Written Answers Nos. 53-75
57. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the most recent communication with the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation to Ireland’s stance on the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement, if Ireland has a stance in relation to TRIPS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44463/21]
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.
Ireland will engage with the European Commission and other member states on the EU position for the WTO discussions including discussions on how the flexibilities within the TRIPS Agreement can contribute towards increasing the manufacturing capacity and the equitable access to vaccines around the world.
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.
Reports from the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) suggest that by January 2022, there will be sufficient vaccines produced for every adult on every continent. In addition, by the end of the year, manufacturers of the COVID-19 vaccine are expected to produce 12 billion doses and by mid next-year, there could be a vaccine surplus.
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.
The lead responsibility for both Intellectual Property and Trade lies with my Department. My officials maintain contact with other Departments, including the Department for Foreign Affairs, on this matter, as appropriate.
59. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in County Kilkenny that have applied to the small business assistance scheme; the number of same that have received funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43829/21]
View answerThe Government recognises the sacrifices business owners, employees and their families have made over the past 18 months in order to protect their community from COVID-19. As you are aware, the Government put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic. These business supports were unprecedented.
The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID-19 (SBASC) is part of the Government's comprehensive business support package included the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. We recognised that while thousands of businesses were benefitting from our schemes, there were a small number operating from non-rated business and home offices that had fixed costs and that were viable and could be positioned to reopen. That is why I worked with officials in my Department and with Government colleagues to develop the SBASC grants.
The total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications for County Kilkenny is 237, of which 117 have been approved for payment.
Refusals have occurred due to eligibility requirements such as businesses not meeting the turnover criteria that turnover had decreased by 75% during the eligibility period, incomplete application forms or the business was in receipt of CRSS or another sectoral scheme.
The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is now closed and eligible business can now apply for the Government's new Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS). My Government colleague, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD on 6th September last announced the launch of the BRSS as a new support scheme for businesses with reduced turnover as a result of public health restrictions, with a maximum payment of €15,000. The BRSS is a general scheme and is open to any businesses whose turnover remains impacted as a result of public health restrictions. Businesses who previously availed of other schemes such and SBASC, the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme and CRSS will be eligible to apply provided they meet the qualifying criteria.
Details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes are available on my Department’s website at https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/ .
I would also encourage business owners to talk to Kilkenny's Local Enterprises Office, which offers advice and guidance in relation to the supports available to businesses.
60. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on his recent trade mission to the UK, France and Germany respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43421/21]
View answer67. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on his recent visit to the UK and the meetings with his UK counterparts on issues including Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43371/21]
View answer129. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the recent trade mission to the UK, France and Germany; the number of Irish companies that have expanded into these markets during the Covid-19 pandemic period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43727/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 67 and 129 together.
Last week I led a three-day Enterprise Ireland and IDA trade mission to the UK, France and Germany to support the accelerated export-led recovery of Irish businesses in the UK and Eurozone.
This was the first in-person trade mission undertaken following the EU-UK Trade Agreement and following the onset of Covid-19.
The UK, France and Germany combined represent 39% of total Enterprise Ireland client exports in 2020, with over 2,300 Enterprise Ireland client companies exporting to these three markets.
Over the last 12 months, 95 EI client companies have set up a new presence on the ground in the UK, French and German markets, representing a broad range of sectors including digital technology, life sciences, construction, fintech, energy and transport.
Across the three-days, the trade mission supported the growth of 35 Enterprise Ireland client companies, engaged on the programme. I also met with a number of IDA Ireland existing and target client companies during the mission from the financial, telecommunications, insurance and e-commerce sectors.
One thing that struck me during the mission was the extent of regional investment in Ireland from the companies I met - from Waterford, to Shannon, to Tuam and Athlone.
While in Paris, I met with the French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire and we discussed a broad range of issues including French Presidency planning for Trade and COMPET council, Brexit and Digital issues.
And in London, I took the opportunity to meet with senior Cabinet Minister Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest, including Brexit and the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
I emphasised the position that the Irish Government has consistently taken on the Protocol which is that it is the agreed solution between the UK and the EU to the problems caused by Brexit for the island of Ireland.
While acknowledging that there are clearly issues impacting trade in Northern Ireland that need to be addressed, I indicated the Irish Government view that solutions do exist, within the parameters of the Protocol, for many of the trading difficulties that businesses in Northern Ireland have been experiencing.
I referred to the EU’s consistent willingness to respond positively to the concerns of the people in Northern Ireland in terms for instance of the extension in June 2021 of grace periods under the Protocol. The continued priority by the EU to the Protocol is also clear from the 2-day visit by Commissioner Maros Sefcovic to Northern Ireland last week to work closely with the political, business and civic leaders in a solution focussed manner.
I encouraged the UK Government in return, to work in partnership with the EU in a spirit of positive and constructive engagement in order to identify pragmatic and sustainable solutions to the outstanding issues around the implementation of the Protocol. However, the Protocol cannot be renegotiated.
Just prior to my visit to the UK, I visited Northern Ireland and met with business representatives and heard at first-hand the opportunities they see, including on an all-island and cross border basis, and on the types of issues and challenges they are dealing with.
Ministerial-led trade missions support the Government’s major drive towards market diversification and export growth. As the Covid-19 situation improves and international travel returns I look forward to supporting the work of our agencies on future trade and investment missions.
62. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he plans to legislate to provide employees with the right to request remote working. [43609/21]
View answerThe right to request remote work is part of a broader Government vision to make remote working a permanent feature of Ireland’s workforce in a way that can benefit all – economically, socially and environmentally. The commitment to introduce legislation to underpin employees' right to request remote work was made in the national Remote Work Strategy published last January. The Covid pandemic has certainly brought remote working centre stage and work on this important legislation is well advanced.
The Bill will set out a clear framework to facilitate remote and blended work options, in so far as possible. It will ensure that when an employer declines a request, there are stated reasons for doing so. Remote working won’t work for everyone, so we will take a balanced approach with the legislation.
On 20th August, I published the views from members of the public and stakeholder groups on the new legislation. The summary report of the 175 submissions is available on my Department's website.
Informed by the public consultation and a review of international best practice, the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill has commenced and I will be seeking Cabinet approval for the drafting of Heads of a Bill in Quarter 4 of 2021. The Bill will be progressed through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible thereafter. The intention is to introduce a mechanism for employees to request remote working that is fair but does not place an undue burden on employers.
In the meantime, we will also continue to provide up to date advice, guidance and information on all aspects of remote working for workers and employers.
On 28th June I launched my department’s Making Remote Work campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the advice and information available from Government to help workers and employers facilitate more remote and blended working. This includes guidance for employers and workers and a Remote Working Checklist which are all available on my Department’s website.
64. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will call on the European Union to support a temporary TRIPS waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, medicines and diagnostics at the upcoming WTO meeting. [43383/21]
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 WTO 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.
Ireland will engage with the European Commission and other member states on the EU position for the WTO discussions including discussions on how the flexibilities within the TRIPS Agreement can contribute towards increasing the manufacturing capacity and the equitable access to vaccines around the world.
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.
Reports from the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) suggest that by January 2022, there will be sufficient vaccines produced for every adult on every continent. In addition, by the end of the year, manufacturers of the COVID-19 vaccine are expected to produce 12 billion doses and by mid next-year, there could be a vaccine surplus.
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.
65. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans in relation to consulting interested groups regarding the proposed legislation to grant access to the Workplace Relations Commission for retired workers that was deferred for 12 months in the last term of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43718/21]
View answer87. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken to advance representative rights for retired workers especially in relation to access to the Workplace Relations Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43719/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 87 together.
In 2015, the Industrial Relations Acts were amended to allow for a retired person to have access to the IR bodies in a period of 6-months post-retirement for matters arising pre-retirement.
This 6-month provision allows for the settling of any practical issues affecting a former worker.
Any proposals that arise from voluntary conciliation in the WRC, must also be approved by the trustees of the pension schemes. Trustees have a legal obligation to all members within a scheme.
The Government have agreed to a timed amendment to the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021.
This will allow time, as previously outlined on the floor of the Dáil, to examine the issues carefully and to ensure that all stakeholders are consulted. This process will commence as soon as possible.
66. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in County Tipperary that have applied to the small business assistance scheme; the number of same that have received funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43808/21]
View answerAs a Minister of State in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I recognise the sacrifices business owners, employees and their families have made over the past 18 months in order to protect their community from COVID-19.
The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID-19 (SBASC) is part of the Government's comprehensive business support package included the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. While thousands of businesses have benefitted from our schemes, there were a small number operating from non-rated business and home offices that had fixed costs and that were viable and could be positioned to reopen. That is why I engaged with officials in my Department and with my Government colleagues to develop the SBASC grants.
The total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications for County Tipperary is 263 and 160 have been approved for payment by Tipperary County Council.
A number of applicants were unsuccessful with the applications, in the main due to the fact they either did not meet the reduction in turnover turnover criteria, had incomplete application forms or the business was in receipt of CRSS or another sectoral scheme.
The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is now closed and eligible business can now apply for the Government's new Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS). My Government colleague, the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD on 6th September last announced the launch of the BRSS as a new support scheme for businesses with reduced turnover as a result of public health restrictions, with a maximum payment of €15,000. The BRSS is a general scheme and is open to any businesses whose turnover remains impacted as a result of public health restrictions. Businesses who previously availed of other schemes such and SBASC, the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme and CRSS will be eligible to apply provided they meet the qualifying criteria.
Details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes are available on my Department’s website at https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/ .
I would also encourage business owners to talk to the Tipperary Local Enterprises Offices which offers advice and guidance in relation to the supports available to businesses.
68. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department engage with local authorities regarding the development of digital hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43802/21]
View answerRegional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation is a key policy priority for this Government as set out in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future. The Local Authorities are important partners in achieving that policy objective.
To ensure we are delivering on the potential of each region, my Department is currently overseeing the development of nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024. Myself and Minister Robert Troy are overseeing the development of these Plans nationally. These are bottom-up plans, developed by regional stakeholders including the Local Authorities, along with the enterprise agencies, local enterprise offices, education and training institutes, and others in each region.
The Plans aim to identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and in response, strengthen the regional enterprise ecosystem to enable job creation in the regions. This includes the development of digital, enterprise / co-working hubs in the regions.
Under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF), the Border Enterprise Development Fund (BEDF), the Community Enterprise Centre Scheme, the Community Enterprise Initiative Scheme, the Campus Incubation Programme, and the Regional Accelerator Scheme, my Department through Enterprise Ireland has invested over €200 million in digital and enterprise centre infrastructures. These facilities provide affordable, digitally connected, physical workspace across the country, deliver training and soft assistance to their tenants and other companies in their locality and regional area, and offer co-working facilities.
The total number of projects part funded by Local Authorities in both the RDEF and BEDF calls (4 in total) is 38 out of a total 79 projects funded.
The Community Enterprise Centres have primarily been funded by Enterprise Ireland up to a level of 50% with the previous County Enterprise Boards providing up to 22.5%. In many Instances, there was additional funding provided by the Local Authority by way of cash or the provision of a suitable site for the building.
I chair a National Steering Committee for the development of a Quality Standards System and Framework for Ireland’s enterprise hub sector, a project being managed and co-ordinated by the National Association of Community Enterprise Centres, and which received funding from my Department under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. The initiative, whose Steering Committee includes representation from the City and County Managers Association, will help strengthen Ireland's position as a world class destination in terms of remote working, startup ecosystem, community enterprise development, and innovation.
On the 29 July 2021, my Department announced a new €10 million Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme (RETS) administered by Enterprise Ireland to assist with the expansion of existing enterprise development projects under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and Border Enterprise Development Fund. These funds will improve the capability and competitiveness of regional enterprises in the wake of Covid-19 and Brexit and those seeing to transition in the context of climate action and digitisation.
Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that the RETS also includes €500,000 in Feasibility Study funding to assist early-stage regional enterprise development projects which may include proposed enterprise/incubation centres. Local Authorities as project partners may apply for this funding.
69. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress over summer 2021 on the development of an IDA property (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43205/21]
View answerIDA actively promotes available buildings and land in IDA Business Parks and high-quality buildings in private ownership through their network of overseas offices. IDA Ireland owns approximately 10.6 hectares of industrial zoned land on the Sligo Road in Quignashee, Ballina.
As the Deputy is aware, planning permission was previously obtained for infrastructural development, although this has since expired, the site has subsequently been concept master planned by the IDA to demonstrate its potential and market the site to existing and prospective investors.
IDA Ireland has appointed an engineering firm to undertake detailed technical due diligence, review the master plan design and submit a Stage 1 Infrastructure Planning application, which IDA Ireland expects will be ready for submission in Q3 2021, subject to on-going review.
IDA Ireland is working in collaboration with Mayo County Council to support the objectives of their new strategy and to ensure the infrastructure development will be complementary to the wider development plans for Ballina. The site, once developed, will be positioned and marketed as a suitable location for indigenous and FDI developments.
Over the past number of months, IDA Ireland’s focus has been on helping to protect and grow jobs within its client company portfolio through stabilisation and recovery. IDA Ireland has worked to support to the fullest extent possible client companies throughout the pandemic and the Agency will continue to engage closely with them to help retain, transform and position them for future growth.
70. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the South-East Regional Enterprise Plan. [43790/21]
View answerRegional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation is a key policy priority of mine and this Government.
My Department is currently overseeing the development of nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024.
These are ‘bottom-up’ plans, developed by regional stakeholders which will identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and enable job creation across the regions including in the South-East region through collaborative regional actions.
The new South-East Plan to 2024 which covers Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford will build on the core activities of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs and the wider range of State Bodies involved in supporting enterprise development in the region.
I have the pleasure of leading the delivery of the new Plan in the South-East and I have engaged directly with the South-East Regional Steering Committee made up of regional stakeholders and chaired by Patsy Carney, Director of Kinetic Labs, throughout 2021.
The regional stakeholders in the South-East region are currently working to finalise focused Strategic Objectives for their region, and actions to deliver on these objectives and intend to sign off on the new South-East Plan in the coming weeks.
Once this has been done, it is my Department's intention to publish all these new Plans including for the South-East region, in quarter 4 this year.
Finally, my Department through Enterprise Ireland has made available €0.5 million in Feasibility Funding with grants of up to €50,000 on a 50% match fund basis through the Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme which can be leveraged to develop nascent initiatives emerging from the Regional Enterprise Plans. A closing date of October 1st 2021 applies to this funding.
71. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has had any involvement in the ongoing industrial dispute at Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43844/21]
View answer124. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he or his office have had engagement with Dublin Bus drivers or their trade unions in relation to the current industrial relations dispute at the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43728/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 124 together.
At the outset, I must emphasise that Ireland’s system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, rests with the employer, the workers and their representatives.
For its part, the State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms i.e. the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court, to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences.
These bodies are independent in the delivery of their quasi-judicial functions, in which I as Minister have no role. This approach has served Ireland well over the years and in a large number of high-profile disputes. It would be inappropriate for me to intervene or engage in industrial relations disputes including the dispute mentioned by the Deputy in this question.
I would like to emphasise the need for workers and employers to make every effort to reach a resolution. The dispute handling mechanisms of the State are of course willing, where possible, to assist the parties in coming to a resolution. This will ensure a positive outcome for the employees, the company and the customers of the company
72. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the actions his Department is taking under the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. [43817/21]
View answerGovernment wants a competitive, stable and consumer-friendly insurance environment. The Sub-Group on Insurance Reform, under the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery & Investment, which the Tánaiste chairs was established to oversee and drive forward insurance reform. The Action Plan for Insurance Reform is one of the most important programmes of reform that this Government will undertake. Implementation of the Plan is on track with the first six-monthly Implementation Report published in July 2021, showing that work is progressing well to implement the Action Plan, with 34 of the 66 actions completed.
Actions for my own Department under the Action Plan are set out as follows:
- Enhancing the role of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board
As Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, I have met regularly with PIAB and a range of representative bodies to assess the role of PIAB and develop proposals to enhance and reform the agency. I have undertaken a public consultation seeking views on the matter from all interested parties. The Department has considered the 240 responses received and, informed by the public consultation, Heads of a Bill have been developed in consultation with PIAB, which I am considering.
As set out in the Plan the new Personal Injuries Guidelines came into effect on the 24th April. These Guidelines apply to all cases assessed by PIAB from that date. Preliminary PIAB data indicates that since the implementation of the Guidelines, the average PIAB award has decreased by approximately 50%. Furthermore, about 80% of PIAB awards are now €15,000 or less, compared to 30% in 2020. The new Guidelines clearly represent a shift in the manner in which general damages are awarded in our country and in the level of those damages and should exert downward pressure on insurance premiums.
In addition, the Minister for Justice and I, published the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2021 in April 2021. This Bill will bring Garda compensation claims within the PIAB process. This will benefit both claimants, in terms of quicker resolution of claims with an objective assessment of quantum, and the State as the respondent, in terms of lower legal and administrative costs.
- Strengthening the enforcement powers of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)
On the 22nd December 2020 Government approved the General Scheme of the Competition (Amendment) Bill. This Bill represents a step change in competition enforcement for Ireland and will give the CCPC more effective enforcement powers to punish anti-competitive conduct. The Bill has undergone pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment and is currently undergoing drafting with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
- Working together with the Department of Finance to establish an office within government to encourage greater competition in the insurance market
An Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market has been established within the Department of Finance, chaired by Minister of State Fleming and supported by my Department. The work of the Office includes engaging with sectoral stakeholders to understand gaps in the insurance market, with a view to expanding the risk appetite of existing insurers. It is also involved in exploring opportunities for new entrants in order to increase the availability of insurance. This Office provides a more coordinated Government policy approach to increase competition in the insurance sector.
The full implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform will help to ensure that we have an insurance system which is both affordable and reliable and underpins a vibrant economy.
73. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that Covid-19 vaccine trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights waiver is addressed through the WTO TRIPS Agreement. [43803/21]
View answer74. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Ireland will call on the European Union to support a temporary TRIPS waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, medicines and diagnostics at the upcoming WTO meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43757/21]
View answer86. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will call for the European Union to enforce a temporary TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) waiver on Covid-19 vaccines. [43364/21]
View answer95. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of his engagement at EU and WTO level with regard to the waiving of intellectual property rights in respect of Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43793/21]
View answer108. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will call on the European Union to support a temporary TRIPS waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, medicines and diagnostics at the upcoming WTO meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43651/21]
View answer115. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will call on the European Union to support a temporary TRIPS waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, medicines and diagnostics at the upcoming WTO meeting. [43648/21]
View answer116. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on pursuing existing flexibilities in the WTO TRIPS agreement to allow for compulsory licensing regarding Covid-19 vaccines and facilitate the universal and equitable access to vaccines. [43804/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 74, 86, 95, 108, 115 and 116 together.
Universal 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 WTO 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.
Ireland will engage with the European Commission and other member states on the EU position for the WTO discussions including discussions on how the flexibilities within the TRIPS Agreement can contribute towards increasing the manufacturing capacity and the equitable access to vaccines around the world.
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.
Reports from the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) suggest that by January 2022, there will be sufficient vaccines produced for every adult on every continent. In addition, by the end of the year, manufacturers of the COVID-19 vaccine are expected to produce 12 billion doses and by mid next-year, there could be a vaccine surplus.
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.
75. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in the wake of a recent major jobs' announcement for Dublin, his Department and the IDA are engaging to have multinational online selling and distribution companies based in the midwest area. [43723/21]
View answerThe Mid-West has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. There are 143 IDA client companies in the Mid-West Region (Clare, Limerick and Tipperary) employing 24,169 people. The FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 29%.
IDA Ireland will target 76 investments for the Mid-West region in the period 2021 to 2024. Counties in the Mid-West also benefit from the direct and indirect employment generated by IDA client companies located in other bordering regions, including the cities of Cork, Galway, Kilkenny and Waterford.
Several IDA Ireland client companies have since 2020 announced new operations in the region, expansion of employment mandates and R&D growth including in 2020 Axiom SL, Meira GTx, Bath Fitter, Regeneron, Exida, Transact Campus and in 2021 year-to-date Indigo Telecom Group, IQEQ, Renovo, Fiserv, OLED Material Manufacturing PPG, Abbott Vascular and Bosch.
The Mid-West is now recognised as a global cluster location of choice for advanced manufacturing including both life science and semiconductor manufacturing multinationals such as Abbott Vascular, Analog Devices, Beckman Coulter, Boston Scientific, Johnson and Johnson Visioncare, Edwards Lifesciences, Cook Medical, Stryker Corporation, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Zimmer Biomet. The value proposition will be further enhanced when the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in the National Technology Park is completed.
The Mid-West is also home to Shannon Airport, which facilitates international, transatlantic connectivity and is an important infrastructure asset for FDI access across the western part of the country. IDA Ireland will continue to engage with multinational online selling and distribution companies as part of their strategy to attract investment. In addition, the Mid-West has developed a strong professional services and technology ecosystem including companies like Dell Technologies, Extreme Networks, Fiserv, IQEQ, Waystone and a number with supply chain and distribution functions like DHL and DB Schenker.
IDA Ireland is a member of the Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee for the Mid-West Region and the Agency looks forward to working closely with its partners on the implementation of the Plan and continuing the strong spirit of collaboration and collective effort essential to delivering on the shared ambition for the Mid-West Region.
