Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:264. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a Garda insurance fraud unit will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9696/19]
View answerInsurance Fraud
Questions (264)
Written answers
The Deputy will, of course, appreciate that it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the allocation of resources within An Garda Síochána and I have no role, as Minister, in such operational matters.
The possibility of a dedicated Garda Insurance Fraud Unit, funded by the insurance industry, arose from Recommendation 26 of the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance , published in January 2017.
As I outlined in this House on 17 January this year, my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Mr Michael D'Arcy, T.D, met with the Garda Commissioner on 13 December 2018 to discuss matters relating to insurance fraud and the work of the Cost of Insurance Working Group.
At this meeting, the Commissioner indicated his preference that, in principle, An Garda Síochána should not be funded by any source other than the Exchequer for the purposes of tackling insurance fraud. I understand, however, that the Commissioner is continuing to look at establishing an improved insurance fraud investigative capacity within the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB), taking account of available resources and competing demands.
I have previously outlined the considerable progress that has been made in enhancing the level of engagement and cooperation between An Garda Síochána and the insurance industry in relation to combating insurance fraud. Arising from the cost of insurance review, the GNECB and Insurance Ireland’s Anti-Fraud Forum have committed to meet on a regular basis in order to discuss and act upon current and ongoing general issues concerning insurance fraud. I welcome this enhanced co-operation, which will be very important in tackling the issue of fraudulent claims.
Garda Transport Data
Questions (265)
Pat Casey
Question:265. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional marked and unmarked Garda cars and vehicles allocated to the Wicklow Garda division in 2018 and to date in 2019; and the number that were withdrawn during same period. [9732/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that there has been unprecedented investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years.
In relation to Garda vehicles, €46 million has been provided by the Government for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet allowing Gardaí to be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the Garda fleet in the period 2013 to 2015. And I am pleased to confirm that a capital allocation of €10 million is available to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of Garda vehicles in 2019.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for the distribution of Garda resources, including allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 7 vehicles were allocated to the Wicklow Division in 2018 and that 4 vehicles were removed from the Wicklow Division in 2018. I am informed that no vehicles have been allocated to or removed from the Wicklow Division to date in 2019.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table sets out the number of vehicles allocated to the Wicklow Garda division as on 21 February 2019. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations in accordance with operational need.
Garda Fleet in Wicklow Division as on 21 February 2019
|
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
Other |
Total |
|
41 |
11 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
60 |
Residency Permits
Questions (266)
Bernard Durkan
Question:266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9746/19]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Biofuel Availability
Questions (267)
Brendan Howlin
Question:267. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the European Commission is controlling the importation of biofuels specifically biodiesel from Argentina; if Irish and other EU manufacturers of biofuels are at a competitive disadvantage due to EU levies on domestic biodiesel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9131/19]
View answerWritten answers
International Trade Policy is a competence of the European Commission under the EU Treaties and defined as the Common Commercial Policy. Under this architecture the Commission makes legislative proposals concerning trade defence and engages with Member States through various Committees, including the Trade Defence Instruments Committee where Member States vote to support or oppose the measures proposed by the Commission.
Following a complaint by the European Biodiesel Board on behalf of EU producers, the European Commission launched an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of Argentine biodiesel on 31 January 2018. The Commission issued its final subsidy determination on 3 December 2018, finding that the Government of Argentina provided certain subsidies to its biodiesel industry and that such measures posed a threat of injury to the EU biodiesel industry. To regulate the importation of subsidized Argentine biodiesel into the EU and level the playing field for EU biodiesel manufacturers, the Commission recommended the imposition of definitive ad valorem anti-subsidy duties on imports of Argentine biodiesel of between 25% and 33.4%. In response, Argentine exporters offered a voluntary price undertaking proposal consisting of a Minimum Import Price (MIP) applicable to all Argentine biodiesel imports to the EU below a specified annual threshold; imports above that threshold would be subject to the EU’s anti-subsidy duties.
At a meeting of the Trade Defence Instruments Committee, chaired by the Commission and representative of all Member States, on 30 January 2019, Member States voted to accept the Commission’s proposal to introduce anti-subsidy measures on imports of Argentine biodiesel. Member States also voted to accept the voluntary price undertaking proposed by the Argentine exporters. The measures entered into force on 13 February 2019 (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/244 of 11 February 2019 imposing a definitive countervailing duty on imports of biodiesel originating in Argentina).
The Minimum Import Price will be calculated on the basis of the international price of soybean oil, to which a fixed amount will be added. The Commission will monitor the situation on a quarterly basis, adjusting the MIP as necessary and ensuring that the undertaking given is not violated. Any breach of the undertaking will result in its withdrawal and the full application of the anti-subsidy duties.
The annual threshold for tariff-free imports of biodiesel from Argentina has been set at a volume roughly corresponding to its overall market performance and at around 10% of the average annual EU consumption of biodiesel between 2014 and 2017. While this is an annual allocation, Argentina has undertaken not to issue more than 37% of export certificates in any quarter in an effort so as not to create an imbalance in trade flows. Imports will be monitored by the European Commission in conjunction with Member States’ Customs authorities. Once this threshold has been exceeded, imports of Argentine biodiesel will be subject to the anti-subsidy duties laid out in the aforementioned Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/244.
Insofar as ‘EU levies on domestic biofuels’ are concerned, I assume the Deputy is referring to a sustainability premium, and my Department remains in dialogue with the European Commission and colleague Member States on the interplay of this premium with this dossier.
The Commission considers that the combination of the MIP with the proposed annual level plus the ad valorem duty applicable to imports of biodiesel exceeding the annual level will offset any injurious effects to the EU biodiesel industry resulting from the subsidisation of Argentine exports.
As my Department has had ongoing engagement with Irish producers of biodiesel and the European Biodiesel Board, in relation to this case, as well as to the earlier related anti-dumping investigation (now terminated), we are fully seized of their interests in these matters.
On balance, I am satisfied that industry’s concerns have been addressed by the price undertaking and anti-subsidy duties which entered into force on 13 February. I am further satisfied that these measures do not put EU manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage and that they are WTO-compliant. However, my Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and to make known to the European Commission any issues encountered by Irish producers as a result of these measures.
Pension Provisions
Questions (268)
John McGuinness
Question:268. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the benefits that accrued to a person (details supplied); if a record of their contributions will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9265/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that a significant passage of time has elapsed since the benefits of the individual concerned accrued. In that regard, it will be necessary to conduct a full trawl of the Department’s archives to search for any related files on this matter. In that regard and to assist in tracking these records, it would be of benefit if the Deputy could pass on any evidentiary material which might assist in their identification.
A deferred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Brexit Supports
Questions (269)
Lisa Chambers
Question:269. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the uptake of all Brexit supports under the remit of her Department; the number who have applied for support to date; the number sanctioned for support; the expenditure on same to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9099/19]
View answerWritten answers
My Department and its agencies are working to provide extensive supports, schemes and advice to ensure that businesses are prepared for Brexit. These measures aim to assist businesses in identifying key risk areas and the practical preparatory actions to be taken over the coming weeks.
In addition to the direct supports outlined in the table, my Department and I have been very active in the 'Getting Ireland Brexit Ready' public information campaign. This campaign includes workshop events throughout the country aimed primarily at business and people most impacted by Brexit. Officials from my Department and agencies also participated in the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready events, which included Enterprise Ireland, IDA, the LEOs, NSAI and the HSA.
Further to what is set out below, increased funding has been allocated to Brexit-related support from my Department and its agencies as part of Budget 2019. An additional €5 million capital funding has been allocated to the Local Enterprise Offices, an increase of 22%, and a further €1 million allocated to InterTrade Ireland to help SMEs prepare for the particular North-South challenges associated with Brexit. Additional resources have also been distributed across Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and the Health and Safety Authority.
Work continues on the development of the Future Growth Loan Scheme, which will provide a longer-term facility, 8 to 10 years, of up to €300m to support strategic capital investment for a post-Brexit environment by business at competitive rates. SBCI's open call to financial institution for the designation as lending partner has closed on 11 February and it is expected that the Scheme will become available in early 2019.
The Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), managed and controlled by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), is a sovereign development fund with a mandate to invest on a commercial basis to support economic activity and employment in Ireland.
ISIF commercial investments will seek to support businesses’ long-term plans to invest in market and product diversification through innovation as well as financing for businesses that are constrained from growing due to market exposures to the UK.
While many businesses have taken preparedness actions, a number have yet to do so. It is vital that businesses prepare themselves for Brexit impacts and take actions to mitigate. Firms that do business with the UK, whether buying goods or exporting products, should examine their supply chains to determine their vulnerabilities and take appropriate action.
|
Scheme |
Uptake as at 31 January |
|
Brexit Loan Scheme |
462 applications received, 413 approved by SBCI, 81 Loans progressed to sanction at bank level to a value of €17.32 million (this figure as at 22 February) |
|
Enterprise Ireland Brexit Scorecard - online platform for Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit |
4,062 Brexit Scorecards have been completed. 722 LEO clients have completed the scorecard. |
|
Enterprise Ireland Be Prepared Grant |
156 Be Prepared Grants have been approved |
|
Enterprise Ireland Market Discovery Fund - A support to EI clients to research new markets |
241 projects have been approved under this initiative |
|
Enterprise Ireland Agile Innovation Fund - Gives rapid fast-track access to innovation funding |
40 Agile Innovation projects have been approved |
|
Enterprise Ireland Brexit Advisory Clinics |
11 Brexit Advisory Clinics have been run with approx. 915 in attendance |
|
Enterprise Ireland Brexit “Act On Programme” – A support funding the engagement of a consultant to devise report with recommendations to help clients address weaknesses and improve resilience |
190 “Act on” Plans have been completed |
|
Enterprise Ireland Strategic Consultancy Grant – A grant to assist EI clients to hire a strategic consultant for a set period |
1,053 Strategic Consultancy Grants have been approved |
|
Enterprise Ireland Brexit-exposed companies that have completed sustainable growth plans |
739 |
|
Local Enterprise Office Technical Assistance Grant for Micro Export - an incentive for LEO clients to explore and develop new market opportunities |
431 clients were approved assistance under the Technical Assistance Grant |
|
Local Enterprise Office LEAN for Micro - The LEO Lean4Micro offer was developed in collaboration between the EI Lean department and the LEOs to tailor the EI Lean offer for LEO micro enterprise clients |
221 LEO clients have participated in the programme |
|
Local Enterprise Office Mentoring |
479 mentoring participants solely focused on Brexit |
|
Local Enterprise Office Brexit Seminars/Events |
4,054 Participants at the Brexit Information events |
|
InterTradeIreland Brexit Advisory Service |
515 SMEs have directly engaged with the Brexit Advisory Service in 2019. This is in addition to the 4,175 engagements in 2018. |
|
InterTradeIreland Brexit Start to Plan Vouchers |
There have been 945 applications, with 789 approved and 16 still pending assessment. |
Departmental Staff Data
Questions (270)
Joan Burton
Question:270. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of conferences staff of her Department have attended in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the number of staff who attended each conference; the cost of same in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9162/19]
View answerWritten answers
The table sets out the number of conferences staff in my Department have attended in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, the number of staff who attended each conference; and the cost of same in each year.
|
Year |
Conferences |
Staff attended |
Cost |
|
2017 |
38 |
59 |
€21,996 |
|
2018 |
37 |
103 |
€26,949 |
|
To date in 2019 |
4 |
6 |
€1,800 |
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (271)
Joan Burton
Question:271. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent in advertising and-or sponsorship in respect of conferences external and internal, respectively, in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, by conference; the aggregate amount for each year; the amount available in the remainder of 2019 to fund same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9179/19]
View answerWritten answers
There was no expenditure incurred by my Department and its Offices on advertising and or sponsorship in respect of conferences external and internal during 2017. Details of expenditure for 2018 is set out in the table. To date in 2019 no amount has been spent in this regard; advertising and-or sponsorship opportunities will be considered on a case by case basis.
|
Year |
Dept/Office |
Conference |
Payee |
Total Amount |
|
2018 |
Workplace Relations Commission |
HR Leadership Summit 2018 Sponsorship |
IBEC-Small Firms Association |
€6,150.00 |
Departmental Data
Questions (272)
Joan Burton
Question:272. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff in her Department who attended a summit (details supplied) in Dublin in 2017 and 2018, respectively; the cost to her Department or agency under the remit of her Department; if her Department or an agency associated with her Department undertook advertising or sponsorship in respect of the summit; the cost in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9196/19]
View answerWritten answers
No staff from my Department attended the summit (details supplied) in 2017. In 2018, three staff attended the summit, at a cost of €1,700 in total. My Department did not undertake advertising or sponsorship in respect of the summit. Advertising and sponsorship of events is a day to day operational matter for the agencies and not one in which I have a function.
Work Permits Eligibility
Questions (273)
Peter Burke
Question:273. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if jockeys will be included in the occupation lists for employment permits due to the chronic shortage in the industry; the specific and unique skill sets necessary for the job; the necessary experience and frame for the role; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9214/19]
View answerWritten answers
Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the State and wider EEA, an employment permit may be sought by an employer to hire a non-EEA national subject to the Employment Permits Acts and Regulations. The employment permits system is managed in part through the operation of the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List (HSEOL) and Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL) for the purposes of granting an employment permit.
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 of Future Skills Needs, the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (Solas) and co-ordinated by the National Skills Council, the annual National Skills Bulletin and the annual Vacancy Overview Report in tandem with a public consultation process.
Jockeys are currently included on the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL). In order to remove a skill from this list, there would need to be a clear demonstration that recruitment difficulties are solely due to shortages across the EEA and not to other factors such as salary and-or employment conditions. Organisations in the sector would need to provide the necessary data to substantiate their claims.
A review of the lists of occupations for employment permits is currently being finalised with a further review to take place in the second half of the year. A submission received from the horse racing industry is being considered as part of the review.
Food Waste
Questions (274)
Seán Haughey
Question:274. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if measures will be introduced to prevent food waste by supermarkets in order that usable food can be diverted to those in need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9248/19]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I have no policy responsibility for the measures to be taken to prevent food waste by supermarkets. This is a matter for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Meat Processing Plants
Questions (275)
John Brassil
Question:275. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the legislation that allowed for the anti-competitive practice of meat processing companies owning bovine feedlots or contracting bovine feedlots to feed cattle which have been the source of supply for 20% of all cattle slaughtered in meat processing plants here (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9286/19]
View answerWritten answers
Policy matters relating to the agriculture sector (including sector specific legislation) are a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Competition Acts 2002 to 2014 constitute a horizontal piece of competition law which refer to all sectors. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory independent body responsible for the enforcement of domestic and EU competition law in the State. Section 9 (5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 provides that the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions, including carrying out investigations of alleged anti-competitive practices. As investigations and enforcement matters generally are part of the day-to-day operational work of the Commission, I, as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, have no direct function in the matter.
Should the Deputy believe that there are any anti-competitive practices occurring in any sector, he should contact the CCPC directly in the matter.
Legislative Programme
Questions (276)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:276. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to update the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001. [9345/19]
View answerWritten answers
The main purpose of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001 was to establish the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE). That Act was repealed and replaced by the Companies Act 2014, which came into operation on 1 June 2015.
In October 2017, the Government decided to establish the ODCE as an agency, rather than an Office of the Department, with a commission type structure. It also decided that the new agency should be better equipped to investigate increasingly complex breaches of company law.
Accordingly, on 4 December 2018, the Government gave effect to that Decision by approving, and publishing, the General Scheme of the Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Bill. As well as establishing the ODCE as an agency, with a commission structure, the Scheme also introduces some new investigative tools, supervisory powers with respect to liquidators, and measures designed to enhance corporate transparency.
The General Scheme is currently subject to Pre-Legislative Scrutiny, which is being undertaken by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Subject to the duration and outcome of that Pre-Legislative Scrutiny, the General Scheme is scheduled for priority drafting, with a view to enactment by the end of this year.
The Company Law Enforcement Act 2001 also established the Company Law Review Group on a statutory basis. Those provisions are now contained in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2014 and there are no plans to amend them.
EU Funding
Questions (277)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:277. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the breakdown of funds received by her Department or channelled through her Department from EU funds in 2017; and the programmes these funds supported. [9564/19]
View answerWritten answers
In addition to grants from my Department's Vote, the Patents Office and the following bodies under the aegis of my Department received EU aid directly in 2017 as shown:
|
Subhead B.3 Patents Office |
€154,678 |
|
Subhead B.4 Science Foundation Ireland |
€763,506 |
|
Subhead B.4 Enterprise Ireland |
€824,849 |
|
TOTAL: |
€1,743,033 |
Mobility Allowance
Questions (278, 279, 366)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:278. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health when a new transport allowance will be established to replace the mobility allowance that was closed in 2013. [9331/19]
View answer
Robert Troy
Question:279. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to the reintroduction of the motorised transport allowance. [9480/19]
View answer
Jack Chambers
Question:366. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of the transport support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9466/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 279 and 366 together.
The Deputies will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I brought a Memorandum to Government in May 2018 on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at the time. I intend to revert to Government in due course with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between myself and Minister Harris on the best way to progress the Transport Scheme.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and ongoing work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
Nursing Staff Remuneration
Questions (280)
Eugene Murphy
Question:280. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the cost of employing a fully qualified agency nurse on a full-time basis for a period of one year; the cost of employing a fully qualified full-time staff nurse with pension and PRSI contributions for a period of one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9562/19]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
HSE Staff Data
Questions (281, 282)
Pearse Doherty
Question:281. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons provided with permanent contracts of employment by the HSE in 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, under the HSE job evaluation scheme; the number of such cases for which the candidate underwent a formal interview as part of the process; the number of such cases for which no formal interview occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8975/19]
View answerPearse Doherty
Question:282. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the grades and types of roles which qualify for the HSE job evaluation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8976/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.