Thursday, 16 Jul 2015

Written Answers Nos. 256-275

Office of Public Works Properties

Questions (256)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

256. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has any plans to provide toilet facilities at a tourist attraction (details supplied) in County Donegal; if an assessment has been carried out as to the feasibility of providing toilet facilities; if the Office of Public Works has examined the possibility of providing a café or other tourist reception infrastructure close to the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30091/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Grianan of Aileach is a National Monument which attracts large numbers of visitors. While there is a Council owned carpark at the base of the Grianan, the Office of Public Works (OPW) does not currently provide a guide service or visitor facilities at the site. Further development within the area in the care of the OPW, the footprint of the monument, would not be possible as the entire hill is archaeologically sensitive and no ground disturbance could be allowed.

The Grianan, unfortunately, also suffers from a significant amount of anti-social behaviour and it is not considered appropriate to provide stand alone facilities such as toilets at the site. However, in the context of the Wild Atlantic Way project, the Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, the OPW, Fáilte Ireland and other relevant partners are currently examining how best to meet the needs of visitors to unattended National Monument Sites, such as the Grianan, along the entire Wild Atlantic Way route.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (257)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

257. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is responsible for all board appointments where such power to appoint persons to State boards is vested in him by statute; if any politically appointed State employee outside of his Department is involved in decision-making concerning such appointments, in particular, if, during the lifetime of the Government, a named person (details supplied) has had any influence over any appointments made by him; if he or officials from his Department have corresponded with that person regarding the composition of and appointments to State boards to which he has statutory power to make appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30115/15]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In response to the Deputy's question I am responsible for appointments to State Boards under my remit and am not aware of any communication between members of my Department and the person identified in your question.

The Deputy will be aware that in September 2014 the Government agreed to introduce a new system for State Board Appointments.  Building on the earlier 2011 decision, this decision required my Department to prepare guidelines on a new process to be agreed by Government.

The Guidelines were approved by Government in November 2014 and seek to provide good practice rules around the implementation of the decision, which has at its core three key principles:

- promote wider access to opportunities on State Boards;

- put in place detailed and comprehensive criteria for those roles; and   

- introduce transparent and rigorous assessment of candidates against these criteria.

The guidelines clarify which positions on boards they apply to and change the process around Ministerial appointments of individuals to State Boards.

The new arrangements provide for a robust selection system operated independently by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) with selection being based on objective criteria. The new arrangements ensure that candidates recommended for appointment have the skills and competencies required to carry out their duties on a State Board. 

Under the new system for appointments to State Boards, the specific requirements identified for board roles will be published as well as information illustrating the knowledge, skills, experience and expertise possessed by appointees conforming to those requirements.

Applications are welcome from people who believe they have the relevant skills and experience to join a State Board, barring any disqualifications that may apply under legislative provision. Persons interested in serving on a board should apply via the State Boards portal run by PAS at www.stateboards.ie.

Departmental Funding

Questions (258)

Denis Naughten

Question:

258. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total current and capital funding allocated to his Department; the underspend or overspend in 2015 to date under each category based on his Department's spending profile; the funding made available within and external to his Department's functions to support innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30130/15]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In response to the Deputy's question the following tables outline the total current and capital funding allocated to his Department; the under or overspend year to date in 2015 in my Department.

PROGRAMME EXPENDITURE

A - PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND SECTORAL POLICY

Programme Expenditure	2015 End - June Estimate			2015 End-June Actual
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total	(Under)/Overspend
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
A.1 - Administration - Pay	3,520		3,520	3,520		3,520	-
A.2 - Administration - Non-Pay	421		421	433		433	12
A.3 - Economic & Social Research Institute - Admin and General Expenses	1,275		1,275	430		430	(845)
A.4 - Structural Funds Technical Assistance & Other Costs	481		481	475		475	(6)
A.6 - PEACE Programme/Northern Ireland INTERREG	1,264		1,264	1,032		1,032	(232)
A.7 - Special EU Programmes Body	582		582	602		602	20
A.8 - Ireland - Wales and Transnational INTERREG	288		288	309		309	21
A.9 - Consultancy & Other Services	20		20	-		-	(20)
Total							(1,050)

PROGRAMME EXPENDITURE

B - PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT AND REFORM

Programme Expenditure	2015 End - June Estimate			2015 End-June Actual
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total	(Under)/Overspend
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
B.1 - Administration - Pay	6,401		6,401	5,520		5,520	(881)
B.2 - Administration - Non-Pay	667	50	717	683	42	725	8
B.3 - Institute of Public Administration	1,400		1,400	1,400		1,400	-
B.4 - Civil Service Arbitration and Appeals Procedure	17		17	13		13	(4)
B.5 - Consultancy & Other Services	337		337	61		61	(276)
B.6 - Office of the Government Chief Information Officer	1,534	391	1,925	896	104	1,000	(925)
B.7 - Reform Agenda	1,347		1,347	648		648	(699)
B.8 - Employee Assistance Officer Shared Service	605		605	607		607	2
B.9 - Statute Law Revision Programme	190		190	145		145	(45)
Total							(2,820)

An amount of €2.423 million has been allocated within my Department's Vote to the Reform Agenda Fund 2015, which is supporting the delivery of Public Service Reform and Civil Service Renewal.  This funding is being used to support a number of innovative reform initiatives and projects including, for example, the implementation of the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016; the implementation of the Civil Service Renewal Plan; funding for the Benefacts partnership initiative (formerly The Irish NonProfits Project/INKEx); and support for External Service Delivery and Shared Services projects.  It is also being used to support other reform related initiatives such as the Open Government Partnership.

Separately, in January 2015, the Government approved the Public Service ICT Strategy - "Delivering better outcomes and efficiency through innovation and excellence in ICT".  Building on the successful delivery of many existing services, the Strategy sets out how we can operate in a more efficient, shared and integrated manner across all of Government while delivering new and innovative digital services to citizens and businesses. Innovative use of ICT in the Public Service will deliver better value for taxpayers by creating efficiencies through integration, consolidation and sharing of common infrastructure, systems and resources.

The strategy has five key strategic objectives that will set the future direction for innovation and excellence in ICT in Public Service.  A Strategic Implementation Plan is currently being developed and will include business cases for future investment in a number of strategic initiatives.

An amount of €39,033,000 has been allocated within my Department for the National Shared Services Office Vote for 2015. This funding is being used to support the establishment of Shared Services within the Civil Service which is a key innovation initiative in the delivery of Public Service Reform and Civil Service Renewal. Shared services is a recognised model globally for consolidating transactional functions, such as Finance, Payroll, and Human Resources, that improves business performance and drives value through the provision of shared transactional services by an independent service provider to a number of organisations that were previously carried out by each organisation separately. Shared Services improve efficiencies and control by freeing up resources to focus on their core business and eliminating duplication of effort, enabling quicker access to data and improved data quality through process standardisation, specialisation, and technology automation.

Within the Civil Service the introduction of shared services is an important part of the Government's reform programme. The new shared services office began providing HR and Pensions Administration Shared Services to the Civil Service on a phased basis in March 2013 and is continuing to roll this out to other Public Service Bodies throughout this year. The Payroll Shared Service Centre began transacting in December 2013 and this will become fully operational by 2017. There is also a project underway to develop a Financial Management Shared Service Centre for the Civil Service, expected to be operational in 2017.

The Procurement Reform Programme and the establishment of the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) is one of the key government reform programmes designed to achieve significant benefits including savings in public expenditure. The new procurement arrangements will deliver significant benefits to the State by transforming the existing fragmented procurement model to a centre-led structure, underpinned by common policies, processes and systems. The net funding allocation for the Office of Government Procurement in 2015 is estimated at €18.974m.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (259)

Denis Naughten

Question:

259. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department or agencies under the authority of his Department have performed an assessment of the potential savings to be accrued if current paper-based application processes by members of the public were replaced with a fully online application system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30145/15]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy will be aware my Department does not have any paper based application processes for members of the public however we are taking major strides towards a paperless working environment.  We introduced a system for the electronic processing of PQs which has reduced the huge amount of paper associated with this process.  This is complemented by an esubmissions system.  The implementation of an electronic records management system, eDocs, is currently underway.  This system will address the challenges of enabling the department to manage files and documents more effectively removing paper from the process where possible.

The Government's second Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016 was published in January 2014.  This plan places a particular focus on improving service delivery.  This is being implemented in a number of ways including more digital delivery of services, better information sharing and the use of business process improvement to streamline key processes and eliminate duplication.

The bodies under my aegis include the Office of the Ombudsman who operate an online complaints system which also allows the complainant to track the progress of their complaint against a public body.  Similarly, the Office of the Information Commissioner also has a facility for making online applications for review of Freedom of Information decisions by public bodies, but also accepts written applications for reviews.  The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) use a fully on-line application process since the beginning of the 2007-2014 EU Programme period and I can confirm that SEUPB does not print application forms.  As part of their Strategic Plan 2015-2016 the Valuation Office are developing the range and quality of online services offered to their customers in line with their eGovernment Strategy.  The application process for campaigns run by the Public Appointments Service is already an online application process through publicjobs.ie. Members of the public interested in acting on State Boards can apply online through stateboards.ie.

The OPW have advised that they will respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Departmental Reports

Questions (260)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

260. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when his Department's annual report for 2014 will be published. [30218/15]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The 2014 Annual Report for my Department was published on the Department's website in March 2015 and is available at http://www.per.gov.ie/annual-progress-report-2014/ in both English and Irish.

Commercial Rates Valuation Process

Questions (261)

Denis Naughten

Question:

261. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a mezzanine floor which is freestanding and not structurally attached to the building is excluded from a valuation assessment under the Valuation Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30222/15]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Valuation Act, 2001 provides in Schedule 3, Sections 1(a) and (b) that all buildings and lands used or developed for any purpose including constructions affixed thereto are rateable.  The basic premise under the Act is that all interests (including buildings) and lands used or developed for any purpose (irrespective of whether such lands are surfaced) and any constructions affixed thereto which pertain to that use or development are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act.

The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Valuation Act, 2001 and the making of valuations for rating is his sole prerogative. The statute does not accord me any function in this regard. Mezzanines which are considered by the Valuation Office to be an integral part of the structure of the building are rateable. Less permanent structures which are not an integral part of the building are not rateable. The ratability of other structures affixed to a property to increase the storage capacity of that property must be considered on a case by case basis having regard to the provisions of Schedule 3 of the Valuation Acts 2001 - 2015.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (262)

Denis Naughten

Question:

262. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to address the flooding issue in Ahascragh in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30260/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

As previously outlined to the Deputy in the reply to Parliamentary Question 38476 of 8 October 2014, the Ahascragh River forms part of the Ahascragh River Drainage District and, as such, the responsibility for maintenance rests with the relevant local authority, in this case Galway County Council. Under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, as amended, all local authorities are required to provide to the Office of Public Works an annual report in respect of the condition of the Drainage Districts within their care. The most recent report submitted by Galway County Council covers the year ended 31st December, 2013 and shows that the Council expended €15,000 on maintaining the district.

A national programme of Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Studies, which is being carried out by several engineering consultancies over six regions, is focused on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs). The designated AFAs were selected following the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) phase in 2011. Arising from the PFRA, Ahascragh has been designated as one of the AFAs and is being assessed under the Shannon CFRAM Study which OPW is currently undertaking in partnership with the relevant local authorities including Galway County Council.

Under the CFRAM Study, draft predictive flood mapping has been produced for Ahascragh. A Public Consultation Day on the draft flood maps was held in Ahascragh on 26 February 2015. The draft flood maps are currently available for inspection on the Shannon CFRAM Study website www.shannoncframstudy.ie. A national consultation process on the draft flood mapping is scheduled to take place in the autumn. Following the finalisation of the flood mapping and the assessment of appropriate flood risk management options, the final output from this important project will be integrated Flood Risk Management Plans containing specific measures to address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risk identified. The CFRAM Programme will be used to determine national priorities for future State investment in flood defences.

Office of the Ombudsman Investigations

Questions (263)

Finian McGrath

Question:

263. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 290 of 23 June 2015, the options that are open to a person who is still dissatisfied with the way the Ombudsman investigated that person's complaints and with the in-house complaints process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30389/15]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The reply to PQ 290 explained about the independent role of the Ombudsman and outlined details of the non-statutory internal appeals procedure for decisions of the Ombudsman.  This allows for a re-examination of a complaint by a caseworker who has had no previous involvement in the case and who is in a more senior position than the original caseworker.  Details of this procedure are available on the Ombudsman's website.  As with any public body, if a member of the public is dissatisfied with an action or decision taken, it is open to the person to take a case for judicial review against the Ombudsman or indeed the public body about which the original complaint was made.

Departmental Legal Cases

Questions (264)

Finian McGrath

Question:

264. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 98 of 12 June 2014, the outcome of the application for legal costs made by the Commission for Public Service Appointments; if he will detail the amount the proceeding has cost to date; his views on whether an alternative dispute resolution mechanism may have been more cost effective in dealing with the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30390/15]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I understand that the costs arising from the Commission for Public Service Appointments' successful defence of a Judicial Review case have not yet been settled and have been referred to the Taxing Master. I consider therefore that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this matter pending the conclusion of the hearing on costs.

Office of Public Works Properties

Questions (265)

Finian McGrath

Question:

265. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 314 of 13 May 2015 and 85 of 8 July 2015, if he will address the question (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30393/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

As stated in replies to previous Questions Nos. 314 of 13 May, 2015 and 85 of 8 July 2015, the site in question at Anne Street was acquired by the OPW from Wexford Borough Council in exchange for a site owned by the Commissioners at King Street. The Anne Street site was assembled by Wexford Borough Council prior to the property exchange.

In relation to a number of the questions submitted by the Deputy, the OPW has no information regarding the compilation of the Anne Street site by Wexford Borough Council. All questions relating to this are a matter for Wexford Borough Council.

The current OPW Office at Anne Street were designed in accordance with client Department requirements. The successful contractor was appointed following a competitive tender competition.

The OPW has no information on the beneficiaries of any insurance payout arising from the fire at the County Hotel in July, 1994.

Regarding the chain of title to the current Government Offices site, the following is the sequence of events:

One part of the Anne Street site, formerly owned by Raymond Corish and Company and registered under Folio 19285F was acquired by Wexford Borough Council. This was transferred to OPW in exchange for the site in King Street owned by OPW. On completion of the legal formalities, OPW's title was registered under Folio 21417F. The other part of the Anne Street site, was also acquired from Wexford Borough Council, by OPW in 1997 and was registered under Folio 22940F.

Work Permits Applications

Questions (266)

Michael Ring

Question:

266. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision regarding their application for a work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30161/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

A General Employment Permit application in respect of the person named by the Deputy was received in my Department on 14 April 2015. Additional information was requested in respect of this application relating to the nature of the business and this information was received on 23 June 2015. The Department are currently processing completed General Employment Permit applications received on 15 June 2015. Accordingly, it is expected that a decision will be made on this application in the next 2-3 weeks.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (267)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

267. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his Department's priorities for the remainder of this Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29588/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

In addition to ensuring good governance in the overall operations of my Department, priorities in my Department for the remainder of the term of this Dáil are set out in the following three tables.

Programme for Government 2011-2016 - priorities for DJEI for the remainder of this Dáil:

Table 1

Ref No.	Arising From	Commitment (detail)
1.5.5	Programme for Government	Develop a National Intellectual Property (IP) protocol to give predictability about the terms on which business can access IP created in Higher Education Institutions and the wider digital sector. The IP Protocol was published in June 2012, the purpose of which is to help the enterprise sector to access the research undertaken in Ireland’s universities, institutes of technology and other public research institutions. Work on a revised ‘IP Protocol 2015’ is currently underway. A key recommendation of the 2012 report centres around the establishment of a Central Technology Transfer Office (ctto) to provide an effective interface between industry and the research community and to drive a world class technology transfer system in Ireland, ensuring it is responsive to the needs of both industry and academia. The ctto branded ‘Knowledge Transfer Ireland’, was launched in May 2014 along with a website offers businesses a searchable database of research and expertise available in Irish HEIs and access to opportunities to license new technologies and IP as well as access to a range of practical guides and model agreements all of which will help businesses to engage with the research sector.
1.5.6	Programme for Government	Promote and support investment in technology research, development and commercialisation beyond basic research supported by Science Foundation Ireland, as well as removing barriers to innovation and accelerate exploitation of new technologies. The IP Protocol and Knowledge Transfer Ireland, referred to above, will support both industry parties and research performing organisations in making their commercial negotiations on the exploitation of new technologies and ideas faster, more consistent and more transparent. In 2013 SFI’s legal remit was extended to include applied research in areas of importance to Ireland’s economy to complement with its original mandate of funding oriented basic research. Extending the remit of SFI to fund applied research will also help bring the outcomes of research funded since the establishment of SFI closer to market.
1.5.7	Programme for Government	Target key technology areas and sectors where innovation can be applied including but not limited to high value manufacturing, advanced materials, nanotechnology, bioscience, electronics, photonics and electrical systems and information and communication technology. The report of the Research Prioritisation Steering Group recommended 14 areas of opportunity as well as underpinning technologies and infrastructure to support these priority areas which should receive the majority of competitive public investment in STI over the coming 5 years. Following publication of the report on 1st March 2012, the Prioritisation Action Group (PAG) was established, under the chairmanship and political leadership of the Minister for Research and Innovation to drive implementation of research prioritisation under the broader authority of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs. Action Plans to drive implementation have been developed for each priority area and were approved by Government in June 2013 along with a detailed Framework of Metrics and Targets drawn up to measure the outputs and impact of public investment in STI including the impact of research prioritisation. The first annual report tracking progress on implementation of research prioritisation was published on 4 July 2014. An independent panel has been appointed to report on the effectiveness of research prioritisation.
1.5.8	Programme for Government	Focus on the application of technological innovation in established sectors of the economy like energy generation and supply, transport, creative industries, high-value services and architecture and construction by identifying challenges, establishing priorities and developing strategies which specify necessary actions to transition to more innovative approach. See 1.5.7 above in relation to Research Prioritisation
1.5.9	Programme for Government	We will continue to promote Ireland’s full engagement with the ‘Innovation Union’ proposals issued by the European Commission in October 2010 as one of the seven flagship initiatives under EU2020 Strategy, with the specific aim of refocusing R&D and innovation policy on major challenges and at turning inventions into products.
1.5.10	Programme for Government	Establish a network of Technology Research Centres focused on applied technological research in specific areas, to be linked to appropriate higher-education institutions. The centres will accelerate exploitation of new technologies by providing infrastructure that bridges gap between research and technology commercialisation. We will initially establish 3 additional centres focusing on biotechnology, nanotechnology and high value manufacturing. Further centres from a number of other areas will be selected at a later time. Enterprise Ireland have established a network of 15 Technology Centres across a range of areas of direct relevance to enterprise research needs covering manufacturing & materials, cloud, analytics & learning technologies, energy, business processes & financial services as well as food & health. Over 300 companies are directly engaged with these 15 Technology Centres.
1.5.11	Programme for Government	Support the development of an International Content Services Centre to make Ireland world leader in managing intellectual property. A Feasibility Study was commissioned and finalised in January 2013. The study is still part of the deliberative process and consideration is being given to the findings and recommendations of the study in the context of development of broader FDI and Intellectual Property policy generally.
1.5.12	Programme for Government	We will pioneer within the EU a model of ‘fair use’ in European Copyright Law, like in the USA, which effectively permits the use of portions of a copyrighted work so long as the normal economic exploitation of the originating work is not undermined. This will allow internet companies and other digital innovators to bring their services to market.
1.5.2	Programme for Government	We will support our indigenous digital game industry by reforming R&D supports available to the industry, setting aside funding from Innovation Fund Ireland for a seed capital scheme for Irish digital gaming start-ups, introduce a digital media component to Transition Year programmes and promote Ireland as digital gaming hub.
1.6.3	Programme for Government	We will reform the Joint Labour Committee structure, beginning with the appointment of independent chairpersons to JLCs, who will retain a casting vote. Reform options will examine the rate of pay for atypical hours. Currently there are three JLCs fully operational; Security, Contract Cleaning and Hairdressing.
1.6.6	Programme for Government	A key part of reducing regulatory burdens is better communication to increase awareness of regulation. Making it easier for small businesses and start-ups to identify the regulations that apply to them is important. We have already developed and launched the www.businessregulation.ie web portal, which brings together in one place many strands of regulatory and compliance information applicable to business, along with links to supports for small businesses and start-ups. The functionality of the portal will be reviewed with a focus on enhancing access and information for small and micro businesses. Further, my Department has instituted a series of free business communication events called Taking Care of Business (TCOB), where business people can hear short presentations on regulation and available supports and interact with personnel from up to 30 agencies. Five events have been held to date and 1,700 business people have participated. The next Taking Care of Business (TCOB) event will take place in Drogheda on the 8th October. The Workplace Relations Reform Programme will deliver a simplified two-tiered structure, amalgamating the existing five Bodies and providing for a single body of first instance, the Workplace Relations Commission, and a single body of appeal, in effect an enhanced Labour Court. The Workplace Relations Act 2015 was signed into law by the President on 20th May, 2015. The Minister has announced that the Act will be commenced on 1st October, 2015.
1.7.3.	Programme for Government	We will support the development of a more dynamic, venture capital industry in Ireland by seeking to attract top tier venture financing and investment companies to Ireland, such as Silicon Valley Bank.
1.7.4	Programme for Government	We will work to promote a greater appreciation of the co-operative model as a distinct form of organisation, ensure a level playing field between co-operatives and the other legal options for structuring enterprise activities, and provide a conductive framework for the full potential of the co-operative model to be realised, including in areas such as childcare, education, housing, energy retrofitting, environmental protection, transport and healthcare. The Friendly Societies and Industrial Provident Societies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill was enacted on 21 July (No. 19 of 2014). Parts 1-3 of the Act were commenced with effect from 28 July 2014. Part 4 (Application of Examinership to co-operatives) was commenced with effect from the 1st July 2015. The responsibility of my Department lies in the legislative provision for co-operatives in general. Any initiatives to facilitate or promote the development of co-operatives in particular sectors, for example group water schemes, renewable energy or agricultural co-operatives, would be a matter for colleagues in the respective Government Departments.
1.8.25	Programme for Government	DJEI will seek to establish Ireland as a renewable manufacturing hub to attract international and domestic investment. It was envisaged that the opportunity to develop a renewable manufacturing hub would be greatly facilitated by the proposed Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the United Kingdom to facilitate trade in renewable electricity. The IGA did not proceed in 2014 and may be re-visited at a later date.
2.8.10	Programme for Government	On foot of the Government decision in 2012 to reform the system for delivery of State supports to micro and small enterprises, the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) were legally dissolved on 15th April, 2014 and 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) were established on the same day. Under the legislation the functions, assets and liabilities of the CEBs were transferred to Enterprise Ireland (EI). The LEO structure combines the expert knowledge of the former CEBs, the Business Development expertise of the Local Authorities and is overseen by the dedicated Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland. Prior to the establishment of the LEOs a Service Level Agreement (SLA) was agreed between EI and the Local Authorities in each Local Authority area. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation retains responsibility for policy and budgets.
3.41.6	Programme for Government	We will reform the current law on employees’ right to engage in collective bargaining (the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001), so as to ensure compliance by the State with recent judgements of the European Court of Human Rights. Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2015 expected to be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas on 16 July and to be enacted shortly thereafter.
1.8.7 & 4.15.3	Programme for Government	The Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 came into force on the 31st October 2014. It provides enabling provisions to regulate certain practices in the grocery goods sector. Following a public consultation process which was launched in December 2014 I hope to promulgate regulations before the end of 2015.
	Programme for Government	The Department will continue to support Enterprise Ireland to develop entrepreneurship, growth, internationalisation and innovation within Irish-owned SMEs, with the aim of creating sustainable jobs across all regions of the country.

Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 - priorities for DJEI for the remainder of this Dáil

Table 2

Ref No.	Arising From	Commitment (detail)
5.1.14	Statement of Government Priorities	Since the introduction of the legislation to establish the 31 LEOs, the focus has been on development of customer service, continuity of services and installation of oversight structures. In addition, LEOs have delivered a very successful competition to find Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur which gave rise to over 1000 applications for investment in new business projects from people under 30 years of age. LEOs have also been engaged in many new actions emanating from the Action Plan for Jobs and the Entrepreneurship Policy Statement. The focus over the coming months will be to continue the process of embedding the network of 31 LEOs in every local authority by setting business targets, strengthened customer service, improved communications, and promotion of LEO supports, activities and successes.
5.1.15	Statement of Government Priorities	Implementation of the actions sets out in the National Entrepreneurship Policy Statement which was published in Oct 2014.
5.1.23	Statement of Government Priorities	Implementation of an Integrated Licensing Application Service The contract has been awarded and the development of the system is being rolled out by An Post
5.2.1	Statement of Government Priorities	We will establish a Low Pay Commission on a statutory basis as an independent body to make annual recommendations to the Government about the appropriate level of the minimum wage and related matters. Low Pay Commission Bill was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas on 14 July and will be enacted in the coming days. First recommendation from the Commission to be presented to the Minister by 21 July.
5.2.13	Statement of Government Priorities	We will prioritise the enactment of the Collective Bargaining legislation as approved by Government. Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2015 expected to be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas on 16 July and to be enacted shortly thereafter.
5.2.14	Statement of Government Priorities	We will complete the programme of reform and modernisation of the Workplace Relations bodies, including enactment of the Workplace Relations Bill, to deliver, for employees and employers, streamlined and efficient advisory, conciliation, mediation, resolution, adjudication, inspection and enforcement services within a single Workplace Relations Commission and enhance and strengthen the Labour Court. The Workplace Relations Act 2015 was signed into law by the President on 20th May, 2015. The Minister has announced that the Act will be commenced on 1st October, 2015.
5.2.15	Statement of Government Priorities	Study on the prevalence of zero hour contracts among Irish employers and their impact on employees and make policy recommendations to Government on foot of this. In February 2015, following a competitive tendering process, University of Limerick were commissioned to undertake a study on the prevalence of zero hours and low hours contracts and their impact on employees. The report will be completed in mid Q3 2015. Any evidence-based policy recommendations considered necessary on foot of the findings will be brought to Government.

Additional priorities in DJEI for the remainder of this Dáil

Table 3

Arising From	Commitment (detail)
Action Plan for Jobs	Delivering on actions arising for DJEI from Action Plan for Jobs 2015 and 2016 and working across Government on implementation of other aspects as appropriate.
Action Plan for Jobs 2016	Engaging extensively with stakeholders including enterprise to identify firstly, the key challenges or obstacles to job creation and secondly, the new opportunities for growth where early, targeted Government-led initiatives can lay the foundations for sustainable job creation and full employment.
Action Plan for Jobs	Enhance user experience and reduce compliance costs by technology enhancements and maximising e-business opportunities in the delivery of workplace relations services.
Action Plan for Jobs	Enhance the effectiveness of the Early Resolution Service in resolving disputes/complaints without recourse to costly adjudication or inspection
Action Plan for Jobs	Implementing the new Statement of Foreign Direct Investment Policy and new IDA Strategy
Action Plan for Jobs	Evaluation of the programmes of the enterprise agencies to ensure value for money of DJEI programme expenditure.
Action Plan for Jobs	Evaluate Ireland's the impacts of Ireland’s participation in EU research programmes (FP7) and how they can be increased for the future. Evaluate our overseas agency networks to ensure effective and efficient use of our resources, both in terms of attracting FDI (from a range of countries) and in terms of supporting our Irish owned enterprises to internationalise and to succeed in export markets.
Action Plan for Jobs	Developing new opportunity areas including in Manufacturing, Data Analytics, Smart Ageing, Energy, Design and Intellectual Property Management
Action Plan for Jobs	Determining actions to improve Ireland’s competitiveness, working with the National Competitiveness Council
Action Plan for Jobs	Regional Action Plans for Jobs will be developed to ensure that all regions have an opportunity to benefit from our economic recovery. While employment has increased nationally by 80,000 since the start of the Action Plan for Jobs process, the rate of progress across the regions is uneven. A series of action-focused Regional Action Plans for the regions will be developed and rolled out on a phased basis. The first two regional Action Plans for Jobs, covering the Midlands and the South West regions, were published in the last two weeks. Work is continuing on the remaining six plans.
Action Plan for Jobs	Implement the recommendations of the Review of the MicroEnterprise Loan Fund Scheme.
Action Plan for Jobs	Following the passing of the appropriate primary legislation implement and promote the new Credit Guarantee Scheme.
Action Plan for Jobs	Review the outdated Dangerous Substances legislation with a view to replacing it with a streamlined, lower cost and enterprise friendly system for the licensing of petroleum storage and dispensing facilities.
Action Plan for Jobs and Farm Safety Action Plan (2013-2015)	Develop the application of BeSMART for the agriculture sector. This tool has been developed to help small businesses meet their obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and will help farmers to identify the risks that exist on their farms and work towards mitigating those risks, thus reducing injuries and fatalities.
Action Plan for Job and Construction 2020- A strategy for a Renewed Construction Sector Construction Contracts Act, 2013.	Commence implementation of the Construction Contracts Act, 2013.
Government Decision/Action Plan for Jobs	Ensuring implementation of the National Research Prioritisation Exercise
Government Decision	Establish national Health Innovation Hub to drive collaboration between the health system and commercial enterprises leading to the development and commercialisation of new healthcare technologies, products and services emerging from within the health system and enterprise.
The Government accepted the recommendation of the Global Irish Economic Forum to designate a year to celebrate Irish design and under the Action Plan for Jobs 2014, the Government agreed to “Develop and implement a work programme to deliver Year of Irish Design 2015”.	Year of Irish Design 2015 (ID2015) is an initiative with a national dimension - across all regions - to promote the use of design in business and to develop the Irish design sector, and an international dimension - to promote Ireland as a source of internationally competitive design and to promote Ireland as a creative and innovation-led economy. The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland will manage ID2015 on behalf of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, other Government Departments and their agencies.
Action Plan for Jobs	Complete review and strategy for the design sector in Ireland
Arising from Governments Medium Term Economic Strategy	Enterprise Policy 2025 – bringing forward a ten year strategy that sets out the strategic actions needed across government to achieve the ambition of sustainable full employment, with 2.175 million people in employment by 2020. We can strongly influence our chances of success by focusing on supporting the productive sector, leveraging our strengths and comparative advantage in key sectors, addressing structural issues in the economy and by achieving an uplift in our productivity performance and our capacity to innovate. A whole of government approach will be required to progress implementation, building on the existing APJ process.
Expert Group for Future Skills Needs/Department of Education & Skills/DJEI	Advancing skills requirements of enterprise through the Expert Group for Future Skills Needs in areas such as ICT, in the Hospitality Sector- Hotels, Tourism and Catering, Marine and in Freight Transport/Distribution/Logistics Sectors. Ensuring that the talent requirements of employers are met - Enhancing the alignment of the skills requirements of employers with the education & training sector to deliver on their current and future skills through engagement with the 8 newly established/establishing regional skills fora, - Participation in Apprenticeships, Springboard programmes, ICT conversion - Ensuring that the further education sector delivers suitable programmes to the occupational standards required through for example plc provision incorporating relevant work experience, an enhanced range of traineeships/specific skills training in areas of high skills demand as identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs - ensuring the targets of the ICT skills action plan are progressing in line with the plan to 2018 - Continued effective delivery of the employment permits system to complement our domestic supply and meet the requirements for high skilled talent in global demand and areas of shortages when they emerge
Expiration of SSTI 2006-2013	Develop a new Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation for the period 2015-2020 to set the direction for science policy for that period
Arising from National Competitiveness Council	Undertaking a review of Insurance Costs. As part of its Costs of Doing Business in Ireland 2015 report published in April 2015, the NCC paper published a special article examining the nature of the commercial insurance market in Ireland and provided an overview of the competitiveness of the commercial insurance market in Ireland, compared to European and non-European counterparts.
Agency Rationalisation Programme	The Workplace Relations Commission will replace the Labour Relations Commission, National Employment Rights Authority, the Equality Tribunal and undertake the first instance functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal. An expanded Labour Court will act as a separate appeals body.
Other Work Programme Priority	Preparing a pro-enterprise, pro-jobs and pro-innovation DJEI Pre-Budget 2016 Submission
Other Work Programme Priority	EU trade and investment agreement negotiations will be a priority for DJEI, in particular, the negotiations with the US, as well as WTO negotiations, which will culminate in the 10th Ministerial conference in December 2015
Other Work Programme Priority	Ministerial-led Trade Missions to promote and advance the export growth and performance of Irish companies
Other Work Programme Priority	Progressing Ireland's engagement with the implementation of the EU's Digital Single Market (DSM) Strategy, in particular the constituent areas of primary responsibility for DJEI, including copyright and consumer aspects.
Other Work Programme Priority	Engaging with the European Commission to promote Ireland's priorities in the context of the forthcoming EU Internal Market Strategy, and progressing Ireland's interests in the development and implementation of the Strategy, including with reference to the Services Directive.
Report of Sales Law Review Group	Publication (and possible enactment) of a new Consumer Rights Bill in Q1/2 of 2016.
Supreme Court ruling in McGowan striking down REA system	Legislate for a revised statutory framework to address the Supreme Court ruling. Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2015 expected to be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas on 16 July and to be enacted shortly thereafter.
Other Work Programme Priority	The Companies (Accounting) Bill 2015 will transpose the EU Accounting Directive (Directive 2013/34/EU) into Irish law. Heads of Bill are with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for priority drafting and I hope to introduce this Bill in the House early in the next Dáil session with a view to its enactment as soon as possible thereafter.
Other Work Programme Priority	The Statutory Audits Bill will transpose the EU Audit Directive (Directive 2014/56/EU) and give effect to the Member State options in the EU Regulation (Regulation (EU) No. 537/2014) on Audit. Heads of Bill are currently being prepared by my Department and I hope to seek Government approval for the drafting of the Bill later this year.
Other Work Programme Priority	Heads of a Bill to amend the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Acts 2004 and 2007 are currently being prepared by my Department and I hope to seek Government approval for the drafting of the Bill later this year.
Other Work Programme Priority	Tax – working with Department of Finance on development of measures to support entrepreneurships, implementation of a competitive Knowledge Development Box and support on international tax policy issues from an enterprise perspective, most notably in relation to OECD discussions.

Employment Rights

Questions (268)

Michael McGrath

Question:

268. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the options available to a person to ensure that a decision of the rights commissioner under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission is enforced in respect of an award made by the commissioner, which is not being honoured by the respondent in the case; if he is planning any changes in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29594/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The Rights Commissioner Service which is operated by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function and I have no direct involvement in the day to day exercise of its functions.

Either party may appeal a decision or recommendation from the Rights Commissioner Service. This should be done in writing and submitted within the appropriate time period, which is dependent on the legislation under which the claim was made. When a decision or recommendation issues, it is accompanied by an explanatory "Appeal Information Sheet". This sets out the relevant information regarding appealing the recommendation or its implementation, having regard to the specific piece of legislation under which the claim was submitted.

Where an employer has not implemented the decision, and no appeal has been lodged within the specified time, the claimant or their representative, may then bring the decision to the Employment Appeals Tribunal, Labour Court, District Court or Circuit Court, or where appropriate, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for implementation or enforcement, having regard to the particular requirements of the legislation, under which the claim was made.

As a general rule the party to whom an award is made may pursue the matter of enforcement of an unpaid award directly with the Courts Service. However, in cases other than those covered by the Payment of Wages Act, where an award made by a body remains outstanding, and where an employee is not in a position to go to the Circuit Court, the matter can be referred to the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) Enforcement Services Unit, which may, in certain circumstances make an application to the Courts for an order on his/her behalf.

In deciding whether or not to intervene in the Minister’s name, NERA has regard to the amount of the award, the potential for achieving a favourable outcome for the claimant and the scale of the costs likely to be incurred in doing so. The NERA enforcement unit can be contacted directly on 059 9178890.

The collection of any money outstanding in respect of a Circuit Court order is the responsibility of the relevant County Sheriff.

Where a person’s former employer was a limited company, the company must be in liquidation or receivership in order for the person to be eligible to claim for payment of an award under the Insolvency Payments Scheme. The purpose of the Insolvency Payments Scheme, which operates under the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Act, 1984, is to protect certain outstanding pay-related entitlements due to employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. These entitlements include wages, holiday pay, sick pay, payment in lieu of minimum notice due under the Minimum Notice & Terms of Employment Acts, 1973-2001, and certain pension contributions. Various other statutory awards made by the Employment Appeals Tribunal, Rights Commissioners, etc., are also covered by the scheme. There are statutory limitations on the amount payable. An Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, has responsibility for the administration of the payments from the Insolvency Payments Scheme.

As the Deputy will be aware, I am currently reforming the State’s existing employment rights and industrial relations structures and this process is at an advanced stage. This reform programme will result in the establishment of a new two-tier Workplace Relations structure comprising two statutorily independent bodies replacing the current five.

The Workplace Relations Act 2015, which will give legislative effect to the reforms, was signed into law by the President on 20 May, 2015. I intend to commence the Workplace Relations Commission on 1 October, 2015.

Provision has been made in the Act for a range of enhanced compliance measures, including the use of Compliance Notices and Fixed Payment Notices. The Act also makes provision for the introduction of a more effective and streamlined system for the enforcement of awards from WRC Adjudicators and/or the Labour Court under employment rights legislation via the District Court. These new compliance and enforcement measures will provide for more proportionate, efficient and effective enforcement of employment law.

Job Retention

Questions (269)

Brendan Smith

Question:

269. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the outcome of his discussions with an insurance company (details supplied) in relation to the need to retain the maximum level of employment in its office in Cavan town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29625/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

My Department has been in touch with the relevant bodies in this case, to ensure that Liberty Insurance’s staff are aware of their entitlements and the range of assistance and services generally which are available from the State.

The National Employments Rights Authority, which is an Agency of my Department, have made themselves available to deal with any employment rights issues which may arise for the staff impacted by this decision.

The Department of Social Protection has already been in touch with the company with a view to arrange briefing sessions for employees. These briefings were arranged for last week, to advise the employees who opt for voluntary redundancies on the Intreo process, on jobseeker’s payments and on redundancy entitlements, as well as information on other schemes. One to one consultations will also be arranged with the employees.

The Guidance Staff of the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) have already made contact with the company, with a view to establishing the precise number and timescale of impending job losses. In due course, the CMETB will provide individual appointments and follow-up meetings as well as collective staff briefings on emerging up-skilling and re-skilling opportunities.

The CMETB Skills for Work Programme will also be available in this case. Tailored Training Programmes will also be designed and delivered in light of emerging opportunities in relation to training needs being identified.

It is premature to talk of “an outcome” so early in the process. Employees have to consider what options best suit their situation and to act accordingly. I am hopeful that when this process is complete that the company’s future in Cavan will be stabilised and that significant employment will be maintained there.

Company Closures

Questions (270)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

270. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when the Company Law Review Group will meet to examine the events surrounding the closure of Clerys; and when the findings of their examination will be published. [29690/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The liquidation of OCS Operations Limited is currently in the hands of liquidators under the supervision of the High Court. While the liquidation is at an early stage, I understand that the High Court was informed at the hearing on 6 July that the liquidators have identified a number of matters which they intend to investigate as part of the liquidation process. It is only when all the facts and events leading up to the winding up of the company are known – and any potential legal challenges raised - that an informed decision can be made on whether an amendment to Company Law should be made.

The operation of the Companies Acts are under continuous review, particularly through the work of the Company Law Review Group (CLRG) and their current work programme 2014-2016 includes items on Receivers, Examinership and Winding Up.

Company Closures

Questions (271)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

271. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has written to the liquidators of Clerys requesting that the provisions in section 599 of the Companies Act 2014 are fully applied; if the liquidators have confirmed their intent to apply to the court seeking that all of the debts provable in the winding-up are provided for from a company's assets (details supplied) as necessary. [29691/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The liquidation of OCS Operations Limited is currently in the hands of liquidators under the supervision of the High Court. While the liquidation is at an early stage, I understand that the High Court was informed at the hearing on 6 July that the liquidators have identified a number of matters which they intend to investigate as part of the liquidation process. It is only when all the facts and events leading up to the winding up of the company are known – and any potential legal challenges raised - that an informed decision can be made on whether an amendment to Company Law should be made.

As the Deputy knows the liquidators have important duties under Company law. They include:

- an obligation to provide within 6 months of their appointment a report on the conduct of Directors to the Director of Corporate Enforcement;

- a requirement to make an application to the High Court for the restriction of Directors unless the Director of Corporate Enforcement has relieved the liquidator of this requirement.

The liquidators have their job to do and it would be inappropriate for me to interfere with the exercise of their statutory functions under the Companies Act 2014.

Company Law

Questions (272)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

272. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views that the decision of the new owners of Clerys (details supplied) to transfer ownership of an insolvent company (details supplied) to two directors who also happen to be insolvency experts exhibits the kind of sharp practice that the existing Companies Act legislation is not sufficiently robust to act as a deterrent against; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29692/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The liquidation of OCS Operations Limited is currently in the hands of liquidators under the supervision of the High Court. While the liquidation is at an early stage, I understand that the High Court was informed at the hearing on 6 July that the liquidators have identified a number of matters which they intend to investigate as part of the liquidation process. It is only when all the facts and events leading up to the winding up of the company are known – and any potential legal challenges raised - that an informed decision can be made on whether an amendment to Company Law should be made.

As the Deputy knows the liquidators have important duties under Company law. They include:

- an obligation to provide within 6 months of their appointment a report on the conduct of Directors to the Director of Corporate Enforcement;

- a requirement to make an application to the High Court for the restriction of Directors unless the Director of Corporate Enforcement has relieved the liquidator of this requirement.

Company Law

Questions (273)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

273. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views that there is no provision contained within the Companies Act 2014 that will enable the former direct employees of Clerys or their trade union representatives to secure the outstanding redundancy payments from the new owners (details supplied), and that sections 224, 228 and 229 of the Companies Act 2014 do not provide for such a scenario. [29693/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Under the body of Irish employment rights legislation, there are significant protections afforded to employees whose employers are insolvent and who, as a result, default on payment of wages or payment of statutory redundancy entitlements. These protections are administered by the Department of Social Protection.

Under the Redundancy Payments Acts, an eligible employee with a minimum of two years’ continuous service is entitled to a statutory redundancy payment calculated on the basis of two weeks’ salary for every year of service plus one further week’s pay. Compensation is based on the worker’s length of reckonable service and reckonable weekly remuneration, subject to a salary ceiling of €600 per week. In addition, the Department of Social Protection administers the Insolvency Payments Scheme which was established under the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Acts 1984 to 2006. The Insolvency Payments Scheme provides for payment from the Social Insurance Fund of certain pay-related entitlements owed to employees by their employer in the event of the insolvency of their employer. Such entitlements include the following: arrears of wages; holiday pay; sick pay; payment in lieu of minimum notice due under the Minimum Notice & Terms of Employment Act and certain pension contributions.

The above entitlements are based on law. The very purpose of the legislation is to ensure that all employees - regardless of the legal entity that is their employer - receive their full statutory redundancy payments.

Innovation Vouchers Initiative

Questions (274)

Dara Calleary

Question:

274. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications for innovation vouchers; the number issued; the number redeemed; the value of vouchers redeemed for each year of the programme; the criteria for approval for a voucher; if it is possible for a voucher to be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29831/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher Initiative was introduced in 2007 in order to drive an on-going innovation culture shift within small enterprise by promoting and encouraging knowledge transfer between Ireland’s public knowledge providers and the small business community and creating greater synergies between the two. Under the initiative, vouchers worth €5,000 are allocated to small businesses whose proposals, to work with public knowledge providers on specific innovation issues, meet certain criteria.

The Innovation Voucher Programme has been running successfully since its inception and it is planned to continue the programme as long as the demand justifies it and it continues to meet a need in the small business sector.

It is not possible to supply numbers of all applications for vouchers as only those that pass basic eligibility criteria are recorded on Enterprise Ireland’s database. Vouchers are awarded following a review of both the eligibility of the applicant and the knowledge question and approximately 80% of applications are successful. The main reasons for applications failing to be approved are: non-eligibility of the applicant, insufficient information, ineligible activity and low levels of innovation.

The number of innovation vouchers issued, redeemed and their value for each year since the programme commenced is set out in the table.

Year	IVs issued	IVs redeemed	Value of IVs redeemed €m
2007	428	4	0.018
2008	588	206	1.0
2009	798	526	2.4
2010	855	524	2.6
2011	757	518	2.6
2012	767	525	2.5
2013	1008	527	2.5
2014	904	525	2.5

Applications are initially assessed by Enterprise Ireland against the following criteria:

- Whether the company is a limited company

- That the company in question does not have a current “Active” Voucher

- That the company has not received more than the maximum number of Vouchers permitted. The maximum number of vouchers per company is three, one of which must be a co-funded voucher between Enterprise Ireland and the company.

- That the company has received less than 300k funding from Enterprise Ireland in the previous 5 years.

- De minimus rule – ensures that the company has received less than 200k in the previous 3 years as per EU State Aid rules.

If the application satisfies the above eligibility criteria the application proceeds to an evaluation. The evaluation of the application must demonstrate that the proposed activity requires an innovative solution which will have additional value and on-going benefits for the company. Each application is assessed against an agreed list of eligible and ineligible activities. The full list of eligible and ineligible activities is available on the Enterprise Ireland website at www.innovationvouchers.ie.

Innovation vouchers may be extended, on the application of the knowledge provider, if Enterprise Ireland is satisfied that the project is underway before the expiry date for the voucher. Under normal circumstances only one extension is permitted and the maximum extension granted is 6 months.

Microenterprise Loan Fund Applications Data

Questions (275)

Dara Calleary

Question:

275. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide in tabular form the number of applications received by the Microenterprise Loan Fund in each year since its establishment; the number of loans approved; the amount drawn down; the number of jobs supported by the fund; his plans for its future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29832/15]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

To give effect to the Microenterprise Loan Fund established by legislation in 2012 my Department set up Microfinance fund Ireland (MFI).

My Department publishes Microfinance Fund Ireland (MFI) quarterly progress reports on the Department’s website www.enterprise.gov.ie in respect of the Microenterprise Loan Fund Scheme. The progress report detailing drawdowns and approvals and the analysis and performance by region up to the quarterly period ending 31 March 2015 is now available on the Department’s website. I intend to publish the report for the period up to and including 30 June 2015, in the near future, once finalised.

The Deputy is aware of the review of the Microenterprise Loan Fund which was published in April 2015. This review contained a number of recommendations aimed at improving the operation and take up of microfinance in Ireland. The focus of MFI and my Department is ensuring that the recommendations contained in the review are implemented speedily. A new Scheme for the Microenterprise Loan Fund is being developed to give effect to the recommendations of the review and I propose to publish same shortly.