Written Answers Nos. 326-349
326. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA Ireland site visits to County Limerick in each of the years 2011 to 2018, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6283/19]
View answerRegional development is a key priority for my Department. We understand the importance of achieving the best possible spread of employment and investment across the country and we have been working hard towards that goal. Significant progress has already been made, with 58% of all IDA client-supported employment now located outside of Dublin. This figure represents the highest such figure in the history of the Agency. Our aim is to increase this percentage further in 2019.
Limerick forms part of the IDA's Mid-West region, along with County Clare and North Tipperary. There are 56 IDA supported client companies in the County, which collectively employ approximately 12,000 people. Limerick is home to a number of prominent multinationals who have shown significant commitment to the County with companies such as Northern Trust and Stryker continuing to perform well.
Site visits represent a valuable tool through which investors can be encouraged to invest in regional areas. However, as I have said before, site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as almost 70% of all new FDI comes from existing IDA client companies.
I want to emphasise that the IDA does its utmost to encourage its clients to locate or expand in regional Ireland. This is just as much a priority for the Agency as it is for my Department and the Government. Indeed, the IDA is continuing to target an increase of investment of 30% to 40% in every region by the end of its current strategy in 2019. At the same time, we must recognise that the final decision as to where to invest always rests with the firm concerned. It is also the case, no matter what efforts we make to underline the undoubted benefits of regional locations, that certain overseas companies will only consider investing in large urban areas for various commercial or operational reasons.
The IDA will continue to work with both existing and prospective clients to identify new opportunities for investment in the Mid-West. In doing so, the Agency will continue to highlight the region's strengths to overseas firms.
The table below outlines site visits to Limerick from 2011 to 2018.
|
County |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Limerick |
40 |
30 |
23 |
22 |
40 |
49 |
42 |
35 |
327. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 31 January 2019, if her Department or an agency under her remit holds the information; the extent of the involvement of her Department with the company at the time of transfer or purchase; the involvement by the State in rescuing the company and the jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6381/19]
View answerKilkenny Design Workshops Limited ceased to operate in 1989.
The day to day issues for the company were matters for the Board of Directors and the management of the Kilkenny Design Workshops Limited. The settlement of debts incurred by Kilkenny Design Workshops was a matter for the company itself and the Minister had no statutory powers to provide a guarantee to the company’s creditors.
Kilkenny Design Workshops Limited was dissolved under a Members Voluntary Liquidation in 2002, and any liabilities were addressed in the context of the liquidation process.
328. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the relevant Departments have engaged with the CEOs of the various food companies and SMEs that conduct business here or have a workforce in the UK in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6466/19]
View answerThe long-term response to Brexit is for companies across all sectors to become more competitive, more innovative and to diversify their export footprint into more international markets. I am working closely with the agencies under my Department who have a wide range of supports available to enable companies to consolidate market share within the UK, and also to become more resilient by broadening their sales to other international markets.
Enterprise Ireland’s focus is to assist client companies to build on the strength of their 2018 performance by supporting them to start, innovate, be competitive and to diversify their global footprint. In delivering on this, new supports have been introduced, others streamlined, a Global Ambition campaign launched and an intensive programme initiated to support companies to take action and plan for Brexit so that they have the resilience necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by any kind of Brexit.
The UK is the leading exporting destination for Enterprise Ireland supported companies and is the first export destination for many companies. Despite this, Enterprise Ireland supported companies, including food companies, are steadily diversifying their global footprint beyond the UK. The proportion of exports to the UK has reduced by 10% over the last ten years, reflecting the success Irish companies are having in substantially increasing and broadening their exports to other international markets.
Enterprise Ireland has a broad range of supports to help companies prepare for Brexit including the Brexit Scorecard, Be Prepared Grant, Advisory Clinics, Agile Innovation Fund, Operational Excellence Offer and Market Discovery Fund. Recently launched EI supports include online Customs Training and Act On Consultancy. Later this month, it is planned that the Local Enterprise Offices will be launching their customs training offering which will be available to all companies. Furthermore, the suite of enterprise supports in place cover a range of potential Brexit impacts. These range from liquidity support through short term and longer term loans, to restructuring aid for businesses in severe operating difficulties, including an EU State aid approved Rescue and Restructure Schemes in place to deal with sudden shocks and an expanded network of overseas offices and in-market supports to help firms diversify markets and to consolidate market share in the UK where appropriate.
I recently met with key players in the Grocery Retail and Distribution sector to hear directly from them on the current status of their Brexit preparedness. Distribution chains within the sector are highly integrated across Ireland and the UK and I will continue to engage with the sector on preparatory actions. This is reflective of the importance the Government attaches to the sector and its recognition of the challenges that it faces, including in a no-deal Brexit scenario.
Additionally, I chair my Department’s Enterprise Forum on Brexit and Global Challenges which provides a forum for discussion of enterprise policy implications arising from Brexit and other Global Challenges, with a particular focus on capturing the views, concerns and suggestions of the enterprise sector. Membership of the Forum, which meets every 6-8 weeks includes business representative bodies, representatives from the Agencies under my Department and policy officials from across my Department.
It is vital that businesses which have yet to do so, now engage with the appropriate Government measures in place to mitigate against the impact of Brexit. My Department and its agencies will continue to provide the necessary extensive supports and advice to ensure that businesses are prepared for the challenges which exposure to Brexit brings.
329. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of advisers and special advisers employed by her Department in 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; the annual salaries associated with same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6564/19]
View answerAs Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I have employed the services of two Special Advisers, details of whom are available through the Department of Public Expenditure website, but are set out below for the Deputy’s information.
Name Role Salary
Ms Lucy Moylan Special Adviser Press PO Standard Scale
Mr Pauric McPhillips Special Adviser Policy PO Standard Scale
I have included a table below which provides details of all Special Advisers appointed to my Department since commencement of this Government who served during 2017, 2018 and 2019, including the commencement dates and cessation dates in each case.
|
Minister |
Date |
Special Adviser |
Area of Expertise |
Commencement Date |
Cessation Date |
|
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation |
6/5/2016 to 13/6/2017 |
Jim McGrath Ellen Lynch Roy Dooney |
Policy Press Policy |
13/6/2016 9/1/2017 23/1/2017 |
21/1/2017 13/6/2017 13/6/2017 |
|
Frances Fitzgerald, an Tánaiste and Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation |
14/6/2017 to 29/11/2017 |
Marion Mannion Matthew Lynch Aoife Sweeney Stephen O’Shea |
Lead Advisor Policy Press Press |
14/6/2017 14/6/2017 4/9/2017 14/6/2017 |
29/11/2017 29/11/2017 29/11/2017 29/7/2017 |
|
Heather Humphreys, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation |
30/11/2017 to date |
Pauric McPhillips Lucy Moylan |
Policy Press |
30/11/2017 30/11/2017 |
To date To date. |
|
Minister Pat Breen, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection. |
19/5/2016 to date |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
*Minister John Halligan, Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development |
19/5/2016 to date |
* Minister Halligan’s responsibilities span two departments (this Department and the Department of Education and skills). The Special Adviser to John Halligan is appointed to the Department of Education and Skills.
330. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of meat plants inspected by the legal metrology service in each of the years 2016 to 2018; the date each plant was inspected; the breaches that were found; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6634/19]
View answerThe National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Legal Metrology Service is responsible for the implementation of the Metrology Acts 1980-1996 and related Regulations. It does this through certifying and inspecting measurement instruments and the quantities of pre-packaged products. A wide range of measuring instruments, including weighing instruments used in meat plants, are subject to legal metrological control when used for trade purposes.
The Metrology Act 1996 and associated Regulations provide that only nationally approved instruments or instruments that have undergone European conformity assessment and bear the CE mark can be used for trade. The primary responsibility for design approval and conformity assessment rests with the manufacturer. The trader is obliged to ensure that only such a measuring instrument is used for trade and that it is correct and verified at all times.
In order to ensure sufficient resources are available for traders to keep their instruments in compliance, NSAI Legal Metrology has authorised private operators, under section 12 of the Metrology Act 1996 and subject to specific conditions, to undertake verifications at the request of the instrument owner. To monitor compliance, NSAI Legal Metrology Inspectors, operating out of seven offices countrywide, carry out inspections at meat plants on the basis of risk-based enforcement.
During 2016, 2017 and 2018, Legal Metrology did not receive any complaints in relation to the suspected use of non-compliant weighing instruments used for trade purposes in meat plants.
Inspections will be ongoing in this sector throughout 2019.
2018 Meat Plant Visits
Table 1. 2018 Visit Dates & Locations
|
Inspection Date |
Trader Name |
|
15-Oct-18 |
LIFFEY MEATS |
|
23-Oct-18 |
ENNIS ABATTOIR |
|
15-Aug-18 |
STAUNTON FOODS LTD. |
|
11-Oct-18 |
DAWN MEATS |
|
13-Mar-18 |
DAWN MEATS |
|
08-Nov-18 |
C&J MEATS |
|
24-Sep-18 |
DAWN MEATS |
|
22-Jun-18 |
DAWN MEATS |
|
09-Oct-18 |
CAROLAN'S BUTCHERS |
|
12-Feb-18 |
DAWN MEATS |
|
21-Mar-18 |
DAWN MEATS |
|
22-Aug-18 |
IRISH COUNTRY MEATS |
|
26-Oct-18 |
IRISH COUNTRY MEATS |
|
20-Mar-18 |
ABP CLONES |
|
28-Nov-18 |
ABP CLONES |
|
29-Nov-18 |
ABP CLONES |
|
05-Jul-18 |
KEPAK MEATS LTD. |
|
06-Nov-18 |
COURTNEY MEATS |
|
18-Jun-18 |
LIFFEY MEATS LTD. |
|
23-Oct-18 |
KEPAK |
|
12-Jun-18 |
KEPAK LTD. |
|
06-Apr-18 |
KEPAK LTD. |
|
27-Apr-18 |
ANGLO IRISH BEEF PROCESSORS |
|
07-Nov-18 |
FOYLE DONEGAL |
|
25-Oct-18 |
ASHBOURNE MEAT PROCESSERS LTD. |
|
28-May-18 |
DAWN MEATS |
|
29-May-18 |
ABP |
|
24-Oct-18 |
CLONMORE MEATS |
|
19-Nov-18 |
ROSDERRA IRISH MEATS |
|
30-Nov-18 |
ABP RATHKEALE |
|
22-May-18 |
ABP RATHKEALE |
|
22-Oct-18 |
LUNDY MEATS |
|
08-Oct-18 |
DUNLEAVY MEATS |
|
02-Oct-18 |
HOGAN TURKEYS LTD. |
|
25-Oct-18 |
HOGAN TURKEYS LTD. |
|
18-Apr-18 |
CUNNIFFE BACON COMP. LTD. |
|
07-Mar-18 |
ABP IRELAND |
|
11-Oct-18 |
ABP IRELAND |
|
15-Jan-18 |
ABP IRELAND |
|
28-May-18 |
ABP |
|
12-Jul-18 |
ABP |
|
04-Jul-18 |
ABP |
|
08-Jun-18 |
IRISH COUNTRY MEATS |
|
13-Nov-18 |
IRISH COUNTRY MEATS |
|
08-Jun-18 |
IRISH COUNTRY MEATS |
|
16-Apr-18 |
SLANEY FOODS |
|
21-May-18 |
SANDYFORD MEATS LTD. |
|
30-May-18 |
KEPAK |
|
09-Jun-18 |
KEPAK |
49 meat plants were visited by Legal Metrology Inspectors during 2018 with the following instrument types inspected: weighbridge, platform scales, bench scales and overhead tracks. Of the 327 instruments inspected, 74 failed (an instrument may have more than one failure), and two were removed from trade use as they were operating outside the legal tolerance and did not re-enter trade use until the non-compliance was addressed by an NSAI Authorised Verifier. The remaining failures were considered minor and the instruments were allowed to remain in trade use for up to 20 days, during which time the non-compliance was addressed by an Authorised Verifier
Table 2. 2018 Detected Non-Compliance
|
No. of Failures |
Failure Reason |
|
15 |
Never Verified |
|
1 |
Within + 10% excess of Maximum Permissible Error (MPE) |
|
2 |
> -10% (deficiency) of MPE |
|
4 |
Incorrect or Missing Descriptive Marks |
|
4 |
Other non-conformity |
|
56 |
Repaired, altered or adjusted (On inspection a seal has been found to be no longer intact due to either a repair, alteration or adjustment since last verification took place) |
2017 Meat Plant Visits
Table 3. 2017 Visit Dates and Locations
|
Inspection Date |
Trader Name |
|
06-Apr-17 |
LIFFEY MEATS |
|
12-Jun-17 |
LIFFEY MEATS |
|
15-Aug-17 |
DIVILLY'S QUALITY FOOD PRODUCTS |
|
05-Sep-17 |
EMERALD ISLE FOODS |
|
01-Dec-17 |
JENNINGS MEATS |
|
15-Feb-17 |
KEPAK |
|
10-May-17 |
KEPAK |
|
28-Nov-17 |
ROSDERRA MEATS |
|
06-Oct-17 |
FOYLE DONEGAL |
|
07-Sep-17 |
O'GORMAN MEATS |
|
07-Jul-17 |
ROSDERRA |
|
09-Oct-17 |
OLIVER CARTY LTD. |
|
28-Nov-17 |
ASHBOURNE MEATS |
|
13-Dec-17 |
ABP |
|
03-Apr-17 |
DAWN MEATS |
|
14-Mar-17 |
DUNBIA |
|
29-Aug-17 |
IRISH COUNTRY MEATS |
|
06-Sep-17 |
KAVANAGH MEATS |
|
09-Mar-17 |
SANDYFORD MEATS LTD. |
|
29-Aug-17 |
KEPAK |
|
28-Aug-17 |
KEPAK |
21 meat plants were visited by Legal Metrology Inspectors during 2017 with the following instrument types inspected: weighbridge, platform scales, bench scales and overhead tracks. Of the 93 instruments inspected, 17 failed (an instrument may have more than one failure) and two were removed from trade use as they were operating outside the legal tolerance and did not re-enter trade use until the non-compliance was addressed by an NSAI Authorised Verifier. The remaining failures were considered minor and the instruments were allowed to remain in trade use for up to 20 days, during which time the non-compliance was addressed by an Authorised Verifier.
Table 4. 2017 Detected Non-Compliance
|
No. of Failures |
Failure Reason |
|
2 |
> -10% (deficiency) of MPE |
|
3 |
Never Verified |
|
2 |
Incorrect or Missing Descriptive Marks |
|
12 |
Repaired, altered or adjusted |
|
1 |
Within + 10% excess of MPE |
2016 Meat Plant Visits
Table 5. 2016 Visit Dates & Locations
|
Inspection Date |
Trader Name |
|
21-Sep-16 |
SEÁN LOUGHNANE (GALWAY) |
|
09-Feb-16 |
BALLON MEATS LTD. |
|
29-Aug-16 |
STAUNTON FOODS LTD. |
|
13-May-16 |
DAWN MEATS |
|
03-Aug-16 |
GREEN PASTURES MEAT PROCESSORS LTD. |
|
02-Jun-16 |
DAWN MEATS |
|
24-Aug-16 |
DAWN MEATS |
|
13-Dec-16 |
JENNINGS MEATS |
|
20-Sep-16 |
ROSDERRA MEATS |
|
23-Mar-16 |
COURTNEY MEATS |
|
23-Sep-16 |
FOYLE DONEGAL |
|
29-Nov-16 |
QK MEATS LTD. |
|
05-Dec-16 |
QK MEATS LTD. |
|
17-Jun-16 |
ABP |
|
23-Aug-16 |
ABP |
|
05-Aug-16 |
ROSDERRA IRISH MEATS |
|
06-Sep-16 |
KEPAK LTD. |
|
04-Nov-16 |
KEPAK LTD. |
|
26-Jul-16 |
LUNDY MEATS |
|
11-Mar-16 |
DUNLEAVY MEATS |
|
29-Nov-16 |
DUNLEAVY MEATS |
|
31-May-16 |
DUNLEAVY MEATS |
|
04-Nov-16 |
ABP IRELAND |
|
09-Feb-16 |
IRISH COUNTRY MEATS |
|
09-Feb-16 |
SLANEY FOODS |
|
06-Oct-16 |
DUBLIN PRODUCTS LTD. |
26 meat plants were visited by Legal Metrology Inspectors during 2016 with the following instrument types inspected: weighbridge, platform scales and overhead tracks. Of the 71 instruments inspected, 15 failed and one was removed from trade use as it was operating outside the legal tolerance and did not re-enter trade use until the non-compliance was addressed by an NSAI Authorised Verifier. The remaining failures were considered minor and the instruments were allowed to remain in trade use for up to 20 days, during which time the non-compliance was addressed by an Authorised Verifier.
Table 6. 2016 Detected Non-Compliance
|
No. of Failures |
Failure Reason |
|
4 |
Never Verified |
|
1 |
> +10% (excess) of MPE |
|
9 |
Repaired, altered or adjusted |
|
1 |
Within - 10% excess of MPE |
331. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of boards or agencies her officials have been appointed to; if there are guidelines or protocols for members of staff being appointed to boards or agencies; if so, when same were last updated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6639/19]
View answerThe answer to this PQ is deferred to allow for clarification on some elements of our response.
My Department will supply the information requested once it has been collated.
332. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the breakdown of the €17 million allocation in 2019 for cycle 5 of the programme for research in third level institutions; the date in 2019 it will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if she has been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6788/19]
View answerThe Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI) was launched in 1998, with five cycles of expenditure to date. In addition to supporting the provision of top-class research infrastructure (buildings, laboratories and cutting-edge equipment), PRTLI saw significant investment in human capital development, through Structured PhD/Emergent Technology programmes across the Higher Education Institutes (HEIs).
In REV 2019 my Department has allocated €1.878m towards paying off remaining PRTLI cycle 5 commitments.
The scoping of a future cycle of PRTLI, as tasked in Innovation 2020, has been undertaken by my Department, working with the Department of Education and Skills (DES). Pending a Government decision on the timing and scale of a future cycle of PRTLI, it is important to note that actions are already being taken by my Department, DES and other research funders to fund infrastructure and human capital in research. Funding in REV 2019 for Centres for Research Training helps to address the human capital component of PRTLI.
€15.5 million has been allocated under subhead B.5 towards the new Centres for Research Training (CRTs) initiative. The programme will see Higher Education Institutions collaborating to provide training for 600 PhD and Research Masters students in key identified areas of future skills around digital, data and ICT.
I understand that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will clarify following today’s Cabinet meeting how cost pressures relating to the National Children’s Hospital will be addressed.
333. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the details of the €500 million allocated for the disruptive technologies innovation fund to be rolled out in 2019; the date in 2019 the fund will roll out; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if she has been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6789/19]
View answerThe €500m Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund is currently being implemented through my Department and its agencies. The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund will see investment in the development and deployment of disruptive innovative technologies and applications, on a commercial basis, targeted at tackling national and global challenges.
€20 million has been allocated to the fund in REV 2019. Over 300 Expressions of Interest were received in August 2018. The high number of applications for funding under the DTIF meant that this first Call was a very competitive process and highlights a significant appetite among both Irish enterprise and research bodies for projects seeking to develop and deploy disruptive technologies in Ireland.
27 projects are approved for funding with many led by start-ups and SMEs. The successful projects will receive over €70 million to 2021. The successful projects represent the health, food, ICT and manufacturing sectors in Ireland.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) have confirmed funding for the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) to 2022 as follows:
|
Year |
DTIF |
|
2019 |
€20m |
|
2020 |
€30m |
|
2021 |
€40m |
|
2022 |
€90m |
I understand that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will clarify following today’s Cabinet meeting how cost pressures relating to the National Children’s Hospital will be addressed.
334. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will respond to issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to Drogheda, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6826/19]
View answerWhilst I understand that the IDA has responded directly to the specific correspondence referred to, I would like to emphasise that regional development remains an absolute priority of mine. I am focused on supporting and sustaining existing regional employment while also working to create new economic opportunities and jobs in every county of Ireland. With regard to foreign direct investment (FDI) supported employment, there are now nearly 230,000 people working in IDA client firms. Last year saw more IDA-supported jobs added in regional Ireland than at any time over the past 17 years, with 58% of total such employment now located outside of Dublin.
County Louth itself has seen a 3.5% increase in FDI-driven employment in the last year. There are now 28 IDA-supported client companies in the County employing 3,903 people. These firms are continuing to grow and develop. Last year, for example, saw PCI Pharma announce that 70 new jobs will be created at their facility in Drogheda. This represents a vote of confidence in what Louth and the broader North-East region has to offer to multinationals who are looking to locate outside of Dublin. In particular, Louth continues to maintain a strong contingent of overseas firms in the International Business Services sector, with key clients such as YapStone, Becton Dickinson and PCI Pharma Services performing well in the County.
While progress has been made in helping to generate new economic opportunities in Louth, the Government remains determined to achieve more. That is why work is continuing to unlock further the economic potential of the County. The IDA remains pivotal to this and the Agency is engaging with its clients and with other enterprise agencies to create jobs and source new investment there.
335. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has commissioned research or holds research or data relating to a united Ireland. [6927/19]
View answerMy Department does not hold any research or data relating to a united Ireland.
336. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a report will be commissioned to explore the potential benefits and challenges a united Ireland would bring to businesses across the island of Ireland. [6928/19]
View answerMy Department does not have plans to commission a report to explore the potential benefits and challenges that a united Ireland would bring to businesses.
337. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reports commissioned by her Department in 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the cost and author of each report; and if each report is publically available. [6929/19]
View answerDetails of external consultant reports commissioned by my Department in 2018 and to date in 2019 are set out in the attached tables.
My Department considers hiring external consultants in cases where there is not the necessary expertise to deliver the project in-house, in cases where an external assessment is deemed essential, or in cases where a project must be completed within a short time scale, and although the expertise or experience may be available in-house, performing the task would involve a prohibitive opportunity cost.
My Department complies with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's guidelines for engagements of consultants by the civil service, having regard to public procurement guidelines.
2018
|
Name of external Consultant/Organisation |
Report Title |
Date of Commission |
Publication Status |
Cost of Report € |
|
Mazars |
Financial and Governance Analysis of certain Credit Co-operatives |
7th November 2018 |
This project is currently underway and is expected to be completed in Q1 2019. It is not the intention to publish this report. |
€44,280. |
|
KPMG |
Data Analysis and Benchmarking Exercise for the Personal Injuries Commission (PIC). |
20th February 2018 |
Published September 2018 as part of the Second and Final Report of the PIC. |
€43,050. |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute |
Measuring Contingent Employment in Ireland |
2017 |
Published August 2018 |
€51,357.42 |
|
Coyne Research |
Workplace Relations Commission Stakeholder and Service user Research |
2016 |
Published April 2018 |
€32,200.00 |
|
Herlihy Access Consultancy |
Development of Access Policy for the Workplace Relations Commission |
2018 |
For publication shortly |
€12,669.00 |
|
Colleary & Co Solicitors |
GDPR Gap Analysis Report for Workplace Relations Commission |
2018 |
Not for publication |
€5,842.50 |
|
Ove Arup & Partners |
Dangerous Substances Legislation Review 2018 |
24.8.18 |
Not for publication. Internal report |
€45,003 |
|
Behaviour & Attitudes |
Brexit Vote – The impact on Irish SMEs and their Capital Funding (Survey 3) |
May 2018 |
Published 25 September 2018 |
24,995.02 |
|
OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) |
Review of SME and Entrepreneurship Issues and Policies in Ireland |
March 2018 |
Work in progress – Final report to be published in second half of 2019 |
€300,000 (Two payments of €85,000 and €115,000 made in 2018. Final payment of €100,000 to be paid over in May 2019)) |
|
IDC UK Ltd |
Digital Transformation: Assessing the Impact of Digitalisation on Ireland’s Workforce |
March 2018 |
Published December 2018 |
€72,570 |
|
ASM Chartered Accountants |
Five internal audit reports: 1) Health & Safety Authority – Liaison and governance 2) Personal Injuries Assessment Board – Liaison and governance 3) Companies Registration Office 4) Workplace Relations Commission 5) Labour Court |
(Under contract terms to end of 2018) |
Operational reports not for publication |
€54,000 |
|
Copenhagen Economics |
Making EU Trade in Services Work for all |
12th June 2018 |
Published on 29th November 2018 |
€130,036 Note: The sum above is Ireland’s share of the costs. Further contributions were made by a number of other Member States who participated in the projected. |
|
Ward Solutions |
IT systems security testing |
14/3/2018 |
Not for publication - internal ICT report |
4,735.50 |
2019
|
Name of external Consultant/Organisation |
Report Title |
Date of Commission |
Publication Status |
Cost of Report € |
|
Ergo Systems |
ICT Security Review |
January 2019 |
Not yet completed. Internal report not intended for publication |
€35,000 estimated |
|
Clarion Consulting |
ICT Strategy Development |
October 2018 |
Not yet completed. Internal report not intended for publication |
€66,000 estimated |
338. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to provide for a merchants' incentive scheme as part of the new digital strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6993/19]
View answerA new National Digital Strategy, to help Ireland maximise the economic and societal benefits from digitalisation and its transformative effects, is currently under development.
The Strategy is being led as a shared effort by the Department of the Taoiseach; the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment; the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation; and the Office of the Chief Information Officer in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. An Interdepartmental Group, which includes representatives from all Departments, is also assisting the development of the Strategy. This approach reflects the broad spread of policy areas impacted by digitalisation.
A public consultation exercise, to allow citizens to influence the development of the Strategy, took place at the end of 2018. Over 300 responses were received. In parallel, consultations with stakeholders and experts to inform development of the Strategy took place.
It is intended that the new National Digital Strategy will set out Ireland's vision and ambition in the fast-changing digital world. It will set out a roadmap across themed pillars incorporating Digital Foundations, such as infrastructure and security; Trust, Society and Well-being; Effective Use of digital; and the Digital Economy and Labour Market changes. As well and focusing on national issues, it will place an emphasis on international and European linkages and help to position Ireland within the European Union, at the heart of digital developments.
While it is too early to comment on any specific initiatives that the Strategy may address, I have no plans to introduce a merchant’s incentive scheme.
It is recognised though that all businesses, regardless of size or sector, in today’s competitive environment must build their digital online capability. Accordingly, the agencies of my Department offer a range of supports to assist businesses to trade online.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the first-stop-shop front line service assisting in delivering business growth and jobs for the small and 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 date almost 4,500 micro companies have availed of the 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 maximising 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 Optimisation, including web analytics and video optimisation for web.
As Chair of the Retail Consultation Forum, I have prioritised supporting the retail sector to develop their online capability and enhance their competitiveness. In 2017, data from the CSO showed that 66% of Irish enterprises in the Wholesale and Retail Sector reported having a website or homepage, with only 28% able to facilitate online ordering.
In support of this, the first call for the new pilot Online Retail Scheme administered by Enterprise Ireland, opened on 24th October 2018 and closed on 5th December 2018. Applications are currently under assessment by Enterprise Ireland. The Scheme launched with a fund of up to €625,000, which was later doubled to €1.25m as part of the Department’s 2019 Budget. A second call will issue this year (2019). The Online Retail Scheme will support retail businesses of 20 employees or more under the areas of (research, strategy development, implementation and training) who are ready to strategically grow their online capability.
In recognition of the strong role the retail sector plays in supporting regional development and vibrant communities, at least 50% of the total number of grants awarded will be reserved for retail SMEs with their headquarters outside of county Dublin.
More generally, 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. 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. In addition, EI regularly organises events which can connect clients with leading experts and inform them on best practice.
An additional €1.8m has been earmarked for the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland over the next 3 years. The proposed investment, again via EI, 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.
339. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if the public information leaflet and associated stickers are being included mandatorily in the dispensing of sodium valporate to prescribed patients. [6735/19]
View answer446. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if an impact study being carried out by an organisation (details supplied) is delaying action on commitments made to raise public awareness regarding the use of sodium valproate for certain groups of persons. [6736/19]
View answer447. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status of an agreement to place a public information poster in all general practitioner and primary care practices concerning warnings about side effects from the prescribing of sodium valproate. [6737/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 339, 446 and 447 together.
My Department continues to liaise closely with the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), as well as other stakeholders, to help address concerns raised over the use of sodium valproate, also known as Epilim.
As part of its Valproate Response Project, the HSE undertook a communication programme in 2018 to provide information to support the safe prescribing of valproate treatment in women with epilepsy, bipolar disorder and other conditions, to help prevent current and future harm to women of childbearing age who are pregnant or who could become pregnant while taking valproate medicines. To date, the communications plan has included:
1. Issuing letters to all prescribers and pharmacists in relation to new European Medicines Agency (EMA) and HPRA guidelines on the use of sodium valproate;
2. Issuing patient-specific letters to GPs;
3. Issuing 2500+ letters to patients who were dispensed sodium valproate;
4. Issuing letters to pharmacies advising them of the patient support service and requesting that they include a patient information leaflet every time they dispense sodium valproate;
5. Developing an information web page regarding sodium valproate; and
6. Using social media to provide regular updates to patients and stakeholders.
In addition to this HSE programme, the HPRA has collaborated with national stakeholders, including patient representatives and healthcare professionals, to implement the EMA’s new risk minimisation measures in Ireland.
These measures have included changes to the product information for patients and healthcare professionals; a visual warning on the packaging of valproate medicines; updated educational materials to reflect the new measures and provide age-appropriate advice; and a patient alert card to be attached to the packaging so that pharmacists can go through it with the patient when valproate is dispensed.
In tandem with the actions taken by the HPRA, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), as pharmacy regulator, has directed pharmacists that they must inform women of child-bearing age of the potential risk of abnormal pregnancy outcomes when supplying medicines containing valproate. This includes providing a patient leaflet and Alert Card with each supply of these medicines.
It is important to note that many of these actions, as well as other strands of work within the HSE Valproate Response Project, are continuing while an impact assessment led by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) is taking place, and are not dependent on the outcome of the RCSI's report.
The Deputy may also be aware that the HSE is planning a public conference on sodium valproate at the end of March to expand the scope of communication around this medicine and increase awareness among women age who are currently taking, or have previously taken, sodium valproate.
340. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if a service agreement between the HSE and a service provider exists or existed in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6243/19]
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.
341. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason the Cork-Kerry HSE has not received its budget allocation for 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6247/19]
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 a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
342. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not received a homecare package; and when a package will be put in place for them. [6271/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
343. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to ensure children (details supplied) will not be waiting for 18 months before receiving an appointment with the early intervention team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6276/19]
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 Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the reason there are no audiology services in the new primary care centres in Tralee, County Kerry and Bantry, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6282/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
345. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when an operation will be rescheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6284/19]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
346. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health when a resubmitted application seeking reimbursement for Translarna (details supplied) will be processed by the HSE; when the drugs committee will assess the submission; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6285/19]
View answer347. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if an application seeking reimbursement for Translarna (details supplied) will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6286/19]
View answer497. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on whether Translarna will become available through the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6991/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 346, 347 and 497 together.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
348. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the establishment of a body to monitor the codes of practice on the marketing and advertising of food and non-alcoholic beverages in addition to the development of guidelines for same; the timeline for same in view of the fact that the codes will be one year old in February 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6297/19]
View answer349. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 12 December 2018, the detail of his engagement with industry representation on initiating a register of signatories to the codes of practice on the marketing and advertising of food and non-alcoholic beverages; the frequency with which he has met with representatives of the industry; when a register of signatories will be initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6298/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 349 together.
Under the umbrella of the national oversight group, the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group, work is being intensified on the development of the monitoring mechanism for the Codes of Practice on the Marketing and Advertising of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages. This has taken longer than anticipated with respect to determining the most robust monitoring mechanism to preserve the integrity of the implementation of the Codes for the benefit of public nutritional health and in line with the main objective of the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) to deal with the problem of obesity. The progression of the development of guidelines to govern the implementation of these codes is also being conducted in tandem with the development of the robust monitoring mechanism.
Furthermore, my Department has engaged with industry representation on initiating a register of signatories to the Codes of Practice from the perspective of compiling a list of companies that would be signing up to the Codes. The development of guidance on the interpretation of the Codes will precede the development of this list.
My Department has engaged with industry both formally and informally in a number of areas of interest within the context of obesity. For example, and as the Deputy is aware, the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group agreed to establish a sub-group for Reformulation. This sub-group has met on a number of occasions since being established and agreed their Terms of Reference. The Reformulation sub-group is technical in its work programme. The work of the sub-group will primarily set targets on reformulation of food and drink. It will also make recommendations on addressing reduction of portion sizes and on monitoring and validation procedures.
As part of its work, a workshop between the Reformulation sub-group and Food Sector Stakeholders comprised of, among others, industry on reformulation, took place on the 20th of September last. This workshop provided an important opportunity for detailed engagement with key Food Sector Stakeholders on the challenges and opportunities of reformulation in the interests of promoting the health and wellbeing of the population. And the work of the sub-group is now building on this engagement.
