Written Answers Nos. 307-315
307. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of regional IDA site visits and vacant properties in 2016, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12333/17]
View answerAs part of IDA Ireland’s strategy for the period from 2015-2019, the Agency has targeted achieving an increase of 30% to 40% in foreign direct investment (FDI) in every region outside of Dublin. Site visit statistics indicate that progress is being made towards that goal. It is important to remember, however, that the number of site visits to a county does not necessarily reflect FDI activity there as 70% of all new FDI comes from existing IDA Ireland clients.
To attract more FDI to the regions, the IDA requires an adequate supply of marketable serviced land and buildings that can be offered to potential investors. There are currently 23 such available IDA Ireland-owned units and further details on these are set out in the table below. If the Agency did not have such properties, it would diminish Ireland’s ability to win mobile FDI, particularly for the regions.
IDA Ireland-sponsored Site Visits 2016 by County
|
County |
2016 |
|
Carlow |
9 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
|
Clare |
18 |
|
Cork |
49 |
|
Donegal |
7 |
|
Dublin |
284 |
|
Galway |
42 |
|
Kerry |
3 |
|
Kildare |
8 |
|
Kilkenny |
10 |
|
Laois |
6 |
|
Leitrim |
8 |
|
Limerick |
49 |
|
Longford |
6 |
|
Louth |
24 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
|
Meath |
8 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
|
Offaly |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
|
Sligo |
20 |
|
Tipperary |
8 |
|
Waterford |
17 |
|
Westmeath |
36 |
|
Wexford |
7 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
IDA Ireland Available Units
|
County |
Town |
Vacant |
|
Cork |
Ballygallan |
3 |
|
Donegal |
Letterkenny |
3 |
|
Galway |
Mervue |
1 |
|
Galway |
Roundstone |
2 |
|
Kerry |
Killarney |
2 |
|
Mayo |
Ballina |
1 |
|
Mayo |
Charlestown |
1 |
|
Mayo |
Castlebar |
1 |
|
Offaly |
Tullamore |
0 |
|
Sligo |
Finisklin |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
Nenagh |
1 |
|
Waterford |
Waterford |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
Athlone |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
Arklow |
1 |
|
Summary |
23 |
308. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of workplace inspections in 2016 by sector and region; the total amount of wages recovered in these periods by sector and region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12404/17]
View answerThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body which was established on 1 October 2015 under the Workplace Relations Act 2015. The WRC has responsibility for information provision, workplace advice, mediation, conciliation, adjudication, inspection and enforcement in relation to employment rights, equality and equal status matters and industrial relations.
The WRC assumes the roles and functions previously carried out by the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), Equality Tribunal (ET), Labour Relations Commission (LRC), Rights Commissioners Service (RCS), and the first-instance (Complaints and Referrals) functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT).
Inspectors of the WRC carry out inspections of employer records with a view to determining compliance with employment rights and employment permits legislation. These inspections arise:
- In response to complaints received of alleged non-compliance with relevant employment rights legislation;
- As part of compliance campaigns which focus on compliance in specific sectors or specific pieces of legislation, or
- As routine inspections, which act as a control measure.
The WRC’s aim is to achieve voluntary compliance with employment law through the provision of education and awareness, inspection of employers’ employment records and enforcement where necessary.
Details in relation to the number of workplace inspections undertaken by the WRC in 2016 by sector and by county and the total amount of wages recovered during that period are provided in the tables below (a regional breakdown of sectoral inspections undertaken is not available).
By sector
|
Sector |
Cases |
Unpaid Wages |
|
AGRICULTURE |
50 |
30,137 |
|
CONSTRUCTION |
94 |
127,100 |
|
CONTRACT CLEANING |
27 |
9,480 |
|
DOMESTIC WORKER |
22 |
4,728 |
|
ELECTRICAL |
6 |
6,363 |
|
FISHERIES |
9 |
0 |
|
FOOD & DRINK |
2,539 |
332,903 |
|
HAIR AND BEAUTY |
182 |
23,393 |
|
HEALTH NURSING AND CHILDCARE |
82 |
156,071 |
|
HOTEL |
183 |
73,506 |
|
MANUFACTURING |
50 |
25,385 |
|
OTHER |
420 |
311,260 |
|
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES |
150 |
3,872 |
|
SECURITY |
24 |
52,779 |
|
TRANSPORT |
52 |
16,072 |
|
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL |
940 |
348,550 |
|
TOTALS |
4,830 |
1,521,600 |
By County
|
County |
Cases |
Unpaid Wages |
|
CARLOW |
36 |
6,317 |
|
CAVAN |
117 |
10,748 |
|
CLARE |
129 |
53,229 |
|
CORK |
332 |
25,538 |
|
DONEGAL |
128 |
9,347 |
|
DUBLIN |
1,067 |
491,595 |
|
GALWAY |
408 |
76,627 |
|
KERRY |
96 |
23,898 |
|
KILDARE |
186 |
44,644 |
|
KILKENNY |
92 |
26,401 |
|
LAOIS |
63 |
30,302 |
|
LEITRIM |
36 |
715 |
|
LIMERICK |
426 |
176,415 |
|
LONGFORD |
79 |
4,321 |
|
LOUTH |
177 |
14,139 |
|
MAYO |
147 |
16,225 |
|
MEATH |
121 |
7,929 |
|
MONAGHAN |
69 |
21,468 |
|
OFFALY |
76 |
60,242 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
61 |
2,086 |
|
SLIGO |
47 |
9,184 |
|
TIPPERARY |
177 |
78,041 |
|
WATERFORD |
207 |
72,937 |
|
WESTMEATH |
117 |
16,505 |
|
WEXFORD |
181 |
135,313 |
|
WICKLOW |
255 |
107,434 |
|
TOTAL |
4,830 |
1,521,600 |
309. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the options that are open to persons that are seeking seed capital for start up businesses; if plans are in place for further schemes to be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12432/17]
View answerThere are a large number of seed capital supports provided through my Department and its agencies.
Enterprise Ireland has committed €352 million over three funding cycles to some 39 venture capital funds and 4 seed funds since 1996, with a further €175 million to be committed under the current programme (SVC 2013-2018). Leveraged funding is in the order of €1.25 billion.
The Enterprise Ireland supports include:
- Seed and Venture Capital Schemes
- European Angel Fund
- HBAN
Enterprise Ireland also has specific start up supports available. These include:
- High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Seed Investment
- Innovation Vouchers
- Enterprise START
- New Frontiers
- Competitive Start Fund
Details of all these schemes are available on the Enterprise Ireland website.
In addition to this, the Local Enterprise Offices can offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (up to ten employees) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities.
Microfinance Ireland (MFI) also provides funding through loans up to a maximum of €25,000, to start-up businesses. MFI will finance start-up costs, expansion costs and/or working capital needs.
The Credit Guarantee Scheme is also available to SMEs that are unable to access credit because there is an inadequacy of collateral and an inadequacy of understanding of the novelty of a business model, sector or technology and can be sourced through the major banks.
The ‘Supporting SMEs’ Online Tool at www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Supporting-SMEs-Online-Tool/ gives full details of all supports available to business and I would encourage any potential start up to check what supports are available on the tool.
My Department and the agencies under my Department’s remit keep all supports under continuous review. If an identified need emerges the Department and its agencies will respond appropriately.
310. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of young persons under and over 18 years of age that were on a waiting list to access an aftercare worker at the end of 2016, by area, in tabular form; the average length of time a young person spends on the waiting list before gaining access to an aftercare worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12208/17]
View answer311. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of young persons that turned 18 years of age whilst in the care system and were placed on a waiting list for an aftercare worker in each quarter in 2016, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12210/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.
Tusla has advised that it does not collate data on waiting lists for the allocation of an aftercare worker for young persons over 18 years. Once the amendments to the 1991 Act are commenced there will be a statutory obligation on Tusla to have an aftercare plan prior to the young person leaving care.
Table A provides a breakdown on the numbers of children in care aged 16 and 17 years with an allocated aftercare worker at the end of December 2016 broken down by area.
Table A: Young adults aged 16 and 17 years in care with an allocated/awaiting an allocated aftercare worker
|
End December 2016 |
Number of children in care aged 16 and 17 years |
Number of children in care aged 16 and 17 years with an allocated aftercare worker |
Number of children in care aged 16 and 17 years awaiting an allocated aftercare worker |
|
DSC |
62 |
8 |
54 |
|
DSE/WW |
48 |
33 |
15 |
|
DSW/K/WW |
91 |
31 |
60 |
|
Midlands |
63 |
49 |
14 |
|
DNC |
121 |
26 |
95 |
|
Dublin North |
56 |
27 |
29 |
|
LH/MH |
70 |
39 |
31 |
|
CN/MN |
19 |
10 |
9 |
|
Cork |
143 |
52 |
91 |
|
Kerry |
24 |
17 |
7 |
|
CW/KK/ST |
70 |
6 |
64 |
|
WD/WX |
59 |
20 |
39 |
|
Mid West |
95 |
29 |
66 |
|
GY/RN |
63 |
24 |
39 |
|
Mayo |
20 |
20 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
29 |
19 |
10 |
|
SO/LM/WC |
22 |
22 |
0 |
|
Total |
1,055 |
432 |
623 |
Children in care have an allocated social worker who assists them in preparing to leave care. Children in residential care, or those who are likely to leave their future care placement on reaching 18 are prioritised for an aftercare worker.
Table B shows the numbers of young adults aged 18 -22 years (inclusive) in receipt of aftercare services who have an allocated aftercare worker at the end of 2016.
Table B: Young adults 18 -22 years (inclusive) in receipt of aftercare supports who have an allocated aftercare worker.
|
The total number of young adults aged 18 to 22 inclusive in receipt of an aftercare service on the last day of the reporting period |
Number of young adults aged 18 to 22 inclusive in receipt of an aftercare service who have an allocated aftercare worker |
|
|
December 2016 |
1,806 |
1,531 |
Table C details the number of young adults discharged from care by reason of reaching 18 years of age during 2016 by quarter, the number eligible for an aftercare service, the number availing of an aftercare service and the number with an allocated aftercare worker.
Table C: Young adults discharged from care by reason of reaching 18 years of age during 2016.
|
Number discharged |
Number discharged eligible for after care service |
Number availing of an aftercare service |
Number with an allocated aftercare worker |
|
|
Q1 2016 |
121 |
117 |
106 |
95 |
|
Q2 2016 |
194 |
191 |
174 |
144 |
|
Q3 2016 |
152 |
149 |
131 |
132 |
|
Q4 2016 |
138 |
127 |
113 |
113 |
|
Total |
605 |
584 |
524 |
484 |
The transition to independent adulthood can be challenging for many young people and a key factor in achieving success is ensuring that assessment, preparation and planning for leaving care begins in the years prior to leaving care and continues as part of the care planning process. This work is based on collaboration with the young person, their carers and partner agencies to generate an aftercare plan that is specific to the individual young person's needs.
312. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether family resource centres are provided with adequate funding and supports to carry out their responsibilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12334/17]
View answer313. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to review and increase the number of family resource centres in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12335/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 313 together.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides financial support to some 109 communities through the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme. This typically covers the employment of two to three members of staff and some overhead costs. In 2016, Tusla provided €13.5 million in core funding under the programme. Also, in December 2016, and in recognition of the valuable work that the Family Resource Centres do, Tusla provided additional once-off funding of €1.422 million to the centres. This additional funding, which was in the form of minor capital assistance, allowed for the upgrade of equipment and other remedial works at centres.
Last November, I met with representatives from the Kildare Youth Service, Kildare Children and Young People's Service Committee, Kildare Local Community Development Committee and the Tusla Area Manager in relation to the provision of services to children and young people in County Kildare.
At that meeting, I was informed of a number of issues including a request for the provision of additional Family Resource Centres in County Kildare. I advised the County Kildare representatives at the meeting to submit a Business Case to Tusla in relation to the establishment of new Family Resource Centres in the County as Tusla provides financial support to Family Resource Centres under its Family Resource Centre Programme.
Tusla plans to build on the strengths of the programme in the years ahead to deliver its mandate for community-based early intervention and family support.
Tusla is currently finalising details of the funding to be allocated to the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2017, and will be confirming funding levels for individual centres shortly.
314. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to engage with organisations (details supplied) to ensure aftercare support for those leaving State care on their 18th birthday; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12336/17]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that officials from my Department met with the organisation referred to in December 2016. At this meeting, my officials provided updates on a number of areas including children in care and forthcoming legislation on Children First and Aftercare and listened carefully to the views of the organisation referred to on the future development of aftercare services.
Tusla has consulted widely with relevant stakeholders in preparation for the reforms on aftercare supports and has included consultation with foster carers, young people who had been in care, aftercare staff, social work staff, NGO's, private foster care and residential care providers and other state departments. All have been invited to events and offered the opportunity to make written submissions.
My officials have consulted widely with relevant stakeholders in preparation for the reforms on aftercare supports including meetings with Empowering Children in Care (EPIC), Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA), Irish Association of Social Workers and Social Care Ireland as well as the organisation referred to and other relevant stakeholders.
315. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 805 of 28 February 2017, the names of the organisations in the USA that were contacted. [12394/17]
View answerIn accordance with section 9 of the Commission of Investigation Act 2004, it is essential to recognise that the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions. The Commission's advertising strategy is a matter for the Commission to manage and progress and I do not have any further information relating to the matter.
The Deputy may wish to contact the Commission directly at info@mbhcoi.ie.
