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Wednesday, 21 Apr 2021

Written Answers Nos. 191-210

Work Permits

Questions (191)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

191. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for an employment permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19765/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Employment Permits section of my Department inform me that a Trusted Partner application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit for the person concerned (details supplied) was received on 25th March 2021 and an employment permit issued on 15th April 2021.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (192)

Michael Ring

Question:

192. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all vacancies (details supplied) are advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19812/21]

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Written answers

State Board vacancies under the remit of my Department are advertised on State Boards website (www.stateboards.ie). In publicising vacancies, my Department operates in accordance with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards published by The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in November 2014. Under these guidelines, State Board vacancies are advertised by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) through the State Boards website. All eligible vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of this Department are filled through this process.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (193)

Michael Ring

Question:

193. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if any person can apply for a position (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19867/21]

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Written answers

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform published guidelines on appointments to State Boards in November 2014. My Department operates in accordance with these guidelines in filling vacancies on State Boards under our remit. Under these guidelines, State Board vacancies are advertised by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on the stateboards.ie website. Each Board vacancy is advertised with the criteria, qualifications and experience required for the position available, to ensure that all Boards hold an appropriate mix of experience, knowledge and skills to successfully oversee the performance of the Board’s functions. Attention is paid to promoting gender balance on the composition of boards. Board positions are open to the public to apply.

Recent campaigns run by PAS for this Department have resulted in significant numbers of applications with strong competition for positions on Boards.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (194)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

194. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a restart grant was declined for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19951/21]

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Written answers

The eligibility criteria set out by my Department determined how Restart Grant Plus applications were processed by the Local Authorities on its behalf during the operation of the scheme.

In this context it is important to note that for the purposes of the Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus Schemes, each Local Authority was the decision maker in relation to initial applications and appeals. The Department had no role in relation to individual applications and appeals.

Where clarification of the eligibility criteria had been necessary, the Local Authorities engaged proactively with my Department to determine how best to proceed.

I'm informed my Department is satisfied that the Local Authority correctly applied the eligibility criteria of the scheme in this instance and this has been communicated to the applicant in question on several occasions previously.

IDA Ireland

Questions (195)

John Brady

Question:

195. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the IDA has, in respect of the decision by it to appoint a business development consultant in Israel, investigated the possibilities of a permanent establishment being created by virtue of the fact that a fixed place of business is being established in Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20044/21]

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Written 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 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. The IDA is not considering a permanent establishment in Israel at present.

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.

SOLAS Funding

Questions (196)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

196. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider allowing the €3 million SOLAS fund established for a group (details supplied) to be used towards the payment of redundancy sums that have been denied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20091/21]

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Written answers

I extend my sympathies to the workers in Debenhams and fully appreciate how difficult the situation has been for those involved and their families. The Government has always sought to ensure that the concerns of Debenhams workers are heard, and that the State’s welfare, employment and training services are responding to the needs of the former Debenhams workers. The State has guaranteed the legal rights and entitlements of Debenhams workers including statutory redundancy. This right has been honoured by the State at a cost of over €13m.

I acknowledge that the Debenhams workers are disappointed that an enhanced redundancy package cannot be met. However, negotiations on enhanced redundancy are a voluntary matter between the liquidator and former employees. There is no legal scope for the Government to supplement or ‘top-up’ redundancy payments to honour a collective agreement between an employer and its employees. To do so would represent the State picking and choosing certain workers over others as being more deserving of enhanced payments.

Legally, the Government was in a position to allocate a fund of €3 million to support career guidance, training, education and business start-ups for the former Debenhams workers, but not as a direct payment for redundancy compensation.

I understand that following an initial rejection of the fund by the workers concerned, SOLAS and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science have commenced engagement more broadly with each group of redundant employees in the different locations to advise and help inform their consideration of the proposal, and this is to be welcomed.

Trade Missions

Questions (197)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

197. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of virtual trade missions to the USA that were held in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if a virtual trade mission to the USA will be held before the end of quarter 2. [20099/21]

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Written answers

Each year, Enterprise Ireland offers a programme of trade missions and events which support the goal of securing high-level market access for companies based in Ireland who are aiming to grow business overseas and increase domestic employment.

In recent years the majority of Ministerial-led Trade Missions have taken place to the Eurozone, North America and Asia Pacific, which represented the strongest growth opportunities for Irish companies. These Ministerial-led Trade Missions focused on promoting the innovative capabilities and competitive offerings of Irish companies to international buyers in sectors including internationally traded services, fintech, high-tech construction, engineering, ICT and lifesciences.

The Ministerial-led Trade Missions Programme 2020 was severely curtailed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, and a number of trade missions were postponed or held virtually. Enterprise Ireland proceeded with over 40 sector specific digital events in 2020 which brought Enterprise Ireland clients, US buyers and sectoral experts together.

Promotion of Irish companies abroad also continued through 2020 via the work of our State agencies, and, in particular, their offices located on the ground internationally.

Ministerial-led trade missions will be taking place virtually and, where possible, physically during 2021. Key virtual Ministerial events for the USA market to date in 2021 included:

7th January: Enterprise Ireland collaborated with the American Chamber of Commerce on an Invest in California event, featuring Minister Robert Troy and California LT Governor Eleni Kounalakis.

28th January: Future of Digital Transformation US Dairy Virtual Event - Minister Robert Troy.

16th March: Future of Energy USA Event - Minister Ossian Smyth.

16th March: California State Round Table with CA LT Governor Eleni Kounalakis (San Francisco) - An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

17th March: Washington State Event (Seattle) - Celebrating Ireland and Washington State's Transatlantic Partnership - An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

In addition to these events, there were 12 sector specific webinar events for clients, key US buyers and stakeholders covering Life Sciences, Construction, Consumer Retail, Fintech & Services, Education Services, Animation and Digital Content, ICT, Cyber Security, Talent and HR Technology.

Enterprise Ireland is currently making preparations to arrange a number of virtual US market events which will take place during Q2 2021 with Ministerial involvement and will focus on sectors including construction, travel tech and education.

Running in tandem with the virtual and actual missions in 2021, Enterprise Ireland, and its staff overseas, will continue to support companies to sustain their existing export sales and to increasingly diversify their export markets. This will include strengthening the sales and marketing capability of companies, with a particular focus on remote/virtual channels and providing targeted financial and advisory supports to companies adversely impacted by COVID-19 and Brexit to support their adaptation to the challenging market environment.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (198)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

198. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 141 of 10 March 2021, if he will give further consideration to issues raised in additional correspondence from a company (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20157/21]

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Written answers

I have received several items of correspondence on behalf of the company to which you refer. I appreciate that businesses are making enormous sacrifices at the moment to help protect their communities.

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.

At an early stage of this crisis, it became apparent that the impacts on economic activity were going to remain with us for much longer than originally anticipated. It also became clear that many businesses were incurring costs such as rent, rates, insurances, maintenance, security and other utilities, on an ongoing basis without the ability to generate the revenues required to meet these costs. Most of these costs are associated with the running costs of a premises, while for businesses without a fixed premises, fixed costs will likely be lower as a proportion of their total expenses.

I acknowledge that many businesses who do not trade from a commercial premises have been severely impacted and, for those individuals and businesses, Government has already moved to provide income supports in the form of the PUP and EWSS which are payable regardless of sector and are available to employees, sole traders and proprietary directors.

Our schemes are there to help meet fixed costs that cannot be avoided and to provide basic weekly income support up to a 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.

Along with my Government colleagues, I am keeping the range of COVID support measures under review.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (199)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

199. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans for SMEs whose turnover is under €50,000; if funding aid will be provided for them during Covid-19 restrictions given that they cannot avail of same and do not meet the criteria for funding schemes currently in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20164/21]

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Written 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.

It is important to note that 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 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.

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (200)

Carol Nolan

Question:

200. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if concerns will be addressed in relation to the continuing prohibition on the purchase of children’s clothes and shoes, with the exception of online purchases which is having a disproportionate and adverse impact on those with limited access to broadband and those who lack sufficient computer literacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20165/21]

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Written 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 and delivery can continue.

Under consideration from 4th 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, e.g., admission to hospital.

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.

Low Pay Commission

Questions (201)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

201. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has engaged with the Low Pay Commission regarding a review of universal basic income as set out in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20215/21]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to ‘Request the Low Pay Commission to examine Universal Basic Income, informed by a review of previous international pilots, and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government’.

Earlier this year, I formally requested the Low Pay Commission to examine this issue.

The LPC is currently finalising terms of reference for this study and the ESRI are being engaged to complete this work before the end of the year.

The study will examine UBI pilots that have taken place in other countries to identify what was learnt that could be relevant to a pilot in Ireland. It will also seek to identify what policy objectives a UBI pilot could examine and associated fiscal implications.

It will conclude with recommendations on how a UBI pilot in Ireland could be designed.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (202)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

202. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports available for a company (details supplied) with mobile premises, premises which are not permanently fixed in place and premises on which no commercial rates are payable which are ineligible for the current Covid-19 business support schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20229/21]

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Written answers

I am acutely aware of the difficulties that the necessary ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are putting on businesses right across the country.

With this 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), the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.

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.

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.

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.

Insolvency Payments Scheme

Questions (203)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

203. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 486 of 7 July 2020, the status of the long-awaited review of the eligibility for the insolvency payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20296/21]

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Written answers

The purpose of the insolvency payments scheme is to protect certain outstanding pay-related entitlements due to employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. The scheme operates under the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Act 1984, which derives from EU Directive 2008/94.

Responsibility for this legislation transferred to the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment from the Department of Social Protection in October 2020.

The 1984 Act does not provide for situations where an employer ceases to trade without engaging in any formal wind-up process. In such cases, referred to as ‘informal insolvency’, former employees may have monies owed to them without having a legal mechanism to claim same from the Social Insurance Fund.

In December 2018, the Supreme Court found that Ireland must provide a mechanism through which a competent authority can determine that a state of insolvency arises, without requiring a formal wind-up process, and that monies due to the employee can be claimed by them from the Social Insurance Fund.

As has been previously outlined to you, the judgment and its ramifications are complex. Officials are continuing to work with legal counsel and the Attorney General’s Office to identify potential solutions and address the issues involved and I will keep you informed on any further updates on this matter.

It is important to find a solution that provides employees with the greatest level of protection while also safeguarding the Social Insurance Fund.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (204)

Colm Burke

Question:

204. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration will be given to putting in place a new loan facility scheme for SMEs in order to reflect current challenges posed by the pandemic to small and medium-sized businesses by which the scheme would be independent of the main commercial banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20300/21]

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Written answers

Since the onset of the pandemic, my Department has worked to ensure that there are schemes in place to help businesses to access appropriate financing in response to the challenges presented trading in the environment brought about by COVID-19. Initially, this meant the adaptation or expansion of existing schemes to ensure support could be in place as quickly as possible. These schemes included the COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, MicroFinance Ireland’s COVID-19 Business Loans, and the Future Growth Loan Scheme.

These were followed by the €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, which was developed as a tailored loan support for COVID-19-impacted businesses and is the largest such scheme in the history of the state.

This scheme was developed with the specific goal of widening the pool of participating lending institutions. To that end, the participating finance providers under the scheme include three banks, four non-bank lenders, and nineteen credit unions. Work is under way to bring more non-bank lenders into participation under the scheme, further broadening the options for businesses seeking to access appropriate financing in response to the impacts of the pandemic.

The proposal outlined in your query specifies a scheme not to be delivered through the major banks, however the delivery of these loan guarantee schemes through existing finance providers allows the Government to leverage existing lending infrastructure that these lenders have in place around the country, ensuring accessibility for impacted businesses.

The scheme’s spread across bank and non-bank lenders provides an efficient mechanism for making competitive lending products available to COVID-19-impacted businesses. There are some businesses in sectors or regions that may have difficulty in accessing financing from specific types of lender, and as such it is considered prudent to ensure that a range of finance providers be involved, including the major banks.

The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme has seen strong uptake since its launch in September of 2020. To date (8 April), the scheme has seen with 4170 loans drawn, to a total value of €255 million.

I want to assure you that I and my colleagues across Government are continuing to keep the range of supports for businesses under review.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (205)

Colm Burke

Question:

205. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration will be given to putting in place a new loan facility scheme for SMEs in order to reflect the current challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic by which loans would be made available over a ten-year period with interest rates of 1% in years one to five and no higher than 3% for the remaining period with a moratorium option available for year one of the loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20301/21]

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Written answers

Since the onset of the pandemic, my Department has responded by working quickly to introduce supports for affected businesses, including in the form of loan guarantee facilities for SMEs.

MicroFinance Ireland’s COVID-19 business loans were launched for micro-enterprises that had been affected by the pandemic, while the COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme made loans available to SMEs as they sought to innovate, change or adapt in response to these challenges. These schemes were put in place as quickly as possible by repurposing and expanding existing loan guarantee schemes.

In July of 2020, the Future Growth Loan Scheme was expanded by €500m. This scheme offers state guaranteed loans for terms of 7-10 years to businesses seeking to make long-term investments. It has seen strong uptake since its expansion, and this is an indication that businesses are planning and making investment for a post-COVID-19 environment.

While these adapted supports were deployed as quickly as possible, work was also under way on the development of a tailored loan guarantee scheme to fit the specific needs of COVID-19-impacted businesses. Launched in September of 2020, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme makes up to €2b in lending available to businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic for terms of up to five-and-a-half-years. Where eligible, the scheme also allows for the re-financing of other COVID-19-related debt.

The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme was developed with the specific goal of widening the pool of participating lending institutions. To that end, the participating finance providers under the scheme include three banks, four non-bank lenders, and nineteen credit unions. Work is under way to bring more non-bank lenders into participation under the scheme, further broadening the options for businesses seeking to access appropriate financing in response to the impacts of the pandemic.

This delivery of the scheme through commercial finance providers offers an efficient mechanism for making competitive lending products available to COVID-19-impacted businesses. However, the operation of loan schemes through commercial finance providers also means that there is less scope to bring the interest rates down further than they are at present, as some interest must be charged by lenders if they are to cover overheads and capital costs if they are to continue to work with Government.

It should be noted that 96% of loans drawn under the scheme have been provided at interest rates of between 2.5% and 2.99%. Moreover, the loan guarantee schemes described above allow for interest-only payment periods, depending on the participating providers’ assessment.

The loan guarantee schemes in place for COVID-19-impacted SMEs have seen strong uptake to date, while the range and variety of these schemes ensures that there are options in place to provide that businesses have access to more appropriate financing for their specific COVID-19 needs.

I want to assure you that I and my colleagues across Government are continuing to keep the range of supports for businesses under review.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (206)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

206. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the Government plans to reintroduce the click and collect system of retail currently suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. [20319/21]

View answer

Written answers

I 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.

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.

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (207)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

207. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the stated policy to introduce a phased reopening of retail as part of the reopening of society generally as temporary pandemic measures are removed from society. [20320/21]

View answer

Written answers

I 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.

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.

In preparing for reopening, we are asking businesses, including non-essential retailers, to revisit their work safely protocols and their compliance with national health guidelines.

- The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) ‘The Work Safely Protocol’ incorporates the current advice on the Public Health measures needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and workplaces. The Protocol is available on www.gov.ie. The HSA is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

- The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) have produced two guidance documents, one for the retail Sector and one for Shopping Centres. Both documents can be found on www.nsai.ie

I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the next phase of the pandemic.

It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions will be informed by the public health advice at the time.

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (208)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

208. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to provide financial supports for businesses operating out of homes that have been impacted financially by Covid-19 but do not qualify for the Covid restriction support scheme or other supports, such as travel counsellors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20362/21]

View answer

Awaiting reply from the Department.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (209)

Joe Carey

Question:

209. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the proposed competition (amendment) Bill; if this proposed Bill will seek to provide additional powers for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to assist in gathering evidence to tackle cartels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20456/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Competition (Amendment) Bill 2021 will include provisions to facilitate the transposition of the EU’s “ECN+ Directive” into Irish law and will represent a step change in competition enforcement for Ireland. Included in the provisions are a new civil enforcement regime for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) (as well as ComReg) with the power to levy significant administrative sanctions, arrange for statutory immunity and leniency and many measures which will greatly improve the ability to enforce competition law in Ireland.

Amongst the measures within the ECN+ Directive and proposed for inclusion in the Bill are measures aimed at improving the power of the CCPC and ComReg to tackle cartel behaviour. This includes measures in relation to both gathering information and imposing sanctions on those involved in cartel behaviour.

The Bill attends to the Programme for Government commitment to enable the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and ComReg to make greater use of administrative penalties to sanction rogue operators, and is an action in the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. In addition, the Bill will further strengthen the powers of the State in tackling white collar crime, economic crime and corruption.

The Government approved the drafting of the Bill at its meeting on 22nd December 2020, and the publication and progression of the Bill was included as a priority in the spring legislative programme. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment finalised its Pre-Legislative Scrutiny on 23rd February. My officials and those of the Attorney General have progressed drafting since then. The transposition of the Directive was due on 4th February last therefore I wish to revert to Government seeking approval to publish the Bill as soon as possible. The timing of this is dependent on further progress in drafting, and also upon the receipt of the Committee’s report and consideration of same. As such, I anticipate reverting to cabinet in May.

I look forward to bringing the Bill to the House in the near future and progressing it before the summer recess.

Work Permits

Questions (210)

John McGuinness

Question:

210. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will reopen the general employment permit scheme to help alleviate the current labour crisis in the mushroom sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20657/21]

View answer

Written answers

The employment permits system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages, however, this objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is a genuine one.

In May 2018, following a detailed business case submitted by the sector, my Department introduced a pilot quota-based scheme to remove the occupations of horticulture worker, meat processing operative and dairy farm assistant from the ineligible occupations list. This pilot scheme proved very successful for a range of employers in the sector and 500 permits were made available to the Horticulture sector. At present, the three quotas created for Dairy Farm Worker, Horticulture Worker and Meat Processing Operative are exhausted.

In order to ensure that the employment permits system is responsive to changes in economic circumstances and labour market conditions, it is managed through the operation of the critical skills and the ineligible occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit. The lists are subject to twice yearly reviews which are evidence based and are guided by research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) in SOLAS, a public consultation process, input from the relevant policy Departments and the Economic Migration Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by the Department. Account is also taken of contextual factors such as Brexit and, in the current context, COVID 19 and their impact on the labour market.

Consideration of the submissions received to the current occupations lists review is underway, including from the mushroom sector, and scheduled to be finalised in the coming weeks.

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