Tuesday, 12 Jul 2016

Written Answers Nos. 770-784

Maritime Training Courses

Questions (770)

Michael McGrath

Question:

770. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport why the Irish maritime administration in his Department is refusing to recognise British-approved maritime training courses from Irish training providers; if he recognises that this is putting Irish jobs at risk; if he is aware that 25 full and part-time staff at the National Maritime College of Ireland have been already served with redundancy notice; why he does not accept a course approved by a United Kingdom administration and undertaken here, given that he accepts this course if it is undertaken in the United Kingdom; why he is actively sending Irish seafarers to the United Kingdom for training and certification, given that the same courses are available in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21143/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department has not refused to recognise the courses to which the Deputy refers.

The Department has, however, identified legal and jurisdictional concerns which have been raised with the UK authorities and which I hope will soon be clarified. I have also arranged for my officials to meet with the relevant Irish stakeholders today in an endeavour to resolve the problems identified.

Road Projects

Questions (771)

Imelda Munster

Question:

771. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will seek to amend the Government's capital investment plan to include funding the proposed N56 Letterkenny relief road to enable Transport Infrastructure Ireland to fund this vital project aimed at addressing the traffic gridlock that Letterkenny constantly endures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21200/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Within its annual budget the planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Decisions on the transport elements of the Capital Plan were framed by the conclusions reached in my Department’s Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. Based on the findings in that report it is envisaged that maintenance and renewal of the road network will continue to be the main priority over the next period and the bulk of the roads capital budget, over €4 billion, is earmarked for such essential work with a further €600 million allocated for look implementation of the PPP road programme which is already underway. In this context it was not possible to consider a range of projects for inclusion in the Capital Plan given the overall funding envelope available.

As the Deputy is aware, the Government proposes to undertake a Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan, which will take stock of progress and provide the Government with an opportunity to consider the scope for increased levels of investment, including in the transport sector, taking economic growth and fiscal progress into account.

Road Projects Status

Questions (772)

Imelda Munster

Question:

772. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the light of the Brexit vote, if he will make a statement reaffirming the Government's and the State's commitment to co-fund equally the A5 upgrade from Donegal and Derry to Monaghan as originally committed to at the St. Andrews Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21201/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The planning and implementation of the A5 project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. As the Deputy is aware the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities. Under the Agreement it is envisaged that construction of Phase 1 of the A5 will start in 2017 with a view to completion in 2019. In keeping with the revised project timeline, the Government funding is to be provided in three tranches of £25 million in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. The commitments in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan were discussed at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meeting held on 4 July.  The Council noted a progress report from Senior Officials from relevant Departments in both jurisdictions which addressed the Fresh Start commitments, including work on the A5. It was also noted that the group of Senior Officials will continue to meet regularly to maintain a strategic overview of the projects and commitments set out in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan and to explore funding opportunities for economic and infrastructural investment.  A further update on the Fresh Start commitments will be brought to the next NSMC Plenary meeting.

Road Projects

Questions (773)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

773. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he request Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kilkenny County Council to expedite the registration of land (details supplied) under the M8-N8 Cullahill to Cashel road scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21204/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant council (in this case Kilkenny County Council).

Noting the above I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 days.

Driver Licence Renewals

Questions (774)

Seán Haughey

Question:

774. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Driver Licence Service is experiencing delays in renewing driving licences; if previous driving licences issued by Dublin City Council which are laminated are causing problems for such renewals, having regard to security issues and checks; the status of a particular renewal application (details supplied). [21372/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (775)

David Cullinane

Question:

775. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of agency and-or locum staff hired by his Department for each of the years 2011 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21674/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Details of agency staff supplied to my Department are contained in the table:

Year	Amount	Agency	Service provided
2011	€165,597	Hays Recruitment	Accountant services for Finance Division
2012	€4,189	IRE Recruitment Services	Data input for the Sports Capital programme
	185,000	Hays Recruitment	Accountant services for Finance Division
2013	188,000	Hays Recruitment	Accountant services for Finance Division
2014	196,000	Hays Recruitment	Accountant services for Finance Division
2015	181,569	Hays Recruitment	Accountant services for Finance Division

In addition to the employment agency staff above, the Department also has a number of contractors engaged.

Departmental Websites

Questions (776)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

776. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department's website is accessible to persons with a disability; if the accessibility of this website is regularly reviewed to take account of new and emerging technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21686/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Departmental website, dttas.ie, is reviewed periodically. In 2013, a number of accessibility issues were identified and resolved at the time. A review of the Department's site is planned for later this year and this exercise will include a review of its accessibility. Separately, the Motor Taxation websites are being revamped at present and this revamp will seek to address any accessibility issues identified over the course of the year.

Farm Safety

Questions (777)

John Deasy

Question:

777. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of reported human injuries and fatalities caused exclusively by bull attacks on Irish farms over the past decade. [20706/16]

Written answers

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

The Health and Safety Authority is advised of all farm related fatal accidents. Incidents involving livestock were responsible for approximately 13% of all farm fatalities in the past decade.

The following table shows the number of reported injuries and fatalities caused exclusively by bull attacks.

Year	Bull Attack related Injuries Reported	Bull Attack related Fatalities Reported
2005	0	1
2006	0	1
2007	0	1
2008	0	0
2009	0	0
2010	0	1
2011	0	1
2012	0	0
2013	0	1
2014	0	0
2015	0	2
2016* (08/07/2016)	0	0

In addition to attacks by bulls there are also fatalities caused by attacks by other livestock (including cows and horses). In the same period as outlined in the table above, which shows that 8 fatalities occurred as a result of bull attacks between 2005 and 2015, there were 15 fatalities involving cows and 6 involving horses.

Employers – including the self-employed and farmers – are legally required to notify the Health and Safety Authority when there is an accident at work resulting in an injury that prevents them working for 4 plus days.

It is known that there is significant under-reporting of accidents to the HSA, as is the case in other national employer reporting systems. Recent research on worker injuries reported to the HSA undertaken by the ESRI comparing reporting to the HSA with figures from the CSO for the same period suggests that under-reporting of accidents to the HSA is particularly evident among the self-employed and smaller employers, and is particularly acute in relation to farming.

The HSA has not been notified of any accidents resulting in non-fatal injury involving bulls. The HSA believes this is a reflection of the level of under-reporting of accidents generally. The HSA is aware of such accidents taking place but has no accurate figures relating to the number of incidents in any given year based on the notifications received.

Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, has conducted a national survey of injuries related to farm work in year 2011. This is the fifth survey conducted at 5-yearly intervals since 1992. The rationale for conducting these surveys has been to estimate injury levels for a range of farm and personal variables and indicate trends in injury levels over time. Based on this survey in 2011 it is estimated that there are approximately 1136 livestock related injuries per annum in farming. Again based on the percentage of livestock fatalities attributable to bulls in the past 10 years (27%), it is possible to provide an estimate only of the number of non-fatal injuries due to bulls at 306.

Industrial Disputes

Questions (778)

David Cullinane

Question:

778. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she is aware that the terms and conditions of employment of staff at Waterford Airport have been negatively altered, that a ballot for industrial action is under way and that the airport receives significant State funding; the action she will take to protect the rights of these workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21036/16]

Written answers

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

There is a robust suite of employment rights legislation in place providing protection for employees, including legislation governing working time and pay.

I understand the dispute at issue relates to the proposed reduction in hours for staff members due to prevailing commercial conditions. I would like to assure the Deputy that the State’s industrial relations machinery is available to assist in the resolution of said disputes and I would urge the parties to engage with them in order to resolve their differences in this instance. Even what often appears to be intractable disputes is capable of resolution where both sides engage constructively and in good faith in this voluntary process. The principle of good faith implies that both sides in a dispute make every effort to reach an agreement and endeavour, through genuine and constructive negotiations, to arrive at a conclusion that is satisfactory to all concerned.

Ireland’s system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, whether in redundancy or other collective disputes, rests with the employer, the workers and their representatives. The State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences.

Industrial Disputes

Questions (779)

Paul Murphy

Question:

779. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she has raised with the chief executive officer of a bank (details supplied) the failure of the bank to implement a Labour Court recommendation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21079/16]

Written answers

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

It would appear from the information supplied by the Deputy that this question relates to a recommendation of the Labour Court LCR 20676 concerning a dispute between Ulster Bank and SIPTU, representing 12 staff employed by the Bank, in respect of the formula being used for the calculation of their redundancy terms and I propose to answer it on that basis.

This dispute was referred to the Conciliation Service of the Labour Relations Commission in the first instance. No resolution was reached at conciliation and the dispute was subsequently referred to the Labour Court under Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act 1990 on 1st November 2013. Under the Industrial Relations Acts the Labour Court is not a court of law. The Labour Court operates as an industrial relations tribunal, hearing both sides in a case and then issuing a Recommendation setting out its opinion on the dispute and the terms on which it should be settled. While the Recommendation is not binding on the parties, the parties are expected to give serious consideration to the Court's Recommendation and in the vast majority of cases most Recommendations are accepted and implemented.

If the Recommendation has not been implemented the matter is still in dispute.

Ireland’s system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, rests with the employer, the workers and their representatives. The State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences. Even what appears to be an intractable dispute is capable of resolution where both sides engage constructively and in good faith in this voluntary process. The principle of good faith implies that both sides in a dispute make every effort to reach an agreement and endeavour, through genuine and constructive negotiations, to arrive at a conclusion that is satisfactory to all concerned. I would urge the parties to work to resolve their differences in this instance.

IDA Data

Questions (780)

James Lawless

Question:

780. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA Ireland-assisted companies based in Scotland; the number of employees in these companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20460/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

I understand the Deputy means Scottish-owned IDA Ireland client companies.

IDA Ireland categorises client companies from countries in the United Kingdom together and consequently, is unable to provide figures for Scotland.

Employment in IDA Ireland client companies from the UK stood at 6,827 in 2015. This represents 4% of the total IDA Ireland client company employment of 187,056.

Foreign Direct Investment

Questions (781)

Niall Collins

Question:

781. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to respond to the recent announcement by the United Kingdom Chancellor to reduce the United Kingdom's corporation tax rate to 15% as opposed to a previously announced reduction to 17%; if this poses a challenge to Ireland by reducing foreign direct investment here given a recent Economic and Social Research Institute study that says that every 1% drop in the United Kingdom rate would, all things being equal, reduce foreign direct investment from outside the European Union by 4.6%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20466/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

On June 24th we published a contingency plan outlining our whole of Government response which was immediately activated. Government is addressing the implications for Ireland of the UK leaving the EU by actively taking forward the contingency plan to ensure that we respond appropriately. The Government and my Department and its agencies are taking concrete actions to address potential challenges and deliver for Ireland on any potential upside that change inevitably presents.

I instituted a Coordination Group consisting of the Chief Executive Officers of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland and relevant enterprise, single market, and trade officials, to oversee the management of our immediate response and the messaging to businesses both overseas and domestically. I will continue to chair this Group as part my Department’s ongoing response as developments unfold.

Both agencies have communicated directly with their clients, and, I am aware that there have been multiple contacts since then, between IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland and the enterprise base.

In terms of FDI, IDA Ireland continues to market Ireland across the globe as the number one location for direct investment, confirming that we are open for business.

UK tax issues are a matter for the UK administration and parliament. Chancellor Osborne had previously suggested a cut to the corporation tax rate in the UK and I am sure there will be proposals emerging in many areas over the coming period.

A competitive tax offering is part of our attractive holistic offering. Ireland’s 12.5% corporate tax rate is underpinned by a competitive regime – our world class R&D tax credit and our ‘best in class’ OECD compliant Knowledge Development Box. Our low rate applied to a broad base ensures sustainable economic growth while still maintaining tax revenues.

In relation to the ESRI report ‘Corporate Taxation and Foreign Direct Investment in EU Countries: Policy Implications for Ireland’, the ESRI highlight that investors from outside the EU are attracted by the possibility of getting access to the European Single Market.

A priority for Government is to protect and promote Ireland’s interests to the greatest extent possible, working within the EU context. FDI has been, and will continue to be a key element of Ireland’s enterprise policy. Ireland’s holistic foreign direct investment policy, of which tax is one part, has attracted real and substantive operations to Ireland – the kind that brings real jobs.

Ireland’s transparent and competitive tax regime and our membership of the EU continue to provide a certainty that is valued by business. FDI is attracted by a holistic package and Ireland can point to an enviable track record. Ireland has an English speaking business environment, ease of doing business and access to talent and consistently performs well on key international indices. Ireland has a certain, stable and competitive offering. Ireland is, and will remain a member of the EU and Eurozone.

Economic Competitiveness

Questions (782)

James Lawless

Question:

782. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the studies that have been carried out on the increased operating and salary costs to new and existing employers in the Leinster region; the steps she has taken to combat this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20467/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The National Competitiveness Council in its annual Costs of Doing Business in Ireland report shows that labour costs account for, on average, over 60 per cent of locally determined enterprise costs. For services companies, the proportion spent on salaries and wages is even higher, depending on the sector.

Labour cost growth has remained low in recent quarters. Although labour cost growth has been positive between 2012 and 2015, the rates recorded have been consistently below EU and Euro area averages.

Earnings data is not published on a regional basis for Ireland. However, CSO data shows that, at a national level, average weekly earnings in the year to Q1 2016 increased by 1.1 per cent, reflecting modest increases in both hourly earnings and hours worked.

It is to be expected that as the labour market tightens further, upward pressures will increase. While demands for wage increases are understandable after a period of economic stagnation and wage cuts, our relative competitive position will be negatively affected if wage growth outpaces that in competitor countries.

Therefore, to ensure that wages are sustainable, wage growth should not outpace productivity growth but, at the same time, there must be a relentless focus on protecting real living standards by avoiding, as best as possible, significant increases in the costs of living. To maintain our competitiveness, we must continue to promote a virtuous circle encompassing the costs of living, wage expectations, productivity and cost competitiveness.

It is important to bear in mind that to the greatest extent possible the market should set wage levels in all parts of the country, and for the majority of workers, wages are determined through engagement between employers and employees. Outside of the public sector, the State’s interventions in the labour market are primarily concerned with those on low or average incomes. In this context, the Low Pay Commission is examining the appropriate level of the national minimum wage and related matters. The Commission will be making recommendations in relation to the minimum wage, ensuring that it is fair and sustainable, without creating significant adverse consequences for employment or competitiveness.

Industrial Development

Questions (783)

David Cullinane

Question:

783. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to provide from IDA Ireland grants approved for IDA Ireland or EI-supported clients in the south east region broken down by county in each of the years 2011 to 2016 to date in tabular form; the jobs created and jobs lost for each of the years by IDA Ireland and EI-supported companies; the site visits to each of the counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20509/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Data on IDA Ireland grant payments and jobs figures is collated on an annual basis. It will therefore not be possible to provide figures for 2016 until early in 2017. I enclose the breakdown of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland grant payments to clients companies and jobs created and lost in the South East region for the years 2011-2015 in tables. Enterprise Ireland grant payments to the first week of July 2016 are included also.

IDA Ireland site visits are collated on a quarterly basis so I have provided the figures for the first quarter of 2016, which are the latest available figures. As Enterprise Ireland’s core focus is the internationalisation of indigenous companies, it does not arrange site visits of a type similar to IDA Ireland. However, should a client express an interest in relocation then Enterprise Ireland’s regional office network will assist with locating sites.

IDA Ireland Total Jobs, Jobs Created and Jobs Lost 2011-2015 – South East Region

		2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Carlow	Total Jobs	514	645	735	749	768
Carlow	Gross Gain	197	132	91	45	19
Carlow	Gross Losses	0	-1	-1	-31	0
Kilkenny	Total Jobs	447	572	617	716	650
Kilkenny	Gross Gain	1	125	80	124	9
Kilkenny	Gross Losses	-14	0	-35	-25	-75
Tipperary South	Total Jobs	3395	3,393	3,055	3,246	3,200
Tipperary South	Gross Gain	25	67	180	229	70
Tipperary South	Gross Losses	-301	-69	-518	-38	-116
Waterford	Total Jobs	5259	5,112	5,183	5,248	5,662
Waterford	Gross Gain	173	137	191	353	536
Waterford	Gross Losses	-1066	-284	-120	-288	-122
Wexford	Total Jobs	2386	2,350	2,413	2,503	2,486
Wexford	Gross Gain	111	100	149	196	101
Wexford	Gross Losses	-110	-136	-86	-106	-118

IDA Ireland Grant Payments to Client Companies for South East Region 2011-2015

County	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Waterford	115,819	1,722,808	1,938,976	1,867,329	1,341,864
Wexford	3,373,513	1,853,970	934,569	783,794	1,534,136
Kilkenny	-	-	-	-	350,000
Carlow	-	9,503,141	5,093,152	72,000	2,027,393
Tipperary South	1,875,356	-	2,729,055	3,550,162	2,939,811
Totals	5,364,688	13,079,919	10,695,752	6,273,285	7,201,618

IDA Site Visits 2011-2015 & Q1 2016 by County – South East Region

County	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	Q1 2016
Carlow	2	4	1	2	1	0
Kilkenny	0	3	3	4	10	4
Tipperary	1	5	4	3	12	4
Waterford	11	26	14	11	31	4
Wexford	0	3	2	1	4	1

Enterprise Ireland Jobs Created and Lost 2011-2015 South East Region*

County	Permanent Full time Jobs	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Carlow	Total Jobs	2,701	2,700	2,703	2,798	2,852
	Gains	241	152	137	292	198
	Losses	-118	-121	270	-291	-129
Kilkenny	Total Jobs	3,347	3,541	3,360	3,720	3,921
	Gains	130	320	256	370	274
	Losses	-192	-100	264	-82	-70
Waterford	Total Jobs	4,708	4,413	4,545	5,112	5,561
	Gains	406	692	532	663	564
	Losses	-292	-846	398	-284	-198
Wexford	Total Jobs	4,282	4,320	4,572	4,512	4,696
	Gains	180	385	253	327	301
	Losses	-333	-297	88	-265	-217

*Enterprise Ireland does not include Tipperary in its South East Region

Grant Payments to Enterprise Ireland Clients 2011- 2016 (to date 07.07.16)

County	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	Total
Carlow	€1,557,128	€1,547,341	€1,741,741	€1,071,782	€1,226,232	€510,855	€7,655,079
Kilkenny	€2,160,992	€2,521,221	€1,327,152	€6,210,826	€5,935,711	€442,531	€18,598,434
Waterford	€1,946,926	€5,231,327	€2,421,666	€2,910,862	€3,915,906	€686,475	€17,113,163
Wexford	€3,813,791	€3,794,257	€3,274,664	€1,275,386	€2,231,010	€344,143	€14,733,250
Total	€9,478,838	€13,094,147	€8,765,223	€11,468,855	€13,308,860	€1,984,004	€58,099,926

Foreign Direct Investment

Questions (784)

David Cullinane

Question:

784. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the availability and location of appropriately zoned and serviced land in Waterford city and county for foreign direct investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20511/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

IDA Ireland currently owns three sites in Waterford, details of which are set out below. The Agency also markets other publically and privately-owned land to potential investors, where it is more appropriate to client requirements.

County	City/Town	Business Park/Site Name	Total Size	Available for marketing
Waterford	Waterford	IDA Business & Technology Park, Butlerstown	28 ha/69 acres	22 ha/ 54 acres
Waterford	Waterford	IDA Industrial Estate	1.8ha/ 4.5 acres	1.8ha/ 4.5 acres
Waterford	Dungarvan	IDA Business & Technology Park, Dungarvan (Lisfennel)	17.74 ha/36.5 acres	11.47 ha/ 28 acres

In addition to available lands, a key component of the IDA Ireland’s property strategy is the provision of ready, suitable buildings for prospective investors. Such facilities were constructed and completed in Athlone and Waterford in 2014 and early 2015. Under the property investment programme, The Agency plans to deliver another nine facilities, including a second build in Waterford, over the next three years.