Alan Kelly
Question:126. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the cost to date of commissions of investigation under the direction of his Department. [21941/21]
View answerDepartmental Investigations
Questions (126)
Written answers
Under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, I am the specified Minister for the IBRC Commission of Investigation, for which Judge Brian Cregan is the Sole Member, and the NAMA Commissions of Investigation, for which Judge John Cregan is the Sole Member. Both Commissions are fully independent in their investigations.
From the date of its establishment in June 2015 to the end of March 2021, the IBRC Commission of Investigation spent €9,674,000 approximately.
From the time of its establishment in June 2017 to the end of March 2021, the NAMA Commission of Investigation spent €3,190,000 approximately.
It is important to note that these figures do not include third party legal costs that have been incurred but not yet paid, which will add very significantly to the overall level of costs.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (127)
Holly Cairns
Question:127. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit encourage and facilitate employees to use active travel to commute to work [21087/21]
View answerWritten answers
Both my Department and the National Economic and Social Development Office, the only body under the aegis of my Department, encourage and facilitate employees to use active travel, such as walking, running and cycling to commute to work by:
- providing shower and changing facilities for staff;
- supporting and encouraging staff to avail of the Cycle to Work Scheme; and
- providing bicycle parking for staff who cycle to work.
In addition, staff for whom walking, running or cycling to work are not an option, are encouraged and facilitated to avail of the Annual Travel Pass Scheme which allows staff to save between 28.5% and 52% on annual public transport tickets.
Given the current COVID-19 restrictions in place, all non-essential staff are working from home, so the number of staff commuting to the workplace is greatly reduced.
Departmental Advertising
Questions (128)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:128. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department on both traditional and online advertising in each of the past five years and to date in 2021; the breakdown of funding; and the details of the media outlets, online platforms and social media companies with which his Department advertised. [21764/21]
View answerWritten answers
The figures requested by the Deputy are in the table below.
|
Online Advertising |
|||||
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
€0 |
€0 |
€436,823 |
€12,281 |
€1,385,389 |
€447,848 |
|
Broadcast Advertising |
|||||
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
€0 |
€0 |
€301,606 |
€0 |
€8,371,149 |
€1,365,744 |
|
Print Advertising |
|||||
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
€10,629 |
€10,659 |
€425,297 |
€4,130 |
€6,220,182 |
€1,283,454 |
|
Video/radio/advert production costs |
|||||
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
€0 |
€29,957 |
€501,576 |
€17,208 |
€996,304 |
€504,949 |
The bulk of the spend in 2021 , and last year, relates to the COVID-19 emergency. Public information campaigns played a vital role in communicating the various strands of the pandemic. The campaigns informed citizens of all stages of restrictions as they were introduced and subsequently lifted. Public information campaigns were also used to communicate with citizens on the supports being made available by Government to get through the pandemic. Campaigns included information on business and wellbeing supports, postponement of Leaving Cert 2020, School Reopening and the Jobs Stimulus Plan. Campaigns also encouraged the key behaviours necessary to control the virus. Campaigns communicated the Reopening plan in the Summer of 2020 and the National Framework for Living with Covid-19.
The scale of the communications challenge faced by Government was unprecedented, requiring public information campaigns across every sector of the economy and society.
The communications strategy for Covid-19 required national and international coordination. A series of coordinated campaigns were developed to ensure maximum clarity for citizens, businesses and our wider community. The strategy aligned with both World Health Organisation (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) advice, both of which emphasised the importance of ensuring the general public is aware of the seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak and further that a high degree of population understanding, community engagement and acceptance of the measures put in place are key in preventing further spread.
It is also recommended that communication strategies should target different audiences and provide the rationale behind the measures, also outlining the necessity to put a support system in place to provide essential services and supplies (e.g. food and medication), and to monitor vulnerable individuals. This necessitated expenditure on a broad range of targeted public messaging across a range of different information campaigns using national and local radio, national and regional newspapers, and social media platforms. The centralised approach adopted is helping to ensure effectiveness of advertising spend and consistency and amplification of the public health messaging across the various public awareness campaigns and to those hard to reach audiences.
The communications programme recognises the importance of ensuring as many people as possible receive the information they need in the format that suits them, using the appropriate channels and delivered in the appropriate way. They also understand that, for example, when trying to encourage particular behaviours that will protect communities and the health service, certain groups receive communications in different ways. The campaigns utilise platforms like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.
The AntiViral campaign has been particularly effective. Following a significant increase in case numbers among 18-24 year olds in the autumn of 2020, GIS, the Department of Health and the HSE engaged with representative groups to understand the needs of this demographic. Insight generated from the research these groups had conducted confirmed that young people had been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, were concerned about it and its impact upon them and their loved ones.
It also revealed that they wanted this to be recognised and that they wanted information to be given to them in the appropriate way, by their peers. Taking this insight, we worked with an agency with a track record of communicating with this demographic and developed Antiviral – a campaign that encouraged this group to assume a leadership role in dealing with the pandemic, generating a movement they could relate to and that was delivered by their peers. The campaign continues to be very successful, utilising platforms like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. The campaign has evolved based on feedback from young people and the current strand of the campaign features the stories of young people who have been directly affected by the virus.
This campaign achieved overall impressions and reach of 18.8m and 1.48 million respectively. Engagement (a key metric as it indicates content that has resonated with an audience, causing them to actively interact with the content) has been striking, with an overall engagement of 288,787. On TikTok the level of engagement was 21%, far in excess of the industry standard of 6%. On Instagram, engagement was 36% again a notable achievement given the standard of between 3-5%.
In 2020 there was an expenditure of €16.9 million on providing information to the public, across a range of platforms, on the various Covid-19 restrictions as they were implemented, the wide range of business supports, social welfare supports and community supports available and targeted measures.
In 2019, the spend included €12,000 on online advertising, and €17,000 on video and radio ad production. My Department paid for public information campaigns relating to Budgets 2019 and 2020, for public consultation notices for draft language schemes, and for the ‘Votail100 ’ commemorations. There was also expenditure for advertisements relating to the recruitment of Judges.
In 2018 , the €1.6m spend was across online, print, broadcast advertising, and production costs. The spend related to major cross-Government public information campaigns that the Department funded centrally. These campaigns included Healthy Ireland, Global Ireland, Project Ireland 2040 and the Self Employed Benefits campaign, aimed at ensuring self-employed people are aware of the new and existing benefits available to them.
In 2017, the €40,000 spend related to cross-Government public information campaigns on Healthy Ireland and Self-Employed benefits.
In, 2016, the €10,000 spend related to the Home to Work information campaign.
There have been 48 Covid-19 campaigns undertaken to date. Each campaign was advertised using a combination of National Press, Regional Press, Radio, Digital Display, Social Media, TV and Online Video. Not all platforms were used in every campaign.
Press
30 of the 36 campaigns run to date were advertised in National press and had an average reach of 49%, with 20 of these reaching over 50%. The average readership for the 30 campaigns was 1,914,842 (with 19 of the 30 campaigns having a readership of over 2million). This figure does not include the Regional press, for which exact figures are not known, but combined readership for regional press is over 1,500,000 for each campaign.
Radio
Radio advertising had an average reach of 79%, with 23 of the 31 campaigns advertised on radio reaching over 80%. This translates to approximately 99,190,000 times that the radio ads were heard.
Online
Digital display advertising was used in 19 campaigns, with a combined reach of 44,875,871. This was an average of 2,361,888 impressions, with six of the campaigns reaching over 3,000,000 citizens. In the 26 campaigns which used Social media advertising, the total number of impressions across all campaigns was 115,520,006. This translates to an average of 4,443,077, with a high of 16,119,670 impressions for the Publication of the Roadmap campaign.
TV and online video
To date, we have metrics for two TV advertisements. These have had a combined reach of 4,878,750. Online video ran for the same two campaigns, with an additional reach of 1,236,415.
Departmental Advertising
Questions (129)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:129. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if it is still the case that all Government spending on advertising is managed by his Department; and if not, if it is the case that each Department manages their own spending on advertisements. [21765/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not manage the spending on advertising for all Government Departments. Each Department has responsibility for their spend on advertising.
Legislative Process
Questions (130)
Carol Nolan
Question:130. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach if it is Government policy to encourage the practice of post-legislative scrutiny as previously recommended in a series of Dáil Éireann reform measures from 2011 to 2019. [21889/21]
View answerWritten answers
The practice of post-enactment reporting on Bills that are enacted is governed by the Standing Orders of the Dáil (Standing Order 197). The Deputy will appreciate that this is, therefore, a matter for the Dáil in accordance with Article 15.10 of the Constitution.
Irish Language
Questions (131, 132)
Holly Cairns
Question:131. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit facilitate persons wishing to engage with their services through the Irish language. [21911/21]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:132. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach if all forms issued by his Department and agencies under his remit are available in both the Irish and English languages. [21929/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.
My Department's Language Scheme 2019-2022 under the Official Languages Act 2003, which is available on gov.ie, contains a range of service commitments designed to ensure that any customers of the Department of the Taoiseach who wish to conduct their business through Irish can do so. This includes services by phone or in person and the publication of any forms or information leaflets in both languages.
In keeping with the spirit of the Official Languages Act 2003, my Department is committed to developing and maintaining a culture that encourages the use of Irish both within the Department and with our customers. This includes employing an adequate cohort of staff with sufficient proficiency to meet service levels and providing opportunities to help staff improve their knowledge and usage levels.
The National Economic and Social Development Office, the only body under the aegis of my Department, maintains the same level of commitment and service levels as my Department to facilitate persons wishing to engage with their services through the Irish language.
Third Level Education
Questions (133)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:133. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Taoiseach if the research to be conducted by the shared island unit on the research programme entitled The Economic and Social Opportunities from Increased Cooperation on the Shared Island will include the increased cooperation in third-level education. [22004/21]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the Shared Island initiative, the Shared Island unit in my Department is progressing a comprehensive research programme, working with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) and the Irish Research Council (IRC).
Strengthening social, economic and political links on the island and the promotion of all-island approaches to the strategic challenges facing Ireland, North and South are key objectives, and North/South and East/West collaboration is a feature of the research work.
The research programme with the ESRI is on ‘the Economic and Social Opportunities from Increased Cooperation on the Shared Island’. Research outputs will be published in 2021 and subsequent years.
2021 work under the programme is focusing on aspects of health, education, enterprise and the all-island economy. 2021 work on education will consider policy learnings from an examination of key aspects of education and training systems, including at third-level, north and south.
Scoping papers including terms of reference for each of the ESRI research topics for 2021 will be published in the coming weeks and made available at gov.ie/sharedisland/research.
More broadly, the Government is committed to working to enhance all aspects of North-South cooperation on the island, including in third-level education, and to supporting a North/South programme of research and innovation, including an all-island research hub.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (134)
Seán Sherlock
Question:134. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach the cost of each contract entered into by his Department and the agencies under his remit to deal with Covid-19 management and reaction; and the name of the contractor in each case. [22147/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has entered into two contracts since the start of 2020 in relation to the management and reaction to COVID-19. Pluto were engaged to develop a campaign focusing on the 18-24 year old cohort. The Antiviral campaign encouraged this demographic to assume a leadership role in dealing with the pandemic and utilised platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. Costs to date are €209,322.44.
The ESRI have also been commissioned to conduct a social activity measure study to understand how people are behaving with respect to restrictions and COVID-19 guidance. Results of this survey are published and communicated every two weeks and continue to inform policy formulation and public information campaigns. Costs are currently being finalised for the work to date.
The National Economic and Social Council, which is under the aegis of my Department, have not entered into any such contracts.
Cúrsaí Gaeilge
Questions (135, 136)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:135. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den an Taoisigh cé hiad na hionadaithe Gaeilge a bhfuil Aonad um Oileán Comhroinnte a Roinne tar éis plé a bheith acu leo, mar atá luaite ina fhreagra ar mo cheist uimhir 9 den 21 Aibreán, uimhir thagartha 18418/21. [22206/21]
View answerAengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:136. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den an Taoisigh na dátaí agus na miontuairiscí den phlé a tharla idir ionadaithe Gaeilge agus Aonad um Oileán Comhroinnte a Roinne a chur in iúl don Teachta seo. [22207/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.
Chas mé le hionadaithe sinsearacha ó gach ceann de na Comhlachtaí Forfheidhmithe Thuaidh-Theas ar an 19 Feabhra, lena n-áirítear Leas-Chathaoirleach agus Príomhfheidhmeannach Fhoras na Gaeilge ar an 19 Feabhra. Phléamar tionscnamh Oileán Comhroinnte an Rialtais agus an méid tábhachtach a chuireann gach ceann de na Comhlachtaí sin leis an sprioc oibriú le chéile chun torthaí dearfacha a bhaint amach do gach duine ar an oileán seo.
Tá Aonad um Oileán Comhroinnte mo Roinne i mbun rannpháirtíochta ar bhonn leanúnach leis an tsochaí shibhialta agus le hionadaithe earnála ar an oileán chun eolas a dhéanamh dá chuid oibre. Reáchtáiltear an rannpháirtíocht sin ar bhonn rúnda, ach tá sé deimhnithe ag an aonad um Oileán Comhroinnte áfach, go bhfuil Conradh na Gaeilge sásta an cruinniú a bhí acu leis an aonad ar an 18 Samhain a lua san fhreagra ar an gceist seo.
Réamhchruinniú ab ea an cruinniú seo inar leag an t-aonad amach cur chuige agus tosaíochtaí an Rialtais don tionscnamh Oileán Comhroinnte, agus ról an aonaid chun an obair sin a chomhordú, chomh maith le hidirphlé a chothú agus taighde a choimisiúnú, fad is é i mbun obair dhlúth leis na Ranna agus Gníomhaireachtaí ábhartha. Chuir Conradh na Gaeilge a chuid tuairimí i láthair ar an tionscnamh Oileán Comhroinnte agus léirigh spéis dhearfach ann agus comhaontaíodh go bhfanfaí i dteagmháil.
Ní ábhar taifid phoiblí é rannpháirtíocht in imeachtaí Idirphlé maidir le hOileán Comhroinnte. Tá fiosrú déanta ag aonad um Oileán Comhroinnte mo Roinne áfach agus tá sé deimhnithe go bhfuil Údarás na Gaeltachta, Conradh na Gaeilge agus tionscadal Turas sásta an rannpháirtíocht a bhí acu féin in imeachtaí Idirphlé maidir le hOileán Comhroinnte a lua san fhreagra ar an gceist seo.
Tá aonad um Oileán Comhroinnte mo Roinne ag súil le leanúint den rannpháirtíocht le hionadaithe ar an nGaeilge mar chuid dá chuid oibre, i gcomhar leis na Ranna líne iomchuí a bhfuil freagrachtaí orthu i leith na Gaeilge.
I met with senior representatives of each of the North South Implementation Bodies on 19 February, including the Vice-Chair and CEO of Foras Na Gaeilge on 19 February. We discussed the Government’s Shared Island initiative and the critical contribution of each of the Bodies to the goal of working together to deliver positive outcomes for all the people of this island.
The Shared Island unit in my Department is engaging on an ongoing basis with civil society and sectoral representatives on the island to inform its work. These engagements are conducted on a confidential basis, however, the Shared Island unit has confirmed that Conradh na Gaeilge are content for their meeting with the unit on 18 November to be noted in response to this question.
This was an introductory meeting where the unit set out the Government’s approach and priorities for the Shared Island initiative, and the unit’s role in coordinating this work, and in fostering dialogue and commissioning research, working closely with relevant Departments and Agencies. Conradh na Gaeilge presented their views on and positive interest in the Shared Island initiative and it was agreed to remain in contact.
Participation in Shared Island Dialogue events is not a matter of public record. However, the Shared Island unit in my Department has inquired and confirmed that Údarás na Gaeltachta, Conradh na Gaeilge and the Turas project are content for their participation in recent Shared Island Dialogue events to be noted in response to this question.
The Shared Island unit in my Department looks forward to continuing to engage with Irish language representatives as part of its work, in cooperation with the relevant line Departments with responsibilities on the Irish language.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (137)
Catherine Murphy
Question:137. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department on public relations advice and media advice since January 2020 to date in 2021; and the companies engaged for this advice in tabular form. [22282/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has no contracts with consultants or Public Relations agencies.
The Citizens’ Assembly, which is staffed by my Department, has engaged Q4 Public Relations to provide media liaison and communication services incurring costs of €18,465.71 in 2020 and €5,127.38 to date in 2021. Its remit includes raising public awareness of the Assembly’s work; managing media attendance at two face to face meetings of the Assembly in early 2020 and supporting communication and media outreach regarding seven online meetings of the Assembly between October 2020 and April 2021. Q4 also provide a press office service to engage with the media to respond to queries on the work of the Assembly.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (138)
Catherine Murphy
Question:138. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department on advertising and public messaging in print, broadcast and online since January 2020 to date in 2021; and the companies engaged to assist with placing the advertisements and the companies advertised with in tabular form. [22300/21]
View answerWritten answers
A tabular breakdown of the figures requested by the Deputy is below.
|
Covid-19 Campaign: |
Advertising in publications |
Broadcast Advertising |
Online Banner Advertising |
Social Media advertising |
Consultancy |
Production costs |
Total |
|
|
1 |
Emergency Business Supports |
€229,784 |
€253,141 |
€0 |
€0 |
€9,422 |
€492,347 |
|
|
2 |
Use of Outdoor/Public Spaces |
€140,178 |
€264,855 |
€0 |
€0 |
€12,983 |
€418,016 |
|
|
3 |
14 Day Restrictions |
€135,291 |
€323,281 |
€0 |
€5,064 |
€13,407 |
€477,043 |
|
|
4 |
Community Call |
€578,741 |
€1,061,445 |
€100,520 |
€0 |
€33,918 |
€1,774,624 |
|
|
5 |
Business Supports - SMEs |
€470,649 |
€414,255 |
€83,998 |
€6,215 |
€43,850 |
€1,018,967 |
|
|
6 |
Wellbeing |
€268,367 |
€395,996 |
€124,999 |
€11,263 |
€35,221 |
€835,846 |
|
|
7 |
Reopening Roadmap |
€303,611 |
€439,980 |
€23,809 |
€47,381 |
€36,832 |
€851,613 |
|
|
8 |
Business Reopening - Return to Work Safely Protocol |
€311,932 |
€414,641 |
€100,000 |
€13,939 |
€27,669 |
€868,181 |
|
|
9 |
Leaving Certificate |
€47,458 |
€0 |
€0 |
€7,239 |
€3,739 |
€58,436 |
|
|
10 |
Phase 1 Reopening |
€527,336 |
€486,403 |
€113,993 |
€14,350 |
€34,677 |
€1,176,759 |
|
|
11 |
Business Reopening - RTW 2 |
€219,889 |
€341,233 |
€29,877 |
€6,158 |
€3,785 |
€600,942 |
|
|
12 |
Phase 2 Reopening |
€310,423 |
€444,453 |
€93,740 |
€17,091 |
€26,839 |
€892,545 |
|
|
13 |
Phase 3 Reopening |
€583,883 |
€462,156 |
€81,032 |
€19,548 |
€59,194 |
€1,205,814 |
|
|
14 |
Personal Responsibility |
€0 |
€348,175 |
€29,337 |
€0 |
€6,876 |
€384,388 |
|
|
15 |
Travel |
€143,412 |
€164,130 |
€0 |
€0 |
€15,812 |
€323,353 |
|
|
16 |
Phase 4 Reopening - July Delay |
€316,218 |
€380,505 |
€0 |
€11,140 |
€27,872 |
€735,735 |
|
|
17 |
July Jobs Stimulus |
€274,421 |
€208,380 |
€117,027 |
€20,706 |
€31,841 |
€652,375 |
|
|
18 |
Travel Green List |
€47,307 |
€117,173 |
€0 |
€0 |
€14,772 |
€179,252 |
|
|
19 |
Phase 4 Reopening - August Delay |
€0 |
€165,466 |
€0 |
€0 |
€5,898 |
€171,364 |
|
|
20 |
3 Counties Restrictions (National and Regional) |
€18,234 |
€87,939 |
€0 |
€0 |
€13,250 |
€119,423 |
|
|
21 |
Additional National Measures (August) |
€236,596 |
€192,278 |
€0 |
€0 |
€20,733 |
€449,607 |
|
|
22 |
Dublin/Limerick High incidence awareness |
€154,770 |
€183,921 |
€0 |
€0 |
€27,368 |
€366,059 |
|
|
23 |
Living with COVID (Announcement, Framework and Household booklet) |
€332,909 |
€357,401 |
€103,324 |
€27,767 |
€81,203 |
€902,604 |
|
|
24 |
Dublin Level 3 (Sept) |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
tbc |
€12,318 |
€12,318 |
|
|
25 |
Donegal Level 3 (Sept) |
€123,782 |
€52,554 |
€0 |
€0 |
€1,488 |
€177,824 |
|
|
26 |
Reinforcing Public Health Messaging Nationwide |
€0 |
€76,475 |
€36,363 |
€9,674 |
€3,836 |
€126,348 |
|
|
27 |
Nationwide Level 3 (Oct) |
€47,307 |
€170,682 |
€6,410 |
€5,833 |
€9,367 |
€239,599 |
|
|
28 |
3 Counties L4 / National L3 update |
€0 |
€31,296 |
€0 |
€3,836 |
€9,728 |
€44,860 |
|
|
29 |
Nationwide Level 5 (Oct) |
€47,307 |
€138,355 |
€6,410 |
€7,885 |
€11,779 |
€211,736 |
|
|
30 |
Keep Well - Community Wellbeing |
€265,970 |
€342,127 |
€82,116 |
€12,003 |
€39,343 |
€741,559 |
|
|
31 |
#SafeChristmas Phase 1 (L3) |
tbc |
tbc |
tbc |
tbc |
€40,160 |
€40,160 |
|
|
32 |
#Antiviral |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
€87,120 |
€87,120 |
|
33 |
#SafeChristmas Phase 2 (Christmas Week) |
tbc |
tbc |
tbc |
tbc |
tbc |
||
|
n/a |
3rd Party Copy/Scriptwriting/Strategy |
tbc |
tbc |
tbc |
tbc |
€50,820 |
€50,820 |
|
|
34 |
#SafeChristmas Phase 3 - Live action TV ad |
tbc |
tbc |
tbc |
tbc |
€157,058 |
€157,058 |
|
|
34 |
#SafeChristmas Phase 3 - Animated TV ad |
tbc |
tbc |
tbc |
tbc |
€36,947 |
€36,947 |
|
|
TOTALS 2020 |
€6,135,775 |
€8,318,696 |
€1,132,956 |
€247,092 |
€50,820 |
€996,304 |
€16,881,642 |
|
|
Future of the Media Commission |
€84,407 |
€52,453 |
€5,341 |
€142,201 |
PHD Ltd placed all of the media advertisements for my Department for Covid-19. The bulk of the spend in 2021, and last year, relates to the COVID-19 emergency.
A whole-of-government communications response was mobilised by the Department in response to the COVID-19 emergency in mid-March 2020 to formulate and implement a coordinated response that ensures maximum clarity for citizens, businesses and our wider community. This necessitated expenditure on a broad range of targeted public messaging across a range of different information campaigns using national and local radio, national and regional newspapers, and social media platforms. The centralised approach adopted is helping to ensure effectiveness of advertising spend and consistency and amplification of the public health messaging across the various public awareness campaigns and to those hard to reach audiences.
The scale of the communications challenge faced by Government was unprecedented, requiring public information campaigns across every sector of the economy and society.
The communications strategy for Covid-19 required national and international coordination. A series of coordinated campaigns were developed to ensure maximum clarity for citizens, businesses and our wider community. The strategy aligned with both World Health Organisation (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) advice, both of which emphasised the importance of ensuring the general public is aware of the seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak and further that a high degree of population understanding, community engagement and acceptance of the measures put in place are key in preventing further spread.
It is also recommended that communication strategies should target different audiences and provide the rationale behind the measures, also outlining the necessity to put a support system in place to provide essential services and supplies (e.g. food and medication), and to monitor vulnerable individuals. This necessitated expenditure on a broad range of targeted public messaging across a range of different information campaigns using national and local radio, national and regional newspapers, and social media platforms. The centralised approach adopted is helping to ensure effectiveness of advertising spend and consistency and amplification of the public health messaging across the various public awareness campaigns and to those hard to reach audiences.
IDA Ireland
Questions (139)
Brendan Griffin
Question:139. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA site visits in 2020 and to date in 2021 in counties Clare, Limerick, Cork and Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21243/21]
View answerWritten answers
Regional development is at the centre of IDA’s new strategy, Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024. IDA Ireland 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. The 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.
Cork and Kerry make up the South West Region and has 211 client companies which collectively employ 46,009 people, while Clare and Limerick (along with Tipperary) are included in the Mid-West Region with 131 client companies employing 19,989 people.
The primary responsibility of the IDA is to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Ireland and to retain, transform and expand the existing base of client companies that have already invested and located here.
When it comes to FDI site visits represent a valuable tool through which investors can be encouraged to invest in regional areas. Site visit activity, however, does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as a significant percentage of all new FDI comes from existing IDA client companies.
2020 presented undeniable challenges to ongoing efforts to sustain and grow FDI in Ireland. The introduction of travel restrictions around the world disrupted the usual way the IDA engaged with investors, resulting in fewer numbers of site visits and client meetings. The pandemic also impacted investor confidence and has likely caused some investment decisions to be delayed or postponed.
In response to this, IDA Ireland migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities onto digital platforms and established a suite of digital content which can be accessed by potential investors. The use of these digital platforms has contributed to an enhanced digital engagement with existing clients, and in hosting E-Site visits with potential new investors.
The number of site visits, including E-visits, to end 2020 was: Limerick 26; Clare 16; Cork 30 and Kerry 1. Verified figures for end Q1 2021 are expected before the end of the month. It should also be noted that potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. These figures represent individual visits and are therefore not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.
As part of the IDA’s Strategy Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021-24, IDA have set out proposed office solutions for regional locations, which will enable the IDA to attract further FDI to these locations. For example, in the South-West region IDA will deliver an Advanced Building Solution in Tralee over the life of the Strategy, while continuing to work closely with the private sector in the South-West to secure the provision of appropriate and cost-effective building and property solutions for client companies. Additional upgrade works, and investment are planned for IDA Parks in the region to ensure a robust value proposition for clients, and IDA plans to acquire additional strategic sites for future development. IDA will target 118 investments for the South-West region in the period 2021-2024.
The final decision on where to locate an investment is always decided by the client and not by IDA Ireland. Regular engagement and collaboration with stakeholders are important in positioning any regional location to attract FDI and in this respect IDA Ireland continues to engage with stakeholders as well as working with existing clients in all regional locations to sustain and generate additional jobs.
The Deputy will also be aware that Terms of Reference for the Shannon Estuary Taskforce, encompassing parts of north Kerry and other areas mentioned in his question, are being finalised and I hope to make an announcement in that regard shortly
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
Questions (140, 141)
Denis Naughten
Question:140. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the CCPC investigation into alleged mis-selling of mortgages in a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21257/21]
View answerDenis Naughten
Question:141. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the investigations that are taking place into the allegations of the mis-selling of mortgages by an unlicensed mortgage provider in a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21258/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
One of the primary functions of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (‘CCPC’) is to enforce consumer protection law in Ireland. For cross border consumer protection issues, the CCPC is part of the European Consumer Protection Co-operation (CPC) Network, which is comprised of national authorities responsible for enforcing EU consumer protection laws. This network protects consumers when conducting transactions across national borders, and allows consumer protection agencies to co-operate to resolve particular consumer issues. The CPC Network is central to addressing this matter, which involved the purchase by consumers of properties in France. These properties were developed, marketed, sold and managed by French traders under a French ‘Residence de Tourisme’ scheme devised by the French Government to provide tourist accommodation in France. Under the European CPC network, the appropriate authorities to conduct an investigation in relation to this matter are the French consumer protection authorities – Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes (‘DGCCRF’).
The CCPC has engaged with the DGCCRF with respect to the issues highlighted by Irish property purchasers. The CCPC received complaints from Irish property purchasers and provided an initial preliminary assessment to the DGCCRF for over 150 complainants. Following consultation with the DGCCRF, the CCPC collated and transferred to the DGCCRF the transactional documentation of over 150 Irish property purchasers. The CCPC has and continues to provide significant time and resources to this matter and to supporting the DGCCRF investigation. In addition, throughout the period of engagement with the DGCCRF, whenever issues have been raised by Irish property purchasers, the CCPC has passed these on to DGCCRF and taken whatever additional steps requested by DGCCRF.
The DGCCRF are investigating the issues that were referred to the CCPC by the individuals involved. The primary focus of the CCPC is to continue to support the DGCCRF investigation through providing any assistance or information requested by the DGCCRF. The CCPC considers this matter as a high priority issue and one which we have dedicated considerable resources to. When DGCCRF have completed their investigation, the DGCCRF will provide to the CCPC, information on any potential concerns or infringements with respect to Irish agents identified during the course of their investigation. At that point, the CCPC will assess the information provided by the DGCCRF in order to determine whether there may have been a breach of consumer protection legislation by Irish traders. Following any such assessment, the CCPC will decide the necessary next steps.
In relation to the question of mortgages being sold by an unlicensed mortgage provider, there is limited information in the PQ to provide a comprehensive response. However, generally, I would point out that the authorisation of mortgage providers is a matter more appropriate to the Central Bank. Given the context of the query, it is also not clear whether the mortgage provider in question was an Irish operator or operating outside of the jurisdiction. The Central Bank may be able to provide further information in relation to the requirements of mortgage providers and the consequence of operating without a license. If the mortgage provider was based in another jurisdiction, the Central Bank may also be in a position to advise who the relevant financial regulator might be. The Central Bank has a page on its website where unauthorised firms can be reported. Link - https://www.centralbank.ie/regulation/how-we-regulate/authorisation/unauthorised-firms/report-an-unauthorised-firm.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (142)
Cathal Crowe
Question:142. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the rules in relation to appointment-based shopping for furniture and home furnishing retailers in the current set of restrictions. [21291/21]
View answerWritten answers
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/
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 4th May 2021. Further information can be found on gov.ie
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.
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.
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
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 (143)
Claire Kerrane
Question:143. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if flexibility will be shown when it comes to the requirement for turnover to be over €50,000 in order to qualify for the small business assistance scheme for Covid to ensure that smaller businesses can avail of these supports. [21533/21]
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.
The closing date for receipt of applications for the first phase of the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), has now passed. An announcement in relation to the second phase will take place over the next few weeks.
In relation to the eligibility requirement of €50,000 turnover, it is important to remember that this scheme 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 continue to 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 and my colleagues across Government will continue to keep the range of measures under review.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (144)
Cormac Devlin
Question:144. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will prioritise the reopening of click and collect services for small businesses on a one-to-one appointment basis for sole traders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21631/21]
View answerWritten answers
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/
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 4th May 2021. Further information can be found on gov.ie
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.
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.
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
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
Questions (145)
Cormac Devlin
Question:145. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of domestic cleaning and services under Covid-19 restrictions; if he will prioritise the reopening of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21632/21]
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.
The full list of essential services and activities currently permitted is set out in S.I. No. 168 of 2021.
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/.