Written Answers Nos. 226-245
226. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if persons can receive compensation payments for the loss of traditional stone walls after road widening works or the construction of new roads take place. [26384/17]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (including compensation for land acquired) is the statutory responsibility of the local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority'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.
As regards national roads, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
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.
227. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to ensure that the reopening of the railway line between Mullingar and Athlone is included in the capital expenditure review programme in view of the fact it is an important link which would facilitate commuters between these two major towns and for onward journeys to other areas of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26453/17]
View answerMy Department awarded a total grant of €7.2 million to Westmeath County Council under the Government Stimulus Package 2014 to deliver a greenway along the route of the disused rail line between Mullingar and Athlone. The 42km greenway which is part of my Department's flagship Galway to Dublin Greenway opened in 2015 and is proving a great success, providing a huge economic and amenity boost to the local community.
Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that when Greenways are being developed along closed and abandoned railways, there is specific provision in the licence agreement to ensure that the corridor could be brought back to use as a working railway, should it be required at a future date. In addition to the tourism and business benefits that Greenways bring, the development of a Greenway along a rail corridor also fully protects the integrity of the corridor in the event of its future reopening as an operational railway.
The role of heavy rail in Ireland's transport sector is currently under review. A public consultation process on the Rail Review document was conducted recently by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA is currently preparing a report about the process which I intend to bring to Government in due course. No decisions on any changes to the rail network will be made until the outcome of the public consultation process has been evaluated and the NTA's report considered.
228. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will direct the NTA to extend the deadline for an offer of a wheelchair accessible grant for a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that it has taken six weeks for the declined cases section of a company (details supplied) to provide the person with an insurance quote to allow the person to purchase a taxi plate. [26457/17]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle industry, including issues pertaining to the administration of the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have therefore referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
229. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding restrictions set down by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. [26458/17]
View answerI understand that the Deputy may be referring to the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines 2012 issued by the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are required to have regard in the performance of their functions to guidelines issued under this section of the Planning and Development Act. These Guidelines were, I understand, prepared by the then Department of Environment, Community and Local Government in consultation with local authorities, my Department and the National Roads Authority.
The guidelines are aimed at aligning road planning and policy and development planning. The Guidelines indicate that development plans and local area plans should include policies aimed at maintaining the safety and capacity of national roads by avoiding the creation of additional access points and the generation of additional traffic from existing access points on roads where a speed limit greater than 60 kmh applies.
The guidelines also indicate that, in certain circumstances, planning authorities may identify stretches of national secondary roads where a less restrictive approach may be applied as part of the process of reviewing or varying the relevant development plan.
I am not aware of any proposal to revise the guidelines at present.
230. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to open negotiations with the European Commission and to seek support for permission for the Government to establish and fund an international public service obligation for Kerry Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26465/17]
View answerAs outlined in the National Aviation Policy published in 2015, there are currently two Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services supported by the Exchequer through my Department's Regional Airports Programme. These PSO services operate between Donegal and Dublin and Kerry and Dublin.
It is considered that the existing PSO air services from Kerry and Donegal provide an adequate level of international access to the regions through connections into and out of Dublin Airport. Cork and Shannon Airports and Ireland West Airport Knock also provide for international access for the Western seaboard.
The current contract for the operation of these two services will expire on 31 January 2018. It is an EU requirement that the continuing justification for any PSO services is reviewed prior to tendering again for such services. Our focus at present is on conducting this review, following which a decision will then be made on the future of those PSO air services in Ireland, subject of course to overall Exchequer resources.
231. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the decision to change the timing of bus routes by a private operator in County Kildare, which will affect persons in towns in County Kildare (details supplied); the alternative options that will be available for persons who use these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26509/17]
View answerWhile the service in question is licensed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the scheduling of such licensed commercial bus services is a matter for the operator concerned and not one in which I have any function.
I am aware that the NTA is currently considering the changes announced to this specific route and the options that may be available in this regard and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
232. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the expenses incurred by her Department relating to insurance of all types in each of the past five years; the cost of each insurance policy held by her Department over the same time period per annum; if she will provide the same data for all bodies under the aegis of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26289/17]
View answerState indemnity for personal injury and third party property damage is set out in the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act, 2000 where the management of personal injury underlying risks and third party property damage claims against certain State authorities is delegated to the National Treasury Management Agency. When performing these functions, the Agency is known as the State Claims Agency (SCA).
The SCA’s remit covers personal injury and third party property damage claims against the State itself, Ministers of the Government and the delegated State Agencies, as applicable.
This function is discharged in relation to bodies delegated to the SCA under National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act, 2000 and subsequent legal orders, but not to all State-funded or associated enterprises.
Accordingly, my Department does not incur any costs in relation to taking out any insurance policies.
In relation to expenses, these do not arise save where the SCA recoups costs of claims involving my Department. In the time available to my Department it has not been possible to compile the data requested covering the last 5 years but I will ensure that the relevant information is compiled for the Deputy and communicated to him shortly.
Finally, in relation to outstanding claims against my Department or bodies under its aegis, I have asked the relevant Agencies to respond to me directly and I will communicate the relevant details to the Deputy in early course.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
In my response to Parliamentary Question No. 232, Reference No. 26289/17 answered on 1 June 2017, I indicated that I would arrange for the State Agencies under the remit of my Department to supply information requested.
The information as provided to me is now provided herewith, in respect of the State agencies under my Department’s remit.
The agencies concerned are as follows:
- Enterprise Ireland,
- NSAI,
- CCPC,
- PIAB,
- IAASA,
- IDA,
- SFI,
- Health and Safety Authority.
|
IDA Ireland |
||||||||
|
Policy |
Insurance Provider |
Premium Allocation (IDA Ireland) |
||||||
|
2010/11 |
2011/12 |
2012/13 |
2013/14 |
2014/15 |
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
||
|
Employers Liability/ Public/Products Liability |
Travelers Insurance Company Ltd |
€20,590.86 |
€19,712.73 |
€30,546.71 |
€32,651.41 |
€33,012.86 |
€29,040.24 |
€39,528.85 |
|
Excess Liability |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€3,431.96 |
€3,348.82 |
€3,430.37 |
€3,391.12 |
€3,991.05 |
€4,138.05 |
€3,742.05 |
|
Material Damage "All Risks"/Computer |
Travelers Insurance Company Ltd |
€57,257.63 |
€55,482.45 |
€56,715.06 |
€56,924.73 |
€77,449.00 |
€71,192.28 |
€61,655.43 |
|
Engineering |
HSB Engineering Insurance Ltd |
€2,719.40 |
€2,881.53 |
€2,533.71 |
€2,053.29 |
€2,053.29 |
€1,870.89 |
€1,235.83 |
|
Motor Fleet |
RSA Insurance Ireland Ltd |
€4,132.93 |
€3,309.12 |
€1,517.73 |
€1,086.75 |
€652.05 |
€1,402.19 |
€1,490.30 |
|
Directors & Officers |
AIG Europe Limited |
€4,902.80 |
€4,789.50 |
€4,906.13 |
€5,298.62 |
€5,298.62 |
€6,088.96 |
€6,102.03 |
|
Employment Practices Liability |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€4,216.41 |
€4,118.97 |
€3,797.34 |
€3,607.38 |
€3,607.38 |
€4,121.16 |
€4,348.00 |
|
Professional Indemnity |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€46,947.40 |
€44,599.50 |
€40,902.75 |
€38,955.00 |
€38,955.00 |
€38,955.00 |
€40,751.43 |
|
Excess Professional Indemnity |
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe Ltd / Zurich Insurance plc / XL Insurance Company SE / IGI (UK) Ltd |
€26,749.10 |
€24,565.51 |
€22,552.17 |
€19,835.25 |
€ 19,835.25 |
€19,835.25 |
€33,193.55 |
|
Crime |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€6,658.00 |
€6,504.14 |
€5,996.27 |
€5,995.28 |
€5,995.28 |
€6,903.45 |
€8,112.55 |
|
Personal Accident/Travel |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€7,725.00 |
€7,471.62 |
€7,741.89 |
€ 8,223.22 |
€9,262.26 |
€11,391.72 |
€12,193.48 |
|
Marine Hull |
Allianz plc |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Cyber Liability cover |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€5,798.65 |
€3,492.15 |
€3,574.46 |
€4,415.51 |
€4,317.39 |
€4,971.42 |
€5,244.60 |
|
Computer (Portable) |
RSA Insurance Ireland Limited (“RSA”) |
N/A |
N/A |
€ 315.00 |
€ 267.53 |
€ 1,459.50 |
€ 3,795.75 |
€3,857.27 |
|
Sub Total |
€191,130.14 |
€180,276.03 |
€184,529.58 |
€182,705.08 |
€205,888.93 |
€ 203,706.66 |
€221,455.37 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
||||||
|
Policy |
Insurance Provider |
Premium Allocation (Science Foundation Ireland) |
||||
|
2012/13 |
2013/14 |
2014/15 |
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
||
|
Employers Liability/Public/Products Liability |
Travelers Insurance Company Ltd |
€4,383.44 |
€4,685.46 |
€4,737.33 |
€4,752.16 |
€4,725.67 |
|
Excess Liability |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€702.96 |
€694.91 |
€679.88 |
€731.33 |
€589.26 |
|
Material Damage "All Risks"/Computer |
Tavelers Insurance Company Ltd |
€1,735.10 |
€1,742.89 |
€1,709.81 |
€1,592.91 |
€1,568.81 |
|
Engineering |
HSB Engineering Insurance Ltd |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Motor Fleet |
RSA Insurance Ireland Ltd |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Directors & Officers |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€1,005.38 |
€1,085.81 |
€1,085.81 |
€1,076.11 |
€960.90 |
|
Employment Practices Liability |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€778.16 |
€739.23 |
€739.23 |
€728.34 |
€684.69 |
|
Professional Indemnity |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€10,804.50 |
€10,290.00 |
€10,290.00 |
€10,290.00 |
€10,754.06 |
|
Excess Professional Indemnity |
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe Ltd / Zurich Insurance plc / XL Insurance Company SE / IGI (UK) Ltd |
€5,957.18 |
€5,239.50 |
€5,239.50 |
€5,239.50 |
€8,759.58 |
|
Crime |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€1,228.77 |
€1,228.57 |
€1,228.57 |
€1,220.06 |
€1,276.15 |
|
Personal Accident/Travel |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€1,586.49 |
€1,685.12 |
€1,898.05 |
€2,013.28 |
€1,919.85 |
|
Marine Hull |
Allianz plc |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Cyber Liability cover |
AIG Europe Ltd |
€732.49 |
€904.84 |
€884.73 |
€878.61 |
€826.00 |
|
Sub Total |
€28,914.45 |
€28,296.33 |
€28,492.89 |
€28,522.29 |
€32,064.97 |
|
Tables continuing.
|
Enterprise Ireland |
|||||
|
Insurance Type/Policy |
Agency: Premium Allocation (Enterprise Ireland) Please note the County & City Enterprise Boards were amalgamated into Enterprise Ireland's Insurance Programme with effect from 15/04/2014 |
||||
|
2012/13 |
2013/14 |
2014/15 |
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
|
|
Employers Liability/ Public/Products Liability |
€50,163.44 |
€53,619.76 |
€54,213.33 |
€55,865.81 |
€53,186.14 |
|
County & City Enterprise Boards |
€56,000.00 |
€50,000.00 |
€16,438.52 |
||
|
Total |
€106,163.44 |
€103,619.76 |
€70,651.85 |
€55,865.81 |
€53,186.14 |
|
Excess Liability |
€9,512.88 |
€9,404.03 |
€10,030.91 |
€8,928.41 |
€7,813.38 |
|
Terrorism |
In below policy |
In below policy |
In below policy |
In below policy |
In below policy |
|
Material Damage "All Risks"/Computer |
€50,031.16 |
€29,190.84 |
€33,703.24 |
€33,857.92 |
€33,691.00 |
|
County & City Enterprise Boards |
included above |
included above |
included above |
||
|
Total |
€50,031.16 |
€29,190.84 |
€33,703.24 |
€33,857.92 |
€33,691.00 |
|
Engineering |
€2,533.71 |
€2,053.29 |
€2,053.29 |
€841.06 |
€655.76 |
|
Motor Fleet |
€5,821.16 |
€5,820.60 |
€3,390.68 |
€3,058.18 |
€2,958.63 |
|
County & City Enterprise Boards |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
||
|
Total |
€5,821.16 |
€5,820.60 |
€3,390.68 |
€3,058.18 |
€2,958.63 |
|
Directors & Officers |
€13,605.38 |
€14,693.81 |
€14,693.81 |
€13,137.76 |
€12,741.01 |
|
County & City Enterprise Boards |
included above |
€12,600.00 |
€5,212.60 |
||
|
Total |
€13,605.38 |
€27,293.81 |
€19,906.41 |
€13,137.76 |
€12,741.01 |
|
Employment Practices Liability |
€10,530.56 |
€10,003.76 |
€10,003.76 |
€8,891.97 |
€9,078.63 |
|
Professional Indemnity |
€33,185.25 |
€31,605.00 |
€31,605.00 |
€31,605.00 |
€33,051.18 |
|
County & City Enterprise Boards |
included above |
included above |
included above |
||
|
Total |
€33,185.25 |
€31,605.00 |
€31,605.00 |
€31,605.00 |
€33,051.18 |
|
Excess Professional Indemnity |
€18,297.04 |
€16,092.75 |
€16,092.75 |
€16,092.75 |
€26,921.43 |
|
Crime |
€16,628.49 |
€16,625.77 |
€16,625.77 |
€14,895.14 |
€16,934.07 |
|
County & City Enterprise Boards |
|||||
|
Total |
€16,628.49 |
€16,625.77 |
€16,625.77 |
€14,895.14 |
€16,934.07 |
|
Personal Accident/Travel |
€21,469.36 |
€22,804.14 |
€25,685.56 |
€24,579.21 |
€25,458.93 |
|
County & City Enterprise Boards |
|||||
|
Total |
€21,469.36 |
€22,804.14 |
€25,685.56 |
€24,579.21 |
€25,458.93 |
|
Marine Hull |
€1,308.00 |
€1,308.00 |
€1,308.00 |
n/a |
N/a |
|
Marine – Exhibition Equipment |
€837.00 |
€750.00 |
€750.00 |
€750.00 |
€750.00 |
|
Cyber Liability cover |
€9,912.49 |
€12,244.84 |
€11,972.73 |
€10,726.52 |
€10,951.14 |
|
Contingency |
N/A |
N/A |
€1,540.98 |
2,677.50 |
€2,677.51 |
|
Other (relates to County & City Enterprise Boards) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
||
|
TOTAL |
€299,835.92 |
€288,816.59 |
€255,320.93 |
€225,907.23 |
€236,868.81 |
|
EI UK Cover EX Terrorism |
£1,611.18 |
In ROI premium |
£1,696.00 |
In ROI premium |
£1,599.74 |
|
EI UK Terrorism Cover |
In above |
In ROI Premium |
In above |
In above |
In above |
|
National Standards Authority (NSAI) |
|||||
|
Insurance Type/Policy |
Agency: NSAI |
||||
|
2012/13 |
2013/14 |
2014/15 |
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
|
|
Employers Liability/ Public/Products Liability |
€12,406.38 |
€13,261.20 |
€13,408.00 |
€14,483.34 |
€14,009.10 |
|
Excess Liability |
€1,989.57 |
€1,966.81 |
€922.43 |
€2,228.89 |
€1,747.13 |
|
Material Damage "All Risks"/Computer |
€13,563.94 |
€13,577.25 |
€14,234.60 |
€14,115.50 |
€12,703.21 |
|
Engineering |
€316.71 |
€256.66 |
€256.66 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Motor Fleet |
€9,323.76 |
€9,322.90 |
€8,555.13 |
€8,555.12 |
€9,202.19 |
|
Directors & Officers |
€2,845.50 |
€3,073.14 |
€3,073.14 |
€3,279.71 |
€2,848.99 |
|
Employment Practices Liability |
€2,202.42 |
€2,092.24 |
€2,092.24 |
€2,219.79 |
€2,030.04 |
|
Professional Indemnity |
€39,359.25 |
€37,485.00 |
€37,485.00 |
€37,485.00 |
€39,217.22 |
|
Excess Professional Indemnity |
€21,701.14 |
€19,086.75 |
€19,086.75 |
€35,986.75 |
€35,946.38 |
|
Excess Professional Indemnity |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
€65,625.00 |
|
Crime |
€3,477.77 |
€3,477.20 |
€3,477.20 |
€3,718.42 |
€3,782.64 |
|
Personal Accident/Travel |
€4,490.22 |
€ 4,769.38 |
€ 5,372.01 |
€6,135.95 |
€5,692.00 |
|
Cyber Liability cover |
€2,073.15 |
€2,560.95 |
€2,504.04 |
€2,677.77 |
€2,449.10 |
|
Aviation/Grounding Liability |
£9,450.00 |
£9,450.00 |
£9,450.00 |
£9,450.00 |
£11,233.12 |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
||||||
|
Insurance Type/ Policy |
Insurance Provider |
Agency: PIAB |
||||
|
2012 Cost |
2013 Cost |
2014 Cost |
2015 Cost |
2016 Cost |
||
|
Combined Commercial Policy |
Hiscox Insurance Company Limited (All Years) |
€42,569 |
€43,325 |
€43,127 |
€40,950 |
€40,950 |
|
Motor Contingency |
Hiscox Insurance Company Limited |
€1,585 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Travel |
Ace European Group Limited (2010 to 2015) Chubb Insurance Company (2016 onwards) |
€304 |
€310 |
€312 |
€341 |
€343 |
|
Buildings |
Figure supplied is the Board’s portion of the landlord OPW Buildings Insurance |
€1,486 |
€2,228 |
€2,831 |
€2,101 |
€2,785 |
Tables continuing.
|
Premium Allocation: Health and Safety Authority |
|||||||
|
Policy |
Insurance Provider |
||||||
|
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
||
|
Computer* |
3,230.85 |
3,230.85 |
3,442.11 |
3,442.11 |
3,442.11 |
- |
|
|
Travel |
616.88 |
622.51 |
622.49 |
1,260.00 |
1,260.00 |
1,230.00 |
|
|
Personal Accident* |
235.48 |
235.50 |
235.50 |
259.07 |
284.94 |
313.47 |
|
|
PA Employees Scheme |
- |
- |
- |
- |
3,260.00 |
3,585.59 |
|
|
Employers Liability UW |
2,858.63 |
2,858.63 |
2,858.63 |
3,423.00 |
3,717.64 |
- |
|
|
Motor Contingency UW |
126.00 |
126.00 |
126.00 |
126.00 |
210.00 |
210.00 |
|
|
Professional Indemnity UW |
25,912.43 |
25,912.43 |
25,912.43 |
37,277.76 |
24,566.04 |
25,794.34 |
|
|
Public Liability UW |
1,249.71 |
1,249.71 |
1,249.71 |
1,908.00 |
2,189.64 |
- |
|
|
Combined Property UW |
13,257.30 |
13,346.33 |
13,346.33 |
13,422.70 |
12,454.00 |
- |
|
|
Commercial Combined |
23,807.65 |
||||||
|
47,487.27 |
47,581.95 |
47,793.19 |
61,118.63 |
51,384.36 |
54,941.05 |
||
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission |
||||||
|
Insurance Type/Policy |
Insurance Provider |
Agency: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission which was established on 31 October 2014 following the amalgamation of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority. Figures from 2012/13 - 31 October 2014 are combined figures for the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency. |
||||
|
2012/13 |
2013/14 |
2014/15 |
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
||
|
Employers Liability/ Public/Products Liability |
Travelers Insurance Company Ltd |
5001.47 |
5346.07 |
7489.5 |
9910.28 |
9391.36 |
|
Excess Employers Liability |
Travelers Insurance Company Ltd |
802.07 |
792.89 |
1306 |
1525.13 |
1171.37 |
|
Material Damage "All Risks" |
Travelers Insurance Company Ltd |
1523.87 |
1525.81 |
1495.40 |
1512.68 |
1826.73 |
|
Engineering/Computer |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Motor Fleet |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Directors & Officers |
AIG |
1147.13 |
1238.9 |
1506.90 |
2244.15 |
1910.11 |
|
Employment Practices Liability |
AIG |
887.87 |
843.46 |
1026.46 |
1518.90 |
1361.05 |
|
Professional Indemnity |
AIG |
8489.25 |
8085 |
9835 |
11085.00 |
11586.91 |
|
Excess Professional Indemnity |
Various layers organised by the following carriers: Zurich, XL, AIG, QBE |
4680.64 |
4116.75 |
5008.75 |
9412.7 |
9437.98 |
|
Crime |
AIG |
1402.02 |
1401.79 |
1705.79 |
2544.34 |
2535.57 |
|
Personal Accident/Travel |
AIG |
1810.17 |
1922.71 |
2900.66 |
4198.55 |
3816.11 |
|
Marine Hull |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Cyber Liability cover |
AIG |
835.76 |
1032.41 |
1228.47 |
1832.27 |
1642.06 |
|
Sub Total |
26580.25 |
26305.79 |
33502.93 |
45784 |
44679.25 |
|
|
Aviation/Grounding Liability |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
EI UK Cover EX Terrorism |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
EI UK Terrorism Cover |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
The Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) |
||||||
|
Insurance Type/Policy |
Insurance Provider |
Agency: IAASA |
||||
|
2012 Cost Insurance Provider - Wills |
2013 Cost Insurance Provider - Crotty Group |
2014 Cost Insurance Provider - Crotty Group |
2015 Cost Insurance Provider - OBF Insurance |
2016 Cost Insurance Provider - OBF Insurance |
||
|
Professional Indemnity Insurance |
11,550 |
13,388 |
15,738 |
15,703 |
19,839 |
|
|
Directors & Officers Insurance |
5,250 |
4,725 |
4725 |
3,465 |
3,450 |
|
|
Personal Accident & Travel Policy |
840 |
815 |
893 |
1,805 |
1805 |
|
|
Commercial Combined |
1365 |
1,575 |
1,596 |
1,519 |
1,692 |
|
|
Brokerage fees |
6,900 |
3,000 |
N/a |
N/a |
N/a |
|
There were no outstanding insurance claims in the period 2012-2016.
*In 2012 and 2013 the insurance companies issued a specific invoice in respect of brokerage fees, since 2014 the fee has been included in the Insurance costs.
233. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of matters the ODCE has referred to the DPP on foot of its investigations; the number of convictions that resulted for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26307/17]
View answerThe principal functions of the Director of Corporate Enforcement are set out in the Companies Act 2014. They include to:
1. encourage compliance with the Act;
2. investigate instances of suspected offences under the Act;
3. enforce the Act, including by the prosecution of offences by way of summary proceedings;
4. refer cases, at his discretion, to the Director of Public Prosecutions (“DPP”) where the Director has reasonable grounds for believing that an indictable offence under the Act has been committed; and
5. exercise, insofar as he feels it necessary or appropriate, a supervisory role over the activity of liquidators and receivers in the discharge of their functions under the Act.
Reflecting these functions, as a result of ODCE action between 2012 and 2015:
- 797 directors were restricted;
- 54 directors were disqualified by the High Court;
- 52 criminal convictions were arrived at in the District Court;
- 50 individuals were disqualified in the High Court; and
- 853 instances of securing compliance with the Companies Act through the exercise of the Director’s civil powers
Between the years 2008 and 2017 ODCE has referred 16 separate matters to the Office of the DPP. Arising from charges directed by the DPP on foot of these files, 9 individuals have been convicted to date (further convictions would have also arisen on foot of summary prosecutions in the District Court taken by the ODCE during this period). Two further cases are currently before the Courts and the ODCE is currently awaiting directions from the DPP in 3 other cases on foot of files submitted to them.
Included in the files submitted to the DPP were a number of files relating to Anglo Irish Bank covering 5 different strands of enquiry. The DPP has taken prosecutions in relation to 4 of these strands. These prosecutions resulted in convictions in respect of 3 of these strands.
A breakdown of the files and convictions is set out in the following table:
|
No. of files to DPP |
No. of convictions |
|
|
2008 |
2 |
1 |
|
2009 |
0 |
0 |
|
2010 |
2 |
0 |
|
2011 |
2 |
1 |
|
2012 |
3 |
0 |
|
2013 |
1 |
0 |
|
2014 |
0 |
3 |
|
2015 |
1 |
0 |
|
2016 |
4 |
1 |
|
2017 |
1 |
3 |
234. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the SEA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26334/17]
View answerJoint Labour Committees (JLCs) are provided for under the Industrial Relations Act 1946 and were reformed by the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act, 2012. A JLC is comprised of equal numbers of representatives of employers and workers in a sector. JLCs meet regularly, under an independent Chairperson to discuss proposals for terms and conditions to apply to specified grades or categories of workers in the sector. If agreement is reached the JLC publishes details and invites submissions from interested parties.
If, after consideration of any submissions received, the Committee adopts the proposals it will submit them to the Labour Court for consideration. The Labour Court will then make a decision on the adoption of the proposals. If the Court decides to adopt the proposals, a copy is presented to me and if I consider it appropriate to do so I will make an Order giving effect to the proposals. Such Orders are known as Employment Regulation Orders.
The Joint Labour Committee for the Security Industry was established in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 377 of 1998 (as amended by Statutory Instrument No. 30 of 2014). The Deputy may be aware that the JLC structure has in recent years undergone an extensive overhaul as the result of a successful Constitutional challenge in 2011 and the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2012 addresses the shortcomings identified in the ruling on that challenge.
In relation to the membership of the JLC I am informed that, in accordance with the Statute, the Labour Court consulted with ICTU, IBEC and the two employer organisations most closely connected with the Security Industry, the National Union of Security Employers (merged with the Security Institute of Ireland in 2011) and the Irish Security Industry Association. Following consultation, these bodies nominated representatives of both employers and employees for membership of the Committee. The current members were appointed on 12 May 2014.
The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson are Industrial Relations Officers from the Workplace Relations Commission and are appointed by me.
The constitution and proceedings of JLCs is set out in the Fifth Schedule to the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. The discussions within the Joint Labour Committees are not open to me nor to my Department.
The draft proposals for an employment regulation order to replace the one that currently exists for the Security Industry and that you refer to were advertised as part of the public consultation process. The closing date for submissions on those proposals was 7 February last. The proposals were subsequently adopted by the Labour Court and forwarded to me. Having considered them in the context of the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 as amended, I am satisfied that the legislation was complied with during the formulation of the proposals by the JLC and their adoption by the Labour Court and I signed an Order on 30 May to give effect to the proposals from 1 June 2017. (S.I. No. 231 of 2017 - Employment Regulation Order (Security Industry Joint Labour Committee) 2017).
235. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she is taking for exporters to capture some of the current UK agrifood exports to the EU that could be affected in the event of a hard Brexit. [26339/17]
View answerIn January 2017 Enterprise Ireland published its strategy for the period 2017-2020. The strategy was developed in the context of Brexit and focuses on supporting clients to both Build Scale and Expand Reach. In addition, in May 2017 Enterprise Ireland launched a new Eurozone Strategy to assist Irish exporters increase exports in Eurozone countries by 50% by 2020. This strategy will be accompanied by a new ‘Irish Advantage’ campaign which will target Eurozone buyers to promote Irish innovation in key Brexit impacted sectors.
Eurozone markets can provide currency stability, proximity and potential for growth and opportunities for Irish companies. Enterprise Ireland’s Eurozone Strategy will see the agency partnering with some 600 client companies, approximately half of which are ‘Eurozone Start’ (relatively new to the market and who are heavily reliant on the UK) while the remainder are ‘Eurozone Scale’ (already exporting to the Eurozone).
In addition to the market diversification drive characterised by the new Eurozone Strategy, Enterprise Ireland’s focus continues to be on supporting companies on a one to one and on a sector by sector basis to enhance their competitiveness and capability and build on their success in existing and new markets. To this end, on 31 March Enterprise Ireland launched its “Brexit SME Scorecard”, a new interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars - Business Strategy, Operations, Innovation, Sales and Marketing, Finance and People Management. Based on answers supplied by the user, the Scorecard generates an immediate report which contains suggested actions and resources, and information on events for companies to attend, to prepare for Brexit.
Enterprise Ireland has also launched a “Be Prepared Grant” that supports the costs of SME clients in preparing a plan to mitigate risks and optimise opportunities arising from Brexit. It can be used to help cover consultancy, travel and out of pocket expenses associated with researching the direction of their Brexit action plan.
To communicate Enterprise Ireland’s Eurozone Strategy and the supports available as part of the implementation of the agency’s strategy, a “Prepare for Brexit” Breakfast Roadshow is being rolled out nationally to engage with companies. A number of invited Food speakers, panellists and clients have already participated in these roadshow events.
Bord Bia is the state agency under the Department of Agriculture and Food responsible for the marketing and promotion of agrifood and drink. I am advised that Bord Bia's programmes and activities in this area are all directly relevant to expanding market penetration and diversifying outlets for Irish food and drink against the background of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
On 22 March, Bord Bia launched a Brexit Barometer to assist food, drink and horticulture companies to identify the levels of risk across six topics - route to market, trade, customs, currency, supply chain and people. In all, 135 companies completed a Brexit Barometer assessment. Each participating company received an assessment that identified levels of risk across the six topics and a supporting document with actions for mitigating some of these risks. The data collected is being analysed and the high level findings will be presented at a Bord Bia Brexit event on 29 June 2017.
236. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when the review into ConnectIreland and the Succeed in Ireland initiative will be published. [26340/17]
View answerThe terms of reference (ToR) for the review of the Succeed in Ireland initiative have yet to be finalised as the public consultation seeking input from the public on their contents only concluded on 26 May. The submissions received through that consultation process are now being examined and will help shape the final ToR. An independent external body will be commissioned to undertake the review after the ToR are finalised. The review will be published in due course following its completion.
237. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she or the Minister of State have received the report from the Low Pay Commission following their review of the rates for board and lodgings applicable to au pairs here; when she expects decisions to be made following receipt of the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26351/17]
View answerIn September last, I asked the Low Pay Commission as part of their 2017 Work Programme, to review the board and lodgings rates that are provided for under the national minimum wage legislation.
The Low Pay Commission examined the board and lodgings rates for all employees that are covered by the national minimum wage legislation.
Under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 (National Minimum Hourly Rate of Pay) Order 2000 (SI No. 95/2000) certain reckonable components may be taken into account for all workers to determine an employee’s average hourly rate. The Act provides for the following amounts:
€54.13 for board and lodgings per week, or €7.73 per day;
€32.14 for board only per week, or €4.60 per day;
€21.85 for lodgings only per week, or €3.14 per day.
Thus, if an employer provides an employee with full board and lodgings, or lodgings only or full board only, the monetary allowances set out above can be included as reckonable pay.
The closing date for submissions to the Low Pay Commission Review was 10 January last. The Commission considered the submissions received and examined all the available evidence.
The Commission submitted its report to me on 5 May and I am currently considering its contents.
238. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount allocated by the Health and Safety Authority for farm safety initiatives in 2016 and 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26378/17]
View answer239. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent by the Health and Safety Authority on farm safety initiatives; the number of inspections in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; her views on the increasing number of farm fatalities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26379/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together.
Following is a table showing the past expenditure for the years 2010 to 2016 and estimated total expenditure for 2017 on farm safety initiatives by the HSA.
Table of Expenditure on Farm Safety Initiatives 2011 to 2017
|
Year |
Expenditure * |
|
2010 |
** |
|
2011 |
€264,481 |
|
2012 |
€589,870 |
|
2013 |
€449,669 |
|
2014 |
€327,953 |
|
2015 |
€396,251 |
|
2016 |
€384,000 (estimated) |
|
2017 |
€287,000 (projected) |
*Note - that annual figures for expenditure include some cross sectoral initiatives where the expenditure would also be relevant to other sectors – it is not possible to extract this so it has been included as the full figure. In addition, some of the advertising initiatives would cross years, so the yearly figure is an estimate of the expenditure relevant to that year
** Note- the expenditure figure for farm safety initiatives in 2010 is recorded on a now disused database system and the retrieval will take some time. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will revert to the Deputy when this figure is available.
Below is a table showing the breakdown of the annual farm inspection numbers carried out by the HSA from 2010 to date in 2017.
Farm inspections and investigations 2011 – 2016
|
Year |
Number of farm Inspections and Investigations |
|
2010 |
1,646 |
|
2011 |
3,058 |
|
2012 |
3,136 |
|
2013 |
2,784 |
|
2014 |
2,644 |
|
2015 |
3,056 |
|
2016 |
2,008 |
|
2017 (to date) |
966 |
The Health and Safety Authority allocated a budget of €384,000 for farm safety initiatives in 2016. These initiatives included the organisation of, participation in, or support for a number of agriculture related events such as the FTMTA Grass and Much Event, Farmer of the Year Awards, Farm Safety Fortnight, Teagasc Beef 2016, the Tullamore Show, the National Ploughing Championships and some other minor events some with supporting media campaigns.
In 2017 the Health and Safety Authority has allocated a budget of €287,000 for farm safety initiatives. These initiatives will again involve the organisation of, participation in, or support of a wide range of agriculture related events such as the FTMTA[1] Machinery Show, Assisting in KTG[2] Facilitator Training, Farmer of the Year Awards, Farm Safety Months, (March/Livestock, May/Tractors & Machinery, November/Falls from Height & Falling Objects), Teagasc Dairy Event, the Tullamore Show, the National Ploughing Championships and again some other minor events all with media coverage or campaigns.
The funding allocations that the HSA makes for particular aspects of its annual programme of work, including farm safety initiatives, can fluctuate from year to year as the HSA decides how to prioritise its non-pay funding in order to implement its overall programme of work.
The totality of the work of the HSA in relation to farm safety is not confined to specific farm safety initiatives or formal inspections. In addition to such initiatives visits to farms by inspectors include routine unannounced inspections to monitor compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 and with other health and safety regulations and to investigate fatal and serious farm accidents. Typically in any one year there can be between 60 – 90 investigations on farms with the rest being unannounced inspections. In 2017 the HSA is carrying out three focused farm campaigns each of one month duration. The first focused on “animal handling”, the second on working with “machinery” and the third on “working from heights”.
Since 2014 the HSA has redirected some of its inspection resources to engaging directly with farmers on other accident prevention initiatives. This approach continues in 2017 particularly through the Knowledge Transfer Groups of which 42 have been attended so far this year and all facilitators of knowledge transfer groups have now been trained in occupational health and safety by Teagasc and the HSA.
The priority tasks for the HSA in relation to engagement with the farming sector for 2017 include:
- ongoing delivery of the Farm Safety Partnership Action Plan, 2016 to 2018;
- continuing awareness campaigns through the media, events and advertising targeted at agricultural sector;
- promotion of good health for farmers;
- publication of information sheets;
- roll out of the revised Code of Practice on farm safety;
- finalising an e-learning tool on tractor and machinery safety,
- focusing on child safety on farms through programmes at primary and post-primary school level, letters have already issued to over 3,000 such schools;
- increasing awareness of farm safety throughout the sector.
I, of course, remain very concerned at the ongoing high level of farm fatalities. Since the start of this year there have been 12 people killed on farms, with 8 deaths of farmers over 70 years of age. Indeed myself and my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, invited leading stakeholders involved in the agriculture sector, including representatives from four (4) major farming organisations (IFA, ICMSA, Macra na Feirme and ICSA) to a round table meeting on farm safety. The meeting facilitated a full and frank discussion on practical targeted actions that could be taken at a number of levels. I have asked all participants to formally submit their suggestions and proposals on actions that can be taken at Government and sectoral level and all will be given detailed consideration.
[1] Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association
[2] Knowledge Transfer Group
240. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount the Health and Safety Authority spent on all safety initiatives; the number of inspections it carried out in each of the years 2010 to 2016, and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26409/17]
View answerDetails on the number of inspections and investigations and spend on safety initiatives by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) for the period 2010 - 2017 is as follows:
|
Year |
Inspections and Investigations |
|
2010 |
16,714 |
|
2011 |
15,340 |
|
2012 |
13,835 |
|
2013 |
12,244 |
|
2014 |
10,719 |
|
2015 |
10,880 |
|
2016 |
10,460 |
|
2017 |
4,075 recorded year to date 25 May 2017 |
|
Year |
Spend on Safety Initiatives |
|
2010 |
€2.01m |
|
2011 |
€1.567m |
|
2012 |
€1.907m |
|
2013 |
€1.595m |
|
2014 |
€1.154m |
|
2015 |
€1.776m |
|
2016 |
€1.297 m |
|
2017 |
€360,000 estimated year to date of €1.53m proposed |
Health and Safety Authority Inspectors carry out inspections across all work sectors and work activities that come under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Chemicals Act 2008. Most inspections are targeted at the high risk sectors such as construction, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, mines, quarries, transport of dangerous goods by road, or the chemical sectors. Other inspections can be part of a particular safety awareness campaign e.g. on manual handling, on slips, trips or falls or on compliance with the REACH Regulation.
The HSA produces a Programme of Work each year setting out its plan for all areas of its work, including inspection targets. The 2017 Programme of Work set a target of 11,100 inspections and investigations. To date (25 May 2017) the HSA has carried out 37% of its target number of inspections and investigations.
241. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will outline EU or national studies or research regarding employment growth, job creation and the increase in exports of goods and services as a direct result of EU free trade agreements from an EU and Irish perspective and other benefits accruing. [26414/17]
View answerMy Department plans to undertake a comprehensive study which will examine in depth the economic impact of existing and forthcoming EU Free Trade Agreements. The analysis from the study will inform the Department and relevant agencies in setting the policy framework required for Irish businesses to take full advantage of concluded trade agreements and preferential trade access, and to prepare for future opportunities. The study will also identify the impact of free trade agreements at sectoral level, especially on employment and output. The terms of reference for the study are currently being developed.
From Ireland’s perspective the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement had a very positive impact in stimulating bilateral trade and investment. There has been a significant increase in total trade between Ireland and Korea since the Agreement came into force in 2011 with trade in services increasing by 90% to €680 million and trade in goods increasing by 166% to €1.8 billion.
The Deputy may wish to view the following publications in relation to the benefit of EU free trade agreements -
Making trade an engine of growth for all: The case for trade and for policies to facilitate adjustment 2017
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news17_e/wto_imf_report_07042017.pdf;
Annual Report on the Implementation of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement 2016 http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/june/tradoc_154699.pdf ;
Chief Economist Note EU Exports to the World: Effects on employment and income 2016
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/february/tradoc_154244.pdf;
EU Exports to the World: Effects on employment and income 2015
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2015/june/tradoc_153503.PDF;
Trade, Growth and Jobs Commission Contribution to the European Council 2013
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2013/april/tradoc_151052.pdf.
In addition to these studies, the European Commission and my Department both conducted impact assessments which modelled the potential of impact of a free trade agreement with the US. These can be found at –
https://www.djei.ie/en/Publications/TTIP-Impact-in-Ireland-Study.html;
http://www.trade-sia.com/ttip/.
242. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will outline current EU free trade agreements that are in pre-negotiation phase and impact assessments with each such free trade agreement. [26415/17]
View answerThe European Commission Work Programme 2017 provides that the Commission will seek authorisation to open negotiations for free trade agreements (FTA) with New Zealand and Australia.
The European Commission concluded preparatory talks with New Zealand on 7 March 2017 and with Australia on 6 April 2017 to assess whether the countries have similar interests for a trade deal to be feasible. This scoping exercise defines the areas to be covered and the level of ambition of future free trade agreements.
As a next step, the European Commission will ask Member States for negotiating mandates to negotiate on behalf of the EU on the basis of specific objectives for an EU – New Zealand FTA and an EU-Australia FTA. In parallel, the European Commission is finalising impact assessments of the potential impact of such a trade deals.
These impact assessments will take into account new opportunities that such agreements could create for EU businesses, as well as, taking into account EU agricultural sensitivities as provided for in the European Commission’s “Trade Strategy for All 2015”. The impact assessments will be publically available on the European Commissions website.
243. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of new staff recruited in each State agency under her aegis to date in 2017, including SFI, InterTradeIreland, IDA and Enterprise Ireland in tabular form; the cost of hiring additional staff in each individual State agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26416/17]
View answerThe new staff recruited in each State agency under the aegis of my Department to date in 2017 is listed together with cost of annual salaries and recruitment costs.
|
Agency |
No of New Posts |
Total Costs (annual salaries plus recruitment costs) |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
5 |
€209,642 |
|
IDA |
3 |
€194,604 (no recruitment costs incurred |
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission |
7 |
€422,154 |
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority |
2 |
€187,570 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
17 |
€1,078,219 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
1 |
€24,551 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
3 |
€95,291 |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
1 |
€22, 879 (no recruitment costs incurred) |
|
InterTrade Ireland |
Nil |
Nil |
244. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if external stakeholders from industry and representational bodies will have an input into the progress review of Enterprise 2025. [26417/17]
View answerThe review of Enterprise 2025 is being undertaken in the context of global changes that are likely to have an immediate impact on Ireland’s enterprise development, specifically Brexit and potential relevant policy changes under the new US administration.
Industry and representative organisations played a key role in the development of Enterprise 2025 and it is my intention that this review will also engage with relevant stakeholders including enterprises and representation bodies so as to gather insights and ensure we are addressing the most important issues.
In addition, I have recently established a Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Enterprise Forum on Brexit and global challenges. This will provide a vehicle for discussion of enterprise, trade and investment policy implications arising from wider global challenges, with a specific focus on Brexit in the first instance. I will be engaging the Forum in the Enterprise 2025 review process, including through a structured workshop on the key questions arising from the analysis underway and to identify areas requiring greater emphasis or new areas for action.
In addition to this structured engagement, I, and senior officials across my department, meet with enterprise and enterprise representative groups on a regular basis and insights from these engagements are also being used as input to the review process.
245. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if there is still an enterprise strategy group in operation in her Department to input into enterprise and employment policy as was previously in existence; when meetings were last held by this group; and if meetings are planned in the immediate future. [26418/17]
View answerThe goal of this Government is to support the creation of an additional 200,000 jobs by 2020 with 135,000 jobs outside Dublin. This is a whole of Government effort and is delivered through our integrated Action Plan for Jobs.
Since the first Action Plan for Jobs was launched in early 2012, almost 225,000 more people are at work. Over 66,000 jobs were created during 2016. Employment growth is spread across all regions and all sectors of the economy.
In February, we published the Action Plan for Jobs 2017 which sets out the whole of Government response to secure employment and retain jobs in the face of global uncertainty by strengthening the resilience and agility of our enterprise base.
In developing the 2017 Plan, I met a wide range of stakeholders including a broad selection of Enterprise Ireland and IDA client companies and the employer representative bodies. I have expanded the Industry Partners Forum to include a wider sectoral and regional representation. These meetings with enterprise informed the priorities that I and my Ministerial colleagues are progressing under the 2017 Plan to support further job creation and deliver sustainable enterprise growth in the short to medium term.
Accelerating the pace of progress in each region to maximise their job potential has been a top priority for the Action Plan for Jobs. In 2015, we launched the Regional Action Plans for Jobs initiative to help each region achieve its economic potential and increase employment. Each Regional Action Plan has an Implementation Committee that brings together enterprise, third level and other stakeholders from within each region and senior officials from my Department and I have met with the Committees at various stages over the last year. I am also engaged in a range of stakeholder and industry consultations as part of my work on Brexit preparedness.
I am keen that the Department continues to engage in in-depth and frequent dialogue with our stakeholders on a range of policy areas which fall within our remit. I have established a Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation 'Enterprise Forum' which provides a vehicle for discussion of enterprise, trade and investment policy implications arising from wider global challenges, with a specific focus on Brexit in the first instance. This forum will contribute to the review of Enterprise 2025 currently underway.
In addition to this more structured engagement with enterprise, I, and senior officials from my department, meet with enterprise and enterprise representative groups on a regular basis to ensure that industry has input into enterprise and employment policy development and I am keen that the Department continues to engage in in-depth and frequent dialogue with our stakeholders on a range of policy areas which fall within our remit.
