Written Answers Nos. 304-326
304. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the individual amount of overtime paid in the case of each political/Ministerial appointee for the period 2007 to date in 2013 relative to his office and the office of the Minister of State; if such payments were made to the Secretary General and advisors, and if so, the amounts for the same period. [22880/13]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that one staff member in my Constituency Office and two staff in the Constituency Office of the Minister of State earned overtime since the formation of this Department in 2011 as follows:
|
Minister Constituency Office - Overtime 2011 - 2013 |
|
Year Amount |
|
2011 €4,520.20 |
|
2012 €6,102.27 |
|
2013 €1,356.06 |
|
Minister of State Constituency Office - Overtime 2011 - 2013 |
|
Year Amount |
|
2011 €9,252.87 |
|
2012 €13,961.41 |
|
2013 €4,650.07 |
305. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if there are regular health and safety checks carried out at petrol stations here; the person responsible for carrying out these checks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22149/13]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority (HSA), which comes under the remit of my Department, conducts routine inspections of petrol stations storing "petroleum spirits" under the Dangerous Substances Act 1972 and the Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) Regulations 1979 as amended, and also under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated Regulations. I have been informed that a total of 114 inspections of petrol stations were carried out in 2012 and that these were mainly focussed on a number of key areas as follows: Compliance with licencing requirements; Effective "wetstock" inventory management; Storage tank inspection, testing and maintenance; Staff training; and Management Control systems.
The inspection of Retail and Private Petroleum Stores, specifically in relation to their operation, delivery and dispensing of petrol, is included as part of the HSA's 2013 Programme of Work. The inspection of petrol stations is carried out by a team of specialist inspectors from within the "ADR" Compliance unit of the HSA, who also enforce Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road legislation. These inspectors have received specialist training in relation to management of risks and enforcement of relevant legislation at petrol stations, generally supplied by the UK Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration (APEA) who run such courses for a range of stakeholders in the UK, including regulators, designers, local authority fire services, and petrol station operators etc. A specialist bespoke training course in LPG installations at Forecourts was held in the HSA and attended by ADR inspectors in 2012. ADR inspectors also attended a seminar last year organised by the Irish branch of the APEA, at which a range of Irish stakeholders, including Fire Officers, operators of petrol stations, etc., attended.
As part of its on-going maintenance of technical expertise in this area, the HSA maintains a corporate membership of the APEA, which includes a supply of regular information bulletins and technical information relating to petroleum storage. If the Deputy has any concerns regarding a particular station, or allegations of breaches of any of the workplace health and safety regulatory requirements by a station owner, he could bring them to the attention of the Health and Safety Authority through its Workplace Contact Unit in the first place (see www.hsa.ie, email wcu@hsa.ie or Locall 1890 289 389) who will advise on appropriate follow-up action.
306. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the measures in place to ensure that parliamentary staff in the Houses of the Oireachtas enjoy the same protections from employment law as well as due process to prevent summary dismissal from Deputies. [22224/13]
View answerThe Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007 apply to all employees, subject to the exceptions set out in section 2 of the 1977 Act (as amended). Therefore, parliamentary staff in the Houses of the Oireachtas who meet the criteria of the Unfair Dismissals Acts are covered by the protections of the Acts. The Acts protect employees from being unfairly dismissed by laying down criteria by which the fairness or otherwise of dismissals are judged. The Acts also provide an adjudication system and then redress for an employee whose dismissal has been found to be unfair. To qualify to take a case under the Unfair Dismissals Acts, an employee is normally expected to have at least one year's continuous service with the employer, with some exceptions. Also, the Acts do not generally apply to the non-renewal of a a Fixed-Term contract which has reached the expiry date in the contract or do not apply to the non-renewal of a Specified-Purpose contract which has been completed in line with the contract, provided that this exclusion from the Acts is expressly stated in a written contract of employment. A claim for redress under the Acts may be submitted initially to either of the adjudicative bodies specified in the Acts i.e. a Rights Commissioner or the Employment Appeals Tribunal within six months of the date of dismissal (this can be extended to 12 months in exceptional circumstances). An application to either a Rights Commissioner or the Employment Appeals Tribunal may be made using the Single Complaint Form which is available at website www.workplacerelations.ie and the completed form may be forwarded to the Workplace Relations Customer Services, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, O'Brien Road, Carlow.
307. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding exploitation in the au pair industry arising from the lack of a regulatory framework (details supplied); his views on whether this puts both children and au pairs at risk and if he will consider the establishment of an interdepartmental working group to address the issues concerned. [22227/13]
View answerThe recent MRCI Report on au pairs, which is referenced by the Deputy, expresses concern that au pairs are being used as a cheap form of child care, and highlights the lack of regulation of the industry. Issues regarding childcare fall within the remit of my colleague Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Issues regarding employment rights fall within my remit. The term "au-pair" is not defined in Irish employment rights legislation. A genuine au pair placement falls outside the scope of the employer-employee relationship. I am aware that the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) has encountered individuals described as "au pairs" who have been found to be domestic employees and as such are fully protected by the State's employment rights legislation. In these instances NERA investigates employers who are using the term "au pair" to avoid their statutory obligations under employment law. Where the employment status of an individual is in question, the provisions of the "Code of Practice Determining the Employment or Self-Employment Status of Individuals" are used in order to determine the employment status of the relationship. Ireland's body of employment rights legislation protects all employees legally employed on an employer-employee basis in Ireland. Therefore, once it is clear that a person is working under a contract of employment in another person's home, on a full-time or part-time basis, that person has the same protection under employment law as other employees. Where a person has concerns that employees may be exploited or are receiving less than their statutory entitlement, the matter may be reported to NERA for investigation. Cases for redress on matters relating to Employment Equality or Employment Rights legislation can be made on the workplace relations complaint form available from NERA or online at www.workplacerelations.ie.
308. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if, having regard to the proposed increase in retirement age for workers in the private sector, he will advise the regulation changes that are necessary to facilitate their continued employment until they reach the new retirement age threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22358/13]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection, by way of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011, provided for the discontinuation of the State Pension (Transition) from January 2014 which eligible individuals currently receive for a maximum of one year between ages 65 and 66. This means that there will be a standard State Pension age of 66 years for everyone from 1 January 2014. The 2011 Act also provided for further changes in State pension age to come into force in 2021 and 2028 when the State pension age will be raised to 67 years and 68 years respectively. With regard to retirement ages in employment, there is no statutory retirement age for employees in the private sector in Ireland. A contract of employment will generally contain a retirement age but this is a matter of contract between the relevant parties. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has made rulings in a series of age-discrimination cases concerning Directive 2000/78/EC, which prohibit discrimination in employment and occupation on various grounds, including age. The CJEU has clarified that mandatory retirement ages may be set down if, within the context of national law, they are objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate social policy aim. Directive 2000/78/EC is principally given effect in national law by the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2011, which come within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Deputy Alan Shatter.
With regard to the extension of contracts, the Employment Equality Acts currently permit an employer to offer a fixed-term contract to a person over the compulsory (contractual) retirement age for that employment. As matters currently stand for those employees who are obliged by their contract of employment to retire at 65 years but will not receive the State pension until 66 years, the Department of Social Protection have indicated that, in terms of financial supports, social welfare benefits will continue to be available to the age of 66 for those who are contractually obliged to leave employment. Also, existing legislation provides that jobseekers whose benefit expires in their 65th year will continue to be paid benefit up until the age of 66, subject to the person having paid 156 or more qualifying contributions and satisfying the general scheme conditions.
The Department of Social Protection, which has lead responsibility for the State pension and pension age policy, is chairing an inter-Departmental Group on Working and Retirement issues, on which my Department is represented. That Department organised and chaired a Working and Retirement Forum in Croke Park last December, at which a range of stakeholder groups discussed, amongst other matters, issues related to the alignment of mandatory retirement age practices with the new State pension age. The Group is currently considering the issues highlighted at the Croke Park Forum and is preparing preliminary proposals in this regard.
309. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will lay the latest annual financial statements of the Competition Authority before the Houses of the Oireachtas. [22377/13]
View answerIn accordance with section 41 subsection (6) of the Competition Act 2002, I will arrange for a copy of the Competition Authority's annual accounts, along with the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on those accounts, to be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas when both are finalised and available to me.
310. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the way the closing of Shannon Development will affect the young persons enterprise programme; if alternative sources of funding will be made available to ensure the continuation of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22429/13]
View answerIn accordance with the Government decision of November 2012, Shannon Development is being merged with Shannon Airport to form a new entity with a commercial mandate in public ownership. Kerry Technology Park, Tralee, Co Kerry is currently owned and managed by Shannon Development, in collaboration with Tralee Institute of Technology. The Young Entrepreneur Programme (YEP), which is provided by Shannon Development in conjunction with a number of other public and private sector organisations and individuals, benefits the Park and the wider community. Discussions are on-going between my Department, Shannon Development and other departments and agencies about the future plans for Kerry Technology Park, including the YEP run from the Park. Consideration is being given to providing the YEP on-line to facilitate schools who still wish to use the programme materials and to combine this on line facility with a mentoring workshop, where leading entrepreneurs will provide advice and mentoring to an audience of both students and start-up entrepreneurs.
311. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline Ireland's economic and trade co-operation with China; if he will provide a breakdown in the annual trading figures for the past five years between the two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22517/13]
View answerThe Government attaches great importance to developing our trade and bilateral links with China. Ireland’s exports to China have expanded very significantly in recent years to the extent that Ireland now has a healthy trade surplus of over €1.7 billion with China, a dramatic turnaround from the position in 2007 when we had a trade deficit of over €2 billion with that country. Ireland’s total exports to China have increased by over 40% since 2007 and our services exports have increased by 73% in that time. The Chinese market has been a strong performer in the Government's strategy to expand and diversify our exports. In 2011, the latest year for which full figures for both goods and services trade are available, Irish total exports to China were more than €4.77 billion with a significant level, over half, being Services exports. Ireland's services exports to China have grown steadily over recent years and in 2011 reached their highest level to date of €2.4 billion. Details of Goods and Services trade with China are given in table below.
A number of Minister-led Trade Missions to China have taken place, both this year and last. I will also be leading a further trade and investment mission to China later this year. Ministers Cannon, Coveney and Quinn have travelled to China and last year also saw a Taoiseach-led Mission to China, in which I participated. The Taoiseach led mission to China was preceded by the visit to Ireland by the new Chinese President, Xi Jinping. This visit further enhanced ties between the two countries. As a result of Xi Jinping's visit to Ireland and subsequent Trade Missions, there have been several Memoranda of Understanding agreed between our two countries in areas such as Science, Innovation, Trade in International Services and Investment.
The Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy is developing initiatives to open new markets and increase the penetration of Irish business in existing markets. China has been identified as a key high-growth and high-potential market for Ireland, and the local market team which reports to the Export Trade Council is implementing a market plan for China. This will continue to build on the excellent bilateral relations that exist between our two countries, to further enhance our trade, investment, education and tourism links with China.
In recognition of the importance of our partnership with China, Ireland has, in addition to the Embassy in Beijing, a Consulate General in Shanghai which is a key commercial centre. Enterprise Ireland is co-located with both the Embassy and the Consulate General. China is one of a number of countries with which Ireland has a Joint Economic Commission. The last meeting of the JEC took place in Dublin in October 2012. JEC's provide an opportunity for intensive bilateral discussions on a range of issues that have the potential to deepen our economic and trade engagement.
Trade Table
|
Merchandise € m |
Services € m |
Total € m |
|||||
|
Total China (including HK and Macau) |
Exports |
Imports |
Exports |
Imports |
Exports |
Imports |
Total Trade (Imports & Exports) € m |
|
2007 |
1,989 |
5,169 |
1,414 |
272 |
3,403 |
5,441 |
8,845 |
|
2008 |
2,325 |
4,275 |
1,625 |
682 |
3,950 |
4,957 |
8,907 |
|
2009 |
2,330 |
2,879 |
1,648 |
317 |
3,978 |
3,196 |
7,174 |
|
2010 |
2,407 |
2,756 |
1,943 |
411 |
4,350 |
3,167 |
7,517 |
|
2011 |
2,330 |
2,714 |
2,444 |
325 |
4,774 |
3,039 |
7,813 |
|
2012 |
2,167 |
2,865 |
* |
* |
*Country specific Services trade data for 2012 will be available in Q3 2013.
312. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of visits his Department and the employment agencies have arranged to the vacant state of the art former Cordis Plant at Cahel, County Tipperary; the possibilities of finding an industry for the plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22639/13]
View answerIn the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested. I will forward this information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
313. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in relation to the findings made in favour of employees or former employees against employers by the Employment Appeals Tribunal since 2010 resulting in the the award of sums to employees, the number of instances in which employers have not adhered to those findings resulting in referrals to the National Employment Rights Authority for enforcement of payment; and the rate of success for NERA in dealing with such referrals. [22693/13]
View answerThe number of awards made by the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) that have been referred to the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) for enforcement since 2010 is outlined in the table below. The number of cases closed for each year represents the total number of those where resolution/payment has been secured and those where it was not. The success rate by NERA in relation to the enforcement of awards is dependent on a number of different factors such as the employer's ability to pay, whether or not the employer is solvent or still trading and the costs associated with pursuing the enforcement of individual awards through the courts.
Enforcement of Determinations made by the Employment Appeals Tribunal
|
Year |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 (to 10/05/2013) |
|
Number of cases closed |
32 |
30 |
49 |
24 |
|
No. of cases where payment was made and resolved |
11 |
11 |
21 |
8 |
|
Success Rate |
34% |
37% |
43% |
33% |
314. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the plans, if any, he has for job creation in the Longford/ Westmeath area; if he has plans to set up an inter-agency for the midlands and put a focus on the midlands to assist in job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22701/13]
View answerThe 2013 Action Plan published by the Government in February, sets out a series of measures to support job creation and retention during 2013. The enterprise development agencies under the aegis of my Department are at the forefront of implementing the Action Plan for Jobs across all our regions, including the Longford/Westmeath area. Against this policy background, and as previously outlined to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 292 on Tuesday 18 December 2012, I consider that it is not practicable or effective to establish jobs task forces, except in exceptional circumstances, having regard to the State's current limited resources. In 2012, 1,557 people were employed on a full time basis in Enterprise Ireland (EI) client companies in Co. Longford (an increase of 46 from 2011) and 2,352 people were employed on a full time basis in EI client companies in Co. Westmeath (an increase of 171 from 2011). In 2012, €1.33 million was paid by EI to companies in Co. Longford and €1.01 million was paid to companies in Westmeath for job creation and retention and business development purposes. To date in 2013, EI has held/launched: An Export Awareness Event in Athlone through its new Potential Exporters Division and a Call for Proposals under the Midlands Competitive Feasibility Fund. Nine applicants – including one from Longford and four from Westmeath - were successful in winning funding and are currently progressing with their start-ups. This new Fund provides funding of up to €25,000 per project. The 2013 New Frontiers Programme is currently underway. 14 start-up companies participated in the 2012 Programme receiving targeted financial support of €15,000 per start-up.
For IDA Ireland, the key sectors of focus for the midlands Region are Life Sciences, Information and Communications Technologies and High Value Services Activities. The Region currently facilitates the presence of a large number of multinational companies who have invested over the years, span multiple sectors and employ significant amounts of people. In addition to attracting new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), IDA also works closely with its existing client companies with a view to getting them to upgrade and consolidate their existing businesses. Longford and Westmeath County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) can, subject to certain eligibility criteria, also support individuals, firms and community groups employing less than ten people, provided that the proposed projects have the capacity to achieve commercial viability. In 2012, Longford CEB paid out over €250,000 in grant assistance to 31 projects and 585 people participated in Longford CEB assisted training courses, while Westmeath CEB paid out over €460,000 in grant assistance to 36 projects and 718 people participated in Westmeath CEB assisted training courses.
An important action, in the Action Plan for Jobs 2013 is the creation of a First-Stop-Shop at local level for the support of small and micro business will bring local enterprise support into an integrated national network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) delivering enterprise policy to the highest standards, offering seamless progression for small business with potential to the existing national programmes run by EI, such as the dlands Competitive Feasibility Fund. Pending the introduction of the LEOs, Longford and Westmeath CEBs will continue to support Enterprise Development in their areas and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at county level. As the Deputy will also be aware, my Department recently introduced two targeted National Schemes to support an additional flow of credit to SMEs; namely the croenterprise Loan Fund and the Credit Guarantee Scheme. These schemes will support business investment, job maintenance and job creation around the country. Work on facilitating access to finance for all viable businesses remains a priority under Action Plan for Jobs 2013.
315. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has received a final report from the Copyright Review Committee established by him in 2011; when he intends to make the report public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22723/13]
View answerI refer further to the reply that I gave to the Deputy in February of this year, at which time I indicated that it was anticipated that the Report of the Review Committee would be completed by the end of March 2013. At this time the Committee has evaluated the in excess of 180 submissions received and work on completing the Report is at an advanced stage. I now understand that the most likely date for completion of the Report will be June 2013.
316. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of personnel in whole-time equivalent terms in his Department and in bodies under the aegis of his Department in each of the following earnings brackets: less than €20,000, €20,001 to €30,000, €30,001 to €40,000, €40,001 to €50,000, €50,001 to €60,000, €60,001 to €70,000, €70,001 to €80,000, €80,001 to €90,000, €90,001 to €100,000, €100,000 to €125,000, €125,001 to €150,000, €150,001 to €175,000, €175,001 to €200,000, €200,001 to €250,000, €250,001 to €300,000, €300,001 to €350,000, €350,001 to €400,000, €400,001 to €450,000, €450,001 to €500,000, and more than €500,000. [22792/13]
View answerThe following table identifies the persons in whole-time equivalent terms employed in my Department broken down by the salary bands supplied. The numbers include departmental staff in the following Offices of the Department: the Companies Registration Office; the Registry of Friendly Societies; the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement; the Labour Court; the Labour Relations Commission; the National Employment Rights Authority; and the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
|
Salary Band € |
No. of whole-time equivalent staff |
|
Under 20k |
22.7 |
|
20.01 - 30k |
149.44 |
|
30.01 - 40k |
204.01 |
|
40.01 - 50k |
185.2 |
|
50.01 - 60k |
106.53 |
|
60.01 - 70k |
13.8 |
|
70.01 - 80k |
49.6 |
|
80.01 - 90k |
29.8 |
|
90.01 - 100k |
15.5 |
|
100.01 - 125k |
19 |
|
125.01 - 150k |
7 |
|
150.01 - 175k |
3 |
|
175.01 - 200k |
2 |
|
Over 200k |
0 |
Information regarding the employees of the Agencies is a day to day matter for the Agencies and I have asked that the relevant information be provided to the Deputy directly.
317. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the individual amount of overtime paid in the case of each political/Ministerial appointee for the period 2007 to date in 2013 relative to his office and the office of the Minister of State; if such payments were made to the Secretary General and advisors, and if so, the amounts for the same period. [22878/13]
View answerThe following tables set out the overtime claimed and paid to persons appointed by each Minister and Minister of State by this Department from 1 January 2007 to date. It should be noted that overtime is not payable in respect of the posts of advisors or civilian drivers. Overtime is not payable to Secretaries General.
Appointees of Ministers 2007 to date in Overtime posts: Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Michael Martin, Jan 2007 – May 2008
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2007-2008 |
Personal Assistant |
2 |
0 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
10,230.96 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
3 |
10,230.96 |
Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Mary Coughlan, May 2008 – March 2010
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2008-2010 |
Secretarial Assistant |
2 |
13,737.66 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
13,737.66 |
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Deputy Batt O’Keeffe, March 2010 – January 2011
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2010-2009 |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
0 |
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, March 2011 to-date
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2011 to-date |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
1,517.19 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
670.25 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
2,187.44 |
Appointees of Ministers of State 2007 to date in Overtime posts:
Minister for Labour Affairs, Deputy Tony Killeen, Jan 2007 – June 2007
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2007 |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
0 |
Minister for Trade & Commerce, Deputy Michael Ahern, Jan 2007 – June 2007
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2007 |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
0 |
Minister for Innovation Policy, Deputy Michael Ahern, June 2007 – May 2008
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2007-2008 |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
0 |
Minister for Trade & Commerce, Deputy John McGuinness, June 2007 – April 2009
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2007-2009 |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
29,679.14 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
48,273.66 |
|
- |
Secretarial Assistant |
2 |
9,863.81 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
4 |
87,816.61 |
Minister for Labour Affairs, Deputy Billy Kelleher, June 2007 – April 2009
|
Period |
Post |
Number of posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2007-2009 |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
18,797.51 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
9,701.54 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
28,499.05 |
Minister for Trade and Commerce, Deputy Billy Kelleher, April 2009 – March 2011
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2009-2011 |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
28,337.03 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
28,337.03 |
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Deputy Jimmy Devins, May 2008 – April 2009
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2008-2009 |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
10,924.31 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
6,600.10 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
17,524.41 |
Minister for Labour Affairs, Deputy Dara Calleary, April 2009 – March 2011
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2009-2011 |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
10,047.59 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
10,213.06 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
20,260.65 |
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Deputy Conor Lenihan, April 2009 – March 2011
|
Period |
Post |
Number of Overtime posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2009-2011 |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
14,586.43 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
14,586.43 |
Minister for Research & Innovation, Deputy Sean Sherlock, March 2011 to-date
|
Period |
Post |
Number of posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2011 to-date |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
16,714.55 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
16,997.93 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
33,712.48 |
Minister for Small Business, Deputy John Perry, March 2011 to-date
|
Period |
Post |
Number of posts |
Overtime Claimed |
|
2011 to-date |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
16,061.73 |
|
- |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
12,886.82 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
2 |
28,948.55 |
318. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the uptake of the micro finance scheme which was set up to assist small to medium size businesses to expand and develop their trade and workforce; the number of firms that have applied to date; the number of applications that have been successful; if there is any evaluation of the number of jobs that have been created by the successful applicants to date; if the micro finance scheme is being proactively promoted; the plan for awareness and simplifying access to the scheme and incentivising new and existing small businesses with revised better terms to generate more interest and a better take up by many small firms who are unsuccessful in obtaining necessary finances from the banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23038/13]
View answerA full progress report on the operation of the scheme from 1 October 2012 to 31 March 2013 can be found on my Department's website (www.enterprise.gov.ie) and the Microfinance Ireland (MFI) website (www.microfinanceireland.ie). This report indicates that as at 31 March 2013 there were, 149 applications in total, of which 44 loans were approved with 116 jobs supported. 58 loans were declined, 2 were in appeal, 13 were withdrawn and 32 were still work in progress. Promotion and awareness raising are a matter for the company established to administer the scheme, Microfinance Ireland Limited. Under the Action Plan for Jobs 2013 Microfinance Ireland were required to draft a Publicity Strategy by end quarter 1 2013 and this has been achieved. Microfinance Ireland have undertaken a number of publicity and awareness raising activities since it began lending, including radio advertisements and attending local business network meetings. National radio advertisements run by Micro Finance Ireland have been prominent in recent weeks. In addition, the Minister for Small Business and I promote the scheme at every available opportunity, locally, regionally and nationally. I can assure the Deputy that I am keeping all aspects of the Scheme under on-going assessment and that I am obliged under section 22 of the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012 to commence a review of the operation of the Act not later than two years after the date of the passing of the Act.
319. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he plans to take in 2013 to deliver a national step change initiative for Irish manufacturing with particular reference to assisting in the growth or establishment of indigenous sub-supply companies in sectors such as the medical devices industry. [23060/13]
View answerDelivering a National Step Change Initiative for the Manufacturing sector is a key recommendation in the Government's new Manufacturing Strategy, developed by Forfás, and which I helped to launch recently. The proposed National Step Change Initiative is intended to position Ireland's Manufacturing Sector for growth and will involve actions at both the level of the firm and also in terms of enhancing the wider business environment. Specifically, it is envisaged that work will be undertaken on enhancing productivity; strengthening the international reach of companies; strengthening innovative capabilities and developing connections (including enhancing sub-supply opportunities); and strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration. A wide range of actions to drive this Step Change are recommended in the Strategy and these involve initiatives by the Development Agencies and other bodies. Key Actions have been incorporated into the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs 2013, with specific timelines for delivery. My Department will be to the fore in driving the actions and we will be assisted by the Manufacturing Development Forum, which provided valuable advice and insights into the development of the Strategy and which will continue to assist the process. In relation to the medical devices industry, which has a thriving indigenous base, in addition to the multinational companies located here, I am very conscious that sub-supply opportunities in that sector represent a significant benefit to be pursued. I would also like to record, that in addition to developing the Manufacturing Strategy, the Government have also initiated research on the specific skills needs of the Manufacturing Sector up to 2020, and this work was completed recently by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and Forfás. That report identifies what needs to be done regarding training and skills development for the sector. A wide range of recommendations are made and work is already underway to address some of the recommendations in that report. I am confident that all these ambitious actions will be pursued by the relevant parties and we will succeed in reinvigorating the Manufacturing Sector in Ireland and enhance its job creation potential in the years ahead.
320. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that 350 Tús supervisors are affected by the removal of an additional job assist tax credit which in the past has been offset against Tús wages, and that this would cost its supervisors up to €1000 a year. [22432/13]
View answerSections 472A and 88A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provide tax incentives for both employers and employees, to help the long-term unemployed to return to employment. The relief under Section 472A, known as the Revenue Job Assist scheme, allows qualifying employees, in addition to their normal tax credits, to claim certain income deductions, including additional deductions for qualifying children, for the three year period after taking up employment. Section 88A provides an associated tax incentive for employers. Employers may claim a double deduction in computing the profits of the trade or profession in respect of the first three years wages paid to qualifying employees. This double deduction may also be claimed in respect of the employers PRSI contribution on such wages. In order to qualify for the scheme, an individual must be unemployed for at least 12 continuous months prior to the date of commencement of the employment. They must also be in receipt of certain payments from the Department of Social Protection or signing for PRSI credits. Time spent on certain FÁS courses and employment schemes, as well as time spent in prison can count towards the ‘unemployed for 12 months' condition. Employment under an employment scheme or similar which is directly supported by way of a grant from public funds is precluded from being supported by Revenue Job Assist on the basis that it is already grant-aided from public sources.
321. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection with regard to the 400 post offices around the country which are fearing for their futures because of the possible changes to the way pensions and unemployment assistance is paid, if her Department will take into account the important role that our post offices play in our communities and the fact that they should be retained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22528/13]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection envisages a payments environment that will ultimately deliver all payments to customers electronically. This is in line with wider Government policies and objectives such as better public services, better and more effective ePayments and is aligned to the objectives of the National Payments Plan published by the Central Bank recently. The progression to electronic payments is a critical element of the National Payments Plan which aims to reduce the very high levels of cash usage in the Irish economy, thereby contributing to improved national competitiveness. All welfare customers paid through the post office network are paid in cash. This is an inherently expensive means of paying customers. This approach is inefficient, costly and imposes security risks on customers and staff alike who handle, distribute and receive these monies. The Government needs to move to more modern approaches for distributing these vast sums of money to customers weekly. The current contract with An Post expires at the end of 2013. In this context, the Department is undertaking two public procurement competitions for the delivery of welfare payments and will provide for progression over time from cash to electronic payment methods. The first procurement for over the counter cash services for social welfare customers commenced in December 2012 and is now well advanced. This will replace the existing service contract with An Post and will ensure continuity in the delivery of cash payments to the Department's almost 1 million cash payment customers. I anticipate a contract for these services will be signed by the summer and will provide similar services to customers to those they currently enjoy. In addition, and to further support the migration towards electronic payments, the Department will be procuring an ePayment solution(s) to complement the existing facility to make payments directly into customers’ accounts in financial institutions. It is anticipated that notification regarding this procurement will issue by end June 2013. Public sector contracts for the supply of products and services are generally subject to a competitive tendering process. This ensures that the taxpayer receives value for money and ensures that all potential suppliers are given the opportunity to put forward the most efficient, effective and competitive solutions for consideration and evaluation. The award of public sector contracts with a significant financial value is subject to various EU Directives. Because of the financial value of this particular service, the Department was required to publicly invite tenders for the new contract to deliver social welfare payments when the current contract with An Post expires at the end of this year.
I am conscious of the important role of the post offices around the country, notably the extent to which it is now a one-stop shop where people can pay bills, purchase mobile phone top ups, use the passport application facility, pay local property tax and carry out a range of banking and other financial services. The Government has stated its commitment to maintaining the post office network in the Programme for Government.
322. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the successful European Court case taken by former Waterford Crystal workers in respect of their pension rights, if she will ensure pension payments to these workers at the same level as their British counterparts 90%; if she will ensure that future pension payments are protected for workers in similar circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22636/13]
View answerThe ruling by the European Court of Justice was in response to a reference by the High Court seeking clarification of the interpretation of European law emanating from EU Directive 2008/94EC on the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. Given this matter remains before the courts it would not be appropriate that I comment further on any aspects of or possible issues arising from the case at this time. Careful and detailed consideration will of course be given to the ruling of the European Court of Justice and of the outcomes of the case before the High Court.
323. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the major collective effect of the cuts to respite care allowance and the disability allowance for children and adults with a disability; and if she will reverse these cuts. [22823/13]
View answerI should point out that disability allowance is one of the core weekly social welfare payments which the Government is committed to protecting, and therefore, the weekly rate has not been reduced. However, in the course of Budget 2013, the Government had to make some very difficult decisions and in order to protect those core weekly social welfare payments, we had to look very carefully at other additional payments such as the respite care grant. As a result, the grant was reduced by €325 to €1,375 per annum. I am very much aware that this reduction had implications for carers and their families.
326. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons, broken down by administrative division and by age group, currently in receipt of jobseeker's allowance that have not, to date, made any PRSI contribution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22199/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not routinely collated by my Department. I am, however, informed that at the end of April 2013 there were 43,375 persons currently in receipt of jobseeker's allowance that have not, to date, made any PRSI contribution. A tabular statement breaking this number down by age and administrative area is set out below.
Jobseeker’s Assistance recipients at 27 April 2013 who have never, made any contribution to the PRSI system.
|
Administrative District |
Under 20 |
20-24 |
25-34 |
35-44 |
45-54 |
55-59 |
60-64 |
Grand Total |
|
Cork Central |
367 |
905 |
374 |
282 |
193 |
99 |
128 |
2,348 |
|
Dublin Central |
518 |
1,154 |
631 |
588 |
288 |
86 |
118 |
3,383 |
|
Dublin North |
849 |
1,314 |
470 |
402 |
178 |
50 |
79 |
3,342 |
|
Dublin South |
872 |
1,420 |
562 |
447 |
225 |
61 |
65 |
3,652 |
|
Mid Leinster |
591 |
1,174 |
396 |
236 |
176 |
78 |
114 |
2,765 |
|
Mid West |
532 |
1,204 |
470 |
322 |
257 |
144 |
218 |
3,147 |
|
Midlands North |
676 |
1,613 |
615 |
336 |
346 |
151 |
241 |
3,978 |
|
Midlands South |
715 |
1,370 |
503 |
288 |
292 |
139 |
190 |
3,497 |
|
North East |
660 |
1,417 |
526 |
334 |
285 |
132 |
214 |
3,568 |
|
North West |
517 |
1,264 |
596 |
498 |
518 |
286 |
395 |
4,074 |
|
South East |
607 |
1,313 |
528 |
410 |
315 |
137 |
201 |
3,511 |
|
South West |
315 |
809 |
317 |
313 |
370 |
185 |
322 |
2,631 |
|
West |
373 |
1,087 |
529 |
416 |
432 |
250 |
392 |
3,479 |
|
Totals |
7,592 |
16,044 |
6,517 |
4,872 |
3,875 |
1,798 |
2,677 |
43,375 |
