Written Answers Nos. 67-82
67. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures he plans to introduce or that are in place to support the sectors most exposed by Brexit and workers in those sectors. [30479/20]
View answerSince the initial Brexit vote in 2016, the Government has worked to ensure that appropriate support is in place for businesses exposed to the economic impacts of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
All Government Departments, agencies and regulatory bodies, including those under my Department, are preparing for the end of the transition period. The Brexit Readiness Action Plan published by Government in September outlines the range of business supports available and sets out the preparations that Government is taking for the end of the transition period, which is now less than three months away, on 31 December 2020.
It is important that we ensure the most appropriate mix of timely, practical assistance to companies trading with or through the UK, when the transition period ends on 1 January. I wrote to 225,000 businesses last week on Brexit through the Companies Registration Office (CRO) setting out the full range of business advisory and funding assistance available and measures business can take before year-end.
For many businesses across a range of sectors, the most significant and immediate impact of Brexit will be on customs. As part of the July Stimulus, I announced a new €20 million Ready for Customs support scheme. Enterprise Ireland is rolling out the scheme to help businesses prepare for the new challenges of trading with and through the UK. We are providing a grant of up to €9,000 to help businesses as they recruit and build staff expertise, and to provide for related investment in relevant ICT.
Enterprise Ireland also runs an online Customs Insight course, which helps businesses to understand the key customs concepts, documentation and processes required to move goods to, from and through the UK. For businesses still determining their response, Enterprise Ireland also offers a Brexit Readiness Checker.
The network of Local Enterprise Offices [LEOs] around the country are now carrying out the second phase of their Brexit mentoring and training workshops, Prepare Your Business for Customs. These will be supported by a full awareness campaign to target all relevant small Irish businesses, together with the rollout of an online Countdown Campaign to mark every significant date in the lead up to the end of the transition period.
The LEOs also continue to offer grant supports to businesses responding to Brexit-related challenges, including the Technical Assistance of Micro Exporters [TAME] grant of €2,500 and the LEAN for Micro grants to assist with productivity improvements.
I am conscious that the onset of COVID-19 has the left many Irish businesses more exposed than before to Brexit-related shocks. The €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, which launched in mid-September, is the largest guarantee scheme that has ever been provided for Irish businesses to date and ensures that there is financing available for Irish businesses as they reboot and rebuild through COVID-19 and facing into Brexit.
We have also provided further funding to Microfinance Ireland to ensure that it can continue to meet the needs of microenterprises that cannot avail of bank funding over the coming months.
Businesses may also need longer-term funding for investment purposes, and the Future Growth Loan Scheme, which was recently expanded in response to significant demand, provides up to €800m in lending to eligible businesses to support strategic, long-term investment, including in response to Brexit and COVID-19.
For businesses seeking to make more immediate adjustments, the Brexit Loan Scheme remains in place for eligible, Brexit-exposed businesses as they seek to innovate, change or adapt in response to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
I am encouraging businesses to carefully consider their exposure to Brexit-related impacts, to take the necessary steps to insulate themselves from those impacts, and to ensure they can continue to trade after 1 January.
Earlier this week we announced a series of further measures in Budget 2021 to bolster our Brexit preparations.
The clear message I want to send to Irish businesses is “Don’t wait, act now.” Take advantage of the supports that are in place and prepare for the changes that Brexit will bring.
68. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to provide specific support to the taxi industry in circumstances in which many taxi owners cannot trade and their revenue streams are depleted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25989/20]
View answerAs part of Budget 2021, my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, and Transport Eamon Ryan TD is introducing a number of specific measures for taxi and hackney businesses. The Minister is providing the necessary funding to the National Transport Authority to enable it to waive annual vehicle licence renewal fees for 2021.
In addition, as part of Budget 2021 Minister Ryan is allocating €15 million to support up to 750 taxi and hackney drivers in scrapping their older vehicles and replacing them zero-emission capable electric alternatives. The scrappage scheme will be open for taxis and hackneys reaching their maximum permissible age limit in 2020/21. Up to €20,000 will be made available for eligible drivers switching to a new all-electric vehicle and up to €32,500 for those moving to a wheel chair accessible full electric vehicle.
The roll-out of dedicated EV Taxi Recharging Points will also be stepped up to support the transition of this key sector, helping to encourage the wider vehicle transition and supporting cleaner air in our cities and towns.
The Government introduced the €7bn July Stimulus 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 to assist with restructuring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full details on all COVID-19 supports for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
COVID-19 Business Loans up to €25,000 are available through Microfinance Ireland with zero repayments and zero interest for the first 6 months and the equivalent of an additional 6 months interest-free subject to certain terms and conditions. The loans can range from €5,000 to €25,000. Repayments will commence in month 7 for the remaining period of your loan. The Government will rebate to you the interest paid in the following 6 months (months 7-12 of your loan).
The €450m SBCI COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme for eligible businesses supports loans from €25,000 up to €1.5 million (first €500,000 unsecured) with a maximum interest rate of 4%. Applications can be made through the SBCI website at sbci.gov.ie. Eligibility criteria apply.
My colleague, Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Social Protection, recently opened applications for the newly revamped Enterprise Support Grant. This is designed to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, as they get back on their feet following COVID-19.
69. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the EU trade deals being negotiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25944/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular format as follows:
|
Country |
Status |
Next Steps |
|
Australia |
Officials from the European Commission and Australia held the 8th round of negotiations for a trade agreement between the European Union and Australia from 14 to 25 September 2020 by a series of video-conferences. Working groups and sub-groups met covering most of the areas of the future trade agreement. Negotiators discussed the textual proposals that had been submitted for the different chapters, and the respective comments received. Where possible, negotiators agreed in principle on text acceptable to both sides as well as a number of follow-up actions. |
The 9th negotiation round is provisionally scheduled for the beginning of December 2020. |
|
New Zealand |
There have been 8 rounds of negotiations to date with the 8th taking place by Video conference during early June 2020. In advance of the 8th round the EU provided NZ with its second market access offer which includes sensitive agricultural products. |
The 9th round is not yet been scheduled but is likely to take place sometime between the NZ election on 17th October and the end of 2020. |
|
Chile |
The most recent round of negotiations (7th) took place via videoconference on 25th-29th May 2020 – six months after the previous round. The European Commission reported good progress in a significant number of chapters, including Services, Rules of Origin and Public Procurement. Constructive discussions also occurred in a range of other areas including Financial Services, Investment, Geographical Indications and Trade in Goods. Considerable work is, however, still needed on these chapters. |
The next round of negotiations has not yet been scheduled. |
|
Indonesia |
The tenth round of negotiations for an EU – Indonesia Free Trade Agreement was delayed due to COVID-19 and took place by videoconference from 15th to 26th June. Nearly all working groups met, except for the groups where texts are either close to technical conclusion or can only be concluded at a later stage. Discussions in all groups focused on selected provisions with good progress recorded across many chapters, in particular with regard to geographical indications, rules of origin and product specific rules, technical barriers to trade and general regulatory provisions as well as on subsidies. Progress was also achieved on the text for trade in Services. Unfortunately, the timeline for exchanging first market access offers in government procurement was not agreed. Progress was also limited on trade in goods discussions and on the trade and sustainable development chapter. |
The date for the next round of negotiations is still to be agreed. |
|
Mexico |
In April 2018 the European Union and Mexico reached a new agreement on trade as part of a broader, modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement, under which practically all trade in goods between the EU and Mexico will now be duty-free, including in the agricultural sector. The text of the Agreement had been undergoing a legal review by EU Commission experts, a process known as “legal scrubbing”. The one remaining issue following the finalisation of formal trade negotiations was EU access to public procurement at sub-central Mexican Government level. This issue has now been resolved. |
The next step is for the Commission to submit the Agreement for the approval of the Council and the European Parliament. |
|
Mercosur |
On 30th June 2019, the EU announced the conclusion of trade negotiations with the four founding members of Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). The EU-Mercosur Agreement is the EU’s largest trade deal to date. The Agreement is the largest agreement the EU has concluded to date, with trade in goods and services valued at €122 billion. The Agreement aims to reduce, and in some areas, eliminate trade tariffs between the EU and the Mercosur region. |
Both sides are currently preforming a legal revision of the agreed text to come up with the final version of the Association Agreement and all its trade aspects. The Commission will then translate it into all official EU languages and submit the Association Agreement to EU Member States and the European Parliament for approval. |
|
China |
The 32nd round of the EU-China investment agreement negotiations took place between 21 and 24 September 2020 by videoconference. The negotiating round focused on market access offers and sustainable development. On market access, extensive discussions were held on sector specific asks with both sides exchanging feedback and expectations for further improvement. On sustainable development, the Parties continued exchanges on the mechanism for addressing differences. Progress was also registered with regard to the rules on entry and stay of business visitors and intra-corporate transferees. |
The 33rd round of negotiations are to be held between 19-23 October 2020 |
|
United States |
On 15 April 2019 the EU (Trade) Council approved the negotiating directives - or mandates - for the commencement of trade negotiations with the US in the sectors of conformity assessment and the removal of tariffs on industrial goods. Agriculture was specifically excluded from the negotiations. These mandates are being overseen by an Executive Working Group led by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Robert Lighthizer and, for the EU, the EU's Trade Commissioner. On the 21 August 2020 the US and EU announced an agreement on a package of tariff reductions that would increase market access for hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. and EU exports. These tariff reductions would be the first US-EU negotiated reductions in duties in more than two decades. Under the agreement, the EU would eliminate tariffs on imports of U.S. live and frozen lobster products. The EU tariffs would be eliminated for a period of five years and the European Commission would promptly initiate procedures aimed at making the tariff changes permanent. The US would reduce by 50% its tariff rates on certain products exported by the EU including certain prepared meals, certain crystal glassware, surface preparations, propellant powders, cigarette lighters and lighter parts. |
Subject to the successful conclusion of the normal ratification procedures applying in both jurisdictions, it is hoped that agreeing this package of tariff reductions, albeit not as wide-ranging as the two existing EU negotiating directives provide for, would increase momentum towards further negotiations which would see a more comprehensive agreement on industrial tariffs and non-tariff barriers. |
In addition to the above the since the beginning of 2019 EU Trade Agreements have entered into force with Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement has been provisionally applied since September 2017 allowing Irish companies take advantage of the all-important provisions of CETA including the elimination of tariffs on almost all key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, the easing of regulatory barriers and more transparent rules for market access.
70. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of HSA inspections of meat and food processing plants that have been carried out for compliance with Covid-19 regulations since March 2020; the locations of each; if the workplace was compliant or not; the number that were unannounced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30002/20]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority has completed 98 inspections and investigations (13 of which were revisits) of Meat and Food Processing Facilities since the Return to Work Safely Protocol was introduced on the 18th May 2020, including those connected with COVID-19 outbreaks. Of the total number of inspections carried out, 30 inspections were announced. These announced inspections took place in facilities which were the focus of the National Outbreak Control Team due to significant COVID-19 outbreaks. Otherwise, the majority of inspections by the Health and Safety Authority are unannounced.
Table 1 below shows the number of COVID-19 compliance checks per NACE sectoral code for Meat & Food processing and the percentage level of compliance with the main provisions contained in the Return to Work Safely Protocol namely;
- Covid Plan in place
- Covid training provided
- Covid control measures in place
- Lead worker representative in place
% Compliance with COVID Protocol Requirements
|
NACE Code |
Total No. Covid Checks |
Plan % |
Training % |
Control Measures % |
Lead Worker % |
|
1011-Processing and preserving of meat |
72 |
96 |
95 |
99 |
71 |
|
1012-Processing and preserving of Poultry meat |
5 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
60 |
|
1013- Production of meat and Poultry meat products |
21 |
21 |
95 |
95 |
95 |
Table 2 below shows the number of inspections and revisits carried out by the HSA per County for the food processing and meat processing plants between 18th May and 8th October 2020.
Authority Inspections- Food Processing/MPP Between 18/05/20 to the 08/10/20
|
County |
Inspections |
Revisits |
|
Carlow |
2 |
1 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
0 |
|
Cork |
18 |
4 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
7 |
1 |
|
Dublin |
3 |
0 |
|
Galway |
1 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
0 |
|
Laois |
2 |
0 |
|
Longford |
2 |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
4 |
0 |
|
Meath |
6 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
1 |
|
Waterford |
4 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
10 |
2 |
|
Roscommon |
4 |
1 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
2 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
5 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
85 |
13 |
There is positive cross-Agency/Departmental co-operation regarding meat plants and I am advised that improvements have been forthcoming in the sector. Increased funding for the Health and Safety Authority in 2021 will enable the Authority to work pro-actively with all identified high-risk sectors to put measures in place to mitigate against the outbreak of COVID-19 in the workplace and to undertake increased inspection activities as necessary.
72. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports he plans to provide for those working in the drinks and hospitality industry; the supports to the sector to ensure these jobs are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30136/20]
View answerI am keenly highly aware that those businesses in the hospitality sector are making a massive sacrifice to protect their communities and I am committed to ensuring that the Government will offer as much assistance and support as possible. On Friday 9 October last I co-Chaired the first meeting of the Government's new Hospitality and Tourism Forum with my ministerial colleague, Catherine Martin T.D.
On 28th August 2020, the Government announced a further €16m support package to help pubs, bars and nightclubs, recognising the economic impact of Covid-19 on their businesses and to assist planning and adaptation for their re-opening. This package contained measures including:
- Restart Grant Plus 40% Top Up: Those businesses remaining closed and planning their re-opening can now receive a minimum of €5,600 and a maximum of €35,000 under the Restart Grant Plus. This can be used to help additional expense and adaptations associated with re-opening when the time comes.
- Waiver of court fees and associated excise and stamp duties relating to the renewal of pub and other liquor licences in 2020.
- Waiver of excise duty on on-trade liquor licences on renewal in 2020.
These measures have been implemented in addition to the existing Restart Grant Plus, Tourism Adaptation Fund, the wage subsidy scheme, commercial rates waiver, liquidity supports and tax measures (such as warehousing of tax debt and reduction in VAT).
The Restart Grant Plus provides direct grant aid to businesses with up to 250 employees to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. Top-ups were previously made available for eligible businesses in Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Dublin and Donegal in respect of a further period of restrictions, for ‘wet’ pubs, bars and nightclubs nationwide that re-opened on 21 September, and for ‘wet’ pubs, bars and nightclubs in Dublin that remain closed.
Businesses in Dublin and Donegal were generally eligible for a grant top-up due to the restrictions imposed at that time. Donegal pubs remained partially open, so the pubs were entitled to an additional top-up in recognition of the restrictions imposed. Meanwhile, Dublin pubs that were forced to remain closed were entitled to a further enhanced top-up.
As the Deputy will be aware, on 6th October 2020 all parts of the country moved to Level Three of the Government’s Framework for Restrictive Measures for a period of three weeks.
I understand that these restrictions have a significant impact on businesses and employment around the country. In recognition of the impact of these restrictions on businesses, a 30% top-up to the Restart Plus grant is being provided to help support those affected through the three-week period. In addition, in recognising that Level 3 has been extended in Dublin and Donegal beyond the three-week period, businesses in these counties are eligible for a further top-up in addition to those made available in September. Businesses in the hospitality sector and other vulnerable sectors who have previously benefited from the Restart Grant are eligible to re-apply for this top-up.
These supports are supplementary to the wide range of existing loan and voucher schemes available to assist businesses affected by COVID-19 provided through the July Jobs Stimulus and other Government initiatives.
In addition to the measures announced in Budget 2021, the Deputy will recall that on 23 July last we announced the July Stimulus Package, a substantial financial package to stimulate our economy worth more than €5 billion, with an additional €2 billion in loan guarantees which is bigger in scale than most budgets and is being deployed at speed. The July Stimulus package was designed to help businesses to open, to help those already open to stay open, to get staff back to work and for those who cannot go back to their old jobs, there are new opportunities.
The range of measures in place to assist businesses include direct grants to support viable businesses and jobs, including new hire. We have extended the wage subsidy scheme, which will run until the end of March 2021 and will be open to firms that do not currently participate and open to workers like seasonal workers who were not previously included. We we are giving companies extra assistance through an enhanced Restart Plus grant and reductions in the rate of VAT. From 1st September, the six-month reduction in the VAT came into effect, going down from 23% to 21%.
We are providing more and cheaper loan finance through MicroFinance Ireland, SBCI and the new €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme. I announced the reopening of MFI lending on 31st August and I launched the €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme on 7th September.
Budget 2021, together with the measures we announced as part of the July Stimulus Package, provides a substantial financial package to stimulate our economy and to help businesses to open, to help those already open to stay open, to get staff back to work and for those who cannot go back to their old jobs, there are new opportunities.
73. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports in place to help businesses that have no income to alleviate the pressures of commercial rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30137/20]
View answerI understand this is a difficult time for many businesses, especially those heavily impacted by the crisis who are facing an uncertain future. I know that some firms are concerned about how they are going to continue to pay the rent due for their business premises. Throughout this crisis, the Government has been encouraging commercial tenants and landlords to engage with each other and have asked landlords to show forbearance in these extraordinary times. Ultimately, it is in the best interest of both parties to come to a reasonable arrangement.
Ireland came through the initial economic shock with unparalleled levels of State intervention aimed at stabilising the economy and supporting businesses, employment and incomes. Over €24½ billion had been made available in support measures as of September 2020, including the July Jobs Stimulus package of over €7 billion.
The total budgetary package of over €17¾ billion announced in Budget 2021 is unprecedented in both size and scale in the history of the Irish State further demonstrating the Government’s commitment to supporting the country through this crisis.
The further extension of the EWSS until the end of December 2021 marks a historic intervention by Government to support employment in businesses affected by this pandemic. It ensures that the link between the employer and the employee is maintained and assists businesses to continue to trade in spite of reduced demand.
We are managing difficult trade-offs to allow the economy to operate as fully and effectively as possible to minimise permanent loss of economic activity while safely living with Covid-19. I am aware that despite this approach, some businesses, particularly in the entertainment, arts and hospitality sectors remain badly impacted by restrictions. The COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) is being introduced to help businesses who are severely restricted to meet ongoing costs through periods of restriction.
On 1st October, I published a new voluntary Code of Conduct between Landlords and Tenants for Commercial Rents. The Code, which is a commitment in the Programme for Government, has been developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including Ibec, Retail Excellence Ireland, Chambers Ireland and Irish Institutional Property. It is based on an approach taken in other jurisdictions, including Australia, France and the UK.
The Code sets out how both parties can work together to get through these uncertain times. Landlords should be willing to do what they can to help their tenants to continue to operate rather than facing the risk of a vacant premises and inability to obtain new tenants. Equally, tenants should pay what they can and speak with their landlord when difficulties arise.
The Code can be found on my Department’s website here: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Code-of-Conduct-between-Landlords-and-Tenants-for-Commercial-Rents.html
74. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the additional supports provided by his Department to Dublin businesses since the city and county entered level 3 under the living with Covid-19 framework. [30597/20]
View answerThe Government made the decision that from midnight on the 6th of October, all remaining counties were to be placed on Level 3 for a period of 3 weeks until midnight on 27th October 2020, at which point we will again review the situation, based on the status of the virus and public health advice.
I understand that these restrictions will have a significant impact on businesses and employment around the country. In recognition of the impact of these restrictions on businesses a 30% top-up to the Restart Plus grant will be provided to help support those affected through the three-week period. Businesses who have previously benefited from the Restart Grant will be eligible to re-apply for this top-up.
This is in addition to the July Stimulus €7bn 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 to assist with restructuring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full details on all COVID-19 supports for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
I continue to work with my colleagues across Government to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 to adapt to the changing business landscape. The package of supports announced by Government as part of Budget 2021 earlier this week is testament to our commitment to supporting vulnerable but viable businesses in all sectors of the economy. I continue to keep the supports provided for enterprise under review with the goal of setting our country towards economic recovery.
In addition, as part of Budget 2021, we announced the new COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) to provide targeted support for businesses impacted by restrictions.
The scheme is designed to assist those businesses whose trade has been significantly impacted or temporarily closed as a result of the restrictions as set out in the Government’s ‘Living with COVID-19’ Plan. The scheme will generally operate when Level 3 or higher is in place and will cease when restrictions are lifted.
For eligible businesses, the Government will make a payment, based on their 2019 average weekly turnover, to provide support at a difficult time.
The scheme will apply to business premises where the Government restrictions directly prohibit or restrict access by customers. Qualifying businesses can apply to the Revenue Commissioners for a cash payment in respect of an advance credit for trading expenses for the period of the restrictions.
The scheme will be effective from 13th October until 31st March 2021, and the first payments will be made to affected businesses by mid-November.
Payments will be calculated on the basis of 10 per cent of the first €1 million in turnover and 5 per cent thereafter, based on average VAT exclusive turnover for 2019. It will be subject to a maximum weekly payment of €5,000.
75. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of trade or related missions to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain since 2016 in cases in which at least one official or Minister from his Department attended. [30717/20]
View answerSince 2016 there has been one Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia and one to Bahrain with Ministerial and/or Department Official attendance as follows:
Saudi Arabia
In 2016, an Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Charlie Flanagan, T.D. with Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation official representation on the Trade Mission.
Bahrain
In 2019, Mr Pat Breen, T.D. Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection led an Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Bahrain. An official from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation accompanied the Minister of State on the mission.
76. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if friendly societies that are compelled to hold AGMs will be exempt in 2020 in view of the additional challenges of holding AGMs during the Covid-19 pandemic. [30729/20]
View answerIn the context of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, officials in my Department have been liaising with the Registrar in relation to practical difficulties being experienced by entities who have not been in a position to hold physical meetings. Considerations are ongoing in relation to potential legislative change to allow for such meetings to be held remotely, thereby facilitating the subsequent filing of annual returns.
It should be noted that the Registrar has already made decisions in light of the impact of COVID-19. In March 2020, the Registrar took a decision to treat annual returns as received on time if submitted by 30th June 2020. The Register took a further decision in May to extend this arrangement until 31st December 2020 for friendly societies, industrial & provident societies and trade unions filing with the Registry of Friendly Societies.
In accordance with section 27(1) of the Friendly Societies Act 1896, every registered friendly society is required to send the Registrar of Friendly Societies an annual return of the receipts and expenditure, funds, and effects of the society or branch as audited no later than the 31st May each year. Regulation 5 of the Friendly Societies Regulations 1988 (S.I. No. 74 of 1988) provides that the committee of management of a friendly society shall lay before the annual general meeting an income and expenditure account and a balance sheet as at the end of the preceding year.
77. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a list of all commercial semi-State bodies, including a complete list of any of their subsidiaries, in which the imposition of a pension abatement is not a feature of a contract for retired public servants; if he will provide a list of any other State, semi-Stat or publicly funded body or company or group, either in part or wholly, in which the imposition of a pension abatement is not a feature of a contract for retired public servants; and if a company (details supplied) is a private enterprise or is it a public enterprise to the point to which it would be required to impose a pension abatement if a retired public servant were to apply to them for employment. [30799/20]
View answerThere are 8 non-commercial semi-state bodies under the aegis of my Department, listed in the table below. Pension abatement as per Section 52 of the of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012, is a standard feature of the pension schemes applicable to each body listed.
My Department does not directly fund any commercial state bodies, however the Design Crafts Council of Ireland is a subsidiary of Enterprise Ireland (EI) and their scheme is wholly funded by EI. I can also confirm that pension abatement as per the 2012 Act is applied to pensioners from the pension scheme associated with this body.
My Department has no responsibility for a company called Spike Island Development Company.
|
Semi- State Bodies under the aegis of my Department |
|
|
1. |
Enterprise Ireland |
|
2. |
IDA |
|
3. |
Health & Safety Authority |
|
4. |
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
|
5. |
Science Foundation Ireland |
|
6. |
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority |
|
7. |
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission |
|
8. |
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
78. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on establishing a dedicated service for employees to report employers anonymously that are unnecessarily requiring them to attend work physically or operate against Covid-19 guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30865/20]
View answerThe Living with COVID-19 Plan is the Government’s roadmap for living with the next phase of the pandemic. It has three broad strands which are, Staying Healthy, Keeping our Businesses Strong and Keeping our Communities Resilient. The Plan sets a Restrictive Measures Framework composed of five levels which recognises the need for an incremental approach which takes account of the societal and economic impacts of the response to infection outbreaks.
The application of public health advice measures to suppress the transmission of COVID-19 is intended to minimise the risks to public health while striking the right balance in prioritising other activities and essential services.
The Living with Covid-19 plan sets out how businesses should operate at each level of the Restrictive Measures Framework. The current advice under level 3 is that employees should work from home unless it is absolutely necessary to attend in person. It is essential that employers do everything possible to ensure that this is the case.
In instances where employees have returned to the physical workplace the employer must ensure that the public health measures set out in the Return to Work Safely Protocol are being fully adhered to. The Protocol operates in parallel with existing workplace health and safety statutory requirements and sets out in very clear terms for employers and employees, in all business sectors, the steps that they must take on an ongoing basis to mitigate against the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The Protocol states that, “office work should continue to be carried out at home, where practicable and non-essential work. The employer should develop and consult on any working from home policy in conjunction with workers and/or Trade Unions.
The Workplace Contact Unit of the HSA can be contacted in confidence by anyone with concerns regarding workplace health and safety matters including matters relating to the Return to Work Safely Protocol by phone (1890 289 389) or email (wcu@hsa.ie) and the matter will receive the appropriate attention.
Any industrial relations dispute arising, whether of a collective or individual nature, may be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission. In the context of the former, either party (workers or employer) may refer the issues in dispute for conciliation with a view to reaching a mutually agreeable resolution with the assistance of an Industrial Relations Officer.
79. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to identify and make provision for a fallout from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30871/20]
View answer81. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to make provision to ensure a fair and competitive position for the State in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30873/20]
View answer84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to make provision for alternative routes to their markers for exporters here in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30876/20]
View answer87. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the ten countries with which the State continues to have the most trade in terms of imports and exports; the opportunities that might arise in these areas in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30879/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 81, 84 and 87 together.
A no trade deal between the EU and the UK is not in anyone's interests. It is for this reason that the EU continues to negotiate in good faith to try to achieve the type of future partnership with the UK that was described in the Political Declaration, agreed less than a year ago.
The aim is for a zero tariff zero quota Free Trade Agreement, linked also to a fisheries agreement as well as measures to ensure that a level playing field will operate between the EU and the UK. However, a deal cannot come at any cost and we cannot undermine the EU’s economic interests or the integrity of the Single Market.
Brexit, in whatever shape it finally takes, will have a significant impact on the Irish economy fundamentally changing the trading environment for businesses trading with the UK excluding Northern Ireland. Whatever the outcome of the EU-UK future relationship negotiations, the UK will leave the Single Market and the Customs Union at the end of the transition period. With just over two months until this economic Brexit, work to ensure Government, business and citizens are getting Brexit ready is of paramount importance, because change will happen from 1 January 2021.
Government has over the last number of budgets taken extensive action to mitigate the worst effects of Brexit.
A range of initiatives are available from Government to assist with getting Brexit ready. These range from planning vouchers, consultancy and mentoring supports, tariff advisory services, research on new markets, and innovation supports. These are all provided through agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and InterTradeIreland.
Financial supports are available through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland such as the Brexit Loan Scheme which offers businesses the means to deal with short term liquidity issues that could arise for instance in buying stocks or for delays that could arise at the ports.
Businesses also need longer term funding for investment purposes, and the SBCI Future Growth Loan Scheme, which was expanded at the beginning of the Summer in response to very high demand, provides up to €800m in lending to eligible businesses to support strategic long-term investment, including for a post-Brexit/post-Covid-19 environment.
The new €2 billion Credit Guarantee Scheme, which Government launched in mid-September, is the largest guarantee scheme that has ever been provided for Irish businesses to date to ensure there is financing available for Irish businesses as they reboot and rebuild both through Covid-19 and Brexit.
We have also provided further funding to MFI to ensure it can meet the needs of microenterprises that can not avail of bank funding over the coming period.
Budget 2021 is no different and has been developed on a worst case scenario based of a No Deal Brexit. In this Budget, Government announced a contingency fund of €100 million that will be available to assist businesses to deal with Brexit.
Customs is an area that will most immediately impact businesses on 1 January next and we have been actively working to put in place grants and customs training programmes. As part of the July jobs stimulus, Government rolled out a €20 million Ready for Customs package to help businesses involved in exporting and importing with the UK to put in place the necessary internal arrangements, staffing, software, and IT systems to be ready for the new customs arrangements and regulatory requirements that will apply from 1 January 2021.
As part of this package, Enterprise Ireland launched a new “Ready for Customs” grant through which businesses can claim grants of up to €9,000 per eligible employee hired, or redeployed within the business, to a dedicated customs role. A second phase of Skillnet Ireland’s free customs training, Clear Customs Online 2020, is open for applications since 9 September, to support the customs intermediary sector and businesses that trade frequently with, or through, the UK. Since 9 September, over 1,000 businesses have registered for Clear Customs Online 2020.
Enterprise Ireland also run an on-line Customs Insights course which is helping businesses to understand the key customs concepts, documentation and processes required to move goods from, to and through the UK. The Local Enterprise Offices are also carrying out the second phase of their one-to-one successful Brexit mentoring and training “Prepare Your Business for Customs” workshops. These workshops have commenced and are supported by a full awareness campaign to target small Irish businesses.
In early September, Government published a Brexit Readiness Action Plan. This Plan provides guidance and advice to business and individuals in a vast range of areas including trade in goods and services, customs and other sanitary and phytosanitary checks and controls, import duties, EU single market accreditations, use of the UK landbridge, data transfer, recognition of qualifications, and many other issues. The Plan provides clear advice on steps that need to be taken by businesses to address these many and varied issues come 1 January 2021.
Last week I wrote to all businesses that are registered in the State which amounts to over 225,000 businesses to inform them of key actions that they need to take in advance of 1 January and to provide them with a useful Brexit Checklist of those key actions. The Revenue Commissioners have also written to over 90,000 businesses that have traded with the UK since 2019 to advise them of essential customs changes that lie ahead. This letter also included relevant information from the Department of Agriculture on exporting animals, plants and products of animal and plant origin. Revenue is proactively following up by way of telephone calls with the businesses to work to get the messages across.
My Department, through the regulatory agencies under my remit, also has ongoing engagement in important regulatory areas such as product certification and standardisation, market surveillance and on consumer and competition issues. Agencies such as the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) are currently hosting webinars to inform businesses of the important steps they need to take to be Brexit ready from a regulatory perspective.
The Department of Transport has been engaging extensively with the shipping sector to assess the capacity available on direct routes to continental ports. The sector has indicated that sufficient capacity is available on direct routes and that the sector is capable of responding to any further increase in demand. Now is the time for engagement between traders, hauliers and ferry companies to align their transit demands with shipping capacity. I would also encourage traders to proactively consider switching to direct ferry route options to the continent wherever feasible to avoid where possible transiting through the UK Landbridge.
Preparing for the change that Brexit will bring from the start of next year is a key priority across Government. This work has intensified and will continue in the period ahead. We remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure that businesses and citizens are as ready as they can be for the end of transition.
In terms of Ireland’s top 10 trading partners (for exports and imports of goods & services) these are: the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, China, Switzerland, Italy and Japan. While the UK is, and will remain, a major market for Irish companies, expanding the Irish export footprint in markets beyond the UK is a key priority. In that context, Enterprise Ireland’s strategy is to support Irish exporters to be more innovative, competitive and market diversified with a commitment to assist and support clients to enter new markets and expand in their current markets.
82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which his Department expects to combat the negative aspects of Covid-19 in the year ahead with particular reference to maintaining the highest possible levels of activity in the areas of trade, enterprise and employment; the extent to which he expects to achieve success in respect of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30874/20]
View answerThe pandemic has caused untold damage to people's lives and livelihoods. I know that many businesses have been severely impacted by the restrictions needed to ensure public health safety during the pandemic. Our response to COVID-19 will continue to support those businesses affected.
Budget 2021 provides a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors.
The Budget measures are in addition to those announced in the July Stimulus, which was a substantial financial package to stimulate our economy worth more than €5 billion, with an additional €2 billion in loan guarantees for the new Credit Guarantee Scheme. It was bigger in scale than most budgets and is being deployed at speed. The new measures in the Budget are in addition to those already announced for this year, including the Temporary Wage Subsidy, the Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus, cash for businesses, low cost loans and commercial rates waivers.
As of 9th October, the Restart Grant has had 45,505 businesses apply for grants, with €155.2m approved. The Restart Grant Plus has had 54,938 applicants and €273.4m approved.
As part of Budget 2021, the Exchequer allocation for my Department will increase by €254m. I am allocating an additional €136m to address ongoing COVID-19 challenges, including €50 million to Enterprise Ireland.
I want the impact of this pandemic to be a lost year and not a lost decade. So, we will continue to focus on what we can do to grow businesses and grow opportunities for Irish business. To grow resilience and productivity in businesses.
Our focus in allocating our funding is to ensure that businesses who need help with challenges arising from Brexit and COVID-19 get it and get it when they need it.
