Wednesday, 15 Jul 2015

Written Answers Nos. 26-37

Company Closures

Questions (26)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

26. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his officials and his Department have a policy to open communication with companies and-or organisations in financial difficulty and where a number of jobs are at risk; if they actively work with management and-or owners of such businesses to avoid closure and job losses; if there is a need for further legislation to ensure minimum notice for workers of companies in difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28411/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

A key element of the work of my Department and our Development Agencies (IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland) is to work very closely on an ongoing basis with our client companies to sustain and grow their operations and to ensure that any potential threats to employment in their operations are identified well in advance so they can be addressed before major difficulties emerge.

A very significant level of engagement is carried out with companies, quietly and behind the scenes, to address ongoing challenges and to help the companies to develop new strategies, to change their business models where necessary and to further embed their operations in the Irish economy. This work by the Agencies includes, where appropriate, pursuing relevant Research and Development opportunities; promoting training initiatives; provision of targeted grant aid in specific circumstances; and developing capacity building and transformational management systems.

In addition, an early warning system is in place to flag unexpected job threats which may emerge at short notice. In such instances, the Agencies, my Department and I myself, as Minister, work with the company to develop alternatives or mitigate the worst impact on workers. It is nevertheless, important that, in the event that a company in serious financial difficulty down-sizes or closes, a range of interventions in Government policy areas can be brought to bear such as: the Redundancy Payments Scheme, Labour Activation/Training etc. which seek to ameliorate the impact of job losses.

In particular, the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973, requires employers to give notice of termination or to pay employees in lieu of notice, and outstanding wages, holiday pay, commission and bonuses are protected by the Payment of Wages Act 1991.

In the event that an employer is insolvent, the employees are entitled to seek payment from the State through the Insolvency Payments Scheme, which is administered by the Department of Social Protection (DSP). Employees may also be entitled to payment from this Fund in respect of holiday pay, outstanding pay and minimum notice, amongst others. My Department works with DSP and other Departments to ensure that Government services are made available to workers to clarify their entitlements and to develop other opportunities for those affected.

In addition to the above services, the State's industrial relations machinery is always made available, to assist parties in a dispute situation. It is very heartening that the work of the Labour Court and the Labour Relations Commission, which also come within the remit of my Department, has managed to resolve many apparently intractable disputes and has resulted in very positive outcomes in restructuring situations.

This process, involving many State stakeholders works well. It is continually learning and responding to the changing global environment.

As the existing legislation provides robust protections for employees who find themselves in the type of situation outlined in the Deputy's Question, I do not consider that further legislation is required to ensure minimum notice for workers of companies in difficulty.

Economic Competitiveness

Questions (27)

Dara Calleary

Question:

27. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he will take following the latest National Competitiveness Council Costs of Doing Business in Ireland 2015 report outlining that Ireland was the third most expensive location in the euro area for consumer goods and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28669/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The National Competitiveness Council's Costs of Doing Business in Ireland 2015 report shows that Ireland's cost base has improved across a range of metrics over the last five years, and driven by reforms set out in the Action Plan for Jobs, Ireland's competitiveness position has improved in recent years.

As noted in the Government's Spring Economic Statement, this improvement in competitiveness has facilitated a reallocation of resources towards the tradeable sectors of the economy. Job creation has been the stand-out impact of this improvement. However, as the Council report makes clear, Ireland remains a high cost location for a range of key business inputs and there is a significant risk that recent competitiveness gains may be eroded.

I share the Council's view that structural reform, improving productivity and investing in productive infrastructure as well as maintaining a competitive cost base are critical to further improving Ireland's international competitiveness position and delivering our goal of sustainable full employment by 2018. Ireland's competitiveness position must remain a key economic priority for Government and as set out in the Action Plan for Jobs, a range of initiatives are in train across Government Departments to support competitiveness.

The National Competitiveness Council and my Department and its agencies are continually engaged with relevant stakeholders on the particular policy needs required to support cost competitiveness. The stakeholders include other Government Departments, regulatory bodies and public and private bodies. In this regard, there is a role for both the public and private sectors alike to proactively manage their cost base and drive efficiency, thus creating a virtuous circle between the costs of living, wage expectations and cost competitiveness. Measures that ensure open and competitive markets are also essential. In the longer term, productivity growth is the preferred mechanism to improve competitiveness as it can support cost competitiveness in tandem with increasing employment and living standards.

The policy implications of the Costs of Doing Business in Ireland 2015 report's analysis, and associated structural reforms required to address Ireland's cost base, will be included in the Council's annual Competitiveness Challenge report which will be published later this year.

The Council's report was considered by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs and by Government and Departments have been asked to consider potential actions to improve competitiveness that might be undertaken through the Cabinet Committee structures.

Employment Rights

Questions (28)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

28. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to review the effects seasonality has on work practices experienced by seasonal workers in counties such as Donegal, taking into account the potential effects fluctuating demand in seasonal work may have on the quality of work and that little research has been done into further understanding the work trends in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28657/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

In accordance with the Statement of Government priorities and following a competitive tendering process I have commissioned University of Limerick to undertake a study on the prevalence of zero hour and low hour contracts and the impact of such contracts on employees.

The study has a broad scope, covering both the public and private sectors, with a particular focus on the retail, hospitality, education and health sectors. As the Deputy is aware, seasonal work is a particular feature of both the retail and the hospitality sector.

The Study will fill the gap in knowledge that currently exists in terms of the hard data and information that is available concerning the prevalence of zero hour and low hour contracts in the Irish economy. It will examine how such contracts operate in practice and assess the advantages and disadvantages from the perspective of employer and employee. It will also assess the current employment rights legislation as it applies to employees on such contracts. The findings will enable me to make any evidence-based policy recommendations to Government considered necessary on foot of the study.

A wide range of stakeholders have been canvassed to contribute to the study, which I expect to be completed shortly. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot anticipate the outcome of the study, or the Government's consideration of the study's findings.

Seasonal workers are often engaged on a part-time basis. The Protection of Employment (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 provides robust protections for such workers. It provides that a part-time employee cannot be treated less favourably than a comparable full-time employee regarding conditions of employment, and that all employee protection legislation applies to a part-time employee in the same manner as it already applies to a full-time employee. The Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003 which provides that fixed-term workers may not be treated less favourably than comparable permanent workers may also be of relevance in the context of seasonal workers.

It is worth noting that since the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs in 2012 there are almost 105,000 more people at work. In 2014 alone, employment increased by almost 30,000. Within this figure part-time employment has shrunk by approximately 10,400 while full time employment has increased by 39,600. It is clear that the Government is succeeding in its twin track approach of creating the conditions for job growth and helping people back to work, including young people in particular. For example, the under-25 age group had an unemployment rate of 20.3% at the end of 2014, down from a peak of 33% in early 2012. Based on current trends and projections, the youth unemployment rate should fall below 20% in 2015.

These positive developments have taken place against the backdrop of the Government's agenda to make work pay, key elements of which include the restoration of the cut in the national minimum wage, the establishment of the Low Pay Commission and the reinstatement of the Joint Labour Committee system. When enacted, the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill will provide a new statutory framework to replace the former sectoral Registered Employment Agreements (REAs), and a mechanism for workers who seek to improve their terms and conditions in companies where collective bargaining is not recognised by their employer.

Construction Sector Strategy

Questions (29)

Dara Calleary

Question:

29. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the measures he is taking to increase employment in the construction sector, following measures outlined by the sector which, if enacted, would create some 20,000 new jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28672/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Securing employment opportunities across all sectors of the economy is the priority of the Government's Action Plan for Jobs, including in the construction sector.

In May 2014 the Government published 'Construction 2020 – a Strategy for a Renewed Construction Sector ' to help deliver a competitive, innovative, dynamic, safe and sustainable construction sector, that can make its proper contribution to the economy and to job creation, that is based on best practice, and that is capable of delivering the economic and social infrastructure we need for the future.

Construction 2020 commits the Government to a detailed set of actions to identify and remove unnecessary blockages to appropriate, high quality development, while ensuring that future growth and activity is sustainable, and underpinned by proper data and analysis. It reflects the Government's commitment to moving the country away from cycles of boom and bust.

Construction 2020 contains a detailed programme of work, including 75 time-bound actions across a range of issues including ensuring a highly skilled workforce and ensuring opportunities for construction jobseekers. Progress is being made on securing new employment opportunities for those with the skills and interested in making a career in the construction sector.

The most recent data from the CSO indicates an increase in employment in construction of 19,600 over the year to the end of the first quarter of 2015.

We are working hard in a joined-up way across Government to ensure that the construction sector can continue its recovery and provide employment opportunities for those with the skills needed. Since publication of the Government's Construction 2020 report, our commitment to delivery has been further underpinned by the appointment last July of Minister of State Paudie Coffey, with responsibility for coordinating and driving the important work forward. We have also established a dedicated Cabinet Committee to ensure that focus is maintained at the highest level of Government.

A number of significant milestones have been achieved, and we are seeing welcome and positive signs of recovery in the sector. The most recent Construction Purchasing Managers Index for May 2015 prepared by Ulster Bank indicates a continuing increase in confidence in the sector with a reading of 65.7, where a figure above 50 indicates growth. This reading for May was the highest level since November 2004 and extends the construction sector's continuous expansion to 22 months as recorded by Ulster Bank.

I understand that the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government has received a submission from the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) regarding amendments sought to planning law. The Department is considering the submission and intends to meet with the CIF in the near future to discuss the issues.

In relation to the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI), the Government has signalled its commitment in the Construction 2020 Strategy to placing CIRI on a statutory footing. CIRI is seen as an essential consumer protection measure giving consumers who engage a registered builder the assurance that they are dealing with a competent and compliant operator. CIRI has been operated by the CIF as a voluntary register since May 2015. Legislative proposals aimed at placing CIRI on a statutory footing are currently being finalised by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with a view to their being presented to Government for consideration in the near future.

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Questions (30)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

30. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views regarding the transatlantic trade and investment partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28661/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

A trade agreement between the EU and the US has a huge significance for Ireland.

The relationship between Ireland and the United States is a systemically important one, with close business and economic ties, but also a huge Irish diaspora in the US and unique cultural and political links. The €55 billion in Irish-US trade demonstrates the importance of our economic, investment and business ties. The 135,000 jobs provided in the US by Irish companies and the 120,000 jobs provided by US companies in Ireland, demonstrates how interconnected our economies are.

According to assessments made by the EU Commission, a comprehensive TTIP could over time boost EU GDP by 0.5% bringing significant economic gains as a whole for the EU. This converts into 400,000 jobs across the EU. An independent study commissioned by my Department, carried out by Copenhagen Economics, estimates that these benefits in Ireland will be proportionally greater than in the EU as a whole. It suggests a boost to GDP of 1.1%, growth in Irish exports of almost 4%, increases in investment of 1.5%, and an increase in real wages of 1.5%. It estimates somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 additional export related jobs.

It also suggests that Irish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be particular beneficiaries. Many of these are part of European supply chains where their exports to the UK, Germany or elsewhere to the EU, feed into Europe's exports to the U.S.

Ireland's interests in the TTIP negotiations will be assisted by the indications from the Copenhagen Economic study. We will seek to have opportunities created in the agreement where we have clear strengths, and we will seek defend our interests where we have sensitivities.

As an economy that lives and grows by the freedom to trade, we have first-hand experience of how trade liberalisation has continually shaped and reshaped our economy. The Copenhagen Economics study should also inform our policy responses as a result of TTIP. Some of these may arise from sector impacts that have been identified in the Copenhagen Economics study.

We have used openness to trade in the past, and will continue to use it, as an instrument for structural reform, modernisation and development, creating new opportunities for innovation and stronger productivity growth with higher skilled jobs throughout the economy.

Job Creation Targets

Questions (31)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

31. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which his Department has achieved the various targets in respect of job creation in both the manufacturing and services sectors over the past four and a half years; the degree to which he expects to meet any further targets in this regard in the short and medium term; if any particular issue has been identified as positive or otherwise in the pursuit of job creation in respect of all age groups, including the long-term unemployed and young unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28626/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The Action Plan for Jobs is having a positive impact on employment in the economy, since the first Plan was launched in early 2012. As of Q1 2015, there were an additional 104,000 at work in the economy since the launch of the first Action Plan for Jobs, which achieved and exceeded the Government's target of 100,000 extra at work by 2016. The services sector made the largest contribution to the achievement of the Government's target of 100,000 more at work. Following a number of years of decline in employment from 2007, I am pleased to report that the manufacturing sector has also recorded increases in job numbers since 2011.

In relation to agency assisted firms, the net increase in full-time employment since the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs to 2014 is 25,665, of which there a was a net increase of 8,051 in manufacturing employment and a net increase of 17,614 in internationally traded services employment. Just under one-third, or 31 per cent, of the net increase in full-time employment in agency assisted firms was in manufacturing and two-thirds of the net increase was in internationally traded services enterprises, since the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs.

Arising from the strategy for the manufacturing sector 'Making it in Ireland: Manufacturing 2020', prepared by Forfás and the report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs Skills Report on the skills needs for the sector, both of which I launched in 2013, there are now a range of initiatives being progressed by my Department and relevant Agencies to drive the Government's jobs targets.

Manufacturing was a Disruptive Reform in the Action Plan for Jobs 2014 and is a key focus in the 2015 Action Plan for Jobs and also in the regional Action Plans for Jobs, with a range of measures designed to support industry growth including encouraging entrepreneurship, further improving our skills base, improving access to finance by SMEs and supporting indigenous companies and foreign-owned manufacturing companies to transform their businesses as part of a National Step Change Initiative. The Manufacturing Development Forum is helping to address the key issues arising from the Strategy recommendations. My Department is also preparing a guide for manufacturing firms to state support available. These initiatives are important to growing and sustaining the competitiveness of existing enterprises, to sustaining employment and to attracting new investment.

For both manufacturing and services sectors, skills and talent development and attraction are critically important. We have a good skills base on which to grow our manufacturing and services sectors and as the economy recovers there will be further opportunities for the unemployed. My Department and its agencies have a Protocol in place with the Department of Social Protection to ensure that where new job openings are available, there is an efficient and timely matching between those unemployed and skills required by enterprise and that appropriate training or development is available. The Apprenticeship Council is also in the process of reviewing a range of proposals for new apprenticeships to meet the current and future skills needs of manufacturing and services sectors. These new apprenticeships will also provide a range of opportunities for the long term and youth unemployed.

The development of the Competitiveness for manufacturing and services investment remains an ongoing area of focus and, as we were reminded recently by the National Competitiveness Council when they published the 2015 Cost of Doing Business Report, while we have made progress in improving our comparative position, there is still further progress required. Costs in Ireland have fallen across a range of business inputs since 2009, making Ireland more competitive internationally. This is reflected in our ongoing ability to successfully compete internationally for trade and investment and in our improving performance across a range of international competitiveness benchmarking reports – for example, we have moved from 24th to 16th in the IMD's World Competitiveness Yearbook.

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Questions (32)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

32. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he and his Department have concerns regarding the effects the transatlantic trade and investment partnership will have on farmers in countries in the developing world, their fears of further harassment and intimidation from multinational corporations, and the fears that giving more powers to large profit-making corporations will cause further misery to local farmers. [19337/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

According to assessments made by the EU Commission, a comprehensive EU/US free trade agreement could over time boost EU GDP by 0.5% per annum bringing significant economic gains as a whole for the EU. This converts into 400,000 jobs across the EU. An independent study commissioned by my Department carried out by Copenhagen Economics estimates that these benefits in Ireland will be proportionally greater than in the EU as a whole. It suggests growth in Irish exports of almost 4%, increases in investment of 1.5% and increase in real wages of 1.5%. It estimates somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 additional export related jobs.

As regards impact on third countries, the independent study carried out by the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) for the European Commission indicates that TTIP could bring an overall estimated gain for third countries of between €46.6 billion (an increase of 0.07 % of world GDP) and €99.2 billion (0.14 % of world GDP), and an increase in exports from third countries of between 0.51 % and 1.04 %. This is because more growth in the EU and US would increase demand for exports from other countries of raw materials, components and machinery, finished products, and business services like customer support or after-sales care. The wider the scope of the Agreement, the more it would benefit the rest of the world. For example, if the EU and US harmonised technical standards in some areas, other countries could adopt these too which would mean that instead of having to produce to two sets of standards, they could produce to one set. That would in turn make trade easier and less costly. The CEPR study also found that low income countries would see GDP gains of some €2.4billion.

The EU also works in other ways to help developing countries benefit from trade and attract more foreign investment. One example is the Cotonou Agreement, which is a Treaty between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. It is aimed at the reduction and eventual eradication of poverty while contributing to sustainable development and to the gradual integration of ACP countries into the world economy. Another example is through our active involvement in the latest round - known as the Doha Round - of global trade talks between members of the World Trade Organisation, where one of the main goals is to help developing countries share in the growth in world trade.

The European Union's aim for coherence between trade and development policies is clearly set out in the EU Commission's negotiating mandate for TTIP where it states that the European Union's partnership with the United States is based on common principles and values consistent with the principles and objectives of the European Union's external action.

The mechanisms under the Cotonou Agreement are providing a positive framework for discussion between the European Union and African Caribbean and Pacific countries on the progress and possible impacts of TTIP. The most recent discussions took place at the ACP EU Council of Ministers on 28-29th May and at the Joint ACP EU Ministerial Trade Committee on 26th June.

National Policy Statement on Entrepreneurship

Questions (33)

David Stanton

Question:

33. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation how his Department is assisting in progressing the objectives of the national policy statement on entrepreneurship published in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28654/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The Government's National Policy Statement on Entrepreneurship in Ireland was launched in October 2014 and sets out the Government's strategic objectives as a facilitator within the Irish entrepreneurship ecosystem, covering the six key elements that impact on entrepreneurs and startups, and signposts the direction that policy will take in the coming years. This Policy Statement represents the first time a Government has published a comprehensive national plan for entrepreneurship in Ireland. The key target contained in the plan is to double the jobs impact of start-ups in Ireland over the next five years.

The National Policy Statement on Entrepreneurship is the Government's plan to deliver an ambitious but realistic increase in the numbers of start-ups in Ireland over the next five years. The Government has set out a vision for Ireland to be among the most entrepreneurial nations in the world and to be acknowledged as a world-class environment to start and grow a business. By driving implementation of the actions in the new National Entrepreneurship Policy Statement we will double the jobs impact of start-ups in Ireland over the next five years, from 93,000 currently.

I have established and chair an Implementation Group to drive delivery, oversee implementation and monitor progress on the 94 actions set out in the Policy Statement. This Group will also support my Department in seeking to identify and consider further initiatives to support the entrepreneurship agenda in Ireland.

Membership of this group is drawn from the enterprise development agencies, key central government stakeholders such as the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Finance, and most importantly entrepreneurs themselves.

The Action Plan for Jobs 2015 details a number of the immediate key actions to support the Government's ambition and confirms the commitment to continue to identify new approaches that will enhance and strengthen Ireland's entrepreneurial ecosystem and ultimately create jobs. Key actions are set out to expand reform measures to boost entrepreneurship across all areas of the economy and society.

A number of the key objectives to support entrepreneurship delivered in 2015 include:

- Launch of the Regional Action Plans for Jobs;

- Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur 2015 competition launched;

- Launch of the Startup Refunds for Entrepreneurs (SURE) scheme;

- Continue to promote LEOs as one stop shops for small business; and

- Develop an action programme of support for pre-investment HPSUs.

All actions related to entrepreneurship within the Action Plan for Jobs 2015 have been delivered on schedule under the quarter one update. The quarter two update has not been finalised yet, but there are no indications to suggest that any related actions are delayed. Considerable work has been undertaken in recent years to support entrepreneurs and startups and the actions identified in the National Entrepreneurship Policy Statement will strengthen existing supports.

No one policy intervention will generate substantial impact on the entrepreneurship ecosystem, but various actions if taken together will combine to create greater synergies. The overarching National Entrepreneurship Statement serves to co-ordinate all areas of Government policy in the area of entrepreneurship to drive these synergies and will deliver on the targets I referred to above.

Export Controls

Questions (34)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

34. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if human rights criteria have been considered when granting export licences for military list products to Israel in the past ten years; if he will confirm that the Israeli Defence Forces are the end user of military list products exported to Israel; and if, on any of these occasions, a licence was refused due to the breaching by Israel of Criterion 2 of the 2008 European Union Common Position on Arms Exports. [28663/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

My Department is responsible for controls on the export of military items from Ireland. Under Irish law, military export licences have to be sought in respect of the goods and technology, and any components thereof, listed in the Annex to the Control of Exports (Goods and Technology) Order, S.I.216 of 2012 which reflects the EU Common Military List.

The EU Common Military List includes military goods and technology, and components for such items that should be licensed for export from the Union. Items which are classified as “military goods” from an export control perspective and which are exported from Ireland involve components rather than military equipment.

The Department consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in respect of all military export licence applications. All military licence applications are subject to rigorous scrutiny, and are considered in the light of the spirit and objectives of the 1998 EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports. This Code, which was subsequently adopted in 2008 as an EU Common Position, seeks to safeguard, among other concerns, regional stability and human rights.

Criterion two of the Common Position is “Respect for human rights in the country of final destination as well as respect by that country of international humanitarian law”. This criterion, along with the other criteria of the Common Position, is considered when reviewing any military export licence application.

All applications for military export licenses are very carefully assessed against well-established criteria. Proposed exports of Military List products to Israel, as with all other destinations, are subject to a rigorous licence application process which centres on a careful assessment of the nature of the product in question and the proposed end-user and end-use.

In view of security concerns and the relatively small number of export licence holders, it is the policy of my Department not to provide details as to whether or not a certain end-user was supplied controlled goods under an export licence. Confirming this detail, or where such exports took place, providing the information requested by the Deputy, would potentially allow exporters to be identified.

Similarly, it is the policy of my Department to not identify the end-users or destinations associated with denied export licence applications.

The Information Commissioner has previously affirmed my Department's decision to not release confidential export licensing information that could identify export licence holders.

From the data currently to hand I have however provided below details of licences issued for the export of Military List items to all end-users in Israel from 2011 to date.

Licences issued for the export of Military List items to Israel - 2011 to date

Eleven licences for the export of Military List items to Israel have been issued from 2011 to date. Details are provided below.

2011

Three licences for the export of Military List products to Israel were issued in 2011, to the total value of €6.138 million. Two licences were issued for Military List (ML) “category 6” items while one was issued for ML “category 22” items. The ML “category 6 “refers to “Ground Vehicles and Components”, while ML “category 22” refers to “Technology”. “Technology” is that which is “required for the development, production or use of items or components specified in the EU Common Military List”.

2012

One licence for the export of Military List products to Israel was issued in 2012. The value of the licence was €39,525 and it was issued for ML “category 6” items, i.e. “Ground Vehicles and Components”.

2013

Five licences for the export of Military List products to Israel were issued in 2013, to the total value of €119,971. Two licences were issued for ML “category 6” items while three were issued for ML “category 10” items. The ML “category 10” refers to “Aircraft, lighter-than-air vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles “UAVs”), aero-engines and aircraft equipment, related equipment, and components”.

2014

Two licences for the export of Military List products to Israel were issued during the first quarter of 2014, to the total value of €126,637. Both licences were issued for ML “category 6” items. I can confirm that no licences for the export of Military List products to Israel have been granted since the end of the first quarter of 2014. No applications for the export of Military List products to Israel have been received during that period.

The figures provided above represent the maximum value which can be exported under the above export licences and not the value of the goods and technology actually exported under those licences. It is important to recall that items which were classified as “military goods” from an export control perspective and which were exported from Ireland involved components for inclusion in, rather than finished military equipment.

Job Creation

Questions (35)

David Stanton

Question:

35. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 31 of 16 October 2014, the strategies and policies in place to encourage enterprise and employment in regional towns, in particular, progress in the development of regional enterprise strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28653/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Last February, the Government announced details of the Action Plan for Jobs: Regional initiative which seeks to build on the existing strengths and assets of each region to maximise enterprise growth and job creation. This initiative will see Action Plans drawn up for eight regions at NUTS III level.

As I pointed out in my reply to the Deputy's question of 16th October 2014, the Government's efforts are not specifically focused on regional towns, but on building the enterprise base across regions as a whole. The regional Action Plans for Jobs will identify measures that can be taken to enable each region to build on its competitive strengths and increase the number of people at work in the region. Clearly, the benefits of increased employment throughout a region will have a positive impact on individual towns in that region.

The first two regional Action Plans for Jobs, covering the Midlands and the South West regions, were published in the last two weeks. The Plans include an analysis of the characteristics and strengths of each region, followed by a series of actions under thematic headings such as Driving Entrepreneurship, Attracting and Embedding Foreign Direct Investment, and Building Sectoral Opportunities. My Department is continuing to work on the finalisation of a number of further regional Action Plans which will be launched shortly.

In addition, the Government will provide up to €250 million in funding over the next five years to support the Action Plan for Jobs: Regional initiative. €150 million of this funding will support an IDA property programme, while up to €100 million will be made available through Enterprise Ireland for three separate competitive calls which will support innovative and collaborative approaches to job creation across the regions. The first two of these calls were launched on 15th May, with a closing date of 10th July 2015. Each call will provide €5 million over the period 2015-2017 for community-based initiatives and for collaborative projects from Local Enterprise Offices respectively. A third competitive call for proposals for regional job-creation projects will be announced in the Autumn.

Aviation Industry Regulations

Questions (36)

Clare Daly

Question:

36. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation whether he has conducted any research or investigation into employment practices in the aviation sector given the particular importance of staff welfare in an employment which has critical functions in terms of the safety of passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28415/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

I am aware of a study of atypical employment in the European aviation sector which was commissioned by the European Social partners in the aviation sector and which was published earlier this year.

I understand from my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, who has responsibility for the aviation sector, that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has competence for all areas of aviation safety in the EU and is best placed to give an expert view on any potential safety impacts of various working arrangements.

Earlier this year EASA established a working group to examine Developing Business Models in Aviation. The Irish aviation authority participates in the working group and its work is ongoing.

Legislative packages in both the transport and social policy sphere are included in the new Commission's work programme, both of which will be relevant for employment in the aviation sector. This is an important sector for Ireland and my Department liaises closely with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on such matters.

Small and Medium Enterprises Supports

Questions (37)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

37. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will converse with both the Minister for Finance and the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to address the impact pay-related social insurance rates and commercial rates are having on small and medium-sized businesses and their ability to employ when they are struggling to profit financially; his views on the fact that a number of small businesses have had to let persons go owing to the fact that administration costs and taxation are affecting their ability to operate; and if it would be beneficial to all parties to have an interdepartmental approach to boosting employment and prospects for growing businesses. [28650/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

A key objective of the Action Plan for Jobs process which this Government commenced in 2012 was to rebuild our competitiveness and provide a solid foundation for future growth. The recovery in jobs and exports to date is in large part due to the considerable improvement in competitiveness that has taken place in recent years.

Our improved competitiveness is reflected in our international rankings also. Since 2011, Ireland's rankings in both the IMD and WEF competitiveness reports has improved - from 24th to 16th in the IMD's World Competitiveness Yearbook and in the World Bank's Doing Business 2015 report, Ireland is ranked 13th out of 189.

As noted in the Government's Spring Economic Statement, the growth outlook for the economy is positive for the coming years, which will provide opportunities for all sectors of the economy and small businesses in particular spread throughout the country to share in the recovery. This is a key objective of the Regional Action Plans for Jobs that my Department is currently developing and local authorities in every region are involved in seeking to identify how to improve the operating environment for business in their regions.

However, as we were reminded by the recent publication of the National Competitiveness Council's Cost of Doing Business report, we need to sustain the progress made over the last four years in improving our cost base. This extends to all areas of the economy, including areas such as personal taxation and commercial rates.

In order to ensure we have a cross-government and inter-departmental approach to the issues of costs for business and that we can sustain and grow employment, the Council's report was considered by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs and by Government. Departments have been asked to consider potential actions to improve competitiveness that might be undertaken through the Cabinet Committee structures.

The Minister for Finance is reviewing on an ongoing basis the taxation issues for business and in this context launched a public consultation on Tax and Entrepreneurship on 2nd June last and I look forward to the outcome of that consultation process.

In relation to commercial rates, local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.

The annual rate on valuation (ARV), which is applied to the valuation for each property determined by the Valuation Office to obtain the amount payable in rates, is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function.

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is aware of the continued need to restrain the costs on businesses. His Department has in recent years requested local authorities to exercise restraint in setting, and where possible to reduce, ARVs and they have responded positively in this regard. The national average ARV decreased each year from 2010 to 2014; 2015 is not directly comparable due to the local authority mergers and the necessity to harmonise rates across new local authority areas.

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will continue to keep the approach to rates by local authorities under active review, and is determined that every avenue will be pursued to optimise efficiency and contain costs in the local government sector.