Written Answers Nos. 84-111
84. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of all persons appointed by him to a State board in 2014 to date in tabular form; the name of the person and board in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30597/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that there were no appointments made to the two State Boards under my remit in 2014 to date.
85. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will list and itemise the title and reference of every statutory instrument signed by him from 1 May 2014 to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30656/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question the following table is a list of all Statutory Instruments signed by me from 1 May 2014 to date:
Statutory Instruments signed from 1 May 2014 to date
|
Date |
SI Number |
Title |
|
15 May 2014 |
210 of 2014 |
Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act 2014 (Commencement) Order 2014 |
|
15 May 2014 |
211 of 2014 |
Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Act 1938 (Sections 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D) (Fixed Day) Order 2014 |
86. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of nominees to State boards that have been appointed from overseas as envisaged at the Global Irish Economic Forum. [30333/14]
View answerSince coming to Office in March 2011 the process for appointments to State Boards, has been administered, where appropriate, through the Public Appointments Service (PAS). PAS publicly invites Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified persons to fill vacancies, as they arise, on the boards of the various agencies within my Department’s remit. The most recent invitation took place in December.
Appointments made on foot of Expressions of Interest have regard to the expertise and experience of individuals, the balance of skills and attributes in terms of the overall composition of the board, and the availability and commitment of people to serve on the board. The overriding focus is on getting the best people for particular board appointments.
Within the Boards of agencies within my Department’s remit there are four board members who are based overseas, three of whom are of Irish nationality.
87. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when a determination will be made on an appeal for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied); if any further information is required to assist the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30549/14]
View answerThis application was refused on 17 June 2014. I understand that in accordance with Section 13 of the Employment Permits Act 2006, the applicant sought a review of this refusal decision and this matter is now under consideration. If further information is required an official of my Department will be in touch with the applicant in this regard.
88. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a list of all persons appointed by him to a State board in 2014 to date in tabular form; the name of the person and board in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30595/14]
View answerSince 1st January 2014, I have made eleven appointments to Boards of Agencies within my discretion. Appointments and reappointments were also allocated under legislation to Department Representatives, social partners, nominees of other Ministers, nominees of prescribed bodies and appointments on an Ex Officio basis. There were three reappointments of members whose terms of appointments were coming to an end while the remaining five were allocated under legislation to social partners and nominees of prescribed bodies.
In making appointments, I have primary regard to the skills and attributes of potential appointees. Of the eleven new appointments made at my discretion, seven were selected from those who sent an Expression of Interest in response to a publicly advertised process administered by the Public Appointments Service. The information sought by the Deputy is presented in tabular format below.
|
Board |
Member |
Date of Appointment |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
Helen Ryan |
26/03/2014 |
|
John McMahon |
26/03/2014 |
|
|
Elaine Coughlan |
12/05/2014 |
|
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
Mick Stewart |
01/01/2014 |
|
Margot Slattery |
30/04/2014 |
|
|
Walter Cullen |
30/04/2014 |
|
|
Health & Safety Authority |
Carol Bolger |
26/02/2014 |
|
John McCartney |
26/02/2014 |
|
|
Vicki O'Reilly |
26/02/2014 |
|
|
James Phelan |
26/02/2014 |
|
|
Terry Landers |
28/03/2014 |
|
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
Aidan O'Boyle |
12/05/2014 |
|
Valerie Bowens |
12/05/2014 |
|
|
Deirdre Smith |
12/05/2014 |
|
|
Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority |
Etain Doyle |
29/05/2014 |
|
David Devlin |
29/05/2014 |
|
|
National Consumer Agency |
Fergus Gallagher |
01/05/2014 |
|
David Pierce |
01/05/2014 |
|
|
IDA Ireland |
Frank Ryan |
01/01/2014 |
89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created through foreign direct investment throughout County Kildare; the number of indigenous jobs created in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30602/14]
View answerThe Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are supported by the enterprise development agencies. The survey shows that during 2013 a total of 276 new jobs were created in IDA Ireland client companies in Co. Kildare bringing total IDA Ireland supported employment in the county up to 10,172. On the indigenous side, there were 1,471 new jobs created in Enterprise Ireland client companies in Kildare during the year bringing the total Enterprise Ireland supported employment in the county up to 6,520.
It is estimated that for every 10 jobs created in IDA Ireland client companies 7 jobs are created in the wider economy in supply and service businesses, while on the indigenous side the comparable figure is that for every job created in an Enterprise Ireland client company roughly 1.3 jobs are created in the wider economy.
As the Deputy is aware, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is, and will continue to be, an integral part of Ireland’s economic development strategy. Among the actions for developing and deepening the impact of FDI in Ireland, set out in the 2014 Action Plan for Jobs was the commitment that my Department, in conjunction with Forfás, would complete and publish an FDI Policy Statement, setting out the strategic policy direction to 2020, by end Q2. I am glad to say that this work is now nearing completion.
As a precursor to its work on the FDI policy statement I requested Forfás earlier this year to conduct an in-depth analysis of Ireland’s FDI strategy, in light of a changing global environment to take account of factors such as key trends emerging in FDI best practice internationally, Ireland’s strengths in attracting FDI and any changes to the EU’s State Aid Rules, which came into effect on 1st July 2014. The results of this detailed analysis together with the Broader FDI Policy statement will form the basis of IDA’s new strategy from end of 2015 onwards.
Additionally, the 2014 APJ includes a commitment to develop a framework for a Regional Enterprise Strategy to better integrate the efforts of the enterprise development agencies and other regional stakeholders in supporting enterprises. My intention is that the framework will be developed on a pilot basis initially, based on the Midlands region, and focusing, in particular, on co-ordinating the efforts of the agencies under the remit of my own Department – Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, as well as the new Local Enterprise Offices. The overarching objective of the framework is to enhance synergies between the agencies, their client companies and other key stakeholders to maximise the potential for job creation in the region. My Department’s officials are currently developing the Regional Enterprise Strategy Framework in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Forfás.
The pilot framework will identify the key assets and competitive strengths of the Midlands region, as well as looking at opportunities for sectoral development. My aim is that the pilot framework for the Midlands will serve as a model for other regions of the country.
90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the competitiveness of the economy with particular reference to the basis on which foreign direct investors are attracted to this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30604/14]
View answerIreland’s success in attracting foreign direct investment requires a clear focus on improving and enhancing national competitiveness, easing impediments to business investment and encouraging job creation. Improved competitiveness, targeting of specific growth sectors and an improved international reputation are key factors that have contributed to strong results in Ireland attracting overseas investment in recent years. All of these factors need to be maintained in 2014 and beyond through the Action Plan for Jobs process which has an overarching objective of improving the enterprise and job creation environment.
IDA client companies created 13,376 gross jobs in 2013. In the first half of this year, over 100 FDI investments were secured by the IDA. Of the investments secured, 40% have come from companies investing in Ireland for the first time, with the balance representing expansions and transformations by existing companies. The projects approved during the first half of 2014 will lead to the creation of 8,000 jobs as the companies roll out their investment plans. A continuing focus on competitiveness will be vital to attracting further FDI. The National Competitiveness Council monitors the competitiveness of the economy on an on-going basis and will shortly publish its annual “Competitiveness Scorecard” which benchmarks Ireland against key competitor regions.
The recent decision by Moody’s to raise the rating on Ireland’s sovereign debt to investment grade will have a very positive impact on the Irish economy, as investment agency ratings are used by foreign investors when they are deciding where to locate their businesses. IDA Ireland will be highlighting Ireland’s upgrade with current and prospective clients.
91. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which the protection of existing jobs and the creation of new jobs continues to be successful with particular reference to policy in this regard for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30605/14]
View answer95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which he and his Department continue to monitor potential obstacles to job creation and-or retention here; if any particular initiatives are required to address specific issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30610/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 95 together.
When this Government came into office, it had inherited a situation where more than 250,000 private sector jobs had been lost in the previous three years. This was primarily the result of relying on economic growth fuelled by a construction sector bubble and unsustainable consumption. The Government set about transforming the economy on a number of fronts, including fixing the banking systems, reforming the public sector and embedding a jobs agenda right across Government through the Action Plan for Jobs process.
The aim of the Action Plan is to improve the operating environment for business and address key factors which can act as obstacles to job creation and retention. These factors include issues such as access to finance, administrative burdens on business, the need to improve company capability, and gaining access to new markets. The Action Plan for Jobs has delivered a range of initiatives to support job creation, develop sectors of potential and improve our competitiveness. We are also building a strong enterprise mix to ensure that Ireland is not overly reliant on a limited number of sectors for future growth.
While the task has been significant, we are making progress. We are climbing back up the international competitiveness rankings again and the latest CSO Quarterly National Household Survey showed that over 63,000 jobs have been created since the Action Plan for Jobs process was introduced at the start of 2012. In 2013, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland recorded the strongest employment growth in a decade amongst their client companies, while 2014 has shown a continued flow of new job announcements.
The Government will continue to work towards its target of having an extra 100,000 people at work by 2016 through the Action Plan for Jobs process, and work will commence shortly on preparing the Action Plan for 2015.
92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number and location of manufacturing jobs created in each of the past five years to date; the extent to which existing jobs were lost in the same period and the net gain or loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30606/14]
View answerThe Forfás Strategy on Manufacturing, which was launched in April 2013, identified that a total of 205,700 people were directly employed in Manufacturing and that a similar number of jobs were indirectly supported. The following table, compiled from the Forfás Annual Employment Survey data, gives details of job gains and losses for the manufacturing sector, over the last five years, on a regional basis, in client companies of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Data for non-agency supported companies is not available in this format. However, at the end of 2013, Central Statistics Office Data (Quarterly National Household Survey, Q 4 2013) shows that a total of 215,900 were directly employed in the sector, a rise of 10,200 on that earlier figure. When account is taken of indirect jobs, the position is that the Manufacturing sector supports over 430,000 jobs (end 2013).
The Manufacturing sector had lost 50,000 jobs in the years up to 2010. However, as both sets of data show, the sector has seen a return to growth in employment over the last few years. Overall, steady progress is being made towards reaching the target of 20,000 new jobs by 2016, which the Government has set in relation to the job creation potential in Manufacturing.
Manufacturing employment in IDA and Enterprise Ireland Companies
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
|
All Regions |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Job Gains |
14,530 |
12,339 |
14,036 |
16,721 |
14,981 |
15,274 |
|
Job Losses |
-26,004 |
-34,028 |
-17,460 |
-15,668 |
-13,093 |
-11,685 |
|
Change |
-11,474 |
-21,689 |
-3,424 |
1,053 |
1,888 |
3,589 |
|
South East |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Job Gains |
2,216 |
1,228 |
1,950 |
2,175 |
1,510 |
1,647 |
|
Job Losses |
-3,490 |
-4,496 |
-2,283 |
-2,570 |
-1,485 |
-2,302 |
|
Change |
-1,274 |
-3,268 |
-333 |
-395 |
25 |
-655 |
|
Border |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Job Gains |
1,734 |
1,291 |
2,077 |
2,538 |
2,021 |
2,072 |
|
Job Losses |
-3,375 |
-4,270 |
-2,310 |
-2,192 |
-2,099 |
-1,732 |
|
Change |
-1,641 |
-2,979 |
-233 |
346 |
-78 |
340 |
|
Mid West |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Job Gains |
1,567 |
1,214 |
1,337 |
1,117 |
1,209 |
1,334 |
|
Job Losses |
-2,533 |
-3,567 |
-1,202 |
-1,308 |
-1,113 |
-955 |
|
Change |
-966 |
-2,353 |
135 |
-191 |
96 |
379 |
|
South West |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Job Gains |
2,489 |
2,152 |
2,490 |
3,545 |
3,364 |
3,429 |
|
Job Losses |
-3,443 |
-5,813 |
-2,447 |
-1,726 |
-2,144 |
-1,723 |
|
Change |
-954 |
-3,661 |
43 |
1,819 |
1,220 |
1,706 |
|
Dublin |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Job Gains |
2,183 |
3,233 |
2,342 |
2,141 |
2,515 |
2,348 |
|
Job Losses |
-5,348 |
-6,387 |
-3,972 |
-3,544 |
-2,787 |
-2,107 |
|
Change |
-3,165 |
-3,154 |
-1,630 |
-1,403 |
-272 |
241 |
|
West |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Job Gains |
1,573 |
1,431 |
1,692 |
2,885 |
1,630 |
1,804 |
|
Job Losses |
-3,358 |
-2,951 |
-2,029 |
-1,522 |
-1,277 |
-1,001 |
|
Change |
-1,785 |
-1,520 |
-337 |
1,363 |
353 |
803 |
|
Mid East |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Job Gains |
1,189 |
969 |
1,336 |
1,421 |
1,903 |
1,589 |
|
Job Losses |
-2,945 |
-3,808 |
-1,670 |
-1,630 |
-1,521 |
-1,229 |
|
Change |
-1,756 |
-2,839 |
-334 |
-209 |
382 |
360 |
|
Midlands |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Job Gains |
1,579 |
821 |
812 |
899 |
829 |
1,051 |
|
Job Losses |
-1,512 |
-2,736 |
-1,547 |
-1,176 |
-667 |
-636 |
|
Change |
67 |
-1915 |
-735 |
-277 |
162 |
415 |
93. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which science and innovation featured in the creation of new jobs in both the manufacturing and services sectors in each of the past five years to date; the degree to which EU supportive funding has been drawn down under this heading; the extent to which he expects this to continue for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30608/14]
View answerWhile statistics on the creation of jobs by science and innovation are not separately available, science, technology and innovation are recognised as critical drivers of Irish companies’ competitive advantage. It is this ability to compete and differentiate themselves in global markets which enables Irish firms, including those in the manufacturing and service sectors, to achieve exports, thus increasing their turnover and their ability to create new jobs.
Innovation is not the sole preserve of large high-tech firms with research laboratories, it is simply the application of knowledge in order to achieve impacts more economically, more efficiently and more effectively. An innovative idea may come from the most low-tech of sources to the most high-concept solutions, arrived at via scientific research. As such, the vast majority of manufacturing and services companies in the past five years would have featured strong elements of science, technology and innovation in identifying and responding to market needs, ultimately leading to the creation of new jobs.
The Action Plan for Jobs emphasises the significance of innovation and the use of technology as critical drivers of job creation in Ireland while seeking to maximise their impact in the coming years. Substantial ongoing investment has been made in Ireland’s national innovation ecosystem and in the supports that build the innovative capability in Irish enterprise. In tandem with this approach, it is recognised that substantial international expertise and important sources of non-exchequer funding are available via EU research initiatives. Enterprise Ireland is the Irish agency responsible for helping Irish companies and third level researchers to participate in Horizon 2020 which has a budget of nearly €80 billion. In the past 7 years Ireland’s National Support Network, which is led by Enterprise Ireland, has been responsible for helping Irish companies and academics secure over €600 million from Horizon 2020’s predecessor (Framework Programme 7). Of this, roughly 60% of funding went to the Higher Education sector and 40% to industry. This funding has provided a considerable increase in the innovative capability of Irish industry and academics over and above existing exchequer investments in this area.
Horizon 2020 offers even more valuable opportunities to companies based in Ireland to participate in high-quality research collaborations with their European counterparts. An innovative feature of Horizon 2020 is that it contains a specific initiative - the SME Instrument – designed to assist companies in surmounting financial obstacles thereby increasing their potential for participation in the Programme. The Government has set an ambitious but achievable target of €1.25 billion in funding from Horizon 2020 over the seven year lifetime of the Programme. I am confident that, with the support of the National Support Network and the Government Strategy we have put in place, we will reach this target - over double the return from the previous (FP7) Programme.
94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in the context of job creation throughout Europe and here in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30609/14]
View answerSince taking office, my colleagues Minister Sherlock, Minister Perry and I, along with senior officials from my Department, have availed of every opportunity to engage with the EU institutions on policies of mutual concern regarding jobs, growth and investment. To this end, bilateral meetings have been held on a regular basis at both official and Ministerial level with Commission and high ranking EU Officials, EU partners and like-minded Groups. This level of engagement intensified during preparations for and the chairing of the EU Presidency in 2013.
We have discussed with like-minded partners the prioritisation of EU initiatives under the Single Market Act and in particular the completion of the digital single market and the opening up of services markets and tackling unjustified and disproportionate “red tape”. I also fully support the core elements of the European Union's strategy for Jobs and Growth: Europe 2020 and its objectives to stimulate growth based on knowledge and innovation and a more sustainable and greener economy with high employment and social inclusion. These objectives are also broadly consistent with the Government's own strategies as set out in the Programme for Government and the Medium-Term Economic Strategy.
A key issue currently at EU level is the concept of mainstreaming competitiveness across all policies. The EU Competitiveness Council considers that there needs to be a more coherent and holistic approach between industrial and other intertwining EU policies such as research and innovation, competition, trade, energy, environmental and climate policies which should all contribute to enhancing EU and national competitiveness and ultimately job creation. This also implies a strengthening of the decision-making capabilities of the EU’s Competitiveness Council and preparatory Group, the Council’s High level Group on Competitiveness. We are actively involved in these ongoing discussions with like-minded partners and with the Commission.
Proactive support for the EU in liberalising trade and across the wider economic agenda, including that of competitiveness, should assist in making the Union’s role more relevant to business and citizens and contribute to strengthening our exporters’ opportunities and job creation. These have been a key focus under recent EU Presidencies including the Irish EU Presidency 2013.
The importance of investment in innovation, science and technology in employment creation is well recognised by Government. Therefore, we are continuing to work to maximise our strategic interests and funding possibilities under the EU’s new Research Programme (Horizon 2020 - €80bn) and the Programme for Competitiveness and SMEs (COSME - €2.23bn), both agreed under my chairmanship of the Competitiveness Council during our EU Presidency. Every opportunity will be taken to further Ireland's interests to ensure that we can extract the maximum benefit from the funding available under these Programmes, particularly in relation to maximising the scope for participation by SMEs.
Access to finance for SMEs is the most pressing problem. In that regard, the Government is making concerted efforts to source alternative financing methods (including non-banking) using European Investment Bank funding as additional leverage. The EU SME Envoy network will be tackling these issues in the coming months as part of the development and forthcoming review of the Small Business Act for Europe initiative. My colleague, Minister John Perry TD, Minister for Small Business, is Ireland’s representative on this network.
The Action Plan for Jobs emphasises the importance of Innovation and the use of technology as core drivers of job creation in Ireland’s key sectors during 2014 and into the coming years. In tandem with this approach, it is recognised that substantial international expertise and important sources of non-exchequer funding are available via EU research initiatives. Enterprise Ireland is responsible for coordinating Ireland’s national support network for helping Irish companies and third level researchers to participate in Horizon 2020. The Government has set an ambitious but achievable target of €1.25 Billion in funding from this Programme. Ireland’s drawdown from Framework Programme 7, Horizon 2020’s predecessor, was almost €600 Million. This funding has provided a considerable increase in the innovative capability of Irish industry and academics over and above existing exchequer investments in this area.
I have also participated in continuing discussions with my fellow Ministerial colleagues at the regular meetings of the Council of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Ministers (EPSCO Council) regarding maintaining the employability of the labour force including the long term unemployed and supporting the re-integration into the labour market of the most vulnerable groups to take advantage of potential sources of jobs in expanding sectors. I have found that Ministers are broadly agreed on the common challenges and on the need to maintain the momentum of ongoing structural reforms if lasting results are to be achieved.
Ministers are broadly agreed that, without a return to strong economic growth, and the normalisation of credit flows, the labour market situation in the European Union is unlikely to improve significantly in the short-term and further labour market reforms will become increasingly difficult to achieve. The EPSCO Council affirmed in March of this year that the most important factor in improving EU labour markets is to have more and better jobs created. In this context, on-going financial market fragmentation has led to very divergent interest rates for loans to businesses and households across the EU. This has profound implications for labour markets, as enterprises and in particular SMEs, Europe's engine for employment growth, continue to face barriers in accessing finance.
I will also continue to fully engage in the development of the EU’s common commercial policies, which I believe provide a strong stimulus for growth and job creation. Trade policy and the promotion of an agenda that progressively opens more markets for exporters is of great significance to Irish enterprise. My general position along with our like-minded partners is that we must enhance the EU's competitiveness agenda in order to give momentum to our exporting potential because there is a clear and unambiguous link between what we achieve on the competitiveness front and leveraging this for growth through trade deals that are good for jobs and growth.
We will continue to work with our EU partners, the incoming EU Commission and the European Parliament at all levels to progress these policy instruments and associated measures through the various Council Working Groups and Committees including through the EU Competitiveness, EPSCO and Trade Councils.
96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which the cost base in Irish industry remains competitive and in line with that in other adjoining and European jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30611/14]
View answerThe National Competitiveness Council’s (NCC) Costs of Doing Business in Ireland 2014 report which was published last April compares Ireland’s cost competitiveness to a number of other regions - including a number of European countries - across a range of key business inputs. The report finds that Ireland’s costs base has improved across a range of metrics over the last number of years, making Irish firms more competitive internationally and making Ireland a more attractive location for firms to base their operations. However, the report also indicates that, despite these improvements, Ireland is still a high cost location for a number of key business inputs. The NCC points to upward pressures emerging in a number of areas, including labour costs, industrial electricity prices, transport costs and a range of business services. The NCC emphasises the importance of Ireland’s international cost competitiveness remaining a key priority for Government and cautions that further structural change is required to ensure that costs do not escalate and erode the competitiveness gains which we have made in the last few years. The report also emphasises the importance of improving productivity performance. The Action Plan for Jobs 2014 places a renewed emphasis on improving competitiveness across the whole of Government and has introduced a new arrangement under which the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs reviews the competitiveness agenda on a quarterly basis to identify further actions that can be taken to improve Ireland’s competitiveness performance.
97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the current position in regard to the issue of a work permit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30623/14]
View answerThere is no record in my Department of a work permit application in respect of the person named by the Deputy. There is no record of a work permit having previously been held by this person.
98. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will list and itemise the title and reference of every statutory instrument signed by him from 1 May 2014 to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30654/14]
View answerThe Statutory Instruments which I have signed between 1 May 2014 and 7 July 2014 are set out in the following table.
|
Title of Statutory Instrument |
Reference No. |
Date Signed |
|
Industrial Development (Forfás Dissolution) Act 2014 (Commencement) Order 2014 |
S.I. No. 304 of 2014 |
3 July 2014 |
|
European Communities (Companies) Regulations 2014 |
S.I. No. 306 of 2014 |
3 July 2014 |
|
European Union (Cross-Border Mergers) (Interconnection of Business Registers) Regulations 2014 |
S.I. No 309 of 2014 |
3 July 2014 |
|
European Union (Branch Disclosures) (Interconnection of Business Registers) Regulations 2014 |
S.I. No. 310 of 2014 |
3 July 2014 |
|
Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (Section 2) (Commencement) Order 2014 |
S.I. No. 285 of 2014 |
18 June 2014 |
|
The European Union (Consumer Information, Cancellation and Other Rights) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 |
S.I. No. 250 of 2014 |
5 June 2014 |
|
European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 |
S.I. No. 196 of 2014 |
1 May 2014 |
100. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a guarantee that the free travel pass will not be removed from those in receipt of disability allowance and other disability-related payments. [30424/14]
View answerThe free travel scheme is currently available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over, to carers and to customers under 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type payments. There are currently over 790,000 customers in receipt of free travel. The scheme permits customers to travel for free on most CIE public transport services, LUAS and a range of services offered by up to 90 private operators in various parts of the country. Free travel is also available on cross border journeys to and from Northern Ireland. Customers aged 66 years and over can travel for free on journeys within Northern Ireland.
Funding for the free travel scheme was capped by the previous Government as outlined in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014. To implement this funding cap during a time in which passenger numbers have been increasing each year my Department has had to impose a freeze on the amounts paid to companies and a complete restriction on the admittance of new companies or routes to the scheme. There was no change to the eligibility criteria for the scheme.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and I established a working group with representatives from the two Departments, as well as the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the National Transport Authority to review the free travel scheme. National Transport Authority to review the free travel scheme.
I am aware of the value of the free travel scheme to the elderly and people with disabilities. This review is about ensuring the viability and sustainability of the Free Travel scheme into the future given the increasing number of recipients and the funding pressures. Both the Minister for Transport and I have made it clear that the free travel pass is safe, has been protected in recent budgets and will continue to be protected.
101. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her Department has considered making video guides to assist people with filling in application forms for payments such as domiciliary care allowance. [30425/14]
View answerThe policy of my Department is to ensure application forms are presented in simple, clear, and easy to read format and where the principles of plain English are applied consistently so that forms are accessible to people with varying levels of literacy. Application forms are also made available on request in alternative formats, including audio and braille.
The Department operates a nationwide network of Intreo centres, social welfare and branch offices. In larger offices there are staff dedicated to providing information and explaining the Departments schemes and services available, and to provide assistance to customers to enable them to access their full entitlements. There are also over 200 Citizens Information Centres countrywide who offer a drop in service, where customers can receive help in the completion of application forms.
In 2013, the Departments new website www.welfare.ie was launched which was redesigned to incorporate the full range of services it now delivers. The new website, which has had 1.7 million users this year to date, includes a range of improved navigational features, is clearly laid out and complies with accessibility guidelines to ensure that all users, including those using assistive technologies, can easily access information and services. Customer access to information and services has been improved through the introduction of a number of online services and the addition, earlier this year, of a mobile version of the website.
In order to further improve accessibility of information and services for all customers, my Department will continue to explore alternative channels of communication, including the use of video content, as appropriate.
102. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the cost of restoring the respite grant to €1,700 for all eligible recipients. [30497/14]
View answerThe estimated cost in 2015 of increasing the respite care grant by €325, from €1,375 to €1,700, is €29.3 million in a full year.
104. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 3 July 2014, in relation to funding of an organisation (details supplied), the reason the fact that her Department had conducted an audit which showed up irregularities was not mentioned; and her views on the fact that the two staff who had to leave their employment because of highlighting these irregularities were paid by her Department and Pobal, which have a duty of care to them in that regard. [30538/14]
View answerThis community based company is supported by funding from a variety of sources to provide a range of shared and specialised services to other community and voluntary bodies. The Department of Social Protection supports service provision under the Community Services Programme and the company acts as a scheme sponsors for the Community Employment Programme.
The Department has not conducted an audit of the company and has not identified any irregularities in the operation of the company with respect to its management of the community employment scheme or of the funds granted to it under the community services programme. The contract with the Community Services Programme is managed by Pobal on behalf of the Department.
As indicated in my reply to a previous question on this matter, the Department has engaged with the company, as it does with all sponsor bodies and companies, to ensure that appropriate practices are in place to manage the public funds granted as part of regular monitoring and verification processes. Where infractions of the rules and guidelines of the various schemes and programmes are identified, these are taken to the attention of the Board for appropriate attention. The annual financial statements and audit reports for the company are available through the Companies Registration Office in line with statutory requirements.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is a matter for the Board and Management of the company in the first instance to set the priorities for the company and to manage the resources available to it to meet it objectives and to provide the services it offers. The Department is aware that the company has had to offer redundancies in recent years in response to declines in demand as a result of changes in economic and business conditions, the need for the company to move to a more sustainable level of operations, and to address its cost base. This has resulted in curtailments of opening times and other changes in service delivery to produce economies. Responsibility for employees in the company rests with the Board of Directors and such responsibilities remain undiminished because funding is provided by the Department and other funders.
106. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the exemptions available for persons who are 50 years of age or over to avail of an additional year of participation in a community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30578/14]
View answerThere are currently two options for participation on Community Employment (CE) based on the length of time a person has been in receipt of CE-qualifying social welfare payments:
- Part-time Integration Option (PTI) which is a one-year programme of CE for those who have generally been in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payments for 52 continuous weeks or more; or
- Part-time Job Option (PTJ) which is a three year programme of CE subject to annually renewable contracts for those who have generally been in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payments for 156 continuous weeks or more.
With effect from 3rd April 2000, lifetime participation on CE by an individual will be limited to:
- 3 years (156 weeks) for persons under 55 years of age,
- 6 years (312 weeks) for persons of 55 years of age up to State Pension age,
- Eligible persons in receipt of a qualifying disability-linked social welfare payment will be eligible for one additional year on CE over the standard maximum participation caps, i.e. 4 years maximum time on CE for those under 55 years of age (PTJ Option only), and 7 years maximum time for those between 55 years of age and State Pension age (PTJ Option only).
Participation on CE prior to 3rd April 2000 is not counted. Offshore island residents are exempt from this participation cap, subject to the availability of places on island-based CE schemes.
In terms of extending a participants time on CE for another year under the PTI Option, the CE Sponsor must submit a proposal for the re-engagement of participants to the Department officials at least 8 weeks before the participant’s annual contract is due to expire. In the application for re-engagement, the Sponsor must identify the circumstances for the re-engagement of each participant, in line with the following criteria:
(i) Where the participant would benefit from continued participation in terms of additional development and training by clearly outlining his/her specific continued engagement within their Individual Learner Plan, or
(ii) Where completion of a project has been delayed for a short time for reasons outside the control of the Sponsor.
Criteria (i) above will be the main basis on which re-engagements will be considered, criteria (ii) is to be treated as exceptional. A maximum of 10% of current PTI participants on a project can apply for re-engagement for a further year. This does not apply to PTJ Option participants. For PTJ Option participants, the Sponsor must again supply the details in writing at least 8 weeks before the project year ends, or the participant’s annual contract is due to expire. Persons considered “job-ready” by their Supervisor at their contract renewal time will not be extended into a further year.
There are no specific “exemptions” per se for those of 50 years or over, as the above standard rules apply to all extensions, subject to the stated participation limits. The operating procedures for CE are kept under review and updated regularly. All amendments are notified to Department staff and CE Sponsors at each new release.
107. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a list of all persons appointed by her to a State board in 2014 to date in tabular form; the name of the person and board in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30598/14]
View answerThe statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a Board) and the Social Welfare Tribunal.
Details of appointments to the Boards in 2014 are set out in the following table.
|
Board |
Name of Person |
|
CIB |
Simonetta Ryan (Departmental representative) Eugene McErlean (Re-appointment) |
|
Pensions Board* |
No Appointments |
|
Pensions Authority |
Jane Williams (Chairperson) continued in her role from the Pensions Board. 2 departmental representatives were appointed; Ms. Anne Vaughan, Deputy Secretary in the Department of Social Protection, who will represent Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, TD; and Ms. Ann Nolan, Second Secretary in the Department of Finance, who will represent the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, TD. |
|
Social Welfare Tribunal |
No Appointments |
*The Pensions Board was renamed the Pensions Authority on 7 March 2014.
A separate Pensions Council is being established to provide policy advice on pension matters to the Tánaiste and Minister. The Council will comprise of a chairperson (who has been announced, but has yet to be formally appointed), representatives from my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Central Bank. The Pensions Regulator will also be on the Pensions Council. Expressions of interest have been sought through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) for between 4 and 8 other members. 56 individuals applied and these applications are currently being considered. It is hoped to make appointments to the Pensions Council shortly.
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when rent support arrears will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30626/14]
View answerThe client concerned was awarded a rent supplement on the 23rd June 2014, backdated to the 6th June, as per the date on the Housing Needs Assessment provided by Carlow County Council. If further arrears are to be assessed by the Department, the client would be required to supply a letter from their County Council stating that a housing need existed prior to the 6th June.
109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when rent support arrears will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
View answerThe client concerned was awarded a rent supplement on the 23rd June 2014, backdated to the 6th June, as per the date on the Housing Needs Assessment provided by Carlow County Council. If further arrears are to be assessed by the Department, the client would be required to supply a letter from their County Council stating that a housing need existed prior to the 6th June.
110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the correct level of payment in respect of one-parent family allowance and-or family income supplement under revised guidelines applicable after 1 July 2014; the extent to which this will represent a loss from previous payment in this regard in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30637/14]
View answerIn accordance with revised guidelines, the person concerned no longer has an entitlement to a one parent family payment. Accordingly the family income supplement payable to the person concerned has been increased to €378.00 per week with effect from 03 July 2014. This represents an overall weekly reduction in payment to the person concerned of €76.40.
111. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will list and itemise the title and reference of every statutory instrument signed by her from 1 May 2014 to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30657/14]
View answerFour Statutory Instruments have been signed since 1 May 2014. Three of these Statutory Instruments have been made under regulatory powers contained in the Pensions Act 1990 dealing with the regulation of occupational pension schemes. The other Statutory Instrument commences sections 13 and 14 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2013, with effect from 1 August 2014. Section 13 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2013 provides for the recovery of the value of certain illness-related social welfare payments from compensation awards made to persons as a consequence of personal injuries claims. Section 14 of that Act makes consequential amendments to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 in the light of the recovery provisions contained in section 13.
Statutory Instruments Signed by Minister for Social Protection since 1 May 2014
|
Statutory Instrument Number |
Title of Statutory Instrument |
Date of signature |
|
S.I. No. 217 of 2014 |
Occupational Pension Schemes (Professional Guidance) (Amendment) Regulations, 2014 |
21 May 2014 |
|
S.I. No. 218 of 2014 |
Occupational Pension Schemes (Preservation of Benefits) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 |
21 May 2014 |
|
S.I. No. 268 of 2014 |
Occupational Pension Schemes (Funding Standard) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 |
16 June 2014 |
|
S.I. No. 308 of 2014 |
Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2013 (Sections 13 and 14) (Commencement) Order 2014 |
4 July 2014 |
