Gerry Adams
Question:1254. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person or body that has been appointed to review the preclearance agreements in respect of Dublin and Shannon airports. [8553/17]
View answerState Airports
Questions (1254)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, in light of concerns expressed regarding the Executive Order signed by US President Donald J. Trump on 27 January 2017, the Taoiseach requested that the relevant departments undertake a review of US Preclearance at Dublin and Shannon Airports.
My Department, along with the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Justice and Equality contributed to this Review which was furnished to the Taoiseach last month and discussed at Cabinet on 28 February. The Review set out the position with regard to the history of preclearance, the Ireland/US Preclearance Agreement and the Aviation (Preclearance) Act 2009, its current operation, along with its benefits for Ireland and potential issues which have arisen in the light of the recent Executive Order.
Based on the work undertaken in the context of the Review, it is my view, and the view of Government, that US preclearance arrangements in Dublin and Shannon Airports should remain in place. In arriving at this decision, the following issues were taken into consideration:-
The operation of preclearance, a consensual and non-discriminatory facility, where the roles of Irish and US officials are clearly established, does not give rise to any breach of Ireland's European or International Human Rights obligations, including those in respect of refoulement and the rights of refugees or persons wishing to seek international protection in Ireland.
Preclearance is a valuable service for Ireland facilitating the movement of people between the two countries. It offers a unique service for passengers, providing them with essentially a domestic to domestic connection. Airlines flying to the USA using Dublin and Shannon Airports are permitted to fly to less congested domestic terminals at US airports, which enables faster onward connections for passengers.
It is a strategic asset for the airports in question, and a key enabler of market growth, which improves our global connectivity.
Sports Facilities Provision
Questions (1255)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:1255. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure full completion of the national sports complex in Abbotstown; the timeframe for doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14279/17]
View answerWritten answers
Substantial work has been undertaken already to develop the National Sports Campus to meet the evolving needs of the sporting community in Ireland and I am fully committed to its further development.
As the Deputy is aware, significant progress in recent years means world-class facilities are now in place at the National Sports Campus for a variety of sports. Most recently, Phase 1 of the National Indoor Arena, comprising a National Indoor Athletics Training Centre, a National Gymnastics Training Centre and a National Indoor Training Centre catering for over 20 sports, was officially opened by An Taoiseach in January 2017.
Other facilities in place at the National Sports Campus include the National Aquatic Centre, the National Horse Sport Arena, a High Performance Training Centre, FAI and GAA Training Centres, the National Modern Pentathlon Centre, the National Diving Training Centre, the National Cross-Country Track, Jogging Tracks and Trim Trails, a Multi-Sport Synthetic Pitch facility and two large multi-sport turf pitches accommodating Gaelic games, football and rugby. The National Sports Campus is also home to 27 National Governing Bodies of Sport.
Progress at the Campus is continuing this year. The development of a Cricket Ireland Training Facility is currently underway along with additional office accommodation for Sport Ireland and for one further National Governing Body.
Further developments currently proposed include Phase 2 of the National Indoor Arena, comprising covered pitches and ancillary facilities, and a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre. The availability of capital funding for these two proposed projects will be determined in the Mid Term Review of the Capital Plan, and timing will then be clearer.
Sport and Recreational Development
Questions (1256)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:1256. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the national physical activity plan; his views on whether it has been effective; and the further actions and initiatives that are planned under this programme. [14280/17]
View answerWritten answers
The National Physical Activity Plan was published in January 2016 and its implementation is being overseen by an Implementation Group co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Health. Work has commenced on over 50 of the 60 actions contained in the plan. An Implementation Template, showing progress to date and work planned for each action, is planned to be published on the Healthy Ireland website by mid 2017.
The Plan contains six actions which specifically relate to monitoring and evaluation, including the establishment of a national research system to monitor physical activity levels in key target groups. Those actions provide a sound basis for appropriate monitoring which will facilitate effective implementation of the Plan.
Traffic Calming Measures
Questions (1257)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1257. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his general policy when it comes to funding traffic calming measures at schools; if there are proposals being considered by his Department at present to enhance funding in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14004/17]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Applications were sought last year from local authorities for funding in 2017 for my Department's Safety Improvement Works Programme and it is open to local authorities to submit these types of projects for consideration under this grant category. Alternatively, it is also open to local authorities to consider funding such projects from its Discretionary Grant.
It is important to reiterate that it is a matter for the local authority to select, prioritise and agree the works to be funded and progressed each year as part of its annual works programme. In addition, the purpose of Exchequer funding is to supplement the own resources of the local authority, not to meet the full cost of schemes.
Ministerial Expenditure
Questions (1258)
Alan Kelly
Question:1258. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm that no Minister or Minister of State under his remit since 2011 has claimed overnight expenses for staying in Dublin. [14571/17]
View answerWritten answers
The information the deputy is seeking is currently being collated and checked and a reply will be forwarded to the deputy in due course.
Legislative Programme
Questions (1259)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1259. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when the Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 will be enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12992/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 is scheduled for Report Stage in Dáil Éireann this week. The timing of enactment thereafter will depend on the availability of parliamentary time.
Legislative Programme
Questions (1260)
Billy Kelleher
Question:1260. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the reason there has been a delay in the enactment of the Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016; when it will be enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13791/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 is scheduled for Report Stage in Dáil Éireann this week. The timing of enactment of the Bill will depend on the availability of parliamentary time.
Both the Bill itself and Directive 2013/34/EU, which it transposes, are technical pieces of legislation. This has meant that a number of complex issues have arisen during the transposition process. As a result, enactment has taken longer than hoped.
In order to mitigate the effects of this delay, section 14 of the Bill provides that companies may apply, in certain circumstances, provisions of the Bill to financial statements in respect of financial years that commenced in 2015 and later.
Low Pay Commission Expenditure
Questions (1261)
John Brady
Question:1261. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total annual running costs of the Low Pay Commission. [13810/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Low Pay Commission was established through the National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Act 2015. Its principal function is, once each year, to examine the national minimum hourly rate of pay and to make a recommendation to the Minister respecting the rate, ensuring that all decisions are evidence based, fair and sustainable, and do not create significant adverse consequences for employment or competitiveness.
The Commission was allocated €500,000 in 2015. This was broken down on a pay (€270,000) and non-pay basis (€230,000). Expenditure in 2015 was €155,500 (pay) and €95,100 (non-pay).
The Commission's budget for 2016 was €474,000 with expenditure for the year of €305,000 - €229,000 (pay) and €76,000 (non-pay).
The allocation for 2017 is €477,000 - €247,000 (pay) and €230,000 (non-pay).
Question No. 1262 withdrawn.
Legislative Programme
Questions (1263)
Jackie Cahill
Question:1263. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when the Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 will be enacted (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13911/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 is scheduled for Report Stage in Dáil Éireann this week. The timing of enactment thereafter will depend on the availability of parliamentary time.
In light of the benefits for many companies provided for in that Bill, it remains a legislative priority for the Government.
Legislative Programme
Questions (1264)
John Lahart
Question:1264. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the Bill that includes new rules regarding financial reporting standard 105, FRS105, has been enacted; the details of the rules for small businesses to meet the criteria set out in the FRS105; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14123/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 will transpose Directive 2013/34/EU (the EU Accounting Directive) into Irish legislation. That Bill is scheduled for Report Stage in the Dáil this week.
Clearly, the timing of enactment thereafter will depend on the availability of parliamentary time.
FRS 105 is the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the Micro-entities Regime. The Bill introduces new provisions for a new category of micro company, which is a subset of the category of small company. Accordingly, FRS 105 will be available to micro companies once the Bill is enacted and commenced.
Manufacturing Sector
Questions (1265)
Peter Burke
Question:1265. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of a manufacturing industry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12803/17]
View answerWritten answers
The property mentioned is not under the ownership of IDA Ireland. The Agency is aware, however, of its availability and has engaged with its owners about marketing the facility as suitable for potential FDI investors. The property has also been included on the IDA’s database of available office and manufacturing buildings in Co. Westmeath.
While Enterprise Ireland does not purchase property for its clients, it is working with relevant enterprise development partners regarding the future of the building concerned.
Both Agencies are available to show the property to existing and potential clients who may require premises for investment in the area.
IDA Ireland Portfolio
Questions (1266)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1266. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12826/17]
View answerWritten answers
IDA Ireland does not disclose details regarding property transactions for reasons of commercial and client confidentiality. The Deputy may wish to provide IDA Ireland with his constituent's details, either directly or through my office, to facilitate a response.
Brexit Issues
Questions (1267)
Pearse Doherty
Question:1267. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of meetings she has had with British companies which wish to retain access to the Single Market after Brexit and wish to relocate to another member state; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12846/17]
View answerWritten answers
I engage on an ongoing basis with overseas companies, including those with operations in the UK, regarding the possibility of new or expanded investments in Ireland. These businesses are interested in Ireland for a variety of reasons, including our continuing access to the EU single market but also on account of our talented workforce, track record as a successful home to global businesses and first-class education system.
Our focus now is converting the interest shown to date by potential investors into new projects on the ground. Both IDA Ireland and the Government will continue to work hard with that goal in mind.
Job Creation Data
Questions (1268)
Tom Neville
Question:1268. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created in the enterprise park, Kilmallock, County Limerick since 2014. [12882/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Kilmallock Enterprise Park, County Limerick was formerly owned by Shannon Development. The ownership transferred to Shannon Properties following the dissolution of Shannon Development and in December 2016 the Enterprise Park was sold to a third party.
The Enterprise Park is not State-owned and therefore I am unable to provide any information in relation to the employment numbers created since 2014.
The Kilmallock Enterprise Centre, located in the Enterprise Park, has received capital support under the 2007-2009 Community Enterprise Centre Scheme for its construction. The Enterprise Centre also received funding for a Business Manager from Enterprise Ireland.
Work Permits Applications
Questions (1269)
Paul Kehoe
Question:1269. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the review of the work permit for a person (details supplied); if assistance will be offered taking into account the specialised need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12919/17]
View answerWritten answers
The General Employment Permit renewal application for the person concerned was refused on the 18/11/2016 on the grounds that the remuneration offered was less than the annual remuneration stated on the original employment permit and the renewal application was not accompanied by required copies of payslips.
A request for a review of this decision was received on the 12/12/2016. Having examined this review request, the Reviewing Officer upheld the decision in this case on the 13/03/2017 and the applicant has been notified of this decision in writing.
Legislative Programme
Questions (1270)
Hildegarde Naughton
Question:1270. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when she envisages the Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 will be enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13144/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 is scheduled for Report Stage in Dáil Éireann on the week commencing 20th March 2017. The timing of enactment thereafter will depend on the availability of parliamentary time.
Work Permits Applications
Questions (1271)
Marc MacSharry
Question:1271. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of an application for a work permit by a person (details supplied) whose services are required urgently by a medical facility in the north west region; if this application will be processed in view of the fact that the person cannot apply for a work visa until the work permit has been granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13194/17]
View answerWritten answers
A critical skills employment permit issued in respect of the named individual on the 7th March 2017.
Ministerial Meetings
Questions (1272)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:1272. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of meetings and engagements she has had with the Industrial Development Agency, Enterprise Ireland and InterTrade Ireland from June 2016 to date in 2017. [13196/17]
View answerWritten answers
I am in regular formal and informal contact with the Agencies under my Department’s remit. Since June 2016 I have had eight meetings with the CEO of IDA Ireland, nine meetings with the CEO of Enterprise Ireland and nine meetings with the CEO of InterTradeIreland.
These meetings are in addition to my participation in Agency engagements including client events, job announcements and overseas marketing programmes.
Legislative Programme
Questions (1273)
Pat Casey
Question:1273. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of legislation on a general scheme of copyright approved by the Government (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13230/17]
View answerWritten answers
I have obtained Government approval for a General Scheme of a Bill entitled Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) (Miscellaneous Intellectual Property) Bill. The Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
Detailed information on the contents of this Bill has not yet been made public, while the progress of drafting is underway. However, one of the primary intentions of the Bill is to make certain improvements in the area of access to justice for intellectual property claims. In particular, the Bill will facilitate lower value intellectual property infringement cases to be brought before the Circuit and District courts. I intend to publish the Bill as soon as possible, once the initial drafting work is complete.
The Bill does not deal with the issue of self-representation before the Courts. The Deputy will appreciate that, in general, the issue of the jurisdiction of the courts is not an aspect that comes within my Department’s direct responsibility. The question of whether companies should be permitted to represent themselves in Court comes within the policy remit of the Department of Justice and Equality. The Department of Justice and Equality also deals with matters related to legal costs in the courts.
Departmental Programmes
Questions (1274, 1275)
Noel Rock
Question:1274. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the actions her Department is taking to increase the levels of female entrepreneurship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13234/17]
View answerNoel Rock
Question:1275. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the low level of female entrepreneurship here according to a report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13235/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1274 and 1275 together.
The most recent Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report figures for 2014 show there are at least twice as many men than women in each category of entrepreneurship.
The Government’s National Policy Statement on Entrepreneurship in Ireland was launched in October 2014 and sets out the Government’s strategic objectives as a facilitator within the Irish entrepreneurship ecosystem.
One objective of the policy statement is to promote female entrepreneurship through identification and promotion of female role models, targeted events and awards, support for female entrepreneur networks and promotion of a dedicated area on corporate websites.
My Department has established a web page targeted specifically at current and potential female entrepreneurs. The 2017 Action Plan for Jobs calls for the Roll out the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative and to further develop female centred entrepreneurial and start up initiatives.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are also actively engaged in encouraging and inspiring an increase in female-led businesses. In 2016, 60% of participants attending their training programmes were female with 44% of the mentoring participants were female. More than 900 businesswomen attended the range of 2016 annual National Women’s Enterprise Day events. This was considered highly successful and it is planned to run NWED 2017 in a similar format.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) has been running female only feasibility and competitive funds since 2012. The Female Entrepreneurship Unit had another successful year with an increase in female-led start-ups to 63, including 19 High Potential Start-Ups. The next Female Specific Start Fund will open on 3 May 2017 which will accelerate the growth of female-led start-up companies.
An important aspect of the networking programme is the promotion of successful female entrepreneurs as role models and the use of mentoring and networking opportunities which aims to build confidence of newly emerging female entrepreneurs. In 2017, The Female Leadership and Growing Ambition Conference hosted by Enterprise Ireland took place on 9th March in Bank of Ireland, College Green. The Female Founders Roadshow visited six locations: Dundalk, Galway, Athlone, Donegal, Limerick and Cork. EI also sponsor awards such as Tatler Business Woman of the Year Awards. They developed a series of female accelerator programmes in partnership with knowledge providers. These included Going for Growth and the DCU Ryan Academy Female Propeller Programme.
These initiatives demonstrate that the Government is firmly backing female entrepreneurship and considers it an important area of job creation within the economy.
Brexit Issues
Questions (1276)
Noel Rock
Question:1276. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she has read a report on Brexit (details supplied) which indicates that Ireland is among two countries whose GDPs will suffer the biggest drop as a consequence of Brexit as indicated in pages 7, 8 and 10 of the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13247/17]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the CEPS research and welcome this contribution to the ongoing Brexit debate.
The report recognises that Ireland faces unique challenges from Brexit, especially given the all-Ireland issues that arise.
The extremely close nature of our trading relationship with the UK means that the scale of the overall economic impact is probably greater for Ireland than for many other partners. The direct trading relationship between Ireland and the UK is enormous: €1.2 billion is traded between the two countries every week, with a considerable volume transiting through the UK onward to other EU Member States.
The UK is the most important market for Irish goods and services and we are Britain's fifth largest export market.
As a consequence of the importance of this issue, there is a whole of Government approach in place focusing on Brexit issues and my Department and its agencies are to the forefront of this effort.
In advance of the Referendum my Department conducted a contingency risk assessment of the potential impacts of Brexit across policy areas of my Department. We have refined our analysis post-Referendum and we have been working with Agencies to put in place actions to mitigate risks and maximise opportunities.
We have also been working with colleagues across Government to analyse potential sectorial impacts and consider the implications of various scenarios which may emerge as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
With regard to sectorial impacts, specifically my Department is currently undertaking research to examine the implications for the most exposed enterprise sectors - in terms of trading and economic relationships - of the UK being outside of the European Single Market and Customs Union. This research will inform an assessment of the way in which Brexit will affect individual sectors of the economy, and the ongoing response by Government and the Enterprise Agencies.
As the Deputy is aware, the Enterprise Agencies are playing an active and vital role in our response to Brexit. For example, Enterprise Ireland has engaged in extensive outreach with each of its 1,476 client companies that export to the UK - critically these companies employ 100,000 full time employees across all regions of Ireland. EI is driving competitiveness in Irish companies through a suite of supports to reduce supply-chain costs and increase efficiencies as a means of improving operating margins.
IDA Ireland is constantly engaged with clients across its entire portfolio and continues to actively pursue any opportunity for mobile investment following the Brexit announcement. FDI opportunities are likely to be found along differing timelines, partially influenced by sector. The potential sources of FDI are likely to come from:
- existing IDA Clients with a presence in Ireland who also have a presence in the UK;
- overseas clients (US, European and Asian) who have a presence in the UK but not in Ireland;
- UK companies operating in the UK who now need certain access to the European Market; and
- International clients without a presence in Europe seeking a European home.
Further, my Department is also funding a project through InterTrade Ireland on the North-South trade implications of Brexit. This project will provide an understanding of the impact of different trade and tariff regimes which might be imposed following Brexit.
Finally, my Department is leading consideration of the trade and investment impacts arising from Brexit and will reflect the CEPS research in its ongoing programme of research and analysis.