Alan Kelly
Question:130. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the amount his Department and associated agencies have spent on social media advertising since the beginning of January 2021 until 12 June 2021. [32826/21]
View answerDepartmental Expenditure
Questions (130)
Written answers
A tabular breakdown of the figures requested by the Deputy is below.
Social Media advertising has been a central part of the public information campaigns for Covid-19, and since March 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.
The strategy ensures that citizens have all of the information they need in relation to Covid-19, to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, themselves and their families and the health care system.
The strategy aligns with both World Health Organisation (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) advice, both of which emphasise 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.
This necessitates 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 public information campaigns play a vital role in communicating the various strands of the pandemic. All platforms are utilised with some campaigns tailored for different audiences using specific channels.
There have been 48 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.
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.
|
Campaign: |
Social Media advertising spend |
|
Nationwide Level 5 (continuation in Nov) |
€9,833 |
|
#Safe Christmas Phase 1 |
€12,431 |
|
#SafeChristmas P2 - (Christmas week) |
€8,408 |
|
#SafeChristmas P3 - Gathering/Dinner |
€10,481 |
|
Christmas transition to Level5 |
€15,769 |
|
Dec/Jan return to full Level 5 |
€12,612 |
|
January Additional Level 5 measures |
€18,921 |
|
Stay at home - Do the Right Thing |
€17,895 |
|
Stay the Course - Do the Right Thing |
€18,002 |
|
Reopening of Schools - Spring 2021 |
€15,246 |
|
Avoid the Surge |
€9,999 |
|
30th March Announcement |
€13,576 |
|
Future of Media Commission |
€12,291 |
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (131)
Alan Kelly
Question:131. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the amount his Department has spent on social media content production since the beginning of January 2021 until 12 June 2021. [32827/21]
View answerWritten answers
A tabular breakdown of the figures requested by the Deputy is below.
Social Media advertising has been a central part of the public information campaigns for Covid-19 and since March 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.
The strategy ensures that citizens have all of the information they need in relation to Covid-19, to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, themselves and their families and the health care system.
The strategy aligns with both World Health Organisation (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) advice, both of which emphasise 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.
This necessitates 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 public information campaigns play a vital role in communicating the various strands of the pandemic. All platforms are utilised with some campaigns tailored for different audiences using specific channels.
There have been 48 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.
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.
|
Campaign: |
Social Media Production spend |
|
|
Reinforcing Public Health Messaging Nationwide |
€726 |
|
|
#Safe Christmas Phase 1 |
€103 |
|
|
Christmas transition to Level5 |
€206 |
|
|
Dec/Jan return to full Level 5 |
€103 |
|
|
January Additional Level 5 measures |
€103 |
|
|
Stay at home - Do the Right Thing |
in-house content production |
|
|
Stay the Course - Do the Right Thing |
in-house content production |
|
|
Reopening of Schools Spring 2021 |
€103 |
|
|
Avoid the Surge |
in-house content production |
|
|
30th March Announcement |
€209 |
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (132)
Alan Kelly
Question:132. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the amount his Department and all associated agencies have spent on public relations consultancy costs since January 2021. [32828/21]
View answerWritten answers
There has been no expenditure by my Department or by the National Economic and Social Development Office, which is an agency under the aegis of my Department, on public relations consultancy costs since January 2021.
The Citizens’ Assembly, which is staffed by my Department, has engaged Q4 Public Relations to provide media liaison and communication services incurring costs of €5,127.38 to date in 2021. Its remit includes raising public awareness of the Assembly’s work 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 Appointments
Questions (133)
Holly Cairns
Question:133. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit are working towards enabling access to employment for persons from minority and or disadvantaged communities, including, but not limited to, persons with disabilities, persons from ethnic minorities, Travellers and Mincéirí. [32830/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department and the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) - the only body under my Department's aegis - actively support diversity and inclusion in the workplace and recognise the importance of a workforce that is inclusive of persons from diverse backgrounds and reflective of Irish society.
Recruitment to my Department and NESDO is, in the main, undertaken through the Public Appointments Service who plays a central role in recruiting diverse talent to take up public service employment opportunities and who recently launched their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy 2021-2023.
Recent measures taken to promote diversity and inclusion include:
- Participation in AHEAD’s Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Programme, a graduate internship opportunity for persons with a disability;
- Participation in the North East Inner City Flash Mentoring Programme which provides students from 6 inner city schools with a series of short, low pressure, one-time meetings with a range of experienced professionals;
- Participation by staff of my Department in the Civil Service Women’s Network;
- Participation in Events Being Run by the Public Service for Staff during Pride Month 2021;
- Implementation of Gender Balance measures linked to talent management opportunities, supporting staff returning from maternity leave and promoting work life balance; and
- Progressing my Department’s well-being programme which provides staff with a regular platform to input into measures and activities to help shape an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Departmental Policies
Questions (134)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:134. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the key policy achievements in his Department since 27 June 2020. [32831/21]
View answerWritten answers
Since 27 June 2020, ten new Cabinet Committees have been established with specific responsibility for a range of issues to advance the Government's Programme.
Through the work of the Committees supported by my Department, a range of policy work has been advanced, including:
- Management of the whole of Government Response to COVID-19 including vaccine roll-out;
- Recent publication of the Economic Recovery Plan 2021 to achieve rapid job creation and economic growth after the pandemic;
- Three legislative programmes published setting out priority legislation dealing with Covid19 pandemic, enhancing our climate ambition, housing delivery and Brexit preparations;
- The establishment of a Shared Island Unit in my Department, the €500m Shared Island Fund and a series of dialogues and research to inform this work;
- The establishment of a unit in my Department to help support social dialogue;
- Establishment of a Future of Media Commission which is finalising its report; and
- Completion of the work of the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality.
Climate Action Plan
Questions (135)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:135. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Taoiseach the current and capital costs involved with each action item in the interim climate action plan under the remit of his Department. [32833/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Interim Climate Action Plan 2021 was published in March of this year. Its primary purpose is to maintain a whole-of-government focus on implementation, and continue to progress new climate actions this year, while the Climate Action Plan 2021 is developed.
It is a continuation of the Climate Action Plan 2019 which recognised the importance of governance and transparency in the implementation of our climate actions. It established a process of monitoring and driving implementation by my Department and this is continued in the Interim Climate Actions 2021. Actions assigned to my Department broadly reflect this key coordination and governance role.
Specific actions assigned to my Department include operation of existing implementation structures such as the Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate Change, Senior Officials Group and Climate Action Delivery Board; co-ordination of climate action research and modelling; progress the establishment of a Citizen’s Assembly on Biodiversity; and publication of quarterly progress reports.
Given the nature of the Actions assigned to my Department, the costs arising fall within the ongoing operational costs of the Department.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (136)
David Cullinane
Question:136. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee that deals with national security last met; and when it is scheduled to meet next. [33127/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has established the following ten Cabinet Committees: COVID-19; Economic Recovery and Investment; Housing; Health; Environment and Climate Change; Social Affairs and Equality; Education; Europe; Brexit and Northern Ireland, and Government Co-ordination.
As Taoiseach, I am briefed regularly by the Garda Commissioner and by relevant officials on the national and international security situation and on any individual incidents that may arise. The relevant Ministers also brief the Government on security issues within their remit as the need arises.
The National Security Committee, chaired by the Secretary General to the Government and comprises representatives at the highest level from the Departments of Justice, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Environment, Climate and Communications and from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, is concerned with ensuring that the Government and I are advised of high-level security issues and the responses to them.
There are also special arrangements in place to deal with particular circumstances that may arise, such as the recent cyber-attack on the HSE’s IT systems.
While the work of the National Security Committee is of its nature confidential, I can tell the Deputy that it generally meets a number of times a year and as required. The Committee’s focus is on the main threats to the State’s security and it has also addressed aspects of the State’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
State Bodies
Questions (137)
Noel Grealish
Question:137. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of his Department or that receive funding from his Department that have been charged interest for savings on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced; and the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board [33321/21]
View answerWritten answers
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) are both independent offices operating under the aegis of the Department.
NESDO have not been charged interest for savings in their deposit account. The CSO do not have a deposit account and charges to the CSO bank account are applied as with all other Government Departments under the terms of the centrally placed contract. They have not been charged negative interest.
Departmental Staff
Questions (138)
Sorca Clarke
Question:138. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Taoiseach the number of workers employed by his Department and in each office or agency under the aegis of his Department that earn less than the living wage of €12.30 per hour. [33598/21]
View answerWritten answers
The suggested living wage at €12.30 per hour based on the Civil Service 37 hour standard net working week equates to an annual salary of €23,747.
Those currently on an annual salary of less than €23,747 may be receiving remuneration in excess of the suggested living wage through additional premium payments in respect of shift or atypical working hours or are on salary scales that progress to the suggested living wage and above through incremental progression.
There are 2 employees of my Department whose annual basic salary is currently less than this amount.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of my Department, has no staff earning less than this amount.
Consumer Protection
Questions (139)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:139. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to Irish citizens involved in legal battles regarding the lease back scheme which saw many Irish citizens purchase holiday homes in France; if he has engaged with those involved in legal battles following issues with this scheme; if he has engaged with the French authorities regarding this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33132/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 informed my Department that they 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 or where they have requested the CCPC to forward on additional documentation to DGCCRF in relation to any legal matters, the CCPC has done so 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 they have dedicated considerable resources to.
Enterprise Support Services
Questions (140)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:140. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland supported companies that are currently located within each county; the number of site visits that were conducted by Enterprise Ireland in each county in the past five years respectively; the amount of funding that was expended by Enterprise Ireland in each county in the past five years respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32875/21]
View answerWritten answers
In 2020, Enterprise Ireland assisted companies employed 220,613 people nationally with 65 per cent of this employment located outside of Dublin.
Enterprise Ireland is the Government agency responsible essentially for the start-up, scaling and internationalisation of Irish owned enterprises. Enterprise Ireland do not arrange site visits in the way that IDA Ireland showcases the merits of locations to foreign direct investment companies considering investing or expanding in Ireland.
The following two tables respectively show the number of Enterprise Ireland supported companies that are currently located within each county and the amount of funding that was expended by Enterprise Ireland in each county in the past five years and to date in 2021.
|
By County |
No. of Companies |
By County |
No. of Companies |
|
Carlow |
89 |
Louth |
156 |
|
Cavan |
81 |
Mayo |
124 |
|
Clare |
140 |
Meath |
175 |
|
Cork |
607 |
Monaghan |
107 |
|
Donegal |
138 |
Offaly |
63 |
|
Dublin |
2,323 |
Roscommon |
54 |
|
Galway |
287 |
Sligo |
74 |
|
Kerry |
128 |
Tipperary |
131 |
|
Kildare |
202 |
Waterford |
146 |
|
Kilkenny |
119 |
Westmeath |
103 |
|
Laois |
52 |
Wexford |
119 |
|
Leitrim |
23 |
Wicklow |
159 |
|
Limerick |
267 |
|
|
|
Longford |
45 |
Grand Total |
5,912 |
|
Payments – County By Year |
2021 (YTD 15.06.21) |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
Grand Total |
|
Carlow |
€1,288,314 |
€1,907,989 |
€1,385,421 |
€864,971 |
€1,199,491 |
€1,834,746 |
€8,480,933 |
|
Cavan |
€1,754,657 |
€4,844,256 |
€2,092,337 |
€3,947,874 |
€2,567,272 |
€5,550,545 |
€20,756,941 |
|
Clare |
€2,266,871 |
€4,401,422 |
€2,471,877 |
€1,934,936 |
€4,028,747 |
€1,862,171 |
€16,966,022 |
|
Cork |
€10,054,246 |
€21,111,137 |
€12,479,508 |
€8,694,269 |
€9,876,190 |
€12,508,401 |
€74,723,750 |
|
Donegal |
€3,072,474 |
€4,700,041 |
€1,092,916 |
€1,320,819 |
€1,774,212 |
€646,235 |
€12,606,697 |
|
Dublin |
€35,968,721 |
€61,436,757 |
€28,616,890 |
€32,757,095 |
€34,646,681 |
€36,402,629 |
€229,828,775 |
|
Galway |
€6,234,134 |
€12,713,629 |
€5,429,928 |
€5,738,421 |
€5,165,829 |
€4,425,413 |
€39,707,354 |
|
Kerry |
€4,624,928 |
€6,818,501 |
€6,962,695 |
€2,448,215 |
€2,732,963 |
€3,132,374 |
€26,719,676 |
|
Kildare |
€2,918,187 |
€5,044,763 |
€6,032,492 |
€4,235,477 |
€3,560,079 |
€5,724,828 |
€27,515,827 |
|
Kilkenny |
€481,740 |
€5,059,759 |
€9,960,817 |
€2,612,327 |
€2,768,019 |
€1,926,084 |
€22,808,747 |
|
Laois |
€4,681,117 |
€4,505,284 |
€1,060,064 |
€574,495 |
€345,759 |
€892,958 |
€12,059,676 |
|
Leitrim |
€129,712 |
€678,279 |
€117,079 |
€359,030 |
€151,065 |
€344,370 |
€1,779,534 |
|
Limerick |
€3,267,912 |
€4,782,678 |
€3,258,410 |
€4,268,946 |
€3,026,032 |
€3,354,559 |
€21,958,536 |
|
Longford |
€122,888 |
€2,127,477 |
€2,036,885 |
€3,750,876 |
€1,029,648 |
€1,007,560 |
€10,075,335 |
|
Louth |
€3,864,627 |
€6,488,896 |
€2,462,115 |
€3,071,051 |
€4,146,472 |
€5,813,604 |
€25,846,764 |
|
Mayo |
€3,108,433 |
€1,606,420 |
€1,701,547 |
€1,042,010 |
€5,028,555 |
€1,854,443 |
€14,341,408 |
|
Meath |
€2,851,019 |
€3,515,704 |
€2,104,967 |
€1,166,149 |
€1,282,688 |
€2,123,429 |
€13,043,955 |
|
Monaghan |
€3,570,552 |
€2,165,481 |
€1,938,934 |
€2,210,723 |
€7,300,005 |
€2,765,121 |
€19,950,816 |
|
Offaly |
€631,903 |
€3,015,361 |
€1,244,512 |
€1,047,940 |
€1,431,927 |
€1,082,892 |
€8,454,534 |
|
Roscommon |
€437,612 |
€1,699,660 |
€412,107 |
€161,569 |
€1,524,042 |
€844,931 |
€5,079,921 |
|
Sligo |
€884,088 |
€691,628 |
€707,044 |
€773,377 |
€1,002,481 |
€1,044,235 |
€5,102,854 |
|
Tipperary |
€3,398,713 |
€8,117,089 |
€4,324,181 |
€2,313,497 |
€2,641,156 |
€1,763,417 |
€22,558,053 |
|
Waterford |
€1,882,614 |
€3,022,531 |
€1,180,799 |
€1,761,644 |
€1,195,887 |
€876,002 |
€9,919,475 |
|
Westmeath |
€3,318,235 |
€2,032,503 |
€988,985 |
€1,507,502 |
€1,181,757 |
€1,465,780 |
€10,494,762 |
|
Wexford |
€1,842,084 |
€5,684,223 |
€1,580,996 |
€4,681,975 |
€2,174,112 |
€1,000,154 |
€16,963,544 |
|
Wicklow |
€3,639,946 |
€1,657,594 |
€2,901,951 |
€4,032,042 |
€1,824,436 |
€2,015,701 |
€16,071,670 |
|
Grand Total |
€106,295,727 |
€179,829,061 |
€104,545,457 |
€97,277,230 |
€103,605,503 |
€102,262,581 |
€693,815,558 |
Departmental Funding
Questions (141)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:141. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding provided to each local enterprise office in each of the past five years in tabular form. [32876/21]
View answerWritten answers
Funding for the Local Enterprise Offices has increased from €26,475,790 in 2016 to €76,992,462 in 2020.
This funding increase illustrates the ongoing significant commitment by Government to support the Local Enterprise Office network in promoting entrepreneurship, fostering business start-ups and helping existing micro and small businesses to drive job creation; and to provide accessible high quality supports for small businesses on a sustained basis.
Funding given to each of the 31 Local Enterprise Office in each of the years 2016-2020, and to date in 2021 is presented below in tabular form.
|
LEO Name |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 (1 Jan to 15 Jun) |
|
Carlow |
712,332 |
876,427 |
925,130 |
1,179,208 |
2,099,765 |
564,780 |
|
Cavan |
577,996 |
736,700 |
846,842 |
1,040,829 |
1,655,475 |
503,847 |
|
Clare |
796,394 |
942,065 |
975,313 |
1,063,158 |
2,289,070 |
667,741 |
|
Cork City |
728,294 |
973,218 |
963,176 |
1,106,107 |
2,895,394 |
814,975 |
|
Cork North & West |
1,246,174 |
1,340,364 |
1,165,927 |
1,256,173 |
2,753,650 |
831,642 |
|
Cork South |
1,204,363 |
1,182,408 |
1,140,609 |
1,010,844 |
2,149,103 |
507,583 |
|
Donegal |
793,915 |
1,145,235 |
1,177,276 |
1,607,585 |
3,170,016 |
882,442 |
|
Dublin City |
1,392,249 |
1,547,940 |
1,751,949 |
2,007,784 |
5,206,388 |
954,492 |
|
Dublin South |
954,150 |
1,133,752 |
1,173,188 |
1,218,268 |
3,164,339 |
665,280 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown |
890,375 |
1,159,259 |
1,216,397 |
1,223,937 |
2,830,953 |
468,030 |
|
Fingal |
1,044,579 |
1,140,919 |
1,223,861 |
1,327,563 |
2,711,691 |
1,320,170 |
|
Galway |
794,095 |
1,123,299 |
1,170,422 |
1,231,806 |
2,766,874 |
527,425 |
|
Kerry |
811,868 |
875,970 |
867,891 |
941,309 |
1,245,633 |
977,028 |
|
Kildare |
829,530 |
1,049,864 |
1,185,445 |
1,422,075 |
3,528,421 |
1,502,793 |
|
Kilkenny |
789,396 |
967,553 |
793,695 |
954,650 |
2,208,472 |
747,806 |
|
Laois |
604,472 |
730,242 |
759,222 |
825,411 |
1,380,336 |
621,796 |
|
Leitrim |
689,040 |
723,228 |
720,242 |
789,789 |
1,629,697 |
611,471 |
|
Limerick |
1,191,511 |
1,408,320 |
1,265,063 |
1,476,285 |
3,657,561 |
1,009,054 |
|
Longford |
541,507 |
668,045 |
730,034 |
910,434 |
1,429,502 |
491,289 |
|
Louth |
656,200 |
727,000 |
870,109 |
988,775 |
2,375,015 |
573,823 |
|
Mayo |
893,299 |
918,117 |
891,617 |
1,116,187 |
2,050,874 |
760,059 |
|
Meath |
740,911 |
933,897 |
979,120 |
1,213,804 |
2,663,943 |
1,017,133 |
|
Monaghan |
690,048 |
830,872 |
731,181 |
932,831 |
1,677,162 |
433,533 |
|
Offaly |
700,111 |
795,064 |
806,772 |
879,038 |
2,183,360 |
529,066 |
|
Roscommon |
584,378 |
720,005 |
730,385 |
903,442 |
1,480,484 |
565,201 |
|
Sligo |
814,352 |
841,986 |
858,441 |
896,508 |
1,867,027 |
740,669 |
|
Tipperary |
1,218,850 |
1,205,261 |
1,314,661 |
1,337,376 |
3,401,144 |
974,263 |
|
Waterford |
1,066,689 |
1,194,639 |
1,080,514 |
1,273,401 |
3,021,438 |
798,142 |
|
Westmeath |
980,884 |
1,107,985 |
1,109,555 |
1,355,847 |
3,482,810 |
1,030,346 |
|
Wexford |
784,593 |
661,802 |
883,664 |
1,044,861 |
2,055,859 |
574,206 |
|
Wicklow |
753,235 |
788,620 |
865,848 |
797,901 |
1,961,006 |
630,257 |
|
TOTAL |
26,475,790 |
30,450,062 |
31,173,548 |
35,333,186 |
76,992,462 |
23,296,342 |
Departmental Funding
Questions (142)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:142. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding provided to InterTradeIreland in each of the past five years in tabular form. [32877/21]
View answerWritten answers
IntertradeIreland (ITI) is jointly funded by my Department and its Northern Ireland counterpart the Department for the Economy (DfE). The funding provided by my Department over recent years is set out below in tabular form.
My Department has been steadily increasing its contribution to ITI in recent years to equip the body to assist SMEs prepare for and respond to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. An additional €2.5 million was allocated to ITI in 2020, to help SMEs cope with the Covid-19 pandemic. The body also offers a range of other supports and services which promote the development of trade and business on an all-island basis.
|
|
Total € 000 |
|
2016 |
7,560 |
|
2017 |
7,960 |
|
2018 |
8,125 |
|
2019 |
9,901 |
|
2020 |
12,724 |
|
2021 (Provisional) |
11,036 |
Work Permits
Questions (143)
Seán Sherlock
Question:143. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will add healthcare workers to the critical skills occupation list for employment permit applicants earning more than €32,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32913/21]
View answerWritten answers
The employment permit system is managed through the operation of the critical skills and ineligible occupations lists which respectively prioritise specified in-demand skills and identify occupations for which a labour supply should be available in the EEA. The lists are subject to twice yearly, evidence-based reviews.
On 14 June, following the most recent review of the employment permit occupation lists, I announced changes to the employment permit system, with immediate effect, to address skills and labour shortages in the healthcare and nursing home sector.
The occupations of Health Care Assistant, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, and Speech and Language Therapist are now eligible for a General Employment Permit and Dieticians can apply for Critical Skills Employment Permit.
In light of COVID-19, increases in the aging population and consequent increases in demand for services, a significant number of extra Health Care Assistants will be required to provide sufficient long-term residential care for older people into the future. The removal of this occupation from the ineligible occupations list comes under the following framework:
- Attainment of a relevant QQI Level 5 qualification after 2 years employment in the State
- A minimum remuneration threshold of salary of at least €27,000
The General Employment Permit is the main permit used by the State to attract non-EEA nationals in occupations of a more general nature. It requires a range of criteria be met including a labour market needs test demonstrating that the employer was unable to fill the position from the Irish and EEA labour markets.
Making the occupations of Health Care Assistant, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, or Speech and Language Therapist eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit would require consideration of the potential impacts, including on the domestic labour market and a detailed business case from the sector. The next review will be announced shortly, with the launch of a public consultation. My Department continues to engage with the Department of Health on these issues.
Departmental Funding
Questions (144)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:144. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the projects funded under the disruptive technologies innovation fund; the areas of research involved; the amounts awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32961/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) was established in 2018 to encourage collaboration in the development and deployment of disruptive innovative technologies, on a commercial basis, targeted at tackling national and global challenges. It is managed by my Department with administrative support from Enterprise Ireland.
DTIF focuses on the ability of Irish enterprises to drive disruptive innovation through collaboration on industrial research with other enterprises and research institutions. The Fund is open to partnerships working together on projects that have the potential to significantly alter markets or the way businesses operate. It encourages private co-investment by lowering the risk profile associated with investment in high-risk, high-reward innovations. Applications to the Fund are required to, inter alia, demonstrate the potential to develop and deploy novel and disruptive technologies in line with the Research Priority Areas 2018-2023.
A total of €235m has been allocated to 72 projects over the three DTIF calls to date. This funding will give the companies involved opportunities to grow their business, even when trading in increasingly competitive markets, through the development of innovative products and services. These enterprises will be in a strong position as the Irish and global economies rebound once the pandemic ends.
Details of the projects funded under calls 1-3 of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund are set out in the table below.
Departmental Funding
Questions (145)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:145. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the selection process for the expert panels tasked with selecting successful applications to the disruptive technologies innovation fund; the number of panels formed; the duration and membership of the most recently formed panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32962/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) was established in 2018 to encourage collaboration in the development and deployment of disruptive innovative technologies, on a commercial basis, targeted at tackling national and global challenges. It is managed by my Department with administrative support from Enterprise Ireland.
DTIF focuses on the ability of Irish enterprises to drive disruptive innovation through collaboration on industrial research with other enterprises and research institutions. The Fund is open to partnerships working together on projects that have the potential to significantly alter markets or the way businesses operate. It encourages private co-investment by lowering the risk profile associated with investment in high-risk, high-reward innovations.
Enterprise Ireland administers the call process with oversight by the Department of Enterprise and the DTIF Advisory Board. DTIF is a competitive offer and eligible applications are reviewed by independent international technical and commercialisation experts using funding call-specific selection criteria.
Enterprise Ireland maintains an Expert Database from which it selects appropriate experts on the basis of the funding call-specific selection criteria, professional expertise and experience. As a public research funding body the agency regularly sources new experts including from the European Commission's database of experts for its research funding programmes which typically issues calls for expressions of interest on a 7 year basis. Geographical and business-sector balance, gender balance, regular rotation, and absence of conflict of interest are all considered.
For the recently closed DTIF Call 3 (2020) 45 experts participated in 55 remote evaluation panels with a duration of 3 months from invitation to participate as experts to completion of panel interviews.
Enterprise Ireland requests that experts sign a non-disclosure agreement to participate in an individual capacity and does not release personal information.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (146)
Paul Kehoe
Question:146. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding measures to support the food production industry in recruiting and maintaining required workforce levels as Covid-19 restrictions are eased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33077/21]
View answerWritten answers
Policy responsibility for the food production industry is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Food Wise 2025 sets out a ten-year plan for the agri-food sector. It underlines the sector’s unique and special position within the Irish economy, and it illustrates the potential which exists for this sector to grow even further. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine chairs the Food Wise High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC), with senior representation from all the relevant departments, including an official from this Department, and State agencies. The creation of 23,000 additional jobs all along the supply chain from producer level to high-end value-added product development are among the ambitious and challenging growth projections for the industry over the timeframe of the plan.
In addition, officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are represented on the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by this Department which is part of the twice yearly review of the employment permit occupation lists to ensure that ensure the employment permits system is aligned with current labour market intelligence.
Work Permits
Questions (147)
Paul Kehoe
Question:147. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration is being given to adding international heavy goods vehicle drivers to the skills shortage list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33104/21]
View answerWritten answers
The State's employment permit system is designed to supplement Ireland's skills and labour supply over the short to medium term by allowing enterprises to recruit nationals from outside the EEA, where such skills or expertise cannot be sourced from within the EEA at that time. The system is, by design, vacancy led and managed through the operation of the critical skills and ineligible occupation lists. These lists are subject to twice yearly evidence-based review, taking account of labour market research, a public consultation and contextual issues such as Brexit and Covid 19.
With effect from 2017, the occupation of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver has been eligible for a General Employment Permit, subject to a quota initially of 120 employment permits. In January 2020, this quota was increased to 320 in anticipation of the impact of Brexit on the sector and evidence of EEA-wide labour shortages. To date,165 employment permits have issued to HGV drivers, leaving 155 permits remaining and available.
My Department, working with the Department of Transport will keep this matter under review.
State Bodies
Questions (148)
Noel Grealish
Question:148. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of his Department or that receive funding from his Department that have been charged interest for savings on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced; the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33311/21]
View answerWritten answers
Banking charges and interest charges incurred by state agencies and organisations under the remit of my Department are a day-to-day operational matter for the agencies concerned and do not fall within my Ministerial remit.
Work Permits
Questions (149)
Niall Collins
Question:149. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will advise on circumstances outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33369/21]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland operates a managed employment permits system which maximises the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is intended to act as a conduit for key skills which are required to develop enterprise in the State for the benefit of our economy, while simultaneously protecting the balance of the labour market. The system is, by design, vacancy led and driven by the changing needs of the labour market, expanding and contracting in tandem with its inherent fluctuations.
The State’s general policy is to promote the sourcing of labour and skills needs from within the workforce of the State and other EEA states. Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the State and EEA, an employment permit may be sought by an employer to hire a non-EEA national.
Since the outset the Covid-19 pandemic my Department has implemented a contingency plan to ensure that the Employment Permit system will continue to operate in all scenarios. Under the Covid-19 Employment Permits Contingency Arrangements, published by my Department on 30th March 2020, a 100% refund of the application fee may be granted in cases where an application is withdrawn in advance of a decision being taken on it. However, the current employment permits legislation does not provide for a refund to be granted after an employment permit has issued, or to offset the fee paid for an issued Employment Permit against a different/new application.
The issue of refunds is being considered in the context of the development of the new Employment Permit (Consolidation and Amendment) Bill.
Furthermore, the employment permits system is run on the principle of cost recovery and while not uniquely, the Employment Permits Acts do not provide that the system reflect the cost of administering the service and enforcing the regime, there is an expectation that there is a nexus between fee income and the expenditure of administrating the service, including enforcement and provision of information, in the medium term.
Further information in relation to the contingency arrangements introduced by Employment Permits Section in response to the pandemic can be accessed on my Department’s website via the following link: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/COVID-19-Employment-Permits-System-Contingency-Arrangements.pdf