Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in County Kildare that have availed of the Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30041/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CCGS) is the largest loan guarantee scheme in the history of the State. The Scheme provides €2 billion in lending, for terms up to five-and-a-half years and offers a range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million at interest rates below market rates for similar type loans. It is available to SMEs and small mid-caps (business with less than 500 employees), including primary producers (businesses engaged in the farming and seafood sectors). The Scheme is available until 31 December 2021 following a Government decision in March to extend it in line with the extension of the European Commission’s Temporary Framework on State Aid.
In order to provide the public with relevant data on the performance of the scheme, my Department publishes weekly and monthly reports on its website. These reports provide data on loans drawn under a wide variety of themes and are available at enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/COVID-19-Credit-Guarantee-Scheme-Performance-Reports.html.
As at 20 May, 205 businesses in County Kildare have availed of the CCGS and have drawn loans with a value of €12,994,336.
The Scheme is currently available through three commercial banks, six non-bank lenders and nineteen credit unions. This long-term policy goal of diversification adds competition in the market and ensures a wide range of loan products are available throughout the regions.
I would strongly encourage businesses to avail of the low-cost lending facilities provided under the scheme as they look towards reopening.
83. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details in relation to the extended eligibility of the small business assistance scheme for Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30202/21]
View answerThe SBASC was introduced to help businesses not eligible for the Government’s COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) and the Fáilte Ireland Business Continuity grant or other direct sectoral grant schemes.The Scheme was launched on 9th March 2021 through the Local Authorities, with a closing date of 21st April for applications for Q1 2021.
As you know it was recently announced that Phase 2 of the SBASC scheme would be expanded to include businesses who work from non rateable premises with fixed costs if such businesses meet all other eligibility criteria for SBASC. Those businesses who qualify will be eligible for a €4,000 grant.
The Government also agreed to extend eligibility for SBASC to those whose turnover is between €20,000 and €50,000 and meet all other eligibility criteria. These businesses who qualify will be eligible for a grant of €1,000.
This scheme will be open for applications in early June with a closing date of 21st July and Local Authorities will once again administer the scheme. .
84. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of County Limerick enterprises that that have applied to the small business assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30052/21]
View answerThe total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications for County Limerick is 306. Of that figure to date 113 have been approved for payment, and 37 are still being assessed. 156 applications have been refused.
Refusals have occurred due to eligibility requirements such as the business’s turnover not being down 75% during the eligibility period, the business not operating from rateable premises, or the business not reaching the €50k turnover threshold.
As you may be aware I recently announced an expanded SBASC phase 2 scheme which will be open for applications in early June with a closing date of 21st July. Phase 2 has been expanded to include businesses working from a non-rateable premises and those whose turnover is below €50,000.
Businesses who are working from non-rateable premises and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive a €4,000 grant and businesses whose turnover is below €50,000 and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive €1,000 grant. These businesses have been ineligible for schemes in the past and it is my intention to ensure that these businesses receive some state support during these difficult time. The purpose of these grants are to help meet fixed costs associated with running a business.
Further details of this expanded SBASC scheme will be available shortly on my Department's website and on Local Authority websites who will once again administer the scheme.
85. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of legislation to introduce a statutory sick pay scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30200/21]
View answer200. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he envisages introducing a mandatory sick pay scheme before the end of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30269/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 200 together.
The Government is committed to introducing a statutory sick pay scheme and work is well underway in this regard.
Following a public consultation, regular consultation with the social partners, discussions with an interdepartmental group on sick pay and an international review of best practice, draft Heads of Bill are currently being circulated across Government departments for observations.
I intend to bring a Memo to Government very shortly seeking agreement to draft the general scheme of a Bill and it is my intention that it will be in place by the end of the year.
By bringing forward this legislation we will be adding to the range of reforms in recent years to improve social protections for workers including the introduction of paternity benefit, parental leave benefit, enhanced maternity benefit, a national minimum wage set at a higher rate than most of our peers, and restrictions on zero-hour contracts. Other recent reforms include the extension of social insurance benefits to the self-employed and those working in the gig economy for the first time, such as treatment benefit, invalidity pension, jobseeker's benefit and a contributory state pension with no means test.
87. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the establishment of a task force to examine the future of retail in Ireland. [29959/21]
View answerAs this is a duplicate question from Deputy Louise O'Reilly today, I am including below the answer provided by my colleague Minister Damien English to the same question:
The past year has been a difficult year for most businesses, including those in the Irish retail sector. The impact of both the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit have posed significant challenges for businesses and it is vital that businesses continue to develop their resilience in the face of these and future challenges.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank businesses and their customers for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.
As the largest private sector employer, and a key element in providing for the needs of society and indeed other sectors of the economy, it is vital that retail continues to develop capability and remains competitive.
It is important that there is a strong, diverse, and balanced retail business presence across the country which sustains the local and domestic economy and contributes to the export economy, both online and offline.
A long-term goal for the overall retail sector prior to the pandemic was to scale up online offerings to complement physical outlets.
This goal has been accelerated due to the pandemic, and I want to see this digital development of the sector continue. Indeed, my Department has provided specific funding though the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme and the Trading Online Vouchers Scheme to assist the retail sector in their efforts.
For many retailers, developing their digital capability and enhancing their physical retail offering with a strong online presence will support them to become more resilient.
I am determined to support that ambition and assist our businesses to increase their digital presence and boost online sales allowing them to target new and existing customers and shoppers in the online space.
It also provides consumers with more opportunities to support local businesses in their community, even when shopping online.
I want the retail sector to continue to develop and to become one of our most innovative and resilient sectors, so that those working in retail can be confident about building a long term career in retail.
As Minister, I will support this by continuing to work collaboratively with the sector and to address issues directly affecting the retail sector.
My Department is undertaking a Retail Sector Study to look at the future of the Retail Sector. The Study, to be prepared with external experts and stakeholders from the retail sector, will identify and analyse the factors impacting on retailers and their employees, and the likely future trends, opportunities and challenges facing the retail sector.
The Study will provide an evidence-based foundation for ongoing engagement with retail sector stakeholders and will identify retail sector policy options for consideration by my Department, working with the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research and Science and ultimately by Government, for Government.
The Study will also support the work of the Retail Forum, which I Chair, and will support the ongoing engagement that I and my officials have with the representative bodies of the workers and businesses in the retail sector.
88. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the current operation of the Covid-19 online retail scheme; if further rounds of the scheme are being planned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29903/21]
View answerAs the largest private sector employer, and a key element in providing for the needs of society and indeed other sectors of the economy, it is vital that retail continues to develop capability and remain competitive.
Trading online is a very important route for retail businesses to grow and improve and will be an important element in their recovery over the longer term.
The COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme - a competitive scheme, administered on my Department's behalf by Enterprise Ireland - is to support companies in the indigenous retail sector who have already started an online journey, to further enhance and strengthen their online presence, which will have the most immediate impact enabling them to respond to both domestic and international consumer demand with a competitive online offer.
My Department proposed this scheme in response to the COVID-19 crisis and the urgent need for retail companies to achieve a step change in online capability. Applicant companies must be an indigenous retailer, employing 10 or more people, have an existing online presence (e.g. website or social media), and have a retail outlet through which they derive the majority of their revenue. The Scheme was launched with an initial fund size of €2m. Due to significant levels of interest for the Scheme from eligible retailers and the particular challenges facing the retail sector during the pandemic, the funding available for Call 1 was increased.
Under the first call 185 retailers were approved €6.6m in funding and under the second call 145 retailers were approved €5.3m in funding.
On 4 May, this year, Minister of State English launched a new round of the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme. Under this call €5 million will be made available to help Irish businesses to upgrade their websites and improve their competitiveness in online retail. The call closed on the 25 May and Enterprise Ireland tell me that they have received 293 applications. A detailed due diligence and assessment process has commenced. The objective is that this will be concluded with formal notification being given to successful applications in late June.
The Deputy will also be aware of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme administered through the Local Enterprise Offices. It offers financial assistance of up to €2,500 with co-funding of 50% from the business along with training and advice to help businesses trade online.
89. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of County Carlow enterprises that that have applied to the small business assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30050/21]
View answerThe total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications for County Carlow is 56. Of that figure 35 have been approved for payment. 21 applications have been refused.
Refusals have occurred due to eligibility requirements such as businesses not meeting the turnover criteria, turnover was not down 75% during the eligibility period, incomplete application form, the business was in receipt of CRSS or they were not in a rateable premises.
As you may be aware I recently announced an expanded SBASC phase 2 scheme which will be open for applications in early June with a closing date of 21st July. Phase 2 has been expanded to include businesses working from a non rateable premises and those whose turnover is below €50,000.
Businesses who are working from non rateable premises and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive a €4,000 grant and businesses whose turnover is below €50,000 and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive €1,000 grant. These businesses have been ineligible for schemes in the past and it is my intention to ensure that these businesses receive some state support during these difficult time. The purpose of these grants are to help meet fixed costs associated with running a business.
Further details of this expanded SBASC scheme will be available shortly on my Department's website and on Local Authority websites who will once again administer the scheme.
90. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the initiatives he is taking to facilitate hybrid working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30063/21]
View answerMy Department is committed to facilitating remote work adoption in a way that reaps the many benefits and mitigates any potential negative impacts. Many actions to facilitate remote working will also facilitate hybrid working.
To promote remote work, my Department launched a Guidance for Working Remotely webpage
(enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Remote-Working/Guidance-for-working-remotely.html).
This webpage acts as a central access point for employers and employees. It brings together the existing State guidance, legislation and advice on remote work into one place. The webpage also includes an employer checklist to provide employers with a quick way to navigate the adoption of remote working arrangements.
This year, on January 15, my Department published ‘Making Remote Work’, the National Remote Work Strategy. The objective of the Strategy is to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature in the Irish workplace in a way that maximises economic, social and environmental benefits. The report is built on three pillars which are bolstered by underpinning conditions. These pillars are:
1. Create a Conducive Environment
2. Develop and Leverage a Remote Work Infrastructure
3. Build a Remote Work Policy and Guidance Framework
Under these pillars and the underpinning conditions there are 15 actions to progress remote working into the future. The Strategy outlines the Departments and State Agencies responsible for the delivery of each of the actions. Each of these actions has a deadline of Q1, 3, or 4 of this year.
My Department is leading on the implementation of the Strategy. Lead actors report the progress on their actions to the Interdepartmental Group on Remote Work. This Group has met twice to date this year, with the most recent meeting taking place last week, on May 27th. At this meeting it was established that actions to date have been met and that progress is underway to achieving the remaining actions by the end of the year. The Group will continue to meet as the year progresses to drive the implementation of the Strategy.
91. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the establishment of an advanced building solution and regional IDA science and technology park or equivalent for County Mayo to enhance the competitiveness of the county globally for inward investment and ensure balanced and sustainable job creation. [29911/21]
View answerThe timely provision of appropriate, innovative and cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of multi national corporations (MNCs) that are at the forefront of the modern economy remains essential to winning FDI.
IDA Ireland’s regional property programme ensures the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations as required by current and prospective clients of both IDA and Enterprise Ireland. A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning FDI projects. Over the last 5 years, IDA Ireland’s Regional Property Programme enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations.
In May 2020 Meissner Filtration Products announced that their new manufacturing facility in Co. Mayo was operational, following the announcement in February 2019 that Meissner would expand its manufacturing operations in Castlebar creating 150 jobs over 5 years. Meissner established in an IDA Ireland constructed Advanced Manufacturing Building completed in late 2018.
I am advised that the locations in which IDA Ireland will provide property solutions over the lifetime of its new strategy “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024” were chosen based on extensive analysis, engagement, review and consultation as well as macroeconomic considerations, existing clusters and available resources. IDA Ireland will deliver 19 Advanced Building Solutions (ABS) to regional locations, including one in Mayo. The national capital investment plans outlined in the new IDA Ireland strategy, subject to planning permission and public procurement process, are expected to commence and be delivered within the term of the new strategy at all identified locations.
IDA Ireland will also partner with Local Authorities and the private sector to deliver additional buildings in key locations where appropriate.
In each region, IDA Ireland will invest in significant infrastructure projects across its portfolio of Business and Technology Parks to upgrade and maintain these key assets in line with the evolving requirements of IDA Ireland and EI clients. IDA Ireland will also maintain a focus on land banks and utility intensive strategic sites to future proof its property portfolio to support the project pipeline, most notably large-scale capital-intensive projects which can have significant regional and national economic impacts. Additional upgrade works, and investment are planned for IDA Ireland Parks in the West region and IDA Ireland is currently engaged with Mayo County Council to progress a partnership to develop additional business park and strategic lands for future development.
92. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans of the IDA for the midlands region over the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30054/21]
View answerIDA’s new strategy 2021-2024 ‘Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth’ has been developed in the context of the Government’s National Economic Plan. This strategy positions IDA to respond to the emerging trends that are accelerating as a result of the Covid-19 global pandemic. It identifies the opportunities for sustainable growth among IDA’s established base of clients through a focus on transformative investments to increase the productivity of Irish operations and their workforce through RD&I, digitisation, training and actions on sustainability. Crucially it also maintains a focus on attracting the next generation of leading MNCs to locate in Ireland, further driving sustainable growth and maximising the impact of FDI in Ireland to 2024 and beyond.
The new strategy will be delivered through a focus on five pillars: Growth, Transformation, Regions, Sustainability and Impact. These five interlinked pillars align with and are guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
There are 44 IDA client companies in the Midlands region, employing 6,308 people. The FDI performance in the region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 35%. The region has an impressive range of companies across all industry sectors, with particular strengths in Life Sciences, Technology, Global Business Services, International Financial Services, and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. The Midlands includes the regional growth centre of Athlone. The existing FDI base of client companies in the region continues to perform well in terms of their operational sustainability, job retention and ongoing transformation.
The announcement that Athlone Institute of Technology is to form a consortium with Limerick Institute of Technology to develop a new technological university (TU) for the Midlands and Mid-West will further strengthen the potential of the region.
IDA will continue to work closely with the private sector in the Midlands to secure the provision of appropriate and cost-effective building and property solutions for client companies.
In the new strategy, IDA will build on the strengths and competencies of the region with a particular focus on high value manufacturing, services and RD&I opportunities. Emerging technology trends have and will continue to create new opportunities across the region in areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity and smart manufacturing.
IDA will deliver Advanced Building Solutions in Athlone, Longford and Mullingar over 2021-2024. In addition, IDA has partnered with Offaly County Council to secure planning permission for an Advanced Technology Building in Tullamore. IDA plans to acquire additional strategic sites in the region for development and will progress or commence upgrade works at IDA Parks in Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore.
IDA will target 25 investments for the Midlands region in the period 2021 to 2024.
93. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has set a target for the number of enterprises supported by each of the agencies under his Department to complete energy and climate audits. [28808/21]
View answerClimate action is one of the most pressing issues facing the Irish economy and society and my Department, in conjunction with the enterprise agencies, is actively pursuing opportunities for decarbonisation across the enterprise base and is integrating climate action into all aspects of departmental and agencies’ activities.
Included in the IDA’s strategy, 2021-2024, is a target to assist its clients to develop 20 Corporate Climate Action Plans. These plans will set a baseline carbon footprint, an annual abatement target, and an outline of activities to drive abatement at a company level and the sustainability investments will embed sustainability among IDA client’s activities.
Enterprise Ireland’s new €10m Climate Action Enterprise Fund and the Local Enterprise Offices Green for Micro programme support client companies in the low-carbon transition. These funds aim to assist up to 850 companies at an early stage of exploring climate and sustainability to develop a high-level company action plan, which will enable them to measure their carbon footprint and identify projects leading to reduced emissions and greater resource efficiency. The plan will assess the company’s operations, supply chain, market opportunities and challenges through a climate and sustainability lens.
One of the proposed measures in the European Commission review of the Non-financial Reporting Directive in April, is the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which includes the requirement of an audit of reported information for all large businesses.
My Department is also working to activate the wider enterprise base through the development of an online portal – the ‘Climate Toolkit 4 Business’ - which will enable businesses to calculate their carbon footprint, assessing details they provide on energy, waste, water and transport use and assist businesses to develop a plan to reduce their emissions. The toolkit will sign-post enterprises, to relevant information and incentives, tailored to their sector and size, including SEAI’s advice and access to energy auditing services. It is expected to be launched in Q3 this year.
94. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the plan to set up IDA offices in Israel should be cancelled given Israel's international crimes against the Palestinian people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29734/21]
View answerIDA Ireland has decided to tender for a part-time Israel based Business Development Consultant. This person will represent IDA to support its efforts to win new investment. This is a model used across many territories. The Business Development Consultant will be expected to identify Israeli-headquartered target companies with potential for investing in Ireland, engage with senior decision-makers in these companies, and present Ireland’s value proposition as an investment location.
IDA Ireland operates an evaluation and due diligence process across all regions and considers a variety of factors that could be associated with investment activities prior to accepting a client into its portfolio.
I am advised that IDA Ireland will not target any Israeli company included on the database of enterprises involved in certain activities relating to settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as published by the UN in February 2020.
IDA Ireland is represented on the Implementation Group for the National Plan on Business and Human Rights; this is a multi-stakeholder group, comprising government, business and civil society representatives. The Guidance on Business and Human Rights for Business Enterprises was developed by the Implementation Group under the National Plan, and formally launched by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in April.
IDA Ireland has advised my Department that they will be guided by all aspects of this guidance when appointing a business development consultant in any territory.
As an Agency of my Department, I expect IDA Ireland to align with Ireland's well-known position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory, which informs our engagement with the State of Israel across a range of bilateral issues, including trade. Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967.
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.
95. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of trading online voucher scheme applications approved to date in 2021 in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30172/21]
View answerThe Trading Online Voucher Scheme offers a 50% co-funded voucher of up to €2,500 to help businesses, which have been trading for at least 6 months, to develop their online trading capability and includes training sessions that cover various topics, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation.
This Trading Online Voucher Scheme has been a crucial support for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to assist businesses with digitalisation and developing their online presence.
From 1 January 2021 to 26 May 2021 the Trading Online Vouchers Scheme had a total of 122 applications in Mayo which led to 120 approvals to a value of €259,500. This builds on the very successful year of figures from 2020 in Mayo with 527 applications and 438 approvals to a value of €1,016,854.32.
96. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Longford and Westmeath that have availed of the Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30043/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CCGS) is the largest loan guarantee scheme in the history of the State. The Scheme provides €2 billion in lending, for terms up to five-and-a-half years and offers a range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million at interest rates below market rates for similar type loans. It is available to SMEs and small mid-caps (business with less than 500 employees), including primary producers (businesses engaged in the farming and seafood sectors). The Scheme is available until 31 December 2021 following a Government decision in March to extend it in line with the extension of the European Commission’s Temporary Framework on State Aid.
In order to provide the public with relevant data on the performance of the scheme, my Department publishes weekly and monthly reports on its website. These reports provide data on loans drawn under a wide variety of themes and are available at enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/COVID-19-Credit-Guarantee-Scheme-Performance-Reports.html.
As at 20 May:
- 29 businesses in County Longford have availed of the CCGS and have drawn loans with a value of €1,168,551
- 47 businesses in County Westmeath have availed of the CCGS and have drawn loans with a value of €2,453,538.
The Scheme is currently available through three commercial banks, six non-bank lenders and nineteen credit unions. This long-term policy goal of diversification adds competition in the market and ensures a wide range of loan products are available throughout the regions.
I would strongly encourage businesses to avail of the low-cost lending facilities provided under the scheme as they look towards reopening.
97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he remains satisfied that job opportunities will be restored as soon as possible to pre-pandemic levels; the actions already in hand in this regard or contemplated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30161/21]
View answerOur Economic Recovery Plan published this week sets an ambitious target to exceed pre-crisis employment levels by having 2.5 million people in work by 2024 and in more productive and resilient jobs. The Plan commits to a range of supports and policies that will invest in businesses and workers; help people get back into work, training or education; provide enhanced support for sectors that will lag behind and invest in infrastructure and reforms that enhance our capability and long-term capacity for growth.
As SMEs account for over two thirds of total employment, a strong focus on indigenous SMEs is critical to a jobs-led recovery. The Government is pursuing a two-pronged recovery approach; a focus on domestic SMEs, whilst leveraging and reinforcing the enormous strength and resilience of the Foreign Direct Investment sector in Ireland and its indispensable contribution to communities across the country.
The twin decarbonisation and digitalisation transition and associated behavioural changes will profoundly alter the economy. Embracing these transitions will also open up substantial new opportunities for businesses and support significant job creation. Automation will have both positive and negative implications, however, the emerging consensus is that more occupations will change than will be automated away. Innovation, collaboration and knowledge are the cornerstone of a sustainable growth model and a prosperous renewed economy equipped to excel in a changing world. The education, training and research sectors will be supported to shift up a gear to rise to the challenge.
In building towards recovery, it must be recognised that not all previous jobs will return, while capacity constraints may emerge in other areas. Our Economic Recovery plan also commits to further strengthen Ireland’s Skills Framework and architecture to ensure people are supported to secure and remain in sustainable and quality employment through opportunities to reskill and upskill. This will include a comprehensive review of Ireland’s skills strategies and approaches, including the National Skills Strategy 2016-2025; developing a web-based “Skills Platform”, for upskilling and reskilling opportunities; and developing Ireland’s Pact for Skills, between businesses and government, to ensure those with low and no qualifications are not excluded from employment.
The Government is committed to creating the right environment for a jobs-led recovery by helping business become more resilient and agile, by increasing Ireland’s competitiveness, and through a focus on expanding sectors.
98. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Cavan and Monaghan that have availed of the Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30036/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CCGS) is the largest loan guarantee scheme in the history of the State. The Scheme provides €2 billion in lending, for terms up to five-and-a-half years and offers a range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million at interest rates below market rates for similar type loans. It is available to SMEs and small mid-caps (business with less than 500 employees), including primary producers (businesses engaged in the farming and seafood sectors). The Scheme is available until 31 December 2021 following a Government decision in March to extend it in line with the extension of the European Commission’s Temporary Framework on State Aid.
In order to provide the public with relevant data on the performance of the scheme, my Department publishes weekly and monthly reports on its website. These reports provide data on loans drawn under a wide variety of themes and are available at
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/COVID-19-Credit-Guarantee-Scheme-Performance-Reports.html
As at 20 May:
- 51 businesses in County Cavan have availed of the CCGS and have drawn loans with a value of €2,308,895
- 58 businesses in County Monaghan have availed of the CCGS and have drawn loans with a value of €3,630,123.
The Scheme is currently available through three commercial banks, six non-bank lenders and nineteen credit unions. This long-term policy goal of diversification adds competition in the market and ensures a wide range of loan products are available throughout the regions.
I would strongly encourage businesses to avail of the low-cost lending facilities provided under the scheme as they look towards reopening.
99. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he will take to restrict trade with Israel of goods produced in areas which was agreed on 26 May 2021 have been de facto annexed from Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30073/21]
View answerI am, of course, aware of the recent Motion that was passed by the House on 26th May last and the Government support for the Motion outlined in the debate by my Colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Minister Coveney set out the Government's position in some detail and the work he and his Department has undertaken at EU level as well as in the UN Security Council in this matter.
Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967, in line with international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. This position is common across all Government Departments.
International Trade is a competence vested in the European Commission under the EU Treaties whereby the Union's negotiating strength is as a bloc of 27 Member States representing some 450 million citizens. As such, actions, decisions and negotiations conducted by the Commission on behalf of the Member States are more impactful than unilateral action by a single Member State.
Ireland and Israel have no bilateral trade or investment agreements. Trade relations between the EU and Israel are governed by a Free Trade Agreement that is part of the 2000 EU-Israel Association Agreement whereby the EU and Israel have continuously worked on improving trade and economic relations and have signed several agreements to that end:
- Agreement on agriculture and fisheries which greatly improved market access (2010)
- "Open Skies" aviation agreement (fully entered into force in 2018) which further opened EU-Israel air travel and the related Eurocontrol association agreement (2016) which helps to coordinate air traffic and ensures security
- Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of industrial products (ACAA) which currently brings mutual recognition of pharmaceutical certification
In addition, as confirmed in the 2015 “Interpretative Notice on indication of origin of goods from the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967”, the European Union, in line with international law, does not recognise Israel’s sovereignty over the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967, namely the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and does not consider them to be part of Israel’s territory, irrespective of their legal status under domestic Israeli law. Products requiring origin labelling which are produced in Israeli settlements may not carry the indication ‘product of Israel’ as settlements do not form part of Israeli territory according to international law, and such an indication would be incorrect and misleading.
All trade measures must be compatible with World Trade Organisation rules and with the principles and rules governing the operation of the Single Market. In light of the issue of the EU legal competence mentioned already, potentially illegal trade measures by either the Union or by individual Member States, measures which would be impossible to enforce operationally, would only serve to undermine EU and Irish government efforts as regards the Middle East Peace Process.
In relation to the very latest developments in the long-running Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the EU's collective responses, these are led, in the first instance, by the EU's Foreign Affairs Council where Ireland is represented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
100. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a report on his engagement with the Minister for the Economy in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30038/21]
View answerI have regular engagement with the Northern Ireland Minister for the Economy, Diane Dodds, in particular through the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC).
Cross-border collaboration has and continues to be of great benefit for both jurisdictions and the Government is focused on working with the Northern Ireland Executive, through the NSMC to preserve and strengthen North-South co-operation and to deliver projects and activity that benefit people across this island.
On 21st April I chaired the 21st NSMC Trade and Business Development meeting. Minister Dodds, accompanied by the NI Minister of Finance Conor Murphy, represented the Northern Ireland Executive at this meeting.
The meeting covered a wide range of matters, including the supports for businesses affected by COVID-19 in both jurisdictions, a discussion on collaborative research and development on the island of Ireland and an update on the work of InterTradeIreland, the North-South body responsible for the promotion of trade and business on an all-island and cross-border basis.
