Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:61. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in providing a right to sick pay to workers in the context of the pandemic. [35096/20]
View answerSick Pay Scheme
Questions (61)
Written answers
I have committed to introduce a statutory sick pay scheme for Ireland and this scheme will be designed in consultation with unions and employer groups. I have already begun discussions with these groups and I will be launching a full public consultation very shortly. I encourage employers, employees and unions to engage with this consultation and make their views known.
The Government is committed to moving through the process and settling issues as quickly as possible and to publish the General Scheme of a Bill by March 2021.
The reduction in waiting days for illness benefit from six days to three days, as announced in the budget, is a significant first step.
With regard to the provision of illness supports associated with the pandemic, the Department of Social Protection has a special Covid-19 Illness Benefit package for those that find themselves ill as a result of the virus. The rate of payment is higher than the normal maximum personal rate at €350 per week, with additional payments possible in respect of a qualified adult and qualified child.
When a worker is told to self-isolate or to restrict their movements by a doctor or the HSE due to being a probable source of infection or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they can apply for the enhanced Illness Benefit payment. There are no waiting days and payment is made from the first day of illness. This allows workers to comply with medical advice to self-isolate to mitigate the spread of the virus, while having their income protected.
Flood Relief Schemes
Questions (62)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:62. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports that have been provided to businesses impacted by recent flooding in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35051/20]
View answerWritten answers
On 20 October 2020, following reports of flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the South West region of the country, I announced the immediate opening of the Emergency Humanitarian Aid Relief Scheme to provide urgent funding to small businesses, community and voluntary organisations in the South West region which have been affected by flooding during the period commencing 19 October to week ending 8 November 2020.
This Scheme provides funding to small businesses (up to 20 employees), sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations in the region which could not secure flood insurance and have premises that have been damaged by recent exceptional weather events. It is a contribution towards the costs of returning premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant.
The scheme, in line with previous flooding relief schemes, is administered by the Irish Red Cross on behalf of my Department and consists of two stages. The first stage provides a contribution of up to €5,000, depending on the scale of damages incurred. It is anticipated that this will meet the needs for the majority of those affected.
In the event that the premises has incurred damages above €5,000, the second stage will provide further assistance following a detailed assessment by the Red Cross. The total level of support available for both stages combined is capped at €20,000.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 27 November 2020.
Data Centres
Questions (63)
Denis Naughten
Question:63. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to implement the Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34987/20]
View answerWritten answers
In June 2018, my Department published the ‘Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Policy’. It sets out the strategic importance of data centres to Ireland’s overarching enterprise policy and attracting foreign investment in the ICT sector. The Statement followed an agreement of the Government, in October 2017, to create a strategic policy framework to support the continued development of data centres in Ireland.
Work has been undertaken by IDA Ireland to identify suitable sites in the regions for developing data centres including suitability of grid capacity and the potential for development in regional locations. The Government is seeking to ensure that the costs of growing energy demand are minimised. We do this by encouraging data centre investments in regions where we have infrastructure capacity to facilitate investments of this scale and also where they contribute to regional development. However, It is important to note that IDA Ireland cannot determine the eventual locations chosen by data centres.
Other Departments and agencies have also implemented aspects of the ‘Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Policy’. The Minister for Housing, Planning and local Government, under the previous Government, amended planning legislation to include data centres above a minimum threshold within the classes of ‘Strategic Infrastructure Development’ which streamlines the development consent process. Eirgrid engages in detail with data centre operators on an ongoing basis with regard to their grid connection process. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is mandated to ensure that electricity grid costs are recovered fairly from all electricity customers – including large energy users such as data centres. The Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications recently announced the results of the first auction held under the Renewable Energy Support Scheme, a considerable step forward in supplying renewable electricity to all customers.
Further, under the Climate Action Plan 2019, my Department is engaging in detail with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on researching policy measures that would encourage investment by large energy users, including data centres, in renewable electricity generation using Corporate Power Purchase Agreements. We have seen recently a number of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements, purchased by data centre operators, in the Irish market and I hope we will see more. When data centre operators purchase electricity directly from renewable generators it contributes towards the state's objective to decarbonise our electricity system without any subsidy from electricity customers.
Company Liquidations
Questions (64)
Mick Barry
Question:64. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the convening of a multi-stakeholder forum on the issues regarding employee's rights in the cases of liquidation of companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35070/20]
View answerWritten answers
Minister Damien English who has responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail and Minister Robert Troy who has responsibility for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation jointly met with employer and union representative bodies on the 4th of November to begin a discussion on the legislative provisions that deal with redundancy and insolvency from both a company law and employment law perspective.
The issues are complex and the discussions will be continued. The discussions are not framed around any one company insolvency case. They are looking at the issues from a general perspective, with a view to identifying whether there are real gaps or weaknesses in either body of legislation and amending the law where that is needed, in consultation with stakeholders.
Gift Vouchers
Questions (65)
Catherine Murphy
Question:65. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a consumer-focused gift voucher guarantee scheme will be introduced in order to provide a degree of consumer confidence ahead of the Christmas shopping period and into 2021. [34641/20]
View answerWritten answers
I thank the Deputy for proposing this idea at what is a very difficult time for both consumers and businesses. I take it that the scheme referred to by the Deputy would guarantee gift vouchers issued by a business that went into liquidation or ceased trading. While the aim of enhancing consumer confidence in gift vouchers is understandable, the introduction of a scheme of this kind would raise substantial practical and policy issues.
As the Deputy will be aware, tour operators and travel agents who provide packages or linked travel arrangements are required to provide security for the refund of payments made for packages that are not subsequently performed due to insolvency. This security can take the form of a bond in the case of licensed travel agents or tour operators, or of an insurance policy. The required level of insolvency protection is determined by reference to the turnover of the tour operator or travel agent and entails significant costs for these businesses. The oversight of the insolvency protection arrangements for the 223 tour operators and travel agents currently covered by these arrangements also involves a substantial administrative and regulatory function for the Commission for Aviation Regulation. Introducing a similar insolvency protection regime for the large number of gift vouchers issued by businesses would be a significant regulatory undertaking. It would also be costly, and so is not a step that could be taken quickly or without detailed consideration and consultation.
If the State were to guarantee gift vouchers then there would be a considerable liability on the State as well as a costly and substantial regulatory and administrative workload perhaps requiring the details and registration of every gift voucher issued by every business in the State. A State guarantee for gift vouchers would also privilege gift vouchers over other types of prepayments made by consumers such as deposits for goods, annual subscriptions for services such as gyms, or payments to savings and Christmas clubs. It is reasonable to ask why gift vouchers would be protected against insolvency while other, and in many cases, larger prepayments made by consumers would not enjoy similar protections.
I do not know of any jurisdiction that has a guarantee scheme of this kind. In 2015-2016, the English Law Commission considered whether businesses should be required to provide protection for gift vouchers. It concluded that the economic burden of such a requirement on businesses would be disproportionate to the benefits that consumers might receive in return. It further held that the case for giving preferential protection to gift voucher holders over other unsecured creditors had not been convincingly made.
For these reasons, I have no plans to introduce such a scheme.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (66)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:66. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the restart plus grant will be expanded for marine based activity providers that do not pay rates but pay harbour and mooring fees to Cork County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35061/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Restart Grant Plus scheme which launched on 10 August 2020, is now closed to new applications since 31 October 2020. The scheme was aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. The Scheme was available only to businesses operating commercially from a rateable premises within the Local Authorities rates system.
The Restart Grant Plus scheme was however, just one part of the wider range of schemes available to firms of all sizes. As part of Budget 2021, the New Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), operated through Revenue from 13 October 2020, 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 month.
The Government has also extended the wage subsidy scheme, which will now run through 2021 and has also improved eligibility criteria for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
The Government 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.
The Microenterprise Assistance Fund is also available from Local Enterprise Offices for businesses which are not eligible for the COVID-19 Restart/Restart Plus Grant or similar COVID-19 business restart grants from other Government Departments.
Brexit Issues
Questions (67)
Bernard Durkan
Question:67. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he remains satisfied that Ireland's export market will continues to be accessible in the immediate aftermath of Brexit; if particular or specific challenges have been identified as potential major obstacles for Irish exporters and importers; if contingency measures have been fully decided upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35095/20]
View answerWritten answers
Brexit, in whatever shape it finally takes, will have a significant impact on the Irish economy and fundamentally change the way in which Irish businesses trade with the UK. 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 December. The most immediate impact on businesses trading with Great Britain will be the new customs requirements that will kick in on 1 January as well as controls and checks on the movement of goods of animal or plant origin.
Despite the changes and the fact that trade will not be as seamless as it is now, with less than eight weeks to run until the end of the Brexit transition period, Government has intensified preparations to get businesses Brexit ready.
Budget 2021 was prepared on the basis of a No Deal Brexit that provided for a contingency fund of €100 million available to assist businesses with Brexit, as well as a €3.4 billion recovery fund in light of the unprecedented challenges facing the economy of COVID-19 and Brexit.
A wide range of enterprise supports and financial incentives to assist importers and exporters alike to meet Brexit challenges have been put in place. These range from Brexit planning vouchers, consultancy and mentoring supports, tariff advisory services, research on new markets, and innovation supports, liquidity supports, offered through a number of Government agencies including Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices, IntertradeIreland and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI).
The loan-guarantee schemes currently delivered through the SBCI include the Brexit Loan Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Future Growth Loan Scheme. These measures are there for businesses to deal with Brexit and COVID-19 to address impacts such as cashflow, currency hedging and longer term restructuring and diversification of their businesses.
Significant work is ongoing right across Government to get businesses Brexit ready. This includes work by the Department of Transport to get our ports ready with additional infrastructure in place to deal with the new customs and phytosanitary (SPS) checks. That Department has also been engaging extensively on the issue of maritime connectivity to assess the capacity available on direct ferry routes to continental Europe. The Report published by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) on 6 November points to there being sufficient capacity in place on direct routes to Europe as well as the capability to respond and scale up to meet increased demand.
My strong advice is that traders, hauliers/logistics companies and ferry companies should discuss their needs now in order to align ferry capacity with their needs. In order to avoid delays using the UK Landbridge from January onwards, I would also encourage traders to consider switching to direct ferry routes to Europe and to begin that process now so that exports can get to market in the most efficient manner.
Various studies and research point to the particular exposure of the agri food sector and in preparation for the new customs requirements and SPS checks, Revenue and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have been extensively engaging with businesses, informing them of the changes ahead and actively working with them to assist in their preparations.
As part of the July Jobs Stimulus, a new €20 million “Ready for Customs” grant was announced and is overseen by Enterprise Ireland to help businesses prepare for the new challenges of trading with and through Great Britain. This scheme provides grants to businesses 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.
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) hosted webinars, which are available on their websites, to inform businesses of the important steps they need to take to be Brexit ready from a regulatory perspective.
Preparing and investing intensively for the change that Brexit will bring from the start of next year is a key priority across Government. We remain committed to ensuring that those preparations will pave the way, as far as possible, for trade to move as freely as possible for our importers and exporters.
Company Law
Questions (68)
Catherine Connolly
Question:68. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the expedited review by the Company Law Review Group on whether the legal provisions surrounding collective redundancies and the liquidation of companies effectively protect the rights of workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35113/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Company Law Review Group (CLRG) is a statutory advisory body charged with advising me on matters pertaining to company law. Its membership is broad and representative of key stakeholders who have expertise and interest in the area, such as employee and employer representative groups, the Revenue Commissioners, insolvency and legal practitioners and regulators.
It is important to note that membership of the CLRG is voluntary and members give their time freely outside of their day to day jobs and I am grateful for the Group's continued effort.
The CLRG has worked intensively with my Department since March 2020 to examine issues arising in company law as a result of COVID-19. In addition to this work, I wrote to the CLRG on 31st July setting out its work programme for 2020 - 2022. As part of this work programme, I requested that the CLRG consider whether the legal provisions surrounding collective redundancies and the liquidation of companies effectively protect the rights of workers, as a matter of priority. I have asked that they report to me by 31st December 2020.
Having very recently completed its report on the issue of rescue for small businesses I understand that the CLRG has now began its considerations of the matter referred to by the Deputy and is engaging with stakeholders such as the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC), the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) and the Irish SME Association (ISME) to establish any specific issues arising under the Companies Act 2014. This is a considerable and complex body of work being undertaken and I am conscious of the timeframe set. I look forward to receiving their report and publishing shortly after.
Issues surrounding workers' rights when a company goes into liquidation have come to the fore especially in light of the impact of COVID-19 on businesses. Government will be ready to act on the CLRG's findings and propose legislation where this can achieve results.
Microfinance Loan Fund Scheme
Questions (69)
Catherine Connolly
Question:69. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications received by the Microfinance Ireland Covid-19 loan scheme from businesses in County Galway; the number and value of such loans approved for businesses in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35115/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Microenterprise Loan Fund operated by Microfinance Ireland assists businesses with fewer than ten employees. It provides much-needed funding to help microenterprises meet payments for stock, working capital requirements and other overhead expenses through the provision of low-cost lending facilities.
Microfinance Ireland provides vital support to microenterprises by filling the lending gap in the market by lending to business that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders. It lends to business that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by commercial lenders and applies interest rate charges for its lending which are not reflective of its credit risk.
With the arrival of COVID-19 in Ireland and the subsequent impact on businesses across the country, Microfinance Ireland introduced the COVID-19 Loan Scheme to provide support to microenterprises directly impacted by the effects of the virus.
The Microfinance Ireland COVID-19 Loan Scheme assists businesses which have been impacted negatively by COVID-19 with loans of up to €25,000 that includes a six-month repayment free moratorium, the equivalent of one-year interest free, and rates as low as 4.5% for the remaining period of the loan. This reduced rate is available to all micro-enterprises where the application is made through the Local Enterprise Network or referred by a bank or Local Development Committees. The rate for direct applications to Microfinance Ireland is 5.5%.
The Microfinance Ireland COVID-19 Loan Scheme has seen a very strong uptake with €21.8 million in loans approved since its introduction to 848 businesses. This represents three and a half times its normal annual lending rate.
There were 65 applications received from microenterprises in Galway in respect of the COVID-19 Loan Scheme offered by Microfinance Ireland, of which 43 applications were approved for a value of €982,375.
I can also assure the Deputy that I continue to work with my colleagues across Government to examine appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 as the country comes to terms with living and working with the virus in our midst.
Brexit Preparations
Questions (70)
James O'Connor
Question:70. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to support the food processing industry post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35056/20]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully aware of the significant exposure of our exporting Food & Drinks sector in general. Enterprise Ireland is working intensively with companies in this sector to enable them respond to the challenges they may face come 1st January 2021. Since 2016, the effectiveness of these measures by Enterprise Ireland and in cooperation with Bord Bia, has reduced UK exports from 35% to 31% all the while increasing the overall value of exports.
Brexit specific assistance will continue to be utilised alongside a focus on innovation and competitiveness through the Enterprise Ireland Agile Innovation Fund, R and D Fund, Lean Transform Fund and Operational Excellence Supports to help enterprises to diversify their product offering and to reach new markets.
Budget 2021 includes an allocation of €100 million to my Department to help businesses to adapt to Brexit and includes a €7 million targeted fund to help the food processing industry to adapt to the post-Brexit trading environment.
In addition, Ireland has secured approval for a €200m multi-annual scheme from the EU Commission for capital investment in the processing of agricultural products. The objective of this scheme is to strengthen and improve the resilience of primary food processing companies by focusing on long term transformative capital investment and achieving higher value added through implementing new product and/or market diversification strategies.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (71)
Martin Browne
Question:71. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the pressure that a number of small businesses are under from their landlords during the current restrictions; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that many of these businesses are concerned for their future as they are being faced with rent bills even though their businesses are shut; his plans to provide assistance for these businesses to pay their rents; if he has been contacted by small businesses with similar concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35106/20]
View answerWritten answers
I understand this is a difficult time for many businesses and 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 where they can. 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. To date, over €24 billion had been made available in support measures, including through the July Jobs Stimulus and Budget 2021, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to stand behind businesses through this crisis. Businesses across the country will be able to benefit from commitments within the Budget including:
- The €3.4 billion Recovery Fund which will help people get back into work, training or education; by promoting investment and protecting jobs.
- The further extension of the EWSS well into 2021 ensures that the link between the employer and the employee is maintained and assists businesses to continue to trade in spite of reduced demand.
- The COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) is being introduced to help those 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.
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
Questions (72)
Denis Naughten
Question:72. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the requests that he has made under section 10(4) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 to request the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to carry out a market study in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35117/20]
View answerWritten answers
Section 10 (4) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 enables me as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to request the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to carry out a study or analysis of:
- any issue relating to consumer protection and welfare,
- any practice or method of competition affecting the supply and distribution of goods or the provision of services, or
- any other matter relating to competition,
and to submit a report to me, as Minister, in relation to the study or analysis. The Commission complies with such a request within such period and in such form and manner as I may specify in the request.
I have made no requests to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) under section 10(4) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 to carry out a market study or analysis in the last 12 months, nor has any other Minister requested me to use my powers under section 10(4) to request the CCPC to carry out a study for them.
My predecessor, Minister Humphreys, made a request to the CCPC in August 2019 to carry out a study of the public liability insurance market in Ireland. This study was requested as the issue of increases in public liability premiums for businesses was raised with her as a potential systemic threat to the existence of many businesses as were concerns on the roles of insurance firms and intermediaries in the increased levels of public liability insurance premiums.
The Chairperson of the CCPC will report on the study’s findings to me in due course. There is no confirmed date for the CCPC to issue its report but I expect to receive it in the coming weeks.
Job Creation
Questions (73)
Cathal Crowe
Question:73. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts his Department in conjunction with the IDA and Enterprise Ireland are making to attract new companies to County Clare. [34719/20]
View answerWritten answers
County Clare continues to be a strong performer in terms of attracting both indigenous and foreign direct investment (FDI). There are now 67 IDA client companies in County Clare employing over 7,100 people with over 220 net new jobs added by foreign direct investment (FDI) firms in 2019. Clare is home to a number of particularly prominent multinationals - such as Axa, Beckman Coulter and Edwards Lifesciences - that continue to perform well. In recent years, we've seen a number of significant investments being announced by IDA client companies including MeiraGTx, Extreme Networks, Jaguar Land Rover and most recently, Exida.
Enterprise Ireland continues to play a critical role in supporting domestic industries in County Clare. There are now over 4,300 people employed across almost 140 firms backed by Enterprise Ireland with over 200 net new jobs added in 2019.
The IDA has a number of incentives in place to encourage companies to invest in regional locations. In addition to the general support that it provides to client firms through advice and expertise on investing in Ireland, the Agency is authorised by my Department to provide a range of particular financial supports in the form of employment, capital, research and development, environmental and training grants. These grants represent an important means of encouraging companies to invest in Ireland, particularly to regional locations and this includes counties adjacent to Dublin.
The IDA's Regional Property Programme (RPP) also remains an important tool through which investors can be encouraged to locate in areas outside of Dublin. The RPP is targeted at ensuring the ready availability of an adequate supply of marketable serviced land, office and industrial buildings in advance of demand by both existing and potential client companies.
The impact of the IDA’s Regional Property Programme is reflected in the transformative nature of some of the key investments secured for the regions through it. Over €100m in capital investment and over 1,000 high-quality jobs have been secured through this programme for towns across the counrty.
Balanced regional development will remain a top priority for this Government and will be a key objective in the IDA's new strategy which will be launched in the coming months. The enterprise agencies will continue to engage with their clients and with one another to secure further investment and job creation for Clare and the Mid-West region in the time ahead.
Flexible Work Practices
Questions (74)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:74. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a public policy on remote working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34652/20]
View answerWritten answers
As our country continues to navigate Covid-19, remote working has become more important than ever before. This is reflected in the Programme for Government, which contains commitments aimed at facilitating remote work across Ireland. The Programme for Government recognises that remote work can provide multiple benefits in areas such as balanced regional development, climate action and work/life balance.
In December 2019, my Department published the Remote Work in Ireland report which outlined the prevalence and types of remote working arrangements in Ireland as well as the factors influencing its adoption. This year, as a response to COVID-19, my Department launched a new webpage dedicated to providing guidance for remote working for both employers and employees.
In July, my Department launched a public consultation on Remote Work. We received 522 submissions from employers, employees, representative bodies and special interest groups. Based on the insights garnered from the consultation, we have recently updated our guidance webpage to include new information. The guidance webpage now also includes a checklist for employers considering adopting remote working arrangements in the longer term. The guidance webpage will continue to be updated regularly to act as a live resource for employers and employees.
Building on this work, my Department is currently developing a national Remote Work Strategy. An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) has been formed to steer the delivery of the Strategy. This Group has broad representation across government departments and state agencies. The Strategy will consider what changes are needed to develop an environment that encourages remote working solutions. It is expected that the Strategy will be published before the end of this year.
Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 59.
Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 55.
Local Enterprise Offices
Questions (77)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:77. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts that can be made to ensure that online marketing campaigns targeting consumers to support local business are actually delivering business to Irish local business. [35100/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is working with the Local Enterprise Offices on a local media campaign to support the ‘Shop Local’ initiatives that are already very active across the country. The purpose of this campaign will be to encourage communities to support businesses in their area by shopping locally and safely.
Even while under Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions, where people cannot physically enter certain stores, they can continue to buy from them through ‘remote ordering’. Orders can be placed for products, including non-essential items, either online or by phone, and fulfilled through home delivery or collection.
The growth in demand for shopping online is driving the retail sector to also develop its online trading capability in order to enhance its competitiveness. This is an important route for retail businesses in the current crisis, and will be an important element in their recovery over the longer term.
The Local Enterprise Offices’ Trading Online Voucher Scheme is available to all micro enterprises with up to 10 employees, including those in the retail sector through the Local Enterprise Office network nationwide. As of 6 November, 13,789 applications have been received, of which 10,721 have been approved so far, to a value of €25.39m.
The €2,500 Trading Online Vouchers are a key government support to help small and micro enterprises, with very limited or no e-commerce presence, to get online, boost their sales and reach new markets – particularly during this difficult period, when so many small businesses are closed to the public. Businesses can also apply for a second voucher where they have successfully utilised their first one, which brings the overall total voucher amount available up to €5,000.
The COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme has been introduced to support Irish-owned retail businesses to rapidly adapt and enhance their online business capability as they work within the COVID-19 public health measures. It helps to position retail businesses for recovery in the future, once the public health emergency and related measures have passed. Grants ranging from €10,000 up to €40,000 are payable to successful applicants under the Scheme. An additional €5m was provided as part of Budget 2021. Earlier this week the successful applicants under the second call of the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme was announced. 145 retailers have been approved €5.3M in funding as part of the scheme.
I would like to thank retailers and their customers for their efforts at this difficult time. By each of us following the spirit of these new rules and working together we can hopefully return to a lower level of the Living with Covid-19 framework.
I think that we all need to make the effort to shop locally where we can and support local business.
IDA Ireland
Questions (78)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:78. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA site visits for County Carlow in each quarter of 2020 to date; the percentage of visits in the county as a percentage of the number of visits nationally in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34718/20]
View answerWritten answers
County Carlow has witnessed a year on year increase in employment by IDA client companies in the past five years with over 480 net new jobs added since 2015. There are now over 1,200 people employed across five IDA client companies in the County. I am determined, together with IDA Ireland, to increase these numbers further as best we can.
The IDA has a strong focus on regional development, including for the South-East. Last year there were 9 site visits to County Carlow, which accounted for approximately 20% of all site visits in the South East region. The Deputy will appreciate that the introduction of international travel restrictions related to Covid-19 has, amongst other things, led to the cancellation or postponement of scheduled IDA site visits and client meetings in every region of the country, including Carlow and the South-East. This year, there was 1 site visit to Carlow in Q1 with no site visits in Q 2. This accounts for approximately 1% of site visits nationally.
As an alternative to site visits, the IDA has migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities to digital platforms. The Agency has developed new digital content and has also put in place an E-Site Visit experience for potential investors. There have been a total of 120 in-person site visits and 39 E-visits nationally as of the second quarter and this is the latest data available.
Notwithstanding the difficulties presented by the pandemic, site visits do remain an important means by which the IDA can showcase regional locations – including Carlow – to prospective investors. At the same time, we must recognise that the final decision as to where to invest rests solely with the company concerned. It is also the case that site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential or job creation, as a significant proportion of all new FDI comes from existing IDA clients already present in the country.
Looking to the future, IDA Ireland will continue to draw the attention of multinationals looking to invest or expand in County Carlow. The IDA continues to engage with key stakeholders on the ground in Carlow including local authorities, the education sector, Enterprise Ireland, Carlow's Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and both overseas and indigenous companies with a view to generating new employment opportunities. Regional development, including for the South-East, will also be at the heart of the forthcoming new IDA strategy. I look forward to working closely with the IDA on the completion of this new strategy to guide the Agency's work in the time ahead.
Brexit Preparations
Questions (79)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:79. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of take-up of Brexit support schemes by enterprises in County Cork; if he is satisfied with the current level of readiness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35134/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department and its agencies have put a wide range of enterprise measures in place to assist businesses in identifying key risk areas and practical preparatory actions to be taken with regard to Brexit.
The Local Enterprise Offices in County Cork offer grants to businesses responding to Brexit challenges including the approval of 7 Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters grant of €2,500 in 2020 and 18 LEAN for Micro interventions in 2020. Along with one-to-one Brexit mentoring and training, they have also held four Customs Training Events in 2020 to date with 72 participants, with another three events planed before end 2020.
The LEOs social media ‘Countdown Campaign’ got underway in September, marking 100 days to go until January 1st 2021, featuring the ‘change is coming’ message and supported with LEO branded social media cards, website sliders, email signatures and Mailchimp graphics for ezines.
The Brexit Loan Scheme makes working capital lending available to eligible Irish businesses negatively exposed to current or future impacts arising as a result of Brexit. Loans range from €25,000 to €1.5m for terms of up to three years. The most recent county-level figures available are to the end Q2 (June). At that time, 26 businesses had so far progressed to loan sanction, to a total value of €6.71m.
Enterprise Ireland assistance is also set out below:
|
Enterprise Ireland Brexit Supports |
No. approvals Cork based companies |
|
Be Prepared Grant |
20 |
|
Market Discovery Fund |
28 |
|
Agile Innovation Fund |
15 |
|
Strategic Consultancy Grant |
150 |
|
Financial Support Grant |
15 |
|
Ready for Customs Grant |
17 |
In addition:
1, 043 companies have undertaken the Brexit Scorecard.
2 Brexit Advisory Clinics were held in Cork. 134 companies attended these clinics. As part of this, there were 115 one-to-one meetings.
187 companies have signed up for the Customs Insights Online Module.
I and my Department and its agencies will continue to encourage business to examine their readiness for Brexit and take actions where shortfalls in those plans are evident.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (80)
Matt Carthy
Question:80. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide additional supports to local pubs in recognition of the additional challenges faced during level 5 restrictions. [34995/20]
View answerWritten answers
I am keenly aware that publicans are making a massive sacrifice to protect their communities and I am committed to ensuring that the Government offers as much assistance and support as possible.
As part of the Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus schemes, several top-up payments were approved by Government to deal with additional financial pressures caused by necessary Covid-19 restrictions. These included a top-up for ‘wet’ pubs, top-ups for Level 3 restrictions and most recently a top-up of 30% for all eligible businesses nationally in recognition of Level 5. Businesses in the hospitality sector and other vulnerable sectors who previously benefited from the Restart Grant were eligible to re-apply for these top-ups.
The Restart Grant Plus Scheme closed to new application on 31st October and a new Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), operated by the Revenue Commission, was introduced in Budget 2021 from 13th October. It 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.
Budget 2021 also provides a significant package of tax and fiscal measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors.
In recognition that businesses had to close, we made changes to the 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.
A six-month reduction in VAT rates has been introduced, down from 23% to 21%, and from 13.5% to 9% which will benefit the hospitality sector. This is along with a range of additional public capital investment measures to support the domestic economy.
A list of assistance for businesses is available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.