Written Answers Nos. 153-171
153. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports available for small businesses if rent arrears are demanded to be paid by landlords post Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18435/21]
View answerThese are difficult times and many companies have had to temporarily close their businesses and / or premise(s), curtail their activities or make alternative work arrangements due to COVID-19 restrictions. I am aware that some businesses are concerned that some landlords are continuing to insist on the payment of rents and leases as normal despite their premises being closed.
The issue of commercial rents is primarily a contractual matter for the parties involved. However, the Government has urged landlords and tenants to talk to one another and come to some arrangement, as it is in everybody’s interest that terms are amicably agreed. With this in mind, on 1st October 2020, I published the Code of Conduct between landlords and tenants for commercial rents. The aim of the voluntary Code is to facilitate discussions between landlords and tenants impacted by COVID-19. It sets out a structured approach for engagement between both commercial landlords and tenants, based on their mutual interest in continuing to work together.
The Code sets out that parties should act in good faith and in an honest and transparent manner. It suggests that tenants seeking new arrangements should be clear as to why assistance is needed. Landlords should provide concessions where they can and, where this is not possible, should clearly set out the reasons for this. The Code also lists some of the issues to consider when determining the impact on a business and the need for concession and also some suggested options for new arrangements.
However, this Code should not be seen in isolation. To date, the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
I would urge business owners to seek the supports outlined above if they have not already done so. I would also suggest that small business owners contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business. Details of the Code of Conduct and the wide range of supports available for business are on my Department’s website.
The Government is committed to ensuring as many businesses as possible survive this challenging period, and it will continue to look at how we can help businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
154. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to provide support under the Covid-19 business aid scheme for those without commercial rates contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18444/21]
View answerI am very aware of the difficulties that business owners continue to face due to the ongoing but necessary COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
With that in mind the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
I would urge business owners to seek the supports outlined above if they have not already done so. I would also suggest they contact their Local Enterprise Office and they can signpost and advise of supports that maybe available.
The SBASC scheme you refer to does have a payment of rates eligibility requirement. The intention behind this provision is to assist businesses operating from fixed premises to meet some of the ongoing fixed costs of maintaining those premises.
The schemes are there to help meet fixed costs that cannot be avoided and to provide basic weekly income support up to maximum of €350 per week. They are not created to provide compensation for loss of personal income above this level or compensation for loss of profits for any sector.
I want to assure you, however, the Government is consulting with business sectors and I am aware of their concerns and I and my colleagues across Government are continuing to keep the range of measures under review.
155. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has considered classifying children's clothing and shoes as essential goods that can be purchased in-store during level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18446/21]
View answer182. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration has been given to easing restrictions on the purchasing of children's clothes given that there continues to be no click and collect service. [19441/21]
View answer183. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is planned to open shops selling children's clothes in view of the fact that these shops have been closed since early January (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19442/21]
View answer184. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the announcement of retail stores being able to sell and fit children's shoes; his plans to allow the same for the sale of children's clothing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19444/21]
View answer187. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if children's clothing is included on the essential retail list; his plans to include children's clothes on the essential retail list along with children's shoes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19519/21]
View answer189. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the commitment given to provide specific guidance on the sale of children's shoes; and when parents and families can expect to be able to purchase these essential items. [19585/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 155, 182, 183, 184, 187 and 189 together.
I understand this is an incredibly difficult time for families and businesses across the country and I would like to thank them for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.
S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/)
clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/
The list of essential retail outlets has been updated and now includes retail outlets that sell shoes for children, provide shoe fitting services to children, and sell such products and provide such services on the basis of individual one-to-one appointments made on behalf of a child in advance of the child’s attendance at the outlet.
In line with public health guidelines Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential stores. This is to stop people making unnecessary journeys, congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus.
Under the current temporary restrictions while click and collect of non-essential retail items is no longer permitted, click or phone for delivery can continue.
Under consideration from 4 May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.
Retailers can and have made arrangements, on compassionate grounds, for individual customers to urgently purchase a non-essential item in store. This is only in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to plan ahead and avail of remote ordering services such as in emergencies.
We are also asking retailers to exercise their best judgement and common sense on a case by case basis, to ensure those requiring urgent access to a non-essential item are accommodated.
As Chair of the Retail Forum, I meet regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to discuss and assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead which can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/,
sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation.
All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
156. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the engagement he has had with his European counterparts on the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18458/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a modern and progressive Free Trade Agreement which has provisionally applied across the EU since the 21st September 2017. The Agreement covers virtually every aspect of economic activity and will provide new market opportunities in many sectors for Irish firms given the extensive bilateral business links between Ireland and Canada. Indeed, outside of Europe, the US and China, Canada is our largest indigenous export market. More than 400 Enterprise Ireland clients are doing business in the Canadian market employing over 6,000 people. Since the commencement of provisional application, duties on 98% of products that the EU trades with Canada have been removed. Furthermore, exports of Irish goods and services to Canada totalled approximately €3.9 billion in 2019, the latest year full figures are available, a 35% increase compared to 2016, the last full year, prior to the provisional application of CETA.
Provisional application is a standard mechanism provided for in the EU’s Free Trade Agreements. This means that those areas where the EU has full competence may be applied immediately once the Agreement has been voted for by Council and the European Parliament. It is an important mechanism that allows companies and consumers to benefit from a trade agreement at an early stage, as the completion of national ratification procedures across all 27 Member States can take a number of years. In this regard, Ireland, like many Member States, was awaiting the opinion of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) regarding the compatibility of CETA with EU law prior to our commencing the formal ratification process for Ireland.
The Opinion of the Court in Case 1/17 was issued on 30th April 2019 and held that the dispute settlement mechanism in CETA is compatible with EU law and complies with (i) the principle of autonomy of EU law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the CJEU for the interpretation of EU law, (ii) the principle of equal treatment and of the requirement of effectiveness of EU law; and (iii) the Charter of Fundamental Rights, in particular of the right of access to a court and right to an independent and impartial tribunal under the Charter. The Opinion of the CJEU, allowed Member States to proceed with domestic ratification, according to the requirements of their national law.
Though provisional application has seen the introduction of new market opportunities in many sectors for Irish firms as well as the removal of duties on 98% of products that the EU trades with Canada, one aspect of the Agreement which relates to how investment disputes are handled, is deemed to be a joint competency between the EU and Member States and is therefore subject to national ratification procedures in each Member State.
To date, 15 Member States have formally communicated the completion of their national procedures to the General Secretariat of the European Council.
For Ireland, I believe our own credibility in promoting open and fair global trade would be undermined if we are not in a position to ratify this Agreement.
As CETA has been provisionally applied since 2017 and each Member State is entitled to proceed to ratification in accordance with its own national procedures, CETA itself has not been a substantive discussion item at meetings of EU Trade Ministers in Council since I was appointed as Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment in June 2020. Nonetheless, I have kept colleagues up-to-date with Ireland's ratification process at suitable engagements as have my officials with the European Commission.
157. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he will take to ensure a series of criteria (details supplied) are met with regard to the recent announcement by the IDA Ireland to appoint a business development consultant to establish a presence in Israel and present Ireland as an investment location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18463/21]
View answerIDA Ireland’s overseas teams and office network are vital to support the agency’s efforts in winning new Foreign Direct Investment across the world. From time-to-time IDA seeks to expand its global network of offices and teams. Many firms are looking to expand into new markets and Ireland is a proven location for global companies to grow and serve their customer base in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
IDA Ireland has decided to tender for a part-time Israel based Business Development Consultant. This person will represent IDA to support its efforts to win new investment. This is a model used across many territories. The Business Development Consultant will be expected to identify Israeli-headquartered target companies with potential for investing in Ireland, engage with senior decision-makers in these companies and present Ireland’s value proposition as an investment location.
IDA Ireland has advised my Department that as part of its normal evaluation and due diligence process across all geographies, it considers many factors including societal and reputational risk, that could be associated with investment activities prior to accepting a client into its portfolio.
As an Agency of my Department, I expect IDA Ireland to align with Ireland's well-known position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory, which informs our engagement with the State of Israel across a range of bilateral issues, including trade. Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967.
The EU and its Member States, including Ireland, are wholly opposed to Israeli settlements, which are contrary to international law, and are damaging to the prospects of peace.
UN Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted on 23 December 2016, calls on all States to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. This Resolution reflected the position already held by Ireland, the EU and the UN for many years.
Ireland consistently raises human rights issues in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory at the highest international levels, including most recently at the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Ireland remains steadfast in its support for a comprehensive two state solution which protects the future of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.
158. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to introduce a new round of business restart grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18484/21]
View answerI am acutely aware of the difficulties that the necessary ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are putting on businesses right across the country.
As you know the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. The level of Government funding for business supports is unprecedented.
I would urge business owners to seek the supports outlined above if they have not already done so. I would also suggest they contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business.
You will also be aware that Budget 2021 provided 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. Details of the wide range of supports available are on my Department’s website.
The Government is very much open to proposals as to how we can help businesses further. However, our schemes are there to help meet fixed costs that cannot be avoided and to provide basic weekly income support up to maximum of €350 per week. We are not providing compensation for loss of personal income above this level or compensation for loss of profits for any sector.
I want to assure you that I along with our Government colleagues are keeping all support measures under review.
159. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if assistance will be provided to a business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18506/21]
View answerI am acutely aware of the difficulties that these necessary ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are putting on all businesses right across the country. Business owners are making sacrifices in order to protect their communities.
As you know the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. The level of Government funding for business supports is unprecedented.
You will also know that Budget 2021 provided 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.
Some schemes do have an eligibility requirement of a business operating from a premises on which rates are payable. The reason for this provision is to assist businesses operating from fixed premises to meet some of the ongoing fixed costs of maintaining those premises.
The Government business fixed cost support schemes are there to help meet costs that cannot be avoided and to provide basic weekly income support up to maximum of €350 per week. They are not created to provide compensation for loss of personal income above this level or compensation for loss of profits for any sector.
I would urge business owners to seek the supports outlined above if they have not already done so. I would also suggest they contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business. I also refer you to the Local Enterprise Office website for further information on the range of supports available, including mentoring, information, advisory services and training and support: COVID-19 Pandemic: Business Response-old - Local Enterprise Office.
Full details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes are available on my Department’s website at https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
I want to assure you, however, that I and my Government colleagues are keeping all the current schemes under review.
160. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports available and the supports he is considering for businesses that are ineligible to apply for existing Government schemes due to operating from a building that is not a fixed physical structure on which business rates are payable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18510/21]
View answerI am acutely aware of the difficulties that these necessary ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are putting on all businesses right across the country. Business owners are making sacrifices in order to protect their communities.
As you are aware, the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
You will also know that Budget 2021 provided 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 level of Government supports is unprecedented.
Some schemes do have an eligibility requirement of a business operating from a premises on which rates are payable. The reason for this provision is to assist businesses operating from fixed premises to meet some of the ongoing fixed costs of maintaining those premises.
The Government business fixed cost support schemes are there to help meet costs that cannot be avoided and to provide basic weekly income support up to maximum of €350 per week. They are not created to provide compensation for loss of personal income above this level or compensation for loss of profits for any sector.
Full details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes are available on my Department’s website at https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
I want to assure you, however, that I and my Government colleagues are keeping all the current schemes under review.
161. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if plans will be put in place to reinstate click and collect facilities for businesses in a safe and secure manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18558/21]
View answerI understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for businesses and their customers across the country and would like to thank them for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.
Under Level 5, in line with public health guidelines, only essential retail outlets will remain open and the current temporary restrictions in Level 5 will stay in place until at least 4 May 2021. Further information can be found on gov.ie
The decision to move to full scale Level 5 was not taken lightly and all factors were considered.
S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/)
clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/
Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential stores. This is to stop people making unnecessary journeys, congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus.
Under the current temporary restrictions while click and collect of non-essential retail items is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.
Under consideration from 4 May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead which can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/,
sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation.
All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.
I meet regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to discuss and assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
The Government has introduced a wide range of supports to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and they can be found on the Department’s website
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
163. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount in unpaid wages that has been returned to workers following workplace investigations by the Workplace Relations Commission by sector, year and value of wages returned in each of the years 2011 to 2020, inclusive, and in tabular form. [18581/21]
View answerThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, facilitation, and advisory services. The WRC inspectorate subsumed the functions of the former National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) with the establishment of the Commission on 1 October 2015.
Inspections carried out by WRC Inspectors operate on a compliance model. This means that an inspector will work with the employer to ensure that the employer fulfils all their statutory obligations and that any outstanding wages or entitlements are given to workers.
Where an employer fails to comply, the inspector can use a range of statutory enforcement measures. These are:
- Fixed Penalty Notice: An employer may be required to pay a fixed amount in respect of breaches of employment law (e.g., €1,500 in relation to failure to provide pay slips).
- Compliance Notice: These require employers to take specific action to remedy contraventions over a range of employment law and failure to comply with the notice could result in a prosecution.
- Prosecution: Employers can be prosecuted in relation to a range of contraventions, including failure to pay statutory national minimum wage rate, employment of foreign nationals without permission to work and failure to keep employment records as prescribed in law.
The Tables attached provide the amounts of unpaid wages returned to workers following workplace investigations by the WRC. The information is set out by sector and value of wages returned in each of the years 2011 to 2020.
164. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will give consideration to granting bookshops permission to offer click and collect services to their communities once public health guidelines allow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18616/21]
View answerI understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for businesses and their customers across the country and would like to thank them for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.
Under Level 5, in line with public health guidelines, only essential retail outlets will remain open and the current temporary restrictions in Level 5 will stay in place until at least 4 May 2021. Further information can be found on gov.ie
The decision to move to full scale Level 5 was not taken lightly and all factors were considered.
S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/)
clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/
Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential stores. This is to stop people making unnecessary journeys, congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus.
Under the current temporary restrictions while click and collect of non-essential retail items is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.
Under consideration from 4 May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead which can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/,
sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation.
All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.
I meet regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to continuously discuss and assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
The Government has introduced a wide range of supports to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and they can be found on the Department’s website
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
165. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an updated report on the implementation of the EU-UK trade agreement, and the impact that it has had on Ireland and our trading patterns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18647/21]
View answerThe EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement has mitigated the potential for significant damage to Irish businesses which would have arisen from a ‘no-deal’ outcome.
However, Brexit has fundamentally changed the trading relationship between Ireland and the UK and will continue to impact that trading relationship. Since the Agreement came into force, we have seen some short-term disruption arising from the new requirements around customs and SPS checks and controls. Businesses are however gradually adjusting to the new trading realities, finding alternative supply chains and are being encouraged to find new markets for their products.
In a recent survey of 400 companies, who participated in an Enterprise Ireland webinar on Rules of Origin, the main challenges they identified as of 1st of January related to rules of origin; customs procedures and delays at ports; VAT complexities and, supply chain issues. Enterprise Ireland continues to actively engage with client companies to fully understand their business needs and to further develop information and events to respond to those needs.
The deputy will be aware that economic analysis carried out in 2018, updated in January 2020, on the economic impacts of Brexit on the Irish economy, identified the Agri-Food sector as the one most likely to be most seriously impacted. In that respect, the €100 million Capital Investment Scheme for the Processing and Marketing of Agricultural Products, managed by Enterprise Ireland, is just one of the ways the Government is helping the Agri-Food sector manage the fallout from Brexit.
In the most recent CSO statistical data release, this indicates that Ireland’s total goods exports rose almost €800 million (+7%) in February 2021 when compared with February 2020.
Goods exported to GB showed a decrease of 11% to €859 million in February 2021 compared with February 2020. Exports to Great Britain accounted for 7% of total exports. The value of goods exports to Great Britain in the first two months of 2021 was €1,812 million, a decrease of 12% on the first two months of 2020.
Imports from Great Britain decreased by 53% to €650 million compared with February 2020. Imports from Great Britain were 10% of the value of total imports in February 2021. The value of goods imports from Great Britain for January and February 2021 was €1,206 million, a decrease of 57% compared with January and February 2020.
It is too early, based on statistics for the first two months of 2021, to get a real sense of the impact that Brexit will have on longer term trade flows as there are other contributory factors, not least COVID-19 that has also had a chilling economic effect. Analysis of trade flows over a longer period of time would be required to allow for sound conclusions to be drawn.
Notwithstanding the new business challenges, the UK continues to be a strategic market of importance for Irish companies. While Enterprise Ireland clients are continuing to diversify their export markets, the UK market remains the largest export market for Enterprise Ireland clients. In 2019, Enterprise Ireland clients reported €7.9 billion in exports to the UK, representing 31 per cent of total client exports.
Enterprise Ireland remains committed to working with client companies to assist them sustain and grow their business, both in the UK, and through market diversification. This will be delivered through a comprehensive programme of funding, advice and in-market supports to get customs ready, remain competitive in the UK and identify future growth opportunities.
The Government is committed to ensuring that the most Brexit impacted sectors of the economy will be supported and assisted. The EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve and the proposed significant allocation of funding to Ireland under this fund is strong recognition of the fact that Ireland is one of the most impacted Member States by Brexit. The fund will be used to mitigate the worst impacts of Brexit for the most impacted sectors in the economy.
166. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a skills audit for County Mayo by IDA Ireland; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18654/21]
View answerRegional development is at the centre of IDA’s new strategy, “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024”, and IDA is committed to the pursuit of more balanced, compact regional development which can deliver complementary efficiency and equity gains, with the overall impact of helping to advance national development. IDA will target half of all investments (400) from 2021- 2024 to regional locations and maintain the same high level of investment as targeted in IDA’s previous strategy for each region of the country. FDI cannot be the sole contributor in addressing the challenges facing Ireland’s regions – from Brexit to Covid-19, digital transformation to the climate transition – but it can have a significant impact in propelling economic recovery and realising more balanced growth. There are 120 IDA supported companies in the West Region, employing 27,695 people in total and there are 17 IDA supported companies in County Mayo, employing 4,955. IDA Ireland will target 76 investments for the West region in the period 2021 to 2024.
IDA Ireland continues to have a very strong focus on skills availability and profiles across all Regional locations including the West Region and County Mayo. While IDA Ireland is not currently undertaking a specific skills audit for County Mayo, IDA Ireland continues to engage with all key stakeholders in the West Region including the West Region Skills Forum, Skillnet, 3rd level institutes in the West Region GMIT and NUIG, the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), Enterprise Ireland, Mayo Local Enterprise Board, Mayo County Council and the WDC in relation to skills and talent availability, mapping, training and upskilling. IDA Ireland, under its new Strategy “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth, 2021-2024 ” will continue to prioritise the development and support of skills that align with the future needs of industry.
167. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if further clarification will be provided on when small window cleaning businesses, that is external cleaning on domestic properties, can reopen under the latest restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18701/21]
View answerAs you are aware, following 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 (COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead) and for essential retail and services (including childcare) to remain open.
This has been followed by the recent Government announcement of a phased easing of public health restrictions that commenced on 12th April. Further details of these phases can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/81029-government-announces-phased-easing-of-public-health-restrictions/.
However, all non-essential services must stay closed for now. This is to help reduce the number of people moving about as the variant of the virus, B-117, that we are dealing with now is more transmissible and it is significantly more dangerous. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/.
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.
Under the current Regulations construction or development of housing, including adaptation and remediation work and work on vacant residential properties, and the provision of support services relating to such construction or development is permitted.
While it may be the case that in certain circumstances residential window cleaning could form part of support services relating to permitted construction and development, the onus is on the individual to ensure they are in compliance with the Regulations.
The full list of essential services and activities currently permitted is set out in S.I. No. 168 of 2021, as amended, and does not include a general category of outdoor work.
The current public health measures will remain in place until 4 May. Government will meet in advance of that date to review the level of restrictions.
Government decisions are not taken lightly, and I am acutely conscious of the impact they have on businesses. That is why the Government has worked to support businesses through this difficult time with a comprehensive range of measures for firms of all sizes. Details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes and measures for businesses are available on my Department’s website at
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
168. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some large department stores (details supplied) are selling non-essential items in breach of current public health restrictions; the steps he will take in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18774/21]
View answerUnder Level 5, in line with public health guidelines, only essential retail outlets will remain open and the current temporary restrictions in Level 5 will stay in place until at least 4 May 2021. Further information can be found on gov.ie.
The decision to move to full scale Level 5 was not taken lightly and all factors were considered.
S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/)
clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/
Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential stores. This is to stop people making unnecessary journeys, congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus.
Under the current temporary restrictions while click and collect of non-essential retail items is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.
Under consideration from 4 May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.
We are asking retailers to comply with the current COVID-19 regulations. In particular, we are asking retailers with mixed retail offering which have discrete spaces for essential and non-essential retail to ensure the strict separation of relevant areas.
An Garda Síochána are engaging with retailers and enforcing the regulations where necessary.
Retailers can and have made arrangements, on compassionate grounds, for individual customers to urgently purchase a non-essential item in store. This is only in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to plan ahead and avail of remote ordering services such as in emergencies.
We are asking retailers to exercise their best judgement and common sense on a case by case basis, to ensure those requiring urgent access to a non-essential item are accommodated.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead which can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/,
sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation.
All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.
I meet regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
169. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the practice of an employer requiring employees, who cannot attend their work premises due to Covid-19 restrictions, to reimburse the employer for the cost of couriering work materials such as files to the employee is prohibited under the Payment of Wages Act 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18796/21]
View answerStatutory and contractual employment terms apply in relation to the payment of wages. Failure to pay all or part of the wages due to an employee is considered an unlawful deduction and a complaint can be made under the Payment of Wages Act, 1991.
The Payment of Wages Act 1991 establishes a range of rights for all employees in relation to payment of wages. The Act regulates how wages and salaries are paid and what deductions may be made from same. Under this Act, an employer is not permitted to make deductions from an employee's wages unless the deduction is authorised under the contract of employment, required by statute or is made with the prior written consent of the employee.
If an employee believes that his/her employer has made an unlawful deduction from his/her pay, then s(he) may refer a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission. Complaints should be made using the online complaint form available on workplacerelations.ie. A complaint must be brought within 6 months of the date of the deduction. The time limit may be extended for up to a further 6 months, but only where there is a reasonable cause which prevented the person from bringing the complaint in the normal time limit.
170. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when outdoor work such as window cleaning outdoors is expected to return; if he will provide details of guidelines on the definition of outdoor work and the plans for outdoor work under current health guidelines. [18847/21]
View answerAs you are aware, following 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 (COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead) and for essential retail and services (including childcare) to remain open.
This has been followed by the recent Government announcement of a phased easing of public health restrictions that commenced on 12th April. Further details of these phases can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/81029-government-announces-phased-easing-of-public-health-restrictions/.
However, all non-essential services must stay closed for now. This is to help reduce the number of people moving about as the variant of the virus, B-117, that we are dealing with now is more transmissible and it is significantly more dangerous. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/.
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.
Under the current Regulations construction or development of housing, including adaptation and remediation work and work on vacant residential properties, and the provision of support services relating to such construction or development is permitted.
While it may be the case that in certain circumstances residential window cleaning could form part of support services relating to permitted construction and development, the onus is on the individual to ensure they are in compliance with the Regulations.
The full list of essential services and activities currently permitted is set out in S.I. No. 168 of 2021, as amended, and does not include a general category of outdoor work.
The current public health measures will remain in place until 4 May. Government will meet in advance of that date to review the level of restrictions.
Government decisions are not taken lightly, and I am acutely conscious of the impact they have on businesses. That is why the Government has worked to support businesses through this difficult time with a comprehensive range of measures for firms of all sizes. Details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes and measures for businesses are available on my Department’s website at
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
171. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the €50,000 turnover threshold for the small business support scheme will be reduced; if an alternative financial support will be provided to small businesses with lower turnovers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18993/21]
View answerAs you are aware, the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
You will also know that Budget 2021 provided 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.
In relation to the eligibility requirement of €50,000 turnover, it is important to remember that the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID has been introduced to meet the unavoidable costs that businesses operating from a fixed premises incur whether they are open or not. Analysis carried out for similar schemes has shown that where annual turnover is less than €50,000, then it is likely that most costs will be payroll based. As you know, Government already provides subsidies or other income supports in the form of the EWSS and the PUP.
I would urge business owners to seek the supports available. I would also suggest they contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business.
It is important to note that I along with my Government colleagues are continuing to keep government business schemes under review.
