Written Answers Nos. 324-344
324. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she or officials from her Department have reviewed the Enterprise Ireland Brexit survey of its clients; her views on the results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42216/18]
View answerMy Department is in constant communication with Enterprise Ireland (EI), to ensure that the agency is effective and has the resources it needs to support businesses to scale, compete in global markets, and withstand the current uncertain economic climate.
As we move towards 2020, EI’s focus for 2018 is to help clients build on the strength of their 2017 performance by supporting them to innovate, be competitive and to diversify their global footprint – key attributes required to be resilient to economic shocks, such as those emerging from any kind of Brexit.
When EI surveyed its clients in September 2017 the results indicated that 38% of clients surveyed had taken Brexit Actions. In May 2018, the figure had increased to 85% of all client companies surveyed. The survey reported that client companies are taking action in areas such as market diversification; developing strategic partnerships; improving operational competitiveness, improving financial management, and strengthening business in the UK. This is a substantial increase, and demonstrates the effectiveness of EI’s efforts to communicate the importance of preparing for Brexit.
To drive the building of resilience, EI has put an increased emphasis on market diversification, driving innovation, and improving competitiveness. In delivering on this, new supports have been introduced, others streamlined, and a Global Ambition campaign launched. In addition, EI has commenced national awareness and preparedness initiatives.
EI will continue to roll out Brexit Advisory Clinics. A clinic was held earlier this month, with three more scheduled to take place in Dundalk, Waterford and Limerick before the end of the year.
My Department, through EI, will continue to work with client companies to help them to scale, improve resilience and succeed in world markets. EI will also work with Government and non-Governmental stakeholders to support clients to overcome the challenges of Brexit and build on their ambitious strategies to sustain and create jobs throughout the country.
The Government’s commitment to preparing the business community for Brexit can also be seen in the series of four “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” seminars, which are being held this month around the country.
325. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the breakdown of funding to InterTradeIreland in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42217/18]
View answerInterTradeIreland (ITI) is co-funded by my Department and the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy. The breakdown of that annual joint funding over the period from 2013-2018 is set out in the following table.
The Government will be providing an additional €1 million in funding for ITI in 2019. These resources will enable the body to expand its key Brexit-related services and provide further support to companies seeking its assistance in preparing for the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.
|
€ |
DBEI Funding |
DfE Funding |
|
2013 |
8,085,000 |
3,712,481 |
|
2014 |
7,761,983 |
3,807,909 |
|
2015 |
7,839,924 |
3,520,785 |
|
2016 |
7,560,000 |
3,549,861 |
|
2017 |
7,960,000 |
3,226,843 |
|
2018 (Projected) |
8,125,000 |
3,945,983 |
326. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports being offered to SMEs and start-up companies in view of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42218/18]
View answerBrexit is undoubtedly the most significant challenge facing Irish enterprise in over 50 years. With less than 6 months to go, I was determined to deliver a budget with Brexit at its core, building on the many measures we have already introduced, and responding to the evolving needs of business.
The agencies under my remit have an extensive range of supports available to enable companies to both consolidate market share and continue to pursue new opportunities to grow their market presence within the UK. For 2019, I am allocating an extra €8m to the enterprise agencies and regulatory bodies under my Department, who work with firms at the coalface to develop their supports for business.
I also announced a longer term loan facility of up to €300m to support capital investment by business.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) supports include:
- A new Online customs Training Programme to be launched shortly to demystify customs procedures. This will be available to all exporters and importers.
- Brexit Advisory Clinics: The purpose of these clinics is to encourage companies to examine their potential exposure to Brexit, to complete the Brexit SME Scorecard and use the Be Prepared Grant to plan their strategic response to Brexit.
- Brexit Scorecard: An interactive online platform to self-assess exposure to Brexit under six business pillars.
- Be Prepared Grant: This grant offers SME clients a grant of up to €5,000 to assist them in preparing an action plan for economic shocks such as Brexit.
- The Agile Innovation Fund: giving companies rapid fast-track access to innovation funding, and up to 50% in support for product, process or service development projects with a total cost of up to €300,000.
- Market Discovery Fund - supports Enterprise Ireland clients research new markets for products and services.
- “Prepare to Export Scorecard”: The Scorecard helps Irish companies with global ambition to self-assess how prepared they are to start exporting.
- Brexit 'Act On' Programme: This funding is to support the engagement of a consultant to draw up a report with tailored recommendations to help clients address weaknesses and become more resilient.
- Strategic Consultancy Grant: This helps client companies to hire a strategic consultant for a set period to assist the company to develop and implement significant strategic initiatives.
- Operational Excellence Offer: Enables Irish companies trading internationally to develop or transform their wider business in order to compete more effectively.
- Irish Advantage Campaign: The aim of the #Irish Advantage export promotion campaign, is to stimulate awareness of Irish products and services and encourage buyers to source from Ireland.
In Budget 2019, I have allocated €1.25m for a Retail Online Scheme which will be launched by Enterprise Ireland shortly. The main objective of the Pilot scheme will be to support SMEs in the retail sector with a pre-existing online presence to develop and implement a more sophisticated and strategic online trading offer with a view to increasing online business and customers both domestically and internationally.
I have also earmarked an additional €1.8m for the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland over the next 3 years. The proposed investment, again via Enterprise Ireland is intended to expand marketing and development programmes, which are currently being delivered on a smaller scale by DCCOI for Irish designers and makers. This will support enterprises to exhibit at international trade fairs, to develop partnerships with flagship retailers, and to develop e-commerce capacity. The aim is to assist the sector to develop and generate additional export sales and online revenue opportunities, increasing market diversification by client companies and underpinning sustainable growth.
The 31 Local Enterprise Offices play a pivotal role in supporting micro-enterprises, as they prepare for Brexit. I have allocated an additional €5m to enhance their programme of supports in 2019, up 22% on 2018.
I have also allocated an additional €1m in capital funding to InterTrade Ireland, an increase of 17.5%. This will allow them to step up their support for companies in the border region, North and South, who are particularly exposed to Brexit.
The Government’s commitment to preparing the business community for Brexit can also be seen in the series of four “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” seminars, which are being held this month around the country.
327. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the breakdown of funding to support the development of start-up businesses here in the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42220/18]
View answerEnterprise Ireland (EI) is the state agency under my aegis with responsibility for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets.
A key focus of Enterprise Ireland’s activity is supporting start-ups and the start-up ecosystem as illustrated by the following EI programmes and service level agreements:
- National Entrepreneurial Development Programme
- Competitive Start Fund (CSF)
- Innovative High Potential Start Ups (iHPSU) equity support
- €3m Regional Accelerator Scheme 2015 -2017
- Campus Incubator Scheme
- €175m Seed and Venture Capital Scheme 2013 -2018
- Service Level Agreement in place with the BICs (Business Incubation Centres)
- Service Level Agreement in place with Local Enterprise Offices to support micro-enterprise.
- New Frontiers Programme
In 2017, Enterprise Ireland:
- Supported 90 new innovative High Potential Start-Ups (iHPSU)
- Supported 91 new start-ups were approved an investment of 50,000 each through a series of call under the Competitive Start Fund.
- Invested in 63 female led start-ups.
The financial support provided by Enterprise Ireland to directly support start-ups via investment in iHPSU and CSF is presented in the following table.
Table 1: Financial support provided by Enterprise Ireland to directly support start-ups via investment in iHPSU and CSF
|
Year |
Innovative HPSU |
Competitive Start Fund |
|
2017 |
€20,252,533 |
€550,000 |
|
2016 |
€18,462,051 |
€950,021 |
|
2015 |
€14,565,144 |
€875,051 |
|
2014 |
€19,931,290 |
€1,425,000 |
|
2013 |
€18,293,100 |
€1,400,000 |
|
2012 |
€17,671,737 |
€1,125,000 |
|
2011 |
€17,819,700 |
€450,000 |
|
2010 |
€17,391,905 |
n/a* |
|
2009 |
€17,792,481 |
n/a* |
|
Grand Total |
€171,594,957 |
€6,825,072 |
*note the CSF programme commenced in 2011.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice, and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business.
LEO Priming grant data is the best indicator of Start-up support. The funding provided by the LEOs for Priming grant (Start-up) approvals is presented in the following table.
Table 2: Financial support provided by Local Enterprise Offices via Priming Grants
|
2014* |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
1st of January to 30th September 2018 |
|
|
Priming Grant Applications Approved Amount € |
7,693,176 |
7,630,910 |
7,038,130 |
6,431,905 |
4,916,617** |
* This is data for the full year which includes the County Enterprise Board period.
**As per the LEOs’ Grant Management Information System on 11 October 2018
It should be noted that following dissolution of the Community Enterprise Boards (CEBs) in 2014 and the subsequent establishment of the LEOs, an examination and reclassification of the former CEB client portfolio was undertaken by EI. This means that data prior to 2014 cannot be compared with data from 2014 onwards.
328. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports offered to SMEs that wish to acquire more digital skills and e-commerce training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42221/18]
View answer329. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans in place to support SMEs in e-commerce in view of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42222/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 329 together.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the first-stop-shop front line service assisting in delivering business growth and jobs for the small & micro-enterprise sector. The LEOs are the first port of call for anyone who wishes to start or expand a business, in terms of advice, training, sign posting to other support providers and, in certain circumstances, grant support. The LEOs undertake a number of activities to encourage businesses to build their online presence and compete in the online market place.
The LEOs nationwide actively promote the Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVS) on behalf of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The TOVS offers matched financial assistance of up to €2,500, along with training and advice, to micro companies (10 or less employees) who want to establish an online presence for the first time, or who wish to expand a basic existing website to incorporate a more substantive online trading capacity. Since the start of the scheme in July 2014 to 30 June this year, over 4,100 micro enterprises have availed of TOVs.
The LEOs also offer a wide range of short training programmes to support their clients in building their online presence and to compete in the online marketplace. These programmes are focused on different elements which aim at maximizing outputs from investment in online trading such as:
- Marketing, focused mainly on development of an online/mobile marketing strategy;
- Social Media, with the majority of programmes focused on educating the client base on how to use the different social media platforms to support their business;
- eCommerce Sales Strategy, including how to convert website visits into sales; and
- Search Engine Optimization, including web analytics and video optimization for web.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) works with 5,000 manufacturing and internationally traded services companies, and building an online presence is part of the range of supports offered to those clients. EI has supported projects focused on developing innovative products on new product platforms for international markets. However, EI cannot support companies whose only function is in the area of sales/distribution.
Working closely with the Irish Internet Association, EI delivers a range of funded and advisory eCommerce supports for its clients to develop their online marketing capabilities, for example:
- ‘Marketing Funding Support’: under a Business Process Improvement Grant client companies can apply for grant support to plan and implement significant strategic e-marketing projects.
- ‘Measuring your Internet Marketing Maturity’: to help clients develop an understanding of their web presence and activity.
EI regularly organizes events which can connect clients with leading experts and inform them on best practice. Topics covered include Developing an Online Strategy; Online Localization for International Markets; Search Engine Optimization; Pay Per Click Marketing; Branding and Getting the Web Content Right.
EI also offers an Excel @ Export Selling Workshop Series which includes creating a digital marketing strategy. This workshop is aimed at senior management executives with responsibility for selling high value products and services into business-to-business markets.
In Budget 2019, I have allocated €1.25m for a Retail Online Scheme which will be launched by EI shortly. The main objective of the Pilot scheme will be to support SMEs in the retail sector with a pre-existing online presence to develop and implement a more sophisticated and strategic online trading offer with a view to increasing online business and customers both domestically and internationally.
I have also earmarked an additional €1.8m for the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland over the next 3 years. The proposed investment, again via EI, is intended to expand marketing and development programmes, which are currently being delivered on a smaller scale by DCCOI for Irish designers and makers. This will support enterprises to exhibit at international trade fairs, to develop partnerships with flagship retailers, and to develop e-commerce capacity. The aim is to assist the sector to develop and generate additional export sales and online revenue opportunities, increasing market diversification by client companies and underpinning sustainable growth.
330. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department supports or runs information campaigns to encourage Irish businesses, SMEs and start-ups to apply for International Organization for Standardisation certification; if not, her plans to do so in the future in view of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42227/18]
View answerThe National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is the State body under the aegis of my Department with responsibility for developing, publishing and selling standards to meet Irish and European needs through consultation and consensus with stakeholders and interested parties. Standards aim to improve the performance of business and protect consumers by ensuring quality and safety.
The NSAI also provides a comprehensive certification service in line with current European and international practices, offering an objective assessment of the quality and/or safety of a product or service. Certification is recognised as an authoritative statement of conformity to applicable national and international standards.
As part of its activities in standards and certification, the NSAI has annual communication and awareness campaigns to promote and facilitate Irish business engagement in the international standardisation process and to obtain internationally recognised certification to a range of management, process and product standards. The campaign profile includes:
- Radio advertising,
- On-line advertising,
- Regional Roadshows for business,
- Attendance and industry events / conferences,
- Promotion through print and social media channels, and
- Online services such as “Your Standards Your Say”.
In addition, NSAI has established a dedicated Brexit unit in the Agency. This unit is developing a response to standardisation and certification matters for Irish industry post-Brexit. NSAI is also taking part in the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready workshop events.
331. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if supports are available in regard to the adoption of new and emerging technologies in the construction industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42231/18]
View answerThe construction sector has a dual economic role – both as a sector in its own right, and as an input to wider socio-economic activity providing the housing, social and productive infrastructure required to sustain economic growth and competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment. This sector is highly labour intensive with a diverse range of occupations and has a high multiplier effect.
Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) are essential components in a company’s ability to maintain a competitive edge in the market. To support the adoption of new and emerging technologies in this sector, Enterprise Ireland (EI) provides a range of supports such as:
- Funding for in company RD&I, such as, the Agile Innovation Fund.
- Funding for companies to undertake collaborative RD&I with the Higher Education Sector such as Innovation Vouchers and Innovation Partnerships.
- Delivering innovation capability development through programmes such as Leadership for Growth and Excel at Growth workshops.
- The Technology Gateway Programme, which provides construction companies with access to expertise with Institutes of Technologies. The cluster can connect with over 300 industry researchers to provide solutions to sectors areas such as Construction.
- Technology Centers located throughout the country, which are organised to respond rapidly to industry defined needs and conduct market-relevant R&D in partnership with collaborating groups of companies.
- Two offers to support Building Information Modelling. These supports provide consultancy and training grants to become BIM enabled.
EI will continue to work with construction companies to support their adoption of new and emerging technologies to drive their innovation capability, market competitiveness and global footprint.
332. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 9 October 2018, the steps she can take to widen the legislation regarding licences in view of the fact that the current requirement is contingent on a business operating from a premises in the country at a time when the need of a physical premises has greatly diminished due to advances in technology. [42307/18]
View answerI take it that the Deputy's question relates to the licensing of Employment Agencies.
My Department has no plans to amend the Employment Agency Act 1971. As outlined in my reply of 9 October 2018 to the Deputy, the Employment Agency Act 1971 stipulates that if an employment agency has premises in the State, it must obtain a licence. In order to obtain a licence the premises must conform to the standards of accommodation prescribed by Regulations under the Employment Agency Act 1971 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work, Act 2005.
If an employment agency is operating from outside the State, the Employment Agency Act 1971, does not apply. An employment agency operating from outside Ireland, will be subject to the regulation, if any, of the jurisdiction in which it is located.
Ireland’s comprehensive suite of employment rights legislation provides that employee protection extends to agency workers in Ireland, including agency workers posted to Ireland, who have entered into a contract of employment that provides for him or her being employed in the state or who works in the state under a contract of employment.
333. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the 2018 and the new 2019 budget allocations as outlined in budget 2019 for the offices and agencies under the remit of her Department in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42394/18]
View answerThe distribution of exchequer funding allocations as per the 2018 Revised Estimates Volume for each Office and Agency under the aegis of my Department and as provided through my Department’s Vote is set out in the table.
I would advise the Deputy that the funding provision to Enterprise Ireland covers two subheads on my Department’s Vote, Subheads A7 and B4, which span general supports to indigenous firms and for research and development/innovation supports. The table shows the combined allocations of the two subheads.
The table does not capture other Exchequer funding being provided to Enterprise Ireland in 2018 through from the Votes of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Communication, Climate Action and Environment.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland are also provided with funding from the National Training Fund (NTF).
The operations of a number of the enterprise agencies are also supported through the generation, retention and use of Agency Own Resource Income, which is subject to annual sanction by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The operation of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is essentially self-financing from the fee generation received from personal injury claims.
The operations of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission are part-funded through fees levied on certain activities provided to clients of both Agencies.
The funding provision to Inter-Trade Ireland is provided on a North-South basis and annual allocations are finalised in conjunction with the Northern Administration.
The Department also provides funding annually to the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) through Subhead A8 of my Department’s Vote. The LEOs are also supported through funding provided via the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Vote.
Insofar as the 2019 allocations for my Department’s Offices and Agencies are concerned, the Expenditure Report 2019 set out the summary capital and current allocations for my Department in 2019. The gross allocation of €950.2million for my Department in 2019 as set out in the Report represents an increase of 9.1% on the Department’s 2018 allocation of €871million and includes an increase in our capital funding from €555m to €620million in 2019 and also an increase in our current funding from €316million to €330.2million next year. The distribution of the Department’s 2019 capital and current expenditure as and between its Offices and its Agencies will be determined through the 2019 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) process which will be conducted in the weeks ahead. It is expected that the Rev 2019 will be finalised and published in early December 2019.
2018 Revised Estimates Volume Allocations
|
(i) Offices of the Department |
2018 Allocations |
|
Companies Registration Office (including the Registry of Friendly Societies) |
€7,875m |
|
Employment Appeals Tribunal |
€290k |
|
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement |
€5,057m |
|
Labour Court |
€3,800m |
|
Patents Office |
€3,004m |
|
Workplace Relations Commission |
€14,014m |
|
(i) Enterprise Agencies |
|
|
InterTrade Ireland |
€8,125m |
|
IDA Ireland |
€180,780m |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
€6,224m |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
€272,998m |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
€177,565m |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
€19,275m |
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission |
€12,226m |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
€112k |
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority |
€2,105m |
334. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the latest figures regarding the Brexit SME loan scheme launched in March 2018 for each item (details supplied) up until the end of the third quarter of 2018, in tabular form. [42532/18]
View answerThe Brexit Loan Scheme provides affordable working capital to eligible businesses with up to 499 employees that are or will be Brexit impacted and which meet the scheme criteria. The €23 million exchequer funding announced in the 2018 Budget (€14 million from my Department and €9 million from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) has been leveraged to provide a fund of up to €300 million over the lifetime of the scheme.
The scheme features a two-stage application process. First, businesses must apply to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to confirm their eligibility for the scheme. Businesses can use guidelines provided on the SBCI website to determine if they are eligible, and if so, to complete the eligibility form. As part of the process, businesses must submit a business plan, demonstrating the means by which they intend to innovate, change or adapt to meet their Brexit challenges. The SBCI assesses the applications and successful applicants receive an eligibility reference number.
Successful applicants can then apply for a loan under the scheme with one of the participating finance providers using their eligibility reference number. Participating finance providers are the Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and Allied Irish Bank. Approval of loans is subject to the finance providers' own credit policies and procedures.
The figures in the following table are those up to 2 October 2018. The Department receives a report each quarter from the SBCI on the uptake of the scheme. A number of requested figures have not been included in this table as they pertain to the relationship between banks and their client SMEs and so are beyond the remit of these reports. Some questions requested the same information and have, therefore, been answered once.
|
Requested Details (as at 02 October 2018) |
Details |
|
Number of businesses which have applied to the SBCI to confirm eligibility for the scheme |
240 |
|
Number of businesses which have had their applications assessed by SBCI |
208 |
|
Number of businesses which have not had their applications assessed by SBCI |
32 |
|
Number of businesses which have had a successful application and received an eligibility reference number |
200 |
|
Number of businesses which had a successful application and received no eligibility reference number |
N/A |
|
The number of businesses who did not have a successful application and received no eligibility reference number |
8 |
|
List of current finance providers |
Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and AIB |
|
Number of SMEs which have progressed to sanction at finance provider level |
34 |
|
Total value of loans progressed to sanction at finance provider level |
€6.5m |
|
Current interest rate for those in receipt of approved loans |
Maximum interest rate under the scheme is 4% |
335. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the proposed current and capital allocation to each agency under her remit following budget 2019; and the allocation made in her Department and in each agency towards hiring new staff in tabular form. [42533/18]
View answerThe Expenditure Report 2019 which accompanied the Budget 2019 Statement by my colleague the Minister for Finance set out my Department’s summary capital and current expenditure ceilings for next year. The proposed gross allocation of €950.2million for my Department in 2019 as set out in the Report represents an increase of 9.1% on the Department’s 2018 allocation of €871million and includes an increase in our capital funding from €555m to €620million in 2019 and also an increase in our current funding from €316million to €330.2million next year. The Expenditure Report provided a summary of the new measures to be funded from our increased allocation in 2019. These new measures include additional funding to the Department, its Regulatory Bodies and its Enterprise Agencies to provide additional staffing and non-staffing related resources to meet the Brexit challenge, progress the Global Footprint Initiative and address a number of additional regulatory responsibilities.
The distribution of the additional funding provided in Budget 2019 as and between the department, its Enterprise Agencies and Regulatory Bodies will be determined through the 2019 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) process which will be conducted in the weeks ahead. It is expected that finalisation and publication of the 2019 REV allocations will be made in early December 2019.
336. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will list each Brexit measure committed to in her Department following budget 2019; and the exact financial allocation for each such measure in tabular form. [42534/18]
View answerThe Expenditure Report 2019 set out the summary capital and current allocations for my Department in 2019. The gross allocation of €950.2 million for my Department in 2019 as set out in the Report represents an increase of 9.1% on the Department’s 2018 allocation of €871million and includes an increase in our capital funding from €555m to €620 million in 2019 and also an increase in our current funding from €316 million to €330.2 million next year. The increased allocation being provided to my Department will enable me to roll out a number of initiatives in 2019. These initiatives which are fundamentally connected are focussed on Getting Business Brexit Ready, Regional Development and Innovation.
Insofar as the specific Getting Business Brexit Ready Initiatives are concerned, the new initiatives proposed to be funded in Budget 2019, which build upon the Brexit focussed initiatives in 2017 and 2018, include:
- the launch of the new €300m Future Growth Loan scheme which addresses a specific lack of availability of finance to businesses, particularly SMEs, of loan terms longer than 5-7 years
- €1m in additional funding for Intertrade Ireland which will enable it to meet the growing demand from businesses in border regions in its existing programmes, develop initiatives and support firms affected by Brexit
- €5m additional funding to the Local Enterprise Offices to enable them to expand the range of supports to indigenous enterprises across the various sectors to ensure that they are informed and have plans in place to manage the new trading relationships on the island and with the UK more generally, including the provision of a new customs training programme for all businesses, exporters and importers, to be rolled out in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland
- €8m additional for Enterprise Agencies, Regulatory Bodies and the Department to provide additional staffing and non-staffing related resources to meet the Brexit challenge and progress the Global Footprint Initiative.
However, the definitive financial allocation for each of the aforementioned initiatives will be determined as part of the 2019 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) process which will be conducted in the weeks ahead. It is expected that Rev 2019 will be finalised and published in early December 2019.
As advised, the additional funding being provided to my Department in Budget 2019 will also allow me to roll out a number of new and important initiatives in the areas of regional development and innovation. These further new initiatives are complementary to the aforementioned Brexit specific initiatives and are also integral my Department efforts in Getting Business Brexit Ready. I would also advise the Deputy that aside from the additional resources secured through Budget 2019, my Department and its Agencies have, since the decision of the UK to leave the EU, continued to focus our existing resources on developing our response to the Brexit challenge.
337. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the financial allocation to the new customs training programme following budget 2019. [42535/18]
View answerThe Expenditure Report 2019 set out the summary capital and current allocations for my Department in 2019. The gross allocation of €950.2 million for my Department in 2019 as set out in the Report represents an increase of 9.1% on the Department’s 2018 allocation of €871 million and includes an increase in our capital funding from €555m to €620 million in 2019 and also an increase in our current funding from €316 million to €330.2 million next year. The increased allocation being provided to my Department will enable me to roll out a number of Brexit specific initiatives in 2019.
In this context, I propose to increase the overall allocation to the LEOs by €5m to include provision for a new customs training programme for all businesses, exporters and importers, which will be rolled out in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland in all regions of the country. However, the definitive financial budget allocation for the LEOs will be determined as part of the 2019 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) process which will be conducted in the weeks ahead. It is expected that finalisation and publication of the 2019 REV will be made in early December 2019.
338. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of funding that will be put into the future growth loan scheme to leverage additional moneys via the SBCI; the persons who will be eligible to apply to the €300 million scheme; the criteria in this regard; if the scheme will be open to the self-employed and all companies regardless of firm size; when the scheme will open for applications; and the expected lending interest rate. [42537/18]
View answerThe Future Growth Loan Scheme is being developed by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) in partnership with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and the European Investment Fund (EIF).
Through a counter-guarantee from the EIF, the Future Growth Loan Scheme will leverage €62 million of Exchequer funding, of which 60% will be provided by my Department and the remaining 40% will be provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine over a five-year period to make a fund of up to €300 million available to eligible Irish businesses for terms of 8-10 years.
The scheme will feature a two-stage application process. Businesses will first apply to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to confirm their eligibility for the scheme. Successful applicants will then be able to apply for a loan under the scheme with one of the participating finance providers.
The scheme will be available to eligible Irish businesses, including those in the primary agriculture and seafood sectors, to support strategic, long-term investment in a post-Brexit environment. The eligibility criteria have yet to be finalised, but the scheme will be open to SMEs with an establishment or branch in Ireland. Sole traders will be eligible for funding under the scheme. Finance provided under the scheme will be competitively priced and have favourable terms, including the interest rate, with loans up to €500,000 unsecured.
The scheme is expected to launch in early 2019.
339. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42029/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
340. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 25 September 2018, if social workers involved in clinical practice in a unit at a hospital (details supplied) between December 2016 and June 2017 were recent graduates or carrying out clinical practice in a trainee capacity. [42174/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
341. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 25 September 2018, if psychologists involved in clinical practice in a unit in a hospital (details supplied) between December 2016 and June 2017 were employed in a locum role during that period. [42175/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
342. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 25 September 2018, if psychologists involved in clinical practice in a unit in a hospital (details supplied) between December 2016 and June 2017 occupied the grade of clinical psychologist basic grade during that period. [42176/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
343. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate with the HSE when a new case co-ordinator will be appointed to a facility (details supplied); the timeline and the way in which they will communicate with the person regarding the issue; the duties of the case co-ordinator in assisting the person with finding accommodation in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41741/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
344. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health his plans for the proposal for the construction of a fifth theatre in Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41742/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
