Written Answers Nos. 342-364
342. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of work permits issued to non-EU nationals during the years 2011 and 2012; if he will provide a breakdown by employment sector for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6670/13]
View answerThe number of permits processed over the last two years broken down by economic sector are detailed in Appendix 1.
The numbers of employment permit applications submitted and issued have markedly dropped since 2008 in line with economic conditions and the narrowing of eligible job categories and sectors where it was considered that a sufficient supply of labour exists and this drop is reflected in the statistical returns for 2012 in comparison with those for the previous year. It is anticipated that the rate of decline in applications will reduce following a number of changes currently being made to the Employment Permits system with a particular view to processing more applications in respect of highly skilled employees, especially in the ICT sector. Current indications are that there is a significant shortage of skilled employees in that sector.
Indeed, it should be noted that 42% of new employment permits issued in 2012 were in respect of the ICT sector. Furthermore, over a third of all new employment permits issued were in respect of green card employment permits indicating the focus on highly skilled occupations.
Permits issued in 2012 by Economic Sector
|
Economic Sector |
New |
Renewal |
Total |
Refused |
Withdrawn |
|
Information Technology |
1220 |
147 |
1367 |
87 |
35 |
|
Healthcare |
384 |
250 |
634 |
87 |
18 |
|
Services |
428 |
158 |
586 |
190 |
57 |
|
Catering |
171 |
116 |
287 |
209 |
52 |
|
Financial Services |
215 |
52 |
267 |
21 |
10 |
|
Manufacturing |
170 |
79 |
249 |
25 |
6 |
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
60 |
154 |
214 |
80 |
31 |
|
Education |
58 |
32 |
90 |
13 |
2 |
|
Domestic |
43 |
28 |
71 |
23 |
6 |
|
Retail |
31 |
25 |
56 |
37 |
5 |
|
Sport |
43 |
11 |
54 |
15 |
1 |
|
Tourism |
18 |
16 |
34 |
15 |
1 |
|
Entertainment |
20 |
7 |
27 |
5 |
14 |
|
Construction |
20 |
6 |
26 |
10 |
2 |
|
Transport |
21 |
5 |
26 |
7 |
4 |
|
Research |
13 |
2 |
15 |
1 |
1 |
|
Legal Services |
3 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
|
Government |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Total |
2918 |
1088 |
4006 |
827 |
246 |
Permits issued in 2011 by Economic Sector
|
Economic Sector |
New |
Renewal |
Total |
Refused |
Withdrawn |
|
Healthcare |
718 |
627 |
1345 |
147 |
62 |
|
Information Technology |
1023 |
174 |
1197 |
73 |
27 |
|
Services |
387 |
301 |
688 |
210 |
33 |
|
Catering |
219 |
225 |
444 |
244 |
20 |
|
Manufacturing |
196 |
91 |
287 |
38 |
8 |
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
95 |
161 |
256 |
82 |
19 |
|
Financial Services |
187 |
61 |
248 |
28 |
8 |
|
Retail |
57 |
125 |
182 |
74 |
9 |
|
Tourism |
62 |
76 |
138 |
40 |
4 |
|
Education |
76 |
46 |
122 |
19 |
1 |
|
Domestic |
41 |
76 |
117 |
30 |
2 |
|
Sport |
42 |
13 |
55 |
8 |
4 |
|
Construction |
33 |
15 |
48 |
9 |
3 |
|
Transport |
14 |
13 |
27 |
13 |
1 |
|
Entertainment |
17 |
1 |
18 |
7 |
0 |
|
Research |
8 |
9 |
17 |
6 |
0 |
|
Government |
3 |
3 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
|
Legal Services |
1 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
3179 |
2021 |
5200 |
1030 |
201 |
343. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if there have been any further discussions within his Department regarding the possibility of a youth entrepreneurship fund being set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6864/13]
View answerThe Government continues to monitor the requirements of all business sectors regarding access to finance and in that context will continue to assess the needs of youth entrepreneurs in the light of the operation of Microfinance Ireland, which opened for business on 1st October 2012. Microfinance Ireland are providing support in the form of loans of 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 Fund has a significant entrepreneurship focus and is open to all age groups, including youth entrepreneurs.
As this new source of start-up financing has only been available a short number of months, I consider it premature to make any decision on further funding initiatives targeted at a specific category of entrepreneurs.
Quarterly Progress Reports will be published on the Microfinance Ireland website www.microfinanceireland.ie. Microfinance Ireland are actively engaged in a publicity campaign to advertise their Loan Fund across the country, to ensure that all potential entrepreneurs who cannot avail of bank credit are aware of the Fund.
344. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has given consideration to the introduction of conditions in which retail multiples operating here would be required to publish their accounts, including profits on an annual basis; if he has examined the practices in other jurisdictions including the United Kingdom on this matter; and if there are any EU laws or regulations preventing such a statement. [6878/13]
View answerThe requirements regarding the preparation and publication of the accounts of limited companies and groups are determined by the First, Fourth and Seventh EU Company Law Directives and by the EU IFRS Regulations. These requirements are largely reflected in the Companies Act, 1963, the Companies (Amendment) Act 1986 and the European Communities (Companies: Group Accounts) Regulations 1992, as amended. The EU Eleventh Company Law Directive, implemented as the European Communities (Branch Disclosures) Regulations, 1993, addresses the requirements applicable to branches of EEA companies.
Irish subsidiaries of EEA companies can submit the audited group accounts of their parent to the Registrar of Companies instead of their own individual accounts provided certain conditions are met. EEA companies that have an Irish branch are required to submit only the company accounts to the Registrar of Companies. Irish companies that are subsidiaries of EEA companies and which are themselves parent companies need not produce consolidated accounts provided certain conditions are met. There are similar provisions for subsidiaries of non-EEA companies. In such cases the consolidated accounts of the EEA or non-EEA group must be submitted to the Registrar of Companies.
I consider that a sector-specific disclosure regime such as that suggested would be open to accusations of discrimination and, were it to be required generally in the economy, could have implications in terms of business costs and attracting foreign direct investment. Accordingly, I have no plans to introduce specific disclosure requirements for retail multiples.
345. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views regarding a proposal to establish a business hub (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7103/13]
View answerEnterprise Ireland, one of the Agencies under the remit of my Department, provides hands-on support and advice to entrepreneurs and early stage companies that have an innovative product, service or technology, and have the potential to achieve exports sales and create employment. EI offers a range of financial and non-financial supports to assist clients through all stages of the business development cycle. These include:
Pre Investment Supports for High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs)
New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme National incubation programme that offers successful applicants a package of supports to help accelerate their business development and to equip them with the skills to successfully start and grow a company.
HPSU Feasibility Grant Used to investigate the viability and potential of an innovative/high potential start-up and the development of an Investor Ready Business Plan.
Innovative HPSU Fund (Equity) The Innovative HPSU Fund allows Enterprise Ireland to offer equity investment to HPSU clients, on a co-funded basis to support the implementation of company business plans. First time and follow-on equity investments in HPSUs are supported under this offer.
Mentor Grant Used to support the cost of a Mentor Assignment. Enterprise Ireland can match an entrepreneur with an experienced business mentor to assist the start-up phase or advise on specific areas of a company development plan.
Innovation Voucher
Innovation Vouchers, worth €5,000, are available to assist a company to work with a registered college or knowledge provider to explore a business opportunity or technical problem.
Internet Growth Acceleration Programme (iGAP) A 6 month intensive management development programme aimed exclusively at high potential internet/games companies.
Anyone interested in exploring in detail the supports available from Enterprise Ireland can contact the Agency at www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/
In addition, Dublin City Enterprise Board (DCEB) can provide support for micro-enterprise in the start-up and expansion phases in order to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity at local level. This support can be either financial and/or non-financial in the form of Priming Grants, Business Expansion/Development Grants, Feasibility/Innovation Grants as well as a wide range of business advisory services such as Business Management, Mentoring, E-commerce, Enterprise Education and Women in Business networks. Anyone interested in exploring the supports available from DCEB can contact the Board at www.dceb.ie
If the gentleman in question wishes to forward further details of his proposal to me, I would be happy to examine it further.
346. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when the Companies Bill will come before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7172/13]
View answerThe Companies Bill 2012 was published on the 21 December 2012 and represents the largest substantive Bill in the history of the State. The Bill consolidates the existing 16 Companies Acts, which date from 1963 to 2012, into one Act and it also introduces a number of reforms, which are designed to make it easier to operate a company in Ireland. Set out across 25 Parts, the Bill contains 1,429 sections and 17 Schedules.
Accommodation by the Houses of the Oireachtas of a Bill of the size and complexity of the Companies Bill presents very significant logistical challenges, and consideration is being given as to how this might most effectively be expedited.
347. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update on the renewal of a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7219/13]
View answerA work permit application was refused in this instance on 3rd June 2011 as new Employment Permit applications are normally only considered where it is established that a minimum salary of €30,000 per annum is on offer based on a 39 hour week and where the position on offer is one of the occupations currently eligible for a new employment permit. In addition it appeared from supporting documentation that insufficient efforts were made to recruit/train an Irish or EEA National for the position.
This refusal decision was subsequently appealed and the refusal decision was upheld on 15th August 2011. There is no record of another application in respect of this person since then.
348. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the cost incurred by his Department for assessing means of individual citizens for any reason on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7391/13]
View answerMy Department does not assess the means of individual citizens on an annual basis and, therefore, no costs have been incurred in this respect.
349. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm the date the independent mortgage advice function became operational; if she will provide details of the number of mortgage customers who have to date contacted the mortgage arrears information helpline; if she will provide details of the number of mortgage customers who have to date received advice from an accountant from the mortgage arrears information and advice service panel of accountants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7038/13]
View answer395. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of independent financial advisors that have been appointed and that are in place providing advice as part of the new mortgage advice service launched last September; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7196/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 395 together.
In September 2012 I announced a three-phased approach to establishing a comprehensive Mortgage Arrears Information and Advice Service, to provide the necessary supports to assist people in mortgage distress. The approach differentiates between mortgage information and mortgage advice. The first two elements involve the enhancement of the website www.keepingyourhome.ie and the establishment of a Mortgage Arrears Information Helpline within the Citizens Information Board (CIB), both of which focus on the provision of comprehensive mortgage arrears information in particular to people in arrears or pre-arrears.
The third element of the service is the provision of independent financial advice to mortgage holders who are being presented with long term mortgage resolution proposals by their lenders. This advice will be provided by a panel of accountants drawn from members of the main accountancy institutes in Ireland who have agreed to participate and support this independent service.
When a lender is proposing longer-term mortgage resolutions, the lender will advise the borrower to obtain independent financial advice on the proposed arrangement and, if the borrower wishes to avail of this option, that the lender will pay €250 to an accountant of the borrower’s choosing for the provision of this advice. The independent financial advice is available to all mortgage holders in respect of a mortgage secured on a primary residence who have been offered long-term forbearance options by their lenders. An operating protocol for the provision of this advice has been agreed between the main accountancy bodies and the Irish Banking Federation. To date, some 2,700 accountants have confirmed to their accounting body that they wish to be part of the panel and their details are listed on a county by county basis on the website www.keepingyourhome.ie.
Since its establishment, more than 2,400 people have contacted the Mortgage Arrears Information Helpline while there have been over 56,000 visits to www.keepingyourhome.ie since June 2012. The number of borrowers who have availed of the independent financial advice service is not yet available. The Central Bank of Ireland is engaging with lenders on the reporting requirements in relation to this new service and statistical information should be available at the end of quarter 1 this year.
351. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that gross rents are to be subjected to a 4% PRSI charge. [7225/13]
View answerIn general unearned income including rental income is subject to PRSI along with tax and USC. The rules which apply to the value of rental income for taxation purposes also apply to PRSI, with the exception of “capital allowances” which are not granted.
352. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the increase in calls to the St. Vincent de Paul in 2012; the engagement that she has had with the society in order to pin point opportunities in which her Department may reform supports effectively in order to combat poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6578/13]
View answerAs part of my preparations for Budget 2013, I held a pre-Budget forum on 12 October 2012. I invited thirty five community and voluntary groups to the forum, including the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP). I listened carefully to their views and proposals in relation to Budget 2013 and the issues affecting the people who use their services.
In addition, the SVP is a member of the Department’s Technical Advisory Group, which was established under the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016. The group assists the Social Inclusion Division in the development and implementation of comprehensive data strategies and research to inform anti-poverty and social inclusion policies and practice and to facilitate improved monitoring of outcomes. It identifies data sources, gaps and the most effective approaches to poverty measurement. It advises on the on-going development of indicators and data to monitor poverty trends and targets. The group also promotes synergies, as appropriate, between its activities, those of its constituent bodies and the activities of other bodies in this area, including work undertaken at EU and international level.
Finally, three SVP representatives are on the Department’s general mailing list for notice of events and publications. They are sent advance notices and invitations to attend conferences, seminars, workshops, consultative meetings etc.
I look forward to on-going engagement with the SVP, both on a Ministerial and Departmental level, in the year ahead.
353. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection when the report on the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare, specifically in relation to child benefit, is expected to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6582/13]
View answerCreating jobs and tackling poverty are two of the key challenges that Ireland now faces and it is essential that our tax and social protection systems play their part in addressing these issues. To this end, and in line with commitments contained in the Programme for Government, I established the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare in 2011, with the aim of harnessing expert opinion and experience to examine a number of specific issues and make cost effective proposals for improving employment incentives and achieving better poverty outcomes, particularly child poverty outcomes.
The Group’s overall method of working is based on producing modular reports on the priority areas identified in the terms of reference. The Group commenced its work programme by prioritising the area of family and child income supports and subsequently submitted its report to me. Since receiving the report I have been considering the Group’s findings and have held discussions with my Ministerial colleagues on the issues raised in the report. I intend to publish the Advisory Group’s report on this issue in the near future.
354. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for a review of the decision to refuse an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6604/13]
View answerAn application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on the 2nd October 2012. This application was referred to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors who considered that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on the 8th November 2012 outlining the decision to refuse the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision.
As part of the appeal process, the case has been forwarded to another of the Department’s Medical Assessors for further consideration, including a review of any new information supplied. Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor’s opinion, the case will be further examined and will be forwarded for consideration by the Appeals Office, if necessary.
355. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 377 of 29 January 2013 when a decision will be made on a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied). [6605/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case on 20th February 2013. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements for the hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
357. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection when a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6637/13]
View answerPayment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal her case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, that office decided to afford her an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of her appeal. On receipt of her response the relevant departmental papers and the comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal will be requested from the Department and the appeal will then be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
359. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the extremely high cost of medical and dental treatment, and in view of the fact that some treatments are not covered by medical cards, if people who are on supplementary welfare allowance chose to have the treatment abroad because of the significant difference in the cost, that an exception be made to the rule that they can only leave the country for one two week period in any one year to allow them to avail of treatment abroad, which often needs a couple of follow up appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6664/13]
View answer406. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm if rent allowance is paid to those in receipt of the benefit for holiday periods that are spent outside the State or for short periods of travel abroad caused by personal circumstances or necessity; if the regulations relative to this type of travel or absence from the State is explained to each recipient of rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7252/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 406 together.
Supplementary welfare allowance (SWA), including rent supplement, is not normally payable where a recipient is outside the State. Recipients of SWA, including rent supplement, are advised to contact the officer dealing with their claim where there is a change in their circumstances. Information on the Department’s website states that rent supplement recipients should notify officers if they intend to leave the country, even for a short absence.
362. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [6699/13]
View answerThe person concerned has been advised by her Social Welfare Local Office on a number of occasions of her obligations regarding actively seeking employment as a condition of receiving jobseeker’s payments. She failed to attend two scheduled appointments with her Case Officer under the Pathways to Work programme on 18th and 24th January 2012. As a consequence she was deemed to be in breach of her obligations and was put on a reduced rate of jobseeker’s benefit from 4th February 2012.
Her payment may be restored to a higher rate if she re-engages with the process in a genuine manner. Should she wish to do so she should contact her Case Officer at the earliest opportunity.
363. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an appeal in relation to an application for disability allowance will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6700/13]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
364. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection if the necessary provisions in relation to identification are made available to people who are not in possession of a driver's licence or passport; if a national roll-out of public service ID cards will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6701/13]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection has developed, in conjunction with a number of other Government Departments, a rules based standard for establishing and authenticating an individual’s identity for the purposes of access to public services. This programme of work, which is known as the Standard Authentication Framework Environment or SAFE for short, also provided for the introduction of a Public Services Card (PSC) to enable individuals to gain access to public services more efficiently and with a minimum of duplication of effort, while at the same time preserving their privacy to the maximum extent possible.
A PSC is currently issued following a “face-to-face” registration process which involves the capture of an individual’s photograph and signature and the verification of identity data already held by the Department. As part of the registration process, applicants are requested to provide documentation supporting the authentication of their identity. This is most easily achieved through the presentation of secure photographic ID such as a passport, National Identity card, driver’s licence etc.
The process does take into account that some people will not have such documents. In the main, these will be UK or Irish nationals as others will require a valid passport or National ID card to be present in the jurisdiction. The process for applicants without photo ID will take slightly longer as it involves a more in-depth interview focussing on the verification of personal information available to the Department.
The creation of a SAFE registration environment involves improving the technical connectivity, installing new equipment and training staff in these offices to support the registration process. The registration process is now live in over 40 DSP Offices with 87 SAFE Stations in production and some 475 staff have been trained. Approximately 125,000 PSCs have been issued to date.
The majority of these cards have been issued to new claimants for Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance and applicants for a new PPS number in Local Offices that have been equipped to carry out SAFE registrations.
A small number of PSCs have also been issued through a reduced registration process using information already available to the State such as a passport application. During 2013 this process will be extended to customers for whom a reduced process is appropriate. With the range of registrations processes available, the number of PSCs to be produced from 2013 onwards will be significantly increased.
