Eoin Ó Broin
Question:172. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Irish SMEs that have a subsidiary in Canada. [19064/21]
View answerEnterprise Data
Questions (172)
Written answers
It is estimated that of the more than 400 Enterprise Ireland client companies that actively export to the Canadian market, approximately 60 companies have established direct presences in Canada. These 60 companies are estimated to employ more than 5,000 people in Canada.
In supporting Enterprise Ireland client companies on their export journey, its International Sales and Partnering Division (across Enterprise Ireland’s 40 overseas office locations), is engaged with companies with the primary objective of driving the growth of exports and ultimately jobs in Ireland.
In general, exporters use a variety of models to target and serve international markets, including establishing direct presences, and by working with market partners including agents, distributors, resellers and channel partners. Depending on the model, a local presence may necessitate the establishment of a subsidiary (or other incorporation), for which EI provides signposting support to suitable advisory partners for client companies in each market.
IDA Ireland
Questions (173)
Alan Dillon
Question:173. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of IDA grant supports provided to vaccine drug product manufacturing fill finish facilities and vaccine drug substance manufacturing facilities supported by the State in each of the years 2011 to 2021; the cost to establish NIBRT and grants provided from 2010 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19118/21]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland is a major global centre for Biopharmaceutical manufacture and supply. In 2019 Ireland was ranked the 5th largest exporter of Biopharmaceutical medicines globally with exports of €80 billion. There are 85 IDA supported companies in the sector in Ireland employing over 37,000 people.
Ireland has been a significant centre of chemistry based small molecule manufacturing since the 1970s. More recently Ireland has attracted significant projects in biologics manufacturing, in particular monoclonal antibodies, making Ireland a significant global manufacturing cluster for biologics. Cumulative investment in the sector over the last 5 years alone has exceeded €8 billion, with notable, major investments by Alexion, BMS, Merck MSD, Takeda Shire and Regeneron. Three of the 10 best-selling biologics and immunotherapy products worldwide are manufactured in Ireland. These are Keytruda (Merck), Opdivo (BMS) and Enbrel (Pfizer). Ireland’s Biopharma sector has a substantial economic impact and is a significant contributor to Ireland’s exports and accounts for a substantial amount of Ireland’s corporation tax. The biopharma sector’s average salary is €89,000 per annum.
Ireland’s Biopharmaceutical industry is primarily focused on complex small molecule and monoclonal antibody biologic products but there is some targeted vaccine production. The total network of 85 sites includes the following vaccine related operations;
- Two sites, which along-side significant biologics mandates, have targeted vaccine drug substance and /or fill finish mandates.
- One site where a vaccine facility is currently under construction, scheduled validation in 2022.
- Further two sites which exclusively manufacture vaccines for animals
NIBRT, established in 2011 with a funding package totalling €57.3m to cover the costs of set-up, including the construction and the initial running costs is funded by the IDA. NIBRT has played a critical role in providing the skilled workforce to match this rapid growth and in carrying out industry-relevant research projects. In 2019 NIBRT trained over 4,000 people, many of whom work around the country, particularly in Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Mayo, Roscommon and Meath.
NIBRT has global recognition as a successful research organisation and as a centre of excellence for training and upskilling of staff in the biologics industry. It has been hugely impactful in influencing the establishment of the 20 biologics manufacturing sites now located around the country, which involved a combined capital investment in excess of €15bn, and who collectively employ in excess of 12,000 people directly with significant expenditure on Irish-sourced materials and services. NIBRT’s funding model aligns to and indeed exceeds international best practice for Research and Technology organisation (RTO) funding as IDA grants accounted for an average of 25% of total NIBRT costs over the last three years with industry funding accounting for 42% of total costs and competitive research funding 33% respectively. International best practice generally assumes a government subvention of 33% using the 1-1-1 funding model.
This year there is an allocation of €10.4m to support the expansion of NIBRT. The following table outlines grant payments for the period 2010 to 2019 inclusive for the vaccine related operations outlined earlier in the response. The grant amounts paid to companies are total payments. Some sites include both vaccine and other biologics production.
|
Grants paid by Year |
Grant Amounts to Vaccine Manufactures |
NIBRT |
|
2019 |
€789,471 |
€4,108,661 |
|
2018 |
0 |
€3,080,516 |
|
2017 |
0 |
€1,468862 |
|
2016 |
€1,080,631 |
€1,911,139 |
|
2015 |
€1,971,393 |
€873,778 |
|
2014 |
0 |
€758,546 |
|
2013 |
€2,874,535 |
€1,938,931 |
|
2012 |
€9,850,861 |
€3,450,982 |
|
2011 |
€1,815,671 |
€7,703106 |
|
2010 |
0 |
€20,885,714 |
Vaccination Programme
Questions (174)
Alan Dillon
Question:174. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the challenges that were identified against Covid-19 vaccine drug product manufacturing in existing facilities here: the cost and timeline associated with these challenges; if a report was commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19119/21]
View answerWritten answers
Pharmaceutical manufacturing sites in Ireland play a key role in the global supply chain of numerous innovative medicines used to treat a wide range of illnesses. The continued necessity and demand for these life changing medicines remains critical to patient care and sites in Ireland have remained focused on maintaining operations and supply of these vital medicines. The capabilities of each site are specifically developed for the production of those medicines while ensuring regulatory and safety performance.
The manufacture of medicinal products, including vaccines, is a complex activity that involves multiple production stages and manufacturing processes, specialist expertise, specific technology solutions and associated infrastructure and a well-coordinated global supply chain. The bulk of global manufacturing to date has been in dedicated vaccine production sites. Modification of an existing facility to manufacture a new product such as a vaccine, would require significant time and capital expenditure and a comprehensive regulatory assessment and is therefore not practical to meet the demands of speed and scale that are required to tackle the pandemic.
Over the past year, IDA Ireland has proactively engaged with its pharmaceutical client base in Ireland. These client engagements have confirmed that there is no immediate available capacity to produce COVID-19 vaccines in Ireland as manufacturers here continue to support global supply chains across a range of innovative medicines.
The COVID-19 Products Scheme that was launched by Minister Humphreys in June 2020, allows additional aid to companies that are developing or producing medicinal products and equipment used in the fight against COVID-19. We have an ongoing commitment to this critical sector and support innovative companies that are developing the new products and processes that will further develop the industry here in Ireland and help us in the fight against COVID-19.
IDA Ireland
Questions (175)
Alan Dillon
Question:175. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the overall level and composition of IDA Ireland grant supports by purpose, sector and region in each of the years 2011 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19121/21]
View answerWritten answers
IDA Ireland grants paid by Region, by Business Sector and by Grant Type for the period 2011 to 2019 inclusive are outlined in Table 1 attached as per IDA’s database in April 2021. Figures for 2020 will be available following publication of the 2020 Annual Report later this year.
Despite a year of unprecedented challenges to the Irish economy, in 2020 IDA Ireland announced 246 new investments and the creation of 20,123 new jobs with the numbers directly employed in the multinational sector in Ireland growing to 257,394 people.
Grant payments are only one measure of IDA Ireland’s performance. IDA partners with its clients to support their work through a range of offerings, and it is worth noting that only approximately 10% of clients are paid grants in a given year. These grant payments are not necessarily linked to either the investments won, or the jobs created in that 12-month period. Grants are generally drawn down over the lifetime of a project which is normally over a period of three to five years. Some investments which result in job creation may not be grant aided and some well-established companies may no longer be receiving grant payments.
State Examinations
Questions (176)
Chris Andrews
Question:176. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if employers will be entitled to ask job applicants if their leaving certificate was predicted grades or exam based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19243/21]
View answerWritten answers
An employer has the freedom to set minimum requirements for job applicants. Such considerations relate to the skills and experience that the employer is looking for in relation to a specific role. There is no express regulation in this area.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (177)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:177. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if businesses providing window cleaning for residential properties are allowed to resume their services on 12 April 2021 in line with the restart of residential construction. [19292/21]
View answerWritten answers
As 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/.
Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland
Questions (178)
Brendan Griffin
Question:178. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 1 of 25 March 2021. if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the remaining lenders of the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland future growth loan scheme will not lend to the hospitality industry; if the hospitality industry is excluded from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19331/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Future Growth Loan Scheme makes up to €800m in lending available to SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees) seeking financing for long-term strategic investment, including in response to the impacts of Brexit and COVID-19.
As of 12 April 2021, 3,293 loans have been sanctioned through the Future Growth Loan Scheme to the value of €691.24m.
Funding under the scheme is made available through participating finance providers: AIB, Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank, Permanent TSB, KBC and Close Brothers. As was noted in the response to the initial query of 25 March, the scheme has seen rapid uptake and as such a number of the participating finance providers are currently closed to new applications as they work through their respective “pipelines” of existing applicants. That pipeline is expected to amount to further tens of millions of lending through those participating providers.
As previously noted, Close Brothers and KBC remain open to new applications under the scheme. The hospitality sector is not excluded from lending under the scheme, however lending under the scheme is subject to the participating finance providers’ own credit policies and procedures. As of the most recent quarterly report (to end December 2020), businesses in the accommodation and food service sector account for approximately €21.68m of the lending drawn under the scheme.
Given the limited funding remaining in the Future Growth Loan Scheme, I would again encourage businesses that are seeking funding for investment purposes in order to respond to or mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 to consider the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to address their financing needs at this time.
The COVID-19 CGS is the largest loan guarantee scheme in the history of the State and also provides for access to finance for investment purposes. It provides for up to €2 billion in lending for terms up to five-and-a-half years, and offers a range of lending products between €10,000 and €1m and is available to SMEs and small mid-caps (business with less than 500 employees), including those in the hospitality sector.
To date (1 April), 4,020 loans have been drawn down by applicants to the scheme, to a total value of €246.39m. To date, €34.43m of lending under the scheme has been to businesses in the accommodation and food services sector.
English Language Training Organisations
Questions (179)
Holly Cairns
Question:179. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on providing sector specific grants administered by Enterprise Ireland and local enterprise offices for English language teaching organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19389/21]
View answerWritten answers
In response to Government pandemic guidelines all English Language Schools were asked to close on March 13th, 2020 . As an industry that relies entirely on international students and travel, the peak months of March-September account for c.70% of revenue and that this was a devastating blow to the sector.
English language teaching organisations that are international traded services are eligible for Enterprise Ireland support.
The key financial instrument available to support these companies through the Covid-19 pandemic was the Sustaining Enterprise Fund (SEF), which was designed to provide companies with investment support to help businesses rebuild after the impact of Covid-19 by providing the funding needed to stabilise cashflow, adapt their operations and support a recovery plan. A non-repayable grant of up to 50% of a funding package (up to €200K) is available on packages between €100K and €800K.
To date, payments of approx. €2.1 million have been made to 12 English Language teaching organisations.
The Department of Further & Higher Education, Innovation and Science continues to work closely with the sector in a dedicated working group and my Department’s agency, Enterprise Ireland, is represented on this group.
Brexit Supports
Questions (180)
Marian Harkin
Question:180. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount drawn down by Irish businesses from the Brexit loan scheme to date; the sectors in which the loan has been accessed; and the geographical distribution of loan recipients per NUTS III region, cross referenced with loan values. [19406/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Brexit Loan Scheme makes available working capital lending to eligible businesses that are exposed to impacts arising from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The scheme was developed in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland(SBCI).
Loans under the scheme range from €25,000 to €1.5m for terms of up to three years and are offered at favourable terms compared to otherwise similar lending in the market. For example, there is no security required on loans of up to €500,000 and loans under the scheme are offered at a maximum interest rate of 4%. Government has approved an extension for this scheme so that it may continue to operate until the end of December 2021.
Granular information on the uptake of the scheme, including the geographical and sectoral distribution of loan recipients, is provided by the SBCI on a quarterly basis. As of the most recent quarterly report (to end December 2020), 282 loans had progressed to sanction under the scheme to a value of €57.5m. 277 of these loans had so far been drawn, to a value of €55.2m.
Please find attached tables setting out full details relating to the breakdown of industry sector data, as well as the requested NUTS III regional breakdown of businesses that have accessed funding under the scheme.
Brexit Loan Scheme, Q4 2020
Activity by Industry Sector:
|
Industry Sector |
Loans Drawn |
|||
|
No. |
%* |
Value |
%* |
|
|
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing |
4 |
1% |
€ 550,000 |
1% |
|
Mining & Quarrying |
1 |
0% |
€ 50,000 |
0% |
|
Manufacturing |
84 |
30% |
€ 22,973,500 |
42% |
|
Electricity, Gas, Steam & Air Conditioning Supply |
2 |
1% |
€ 110,000 |
0% |
|
Water Supply, Sewerage & Waste Management |
2 |
1% |
€ 55,000 |
0% |
|
Construction |
14 |
5% |
€ 3,465,000 |
6% |
|
Wholesale & Retail Trade |
69 |
25% |
€ 10,110,800 |
18% |
|
Transportation & Storage |
5 |
2% |
€ 1,442,950 |
3% |
|
Accommodation & Food Service Activities |
3 |
1% |
€ 155,000 |
0% |
|
Information & Communication |
62 |
22% |
€ 12,575,500 |
23% |
|
Financial & Insurance Activities |
2 |
1% |
€ 90,000 |
0% |
|
Real Estate Activities |
1 |
0% |
€ 60,000 |
0% |
|
Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities |
16 |
6% |
€ 1,944,000 |
4% |
|
Administrative & Support Service Activities |
6 |
2% |
€ 480,500 |
1% |
|
Public Admin |
0 |
0% |
€0 |
0% |
|
Education |
3 |
1% |
€ 960,000 |
2% |
|
Human Health & Social Work |
3 |
1% |
€ 215,000 |
0% |
|
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation |
0 |
0% |
€0 |
0% |
|
Other Services Activities |
0 |
0% |
€0 |
0% |
|
Total |
277 |
100% |
€ 55,237,250 |
100% |
* Figures are expressed as a % of the relevant status (i.e. Approved or Ineligible). Rounding differences may exist.
Activity by Region:
|
Region |
Loans Drawn |
|||
|
No. |
%* |
Value |
%* |
|
|
Border |
36 |
13% |
€ 6,450,000 |
12% |
|
Midland |
10 |
4% |
€ 2,180,500 |
4% |
|
West |
20 |
7% |
€ 4,745,500 |
9% |
|
Dublin |
102 |
37% |
€ 19,405,750 |
35% |
|
Mid-East |
47 |
17% |
€ 8,577,500 |
16% |
|
Mid-West |
15 |
5% |
€ 2,199,000 |
4% |
|
South-East |
20 |
7% |
€ 4,465,000 |
8% |
|
South-West |
27 |
10% |
€ 7,214,000 |
13% |
|
Total |
277 |
100% |
€ 55,237,250 |
100% |
* Figures are expressed as a % of the relevant status (i.e. Approved or Ineligible). Rounding differences may exist.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (181)
Willie O'Dea
Question:181. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will allow small businesses to transfer from the Covid restrictions support scheme to small business assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19436/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am very aware of the difficulties business owners have faced during this past year. Business owners right across the country have had to make sacrifices in order to protect their communities.
Firstly, let me outline the background to the COVID schemes, in relation to the Revenue Commissioners scheme called CRSS, this was designed by the Department of Finance to provide a well targeted support to assist those public facing businesses located in areas where public health restrictions were in place. The amount payable was based on the eligible business’s turnover for a comparative period pre-pandemic.
The SBASC was designed to provide assistance to those businesses who do not qualify for CRSS or other similar sectoral support schemes. As SBASC is being administered by the 31 Local Authorities, a requirement was that the Scheme be straightforward to administer for both applicants and administrators alike, in order to ensure a speedy payment, which is why a flat rate payment of €4,000 for Q1 was decided on. A decision on the second quarter will be made in due course.
The first quarter payment for SBASC is specifically for qualifying businesses that are not in receipt of the CRSS during that period and under the terms of the scheme it is not possible to receive both SBASC and CRSS at the same time and it is not possible to switch between schemes.
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.
I would urge business owners to contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost and advise on supports that maybe available to them.
It is important to note that the support 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.
Questions Nos. 182 to 184, inclusive, answered with Question No. 155.
IDA Ireland
Questions (185)
John Brady
Question:185. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the essential requirements and qualifications which were specified in the request for tenders with regard to the recent announcement by the IDA to appoint a business development consultant to establish a presence in Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19445/21]
View answerWritten answers
IDA 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 the 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 has to date sought expressions of interest for the part-time Israel based Business Development Consultant and has not yet published an Invitation to Tender. Essential requirements have not yet been finalised for the Invitation to Tender.
IDA Ireland have advised that as part of its normal evaluation and due diligence process, across all geographies, many factors are considered prior to accepting a client into its portfolio, including societal and reputational risk.
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (186)
James O'Connor
Question:186. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the exclusion of businesses under the small business assistance scheme due to the €50,000 turnover threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19459/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
Question No. 187 answered with Question No. 155.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (188)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:188. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to review the regulations regarding the sale of children's clothes noting the challenges faced by parents trying to purchase school clothing further to updated Covid-19 plan and the phased return to school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19584/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Question No. 189 answered with Question No. 155.
Data Protection
Questions (190)
John Brady
Question:190. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures that will be taken in respect of the decision by the IDA to appoint a business development consultant in Israel to ensure proper procedures with regard to the processing and transferring of personal data in view of the fact that the proposed consultant will be based in Israel; the way in which a data breach will be managed in these circumstances; if a risk assessment has been carried out in view of the duty of care of the IDA under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19672/21]
View answerWritten answers
IDA 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 to date sought expressions of interest for the part-time Israel based Business Development Consultant and has not yet published an Invitation to Tender. Essential requirements have therefore not yet been finalised for the Invitation to Tender.
The IDA contract that will be put in place with the consultant appointed to provide pathfinder services in Israel will contain Data Protection clauses which state that the consultant shall comply with all applicable requirements of Data Protection Laws. The contract will also set out the consultant’s obligations under data protection laws regarding the processing of personal data and the handling of a data breach. Additionally, Israel is subject to an adequacy decision which means that the European Commission has decided that as a country it ensures an adequate level of data protection.
I am advised that in this instance the consultant is being engaged as an independent contractor and the contract will include relevant conditions to address any appropriate risk assessments.
My officials have advised IDA of 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.