Written Answers Nos. 34 - 53
34. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to protect small and medium enterprises along the Border region which are most exposed to the impacts of Brexit. [30214/17]
View answerGiven the extent of North-South trade, I am very conscious of the challenges faced by companies operating in close proximity to the border, many of which trade freely on both sides of the border.
Since the UK referendum, the State agencies under my remit - Enterprise Ireland (EI), the Local Enterprise Offices and Inter Trade Ireland - have been active in supporting companies in assessing and addressing their exposure to Brexit.
EI’s current “#Prepare for Brexit” campaign includes a Brexit Scorecard available to all companies to self-assess their preparedness for Brexit and generates a report suggesting appropriate responses.
For exporting companies I secured new resources, including extra staffing, for EI and the LEOs in Budget 2017 to assist businesses to maintain and grow export markets.
Based on significant analysis and stakeholder consultation, my Department is currently working on further measures targeted at the needs of companies in the wider economy around working capital and business development.
The Regional Action Plan for Jobs for the Border region contains a large number of actions aimed at strengthening the enterprise sector in the region.
In particular, the new Regional Enterprise Development Fund of up to €60m was launched on 29th May. This Fund is aimed at supporting collaborative approaches to grow and sustain indigenous enterprise and jobs across the regions of Ireland.
35. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 251 of 1 June 2017 (details supplied), if these vacancies have now been filled; if not, the deadline for the Garda Commissioner to fill these vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30228/17]
View answerMembers of An Garda Síochána are seconded to assist the Director of Corporate Enforcement in his statutory mandate.
The ODCE has an approved complement of seven members of An Garda Síochána, comprising of one Detective Inspector, two Detective Sergeants and four Detective Gardaí.
A Detective Sergeant vacancy was filled recently.
The Detective Inspector retired last autumn. The Garda Commissioner was requested by the Director at that time to fill this vacancy as a matter of priority. At this time, a replacement is awaited.
36. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of additional staff to be made available to each State agency under her remit to specifically deal with Brexit; the number of these staff who have been recruited to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30239/17]
View answerAn 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 (€1,700,000)
- IDA Ireland (€750,000)
- Science Foundation Ireland (€150,000)
- The Health and Safety Authority (€150,000), and
- The Department itself (€250,000).
In relation to the State Agencies listed above, the recruitment of staff for Brexit related issues is set out for below. The remaining Agencies that come under the remit of my Department are not at this time recruiting any additional staff specifically for Brexit related issues. It must also be borne in mind, however, 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 relation to Enterprise Ireland, 13 posts have been filled to date and a further 21 have been advertised with the recruitment process ongoing.
Insofar as IDA Ireland is concerned, four Brexit related posts have been filled to date and the recruitment process for the remaining six is ongoing. Additionally, IDA Ireland has sought a further 21 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. My Department is pursing this request separately.
In respect of Science Foundation Ireland, the recruitment process to fill three Brexit related posts is currently underway and successful candidates are expected to be in place in the coming months. Furthermore, a number of current SFI staff also have Brexit related responsibilities, including an internal Brexit team led by one of its Senior Directors which focuses on Brexit related initiatives including, for example, direct engagement with UK colleagues in exploring and drafting potential joint schemes with the UK.
The Health and Safety Authority's recruitment planning is currently underway and the HSA hopes to be in a position to commence the process of recruitment in July for two Brexit related posts.
37. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will be discussed in Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30461/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that this House already had a comprehensive debate on the value of trade and free trade agreements on the 20 June 2017. This debate covered the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Contributors to the debate overwhelmingly supported Free Trade Agreements and recognise the important role they play in supporting economic growth and jobs in Ireland. They bring further benefits to consumers by keeping prices down, and providing consumers with greater choice. They open new markets for Irish companies and professionals, and break down red tape and other barriers to trade and investment. The abolition of tariffs makes our imports cheaper, and our exports more competitive. These Agreements are particularly important to SMEs to enable them to internationalise and grow exports, given that trade barriers tend to disproportionately burden smaller firms which have fewer resources to overcome them than large firms.
On 15 February 2017, the European Parliament voted in favour of the provisional application of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This is part of the democratic process as set out in the Treaties for the approval of international trade agreements. Provisional application is a standard part of trade agreements and allows those parts of the agreement for which the EU has competence to come into force. The process of ratification can now commence in some 43 national parliaments and regional assemblies across the EU according to their constitutional requirements. In Ireland’s case, the Oireachtas will be part of the final decision to ratify the Agreement.
During that discussion I welcomed the progress of CETA, which Ireland should begin to immediately benefit from in the coming months. I fully support provisional application of the Agreement. I am of the view that there should be no impediment to Irish companies immediately taking advantage of the provisions of CETA including eliminating tariffs on almost all of key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, easing regulatory barriers and ensuring more transparent rules for market access. My Department is already working with our agencies and Business Groups to ensure that Irish firms take early advantage of the terms of the Agreement.
39. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of licences for the export of military goods to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan issued by her Department in 2016; and the value of licences issued for each country. [30235/17]
View answerIn 2016, my Department issued one military export licence with a value of €202,000 where the United Arab Emirates was the ultimate destination and six military export licences with a value of €742,429 where Saudi Arabia was the ultimate destination. This was in respect of category ML5 Military products, which includes electronic control devices and components. No licence applications arose in respect of the other countries raised by the Deputy.
The EU has a range of sanctions in place in respect of countries engaged in conflicts. All licence applications are considered having regard to these measures. Sanctions can include arms embargoes and various restrictive measures including prohibitions on the provision of targeted goods and services. My Department observes all arms embargos and trade sanctions when considering export licence applications.
All export licence applications, whether for Dual-Use or Military Goods are subject to rigorous scrutiny. My officials seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade on any foreign policy concerns that may arise in respect of a proposed export; such factors are subject to review in the light of developments in a given region and having regard to the 2008 EU Common Position on Arms Exports. Any observations which may arise from this examination are considered in the final assessment of any licence application.
My Department may refuse an export licence, following consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other EU and Non-EU export licensing authorities, as appropriate.
40. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to grant work permits to chefs from outside the EU to work here, in view of the critical shortage of chefs here to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30221/17]
View answerAs regards the employment of non-EEA nationals, the State's general policy is to promote the sourcing of skills needs from within the workforce of Ireland and the European Economic Area (EEA is made up of the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). The employment permits system is intended to offer a solution for employers where specific skills prove difficult to source within the EEA. The system offers a conduit into the Irish labour market for non-EEA nationals with in-demand skills and is operated as a vacancy-led system.
Statutory lists set out which occupations are deemed highly skilled eligible occupations and which are ineligible for consideration for employment permits. Occupations not included on either list are considered eligible occupations but are subject to a labour market needs test. Changes to access to the Irish labour market for specific occupations via the employment permits system are made on the basis of research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) in tandem with a consultation process, as part of a package of measures to meet those skills needs.
Currently, chefs with expertise in a non-EEA cuisine at the level of executive chef, head chef, sous chef and specialist chef are eligible for employment permits. My Department’s policy with regard to providing employment permits for these specific categories of chefs is that it is recognised that having a wide range of cuisines in the restaurant sector supports Ireland being an attractive destination for tourists.
In 2015 the EGSFN carried out a study on the future skills needs of the hospitality sector. The EGFSN report, which was published in November 2015, provides a clear and coherent framework for the development of talent in the hospitality sector in the years ahead to help drive both hospitality business and employment growth, one of the key goals of the Government’s Tourism Policy Statement – People, Place and Policy-Growing Tourism to 2025.
The Study assessed skills demand at all NFQ levels, with a particular focus on career progression opportunities for those at lower skilled levels to help fill anticipated job openings. The report provides a set of recommendations designed to address the skills requirements of the sector over the period to 2020. While the emphasis is on developing skills in the resident labour market, the report recommends that the role migration can play should be kept under review.
The lists of highly skilled and ineligible occupations are reviewed on a twice yearly basis. The current review is nearing completion and consideration is being given by my officials to submissions received, including those from the hospitality sector, as part of the public consultation in April. This review process will be completed in September and I will then be in a position to determine, based on the evidence available, if any changes are required to the categories of chefs that are eligible for employment permits.
41. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department received requests for additional funding or staffing from Enterprise Ireland, the IDA or InterTradeIreland since the beginning of 2017. [30232/17]
View answerAn 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. My Department is proactively engaged with the Agencies most notably Enterprise Ireland (EI), IDA Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in relation to the individual sanction and recruitment processes. To date, EI has recruited 13 additional staff, IDA Ireland have recruited an additional four staff, while SFI and the HSA are progressing their recruitment processes.
In so far as InterTradeIreland (ITI) is concerned oversight and funding of ITI is a joint responsibility of my Department and the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy. My Department provided additional funding for ITI for Brexit related work in 2017. We have not however received any formal requests for additional staff resources this year. My Department will continue to engage with ITI and with our counterpart Department in Northern Ireland on resourcing issues in the time ahead.
As we progress the 2018 "estimates" process, and on an ongoing basis, my Department will keep under review the adequacy of resources available for staffing having regard to the other demands on my Department and family of Agencies given our wide remit.
42. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the effects that Brexit will have on small and medium size enterprises along the Border region; and her plans to protect them. [30216/17]
View answerGiven the extent of North-South trade, I am very conscious of the challenges faced by companies operating in close proximity to the border, many of which trade freely on both sides of the border.
Since the UK referendum, the State agencies under my remit - Enterprise Ireland (EI), the Local Enterprise Offices and Inter Trade Ireland - have been active in supporting companies in assessing and addressing their exposure to Brexit.
EI’s current “#Prepare for Brexit” campaign includes a Brexit Scorecard available to all companies to self-assess their preparedness for Brexit and generates a report suggesting appropriate responses.
For exporting companies I secured new resources, including extra staffing, for EI and the LEOs in Budget 2017 to assist businesses to maintain and grow export markets.
Based on significant analysis and stakeholder consultation, my Department is currently working on further measures targeted at the needs of companies in the wider economy around working capital and business development.
The Regional Action Plan for Jobs for the Border region contains a large number of actions aimed at strengthening the enterprise sector in the region.
In particular, the new Regional Enterprise Development Fund of up to €60m was launched on 29th May. This Fund is aimed at supporting collaborative approaches to grow and sustain indigenous enterprise and jobs across the regions of Ireland.
43. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the details of the regional IDA site visits and vacant properties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30225/17]
View answerRegional development remains a priority for the Government. I am very much aware that an important part of unlocking the potential of regional Ireland is ensuring that foreign direct investment (FDI) is spread as evenly as possible across the country. The IDA is committed to increasing FDI in each region of Ireland and I welcome the progress made so far in boosting FDI-driven job creation outside of our main urban areas. In 2016, for example, over half of all IDA Ireland supported jobs created were based outside of Dublin.
While the IDA always highlights the benefits of investing in the regions to prospective investors, it is important to note that a company's decision on where to locate can be influenced by a number of factors. These include access to qualified talent, proximity to transport hubs and the availability of suitable commercial property. The final decision on where to invest is also always taken by the company concerned.
The following tables set out details of both IDA Ireland site visits from 2012-2017 and the current availability to investors of IDA properties.
Table (A) - IDA Ireland site visits from 2012 to Quarter 1 2017
|
Region |
County |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
Q1 2017 |
|
Dublin |
Dublin |
196 |
180 |
205 |
242 |
284 |
82 |
|
Mid-East |
Kildare |
1 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
8 |
2 |
|
Mid-East |
Meath |
0 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
8 |
0 |
|
Mid-East |
Wicklow |
6 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
5 |
1 |
|
Total |
7 |
3 |
7 |
21 |
21 |
31 |
|
|
Midlands |
Laois |
0 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
|
Midlands |
Longford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
6 |
0 |
|
Midlands |
Offaly |
3 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
4 |
1 |
|
Midlands |
Westmeath |
7 |
9 |
12 |
28 |
36 |
9 |
|
Total |
10 |
12 |
13 |
42 |
52 |
10 |
|
|
Mid-West |
Clare |
14 |
5 |
9 |
12 |
18 |
10 |
|
Mid-West |
Limerick |
30 |
23 |
22 |
40 |
49 |
10 |
|
Mid-West & South East * |
Tipperary |
5 |
4 |
3 |
12 |
8 |
5 |
|
Total |
49 |
32 |
34 |
64 |
75 |
25 |
|
|
North East |
Cavan |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
North East |
Louth |
12 |
4 |
10 |
20 |
24 |
5 |
|
North East |
Monaghan |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Total |
15 |
7 |
11 |
22 |
28 |
6 |
|
|
North West |
Donegal |
1 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
7 |
1 |
|
North West |
Leitrim |
0 |
1 |
2 |
8 |
8 |
1 |
|
North West |
Sligo |
6 |
10 |
7 |
15 |
20 |
2 |
|
Total |
7 |
18 |
15 |
28 |
35 |
4 |
|
|
South East |
Carlow |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
9 |
3 |
|
South East |
Kilkenny |
3 |
3 |
4 |
10 |
10 |
2 |
|
South East |
Waterford |
26 |
14 |
11 |
31 |
17 |
3 |
|
South East |
Wexford |
3 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
1 |
|
Total |
36 |
20 |
18 |
46 |
43 |
9 |
|
|
South West |
Cork |
38 |
31 |
30 |
48 |
49 |
9 |
|
South West |
Kerry |
1 |
1 |
3 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
|
Total |
39 |
32 |
33 |
54 |
52 |
10 |
|
|
West |
Galway |
18 |
15 |
19 |
41 |
42 |
23 |
|
West |
Mayo |
1 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
|
West |
Roscommon |
0 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
19 |
22 |
23 |
46 |
48 |
24 |
|
|
Total |
378 |
326 |
359 |
565 |
638 |
173 |
Table (B) - IDA properties that are currently available to prospective investors
|
County |
Town |
Property Location |
|
County Roscommon |
Roscommon |
Roscommon B&T Park |
|
County Longford |
Longford |
Aghafad |
|
County Longford |
Longford |
Longford Industrial Estate |
|
County Westmeath |
Mullingar |
Clonmore Ind. Est. |
|
County Offaly |
Tullamore |
Tullamore Industrial Estate |
|
County Offaly |
Tullamore |
Tullamore B&T Park |
|
County Offaly |
Clara |
Clara |
|
County Mayo |
Ballina |
Ballina Business Park |
|
County Mayo |
Bangor Erris |
Bango Erris Industrial Park |
|
County Mayo |
Castlebar |
Castlebar B&T Park |
|
County Mayo |
Foxford |
Foxford Business Park |
|
County Galway |
Galway City |
Dangan B&T Park |
|
County Galway |
Tuam |
Tuam Business Park |
|
County Galway |
Roundstone |
Roundstone |
|
County Galway |
Mountbellew/Ballygar |
Mountbellew Business Park |
|
County Galway |
Gort |
Gort Business Park |
|
County Galway |
Glenamaddy |
Glenamaddy Business Park |
|
County Galway |
Galway City |
Parkmore B&T Park (W&E) |
|
County Galway |
Ballygar |
Ballygar Site |
|
County Roscommon |
Castlerea |
Station Rd |
|
County Westmeath |
Athlone |
Athlone B&T Park Garrycastle |
|
County Leitrim |
Carrick-On-Shannon |
Carrick-On-Shannon B & T Park |
|
County Leitrim |
Carrick-On-Shannon |
Carrick-On-Shannon |
|
County Leitrim |
Drumshanbo |
Drumshanbo |
|
County Leitrim |
Manorhamilton |
Manorhamilton |
|
County Leitrim |
Manorhamilton |
Carrickleitrim |
|
County Leitrim |
Mohill |
Mohill |
|
County Sligo |
Sligo |
Cleveragh Business Park |
|
County Sligo |
Easkey |
Easkey Business Park |
|
County Sligo |
Sligo |
Finisklin B & T Park |
|
County Sligo |
Tubbercurry |
Tubbercurry Business Park |
|
County Cork |
Youghal |
Springfield Estate |
|
County Cork |
Youghal |
Foxhole |
|
County Cork |
Skibbereen |
Poundlick Estate |
|
County Cork |
Kanturk |
Mallow B & T Park |
|
County Cork |
Kinsale |
Rathhallikeen |
|
County Cork |
Kanturk |
Pulleen |
|
County Cork |
Fermoy |
Rathealy |
|
County Cork |
Cork City |
Cork City Kilbarry B&T Park |
|
County Cork |
Carrigtohill |
Carrigtohill B&T Park |
|
County Cork |
Charleville |
Rathgoggan Estate |
|
County Cork |
Bantry |
Drombrow |
|
County Cork |
Bandon |
Laragh Estate |
|
County Kerry |
Killorglin |
Farrantoreen |
|
County Kerry |
Dingle |
Dingle |
|
County Louth |
Greenore |
Greenore |
|
County Louth |
Dundalk |
Dundalk Finnabair B&T Park |
|
County Monaghan |
Monaghan |
Monaghan Business Park |
|
County Kilkenny |
Kilkenny |
Purcellsinch Ind. Park |
|
County Tipperary |
Tipperary |
Knockanrawley |
|
County Wexford |
Wexford |
Wexford B&T Park |
|
County Wexford |
Wexford |
Wexford Whitemills |
|
County Wexford |
Enniscorthy |
Moyne Upper |
|
County Waterford |
Waterford |
Waterford Industrial Estate |
|
County Wicklow |
Arklow |
Arklow Kilbride |
|
County Kildare |
Newbridge |
Newbridge Business Park |
|
County Kildare |
Naas/Kill |
Naas Ind Estate |
|
County Kildare |
Athy |
Woodstock |
|
County Dublin |
Dublin 24 |
Dublin 24 - Whitestown Ind Est |
|
County Dublin |
Dublin 11 |
Dubl 11 - Poppintree Ind. Est. |
|
County Dublin |
Blanchardstown |
Cruiserath |
|
County Dublin |
Blanchardstown |
Blanchardstown B & T Park |
|
County Carlow |
Bagenalstown |
Bagenalstown |
|
County Cork |
Cork City |
Ringaskiddy |
|
County Donegal |
Ballyshannon |
Ballyshannon |
|
County Donegal |
Donegal/Tully/Clar/B |
Lurganboy |
|
County Donegal |
Letterkenny |
Knocknamona |
|
County Donegal |
Letterkenny/Manorcun |
Letterkenny B & T Park |
|
County Donegal |
Letterkenny/Manorcun |
Letterkenny Lisnenan 2 |
|
County Kerry |
Killarney |
Killarney B&T Park |
|
County Cork |
Cork City |
Cork B&T Park |
|
County Dublin |
Dublin 12 |
Dubl 12 - Ballymount Ind. Est. |
|
County Wicklow |
Greystones |
Greystones B&T Park |
|
County Cork |
Cork City |
Ringaskiddy Estate |
|
County Mayo |
Ballina |
Ballina |
|
County Cork |
Cork City |
Rossa Ave |
|
County Cork |
Millstreet |
Millstreet IDA Estate |
|
County Dublin |
Swords |
Swords Bus. Park, Greenfields |
|
County Meath |
Navan Boyerstown Bro |
Navan B&T Park |
|
County Laois |
Portlaoise |
Portlaoise B&T Park |
|
County Cavan |
Cavan |
Cavan B&T Park |
|
County Dublin |
Dublin 5 |
Belcamp - B & T Park |
|
County Westmeath |
Athlone |
Garrankesh Estate |
|
County Kilkenny |
Kilkenny/Bennetsbrid |
Kilkenny B&T Park |
|
County Wicklow |
Arklow |
Arklow B&T Park |
|
County Waterford |
Waterford |
Waterford B&T Park |
|
County Donegal |
Letterkenny/Manorcun |
Letterkenny B & T Park |
|
County Galway |
Ballinasloe |
Ballinasloe B&T Park |
|
County Louth |
Dundalk/Ravensdale |
Dundalk Mullagharlin East |
|
County Kilkenny |
Belview |
Belview |
|
County Louth |
Dundalk |
Dundalk Mullagharlin |
|
County Galway |
Tuam |
Tuam Science & Technology Park |
|
County Louth |
Drogheda |
Drogheda B&T Park |
|
County Waterford |
Dungarvan |
Dungarvan B & T Park |
|
County Cork |
Fermoy |
Fermoy B & T Park |
|
County Westmeath |
Mullingar |
Mullingar B&T Park |
|
County Sligo |
Sligo |
Sligo - Oakfield Site |
|
County Tipperary |
Clonmel |
Clonmel Bus Park |
|
County Galway |
Galway City |
Oranmore Science & Tech Park |
|
County Galway |
Athenry |
Athenry |
|
County Cork |
Carrigtohill East |
Cork Carrigtohill East |
|
County Limerick |
Limerick |
The National Technology Park |
|
County Limerick |
Limerick |
Raheen Business Park |
|
County Kerry |
Tralee |
Acq c.1.0Ha Tralee |
44. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if a cost benefit analysis has been conducted regarding the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement; and if she is satisfied, in view of the extent of the criticism and concerns, that the economic benefits are substantial and worthwhile. [30400/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that on the 30 October 2016, the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed by representatives from Canada, the EU and its Member States. On the 15 February 2017, the European Parliament voted in support of the provisional application of CETA. We expect the Agreement to take effect on a provisional basis in the coming months. I am not aware of criticisms or concerns regarding the economic benefit of this Agreement and the positive impact on trade.
There are likely to be considerable benefits for Ireland as a result of CETA, these include:
- the elimination of virtually all tariffs between Ireland and Canada,
- the creation of new opportunities for Irish farmers and agri-foods (i.e. exports of cheese, beef, pork are all expected to increase under CETA)
- enabling Irish firms to bid for public contracts in Canada
- making it easier for Irish professionals to work in Canada, which will make it easier for Irish companies including SMEs to access the Canadian service market
I fully support provisional application of the Agreement. I will continue working with Enterprise Ireland and Business Groups to ensure that Irish firms take early advantage of the terms of this Agreement. In this context my Department recently concluded a successful government led trade mission to Canada to further explore the trade potential between Ireland and Canada which can be for the benefit of the citizens of both of our countries. The trade mission highlighted the increasing opportunities for Irish firms in Canada, which we expect to increase under CETA.
CETA covers virtually every aspect of economic activity and will provide new market opportunities in many sectors for Irish firms. Irish companies will also be able to bid for Canadian public contracts, as limitations to these will end under CETA. Irish firms will also benefit from the recognition of product standards and certification, thus saving on ‘double testing’ on both sides of the Atlantic. Ireland has strong protections for our beef industry through restricted quotas for Canadian beef entering the EU. CETA provides significant opportunities for the Irish dairy industry also.
I am of the view that there should be no impediment to Irish companies immediately taking advantage of the provisions of CETA including eliminating tariffs on almost all of key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, easing regulatory barriers and ensuring more transparent rules for market access. The main provisions offering new opportunities for Irish business will come in to force once Canada has completed its own procedures.
My Department also 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.
45. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the unfolding dispute between crane operators and construction employers. [30409/17]
View answerI am aware of the dispute that is currently underway involving crane drivers on construction sites in Dublin.
I am also aware that there are a number of complex issues involved in this particular dispute. I understand that the CIF and SIPTU had reached an agreement. I further understand that Unite the union has lodged a pay claim for its members. I understand Unite served notice of industrial action on Monday June 19th with intermittent rolling strikes to hit a number of construction sites on June 27th. As well as the pay claim there is, I understand, a dispute between UNITE and SIPTU in relation to representation rights in relation to the workers concerned.
The hourly rate for cane drivers was previously set by an old Registered Employment Agreement (REA). While that system was found to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2013 and could no longer be enforced by Ireland's labour inspectorate, it remained as an employment agreement between the parties.
The Industrial Relations Act 2015 was subsequently put in place to restore a system for Sectoral Employment Orders on a constitutional basis. This legislation provides a mechanism whereby at the request of an employer organisation or a Trade Union that is substantially representative of employers or workers in the Sector, the Labour Court may examine the terms and conditions relating to the remuneration and any sick pay scheme or pension scheme of workers in a Sector and make a recommendation to the Minister who may subsequently make a Sectoral Employment Order. The Minister must be satisfied that the Court has complied with the provisions of the Act.
It is reassuring to note that the Construction Industry Federation lodged an application for the Labour Court to examine the terms and conditions of craftsmen, construction operatives and apprentices in the Construction Sector. This proposal for a Sectoral Employment Order is being progressed with all parties. The Labour Court had a hearing on the matter on Monday last June 26th.
I understand that the dispute regarding the trade union representation rights has been referred to ICTU. On the pay issue I hope you can join me in encouraging all the parties involved to make every effort to reach a resolution by agreement. The State's industrial relations mechanisms are available to assist the parties if required.
46. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 1 of June 2017 (details supplied), if the report is now finalised; the steps she will take and the timeframe regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30227/17]
View answerI received the report under section 955(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2014 from the Director of Corporate Enforcement on 23 June. I have sought advice from the Attorney General on the report.
Upon receipt of advice from the Attorney General, I will be in a better position to determine next steps.
It is important that any actions we take are done with full knowledge and in line with fair procedures, due process and natural justice. We do not want any action taken that would further exacerbate the situation.
47. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department has recruited experts in trade agreements to prepare for Brexit. [27559/17]
View answerFollowing the decision of the UK to leave the EU, voted by Referendum in June 2016, I have tasked officials in my Department and Agencies with making Brexit their number one priority. To support this effort I secured a 10% increase in capital funding allocated to my Department for 2017. I also secured €3m additional current funding to support the appointment of at least 50 additional staff to deal with Brexit including in my Department and Agencies.
In my Department this additional funding was used to establish a dedicated Brexit Unit with 5 additional staff to prepare for the forthcoming negotiations on Brexit. This Unit is headed up at Principal Officer level and leads on the coordination of my Department's policy responses to Brexit including our approach to the negotiations within the EU and bilateral relations with the UK. The work of the unit is supported by officials across all the Divisions of my Department and Agencies.
While no additional experts in trade agreements per se have been recruited in the Department, additional staff are being assigned to the Trade Policy area to support overall development of trade policy including approaches to be taken in future trade negotiations between the EU and a range of third countries including the UK.
48. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she continues to press for an even and balanced investment in job creation throughout all regions here, with a view to ensuring the ongoing viability of communities throughout the regions including the availability of adequate employment opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30486/17]
View answerThe Regional Action Plan for Jobs initiative is a central pillar of the Government’s ambition to create 200,000 new jobs by 2020, 135,000 of which are outside of Dublin.
A key objective of each of the plans is to have a further 10 to 15 per cent at work in each region by 2020, with the unemployment rate of each region within one per cent of the national average.
Progress to date is good and employment continues to grow strongly. Encouragingly, the unemployment rate has fallen in all regions in the past year while, during the same period, more than three out of every four new jobs created were outside Dublin.
In 2016, almost two thirds of new jobs created by Enterprise Ireland supported companies, and over half of those created by IDA supported companies, were outside Dublin.
To support regional enterprise development, additional funding of up to €60m is being rolled out by Enterprise Ireland over the next 4 years to support the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects that can sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level.
This regional competitive fund will support the ambition, goals and implementation of the Regional Action Plans for Jobs
In addition, additional funding of €150m is being made available to the IDA to support its Regional Property Programme and drive job creation in the multi-national sector.
49. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to tackle the nine unemployment black spots in County Waterford as highlighted by the census summary results due to the fact that unemployment in County Waterford remains above the national average by at least 3%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30219/17]
View answerGovernment policy to reduce unemployment is two-fold. First, through policies set out in the national Action Plan for Jobs, to create an environment in which business can succeed and create jobs and second, through Pathways to work to ensure that as many of the new jobs and other vacancies that arise in our economy are filled by people taken from the Live Register.
The South East Action Plan for Jobs is the key policy response for supporting employment growth in the South East region, including Waterford, with public and private stakeholders actively engaged in delivering a range of innovative and practical actions set out in the Plan.
The core objective of the Plan is to see a further 25,000 at work in the region by 2020 and to reduce the unemployment rate to within 1% of the State average.
The second progress report on the implementation of the Action Plan has just been published and shows that good progress continues to be made in implementing the actions. Almost 13,000 jobs were created in the South East since the regional Action Plans for Jobs initiative was launched in January 2015.
According to the CSO Quarterly National Household Survey, in Q2 2016 when the Census was undertaken, there were 25,900 people unemployed in the South East region. The unemployment rate was 10.8%. At Q1 2017, the most recent QNHS data available shows the unemployment rate in the South East has dropped by 1.5 percentage points to 9.3%, compared to the State average of 6.7%.
Moreover, the number of people on the Live Register in County Waterford has fallen by 1,479 in the past 12 months – a drop of 14.5%.
Both IDA and Enterprise Ireland are placing extra emphasis on regional development in their current strategies. IDA is targeting an uplift of 30-40% in investments in all regions outside Dublin by 2019.
Waterford is home to 35 existing IDA Ireland clients who between them employ 6,135 people in a range of manufacturing and service operations - a net gain of 561 jobs in 2016
At end 2016, Enterprise Ireland companies supported 20,450 jobs in the South East region, 5,721 of which are based in Waterford.
The Waterford LEO is fully engaged in supporting the micro-enterprise and small business sectors in their areas to create and sustain jobs. In 2016, a total of 284 new jobs were created by micro-enterprises that had been supported by LEO Waterford.
To support regional enterprise development, additional funding of up to €60m is being rolled out by Enterprise Ireland over the next 4 years to support the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects that can sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level. This regional competitive fund will support the ambition, goals and implementation of the Regional Action Plans for Jobs
In addition, additional funding of €150m is being made available to the IDA to support its Regional Property Programme and drive job creation in the multi-national sector.
50. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which she plans to address the level of unpreparedness of businesses for Brexit (details supplied). [30230/17]
View answerThe Government is investing heavily in promoting and supporting the need for businesses to become Brexit-ready.
Ever since the result of the UK Referendum, the agencies under my remit have been highly engaged in encouraging and supporting companies to prepare for Brexit.
In June 2016, Enterprise Ireland created a UK Export Website featuring documents, videos and webinars addressing the key Brexit challenges, including the immediate currency aspects.
EI’s current “#Prepare for Brexit” campaign includes a Brexit Scorecard available to all businesses to self-assess their preparedness across all aspects of operations and strategy and to plan their response. EI offers clients a ‘Be Prepared’ grant of up to €5,000 towards the cost of preparing a Brexit Action Plan. The Scorecard is also available through the Local Enterprise Offices.
Since its launch in March 2017, the Scorecard has been accessed by over 1,200 businesses and is increasing all the time, indicating that a growing number of companies is thinking and acting in response to Brexit.
Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs are also working directly with clients and offer a range of supports, including training, mentoring, export research, key skills, innovation and business competitiveness, to help companies to address Brexit-related challenges. In Budget 2017, my Department secured extra funding and staff resources to allow EI and the LEOs to provide the necessary supports.
Bord Bia launched a similar analytical tool for Food companies last March and are in turn working directly with clients to devise Brexit strategies.
At the wider economy level, my Department recently published the findings of a survey taken in January of over 1,000 SMEs on the challenges posed by Brexit. The survey indicated that, while only 37% felt that there was some immediate impact, 61% expected to be impacted over the following 18 months. Currency, costs and financial issues were the key concerns.
In response, the Department is currently working on further measures targeted at the needs of companies around working capital and business development and will be re-surveying companies in the near term.
Against that background, the InterTrade Ireland survey interviewed 750 SMEs on both sides of the Border in the period January to March 2017 which, while of interest, is a relatively small sample. My Department has provided InterTrade Ireland with additional funding this year to establish a new Brexit Advisory Service, which will provide factual advice, supports for capability building and other specialist expertise to SMEs.
I am confident therefore that my Department and its agencies are closely monitoring the evolving situation and are providing the information and supports to help those companies threatened by Brexit to plan their response.
52. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps which are being taken by Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the HSA to address the increasing trend in farm fatalities and accidents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27976/17]
View answerThe agricultural sector remains one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work in Ireland with over 200 fatalities having occurred in that sector in the last 10 years despite the fact that only 5% of the workforce are employed in agricultural sector. There have been 13 fatalities in the sector in Ireland so far this year.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA, is adopting both a prevention approach and an enforcement approach in relation to improving safety on farms.
The “prevention approach” seeks to involve all stakeholders in the development and provision of sector specific information and guidance on all major areas of risk in farming. This is being primarily rolled-out through the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee which is an advisory committee to the HSA. Membership of the Farm Safety Partnership is drawn from all of the main farming organisations such as IFA, ICMSA, Farm Relief Services, Macra na Feirme, Teagasc, Irish Cattle and Sheep Association, Coillte, Farm Relief Services Network, Irish Rural Link etc.
Its current Farm Safety Action Plan runs from 2016 to 2018 and has set out six goals as follows:
- To achieve cultural behavioural change in health and safety of persons working in the agricultural sector through Research, Education and Training;
- To develop programmes which will foster Innovative Approaches and deliver Engineering Solutions to reduce the risks to persons working in Agriculture;
- To reduce the level of death and injury arising from Tractor and Machinery use;
- To establish initiatives to reduce the level of death and injuries arising from working with Livestock;
A cornerstone to the prevention approach is the Farm Safety Code of Practice (Code of Practice for Preventing Injury and Occupational Health in Agriculture) which is a simplified approach to on-site farm management of occupational safety and health. This Code of Practice has recently been updated by the HSA to reflect modern farm risks. Access to quality assurance schemes and farm modernisation grants, available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, are now being linked to compliance with this Farm Safety Code of Practice.
In addition the Farm Safety Partnership has developed extensive user friendly guidance on all farm safety issues which is being brought to the attention of farmers through farm walks, Knowledge Transfer Groups, articles in the farming media and through farm TV at all major marts, through major events such as the Tullamore Show & National Ploughing Championships as well as dedicated farm safety campaigns.
The enforcement approach by the HSA involves farm visits and inspections to assess compliance standards. These inspections are being carried out throughout the year but particularly during three targeted inspection campaigns in 2017. The March campaign focused on Livestock Safety, the recent May campaign focused on Tractors & Machinery and the forthcoming November campaign will focus on Falls from Height and Falling Objects. These visits and inspections are carried out in a cooperative approach seeking buy in from the farmer on the fundamental importance of safe farm practices. These inspections are well received even though in about 50% of inspections some level of enforcement action will be taken by the inspector. These include written advice, legal Improvement Notices and Prohibition Notices all of which legally must be complied with.
In addition to the activities of the HSA my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has advised me that Teagasc is also re-focusing its efforts to assist the farming community to improve safety standards in the following ways;
- Teagasc Advisory and Education and Training staff are highlighting the current trend in fatal farm accidents at all Teagasc events and classes and highlighting preventative measures;
- Teagasc recently provided training on farm health and safety to all Knowledge Transfer Programme Facilitators operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This training was conducted in association with Health and Safety Authority staff and focused on adapting farms to make them safer places in which to both work and live;
- Teagasc provides an on-going programme on Occupational Health and Safety which includes Research, Advisory and Education and Training components and is conducting a national survey of farm accident levels to gain knowledge on the level of non- fatal farm accidents;
- Teagasc issues media releases, and monthly newsletters to keep farmer up-to-date with current health and safety trends and practices;
- Teagasc will include a major health and safety exhibit at the upcoming National Dairy Open Day on 4th July at Moorepark Dairy Research Centre (Cork)
Both the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D. and the Minister for Small Business and Employment, Pat Breen T.D., recently convened a meeting of the main farming representative organisations to express their concern at the ongoing high level of farm accidents and deaths and to call on the farming community to collectively, and individually, re-double their efforts to reduce and eliminate farm accidents and fatalities.
It was agreed at the meeting that it is farmers themselves, along with their families and their Communities, who can play the most vital role in putting adequate farm safety measures in place in the first instance. All attendees were invited to submit proposals and suggestions on cross cutting actions that can be taken at farm level to complement the work being done by at a national level by the HSA and Teagasc and on how attitudes and behaviours can realistically be changed to ensure that health and safety considerations in farm work become much more prominent, automatic and widespread.
53. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to raise the minimum wage (details supplied) in view of the fact that the current rate remains at €9.25; and if she will raise the minimum wage to €10.50 and start progressing towards a living wage of €11.50. [30231/17]
View answerThe Low Pay Commission was established in 2015 to examine and make recommendations annually on the national minimum wage. The aim is to ensure that the national minimum wage is adjusted incrementally over time having regard to changes in earnings, productivity, overall competitiveness and the likely impact on employment and unemployment levels.
The Commission made its first recommendation in July 2015 when it recommended that the rate be increased to €9.15 per hour. That increase came into effect on 1st January 2016. The Commission’s second recommendation that the rate increase to €9.25 per hour was made in July 2016. It was subsequently accepted by Government and came into effect on 1st January last.
The Commission is currently working on its next recommendation and will report to me on the matter in July. Any recommendation the Commission makes will then be considered by Government in the context of Budget 2018.
The Programme for Partnership Government provides that the Government will rely on the annual recommendations of the Low Pay Commission. Relying on an independent body such as the Low Pay Commission is the most appropriate approach to achieving the right balance and yearly adjustment to the national minimum wage levels.
It is important that Ireland’s statutory National Minimum Wage and the Living Wage concept are not conflated. The Living Wage is a voluntary societal initiative centred on the social, business and economic case to ensure that, wherever it can be afforded, employers will pay a rate of pay that provides an income that is sufficient to meet an individual’s basic needs, such as housing, food, clothing, transport and healthcare. The Living Wage is voluntary and has no legislative basis and is therefore not a statutory entitlement. It is different to the National Minimum Wage which is a statutory entitlement and has a legislative basis.
I have no plans to bring forward proposals outside of the work of the Low Pay Commission.
