Alan Kelly
Question:149. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the advertising spend and initiatives promoted by his Department in 2021 to date; and the plans in place for the rest of the year. [26237/21]
View answerDepartmental Advertising
Questions (149)
Written answers
Below is a table detailing the figures requested by the Deputy.
Since March of 2020, my Department has co-ordinated the communications strategy for the whole-of-government response to the pandemic that ensures maximum clarity for citizens, businesses and our wider community.
There have been 48 public information campaigns to date, and each campaign was advertised using a combination of National Press, Regional Press, Radio, Digital Display, Social Media, TV and Online Video.
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 campaigns play a vital role in communicating the various strands of the pandemic.
There will continue to be expenditure on public information notices and campaigns as needed as we move through the recovery phase, with a focus on continuing to manage the virus, implement the vaccination programme and support our citizens:
|
Covid Campaign: |
Total |
|
Reinforcing Public Health Messaging Nationwide |
€726 |
|
Nationwide Level 5 (continuation Nov 2020 ) |
€9,833 |
|
#Safe Christmas Phase 1 |
€843,645 |
|
#Antiviral phase 1 |
€76,835 |
|
#SafeChristmas P2 - (Christmas week) |
€480,963 |
|
#SafeChristmas P3 - Gathering/Dinner |
€388,420 |
|
Christmas transition to Level 5 |
€227,134 |
|
Dec/Jan return to full Level 5 |
€426,585 |
|
January Additional Level 5 measures |
€607,983 |
|
#Antiviral maintenance campaign |
€33,832 |
|
Stay at home - Do the Right Thing |
€17,895 |
|
Calendar |
€42,165 |
|
Stay the Course - Do the Right Thing |
€145,544 |
|
Reopening of Schools Spring 2021 |
€21,229 |
|
#Antiviral phase 2 - Real Stories |
€98,656 |
|
How it started |
€143,666 |
|
Avoid the Surge |
€6,076 |
|
Stay Local for April |
€14,262 |
|
Campaign material produced but not used in promoted campaigns |
€4,256 |
|
Non-Covid advertising spend : |
|
|
Future of Media Commission |
€20,264 |
|
Budget 2021 |
€1,617 |
Departmental Reports
Questions (150)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:150. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Taoiseach the details of the information his Department collates as per circular 20/2019 (details supplied); the date this report was issued; the location on his Departmental website on which it can be found; and the progress in relation to green procurement that has been made to date. [25440/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has collated and submitted details to the EPA, in line with Circular 20/2019 and accompanying guidelines, of procurement contracts valued greater than €25,000 and how many include green criteria. This information will be included in the Department’s 2020 Annual Report which will be published on gov.ie in due course.
My Department is updating its Corporate Procurement Plan to identify opportunities on the use of Environmental and Social Considerations in Public Procurement and new guidance for staff on how to incorporate green criteria into the procurement process.
Sustainable Development Goals
Questions (151)
Holly Cairns
Question:151. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the progress made to include reference in all new statements of strategy to all sustainable development goal targets for which his Department has lead responsibility as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan 2018-2020. [25757/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is firmly committed to achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has lead responsibility for promoting and overseeing coherent implementation of the SDGs, which cut across policy areas within the responsibility of many Government Departments and agencies, and touch on both domestic and international policy approaches.
The first National Implementation Plan (2018-2020), published in 2018, set out Ireland’s strategy to achieve the SDGs both domestically and internationally. The Goals are mainstreamed in domestic policy.
19 Actions were included in the first National Implementation Plan. Action 4 of the plan set out a commitment to include reference in all new Statements of Strategy to all SDG targets for which a Department has lead responsibility.
A Policy Map is maintained by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and lists all targets relating to the goals along with the lead Department, and relevant stakeholder engagement and contact details.
While my Department does not have lead responsibility regarding individual targets, our statement of strategy reiterates our support of the implementation of whole-of-government initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainable Development Goals
Questions (152)
Holly Cairns
Question:152. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the specific sustainable development goal targets his Department is responsible for implementing; and the progress made in implementing those targets since 26 April 2018. [25775/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is firmly committed to achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has lead responsibility for promoting and overseeing coherent implementation of the SDGs, which cut across policy areas within the responsibility of many Government Departments and agencies, and touch on both domestic and international policy approaches.
The first National Implementation Plan (2018-2020), published in 2018, set out Ireland’s strategy to achieve the SDGs both domestically and internationally. The Goals are mainstreamed in domestic policy.
A Policy Map is maintained by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and lists all targets relating to the goals along with the lead Department, and relevant stakeholder engagement and contact details. My Department does not have lead responsibility regarding individual targets.
Overall high-level political oversight of the SDGs is provided where necessary and appropriate at Government. As necessary, these discussions are prepared by a Senior Officials’ Group, chaired by my Department and supported by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Social Media
Questions (153)
Holly Cairns
Question:153. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach if he has engaged a third-party company to date in 2021 to conduct online and or social media monitoring and or provide reports on social media coverage of his Department; if so, the cost of same; and the name of the social media platforms being monitored. [25793/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not engage third-party companies to provide these services.
Social Media
Questions (154)
Holly Cairns
Question:154. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach if officials in his Department are tasked with conducting online and social media monitoring and completing reports on social media coverage of his Department and his Ministerial activities; if so, the number of staff involved; the respective grades of each; and the estimated working hours committed to same. [25811/21]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the normal operation of the Government Press Office/GIS, traditional, print and social media are monitored for content of relevance to the work of the Department and is done on an ongoing basis. In all cases, this involves only published content that is publically available - whether traditional media, print media or social media. Relevant staff in GIS are at Press Officer grade (HEO) and at the grade of EO.
Departmental Investigations
Questions (155)
Catherine Murphy
Question:155. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he and bodies under his aegis have engaged private investigation companies or persons in the past three years to date; and if so, the cost, duration and purpose of these engagements of this type of contractor. [25833/21]
View answerWritten answers
No private investigation companies or persons have been engaged by my Department or the National Economic and Social Development Office which is a body under its aegis.
Census of Population
Questions (156)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:156. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach if he will use the opportunity presented by the postponement of the 2021 Census to ensure that the arts are included as a distinct industry separate from recreation and sport for the purpose of statistical analysis on employment in the next census and all future censuses. [26091/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has already published the following statistics relating to the Arts Industry and associated occupations following Census 2016. These tables use NACE (Nomenclature of Economic Activities), the European statistical classification of economic activities and Standard Occupation Coding 2010.
Table 1 - Population Aged 15 Years and Over at Work, Detailed Industrial Group, 2016
|
State |
2016 |
|
Creative, arts and entertainment activities |
7,698 |
Table 2 - Population Aged 15 Years and Over at Work, Detailed Occupational Group, 2016
|
State |
2016 |
|
Artists |
2,814 |
|
Authors, writers and translators |
2,808 |
|
Actors, entertainers and presenters |
5,239 |
|
Arts officers, producers and directors |
3,128 |
|
Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators |
3,843 |
CSO will produce similarly detailed statistics on employment within the creative, arts and entertainment activities sector and employment in the listed arts-related occupations arising from Census 2022.
Data Protection
Questions (157)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:157. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the number of data breaches suffered by his Department in each of the past five years and to date in 2021. [26107/21]
View answerWritten answers
There was one data breach identified within my Department in 2016. There have been no data breaches identified since then. Please see the accompanying table setting out the information requested.
The case in 2016 arose on foot of a complaint by an individual made to the Data Protection Commission in 2017. The complaint concerned an allegation that a breach had occurred by way of the unauthorised disclosure of personal information by the Department in correspondence to two other public bodies. The complainant declined the offer of an amicable resolution, including an apology, and so the DPC issued a formal decision in 2020.
|
YEAR |
Department of the Taoiseach No. of Personal Data Breaches |
|
2016 |
1 |
|
2017 |
0 |
|
2018 |
0 |
|
2019 |
0 |
|
2020 |
0 |
|
2021 – to date |
0 |
Social Media
Questions (158)
Holly Cairns
Question:158. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the percentage of posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts and platforms that were exclusively in Irish between 1 May 2020 and 30 April 2021, inclusive; and the percentage of posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts and platforms that featured bilingual translations in Irish and English between 1 May 2020 and 30 April 2021, inclusive. [26589/21]
View answerWritten answers
Total: 531 posts
Exclusively Irish: 31 posts
*Bilingual translations in same post: 0 posts
% in Irish or bilingual: 5.8%
Total: 1,188 posts
Exclusively Irish: 49 posts
Bilingual translations in same post: 0 posts
% in Irish or bilingual: 4.1%
Total: 290 posts
Exclusively Irish: 10 posts
Bilingual translations in same post: 0 posts
% in Irish or bilingual: 3.4%
Total: 141 posts
Exclusively Irish: 2 posts
Bilingual translations in same post: 0 posts
% in Irish or bilingual: 1.4%
*Note: Translations are put it up as a separate post, so there is one post in English and one post in Irish with the same information. Therefore, we have no bilingual translations in the same posts – the Irish version of the post is exclusively in Irish.
My Department's Irish Language Scheme 2019-2022 contains a range of commitments designed to ensure that any customers of the Department of the Taoiseach who wish to conduct their business through Irish can do so. The main commitments in my Department's Irish Language Scheme 2019-2022 relate to the following areas:
Dealing with the public: Those who wish to do business with the Department through Irish by telephone are put in touch with a member of staff who has Irish. As required by the Act, any correspondence in Irish is replied to in Irish.
Publications: (including press releases, speeches and policy documents). Our Scheme commits to ensuring that at least 30% of press releases are published in Irish.
Websites : My Department’s static content and graphics on the websites Gov.ie and MerrionStreet.ie
Cuimsítear i Scéim Gaeilge mo Roinne 2019-2022 roinnt gealltanas atá in ainm is a chinntiú gur féidir le haon chustaiméirí de chuid Roinn an Taoisigh, ar mian leo tabhairt faoina ngó trí Ghaeilge, é sin a dhéanamh. Baineann na príomhghealltanais i Scéim Gaeilge mo Roinne 2019-2022 leis na limistéir seo:
Déileáil leis an bpobal: Atreoraítear iad siúd ar mian leo tabhairt faoina ngnó leis an Roinn ar an nguthán trí Ghaeilge chuig comhalta foirne a bhfuil Gaeilge acu. Faoi mar a cheanglaítear san Acht, tugtar freagra i nGaeilge ar aon chomhfhreagras a fhaightear i nGaeilge.
Foilseacháin : (preaseisiúintí, óráidí agus cáipéisí beartais ina measc). Gealltar inár Scéim do chinntiú go bhfoilsítear ar a laghad 30% de phreaseisiúintí i nGaeilge.
Láithreáin Ghréasáin: Tá ábhar statach agus grafaicí mo Roinne ar na láithreáin ghréasáin Gov.ie agus MerrionStreet.ie ar fáil sa dá theanga.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (159)
Holly Cairns
Question:159. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the guidance for businesses that interact directly with the public regarding their obligations to employees for customers and clients to wear face coverings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25566/21]
View answerWritten answers
Exposure to COVID-19 is a public health risk, which affects all citizens. Public Health advice recommends the wearing of face coverings as a measure to assist in stopping the spread of COVID-19. The Health Protection and Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published guidance around the use of face coverings and masks by the general public, as well as on the efficacy of visors compared with face masks, in the prevention of transmission of COVID-19. This guidance is available on the HPSC website.
Managing the risk of spread of COVID-19 in the workplace is important in relation to the health of workers. The Work Safely Protocol incorporates current advice issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) about measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and in workplaces
In relation to the protection of workers who interact with customers and clients, the Work Safely Protocol sets out specific measures that an employer should take in relation to workers who have customer facing roles. These measures include;
- eliminate physical interaction between workers and customers as much as is reasonably practicable through revised working arrangements, for example through provision of online or phone orders, contactless delivery or managed entry;
- provide hand sanitisers at entry/exit points;
- install physical barriers and clear markings to ensure that contact between workers and customers is kept to a minimum and to ensure that queues do not form between customers as they wait to be served;
- implement a cleaning regime to ensure that contact points for workers and customers are kept visibly cleaned at all times;
- display the advice on the COVID-19 measures in visible locations to ensure that customers are also adhering to what is required;
- implement and adopt public health regulations in relation to use of face coverings in shops, shopping centres and other indoor settings;
- provide masks to workers who need to interact with customers/others where a physical distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained;
The key to a safe workplace remains strong communication and a shared collaborative approach between employers and workers.
The Health and Safety Authority is the lead agency with responsibility for checking compliance with the Protocol. Any worker, or employer, with a concern or a query about compliance with the Protocol should contact the Health and Safety Authority, through their Workplace Contact Unit at 1890 289 389 or at wcu@hsa.ie, for appropriate advice.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (160)
Holly Cairns
Question:160. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if restart grants will be provided to assist SMEs reopen after Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25567/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 was introduced in Budget 2021. The measures include the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), now extended until the 30th of June, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), and the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
The CRSS has provided vital support to businesses that have been forced to close or restrict access to their premises on foot of public health regulations. As we start to reopen the economy, the Government has agreed to the extension of the CRSS until 30th of June 2021. Any business currently availing of CRSS and that can now reopen as restrictions are eased will be able to avail of double restart week payments for two weeks subject to the statutory maximum of €5,000 per week to support them in meeting the costs of reopening as they exit the scheme
The Government are committed that there will be no cliff-edge end to the economic supports at the end of June. Government recognises that re-opening will be costly and will pose new challenges that will need to be sustained by continued supports and corrective measures to get the balance right between supporting recovery and cost to the Exchequer and plans for this are currently in development.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (161)
John Lahart
Question:161. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports that are available for a small businesses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25585/21]
View answerWritten answers
As you know, the Government is very aware of the difficulties business owners are facing right across the country due to the ongoing but necessary COVID-19 restrictions. It is recognised that the events industry has been one of the hardest hit.
With that in mind the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
I would urge business owners to contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost and advise on supports that maybe available to them.
The business you refer to states that they have a turnover lower than €50,000 and this in turn makes them ineligible for some grant schemes.
As you know, Government provides subsidies or other income supports in the form of the EWSS and the PUP.
It is important to note that the support schemes are there to help meet fixed costs that cannot be avoided and to provide basic weekly income support up to maximum of €350 per week. They are not created to provide compensation for loss of personal income above this level or compensation for loss of profits for any sector.
I want to assure you, however, that I have noted the concerns outlined in the letter and all Government supports are being kept under review.
Work Permits
Questions (162)
Michael Creed
Question:162. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if persons in Ireland under work permits are entitled to have their spouses resident here with them for the duration of their work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25633/21]
View answerWritten answers
Unlike many other jurisdictions, in Ireland, there is a clear division between economic migration and general immigration policies and thus an applicant for an employment permit undergoes a separate application process with Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice, for immigration permission and visas to work in the State, including immigration permission for family members.
There are nine different types of employment permits to facilitate different employment scenarios. The employment permit type specifically designed to address key skills shortages is the Critical Skills Employment Permit while the General Employment Permit is the primary permit used by the State to attract non-EEA nationals in occupations of a more general nature.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is Ireland’s premium employment permit and is designed to attract highly skilled people into the labour market in roles identified as being in critical short supply (on the critical skilled occupation list) with the aim of encouraging them to take up permanent residence and employment in the State. As a result, it attracts a number of additional benefits over the other permit types including a fast-track to long term residency after two years, immediate family reunification and broad access to the labour market of dependent/spouse/partners.
For the other employment permit types, family reunification can be applied for after one year and is a matter for the Department of Justice.
EU Directives
Questions (163)
Alan Farrell
Question:163. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the implementation on the EU Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25685/21]
View answerWritten answers
The EU Copyright Directive 2019/790 forms part of the European Commission’s Digital Single Market Strategy and is aimed at providing a framework for modern copyright legislation that reflects the emerging requirements of the digital age.
The Directive contains a number of varied provisions that constitute a significant updating of European Union Copyright Law which will also have the effect of reducing the distinctions between national copyright regimes, thus allowing for wider access and use of copyright protected works to the potential benefit of the creative sectors, press publishers, researchers, educators, cultural heritage institutions, and citizens.
This includes removing digital barriers between Member States by introducing several mandatory copyright exceptions to widen the scope of use of materials in the fields of education, research while also facilitating cultural heritage institutions (e.g. museums) to make copies of works in their collections to the extent necessary for their preservation.
My Department is working towards the transposition of the Directive by way of Statutory Instrument by the deadline of 7 June 2021.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (164)
Alan Farrell
Question:164. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures he is considering to address the level of financial debt experienced by many small and medium businesses as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25687/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am acutely aware of the difficulties that the necessary ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are putting on businesses right across the country. It is a difficult time for Business owners, employees and their families. 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), Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
I would urge business owners to seek the supports outlined above if they have not already done so. I would also suggest that small business owners contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business.
Budget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. Details of the wide range of supports available are on my Department’s website.
I am particularly mindful of the small and micro enterprise sectors whose contribution to our economy cannot be understated. They represent the majority of companies in Ireland and employ in the region of 788,000 workers. On the 11th May last, I announced that I had secured Government approval for the priority drafting of the Companies (Small Company Administrative Rescue Process and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021. The Bill amends the Companies Act 2014 to provide for a new dedicated rescue process for small and micro companies.
While Ireland’s current rescue framework, examinership, is internationally recognised and successful in its own right, the associated costs mean it may be beyond the reach of small and micro companies. The Bill will ensure these companies have access to an alternative framework, which incorporates key elements of the existing examinership model in an administrative context. The Bill provides an alternative to examinership, for the benefit of small and micro companies, which is more cost efficient and capable of conclusion within a shorter period of time.
The main provisions of the Bill can be broadly summarised as follows:
- designed for “small” and micro companies (as defined by the Companies Act 2014) which represent 98% of companies in Ireland;
- commenced by resolution of directors rather than by application to Court;
- concluded within a shorter period than examinership;
- overseen and assisted by insolvency practitioners – a ‘Process Advisor’;
- the rescue plan can be passed by a simple majority in value of creditors;
- provides for format of cross class cram down of debts designed to reduce costs;
- does not require application to Court for approval of rescue plan (provided no creditor objections); and
- gives safeguards against irresponsible and dishonest director behaviour.
Small and micro companies will be key to our country’s economic recovery. It is for this reason that I am so committed to providing a genuine alternative for these companies. As we reopen the economy, I want these businesses to know that Government values their contribution and is committed to supporting their long-term viability.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (165)
Alan Farrell
Question:165. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which his Department has engaged with businesses experiencing rent disputes as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25688/21]
View answerWritten answers
These are difficult times and I am aware that some businesses are concerned that some landlords are continuing to insist on the payment of rents and leases as normal despite their premises being closed.
The issue of commercial rents is primarily a contractual matter for the parties involved. However, the Government has urged landlords and tenants to talk to one another and come to some arrangement, as it is in everybody’s interest that terms are amicably agreed. With this in mind, on 1st October 2020, I published the Code of Conduct between landlords and tenants for commercial rents. The aim of the voluntary Code is to facilitate discussions between landlords and tenants impacted by COVID-19. It sets out a structured approach for engagement between both commercial landlords and tenants, based on their mutual interest in continuing to work together.
However, this Code should not be seen in isolation. To date, a range of supports have been developed for businesses, including the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), wage subsidies, a commercial rates holiday, low-cost loans, and a VAT reduction. I would urge business owners to seek the supports outlined if they have not already done so. I would also suggest that small business owners contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business. Details of the Code of Conduct and the wide range of supports available for business are on my Department’s website.
The Programme for Government identified a number of groups to support the formulation of policy responses at the different stages of the COVID-19 recovery. This included an SME and State Bodies Group. The objective of convening the SME and State Bodies Group is to provide a platform for dialogue on the current and potential future COVID-19 related challenges facing our SMEs, which will inform Government’s ongoing response to COVID-19 for SMEs. I jointly chair this Group with the Minister for Finance. The Group consists of representation from a range of invited business representative bodies (for example, IBEC, ISME, SFA, and Chambers Ireland), the Central Bank, Government Departments and Government Agencies.
Minister English also regularly meets with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail, grocery, and distribution sector to discuss key concerns for the retail sector, which at times has included issues around commercial rents.
The Government is committed to ensuring as many businesses as possible survive this challenging period, and it will continue to look at how we can help businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Departmental Reviews
Questions (166)
Alan Farrell
Question:166. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the work by his Department to review the nature of collective bargaining and industrial relations in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25689/21]
View answerWritten answers
At the end of March the establishment of the High Level Group on Collective Bargaining under the auspices of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) to review the collective bargaining and the industrial relations landscape in Ireland was announced.
The Group has held its first meeting and a second meeting is due to take place later this month. The work of the Group is progressing and the Group are due to submit an interim report by the end of July 2021 with the aim of completing its work as soon as possible thereafter.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (167)
Niall Collins
Question:167. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if financial support can be given to a business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25698/21]
View answerWritten answers
Budget 2021 introduced 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 measures include the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), now extended until the 30th of June, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), and the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
I would suggest that the business involved should first check with their insurance company to see if they are covered for this eventuality. They may also wish to seek financial assistance through our various loans schemes, including the Microfinance Ireland (MFI) loan scheme. MFI works with small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and turnover up to €2m, by providing unsecured business loans of €2,000 to €25,000 for commercially viable proposals. MFI loan applications can be made through your Local Enterprise Office and a discount of 1% can be availed of off the standard interest rate.
The remit of my colleague Eamon Ryan TD., Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, includes supporting small Irish businesses trading online by enhancing citizen engagement with digital technology, and the government works to reduce the risks to internet infrastructure and services to maintain a resilient, secure and trustworthy online environment that people and businesses can rely upon for social and economic interaction.
Sustainable Development Goals
Questions (168)
Holly Cairns
Question:168. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to include reference in all new statements of strategy to all sustainable development goal targets for which his Department has lead responsibility as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan 2018-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25746/21]
View answerWritten answers
The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a significant and ambitious policy agenda that concerns all Government Departments.
The first National Implementation Plan (2018-2020), published in 2018, set out Ireland’s strategy to achieve the SDGs both domestically and internationally. The Goals are mainstreamed in domestic policy and the governance structure reflects a whole-of-government approach and ensures coordination and coherence, in particular where goals cover areas of shared responsibility.
19 Actions were included in the first National Implementation Plan. Action 4 of the plan set out a commitment to include reference in all new Statements of Strategy to all SDG targets for which a Department has lead responsibility.
The development of the next SDG Implementation Plan has commenced, with the intention of publication later this year. A National Progress report will be incorporated into the Plan and will assess the progress on the 19 Actions, including the commitment set out under Action 4.
My Department published it Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 in February of this year. The strategy was developed in the context of my Department’s role in contributing to the SDGs. Goal 5 of the Statement of Strategy commits the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to advancing the green transition in enterprise and to honouring its Climate Action commitments. The six SDG targets for which my Department had responsibility for at the time of the Statement’s publication are specifically referenced in setting out how the Department will achieve this goal. The role of the SDGs goes beyond Goal 5 and sustainability has acted as a guiding principle across the Statement as a whole. This can be seen in Goal 1 which aims to achieve a strong recovery and sustainable economic development; Goal 2 which aims to promote safety, better pay and conditions, more secure jobs and gender equality in the workplace and Goal 4 which aims to deepen and extend Ireland’s Global business and trade in a fair and sustainable manner.
Since the publication of the Statement of Strategy my Department has taken responsibility for an additional two targets under the SDG National Implementation Plan. These are target 8.8 which relates to the protection of labour rights, and target 10.a relating to implementation of special and differential treatment for developing countries. These changes in responsibility are reflected in the recently updated SDG Policy Map available on gov.ie.
Sustainable Development Goals
Questions (169)
Holly Cairns
Question:169. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific sustainable development goal targets his Department is responsible for implementing; the progress made in implementing those targets since 26 April 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25764/21]
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Overall political oversight for national SDG implementation is provided through the Cabinet, with each Minister having specific responsibility for implementing individual SDG targets related to their Ministerial functions. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) has responsibility for promoting the SDGs, and for overseeing their coherent implementation across Government.
The first National Implementation Plan (2018-2020), published in 2018, set out Ireland’s strategy to achieve the SDGs both domestically and internationally. An important element of this Plan is the SDG Policy Map and Matrix, which identified the lead and stakeholder Departments for each of the Goals and targets and also mapped national sectoral policies against the 17 SDGs and all 169 related targets, in order to identify which policies were most relevant to which SDGs and their associated targets.
The SDG Policy Map and Matrix enhances the ability of stakeholders to track Ireland’s implementation of specific SDGs and associated targets, and to assess Ireland’s response to the SDGs for potential policy gaps. It also supports and enhances cross-Government engagement in implementing each of the Goals and Targets. This policy map has recently been updated and is available online at gov.ie
Currently the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is the lead Department for seven Sustainable Development Goal targets. These are set out below:
|
Target |
Description |
|
8.3 |
Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services |
|
8.5 |
By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value |
|
8.8 |
Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment |
|
8.b |
By 2020, develop and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization |
|
9.2 |
Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries |
|
10.a |
Implement the principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, in accordance with World Trade Organization agreements |
|
12.6 |
Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle |
Progress on these targets is mainstreamed into the work of my Department. Progress on targets across Goals 8 and 9 has been made through my Department’s enterprise policy set out in Enterprise 2025 Renewed and Future Jobs Ireland 2019 and will continue to be made through the National Economic Recovery Plan.
In relation to progress on goal 12.6, the Corporate Social Responsibility Stakeholder Forum has been temporarily paused due to reprioritisation of resources due to the Covid-19 pandemic. My Department has begun to explore a number of other avenues to progress this goal in tandem with ongoing action.
My Department has recently launched a public consultation seeking the views of stakeholders on an EU proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, available at: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/Consultations/Public-Consultation-on-EU-Proposal-for-a-Corporate-Sustainability-Reporting-Directive.html. The proposal revises the existing EU Non-financial Reporting Directive (2014/95/EU) extending the scope to all large companies, not just those with over 500 employees, and all companies listed on regulated markets (except listed micro-enterprises). The proposal introduces more detailed reporting requirements and a requirement to report according to mandatory EU sustainability reporting standards and the assurance (audit) of reported information.
The UN Global Compact has begun initial discussions with my Department and its agencies regarding the establishment of a network here in Ireland – this would be a very positive development for encouraging sustainable practice among Irish enterprise in making progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal targets, and it is something which my Department will work to facilitate.
My Department has also been active in relation to the monitoring of progress on the SDGs and is working with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on a publication - ‘Ireland's UN SDGs – Goal 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, 2021’ - which will report on Ireland’s progress in relation to Goal 8. This work will be published in June 2021.
Social Media
Questions (170)
Holly Cairns
Question:170. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has engaged a third-party company to date in 2021 to conduct online and or social media monitoring and or provide reports on social media coverage of his Department; if so, the cost of same; and the name of the social media platforms being monitored. [25782/21]
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My Department has not engaged a third-party company to date in 2021 to conduct online or social media monitoring or provide reports on social media coverage of my Department and, therefore, no costs have been incurred.