Bernard Durkan
Question:261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10447/20]
View answerImmigration Status
Questions (261)
Written answers
I can inform the Deputy that written representations have been submitted on behalf of the persons concerned in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).
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 final decisions being made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Question No. 262 answered with Question No. 228.
Health and Safety Inspections
Questions (263)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:263. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of requests and the details that the Health Safety Authority has received regarding a safety site inspection and audit at the construction site at the national children’s hospital at St James’s Hospital campus; the status of actions and responses taken and planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9645/20]
View answerWritten answers
The management of specific individual inspection cases by the Health and Safety Authority, is a day-to-day operational matter for the Health and Safety Authority in which the Minister has no role.
The Deputy might wish to note that for operational as well as confidentially reasons the Health and Safety Authority does not disclose information regarding individual places of work.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (264)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:264. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will address a matter regarding caravan parks (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9781/20]
View answerWritten answers
Under the reconfiguration of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now just two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie.
The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decision to accelerate the phases as set out in the original Roadmap.
The input and advice of National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) informed the Government’s decision to proceed with Phase 2 and to accelerate elements of the Roadmap. The Government also had regard to a paper which was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an updated assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify, from an economic perspective, some priority issues for re-opening of economic activity under Phase 2. This paper, “Economic Considerations for Reinstating Economic Activity - Update for Phase 2”, is available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Economic-Considerations-for-Reinstating-Economic-Activity-Update-for-Phase-2.pdf.
On 8th June the Minister for Health, Simon Harris T.D., signed SI No.206 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions)(COVID-19)(No. 2) Regulations. These Regulations, which shall remain in operation until 29th June, provide for the unwinding of certain restrictions, including the reopening of retail outlets and extending the distance that may be travelled for specified purposes. The Regulations also provide for continued restrictions for some businesses or services and for offences, including in relation to events. Businesses should carefully review these Regulations. Schedule 2 of SI No.206 of 2020 sets out which businesses or services are not permitted to reopen at this time. Caravan parks are included in Schedule 2 other than insofar as they are providing:
(a) essential accommodation (including accommodation for homeless persons and persons in direct provision and persons who are unable to reside in their usual place of residence due to reasons related to the spread of Covid-19 or otherwise),
(b) accommodation for a person that is necessary for the purposes of his or her work or employment,
(c) accommodation for a person that is necessary to permit or enable him or her to attend a funeral,
(d) accommodation for a person that is necessary to permit or enable him or her to fulfil legal obligations,
(e) accommodation for a person that is necessary to permit or enable him or her to receive medical or dental treatment, or
(f) accommodation for a person that is necessary for vital family reasons.
As the Deputy will be aware, it is hoped that in three weeks’ time we will be able to move to a more advanced Phase 3, which would include the reopening of domestic tourism, and bring forward the opening of hotels, restaurants, bars that also operate as restaurants, hostels, caravan parks, galleries and museums to the 29th of June. On 9th June, Fáilte Ireland published guidelines for reopening for various sectors of the tourism industry, including caravan and camping parks; https://covid19.failteireland.ie/industry-updates/guidelines-for-re-opening-published/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors under Phases 1 and 2 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the remaining phases in the Roadmap.
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the next two phases of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
Health and Safety Inspections
Questions (265, 277, 295)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:265. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the necessary health and safety inspections by the HSA of workplaces will commence; and if the HSA has been resourced with the requisite number of staff to meet these responsibilities. [9786/20]
View answer
Paul Murphy
Question:277. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the areas from which she plans to draw additional Covid-19 inspectors in view of the fact the HSE will need to deploy its own inspectors to carry out food safety and Covid-19 checks in restaurants and pubs when they reopen in June and July 2020 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9799/20]
View answer
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:295. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of inspectors retained by the Health and Safety Authority. [10251/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265, 277 and 295 together.
The Health and Safety Authority is the lead agency in monitoring adherence to the national Return to Work Safely Protocol. Upon the commencement of Phase 1 of the Roadmap for the Reopening of Society the Health and Safety Authority, along with its usual workload, began a national programme of inspections to check compliance with the Protocol. Between 18 May and close of business on 5th June the Health and Safety Authority has recorded 1276 inspections/investigations of which 1089 relate to the Protocol. The 1276 inspections were completed across a range of industry sectors including construction which accounted for around half of the inspections. The HSA normally undertakes about 200 inspections per week as part of its workplace health and safety remit so this level of inspections represents a significant increase overall.
The results from inspections are encouraging. Broadly speaking and based on an initial analysis of the specific COVID-19/Protocol inspections, compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol is high and employers are generally taking a responsible and proactive approach.
In terms of staff numbers, the Health and Safety Authority has a total staff complement of 182 which is made up of staff in administration and inspector grades. Of the 109 inspectors currently in the Authority across all grades, 67 inspectors have been made available to inspect on foot of the Return to Work Safely Protocol. This number covers both existing field inspectors as well as others redeployed internally from their existing roles.
The Health and Safety Authority inspectorate will be supplemented significantly by deploying, other inspectors from across the system who already have an environmental health, agriculture or other workplace/business inspection responsibilities. These resources will be drawn from the Workplace Relations Commission, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the cohort of Environmental Health Officers and will result in an additional 500 inspectors checking compliance with the Protocol as part of their normal inspection programme.
All of these groups of inspectors are fully committed to working with the Health and Safety Authority and I am confident that the approach being taken is a logical, and good, use of available existing resources to cover all business sectors.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (266)
Noel Grealish
Question:266. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the restart grant for small businesses is open to golf clubs that are privately owned and operated through limited companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9801/20]
View answerWritten answers
On Friday, May 15th, 2020 the Government announced details of the new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational.
The Restart Grant support is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for commercial firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help those businesses to continue trading and to maintain employment.
To avail of the Restart Grant, applicants must be a commercial business and be in the Local Authorities’ Commercial Rates Payment System, and:
- have a turnover of less than €5m and have 50 or less employees.
- have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in revenue from 1st April 2020 to 30th June 2020.
- commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed.
- declare the intention to retain employees that are benefitting from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).
The primary objective, therefore, is to get funding into small businesses that:
- Are reliant solely on local trading income;
- Are financially independent from any group structure;
- Have suffered significant financial losses;
- Have had to bear ongoing fixed costs or faced costs associated with re-opening the business;
- Provide local paid employment.
A fully commercial trading entity is eligible, if it meets the criteria.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (267)
Marc MacSharry
Question:267. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the phase of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business which ice cream trucks fall under; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9820/20]
View answerWritten answers
Under the reconfiguration of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now just two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie.
The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decision to accelerate the phases as set out in the original Roadmap.
The input and advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) informed the Government’s decision to proceed with Phase 2 and to accelerate elements of the Roadmap. The Government also had regard to a paper which was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an updated assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify, from an economic perspective, some priority issues for re-opening of economic activity under Phase 2. This paper, “Economic Considerations for Reinstating Economic Activity - Update for Phase 2”, is available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Economic-Considerations-for-Reinstating-Economic-Activity-Update-for-Phase-2.pdf.
On 8th June the Minister for Health, Simon Harris T.D., signed SI No.206 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions)(COVID-19)(No. 2) Regulations. These Regulations, which shall remain in operation until 29th June, provide for the unwinding of certain restrictions, including the reopening of retail outlets and extending the distance that may be travelled for specified purposes. The Regulations also provide for continued restrictions for some businesses or services and for offences, including in relation to events. Businesses should carefully review these Regulations.
Where a business is not specifically listed, businesses should review the Roadmap and the updates carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and employees the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html. The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors under Phases 1 and 2 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the remaining phases in the Roadmap.
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the next two phases of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (268)
Brendan Griffin
Question:268. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the funding available for persons that operate businesses from their own homes further to the introduction of start-up grants for businesses following closure due to Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10110/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Restart Grant is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs. I would encourage businesses that operate from their own homes with employees to continue to make use of the Temporary Wage Scheme as they transition to reopen.
I would also encourage all businesses to contact their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) to determine the most appropriate supports to meet their needs. On 8th June I announced with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton TD, a major expansion of the LEOs' Trading Online Voucher Scheme to help small and micro enterprises to get online quickly.
The LEOs Trading Online Voucher is a scheme, designed to assist small and microenterprises (10 or less employees) by offering financial assistance of up to €2,500 towards training and advice to help businesses trade online. The Trading Online Voucher scheme is administered by the LEOs. The support is available to cover 90% of the costs of an online initiative and recipients can claim up to €5,000 in two vouchers worth €2,500 each. Participating in this scheme can make the process of trading online much easier for businesses. See: localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports
Trading Online Vouchers can be used for:
- development or upgrade of an e-commerce website, such as implementing online payments or booking systems
- purchase of internet related software - online advertising (subject to limits)
- development of an app
- development and/or implementation of a digital marketing strategy
- consultation with ICT experts
- training and support to develop and manage your online trading activity and subscriptions to low cost online retail platform solutions,
Full details on all COVID19 supports for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (269)
Dara Calleary
Question:269. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if charity shops which paid rates to their local authority in 2019 are eligible for the business restart grant; and if not, the reason they are excluded. [9692/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Restart Grant is aimed at commercial business. We have sought to prioritise commercial entities that are totally dependent on their trading income which in turn creates paid employment locally and will drive economic activity and get money circulating. Within our limited funding, the aim is to get these businesses back up and running, trading as normally as possible so that they can retain employees who will no longer need a temporary wage subsidy or be able to take back workers who are on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
The €250m Restart Grant is just one of a range of supports provided by the Government to support businesses, employers and employees on foot of the crisis.
My colleagues Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and Seán Canney TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, on Friday, 8th May announced the launch of a €40 million package of supports specifically for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Social Enterprises. The package consists of:
- A €35 million ‘COVID-19 Stability Fund’ which will provide a level of support to qualifying organisations who are most in need and have seen their trading and/or fundraising income drop significantly during the crisis; and
- A €5m Government commitment to a Philanthropy Fund, (Innovate Together) which will focus on supporting responses to the COVID-19 crisis that require innovative and adaptive solutions to existing and emerging challenges.
The Stability Fund is being administered by Pobal. The Government will continue to support the needs of different sectors with well-tailored and targeted initiatives.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (270)
Matt Carthy
Question:270. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when guidance will be issued to hairdressers and barbers regarding the steps they will need to take in order to get their businesses ready for reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9695/20]
View answerWritten answers
Under the reconfiguration of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now just two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie.
The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decision to accelerate the phases as set out in the original Roadmap.
The input and advice of National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) informed the Government’s decision to proceed with Phase 2 and to accelerate elements of the Roadmap. The Government also had regard to a paper which was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an updated assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify, from an economic perspective, some priority issues for re-opening of economic activity under Phase 2. This paper, “Economic Considerations for Reinstating Economic Activity - Update for Phase 2”, is available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Economic-Considerations-for-Reinstating-Economic-Activity-Update-for-Phase-2.pdf.
On 8th June the Minister for Health, Simon Harris T.D., signed SI No.206 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions)(COVID-19)(No. 2) Regulations. These Regulations, which shall remain in operation until 29th June, provide for the unwinding of certain restrictions, including the reopening of retail outlets and extending the distance that may be travelled for specified purposes. The Regulations also provide for continued restrictions for some businesses or services and for offences, including in relation to events. Businesses should carefully review these Regulations.
Where a business is not specifically listed in SI No.206 of 2020, it should review the Roadmap and the updates carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of its activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and employees the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html. The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
In response to their request, I met recently with members of the hairdressing and beauty industry via teleconference where they discussed developing guidelines and safety protocols, with reference to the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol. I requested that, where sectors are developing such protocols or guides, they should work together to align this work. Last week the Irish Hairdressing Federation submitted their protocol to my Department, COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Irish Hair Salons and Barber Shops, and I have sent this to my colleague, the Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD. and the HSE for consideration.
In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors under Phases 1 and 2 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the next two phases of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (271)
Matt Carthy
Question:271. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when guidance will be issued to beauty salons regarding the steps they will need to take in order to get their business ready for reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9696/20]
View answerWritten answers
Under the reconfiguration of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now just two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie.
The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decision to accelerate the phases as set out in the original Roadmap.
The input and advice of National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) informed the Government’s decision to proceed with Phase 2 and to accelerate elements of the Roadmap. The Government also had regard to a paper which was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an updated assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify, from an economic perspective, some priority issues for re-opening of economic activity under Phase 2. This paper, “Economic Considerations for Reinstating Economic Activity - Update for Phase 2”, is available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Economic-Considerations-for-Reinstating-Economic-Activity-Update-for-Phase-2.pdf.
On 8th June the Minister for Health, Simon Harris T.D., signed SI No.206 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions)(COVID-19)(No. 2) Regulations. These Regulations, which shall remain in operation until 29th June, provide for the unwinding of certain restrictions, including the reopening of retail outlets and extending the distance that may be travelled for specified purposes. The Regulations also provide for continued restrictions for some businesses or services and for offences, including in relation to events. Businesses should carefully review these Regulations.
Where a businesses is not specifically listed in SI No.206 of 2020,it should review the Roadmap and the updates carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of its activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.
In response to their request, I met recently with members of the hairdressing and beauty industry via teleconference where they discussed developing guidelines and safety protocols, with reference to the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol. I requested that, where sectors are developing such protocols or guides, they should work together to align this work. Last week the Irish Hairdressing Federation submitted their protocol to my Department, COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Irish Hair Salons and Barber Shops, and I have sent this on to and to my colleague, the Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD. and to the HSE for consideration.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors under Phases 1 and 2 and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in the next two phases of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (272)
Dara Calleary
Question:272. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the options available to businesses in non-rateable properties, for example, heritage buildings or those which were not in business in 2019 and did not have to pay rates in that year in the context of the business restart grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9715/20]
View answerWritten answers
Application forms for the new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses are now available online on all local authority websites. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational.
To qualify for the Restart Grant, a business must be in a rateable premises and;
- have a turnover of less than €5m and have 50 or less employees,
- have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in revenue from 1st April 2020 to 30th June 2020,
- commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed. The business must also declare the intention to retain employees that are benefitting from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).
Subject to the qualifying criteria outlined above, any business that has a commercially rateable premises including those businesses with outstanding rates bills are eligible to make an application if they meet the criteria. The grant will be the amount of the rates demand in respect of calendar year 2019 only, subject to a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.
A recently established company that has moved into a rateable premises, or any company that is currently in a rateable premises but was not rate-assessed in 2019, is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities and further information is available on the application form. If there are queries that are not addressed on the application form, businesses can contact the Business Support Unit in each local authority.
Work Permits
Questions (273)
Peter Burke
Question:273. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to release additional horticulture or similar employment permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9771/20]
View answerWritten answers
In May 2018, I introduced a pilot quota-based scheme to remove the occupations of horticulture worker, meat processing operative and dairy farm assistant from the ineligible occupations list. This pilot scheme allows workers from non-EEA countries to access employment opportunities.
The application of a quota-based system is to ensure that in the longer-term, strategies are put in place to source labour supply from both the domestic and European labour markets and to invest in innovative technologies.
To date this pilot scheme has proved very successful for a range of employers in the sector. 500 permits have been made available to the Horticulture sector and 150 to Dairy Farm Assistants. A quota of 1,500 permits for Meat Processing Operatives was also extended on 1 January 2020 by a further 1000 permits, this followed a review completed at the end of 2019. In addition, from July 2019, a further quota of 300 permits for Meat Deboners was made available.
The quota for horticulture workers has now expired, with all 500 permits issued. An evidence-based case from the horticulture sector has been received requesting that the quota be extended, and this is under active consideration by my officials and by officials of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which is the lead policy Department for the sector.
The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Teagasc and sector representatives have also been working closely with the Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection on a recruitment campaign to support enlisting a large number of temporary workers from the live register to work in the Horticulture sector. This campaign is timed for the Fruit harvest peaking mid-May to Mid-June and the vegetable harvest from mid-June.
Enterprise Support Services
Questions (274)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:274. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will encourage the employment agencies of the State to proactively engage with the private and community enterprises across County Donegal in textile and other sectors to develop their potential to continue to manufacture personal protective equipment, hospital scrubs and other health service garments and to sustain this supply chain into the future. [9784/20]
View answerWritten answers
Since March of this year, Enterprise Ireland’s Strategic Sourcing staff have been working tirelessly with public health officials and companies throughout the country to increase the supply of a whole range of personal protective equipment (PPE). As part of this, the agency has connected both clients and non-client Irish companies with capability to produce hand sanitiser/PPE with the HSE from across the country, including from Donegal.
This engagement has resulted in numerous Irish companies pivoting their product lines to supply PPE, responding to a national need, while turning a challenging environment into one of opportunity.
In the context of the clothing/textile industry in general in Donegal, the Local Enterprise Offices remain available to work with firms and other organisations involved in the sector.
Workplace Relations Commission
Questions (275, 276)
Paul Murphy
Question:275. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the WRC appears to be making no preparations to redeploy its workplace inspectors to work with the HSA to carry out Covid-19 workplace inspections. [9797/20]
View answerPaul Murphy
Question:276. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has instructed her officials at the WRC not to redeploy their workplace inspectors to work with the HSA doing Covid-19 workplace inspections. [9798/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 276 together.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent statutory office under the aegis of my Department. The Commission’s primary statutory functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, facilitation and advisory services. As part of its functions in this area, WRC Inspectors carry out announced and unannounced inspections at employer premises.
I am informed by the WRC that on-site visits will resume in tandem with the commencement of next phase of the Government Roadmap on 8 June and that the WRC has engaged with key stakeholders on the employer and employee representative sides in this regard.
WRC Management has also been in direct discussions over the last 3 weeks with senior Health and Safety Authority (HSA) officials to offer assistance to the HSA in carrying out Covid-19 workplace inspections. In this regard the bodies are agreeing a Memorandum of Understanding between them to ensure that this assistance is provided in an efficient and effective manner.
To give effect to this operationally:
- The WRC Inspectorate has completed the safety training required in the Return to Work Protocol in preparation for the recommencement of on-site visits and the necessary PPE (similar to what is being used by the HSA) has been procured and
- The related on-site HSA inspection procedures to carry out Covid-19 workplace inspections have been circulated by the HSA in the last week in advance of the start of the on-site visits commencing week commencing 8 June 2020.
While on-site inspection activity was suspended, WRC Inspections of employment law compliance continued to be undertaken and finalised remotely by way of desk top enquiries, interviews with employers and employees on the telephone and examination of company records (such as payroll and hours worked) following their secure upload to the WRC.
To date this year, a total of 1,640 inspections have been finalised by the WRC inspectorate. Since March, the WRC Inspectors have completed over 900 inspections, with approx. €640,000 in unpaid wages recovered and 66 cases approved for prosecution. They also have currently over 1,200 open inspections being progressed.
Question No. 277 answered with Question No. 265.
Language Schools
Questions (278)
Robert Troy
Question:278. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason all English language schools are expected to gain ILEP listing yet Enterprise Ireland only promote schools that achieved an accreditation which closed to new members in 2012; her views on whether this is a clear anticompetitive practice; and her further views on whether Enterprise Ireland should promote all Irish-based English language schools in order to boost employment and the success of Irish business in a post-Covid-19 world. [9800/20]
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Unlike the Higher Education Institutions in Ireland, where Enterprise Ireland (EI) has been given the mandate, by the Department of Education & Skills under the Education in Ireland brand to promote Ireland as a third level destination for international students, EI does not have the mandate to promote English Language Schools on a national basis yet. When the International Education Mark is introduced, EI has agreed to take on this responsibility for a defined part of the business.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), through its Accreditation and Co-ordination of English Language Services (ACELS) function, provides quality assurance for English language services in Ireland. ACELS manages and operates an Inspection/Recognition Scheme for ELT organisations and an Accreditation Scheme for English Language teacher training providers.
On the Education in Ireland website – www.educationinireland.com, EI does not list English language schools, but provides a link to the ACELS website which is for information purposes only.
EI has confirmed that they only list nationally accredited schools as per the Education in Ireland brand guidelines and if they were to introduce other links, the Department of Education & Skills would need to approve this change to the brand criteria. EI does have a number of English Language Schools as client companies based on their size and international focus, all these companies are eligible for supports from EI.
On the website of the Department of Justice and Equality, it is highlighted that a provider and courses are listed on the ILEP in accordance with Ireland’s student immigration policy, attendance at that college in respect of one of their listed full time courses on the ILEP is an eligible purpose for a non-EEA national coming to Ireland. The Interim List includes information on education and training programmes which meet specified criteria.
The Interim List is a reference point primarily for the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of the Department of Justice and Equality, in considering visa and residency applications from non-EEA applicants wishing to study on a full-time basis in Ireland and to avail of a concession to take up casual employment in the State with certain restrictions. The Department of Education and Skills has an advisory role in identifying appropriate criteria for the inclusion of programmes in the Interim List. The Interim List is administered by the Department of Justice and Equality.
In relation to EI promoting all Irish-based English language schools in a post-COVID-19 world, this is a matter to be considered as part of the review of the international education strategy 2016-2020 which is currently underway by the Department of Education and Skills.
Enterprise Support Services
Questions (279)
Michael McGrath
Question:279. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the position in relation to the business continuity voucher scheme; if the scheme is still open for applications; the number of vouchers that have been issued to applicants; the overall value of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9824/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Business Continuity Voucher scheme was launched on 26th March. The purpose of the scheme was to provide expert guidance and advice to SMEs employing up 50 people and enable business owners make informed decisions about what immediate measures and remedial actions could be taken at the outset of this crisis, to protect staff and sales and eventually help the business recover.
The scheme was a resounding success in terms of uptake due to it being an appropriate response and support to recognised business needs for that point in time. The Business Continuity Voucher provided up to €2,500 in consultancy costs, to develop short and long-term strategies to respond to the initial pandemic and to plan for the eventual recovery and reopening of the economy.
As the reopening of the economy proceeds, more and more businesses are transitioning from the planning to the implementation phase as we progress through the 5 stages of the Government Roadmap. It is in this context that the Business Continuity Voucher is being phased out and is now closed to new applicants. In recognition of this new stage the new €250m Restart Grant was introduced to assist micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.
The LEOs will continue to work with existing applicants and recipients of Business Continuity Voucher vouchers and their subsequent business continuity plans. The awarding of vouchers under the Business Continuity Voucher scheme will naturally taper off in the coming weeks as the Local Enterprise Offices process the outstanding applications. The Local Enterprise Offices have thus far approved over 8,200 Business Continuity Vouchers with an overall value thus far of €18.9m and had received over 14,000 applications prior to the closing date.
The Restart Grant is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m employing up to 50 people, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% projected reduction in turnover to the end of June 2020. The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, or a minimum grant of €2,000, with a maximum grant of €10,000.
Brexit Preparations
Questions (280)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:280. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans and the plans of the agencies under her remit to minimise the impact of Brexit on the supply of medicines; the engagement she has had on the matter with the European Union; the details of discussions she is having on the matter with her counterparts in the UK Government; the measures she plans to put in place to help protect the medicines and pharmaceutical export sector in the event of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9829/20]
View answerWritten answers
My colleague, the Minister for Health, is leading the health sector's response to Brexit. This includes the key priority of ensuring the continued supply of medicines and medical devices post-Brexit. The Department of Health and its agencies have published comprehensive details about the work undertaken in relation to this issue, which can be found in Chapter 24 of the Brexit Contingency Action Plan Update.
My Department has examined a broad spectrum of Brexit-related issues affecting business in Ireland. The agencies of the Department are also contributing to our efforts to mitigate any potential disruption to supply chains. The agencies continue to deliver as well a broad range of Brexit supports to support companies, build commercial resilience and to maintain and increase export levels.
In the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, exports to the United Kingdom account for approximately 6% of total exports. For IDA client companies, the continued functioning of the UK land bridge also remains important for the transport of final and intermediate products further afield. The use of the land bridge varies by product type; for example, the high-value, low-weight nature of final pharmaceutical products makes air transport a more logical choice relative to lower value, heavier products.
The work of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport therefore remains important in this context, as is the engagement the Government has had with other EU Member States on minimising disruption to the land bridge. The Government will continue, in the time ahead, to engage with key stakeholders and inform businesses - whether those involved in medicines production or otherwise - on how best to prepare for Brexit.
The issue of preserving supply chains of medicine and medical devices is also, of course, particularly important in the context of COVID-19. The Government has engaged extensively with both the British Government and the Northern Ireland Executive on our response to the crisis, with the intention of delivering the best outcomes for all the people of the island. In April, a Memorandum of Understanding was formally agreed between the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive and senior officials from both sides remain in active dialogue on our collective response.