Robert Troy
Question:252. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to build an advanced technology building in an area (details supplied). [15893/17]
View answerIDA Ireland Supports
Questions (252)
Written answers
At present, there are no plans to construct an advanced technology building in Mullingar.
However, IDA Ireland have informed me that they regularly engage with both current and prospective clients to encourage further investment in County Westmeath and the wider region.
I understand that the Agency is also actively marketing its existing business park in Mullingar to all relevant potential investors.
Public Sector Staff Recruitment
Questions (253)
Niall Collins
Question:253. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of full-time and part-time staff hired on a Department-wide basis and in each State agency under her auspices since 1 January 2017; the number of these staff who were recruited specifically to work on Brexit related issues on a Department-wide basis and in each State agency under her auspices, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15992/17]
View answerWritten answers
Staffing levels of my Department, its Offices and Agencies reflect the requirement to manage the pay bill and staff numbers in accordance with Government pay policy with staff resources deployed in the most effective and efficient manner as appropriate to business needs and key priorities at any given time.
An additional €3million was secured in respect of Pay in Budget 2017 and is being targeted specifically to assist in our response to the evolving Brexit scenario. It is enabling the Department and, primarily, our Agencies recruit some 40 to 50 additional staff to supplement existing staffing numbers. These numbers may grow as Agencies allocate additional Own Resource Income, by agreement with the Department, to recruit further staff to work on "Brexit-related" activity.
The additional €3m has been allocated across
- Enterprise Ireland
- IDA Ireland
- Science Foundation Ireland
- The Health and Safety Authority, and
- The Department itself (€250,000)
The Department as a whole (currently 854 staff or 805 Full-Time Equivalents) has prioritised the Brexit challenges in its work plans for 2017 across all its Divisions. Brexit Unit staffing has been set at a team of 4 staff for now as follows: 1 Principal, 1 Assistant Principal, 1 Higher Executive Officer and 1 Clerical Officer. In addition, the work of very many Business Units across the Department is impacted by Brexit. These Units have finalised their business plans for 2017 and the impact of Brexit for their work has been fully factored in. In addition, a workforce planning process spanning the years 2017-19 has recently been concluded. This process was coordinated by my Department's HR Unit and reviewed the level of resources assigned across all Divisions of the Department in relation to our current strategic priorities, and, naturally, responding to Brexit features heavily in the plan. In this regard additional staffing resources will be recruited to support the Brexit Unit and other areas of the Department impacted by Brexit in the immediate period ahead.
In terms of the Agency numbers, additional Brexit resources are being put in place in response to the €2.750m allocated for extra staff. This sum is anticipated to allow for additional Brexit staffing in Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, SFI and the HSA (with a number of specific posts sanctioned and recruitment under way).
In relation to Enterprise Ireland, we have sanctioned an additional 39 posts with EI supplementing the “Brexit” pay allocation with additional Own Resource Income.
IDA Ireland has sought 21 additional staff resources in order that it can meet the jobs and investment targets set out in its Strategy – “Winning Foreign Direct Investment 2015 – 2019” - and to meet the global challenges of 2017 and beyond with Brexit key among the identified challenges. The Agency also submitted a staff resourcing strategy to the Department in July 2016 which sought sanction for retention of the 35 staff hired on 3-year fixed term contracts under the Winning Abroad Programme. IDA has also sought to reinstate its Graduate Recruitment Programme on a three year contract basis. These latter two requests are still under consideration.
Science Foundation Ireland will recruit an additional 2 “Brexit” staff.
The Health & Safety Authority has identified a need for an additional 2 “Brexit” staff.
In respect of these Agencies - as it is with the Department as a whole - it must also be borne in mind that all these Agencies will have prioritised the Brexit implications arising for them in their individual work plans for 2017 and beyond which serving staff will contribute to as part of their day-to-day work.
Following in tabular format the number of full and part time staff hired within the Department, and Agencies, and the number of these that were recruited specifically to work on Brexit related issues. It should be noted that in some cases, staff were recruited before January to work specifically on Brexit related matters and in other cases recruitment of such staff is currently in progress. It should also be noted that while the Department has not yet recruited additional staff in 2017 to work on Brexit related matters, having established its Brexit Unit in 2016, it has reassigned existing staff into dedicated Brexit roles.
|
- |
No. of full time staff recruited since 1 January 2017 |
No. of Part time staff recruited since 1 January 2017 |
No. of staff recruited since 1 January 2017 specifically to work on Brexit related issues |
|
Department |
18 |
0 |
0 (Brexit Unit - 4 staff - established in 2016) |
|
Agencies |
50 |
3 |
3 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
20 |
2 |
2 |
|
IDA Ireland |
6 |
1 |
1 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Agency |
11 |
0 |
0 |
Public Sector Staff Recruitment
Questions (254)
Niall Collins
Question:254. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of full-time and part-time staff hired on a Department-wide basis and in each State agency under her auspices since January 2017 following the confirmation that an additional €3 million has been allocated by her Department to the evolving Brexit scenario to increase resources in 2017, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15993/17]
View answerWritten answers
Staffing levels of my Department, its Offices and Agencies reflect the requirement to manage the pay bill and staff numbers in accordance with Government pay policy with staff resources deployed in the most effective and efficient manner as appropriate to business needs and key priorities at any given time.
An additional €3million was secured in respect of Pay in Budget 2017 and is being targeted specifically to assist in our response to the evolving Brexit scenario. It is enabling the Department and, primarily, our Agencies recruit some 40 to 50 additional staff to supplement existing staffing numbers. These numbers may grow as Agencies allocate additional Own Resource Income, by agreement with the Department, to recruit further staff to work on "Brexit-related" activity.
The additional €3m has been allocated across
- Enterprise Ireland
- IDA Ireland
- Science Foundation Ireland
- The Health and Safety Authority, and
- The Department itself (€250,000)
The Department as a whole (currently 854 staff or 805 Full-Time Equivalents) has prioritised the Brexit challenges in its work plans for 2017 across all its Divisions. Brexit Unit staffing has been set at a team of 4 staff for now as follows: 1 Principal, 1 Assistant Principal, 1 Higher Executive Officer and 1 Clerical Officer. In addition, the work of very many Business Units across the Department is impacted by Brexit. These Units have finalised their business plans for 2017 and the impact of Brexit for their work has been fully factored in. In addition, a workforce planning process spanning the years 2017-19 has recently been concluded. This process was coordinated by my Department's HR Unit and reviewed the level of resources assigned across all Divisions of the Department in relation to our current strategic priorities, and, naturally, responding to Brexit features heavily in the plan. In this regard additional staffing resources will be recruited to support the Brexit Unit and other areas of the Department impacted by Brexit in the immediate period ahead.
In terms of the Agency numbers, additional Brexit resources are being put in place in response to the €2.750m allocated for extra staff. This sum is anticipated to allow for additional Brexit staffing in Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, SFI and the HSA (with a number of specific posts sanctioned and recruitment under way).
In relation to Enterprise Ireland, we have sanctioned an additional 39 posts with EI supplementing the “Brexit” pay allocation with additional Own Resource Income. 12 of the 39 posts have been filled. The remaining 27 are actively being sourced through recruitment processes.
IDA Ireland has sought 21 additional staff resources in order that it can meet the jobs and investment targets set out in its Strategy – “Winning Foreign Direct Investment 2015 – 2019” - and to meet the global challenges of 2017 and beyond with Brexit key among the identified challenges. The Agency also submitted a staff resourcing strategy to the Department in July 2016 which sought sanction for retention of the 35 staff hired on 3-year fixed term contracts under the Winning Abroad Programme. IDA has also sought to reinstate its Graduate Recruitment Programme on a three year contract basis. These latter two requests are still under consideration. Currently, IDA has official sanction to recruit 2 additional “Brexit” staff members with sanction for a further 8 under consideration. One of the Brexit staff members has been recruited with the other post close to being finalised.
Science Foundation Ireland will recruit an additional 2 “Brexit” staff. Currently, serving and newly recruited staff have “Brexit” activity as part of their portfolios.
The Health & Safety Authority has identified a need for an additional 2 “Brexit” staff and is in process with the Department regarding formal approval for the particulars of the posts in question.
Finally, in respect of these Agencies, it must also be borne in mind that all these Agencies will have prioritised the Brexit implications arising for them in their individual work plans for 2017 and beyond which serving staff will contribute to as part of their day-to-day work. In this regard the staffing of these Agencies is set out as follows.
- EI had 575 staff in 564 Full-Time Equivalent posts before Brexit-specific recruitment of upwards of 39 staff takes effect.
- IDA had 268 staff in 259 Full-Time Equivalent posts before Brexit-specific recruitment of upwards of 21 staff takes effect.
- SFI had 47 staff in 46.5 Full-Time Equivalent posts before Brexit-specific recruitment of 2 additional staff takes effect.
- HSA has 167 staff in 159 Full-Time Equivalent posts before Brexit-specific recruitment of 2 additional staff takes effect.
Departmental Staff
Questions (255, 257)
Niall Collins
Question:255. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of full-time and part-time staff in her trade policy section; the staff increases she is considering for 2017 to deal with developments around Brexit; if staff requests were made in 2016 to strengthen resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15994/17]
View answerNiall Collins
Question:257. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff currently in the dedicated Brexit unit within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15996/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 257 together.
Staffing levels of my Department, its Offices and Agencies reflect the requirement to manage the pay bill and staff numbers in accordance with Government pay policy with staff resources deployed in the most effective and efficient manner as appropriate to business needs and key priorities at any given time.
An additional €3million was secured in respect of Pay in Budget 2017 and is being targeted specifically to assist in our response to the evolving Brexit scenario. It is enabling the Department and, primarily, our Agencies recruit an additional forty to fifty staff to supplement existing staffing numbers. In this regard, the dedicated Brexit Unit established within my Department is led at Principal Officer level with a team of three staff (i.e. a total of four), to be reviewed further in line with the necessary workload as the Unit’s agenda unfolds. In relation to the number of staff serving in the Trade Policy and Export Licensing Section, there are currently 19 staff in 18.1 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions in this Unit. This is an increase from 16 and 15.5 respectively from January 2016.
In addition, of course, the work of very many other Business Units across my Department is impacted by Brexit and the 2017 business plans for these Units have factored in Brexit implications for their work.
Further additional staffing demands relating to Brexit - and other key priorities - have been combined into a workforce planning process spanning the years 2017-19 which is currently being concluded. This process was coordinated by my Department's HR Unit and reviewed the level of resources assigned across all Divisions of my Department in relation to the current strategic priorities of my Department, including Brexit-related activity. Arising from this exercise, additional resources will be secured to support the work of the Brexit Unit, the Trade Policy and Export Licensing Unit and other Business Units whose work is impacted by Brexit related priorities.
State Aid
Questions (256)
Niall Collins
Question:256. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the details of each specific EU Competitiveness Council Ministers' meeting at which she made the case for the need for a revision of State aid rules to protect Irish enterprises and related jobs during the UK’s two-year exit phase from the EU and the subsequent transition phase; the date of every such meeting at which this was raised, in tabular form; the status of progress being made at EU level to increase current State aid thresholds to support Irish enterprises in the event of a hard Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15995/17]
View answerWritten answers
Given that Brexit is likely to represent a structural shift in the UK trading relations with partners, short, medium and long term responses are needed. These include market diversification, cost reduction, innovation and price repositioning. My Department, Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) have measures in place to address these issues for client companies. My Officials are also exploring the potential to provide additional supports to business under State Aid rules.
The Competitiveness Council (Internal Market & Industry) has met on three occasions since the announcement of the EU UK referendum result. I have attended each of these three meetings. The meeting dates were as follows:
- 29 September 2016
- 29 November 2016
- 20 February 2017
The issue of State Aid did not feature as an agenda item at any of these Council meetings.
While the UK is considering the nature of its desired relationship with the Union following exit, Ireland Inc will be focusing on the strategic interests of the enterprise sector. We are already working closely with the EU Commission and our EU partners to ensure that we have a shared understanding of the implications and effects of the UK's departure from the EU.
My Department, working closely with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), EI and stakeholders (such as SFA, ISME, IBEC and Chambers), has conducted a structured engagement with a diverse range of companies across sectors and regions. The purpose of this engagement is to construct an evidence base on which appropriate, tailored and targeted responses can be delivered to meet real identified business needs. Work on the analysis of this data is progressing well. The outcome of the structured engagement and analysis of the findings, along with market developments as a result of Brexit, will inform further discussions with the Commission and the development of any further initiatives to business.
Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 255.
Brexit Issues
Questions (258)
Niall Collins
Question:258. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will provide a breakdown of all companies by sector, in tabular form; the number of meetings she had with representatives of companies that currently have plants here and that have indicated they will move some of their operations to the UK in anticipation of the UK leaving the EU; the steps she has taken to ensure existing company operations maintain their employment footprint here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15997/17]
View answerWritten answers
I have met representatives of companies, business organisations and other stakeholders throughout the country in recent months and to date none of them have indicated that they will move any of their operations to the UK as a result of the Brexit referendum in 2016.
I am deeply engaged with my Department’s agencies - Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland - to ensure sufficient supports are in place to safeguard Irish jobs and exports in response to both the short term and long term impact of Brexit. I am in ongoing communication with these agencies through my chairing of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation's Brexit co-ordination group, which includes the chief executives of the agencies and senior officials in my Department.
In particular, Enterprise Ireland is working with its 1,500 clients that export to the UK to examine the individual challenges faced by companies in every county in Ireland. It is also working on a sectoral level. Enterprise Ireland is working to assist companies to maintain and increase their UK exports and to extend their international reach by reorienting towards the Eurozone, North America, Canada, Asia and the Middle East. Enterprise Ireland is particularly working with the companies that are most exposed to the UK in areas like engineering, food, construction and timber. Enterprise Ireland is working to support companies in enhancing their competitiveness in order that Irish exports and jobs can be protected and can grow. Enterprise Ireland is assisting its clients to improve their processes, drive efficiencies and cost reductions and undertake research and development and innovation with a view to improving existing products and processes or developing new ones.
My Department's 2017 budget contains many measures to help Irish businesses to become more competitive and cope with the impact of Brexit. It includes an extra €52 million in capital funding to support the enterprise sector. Additional current moneys have also been secured to provide up to 50 extra staff for my Department and its enterprise agencies. In addition, Enterprise Ireland’s trade promotion programmes for 2017 are designed to support client exports to the UK and to diversify into new markets.
Child and Family Agency
Questions (259)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:259. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if information requested (details supplied) is with the management of Tusla; and if so, if she will provide the information. [15825/17]
View answerWritten answers
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, holds the statutory responsibility for child welfare and protection, and is the appropriate body to receive reports of concerns relating to children at risk. I wish to assure the Deputy that Tusla deals immediately with emergency cases, including for instance, if a child has been abandoned or is in immediate physical danger or at risk of sexual abuse.
At the end of Quarter 3, 2016, Tusla reported that 60% of referrals received were of a child welfare concern with the remaining 40% related to child protection concerns. The number of referrals reported over the last five years is detailed in the table below categorised by child welfare or child protection concerns. A child welfare concern is a problem experienced directly by a child, or by a family of a child, that is seen to impact negatively on the child’s health, development and welfare, and that warrants assessment and support, but may not require a child protection response (Child Protection and Welfare Handbook, HSE 2011). A child protection concern is where there are reasonable grounds for believing that a child may have been, is being or is at risk of being physically, sexually or emotionally abused or neglected.
|
Year |
Child Welfare Referrals |
Child Protection Referrals |
Total Number of Referrals |
|
2012 |
21,143 (53%) |
19,044 (47%) |
40,187 |
|
2013 |
22,192 (53%) |
19,407 (47%) |
41,599 |
|
2014 |
24,954 (57%) |
18,676 (43%) |
43,630 |
|
2015 |
25,361 (58%) |
18,235 (42%) |
43,596 |
|
2016* |
21,128 (60%) |
14,174 (40%) |
35,302 |
* Figures for 2016 to end September as data on referral is reported quarter in arrears
The following table provides a further breakdown of child abuse referrals by category of abuse for the years 2013 and 2014.
|
Physical abuse |
Emotional Abuse |
Sexual Abuse |
Neglect |
Year |
Total referrals of child abuse |
|
4,330 |
5,271 |
3,385 |
6,421 |
2013 |
19,407 |
|
4,066 |
6,233 |
3,114 |
5,263 |
2014 |
18,676 |
Referrals can come from a number of sources so there are some duplicates in these totals, and some will be more appropriate for universal services, such as those provided in the education or health sectors. Also, not all referrals will result in a need for a social work service or in a child being received into care.
Comparisons between years before 2012 are not included here due to definitional changes. Following the introduction of the standard business process across social work teams, referrals are now counted per child whereas prior to 2012 referrals were counted differently according to ‘case’ which may have included several children
Each referral received by the Agency is assessed and dealt with on an individual basis by the relevant social work team. Preliminary screening is aimed at establishing the appropriateness of the referral to Tusla services and, if necessary, is followed by an initial assessment of the concern to determine the best course of action for the child and their family. As a result, every year, approximately 50% of referrals can be expected to proceed from preliminary enquiry to the initial assessment stage.
The following table details the percentage of referrals that, following a preliminary assessment, required an initial assessment in each quarter of 2014, 2015 and 2016 (to end September).
|
Quarter and Year |
% of referrals that required an initial assessment |
|
Q1 2014 |
51% |
|
Q2 2014 |
49% |
|
Q3 2014 |
52% |
|
Q4 2014 |
52% |
|
Q1 2015 |
49% |
|
Q2 2015 |
46% |
|
Q3 2015 |
47% |
|
Q4 2015 |
49% |
|
Q1 2016 |
46% |
|
Q2 2016 |
43% |
|
Q3 2016 |
41% |
We have been advised by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, that it does not collate data nationally on the number of allegations of child abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect that are referred to An Garda Síochána. Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children states that "Where the HSE suspects that a child has been or is being physically or sexually abused or wilfully neglected, An Garda Síochána must be formally notified in accordance with the procedure set out in Paragraph 7.4.5 below. The process of establishing whether grounds exist for suspecting such abuse may involve consulting relevant professional personnel within the HSE and, where appropriate, in outside agencies. However, the HSE must not await confirmation of such abuse, whether from a child abuse assessment unit or otherwise, before notifying An Garda Síochána."
As outlined in Children First Guidance, An Garda Síochána and Tusla have different functions, powers and methods of working. The specific focus of Tusla is on the assessment of risk to a child and their welfare and protection. The role of An Garda Síochána is the investigation of an alleged offence and undertaking a criminal investigation into an allegations of child abuse. It is the responsibility of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to decide on, and to carry out, prosecutions.
Youth Cafés Provision
Questions (260)
Willie Penrose
Question:260. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if consideration will be given to providing grant aid to complete a youth development project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15985/17]
View answerWritten answers
In 2013 a capital allocation of €1.5m was made available by my Department for the provision of new youth cafés. Pobal assisted my Department with the administration of the scheme. Some 95 applications were received and 30 proposals for new youth cafes around the country were approved for funding.
I am advised that an application was received in respect of a youth café in Monasterevin from Kildare Youth Services. However, the application was unsuccessful on that occasion as it did not achieve a sufficiently high score for inclusion in the final list of projects approved for funding. An application from County Kildare Youth Hub in Kildare Town was successful and has received a capital grant of €50,000 towards the cost of developing a new youth café facility, which has now opened.
Youth cafés offer young people a safe, alcohol and drug free space, for recreation, non-formal learning and youth activities and they make an important contribution to facilities for young people at local level. Recent research undertaken by my Department indicates that there are now more than 150 youth cafés throughout the country. In the main, these have been developed, over the years, by local communities with the support of different funding sources.
My Department does not have available to it in 2017 a capital fund for the development of new youth cafés. The development of further youth cafés will be considered as part of a needs based, decision making process for any future capital funding that becomes available.
Occupational Therapy
Questions (261)
Dara Calleary
Question:261. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the impact of waiting lists on children waiting for occupational therapy provision; if she has raised this matter with the Minister for Health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15991/17]
View answerWritten answers
I am concerned about the waiting times for children who need occupational therapy, and the negative impact delays in receiving appropriate early intervention may have on the development and well-being of that child. However, the responsibility for occupational therapy provision rests with the Minister for Health. I have received representations on behalf of children who have occupational therapy needs, and I have communicated these to my colleague the Minister of State for Disability Issues.
Defence Forces Medicinal Products
Questions (262, 263)
Clare Daly
Question:262. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to confirm that if any member of the Defence Forces who was prescribed Lariam subsequently presents with symptoms, Lariam will immediately be discontinued, as mandated by a company (details supplied) in its summary of product characteristics. [15869/17]
View answerClare Daly
Question:263. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 1,330 of 21 March 2017, the potential side effects of mefloquine (details supplied) listed in the boxed warning that comes with the drug that are considered by his Department to be minor and tolerable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15894/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.
It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for overseas service and medical suitability, i.e. a medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis.
I am advised that significant precautions are taken by the Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications, including identification of any contraindications and assessment of any reported side effects that may occur.
As I already indicated in my previous response, while overseas, all personnel have access to either an Irish military Medical Officer or to the UN provided medical service (depending on the particular mission) to whom they could report any complaints, including potential side effects of any medications.
I am advised by the military authorities that where a Medical Officer forms the opinion that an individual has developed sensitivity to Lariam while overseas, that requires discontinuation of the medication, an alternative chemoprophylaxis is provided. The individual is monitored and ultimately, if serious enough, the individual may be repatriated.