4,180 |
4,439 |
2,263 |
5,208 |
7,460 |
6,769 |
|
Jobs lost |
4,076 |
4,250 |
6,815 |
5,305 |
3,395 |
3,059 |
366. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of Stae investment in the new clean technology campus at Dublin City University; if a competition was held for the funding; if other institutions are to be asked to participate in such projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3808/13]
View answerIn September 2008, the former Enterprise Ireland (EI) Headquarters site at Glasnevin became vacant due to the relocation of the EI Dublin offices to East Point Business Park. The total site is an approximate area of 11 acres and consists of several office and laboratory type buildings and a green space. Dublin City University (DCU), which has its main campus very close to the Glasnevin site, expressed an interest in acquiring the site to accommodate a Green Way Innovation Campus. The University developed a long-term plan detailing the development of the site as an innovation campus, including job creation targets in respect of new start-up ventures to be accommodated on the site. The remaining part of the site, comprising approximately two acres, was assigned to the Department of Education and Skills, which plans to build an “Educate Together” national school to serve the local area.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform approved the transfer of both sites in January 2012 and this was subsequently approved by the EI Board in June 2012. The transfer to DCU is under a long-term lease with agreed metrics/targets to be achieved within 10 years of signing the lease. These targets will be monitored by EI and my Department. My Department is supportive of the initiative by DCU to develop an internationally-recognised “Innovation Campus” on the site, with a particular focus on research-active Cleantech firms. The campus is an important element within “The Green Way” Cleantech cluster and it is envisaged that it will support high-value employment in indigenous and multinational companies focussed on eco-innovation. The partners in “The Green Way” cluster include Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Dublin City University, Dublin Institute of Technology, the Dublin Airport Authority, North Dublin Chamber and Ballymun Regeneration Ltd.
367. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the Consumers' Association of Ireland has made an application for funding for 2012 or 2013; if his Department has evaluated same; if this funding has been made available, the amount his Department allocated to the Consumers' Association of Ireland and for what purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4122/13]
View answerThe Consumers’ Association of Ireland made an application seeking funding on 27th September 2012 to support a marketing project. A number of meetings were held with the Association to discuss the details of its application and in particular the value for money that the project would offer. Arising from these discussions, the Association provided further detailed information in relation to the project and in particular in relation to the key performance indicators that it intended to apply to the project. In the light of the further information provided by the Association, funding in the amount of €46,865 was approved to support the marketing project. As part of the agreement to provide funding support, the Association has committed to providing my Department with quarterly reports in relation to the various performance indicators identified in respect of the marketing project. No application for funding for 2013 has been received to date. As I have previously stated, it is essential that all public bodies ensure that value for money is a key consideration in any expenditure of public funds and accordingly this has been the main focus of the interaction with the Consumers’ Association of Ireland in relation to its application for funding support.
368. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of grants paid by the Industrial Development Agency to companies (details supplied) in County Laois in each of the past ten years; the number of companies receiving such grants in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4167/13]
View answerI have been informed by IDA Ireland that in the 10 year period 2002 to 2011 a total of €830,072 was paid in grants to 4 client companies in County Laois. Details of the amount of grants paid to each individual company in each of the years in question are set out in the attached tabular statement. As papers supporting grant payments made in 2012 are as yet unaudited, it is not possible to provide details of grant payments made in 2012 at this stage.
County Laois, along with Counties Longford, Offaly, Westmeath and Roscommon, forms part of IDA Ireland’s Midlands Region. The locations of emphasis in the Region are the Gateway Towns of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar. In addition, IDA Ireland actively promotes the County towns of Portlaoise, Longford and Roscommon.
Laois has traditionally been a centre of manufacturing for foreign direct investment (FDI). However, over recent years, it has proved challenging to maintain and attract overseas manufacturing companies into the County as much of this global investment is going to low cost destinations such as Eastern and Central Europe and China. As a result of this locational shift in global manufacturing, Laois has seen a number of closures within the multinational sector. In order to address this decline, and as part of the transition and re-positioning of the County to a more knowledge based economy, IDA Ireland is marketing Portlaoise as a key location for investment in the Globally Traded Services sector. To support this strategy, IDA Ireland is working closely with educational institutions in the Region to develop the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county.
IDA Ireland has indicated that it has invested in the physical infrastructure required to attract FDI to County Laois. €3.2m has been invested in a quality flagship Business Park in Portlaoise which is now an integral part of the agency’s international marketing programme. The Park has a modern 17,000 sq ft advance office building as well as all the necessary infrastructure, including ducting for broadband, which is being marketed to potential inward investors. I am informed by IDA Ireland that while marketing Laois has proved challenging in the current global market and in common with many other regional locations, recent infrastructural enhancements have significantly strengthened the marketability of Portlaoise Town, which bodes well for securing new FDI investment.
Table showing grant payments to IDA client companies in County Laois in each of the years 2002 to 2011
|
Company Name |
Tretorn Sport Limited |
DIS enbi Seals Ireland Limited |
Aubren Limited |
Kenetics Ireland |
|
2002 |
€79,012.00 |
|||
|
2003 |
€90,792.00 |
€58,280.00 |
||
|
2004 |
€5,527.00 |
€91,416.00 |
||
|
2005 |
€2,636.00 |
€110,945.00 |
||
|
2006 |
€11,250.00 |
|||
|
2007 |
€45,708.00 |
|||
|
2008 |
||||
|
2009 |
€39,000.00 |
|||
|
2010 |
€249,754.00 |
€24,570.00 |
||
|
2011 |
€21,182.00 |
|||
|
Total |
€169,804.00 |
€387,629.00 |
€161,694.00 |
€110,945.00 |
369. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation with reference to the public service reform document published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 17 November 2011, Appendix IIa, Bodies to be rationalised, Amalgamated or Abolished in 2012, the progress that has been made on those bodies; the changes that require legislation; the expected timeframe for conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4290/13]
View answerPublic Service Reform Bodies to be rationalised, amalgamated or abolished in 2012:
|
Body |
Action |
Host Body |
Progress on Action including legislative progress /timeframe for completion |
Expected timeframe for conclusion |
|
Competition Authority and National Consumer Agency |
Merge Competition Authority & National Consumer Agency |
DJEI - Consumer and Competition Authority to be created |
As both agencies were established under statute, it is necessary to give effect to the newly merged body by way of primary legislation. Government approved the draft Heads of a Bill in July 2011 and these were sent to the OPC for drafting. The Bill is now included in the A List of the Government's 2013 Legislative Programme. Meanwhile a steering group has been established comprising the two agencies and the Department to drive the preparation for the new agency and ensure a seamless transition to a unified single body to oversee the area of competition and consumer protection. |
Dependent on: Date of publication of Bill. Allocation of Oireachtas time for consideration. Establishment date appointed following enactment of legislation. |
|
Labour Court Labour Relations Commission National Employment Rights Authority Employment Appeals Tribunal Equality Tribunal |
Rationalise the industrial relations/employee rights institutions – Labour Court, Labour Relations Commission, Employment Appeals Tribunal, National Employment Rights Authority and Equality Tribunal into a new two-tier structure. |
DJEI Dept Justice & Equality |
Significant progress has been made to date in terms of building the new two tier-model. These include: Two public consultation processes completed. Two policy documents published. A new single contact portal has replaced five separate entry points. A Single Complaint Form has replaced the 30 forms previously in use. A new workplace relations interim website is in place. Legislation The Minister engaged with the Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in July, 2012. The General Scheme of Bill was approved by Government, in July, for priority drafting. Enactment of the legislation will necessitate amendments to approx. 22 primary acts, 12 specified parts or sections of acts and 71 statutory instruments. The Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Workplace Relations Bill in Section A of the 2013 Spring Legislative Programme. The Minister is committed to enactment of the legislation at an early date, with a view to having the proposed new structures in place in 2013. In the meantime, the Minister continues to implement the reform programme on an administrative basis pending enactment of the Workplace Relations Bill which will give legislative effect to the new two-tier Workplace Relations structures. |
This legislation appears on the A List of the 2013 Spring Session of the D/JEI Legislative Programme. Final enactment depends upon passage through the Oireachtas. |
|
Forfás |
Establish the scope to merge Forfás into the Department [DJEI] |
DJEI |
The Minister has decided to integrate the core policy functions of Forfás into the Department. An Implementation Group is overseeing the integration project in addition to the relocation of a number of functions not associated with the core policy functions of Forfás. An Executive style Board has been put in place in Forfás to oversee the transfer of the agency’s functions and responsibilities. Completion of the project will require the enactment of legislation to transfer Forfás’ functions to the Department. The next step is to identify legislative changes required to facilitate this reform and seek Government approval to initiate legislation. (Q1 2013). The legislation will be progressed with a view to enactment by year end. The project is expected to be completed by end 2013. |
By end 2013 |
|
County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) |
Review of City and County Enterprise Boards |
DJEI |
Government approved the establishment of a new “one-stop-shop” micro-enterprise support structure through the dissolution of the existing CEBs and the formation of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). An Implementation Working Group (IWG) has been established under the chair of DJEI to oversee the practical implementation of the Government decision. Significant progress has been made on a Service Level Agreement and the development of appropriate LEO structures and functions. In November, Ministers Bruton and Perry published a Consultation Paper inviting views from interested parties by mid-January, 2013. Also in November, the Government approved the drafting, as a matter of priority, of the Industrial Development (Micro Enterprise and Small Business) Bill 2012. Parliamentary Counsel was assigned on 25th January 2013. |
This legislation appears on the A List of the 2013 Spring Session of the D/JEI Legislative Programme. Final enactment depends upon passage through the Oireachtas. |
370. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding Directive 2011/7/EU which relates to combatting late payments in commercial transactions; the status of the consultation that took place on that directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4340/13]
View answerIn order to protect European businesses, and in particular SMEs, against late payment, the Commission adopted Directive 2011/7/EU, known as the Late Payment Directive on 16 February, 2011. The purpose of the Directive is to combat late payment in commercial transactions, in order to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market, thereby fostering the competitiveness of undertakings and in particular of SMEs. The Directive came into force on 15th March, 2012 and must be transposed into Irish Law by 16th March, 2013.
Previously EU rules on late payments were defined in Directive 2000/35 enacted in Ireland by S.I. 388 of 2002 and this new legislation repeals and modernises these rules. On 22nd December 2012, I signed the Statutory Instrument transposing Directive 2011/7/EU of 16 February 2011 on Combating Late Payment in Commercial Transactions into Irish law. It has been assigned S.I. No “580 of 2012” by the Government Publications Office and laid before both of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
In respect of the consultation that took place on this Directive, my Department published a consultation document on the transposition into Irish Law of the Late Payments Directive (2011/7/EC) on 08 August 2012. The public consultation process was open for submissions over a six week period from: 09 August 2012 to 17 September 2012. During this period five submissions were received, all of which came from industry or business representative groups. My Department provided a summary of submissions received and a response to the issues raised to all stakeholders in November 2012. A number of the suggestions made during the consultation process cannot be addressed directly by the transposition of the Late Payments Directive as they relate to matters which fall outside the direct scope of the Directive. My Department will, however, address these through the work on Action Plan for Jobs 2013.
371. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamnetary Question No. 228 of 2 October 2012, in which he stated that following on from the setting up of the South East Employment Action Plan all of the key State players are actively pursuing initiatives to facilitate development and job creation in the South East region, if he will now confirm who exactly these key State players are; since his last response in October, 2012, the positive developments that have emerged stemming from the setting up of this Action Plan; if the Industrial Development Agency have any concrete job creation initiatives in the pipeline; if he is currently in negotiation with any national or international companies considering creating jobs in Waterford or its surrounding areas; his views on whether in terms of a comparison with similar sized counties (details supplied) the statistics for Waterford seem to be way below par; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4346/13]
View answerI established a South East Forum following the publication of the South East Action Plan in December 2011. The Forum consists of key stakeholders from the region who are responsible for implementing the actions set out in that Plan. These stakeholders are representatives from the following agencies/bodies: IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Forfas, FAS/Solas, South East Regional Authority, Waterford City Council, Wexford County Council, Kilkenny County Council, Carlow County Council, the County/City Enterprise Boards in Waterford, Wexford and North & South Tipperary, Teagasc, Failte Ireland, Higher Education Authority, and Waterford and Carlow Institutes of Technology.
Since the setting up of the Action Plan, there have been a number of positive developments in the region. Key amongst these are 280 Enterprise Ireland-supported jobs created by the Eishtec Call Centre in Waterford city, and the awarding of a 5 year €300 million contract to Dawn Meats to process up to 18,000 tonnes of Irish beef annually for McDonald’s. The deal has led Dawn Meats to invest €14.5 million in a new purpose built, state of the art, beef processing facility in Carroll’s Cross, Co Waterford, creating 65 new jobs. Additionally, I have, in conjunction with IDA Ireland, launched a new online marketing tool called “Connect and Invest” in September 2012 which focuses on Waterford and the South East Region. “Connect and Invest Waterford” is a digital based and interactive marketing experience designed for use on tablets, smart phones and PCs. Information on location, education, lifestyle and existing IDA Ireland and indigenous companies is provided through rich imagery, video and text and will be continuously updated. This website will enhance the ability of IDA Ireland Executives to showcase the Waterford’s unique attributes in face-to-face client meetings.
A significant number of site visits were made by multinational companies to Waterford in 2012. The number of visits last year was higher than those to one of the three other counties mentioned in the supporting information supplied and comparable to one of the others. However, you will appreciate that, while IDA makes every effort to encourage companies to visit specific locations, the decision to visit a particular county or region is a matter for the individual company concerned.
372. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline in comprehensive detail, the number of Industrial Development Agency sponsored visits to Mullingar, Athlone, County Westmeath and County Longford on an annual basis since 2010 by potential investors; if he will further outline the number of these visits that ultimately led to a positive decision by the visiting industrialists to locate an industry in any of the foregoing towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4426/13]
View answerI am informed by IDA that in the 3 year period 2010 to 2012 there were a total of 44 IDA sponsored site visits by potential investors to Co Westmeath but there were no such visits to Co Longford. Arising from these site visits there were a total of 4 company announcements in 2011 with the potential to create 250 jobs together with a €25m investment in R&D. Details of the number of site visits in each year and the company announcements in respect of each county are set out in the attached tabular statement.
The challenge facing IDA is to continue to win top quality investment for Ireland in a very difficult market place. International competition for FDI has become extremely intense and continues to increase. The Agency has indicated that, in seeking to achieve balanced regional development and the broader goal of securing new FDI projects for Ireland in a very competitive global environment, the concept of scale is crucial. Leading global corporations require a significant population pool, access to qualified talent, world class physical and digital infrastructure as well as the availability of sophisticated professional and business support services. Ireland has only one such Region, the Greater Dublin area. In its efforts to achieve balanced regional economic development, IDA prioritises the marketing of its Gateway locations within each Region as the locations of critical mass and highlights the opportunities provided by other locations on an opportunistic basis, which are within commuting distances of these Gateways.
Both Longford and Westmeath form part of IDA’s Midland Region, together with Counties Laois, Offaly and Roscommon. In that region IDA priorities the marketing of the linked gateway of Athlone/ Tullamore/ Mullingar. In addition, the Agency promotes Longford, Portlaoise and Roscommon as part of its wider marketing efforts and in response to specific client requests. When arranging itineraries for potential investors, the normal practice for IDA is to show the company three or four locations within a Region that can meet its requirements and, in certain cases, other locations are visited on an opportunistic basis. In selecting locations to market to client companies, IDA Ireland endeavours to include locations which have been affected by closures/job losses. Whilst IDA Ireland seeks to influence the selection of a location, the final decision on where to locate is taken in all cases by the investor.
At present in the Midlands Region there are 44 IDA client companies employing over 5,000 people in total, of which more than half are located in Longford and Westmeath. There are 24 IDA client companies located in Longford and Westmeath and employing 2,884. With the improved infrastructure that is now in place, a significant number of people commute within the Midlands Region and a project win in one Midlands location has a positive impact on the other surrounding areas. In view of the concerns that have been expressed to me by Deputies on all sides of the house about the lack of site visits to certain regional locations, I propose to discuss this problem with IDA in the coming weeks.
Table showing the number of IDA sponsored site visits to counties Longford and Westmeath in each of the years 2010 to 2012
|
- |
Longford |
Westmeath |
|
2010 |
0 |
22 |
|
2011 |
0 |
15 |
|
2012 |
0 |
7 |
Table showing the number of investment announcements arising from site visits in County Westmeath
|
Company |
Location |
Site Visit |
Announced |
Potential Jobs |
|
AMS |
Athlone |
2010 |
2011 |
50 |
|
NPD |
Athlone |
2010 |
2011 |
100 |
|
Ericsson |
Athlone |
Existing Client |
2011 |
100 |
|
Covidien |
Athlone |
Existing Client |
2011 |
€25m investment in R&D |
373. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update on the creation of the new Workplace Relations Service; and if he will indicate when this service will be operational. [4427/13]
View answerThe Government is committed to the reform of the State’s Workplace Relations Services. The Reform Programme, which I am progressing, will replace the current outdated system, which has developed in an ad hoc manner over the last sixty years, with a new two tier structure that will deliver a world-class Workplace Relations Service.
I am happy to report that substantial progress has been made to date and a number of important priority actions have been successfully delivered within the target timescale. These include:
- Two public consultation processes have been completed and two policy papers published (Blueprint to Deliver a World-Class Workplace Relations Service (Blueprint) in April, 2012 and Legislating for a World-Class Workplace Relations Service in July, 2012).
- A new single contact portal called “Workplace Relations Customer Services” has replaced the five separate entry points resulting in complaints being acknowledged and employers notified of complaints in a much speedier fashion.
- There are now no backlogs for Rights Commissioner hearings.
- A Single Complaint Form that deals with over 100 first instance complaints has replaced the 30 forms previously in use. It will shortly be possible to submit this form online.
- A new workplace relations interim website is in place and design of the final site is at an advanced stage.
- A pilot Early Resolution Service is now seeking to resolve disputes at an early stage without the need for adjudication.
- A major Business Process Review is at an advanced stage. This will identify the procedures, processes and systems which will underpin the new structures.
- Responsibility for the Equality Tribunal (but not including the policy functions of the Minister for Justice and Equality concerning equality) was transferred from the Minister for Justice and Equality to myself with effect from 1 January, 2013.
My intention is to continue to progress the reform programme. The next major step is to establish a two-tier Workplace Relations structure. This will involve two statutorily independent bodies replacing the current five. We will have a new single body of first instance to be called the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and a separate appeals body, which will effectively be an expanded Labour Court. The WRC will replace the LRC, NERA, the Equality Tribunal and undertake the first instance functions of the EAT. The Labour Court will take on the appellate functions of the EAT.
While considerable progress has been achieved to date on an administrative basis, completing the proposed reform requires the enactment of detailed legislation. This is necessary in order to provide the statutory basis for the new structures and processes. A significant amount of work has been completed on the preparation of the Workplace Relations Bill which will give statutory effect to the Reform proposals. In July 2012, I published a policy document – Legislating for a World Class Workplace Relations Service - which was submitted to the Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in order to give the Committee an early opportunity to shape the legislation. I had a constructive dialogue with the Committee on the basis of this document.
Enactment of the Bill will necessitate amendments to 22 primary acts, 12 specified parts or sections of acts and 71 statutory instruments. The Scheme of the Workplace Relations Bill was approved by Government, in July 2012, for priority drafting. The Cabinet also approved the inclusion of the Workplace Relations Bill on the Government's A-list of legislation planned for the Spring 2013 Legislative Programme. I am committed to enactment of the legislation at an early date, with a view to having the proposed new structures in place in 2013.
Pending the enactment of the legislation, I intend to continue to progress the reform and bring about further enhancements for users of the services on an administrative basis in the coming months. These include:
- Establish a Single Hearings Management and Scheduling Unit.
- Establish a Single/Shared Corporate Services Unit for the Workplace Relations Bodies.
- Provide a version of Workplace Relations Complaint Form that can be submitted online (e-Complaint Form).
- Enhance Adjudication Arrangements and reduction of backlogs in the Equality Tribunal.
- Develop and deliver an accredited training programme for Adjudicators.
- Implement new business processes in the Workplace Relations Bodies.
- Implement a Code of Practice and Conduct for adjudicators.
- Introduce standard templates for Rights Commissioners’ decisions/Equality Tribunal and EAT Determinations.
- Review and revise, as necessary, existing statutory instruments (SIs).
- Rationalise hearings venues.
- Develop a Single Determinations Database.
- Put in place a Single Complaints Management System.
I am determined to progress the next phase of the reform and the enactment of the legislation with the same determination and priority that has delivered excellent results to date.
374. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline the progress made in the planned merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency; and his plans to ensure the new body is as effective as possible in promoting fair competition among businesses and in upholding the rights of consumers, both of which are central to our country's economic recovery. [4428/13]
View answerWork on drafting the Consumer and Competition Bill is on-going and the Bill is included in the “A list” in the Government’s current Legislative Programme. In addition to merging the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority, the Bill will, inter alia, update and reform competition law on foot a review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002, give effect to the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Media Mergers and introduce enabling provisions for a code of practice for the grocery goods sector. The merger of the two bodies is aimed at ensuring improved co-ordination of the two policy areas. Enforcing both competition and consumer laws will give the newly merged body synergies and efficiencies in carrying out its functions. This will have benefits for consumers due to the existence of a stronger and more co-ordinated body dealing with consumer and competition issues.
376. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the studies that have been carried out by her Department to ensure that a Scandinavian model of childcare is in place now that applicants for one parent family payments have a cut-off date once their youngest child reaches seven. [4454/13]
View answerThe number of one-parent family payment (OFP) recipients was 87,918 in December, 2012 at a cost of €1.06 billion. As part of the package of measures in Budget 2013 I announced, along with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, a €14 million joint childcare initiative between our Departments. This initiative demonstrates my determination to progress this issue despite the difficult financial and budgetary situation. The new scheme will provide approximately 6,000 afterschool childcare places for eligible clients of my Department. It will be targeted to support those who engage in the activation process and who enter into employment. The places will be limited to low income families with children aged 4 to 12 years.
I believe that the availability of these childcare places is a very positive measure for lone parents. I secured the agreement for this scheme from Government, in conjunction with Minister Fitzgerald, to address the child care needs of lone parents as part of the reforms of the OFP scheme. In addition, I have postponed the commencement date of the reductions to the age of the youngest child for receipt of OFP from January 2013 to July 2013, to provide time for some of these additional after-school child care supports to be put in place. The new scheme will build on the existing supports provided by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in the child care sector. My Department is working closely with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to fully define the scheme. I expect that the scheme will commence with a pilot and be rolled out on a phased basis.
