Written Answers Nos. 198-215
204. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if industry specific supports have been considered for those who rely heavily on weddings as their primary source of income (details supplied). [32319/20]
View answerI recognise the important role that the wedding professionals sector play in helping couples with the arrangements for their special day and how they are part of the events and hospitality ecosystem in the country, enabling buyers and sellers to meet and develop their businesses. I am acutely aware of the difficulties the sector has faced in recent months due to public health restrictions.
The Government's COVID-19 plan published in September, 'Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19' specifically recognises the impact of restrictions on weddings as a category of organised events. I am pleased that Fáilte Ireland has developed guidelines that can be used for the organisation of wedding functions and are available on Fáilte Ireland’s COVID-19 Business Support Hub at: www.failteireland.ie
My Department and its agencies have been focussed on coming up with solutions to help businesses overcome the challenges presented by the unprecedented difficulties caused by COVID-19. Details of the wide range of supports available are noted on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
In the wider context of the Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19, the operation and reopening of Ireland's economy and society will be guided by the need to manage risk and repair the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society, and on the implementation of appropriate measures to do so across business and society as the situation evolves.
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 measures in the Budget are in addition to those announced in the July Stimulus Package, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Restart Grant Plus, cash for businesses, low cost loans, commercial rates waivers and deferred tax liabilities.
The New Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), is now operational through Revenue and offers a targeted, timely and temporary sector-specific support to businesses forced to close or trade at significantly reduced levels due to COVID of up to €5,000 per week.
We have also announced a six-month reduction in the VAT, going down from 23% to 21%, a reduction in the 13.5% VAT rate to 9% which will benefit the hospitality sector, together with a range of additional public capital investment measures to support the domestic economy.
As a result of the fact that businesses have to close, we are making changes to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the EWSS. The new payment structure for the PUP includes the increase in the top rate to €350 for those who were earning in excess of €400 per week. This change to payment rates will apply in respect of all existing and new applicants.
The EWSS is also being amended to align with the amendment to PUP, with the top payment increasing to €350 for those earning over €400.
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. We are giving companies extra assistance through an enhanced Restart Plus grant of up to €25,000.
These measures 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. My colleague, Minister Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, may be able to provide more specific details on a roadmap to recovery for the events and hospitality industry, for which she has lead responsibility.
205. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if window cleaners are allowed to operate under the current level 5 restrictions in view of the lack of social contact in their work. [32350/20]
View answerFollowing the advice of NPHET, the Government made the decision to move the entire country to Level 5 of the Framework for Living with COVID-19 for a period of six weeks (Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19). While essential retail and services including schools, early learning and childcare will remain open, all non-essential services must close. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/.
Businesses should carefully review the essential services list and determine whether they can operate or not under the current restrictions. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation.
This decision was not taken lightly, and I am acutely conscious of the impact it will again have on businesses. That is why since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government has worked to support businesses through this difficult time with a comprehensive range of measures for firms of all sizes.
206. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of HSA inspections at bookmakers each month since February 2020; the number found non-compliant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32373/20]
View answer232. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of HSA inspections that have taken place in bookmakers throughout the Covid-19 emergency; the number of these businesses found to be non-compliant as a result of these inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33641/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 232 together.
In determining their programme of work in relation to workplace inspections the Health and Safety Authority carry out an assessment exercise based on various criteria before identifying what sectors and workplaces are inspected, a similar assessment is done regarding compliance with COVID-19 public health measures.
I have been informed by the Health and Safety Authority that since 1st March 2020 the Authority undertook 4 inspections in bookmakers which addressed COVID-19.
The findings from the inspections addressing COVID-19 are as follows:
- 100% of workplaces had COVID-19 measures in place.
- 100% of workplaces had COVID-19 Response plans in place.
- 75% of workplaces had a Lead Worker Rep.
The level of compliance found within this sector has been very good and this is in line with the generally high level of compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol, to date, across all sectors which is a positive indication that the majority of employers and employees are taking a responsible and proactive approach to compliance with the Protocol.
In addition to inspections, the Health and Safety Authority continues to provide advice and support to employers and employees on how best to implement COVID-19 measures in the workplace through its helpline and website. It has also developed checklists and templates for use by employers, workers and worker representatives, and further material is being developed.
Any employee who has concerns about compliance with COVID-19 issues, or any other workplace health and safety issue, can contact the Health and Safety Authority Workplace Contact Unit (WCU) on a confidential basis at 1890 289 389 or by sending an email to wcu@hsa.ie. If following such a complaint, there are serious concerns about a particular workplace, the Health and Safety Authority, or another agency or tasked with inspecting workplace compliance with the Protocol, will follow-up as appropriate.
207. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Companies Registration Office extension for annual company filings, which expires on 31 October 2020, will be extended. [32379/20]
View answer208. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will make efforts to help struggling SMEs and microbusinesses, in addition to tax agents and accountants, with their annual company filings to the Companies Registration Office in view of the list of deadlines that exist for business owners and small companies in October 2020 alone (details supplied). [32380/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.
The Registrar of Companies is a statutory role and the Registrar is independent in the exercise of this function.
In light of the Covid-19 situation, the Registrar has taken a number of decisions to assist companies with the filing of annual returns. In March, the Registrar announced that all annual returns, where the deadline for filing fell between 18th March 2020 and 30th June 2020 (both dates inclusive), would be treated as received on time if all elements were submitted by 30th June 2020. In May, this arrangement was further extended until 31st October 2020. At that time, the Registrar indicated her reluctance to providing any further extension later in the year, being mindful of the need to balance the public interest in having up to date company information available against the difficulties caused by Covid-19.
The Registrar did commit to keeping the situation under review and on 12th October announced a decision that any company with an Annual Return Date of between 30th September 2020 and 31st December 2020 (both dates inclusive) will be deemed to have filed on time if all elements of the annual return are completed and filed by 26th February 2021.
For those companies with an Annual Return Date prior to 30th September, the Registrar has announced that the Form B1 must be filed online by 31st October and the remaining elements of the annual return will be accepted if delivered by the date indicated on the signature page.
In a further response to the challenges being experienced by companies due to the Covid-19 situation, the Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Covid-19) Act 2020 was enacted and came into operation on 21st August 2020. Section 6 of that Act provides that a company may opt to hold its Annual General Meeting on a date that is not later than 31st December 2020. Companies that need to avail of this provision can file annual returns up to 26th February 2021. The CRO has advised that this should only be a necessity on an exceptional basis, where company rules require the financial statements to be laid before an AGM prior to filing an annual return, and such companies should get in touch with the CRO.
Notwithstanding the revised deadlines, entities are encouraged to file as normal if in a position to do so. I understand that significant numbers of companies have managed to file their annual returns and have not needed to avail of the full extended filing period. The CRO has indicated that, as of 28th October, over 71% of companies who are due to file by end October have already completed their filing while a further 22% of companies have partly filed.
209. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if dog groomers and dog training can still operate under level 5; if so, the guidelines for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32510/20]
View answerFollowing the advice of NPHET, the Government made the decision to move the entire country to Level 5 of the Framework for Living with COVID-19 for a period of six weeks (Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19). While essential retail and services including schools, early learning and childcare will remain open, all non-essential services must close. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
Businesses should carefully review the essential services list and determine whether they can operate or not under the current restrictions. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation.
This decision was not taken lightly, and I am acutely conscious of the impact it will again have on businesses. That is why since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government has worked to support businesses through this difficult time with a comprehensive range of measures for firms of all sizes.
210. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if pest control services are allowed to operate under level 5. [32531/20]
View answerFollowing the advice of NPHET, the Government made the decision to move the entire country to Level 5 of the Framework for Living with COVID-19 for a period of six weeks (Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19). While essential retail and services including schools, early learning and childcare will remain open, all non-essential services must close. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
Businesses should carefully review the essential services list and determine whether they can operate or not under the current restrictions. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation.
This decision was not taken lightly, and I am acutely conscious of the impact it will again have on businesses. That is why since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government has worked to support businesses through this difficult time with a comprehensive range of measures for firms of all sizes.
211. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if funds or plans are in place to provide for innovation enterprise digital hubs to facilitate remote working clusters and small businesses in medium to large sized towns. [32581/20]
View answerMy Department has invested in the development of enterprise/co-working hubs in every region through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the recent Border Fund. Based on Enterprise Ireland’s analysis, approximately 3,200 co-working/enterprises spaces are being developed across 45 of the 117 projects supported under these Funds.
There are a broad range of digital/enterprise/community hubs currently operating across the country, both public and private, including social enterprises. The Western Development Commission (WDC) has mapped over 100 remote working hubs within the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) region and aim to develop a network of facilities in the AEC region for remote workers, students and for community use, including a common booking engine.
In August 2020, I announced a €12 million Enterprise Centre Fund, administered by Enterprise Ireland, to provide financial support to eligible centres who have been impacted by COVID-19.
In addition, €5 million has also been allocated to the Department of Rural and Community Development in Budget 2021 to further develop a national network of remote working hubs and upgrading existing facilities. An Interdepartmental Working Group has been established to progress this project, and includes my Department.
It is also worth noting that more than 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) will be connected in rural areas over coming months to provide public access to free high-speed broadband services. More than 50 BCPs are already connected.
Finally, my Department is expecting to finalise a Remote Working Strategy before the end of the year.
212. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if animal caring centres that operate in a crèche manner service are permitted to remain open under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32604/20]
View answerFollowing the advice of NPHET, the Government made the decision to move the entire country to Level 5 of the Framework for Living with COVID-19 for a period of six weeks (Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19). While essential retail and services including schools, early learning and childcare will remain open, all non-essential services must close. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
Businesses should carefully review the essential services list and determine whether they can operate or not under the current restrictions. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation.
This decision was not taken lightly, and I am acutely conscious of the impact it will again have on businesses. That is why since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government has worked to support businesses through this difficult time with a comprehensive range of measures for firms of all sizes.
213. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if window cleaning services are permitted to operate under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32605/20]
View answerFollowing the advice of NPHET, the Government made the decision to move the entire country to Level 5 of the Framework for Living with COVID-19 for a period of six weeks (Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19). While essential retail and services including schools, early learning and childcare will remain open, all non-essential services must close. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
Businesses should carefully review the essential services list and determine whether they can operate or not under the current restrictions. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation.
This decision was not taken lightly, and I am acutely conscious of the impact it will again have on businesses. That is why since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government has worked to support businesses through this difficult time with a comprehensive range of measures for firms of all sizes.
214. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if hotels that host a wedding reception for the permitted 25 persons can host those 25 guests overnight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32588/20]
View answerThe Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 is a cross-government approach to managing and living with the pandemic over the next 6 – 9 months.
The Government decided that, from midnight on Wednesday 21st October, the entire country would move to Level 5 of the Plan, with a small number of exceptions.
This action was based on current public health advice, the deteriorating situation with the disease across the country, the Government’s objectives to support families by keeping schools and childcare facilities open, maintaining non-Covid health services and protecting the vulnerable.
Essential Services Guidance published by the Department of the Taoiseach includes Accommodation and food services provision:
- hotel or similar accommodation services to persons who are guests of those hotels or similar accommodation on the 21st day of October 2020 until the date of their departure
- hotel or similar accommodation services to guests travelling for purposes other than social, recreational, cultural or tourist purposes
- operation of hotels or similar accommodation services providing essential accommodation (including accommodation for homeless persons and persons in direct provision, persons who are unable to reside in their usual place of residence due to reasons related to the spread of COVID-19 or otherwise) and related services
- hotel or similar accommodation services to guests attending a wedding
- food and beverage service activities for supply to a business engaged in an essential service
- provision of food or beverage takeaway or delivery services
Further information on essential services can be found at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/#accommodation-and-food-services.
215. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is requirement for businesses selling goods online to display the country of origin of the goods; if not, if he has given it consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32629/20]
View answerDifferences arise between the treatment of food goods and non-food goods. Under EE rules, country of origin rules are generally only introduced for foodstuffs where there is evidence of a link between the country of origin and the quality of the product. Where the vast majority of products are concerned, the country of origin has no impact on the quality of those products as quality is dependent on the production process that companies use rather than where the products originate.
There has been concern in the past that ‘made in’ labels may be used as a protectionist measure to influence consumer behaviour to favour one country over another, which is not in keeping with EU values and could serve to undermine the operation of the Single Market.
For non-food products, there is no requirement to display a country of origin. However, Section 43 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 provides that a commercial practice is misleading if:
- it includes false information in relation to the geographical or commercial origin of a product that would cause the average consumer to be deceived or misled, and
- it would be likely to cause the average consumer to make a purchasing decision that he or she would not otherwise make.
A trader who engages in a misleading commercial practice under Section 43 commits an offence.
Section 46 of the Act further provides that a commercial practice is misleading if:
- the trader omits or conceals information that the average consumer would need to make an informed purchasing decision or provides that information in a manner that is unclear, unintelligible, ambiguous or untimely, and
- it would be likely to cause the average consumer to make a purchasing decision that he or she would not otherwise make.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2007. Section 9(5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 provides that the CCPC is independent in the performance of its functions. Investigations and enforcement matters are part of the day-to-day operational work of the CCPC. Information in relation to a misleading commercial practice under Section 43 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007, can be brought to the attention of the CCPC.
