Niamh Smyth
Question:617. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps his Department is taking regarding the Bus Éireann dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8582/17]
View answerBus Éireann
Questions (617)
Written answers
I am sure the Deputy is aware of my stated position in regard to the Bus Éireann dispute.
Last week the Workplace Relations Commission issued an invitation to both parties to commence discussions and I was pleased to see that both parties accepted that invitation. I do not doubt that the discussions between the Company and trade unions will be difficult but I encourage both parties to continue their engagement with the WRC-led process.
In recent Oireachtas statements I have clearly outlined the actions I am taking in relation to public transport. These include:
- ensuring adequately funded public transport services, as Budgetary resources allow;
- assuring rural Ireland that the National Transport Authority will ensure continued public transport connectivity; and
- reviewing, in co-operation with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection, how best to ensure a sustainable funding model for the Free Travel Scheme.
National Postcode System Implementation
Questions (618)
Catherine Murphy
Question:618. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of upgrading information technology systems and or databases to incorporate the use of Eircode postcodes; if the use of Eircode postcodes is mandatory in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8640/17]
View answerWritten answers
My Department's National and Vehicle Driver File (NVDF), which contains details of registered vehicles (2.6 million) and licensed drivers (2.8 million) in this country, is fully capable of accommodating and processing Eircodes. The Department's online systems, including www.motortax.ie which enables vehicles be taxed over the Internet, can also accommodate Eircodes.
Entry of an Eircode on the NVDF and associated online systems is not mandatory.
The cost of making the necessary NVDF software and other operational adjustments required was approx. €370,000.
Driver Licences
Questions (619)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:619. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 619 of 14 February 2017, if he will also legislate for the prompt return of the old licence to ensure that no driver has licences from multiple addresses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8643/17]
View answerWritten answers
As I indicated in the reply to which the Deputy refers, while I have no immediate plans to change our legislation in this regard, I will consider making it mandatory for drivers to advise the RSA of a change of address in the context of future road traffic legislation.
Should I decide at that point to legislate in that regard, I would of course take into account the question of return of the old licence if a replacement licence was issued. However, this may not be necessary as long as the person's updated address is captured on the National Vehicle and Driver File.
I would like to point out as well that, under EU and national law, a person may hold only one valid driving licence at a time. When a driving licence is replaced, the old licence ceases to be valid.
Traffic Calming Measures
Questions (620)
Robert Troy
Question:620. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider providing for the traffic calming measures on the N2 on the south Monaghan side of Emyvale and the introduction of speed activated traffic lights at both entry points to the village in order to reduce speeding traffic through Emyvale village which is currently the only village or town that is not bypassed on the route from Dublin. [8650/17]
View answerWritten answers
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 operation of individual road projects (including the N2) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, 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 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Driver Test Centres
Questions (621)
Eugene Murphy
Question:621. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current waiting time period to sit a driving test in the Athlone driving test centre and the Loughrea driving test centre; his views on whether the closure of the Ballinasloe driving test centre has put considerable pressure on the Athlone and Loughrea centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8665/17]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no role in these matters. I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct response. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Air Navigation Orders
Questions (622)
Clare Daly
Question:622. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an aircraft (details supplied) obtained a permit to carry weapons through Irish airspace recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8675/17]
View answerWritten answers
The airline operating the flight referred to by the Deputy applied for an exemption under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973. My Department carried out the standard consultation procedure in relation to the applications and an exemption was granted for the flight. This exemption was for the unloaded personal weapons of the troops on board the aircraft.
Road Safety
Questions (623)
Brendan Griffin
Question:623. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to colour coding road markings to reflect changes in speed limits between national and regional roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8737/17]
View answerWritten answers
Clear and effective traffic signs, including road markings, are essential for the efficient operation of the road network, the enforcement of traffic regulations and for enhancing road safety.
Road Traffic regulations specify the regulatory road markings and upright signs which must be used on public roads in Ireland. In addition, my Department's Traffic Signs Manual provides detailed guidance on the provision and use of road markings and signs, including their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which they must be used and the rules for positioning them. These requirements are consistent with international best practice.
It is clear that uniformity and standardisation in the application of road markings is an important factor in minimising confusion and uncertainty about their meaning. The current practice and design, including the proven effectiveness of the colour scheme used to convey a variety of regulatory requirements (no parking, no overtaking etc.) in varying climatic conditions, has been shown to be very clear and easily understood by road users.
I have no proposals to amend the current design specifications applying to road markings across the road network.
Cycling Policy
Questions (624)
Eamon Ryan
Question:624. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his Department have produced any progress reports or implementation reports on the actions envisaged in the national cycle policy framework, and if so, if he will provide such reports. [8798/17]
View answerWritten answers
While significant progress has been made under a number of objectives contained in the National Cycle Policy Framework (NCPF) my Department has not yet undertaken a formal review of the policy framework or its implementation. However, the NCPF has been integrated into the Development Plans of the majority of local authorities so ensuring that the objectives and policies to support and promote cycling are taken account of in current and future planning. In addition, the National Transport Authority (NTA) published the GDA Cycle Network Plan covering the seven local authority areas in the Greater Dublin Area in 2013.
While a formal review of the framework has yet to be undertaken, I think that the success of the framework can be seen in the significant increase in the numbers of people cycling numbers shown in the Dublin City Canal Cordon Report for 2016 published last week by Dublin City Council and the NTA. This showed that over 12,000 people cycled into Dublin's centre in November last year in the morning peak, nearly the same number as used the LUAS during the morning peak commuting hours. It must be remembered that this figure does not include the numbers using Dublin Bikes between the canals.
In 2013 and 2015 my Department requested local authorities and other stakeholders for an update on progress on implementation. The Department now intends to undertake a full review of the framework and we will be pursuing this during 2017.
EU Funding
Questions (625)
Pearse Doherty
Question:625. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the EU funds his Department accesses; the plans he is putting in place to access these funds to a greater degree in view of Brexit; if he will outline initiatives he is pursuing to establish access to new funds in view of the challenge of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8814/17]
View answerWritten answers
Agencies under the remit of my Department and my Department access EU co-funding under EU Programmes such as the Connecting Europe Facility, Interreg and to a lesser extent Horizon 2020. Agencies under the remit of my Department also avail of European Investment Bank funding.
Concerns about the implications of the UK exit on current and future EU funding programmes were raised at the All-Island Transport and Logistics Sectorial Dialogue which I hosted in Dundalk on 23 January 2017. The Dialogue was attended by over 100 transport and civic representatives from North and South. EU funding, particularly for cross border projects, was one of the issues identified by representatives and indeed was one of the implications of the UK exit already identified by my Department.
As part of the Government structures put in place since the UK Referendum, an Inter-Departmental Group was established to assess the implications for EU funding programmes. My Department is represented on that Group. The analyses of the Group feeds into the overall Government analyses and response to the UK exit.
Local Enterprise Offices Data
Questions (626, 627)
Niall Collins
Question:626. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total number of local enterprise office and previously county enterprise board supported jobs on a county basis, and in the case of Dublin, between Dublin city, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and south Dublin, for 2014, 2015 and 2016, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8064/17]
View answerNiall Collins
Question:627. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total number of local enterprise office and previously county enterprise board supported clients on a county basis and in the case of Dublin, between Dublin city, Dún-Laoghaire Rathdown, Fingal and south Dublin, for 2014, 2015 and 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8065/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 626 and 627 together.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice, signposting, financial assistance, training, mentoring, and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business.
Given the broad remit of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), their engagement with customers takes many forms: from drop-in visits; telephone calls; emails and meetings to social media contacts via platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn among others.
Given the range of contact options, Enterprise Ireland has initiated a project to develop a single Customer Relationship Management System (CRMS) for use by all the LEOs. The aim of the CRMS project is to support a more structured and holistic approach to contact management in a consistent manner across all of the LEOs.
Details of the number of client companies and the number of jobs sustained in each of the LEOs in 2014 and 2015 are set out in the following table. Data for 2016 is currently being finalised and will be available shortly.
It should be noted that the client numbers listed in the following table refer to microenterprises that have received only Measure 1 grant assistance (ie to support a start-up or business expansion).
|
LEO |
2014 Clients |
2014 Jobs |
2015 Clients |
2015 Jobs |
|
Carlow |
206 |
1,152 |
217 |
1,029 |
|
Cavan |
195 |
1,049 |
205 |
1,110 |
|
Clare |
161 |
1,346 |
194 |
1,433 |
|
Cork City |
96 |
656 |
119 |
696 |
|
Cork South |
155 |
785 |
229 |
1,274 |
|
Cork West/North |
215 |
1,277 |
179 |
847 |
|
Donegal |
159 |
1,223 |
171 |
1,132 |
|
Dublin City |
258 |
1,431 |
298 |
1,572 |
|
Dublin DLR |
211 |
1,304 |
229 |
1271 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
142 |
562 |
174 |
723 |
|
Dublin South |
229 |
1,146 |
250 |
1,105 |
|
Galway County/City |
239 |
882 |
245 |
900 |
|
Kerry |
444 |
1,794 |
462 |
1,881 |
|
Kildare |
103 |
683 |
127 |
770 |
|
Kilkenny |
243 |
1,154 |
257 |
1,278 |
|
Laois |
85 |
384 |
90 |
451 |
|
Leitrim |
126 |
388 |
144 |
378 |
|
Limerick |
216 |
1,292 |
245 |
1,475 |
|
Longford |
222 |
899 |
238 |
985 |
|
Louth |
197 |
656 |
218 |
729 |
|
Mayo |
182 |
1,060 |
208 |
1,141 |
|
Meath |
180 |
806 |
205 |
876 |
|
Monaghan |
170 |
904 |
156 |
806 |
|
Offaly |
194 |
931 |
202 |
887 |
|
Roscommon |
141 |
641 |
146 |
666 |
|
Sligo |
202 |
1,103 |
213 |
1,083 |
|
Tipperary |
278 |
1,377 |
282 |
1,319 |
|
Waterford |
300 |
1,515 |
322 |
1,721 |
|
Westmeath |
242 |
1,284 |
255 |
1,299 |
|
Wexford |
170 |
1,070 |
185 |
1,167 |
|
Wicklow |
97 |
572 |
108 |
588 |
|
Grand Total |
6,058 |
31,326 |
6,573 |
32,592 |
Pharmaceutical Sector
Questions (628, 629, 630)
Niall Collins
Question:628. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions she has had with a company (details supplied) regarding ensuring an investment goes ahead, further to reports that the company has postponed plans to invest on its current site in Kinsale, County Cork in view of the US Administration's suggestion to reform the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8066/17]
View answer
Micheál Martin
Question:629. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions she had with a company (details supplied) to ensure this investment goes ahead, further to reports that the company is reviewing plans for a large-scale investment on its current site in Kinsale, County Cork, in view of the US Administration's suggestion to reform the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8075/17]
View answer
Noel Rock
Question:630. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to reports which suggest that a company (details supplied) is delaying an investment in County Cork due to concerns regarding possible restrictions on the pharmaceutical sector by President Trump; her views on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8188/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 628 to 630, inclusive, together.
I understand that the company in question has sought planning permission from Cork County Council to increase its manufacturing capacity for future biopharmaceutical products. I am informed that this potential expansion has not been postponed and that the project, at the appropriate stage in the investment process, is expected to be submitted for approval by the company’s board of directors.
Work Permits Applications
Questions (631)
Michael McGrath
Question:631. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding an application for a work permit by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when she expects the application to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8191/17]
View answerWritten answers
This application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit was received in the Employment Permits Section on the 2nd February 2017. All employment permit applications are dealt with strictly in date of receipt order by employer type and the Section is currently processing applications received on 22nd December 2017 for employers that are not registered as trusted partners.
Applicants can keep track of Employment Permit applications current processing dates at
https://www.djei.ie/en/What-We-Do/Jobs-Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/.
Applicants can also keep track of the current status of their own specific Employment Permit application on the Employment Permits Online Status Query Facility at
https://www.djei.ie/en/What-We-Do/Jobs-Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Status-Form/.
IDA Ireland Portfolio
Questions (632)
Niamh Smyth
Question:632. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will provide additional information on a matter (details supplied); the benefits it will bring to County Cavan in employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8270/17]
View answerWritten answers
The study in question is part of IDA Ireland's wider strategy to ensure that Ireland and its regions are best able to win and sustain mobile data centre investments of scale. This study will take a number of years to complete.
In recent times companies, including Facebook, Apple, Microsoft and Google, have announced significant data centre investments for Ireland and the ultimate aim of the study is to help that trend continue.
Enterprise Ireland Funding
Questions (633)
Mattie McGrath
Question:633. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the overall figure, not individualised by company, for Enterprise Ireland funding made available each year to the three remaining processors in the poultry sector (details supplied) since 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8314/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Food sector is one of Enterprise Ireland’s (EI) key exporting sectors and employs in excess of 48,000 people in over 500 companies throughout the country.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) supports food and beverage companies to start and scale, innovate and remain competitive on international markets, now and in the future. Enterprise Ireland is committed to working with food and beverage companies to help them to create sustainable jobs and increase their exports.
Payments made by Enterprise Ireland to the three companies mentioned by the Deputy since 2003 are detailed in the following table.
Table: Enterprise Ireland funding to three companies in the poultry sector 2003-2017
|
Year |
Payment |
|
2003 |
156,853.51 |
|
2004 |
115,558.00 |
|
2005 |
39,327.61 |
|
2006 |
87,598.00 |
|
2007 |
115,435.95 |
|
2008 |
211,660.75 |
|
2009 |
153,724.20 |
|
2010 |
715,672.50 |
|
2011 |
56,706.05 |
|
2012 |
59,428.95 |
|
2013 |
590,097.61 |
|
2014 |
32,000.00 |
|
2015 |
109,849.66 |
|
2016 |
181,250.40 |
|
2017 |
0.00 |
|
Grand Total |
2,625,163.19 |
Source: Enterprise Ireland Report ran 16.2.2017. Payments reports exclude payments to Infrastructural clients, Shannon Free Zone transfer clients and recipients under the Employment Subsidy Scheme.
IDA Ireland Data
Questions (634, 635)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:634. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA Ireland business parks in north Dublin; the number of companies and workplaces involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8428/17]
View answerThomas P. Broughan
Question:635. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA Ireland landbanks in north Dublin, with a breakdown by area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8429/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 634 and 635 together.
IDA Ireland owns five business parks and one greenfield site in North Dublin. The Agency also markets a business park in Blanchardstown which has been developed as a joint venture with Fingal County Council. A breakdown of all sites and parks, including the number of tenants on each, is provided in the following table.
Available IDA Land & Buildings in North Dublin
Business and Technology Parks and Landbanks available in North Dublin.
|
County |
Town |
Business Park / Site Name |
Total Size |
Available for marketing (size) |
Number of tenants |
|
Dublin 15 |
Blanchardstown |
IDA College Park Business Park (owned by Fingal Co Co.) |
c. 93 ha / 220 acres |
c. 29.3 ha / c. 72.4 acres |
6 |
|
Dublin 17 |
Belcamp |
Belcamp Business & Tech Park |
c. 56.5 ha / c. 140 acres |
c. 44 ha / c. 109 acres |
Green field site |
|
Dublin 15 |
Snugborough |
Blanchardstown Business & Tech Park |
c. 47 ha / c. 116 acres |
c. 4 ha / c. 9.88 acres |
12 |
|
Dublin 11 |
Poppintree |
Poppintree Industrial Estate |
c. 20.6 ha / c. 51 acres |
c. 3.78 ha / c. 9 acres |
6 |
|
Co. Dublin |
Swords |
Swords Business Park, Greenfields |
c. 23.9 ha / c. 59 acres |
c. 2.8 ha / c. 7 acres |
14 |
|
Dublin 15 |
Blanchardstown |
Ballycoolin Business Park |
c. 55 ha / c. 135 acres |
c. 6 ha / c. 14.82 acres |
11 |
|
Dublin 17 |
Clonshaugh |
Clonshaugh Business Park |
c. 82 ha / c. 203 acres |
No lands available |
30 |
Job Creation Data
Questions (636)
Niamh Smyth
Question:636. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the counties in which the 5,600 jobs were created as stated in the progress report published in December 2016 as part of the regional action plan, in tabular from; the number which were specifically created in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8615/17]
View answerWritten answers
The source of the employment data referred to in the Deputy’s question is the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) undertaken by the CSO at regional level, and is not available at county level.
However, CSO’s monthly Live Register figures show that in the past year the numbers on the Live Register have fallen by 765 in County Cavan and by 395 in County Monaghan.
The enterprise agencies are making a significant contribution to employment in the regions: 61% of new jobs by Enterprise Ireland firms in 2016 were outside Dublin and 52% of new jobs by IDA firms in 2016 were outside Dublin.
IDA North East Region consists of Counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan where 33 multinational companies operate, employing 4,914 people. In 2016, IDA client companies supported 1,203 jobs in Cavan and 137 jobs in Monaghan.
In 2016, Enterprise Ireland client companies supported 5,221 jobs in Cavan and 5,168 jobs in Monaghan.
Monaghan LEO supported 156 clients in 2015, employing a total of 806 people in the county whereas Cavan LEO supported 205 clients with a total of 1,110 employed. 2016 data has not yet been published.
National Postcode System Implementation
Questions (637)
Catherine Murphy
Question:637. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the cost of upgrading information technology systems and or databases to incorporate the use of Eircode postcodes; if the use of Eircode postcodes is mandatory in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8635/17]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has a number of significant business systems which hold address data. Some of these are nearing end of life, and would not be expected to support Eircodes. Most other systems support the use of postcodes, which can be used for recording Eircodes. In that respect, there is no expected cost of upgrading these systems. One system does not have a dedicated postcode/Eircode field at present, but no estimate has been made to date for any work which might be required to add such a dedicated field to the system. Some work was carried out in one system to allow the use of Eircodes for address verification purposes. This work was carried out as part of a larger body of work, and was not priced separately. The cost of the work is estimated to be €2,500. The use of Eircodes is not mandatory in any of my Department’s systems at this time.
Industrial Disputes
Questions (638)
Niall Collins
Question:638. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will assist a group of persons (details supplied) in their dispute with their employer either directly or through the State's industrial relations agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8673/17]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that the dispute in question relates to issues over shift patterns and terms, job rotations and appointments, and has already led to four one-day stoppages at the plant concerned.
I also understand that after intervention by the Workplace Relations Commission the dispute has been referred to the Labour Court for hearing, and both parties have agreed to attend.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the State’s industrial relations machinery is available to assist in the resolution of this dispute. I would urge both parties to remain engaged with the State's industrial relations machinery in order to resolve their differences in this instance. Even what often 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.
EU Funding
Questions (639)
Pearse Doherty
Question:639. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the EU funds her Department accesses; the plans she is putting in place to access these funds to a greater degree in view of Brexit, or if she will outline initiatives she is pursuing to establish access to new funds in view of the challenge of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8809/17]
View answerWritten answers
The current phase of the European Structural and Investment Funds covers the period 2014-2020. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) forms one component of the wider European Structural and Investment (ESI) Fund. Within Ireland the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform has overall responsibility for EU Cohesion Policy and primary responsibility for the ERDF. Two agencies under the aegis of my Department (Science Foundation Ireland and Enterprise Ireland) are key contributors to two Operational Programmes (OPs) to implement the strategic priorities set out in our Partnership Agreements with the European Commission. These OPs are co-funded by the ERDF under the auspices of the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform - one for the Southern region and one for the Northern and Western region.
The focus of these programmes is on jobs and growth; combatting unemployment and social exclusion; promoting research, technological development and innovation (RTDI) and information and communications technology investment and the competitiveness of the business sector; and promoting an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient economy.
The total programmed expenditure for the ERDF operational programmes will be €818 million, with an ERDF contribution of 50%, i.e. €409 million. My own Department has responsibility for €406.2 million (€177m from SFI and €229.2m from EI) of this programmed expenditure with a return of €203.1 million. Total programme expenditure is broken down as follows:
Southern & Eastern NUTS II Region - total expenditure of €498 million (ERDF contribution of €249 million); and
BMW NUTS II Region – total expenditure of €320 million (ERDF contribution of €160 million).
The current ESI phase which is scheduled to run between 2014 and 2020 has been agreed with the Commission and is not open to amendment. No additional funding mechanisms under the ESI are anticipated during this period.
The activities of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are funded through the Irish Exchequer, and up to 50% co-funded by the EU European Regional Development Fund on a retrospective basis.
As set out in the Action Plan for Jobs 2017, the LEOs will be focused on supporting companies in navigating the challenges presented by Brexit, including:
- Technical assistance support for exporting microenterprises;
- Roll out of a national Lean for Micro initiative to drive firm level competitiveness;
- Targeted mentoring and training initiatives; and
- Local level awareness raising and information sharing.
The EU Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME) runs from 2014 to 2020, with an overall budget of €2.3bn.
COSME's objective includes facilitating access to finance for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and to increase the sustainable competitiveness of EU companies and help small businesses operate outside their home countries. It is also hoped that COSME will create an environment which is favourable to business creation and growth, and encourage an entrepreneurial culture in Europe.
One of the means by which this objective can be achieved is through the use of EU financial instruments, which are a key component of the COSME programme. The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), which comes under the remit of the Department of Finance has recently signed the first COSME agreement in Ireland with the European Investment Fund. This transaction is guaranteed by the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), the heart of the investment plan for Europe. This agreement will allow SBCI to support €100m of loans to SMEs in Ireland over the next three years and support attractive loans to around 2,000 SMEs through risk sharing initiatives.
My Department is currently working with the SBCI utilising the terms of the Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Act 2016 to see if there are other mechanisms by which we can leverage additional EIB/EIF funds through risk sharing instruments. I am confident that this work will lead to the development of additional products to facilitate the flow of credit to Irish SMEs. In addition, Microfinance Ireland benefits from a guarantee funded by the European Union under the Programme for Employment and Social Inclusion (EASI) Programme.
My Department is actively involved with our Northern Ireland counterpart in the Research and Innovation strand of the EU's INTERREG VA Programme, a cross border initiative which will benefit colleges and companies in Ireland, Northern Ireland and, in some cases, Western Scotland. The two Departments contribute the 'match funding' required, i.e. 15% of the total, with the EU contributing 85%. Arrangements have been put in place which will ensure that this programme can continue despite the closure date of 2023 being after the likely date at which the UK will leave the EU. The overall financial envelope for the full programme (the total EU allocation for this Research and Innovation strand is €60m), was settled by the EU quite some time ago, being part of their wider Territorial Cooperation initiative, so the level of funding for this programme cannot be increased at this stage.
Departmental Funding
Questions (640)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:640. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the public funding supplied to trade unions and representative bodies in 2015 and 2016 from her Department, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9099/17]
View answerWritten answers
Improved industrial relations are a key factor in enterprise development and greater expertise and professionalism in the industrial relations arena contributes to more efficient use of the State’s industrial relations and dispute resolution machinery. Ultimately, this contributes to industrial peace.
The support provided by the Department to meet costs incurred by the ICTU in the operation of the Education, Training and Advisory Service may cover up to 80% of total expenditure on the programme. Expenses covered include research, seminars/conferences, workshops and education & training programmes. The Grant is paid on foot of quarterly draw down requests from ICTU accompanied by a statement of actual expenses in the previous quarter and an estimate of expenses in the current quarter. Audited annual accounts are submitted to the Department each year along with an Independent Audit Report confirming that the activities claimed for have taken place.
|
Year |
Union |
Purpose |
Amount |
|
2015 |
ICTU |
ETAS Grant* |
€900,000 |
|
2016 |
ICTU |
ETAS Grant |
€900,000 |
*An annual grant paid to assist the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in meeting the cost of providing its “Education, Training and Advisory Service” (ETAS). The grant assists Congress in the area of policy development, the provision of education and training supports to union officials and members, and advice to affiliated unions on particular issues.
Child and Family Agency Funding
Questions (641)
Michael Harty
Question:641. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will rescind the withdrawal of counselling grants in the interest of vulnerable children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8354/17]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to inform the Deputy that I share his concerns regarding this scheme, and that I have met with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency to express these concerns, which they have taken on board. I wish to assure the Deputy that at present schools in receipt of the grant will continue to do so, up to September 2017.
I have been advised by Tusla that the School Counselling Grants scheme, was established in 1994, to provide counselling support for children affected by bereavement or loss. In 2011 this scheme was closed to new entrants while under the remit of the Family Support Agency. The scheme came under the remit of Tusla upon its establishment in 2014.
Tusla has informed me that the School Completion Projects have until April to complete the Annual Retention Plan for the School Completion Programme. This provides an opportunity, within the return, for the Projects to inform Tusla of its counselling needs.
Tusla recognises the necessity for bereavement and loss counselling in schools and those schools in receipt of funding under the School Completion Programme may utilise up to €5,000 of this funding for such services. In addition Tusla provides child counselling through the Agency’s Family Support Services funding. In 2016 funding for child counselling was increased under this scheme by €154,000 to €680,000. In particular child counselling funding to approximately 70 Family Resource Centres around Ireland was increased to €242,000.
Tusla is the main funder of Barnardos Children’s Bereavement Service, which works to support children and families coping with bereavement. Funding of €154,600 was provided to this service in 2016. The Agency is also committed to the funding of Rainbows Ireland, which provides group based support to children dealing with loss following parental separation/divorce or a death. The Rainbows programme is currently delivered in over 250 schools and community based centres around the country. Funding in 2016 was increased by €15,000 to €250,000 annually. Together with the Irish Hospice Foundation Tusla co-funds the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network, which works to improve awareness and support of bereaved children. It provides information on how to support bereaved children targeted at professionals, teachers, schools and families. Tusla provided €35,000 in funding to this initiative in 2016.