Written Answers Nos. 4-20
4. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the agencies and State organisations under his Department that are receiving State funding that do not have to declare salaries of employees under the 2016 code of governance. [40044/21]
View answerAll bodies under the aegis of my Department are covered by the 2016 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
5. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Taoiseach his plans to increase the amount of publicly available real-time disaggregated data in order to monitor the way in which the State’s policies are affecting individual groups. [40098/21]
View answerPlans to increase the amount of publicly available real-time disaggregated data in order to monitor the way in which the State’s policies are affecting individual groups, primarily relates to Equality Budgeting work being processed under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
More generally, the Department of the Taoiseach, is leading work on the development of a Well-being Framework for Ireland. It is an important cross-government initiative that seeks to develop a multi-dimensional approach to understanding the impact of public policy on peoples lived experiences.
A First Report on this work went to Government on 6 July 2021 and was subsequently published on the Government of Ireland Website. This first Report on a Well-being Framework for Ireland provides a Vision, Conceptual Framework and accompanying initial Dashboard for Well-being in Ireland. It also explores its integration with policy making and includes a roadmap for further stages of the work.
As part of the next phase of this work, a ‘Public Conversation’ will take place in the Autumn, which will see the publication of an interactive version of the dashboard contained in the First Report on Well-Being, to be hosted by the CSO. As outlined in the published First Report, the dashboard will include some disaggregation, though the primary focus is on the overall dimensions and indictors.
6. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Taoiseach the status of the latest activities of the shared island unit of his Department as of July 2021. [40806/21]
View answer7. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work programme of the shared island unit in his Department. [40944/21]
View answer8. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details on the shared island unit commissioned comprehensive research programme including topics of research; and the expected timeframe for publication of the research. [40945/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 7 and 8 together.
The Government’s Shared Island initiative aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island, engaging with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future.
I established a Shared Island unit in my Department to act as a driver and coordinator of this whole of Government initiative.
In Budget 2021, the Government established the Shared Island Fund, with €500m in capital funding being made available out to 2025, ring-fenced for investment in North/South projects.
We are making allocations from the Fund to support delivery of our commitments and objectives on a Shared Island, as set out in the Programme for Government. The Government will work with the Executive in Northern Ireland, the British Government and other partners to deliver cross-border investments that enhance our shared island.
Progress to date includes:
- The launch in April of Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal restoration project, enabled by an allocation of €6m from the Shared Island Fund and €5.6m from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund. The Shared Island Fund has also provided a further €1 million for development work on Phase 3 of the project, which has now begun;
- The launch in April of the all-island strategic rail review jointly by the Minister for Transport and the Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure. The review is an important step in implementing the Government’s commitment to enhance connectivity on the island, including by rail;
- On 29 June, I was joined by the Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon MLA, as I announced €3m in funding by the Government from the Shared Island Fund to progress work on the Narrow Water Bridge to tender stage, with further funding to be allocated, once the due diligence process has been completed; and,
- On 5 July, I and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science announced that the Government will be investing €40 million from the Shared Island Fund over five years in a new North-South Research programme to support the deepening of links between higher education institutions, researchers and research communities on the island of Ireland.
The Government will continue to develop and progress investment, policy and cooperation initiatives that contribute to implementation of our objectives on a Shared Island as set out in the Programme for Government.
To support development of a more ambitious agenda for cooperation and connection on the island, the Shared Island unit in my Department has commissioned a comprehensive research programme, working with the ESRI, the National Economic and Social Council, the Irish Research Council and other partners.
Strengthening social, economic and political links on the island and the promotion of all-island approaches to the strategic challenges facing Ireland, North and South are key objectives, and North/South and East/West collaboration is a feature of the research work.
The research programme with the ESRI is on ‘the Economic and Social Opportunities from Increased Cooperation on the Shared Island’. Research outputs will be published in 2021 and subsequent years. 2021 work is focusing on aspects of health, education, foreign direct investment and the all-island economy. Scoping papers including terms of reference for each of the ESRI research topics for 2021 were published in May, available at gov.ie/sharedisland/research.
The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is preparing a comprehensive report to Government on Shared Island this year, informed by broad consultation, which NESC is conducting with stakeholders North and South. In February, NESC published a scoping paper setting out their approach and focus on issues including: the economy and regional development; tackling poverty; mental health; social enterprise and, climate, biodiversity and environment. NESC will also conduct a place-based examination of issues relating to sustainability and connectivity on the island.
The Shared Island unit has partnered with the Irish Research Council (IRC) and a funding call was conducted for academic contributions to the Shared Island research agenda across a wide range of themes, under the IRC’s New Foundations scheme. The successful research projects will be announced in the autumn and findings published in mid-2022.
The Shared Island unit commissioned independent scoping research by Professor Deirdre Heenan on ‘Collaborating on Healthcare on an All-Island Basis’ which was published as a discussion paper for the Shared Island Dialogue on ‘Working Together for Healthier Island’, that was held on 8 July.
At the Labour Employer Economic Forum earlier this month, it was agreed to commence a workstream on Shared Island issues of interest for trade unions and employers within LEEF’s remit of economic and employment issues relevant to the labour market.
I initiated the Shared Island Dialogue series to foster inclusive, constructive civic dialogue, that engages all communities and traditions, on key issues for our shared future.
I addressed the first Shared Island Dialogue with young people in November, on the theme of “New Generations and New Voices on the Good Friday Agreement”. Dialogues on Climate and Environment; Civil Society engagement; the Equality agenda; Economic recovery on the island; and Health cooperation have been held so far this year, with participation by Government Ministers. The next Shared Island Dialogue will be on Education, taking place in the autumn.
These Dialogues are bringing together hundreds of civic representatives and stakeholders in the different sectors, from across all regions, communities and traditions, to discuss how we can work together to build a shared future on the island. Recordings and reports of the Dialogues are available online at www.gov.ie/sharedisland/dialogues and on social media.
9. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will report on any recent or future planned engagements with the British Prime Minister regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol. [40946/21]
View answerI spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Johnson on 21st July.
We discussed the Northern Ireland Protocol and I indicated that the UK Government’s statements on the Protocol, to be made at Westminster the following day, would be carefully considered. I also stressed the importance of utilising the EU-UK framework for issues related to the Protocol.
The EU has consistently said it is ready to find flexible, practical approaches to address the difficulties citizens in Northern Ireland are experiencing as regards the implementation of the Protocol. However, any solutions must take place within the framework of the Protocol and the principles that underpin it.
We exchanged views on the current Covid-19 situation, especially in regard to the Delta variant.
I also raised legacy issues, including serious concerns at the British Government’s proposals and the impact it is having on victims and families. I emphasised that there can be no pre-determined outcome to the consultation process currently underway.
We agreed to stay in touch and looked forward to an opportunity to meet in person in the future.
I previously met with Prime Minister Johnson at Chequers on Friday 14th May, when we discussed a range of issues, including on implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
11. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current status of Ireland considering the TRIPS waiver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41394/21]
View answerUniversal and equitable access to safe, effective and affordable vaccines, diagnostics and treatments is crucial in the global fight against COVID-19.
International Trade is a competence of the EU under the Treaties and in exercising that competence, the European Commission engages fully with the Member States, including Ireland, through a variety of Committees and Working Parties/Groups, including on Intellectual Property.
As regards the broad waiver proposed by a number of WTO Members, on 4 June, the EU submitted a proposal to the WTO General Council, which proposed that WTO Members could agree on a global trade initiative for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics encompassing the three components of (i) trade facilitation and disciplines on export restrictions; (ii) concrete actions to expand production and ensure supply of vaccines at affordable prices to low and middle income countries during the pandemic and (iii) clarification and facilitation of TRIPS Agreement flexibilities relating to compulsory licences.
The EU has also submitted a Declaration to the TRIPS Council to assist the next phase of discussions with a view to trying to reach agreement with all Members of the WTO on how to achieve the shared goal of expanding production and facilitating equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics for all.
The EU continues to be committed to an open and comprehensive dialogue with all WTO members to explore how the multilateral rules-based trading system can best support universal and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, and to continue ramping up production, to share COVID-19 vaccines and medicines more widely and faster and to ensure equitable access to these products for low and middle-income countries.The EU considers that the COVAX Facility, the international initiative to ensure global access to COVID vaccines, is the mechanism that is best placed to ensure that high-income countries finance the vaccines and support the developing countries to secure their share of global supply.Ireland has consistently championed collaborative responses to the pandemic, with a focus on ensuring that the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable are served by our collective effort. As a member of the global health community, Ireland continues to play an active role in ensuring fair and equitable access to vaccines for all. This includes supporting the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Vaccine Alliance and the Global Fund, to develop, produce and equitably distribute effective technologies in the COVID-19 global response.
12. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when in the Roadmap for Reopening the Economy and Society it is expected further details will be provided on arrangements for trade fairs and exhibitions. [41419/21]
View answerI recognise the difficulties being experienced by those in the trade fairs and exhibitions industry during the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. I know that many employers, employees and the self-employed in this sector want to get back to work as quickly and safely as possible; and I support them in that ambition.
This matter raised by the Deputy is, in the first instance, a matter for the Department of An Taoiseach, but my Department is engaging with that Department across a range of business related areas on the Roadmap for Reopening. When any changes are made to the current restrictions by Government, they will be publicly announced, and the most up to date public health advice may be monitored on the gov.ie website.
Representatives of the trade fair and events industry have had engagement with my colleague, Minister of State Troy, on how trade fairs and exhibitions could progress to a reopening scenario. My Department is in consultation with the Department of An Taoiseach, and there will be consideration by the Government in the context of the further lifting of restrictions into the future, as we seek to balance public health, economic and social aspects of living with COVID-19 to try to bring some greater certainty to those still impacted by the pandemic.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small business assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
The level of business supports is unprecedented, and I would urge businesses to ensure that they are aware of what is available to them and apply for the appropriate schemes.
IN addition to the supports outlined above, the Government has worked to ensure that there is a range of assistance in place for COVID-19-impacted businesses including the COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the Brexit Loan Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Future Growth Loan Scheme.
A new Events Sector Covid Support Scheme (ESCSS) is a once-off scheme with a funding allocation of €11.5 million to support the events sector. Details are available from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media and at the gov.ie website.
In addition, on the 1st of June 2021 the Government announced the Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS) for vulnerable but viable businesses in sectors that were significantly impacted throughout the pandemic, even during periods when restrictions are eased. The BRSS will be administered by Revenue, with further details expected to be announced in September 2021.Full details of the wide range of current COVID-19 schemes for businesses are available on the Department’s website at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
While I understand the difficulties businesses have faced, and recognise the sacrifices that have been made, it is encouraging that the country is now in a much more hopeful position.
13. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he will take through the European Commission and European Council to support the aims of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39074/21]
View answerUniversal and equitable access to safe, effective and affordable vaccines, diagnostics and treatments is crucial in the global fight against COVID-19.
International Trade is a competence of the EU under the Treaties and in exercising that competence, the European Commission engages fully with the Member States, including Ireland, through a variety of Committees and Working Parties/Groups, including on Intellectual Property.
As regards the broad waiver proposed by a number of WTO Members, on 4 June, the EU submitted a proposal to the WTO General Council, which proposed that WTO Members could agree on a global trade initiative for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics encompassing the three components of (i) trade facilitation and disciplines on export restrictions; (ii) concrete actions to expand production and ensure supply of vaccines at affordable prices to low and middle income countries during the pandemic and (iii) clarification and facilitation of TRIPS Agreement flexibilities relating to compulsory licences.
The EU has also submitted a Declaration to the TRIPS Council to assist the next phase of discussions with a view to trying to reach agreement with all Members of the WTO on how to achieve the shared goal of expanding production and facilitating equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics for all.
The EU continues to be committed to an open and comprehensive dialogue with all WTO members to explore how the multilateral rules-based trading system can best support universal and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, and to continue ramping up production, to share COVID-19 vaccines and medicines more widely and faster and to ensure equitable access to these products for low and middle-income countries.The EU considers that the COVAX Facility, the international initiative to ensure global access to COVID vaccines, is the mechanism that is best placed to ensure that high-income countries finance the vaccines and support the developing countries to secure their share of global supply.Ireland has consistently championed collaborative responses to the pandemic, with a focus on ensuring that the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable are served by our collective effort. As a member of the global health community, Ireland continues to play an active role in ensuring fair and equitable access to vaccines for all. This includes supporting the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Vaccine Alliance and the Global Fund, to develop, produce and equitably distribute effective technologies in the COVID-19 global response.
14. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to capitalise on the potential transport links such as the N24, Limerick Junction and the motorway links that County Tipperary has to offer; his views on the way these links might be best used; the work he has carried out to capitalise from the strategic location of County Tipperary in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39318/21]
View answerDelivering balanced regional growth is a core objective of this Government and my Department and its agencies have a strong role to play in this agenda through direct assistance to businesses as well as promotion and enhancement of regional locations as places for businesses to invest.
Quality of infrastructure and accessibility is an important aspect of the latter and Co. Tipperary is well placed in terms of connectivity to airports, ports and road infrastructure. The county is unique in that it is traversed by two main arterial motorways – M7 and the M8 - and the N24 provides essential connectivity between Limerick and Waterford.
Regional development is at the centre of IDA’s new strategy ‘Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, through which, the IDA propose to target half of all investments to regional locations from 2021-2024. There are currently 12 IDA supported companies in County Tipperary employing 4,180 people and 143 IDA client companies in the Mid-West Region employing 24,169 people. The Deputy will be aware of the announcement by Fiserv in June 2021, announcing 200 jobs in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
Enterprise Ireland’s Strategic Framework 2021 is focused on driving recovery and resilience of the enterprise base, in every county including Co. Tipperary. During 2020, 131 Enterprise Ireland client companies employing 6,556 people were operating in County Tipperary. The Local Enterprise Office in County Tipperary continues to be a ‘first stop shop’ to individuals who want to start or grow their micro enterprise. In 2020, 278 client companies supported 1,365 jobs in Tipperary.
Overseen by my Department, nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 are currently being developed by regional stakeholders which will identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and enable job creation across the regions including opportunities emerging with infrastructure improvements. The preparation of a new Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 is underway and includes Co. Tipperary as well as counties Limerick and Clare.
The new Regional Enterprise Plan for the Mid-West will reinforce and build on the core activities of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs and other State Bodies involved in enterprise development in the Mid-West region. Myself and my colleague Minister of State Robert Troy lead on the initiative nationally and I am working closely with the Chair and stakeholders in the Mid-West on the development of the new Plan which is expected to be completed later this year.
The Government has put several funding streams in place to support regional development. Under my Department’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) administered by Enterprise Ireland, the Mid-West region has secured total funding of over €15 million to date including €5.1 million for two Tipperary based projects - the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation and Innovation Engine.
In addition, through the Government’s National Planning Framework, the main regional centres, including Limerick/Mid-West are to develop as viable alternatives to Dublin, with significant funding being channelled through Project Ireland 2040 Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds. Co Tipperary has secured over €25.5 million under the URDF to date.
15. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has plans to introduce an apprenticeship programme for airplane pilot training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39391/21]
View answerAs Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I fully support the apprenticeship system as a means of providing the broad range of skills needed to grow Ireland's economy. Policy responsibility for the apprenticeship system lies primarily with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Apprenticeship Council and SOLAS, Ireland's Further Education and Training Authority.
The need for, development and introduction of new apprenticeships is driven by industry, in cooperation with the education and training system. The Department of Further and Higher Education and SOLAS ensures that there are structures available through which enterprise can develop and access apprenticeship, the procedures for which are outlined on www.apprenticeship.ie. I encourage the airline industry to engage with these structures should they wish to establish an airplane pilot apprenticeship programme.
16. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures his Department is taking to reduce the disparity in gender balance in airplane pilot jobs given that only 6% of pilots are female; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39392/21]
View answerIn 2018 I launched Balance for Better Business, as an independent business-led Review Group established by the Government to improve gender balance in senior leadership in Ireland. It was created to make recommendations on how more women can be involved in decision-making at the top level of businesses in Ireland. The Review Group examines the gender mix within the governance and senior management of companies in Ireland and the issues which arise in connection with the appointment of company directors and senior management.
The Review Group, which meets 3 to 4 times a year, comprises senior figures in Irish business and the public service. In addition, there is an Advisory Group, which is representative of a wider cross section of business organisations and other interested parties, that meets twice a year.
While Balance for Better Business focuses on improving gender balance in senior leadership in Ireland, it is vital there is a pipeline of talent from which to fill vacancies on boards and / or on senior leadership teams. In addition, increasing employment and leadership opportunities for women is shown to increase organisational effectiveness and growth within companies so it makes business sense to ensure a balanced workforce within an organisation.
Outside of individual organisations and the Balance for Better Business initiative, much work has been done across the Government system to ensure women’s full and equal representation in Irish business. This includes encouraging and enabling female participation including through promoting women and girls in STEM, new modes of working and Early Learning and Care that is affordable, accessible, and high quality.
It is likely there are a number of factors influencing the low number of women working as airline pilots, such as the number of girls taking physics; the number of women applying for (and completing) the requisite third level courses; and the work schedules / shift patterns. As such, more research and analysis would need to be undertaken to understand these factors and how to address them. These would be issues for my Ministerial colleague, Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D., who has policy responsibility for this sector.
17. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if further additional supports will be made available to gaming arcades following the decision to not reopen the sector in the latest phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39561/21]
View answerI am acutely aware of the ongoing difficulties that businesses continue to face due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small business assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. The level of business supports is unprecedented.
I would urge businesses to ensure that they are aware of what is available to them and apply for the appropriate schemes.
Among the supports outlined above, the Government has worked to ensure that there is a range of assistance in place for COVID-19-impacted businesses including the COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the Brexit Loan Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Future Growth Loan Scheme.
You will also be aware that on the 1st of June 2021 Government announced the Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS) for vulnerable but viable businesses in sectors that were significantly impacted throughout the pandemic, even during periods when restrictions are eased. The BRSS will be administered by Revenue on behalf of the Minister for Finance, and is due to be implemented in September 2021.
Full details of the wide range of current COVID-19 schemes for businesses are available on the Department’s website at:
enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
18. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the compensatory measures that will be put in place for businesses (details supplied) following weather events in February 2021. [39570/21]
View answerMy Department has been in discussion with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage concerning the circumstances surrounding the flooding of a small number of business premises following a weather event in February 2021.
A decision will be made shortly, following further consideration of the necessary justification, on instigating a humanitarian flooding relief Scheme for the area concerned.
19. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if companies operating in Ireland are in breach of the EU Late Payments Directive by exerting undue pressure on suppliers to provide extended payment terms that the supplier does not wish to give or cannot give without jeopardising their cashflow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39695/21]
View answerLate payment in commercial transactions is governed by the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2012, as amended, which gives legal effect to Directive 2011/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 on combating late payment in commercial transactions.
Under these Regulations it is an implied term of every commercial transaction that where a purchaser does not pay for goods or services by the relevant payment date, the supplier shall be entitled to late payment interest on the amount outstanding and a compensation payment. The Regulations provide that public authorities must pay for goods and services they procure within 30 calendar days of receipt of a valid invoice or as specified in a contract and that businesses should make payments within 60 calendar days.
Where contracts between businesses exceed 60 days, such duration should be expressly agreed in the contract and should not be grossly unfair. Terms of the contract will be deemed grossly unfair where they purport to waive or vary the relevant payment date where the contract does not specify the date or period of payment or they waive or vary the implied term as to payment of late payment interest. Where the supplier considers the waiver or variation is grossly unfair, they may apply to the Circuit Court for an order under the Late Payment Regulations or to an arbitrator for an award as set out in the Regulations.
Legislation in respect of late payments is principally to protect the supplier and to ensure that where the services or goods have been delivered as set out in the contract, that payment is made within the terms of the contract or as set out in the legislation. I acknowledge that late payments to suppliers can have a negative impact on business cashflow. I can assure the Deputy that officials from my Department will continue through participation in the European Commission’s Late Payment Directive Expert Group to seek ways of ensuring compliance with the Directive.
20. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will support an all-Ireland approach for easy to read signage and menus for persons with intellectual disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39706/21]
View answerThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the agencies under its remit are committed to disability inclusion and to fulfilling the obligations set out in the ‘National Disability Inclusion Strategy’ (2017-2021). I look forward to discussing the proposals referenced by the Minister in due course.
