Written Answers Nos. 101-125
101. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has considered introducing a points-based system for the entry into the country and naturalisation of skilled workers and their families similar to that in place in Australia and now being considered by the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36838/21]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The regime acts 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. By design, it is vacancy led and driven by the changing needs of the labour market, expanding and contracting in tandem with its inherent fluctuations.
Employment permits are issued on the basis of a job offer from an employer in the State, having identified an individual that holds the appropriate qualification and skills. Further to that, my Department examines a number of criteria when assessing an application for an employment permit including that there is an employer/employee relationship and that a contract of employment exists.
The system is managed through the operation of the critical skills and ineligible occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit. The occupations lists are subject to a twice-yearly evidenced based review process involving consideration of research undertaken by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (Solas), the Expert Group of Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the National Skills Council, and input by relevant Government Departments in addition to the public consultation phase. The views and guidance of the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy, chaired by this Department are an important part of the decision-making process. Contextual factors such as COVID 19 and Brexit are also taken into account.
A fundamental review of the economic migration policy that underpins the Irish employment permit system, undertaken in 2018 concluded that, while the current system provides a robust framework to supplement the skills and labour needs in the State, the current legislation imposes considerable inflexibility in its operation. The review involved an international bench-marking exercise, a public consultation process and was overseen by the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group. In order to increase the agility and responsiveness of the system, to modernise it and to ensure that it is capable of adapting to rapid changes in the needs of the labour market, the Review recommended that new legislation be initiated. The Employment Permits (Consolidation and Amendment) Bill is being drafted to address these issues.
The current priority is to progress this new legislation and the Department is not developing any further policy in this area at this time. Any consideration of a system suggested by the Deputy would require an in depth analysis and review to assess the implications of such a system across a range of areas including the implications for enterprise, the impact on the domestic labour market, our obligations to the European Union, and broader immigration policies.
102. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of workers that wish to continue working remotely even after the scheduled national return to the workplace on 22 September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43748/21]
View answerWe have a real opportunity now to make remote and blended working a much bigger part of normal working life. 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.
I will be introducing legislation for a right to request remote working which 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. We recognise that remote working won’t work for everyone or for every organisation, so the Government will take a balanced approach with the legislation.
A working group is currently examining the main issues around the proposed legislation and the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill has commenced. I plan to seek Cabinet approval for the drafting of Heads of a Bill in Quarter 4 of 2021 and to progress the Bill as quickly as possible thereafter. The intention is to introduce a mechanism for employees to request remote working that is fair to workers 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.
103. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are plans to include businesses that missed the deadlines for Covid-19 business supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43797/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Government have provided a significant package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic. Under the new Economic Recovery Plan, a stimulus to fuel the economy of €4 billion was announced, this is intended to aid businesses and the economy to recover and rebuild.
The Plan outlined changes to several of the current financial supports, the EWSS is extended until the end of 2021, the commercial rates waiver will continue until 30 September 2021, the 9% VAT rate was extended, tax debt warehousing scheme is extended until the end of the year and will be interest free in 2022 and the CRSS will remain in place for businesses that have to stay closed.
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) which has paid out over €4.5 Billion and provided relief on over €720 Million in Employer PRSI payments will remain open to eligible businesses until at least the end of 2021.
Similarly, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) will remain in place for eligible businesses until the end of the year.
The Tax Debt Warehousing Scheme which has allowed over €2.6 Billion in taxes owing to the Exchequer to be warehoused will also remain in place until the end of the year, these debts will remain interest free until the end of 2022 before repayment plans will be agreed with the Revenue. In addition to this scheme, several other concessions have provided accelerated relief for losses which has resulted in eligible taxpayers (Corporate and personal) receiving advance tax refunds, these concessions remain in place and will assist with cashflow for affected entities.
The reduction in the reduced rate of VAT to 9% for hospitality and tourism related services and goods has been extended until August 2022.
For businesses that may have missed deadlines for COVID-19 supports, the new Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS) is available for businesses that were substantially impacted during the pandemic even during periods when restrictions were eased. This support is available to businesses that can demonstrate a significant reduction in trade. The scheme is administered by Revenue with eligible businesses making a claim for an Advance Credit for Trading Expense (ACTE). The BRSS is now open for registration on the Revenue Online Service (ROS). I would urge businesses to ensure that they are aware of what supports are available to them.
I remain committed to working with my colleagues across Government to assist businesses and to address suitable enterprise measures in the context of the challenges presented by COVID-19 to our economy and our people.
I would encourage businesses to contact their Local Enterprise Offices to identify advice on any other assistance that may be available,
104. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to address the labour shortage in the mushroom industry; if he plans to reintroduce the pilot labour permit scheme; and if he further plans to implement other supports in this regard. [43525/21]
View answerPolicy 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.
The employment permits system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages, however, this objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is a genuine one. It is managed through the operation of the critical skills and the ineligible occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit. The Iists are subject to twice yearly evidence-based reviews.
In May 2018, following a detailed business case submitted by the sector, my Department introduced a pilot quota-based scheme to remove the occupations of horticulture worker, meat processing operative and dairy farm assistant from the ineligible occupations list. This pilot scheme proved very successful for a range of employers in the sector and 500 permits were made available to the Horticulture sector. At present, the three quotas created for Dairy Farm Worker, Horticulture Worker and Meat Processing Operative are exhausted.
In order to ensure that the employment permits system is responsive to changes in economic circumstances and labour market conditions, it is managed through the operation of the critical skills and the ineligible occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit. The lists are subject to twice yearly reviews which are evidence based and are guided by research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) in SOLAS, a public consultation process, input from the relevant policy Departments and the Economic Migration Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by the Department. Account is also taken of contextual factors such as Brexit and, in the current context, COVID 19 and their impact on the labour market.
Consideration of the submissions received to the current occupations lists review is underway, including from the mushroom sector, and scheduled to be finalised in the Autumn.
105. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Longford and Westmeath 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. [43826/21]
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.
The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID-19 (SBASC), which is administered by the 31 local authorities in every county is one par of the Government's comprehensive business support package including 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. These business supports were unprecedented.
The total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications for County Longford is 110. Of that figure 56 have been approved for payment. 54 applications have been refused.
In relation to County Westmeath, the total number of SBASC applications is 199. Of that figure 128 have been approved and 71 have been refused.
Refusals have occurred due to eligibility requirements such as businesses not meeting the turnover criteria, turnover was not down 75% during the eligibility period, incomplete application form 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 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 enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/ .
I would also encourage business owners to talk to their Local Enterprises Offices who offer advice and guidance in relation to the supports available to businesses.
106. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has considered adopting the economic model of community wealth building which has been successful in Ayrshire, Scotland and Preston, England. [43363/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future, has put a strong emphasis on achieving more balanced regional and community development. My Department plays a very strong part in implementing that policy goal through a variety of policy initiatives and investments in the regions, including ‘bottom-up’ approaches that engage directly with community, county and regional initiatives to boost prosperity, as underpin initiatives such as community wealth building in Scotland and England.
One such initiative led by my Department is the Regional Enterprise Plans, which enables regional stakeholders themselves identify enterprise development priorities and develop solutions in partnership with Government to address these opportunities and/or vulnerabilities. To support the Regional Plans, my Department has made available over €117m in regional enterprise development funding to support locally-led regional enterprise development projects around the country.
My Department through the Local Enterprise Offices also helps people in every County who wish to start or grow a new locally based business, providing expert advice, tailored training and grants.
The Government is aware in particular of the challenges local towns face including those associated with the provision of adequate employment opportunities, addressing vacant and derelict properties, the impact of online shopping on town-centre retail, and the general move away from town-centre living and commercial activity.
In this context, the Programme for Government has committed to the development of a Town Centre First policy and an inter-Departmental Group has been established to consider the regeneration of our towns and villages, co-chaired by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Rural and Community Development. A representative from my Department is a member of this Group. I am pleased that a wider Stakeholder Advisory Group, chaired by Minister of State Peter Burke, has also been set up to harness the potential and capacity of a broad range of sectors including representation from the public sector, business, environmental, social and knowledge based sectors to guide the preparation of a Town Centre First approach.
Finally, through the principles contained in the National Planning Framework in terms of sustainable place-making, and the funding and other supports being made available to communities all over the country through for example Project Ireland 2040 Rural and Urban Funds, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and LEADER/Local Development Companies etc., there is a strong focus on locally led economic development in Ireland.
We will continue to review good practice and engagement models nationally and internationally for any additional insights they may offer for enterprise policy.
107. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the North-West Regional Enterprise Plan. [43805/21]
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 North-West region through collaborative regional actions.
The new North-West Plan to 2024 which covers Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo, 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.
My Departmental colleague, Minister Damien English and myself are driving the delivery of the Regional Enterprise Plans at the national level, and I have myself been engaging directly with the stakeholders in the North-West in the preparation of their new Plan to 2024. I recently met with the outgoing chairperson Philip Martin, CORA Systems and the Programme Manager to receive an update on the development of the new Plan and am very pleased with the progress being made, and the level of engagement being received. A new Chair for the North-West Steering Committee will shortly be announced.
The regional stakeholders in the North-West 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 North-West Plan in the coming weeks.
Once this has been done the intention is to publish all nine new Plans including for the North-West region, in quarter 4 this year.
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.
109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with business representatives in Northern Ireland in relation to the Northern Ireland Protocol. [43734/21]
View answerThe last year and a half has brought about unprecedented challenges for businesses on our island. Not only has the pandemic had a disruptive impact, but the uncertainty around the cross-border trading environment has caused difficulties for companies that operate on both sides of the border.
The challenges that surround Northern Ireland’s unique position also come with significant opportunities, however. While there is some unease around the Protocol, I believe it presents a unique economic opportunity for businesses and trade on our shared island.
Earlier this month I had the opportunity to travel to Northern Ireland to meet with business representatives there. The meeting allowed a wide-ranging discussion of current economic issues and the priorities of businesses across the island, reflecting the priority the Irish Government attaches to supporting and developing the all-island economy.
I also visited the InterTradeIreland offices in Newry and experienced first-hand the hard work and commitment of its staff. ITI is working to grow trade across the border and to support businesses in dealing with the joint impacts of Brexit and the pandemic. The body has seen a significant increase in demand for its services in recent years and its continued success underscores not just ITI’s value, but also the value of both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland working together.
I was pleased to have had the opportunity to open the Shared Island Dialogue event on the all-island economy on 2 June this year. The Dialogue explored opportunities to enhance the economy on the island in a post-Covid environment, with a focus on young entrepreneurs, innovation and social enterprise. It featured a wide-range of participants, including entrepreneurs from both North and South that shared their perspectives of operating their businesses cross-border.
The Dialogue was part of the Government’s Shared Island Initiative, which seeks to examine political, social, economic and cultural considerations for a shared future in which all traditions are mutually respected. Central to this is the Shared Island Fund, where the Government has committed €500m in capital funding between now and 2025, ring-fenced for investment in North/South projects.
We will continue to work with InterTradeIreland, the Shared Island unit and colleagues in the Northern Ireland administration to make the most of these unique opportunities that cross border cooperation presents.
110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the analysis his Department has carried out into the removal of dental nurses from the ineligible list of occupations for employment permits particularly in view of the fact that emergency dental practice activities are listed as essential services under Covid-19 public health guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43795/21]
View answerThe State operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and 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 managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for an employment permit where there is a surplus of those skills in the domestic and EEA labour market.
In order to maintain the relevance of these lists of occupations to the needs of the economy and to ensure the employment permits system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, these lists undergo twice-yearly evidence-based reviews which are guided by research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU), SOLAS and involves public/stakeholder consultation. Account is taken of education outputs, sectoral upskilling and training initiatives and known contextual factors such as Brexit and, in the current context, COVID-19 and their impact on the labour market. Consideration is also taken of the views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by the Department and of the relevant policy Departments.
The occupation of Dental Nurse is ineligible for an employment permit. In order to add or remove an occupation from the lists, evidence is sought demonstrating that recruitment difficulties are solely due to genuine shortages across the EEA and not to other factors such as salary and/or employment conditions. Sectors are also required to engage structurally with the public employment service of the Department of Social Protection. The review process invites stakeholders, through the public consultation, to provide data to substantiate claims of lack of skills or labour available in a detailed evidence-based business case.
A submission was received in respect of this occupation to the review completed in October 2020, no change was recommended at that time as the available evidence did not indicate recruitment difficulties for the role. A review of the occupation lists is underway at present, no submission has been received in respect of the occupation of Dental Nurse. Another review will commence later this year, to which the sector can make a detailed business case to have the occupation removed from the ineligible occupation list.
111. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an overview of the efforts his Department, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland are making in terms of attracting new businesses to locate in County Clare. [43722/21]
View answerClare has witnessed an 8% increase in employment in overseas companies since 2012 with over 500 net new jobs added to the FDI portfolio during this period. There are now over 6,700 people employed across 64 multinational companies in Clare. Recent investments of scale have been in Technology, Med Tech, Pharma and Financial Services sector. Clare has seen announcements from companies like Beckman Coulter, Edwards Lifesciences, Extreme Networks, Jaguar Land Rover in recent years and in the last year investors such as Exida, MeiraGTx, IQEQ, and OLED Material Manufacturing PPG have announced investment in Clare.
IDA Ireland actively engages with Clare County Council, Shannon Commercial Properties and other property owners and stakeholders on their development plans, and markets sites and property solutions across the Mid-West region through its extensive overseas network to both existing and new investors. The region is well positioned to continue to retain and attract new FDI investment and grow employment in existing companies and IDA Ireland will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders and parties in the region to achieve this objective under the Regional Enterprise Plan.
There are 143 IDA client companies in the Mid-West Region, 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%. The Mid-West has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies sectors.
IDA Ireland is a member of the Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee for the Mid West Region and works closely with partners on the implementation of this Plan and continuing the strong spirit of collaboration and collective effort that is essential to delivering on the ambition for the Mid West Region.
In 2020, Enterprise Ireland companies employed 4,372 people in 140 plants in Co. Clare. Payments to Enterprise Ireland companies in Co. Clare in 2018 - 2020 were €8,765,263. This funding assists companies to innovate, be competitive and grow exports.
Enterprise Ireland’s regional team are working with companies in Co. Clare in a number of areas, including the Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme and REDF funded projects.
Enterprise Ireland launched the Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme to provide assistance, including funding supports, to regionally based not-for-profit undertakings that provide economic support to enterprises in sectors and regions negatively affected by Covid-19, as well as a consequence of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU (Brexit). This Scheme aims to offer a targeted solution to both existing and new Regional and Community-based projects that can demonstrate the ability to deliver impact and execute project deliverables in the current year. These not-for-profit projects should aim to improve the capability and competitiveness of regional enterprises and encourage entrepreneurial activity, productivity, and innovative capability in that regard. The Regional Team in the Mid West are closely working with applications in Clare and the Mid West Region, which closed out on 8th September 2021.
The Mid West team are currently working with REDF funded projects in County Clare such as the Clare Mez DAC, Future Mobility Campus Ireland and Emerald Aerocluster Company to attract SMEs to the county of Clare in their specialised sectors.
The Mid West Regional team at Enterprise Ireland are consistent in dealing with prospective SME clients of Enterprise Ireland on a one to one and ongoing basis in Co Clare. Enterprise Ireland sit on the Clare LEO Evaluation panel and New Frontiers review boards in LIT as well as reaching out to many representative opportunities and online events to attract start ups and SMEs to the County Clare and the mid-West Region.
112. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has plans to develop a green jobs programme in view of the climate crisis and the current situation of mass unemployment. [43832/21]
View answerThe recovery from COVID-19 presents an opportunity to embrace the transition to low-carbon activities. Climate change and its impacts present a significant threat to all of us and decarbonising our economy while promoting sustainable growth is one of the core objectives of this Government.
Decarbonisation, the transition to a low carbon economy and associated behavioural changes will significantly alter the economy. The scale and nature of the challenge to meet Ireland’s ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets and lay the foundations for achieving a carbon neutral society by 2050 is profound. Embracing this transition will open up substantial new opportunities for businesses and create new jobs. The government’s Economic Recovery Plan will be a key instrument in doing this. It will encourage job creation and a recovery that promotes sustainable and balanced growth, while not forgetting pre-existing challenges, many of which have been exacerbated as a result of COVID-19.
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) has conducted a study on the Skills to Enable the Low Carbon Economy to 2030. This study focussed on skills required to support the delivery of major elements of the 2019 Climate Action Plan. The work of the EGFSN is critical to informing the Government’s approach to skills planning across the education and training system. The findings and recommendations of the report, due to be published in Q4, will assist our climate action and job creation efforts in the coming years.
Under its new strategy for the period 2021-2024, the IDA will assist their clients to develop Corporate Climate Action Plans and to win sustainability investments, while Enterprise Ireland has launched the new Climate Action Enterprise Fund, to support client companies in the low-carbon transition.
This Government recognises that enterprises that make the move early to reduce their carbon emissions will be more resilient to the market and regulatory changes that will deliver this transition to low carbon, and that there are significant opportunities for both existing and new firms to provide the goods and services that will be needed to decarbonise our economy. Through the investments to be set out in the revised NDP, and measures in the Government's forthcoming Climate Action Plan, to be published in the coming weeks, we will continue to enable enterprises to make greener choices and promote sustainable job growth that will address the climate challenge.
113. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way that his Department, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta plan to promote remote working among their client companies to drive regional job creation. [43842/21]
View answerMy Department is driving the implementation of the National Remote Work Strategy, Making Remote Work. Published on January 15th, 2021, the Strategy aims to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature in the Irish workplace in a way which maximises its economic, social and environmental benefits. The Strategy reflects the Government’s confidence that remote working can drive regional job creation and help secure more balanced regional development, and the Strategy shares many of its goals and actions with the Governments plan for rural Ireland launched in March, Our Rural Future.
Each action in the National Remote Work Strategy has been attributed to lead actors for delivery and each action is scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year. Lead actors report progress on the actions to the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Remote Work, of which Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and Údarás na Gaeltachta are members. This IDG has met three times this year, most recently on September 7th . At these meetings it has been established that good progress is underway to achieving the actions by their deadlines. The IDG will meet again in November to further drive the implementation of the Strategy.
The provision of remote working infrastructure to all parts of the country is crucial to successfully promoting remote work to business and workers. On May 31st, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Western Development Commission launched Ireland’s first National Hub Network, ConnectedHubs.ie. This was followed on July 22nd with the announcement of €8.8 million in funding for 117 projects across Ireland as part of the Connected Hubs Call. This investment will contribute to the ongoing development of the National Hub Network, which already includes 134 hubs and will grow on a phased basis to over 400 hubs throughout the country. The ConnectedHubs.ie platform is being widely marketed. This investment will bring significant employment opportunities to our regions and rural communities.
The ConnectedHubs.ie platform also includes the growing Gteic innovation and digital hub network being developed by Údarás na Gaeltachta to serve our Gaeltacht communities. Promoting the use of the Gteic network for remote working by people and businesses in the Gaeltacht forms an important part of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Strategic Plan 2021-2025.
My Department is currently developing new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024. There will be a focus on promoting remote working opportunities and investing in infrastructures in each of the nine regions. My Department also recently announced €10 million in funding for a new Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme. This scheme is administered by Enterprise Ireland and also includes a €500,000 Feasibility Study to assist enterprise development projects, including the development of remote working and enterprise infrastructure.
Agencies under the auspices of my Department are actively promoting and facilitating remote work to their client companies and beyond. IDA Ireland is engaging with its client base to share knowledge on the implementation of remote and hybrid working arrangements. These working models being promoted with international investors as part of IDA Ireland’s balanced regional development agenda. A particular emphasis is being placed on the potential of remote work to attract and retain talent. IDA Ireland supported the ConnectedHubs.ie launch through its communication channels and social media, and the ConnectedHubs map has been incorporated into IDA’s property marketing content. A number of recent regional jobs announcements have referenced roles being open on a remote working basis.
Enterprise Ireland has developed a new employer guide to assist companies in preparing for the future of work in the post-Covid environment, with a focus on transitioning to remote, hybrid and flexible working cultures. EI has been widely promoting the guide to client companies and beyond. The guide was launched at a webinar hosted on 22nd June attended by over 200 business people. EI is also supporting The National Association of Community Enterprise Centres to promote greater use of their associate hubs to assist with the training of hub managers and teams. EI is additionally a member of the Grow Remote Advisory Panel and represents the needs of Irish indigenous industry in the move to hybrid ways of working.
On June 28th, my Department launched the ‘Making Remote Work’ campaign across broadcast, print and social media to promote the Guidance for Working Remotely webpage. This webpage acts as a central access point for employers and employees and brings together the existing State guidance, legislation and advice on remote work into one place. The webpage includes an Employer Checklist to provide employers with a quick way to successfully navigate the adoption of remote working arrangements. The ‘Making Remote Work’ campaign is continuing, and the Government is encouraging workers and employers to discuss the kinds of remote working arrangements that may be suitable for their organisations.
I am confident that these initiatives can promote the adoption of remote working arrangements by businesses and workers which will be a major driver of regional job creation.
114. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of meetings he has had with businesses, workers and representatives of the events industry since July 2020; and the dates of each meeting. [43286/21]
View answerI have had a number of meetings with stakeholders as follows;
9 September 2020 MCD Productions
16 December 2020 Hospitality Forum
15 January 2021 Hoteliers, Restauranteurs
10 March 2021 Hospitality Forum
24 March 2021 EPIC (Events Production Industry Covid Working Group)
13 April 2021 Irish Amusement Trades Association
2 June 2021 Hospitality Forum
14 June 2021 Irish Showman's Guild
30 June 2021 Hospitality Forum
30 August 2021 Members of the Arts and Live Events Industry
Note that this may not be an exhaustive list and does not include ongoing engagement with the sector at official level and with other Ministers in the Department.
117. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on any meetings or engagements he or his Department have held with the play and leisure industry or amusement trade associations. [43475/21]
View answerMy Ministerial colleagues and I in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment have engaged with various sectors throughout this pandemic to assess the required supports needed for businesses to rebuild and recover.
Earlier this year, I met with the Irish Amusement Trade Association and representatives of the Irish Showman’s Guild and my colleague Minister Damien English TD has engaged with Play Activity & Leisure Ireland (PALI).
As the Deputy is aware, the Government have published Ireland’s plan for the next and final phase response to the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting. During the period between 1 September and 22 October, the gradual approach to reopening will continue, from the 20th of September leisure facilities where patrons have defined areas which are pre-booked may open. Subject to the continuation of this progress, we will enter a final phase on 22 October, which will see the majority of restrictions lifted and replaced by guidance and advice.
The Government has provided a broad package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, details of the ongoing supports can be found on my Department’s website: Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).
For the play and leisure sector I would highlight that eligible business can now apply for the Government's new Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS). My 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.
I remain open to meeting with the various trade organisations to continue the valuable discussions.
118. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures he is taking to facilitate hybrid working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43823/21]
View answerMy Department is currently driving the implementation of the National Remote Work Strategy. Published on January 15th, 2021, the Strategy aims to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature of the Irish workplace, in order to maximise its economic, social and environmental benefits.The Strategy contains 15 actions to progress remote work into the future, organised into three pillars and underpinning conditions: These pillars are:
1. Create a Conducive Environment
2. Develop and Leverage a Remote Work Infrastructure
3. Build a Remote Work Policy and Guidance Framework
Each action has been attributed to lead actors for delivery and each action is scheduled to be delivered by Q1, 3, or 4 of this year. Lead actors report progress on the actions to the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Remote Work. This IDG has met three times to date this year, most recently on September 7th. At these meetings it has been established that good progress has been made in achieving most actions by their deadlines. The IDG will meet again in November to further drive the implementation of the strategy. The strategy reflects the Government’s wider commitment to create more flexible and family-friendly working arrangements which will benefit both employees and employers. In April, the Workplace Relations Commission published the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect which will help employees to strike a better work-life balance and to switch off from work outside of normal working hours. The code is flexible and gives employees more options to work outside of traditional hours. It also reflects the fact that many Irish employees are part of a global network, requiring contact with colleagues around the world at different times.On May 31st, the Department of Rural and Community Development launched Ireland’s National Hub Network, ConnectedHubs.ie. This was followed on July 22nd with the announcement of €8.8 million in funding for 117 projects across Ireland as part of the Connected Hubs Call. This investment will contribute to the ongoing development of the National Hub Network, which already includes 134 hubs and will grow on a phased basis to over 400 hubs throughout the country.On June 28th, my Department launched the ‘Making Remote Work’ campaign across broadcast, print and social media to promote the Guidance for Working Remotely webpage. This webpage acts as a central access point for employers and employees and brings together the existing State guidance, legislation and advice on remote work into one place. The webpage includes an Employer Checklist to provide employers with a quick way to successfully navigate the adoption of remote working arrangements. The ‘Making Remote Work’ campaign is continuing, and the Government is encouraging workers and employers to discuss the kinds of remote working arrangements that may be suitable for their organisations.As part of creating an environment conducive to remote work, my Department will soon legislate for the right for employees to request remote work. The report of the submissions received during the public consultation on the proposed measure was published on August 20th, and a working group has been established to draft the General Scheme of the Bill which will be presented to Government as soon as possible. Taken together, I am confident that all these actions will help promote remote work and facilitate hybrid working in a way that benefits both workers and employers.
119. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider a review of Government policy on the development of data centres in Ireland until a cost-benefit analysis has been carried out in relation to energy security, energy prices and their potential to impact on Ireland’s ability to meet climate targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43753/21]
View answer127. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are plans to update the Government statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy report taking into account increased growth in the sector since the policy was devised in 2017, new climate action legislation that has been enacted since and other relevant Government policies that have been drafted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43754/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 127 together.
As the Deputy has alluded to, there have been significant policy and market developments with implications for the data centre sector in Ireland since the publication of the 'Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' in summer 2018. Data centres are already a significant feature of Ireland’s technology sector and our electricity demand (representing 11% of demand in 2020); they are also a core infrastructure enabler of a technology-rich, innovative economy, which makes Ireland a location of choice for a broad range of sectors and value-added activities.
The Government is currently preparing a new Climate Action Plan that will address, amongst many objectives, our ambition to further decarbonise our electricity system. We will seek to further decarbonise our electricity grid while we simultaneously pursue the electrification of sectors such as transport and heating and, crucially, preserve our security of supply and the reliability of our grid. Arising from the Climate Action Plan, I expect that the ‘Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Enterprise Strategy’ will need to be revised to reflect new policy and regulatory developments, ongoing challenges and potential opportunities facing the sector.
This would be part of a suite of actions to ensure that Ireland is planning appropriately for new energy demand in the context of our electrification and decarbonisation ambitions, facilitating growth in digitalisation and our technology sector, while ensuring that we are cultivating energy markets and infrastructure that deliver smart and competitively priced services to all electricity customers. Promoting a higher level of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements in the Irish market, assessing opportunities for large energy users to provide flexible levels of demand at peak times, and facilitating businesses to better monitor and manage the carbon intensity of their electricity hour by hour and across different locations on the grid, could all potentially contribute to this objective.
In revising the Government Statement, my Department would work closely with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and stakeholders such as Eirgrid, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and IDA Ireland, to set out the additional measures required to ensure that the existing demand for data centre development can be harnessed to drive the decarbonisation of our electricity system and deliver regional economic opportunities. I expect that appropriate grid connection policy and electricity market design, alongside research, development and innovation in the sector, can facilitate increasingly efficient, flexible and future-proofed infrastructure for Ireland’s digital, knowledge-based economy.
120. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the South-West Regional Enterprise Plan. [43848/21]
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-West region through collaborative regional actions.
The new South-West Plan to 2024 which covers Cork and Kerry 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 driving the delivery of the new Plan in the South-West and I have engaged directly with the South-West Regional Steering Committee made up of regional stakeholders and chaired by Patricia Quane, retired Vice President and General Manager, Astellas Ireland throughout 2021.
The regional stakeholders in the South-West 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-West 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-West 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.
121. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will intervene via legislation or otherwise to protect workers who must stay at home with their school-aged child who has to self-isolate in accordance with public health guidelines; if he will ensure leave is available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43755/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the public health response to COVID-19 is constantly monitored, including approaches to testing, contact tracing, outbreak management, surveillance and sequencing, and is under review in the context of planning for an overall transition in our approach to the management of COVID-19. This review will inform the development of a future public health response strategy and approach for the coming months.
From the outset of Covid-19, many employers have taken the initiative, in line with subsequent requests from the Government, to be as flexible as possible in allowing staff time off to look after their children who are not attending school or crèche. Employers have a general duty of care towards their workers and that care is often expressed in the form of negotiation, compromise and flexibility. Some of the options to be considered for workers with caring responsibilities that preclude them from working their normal hours in the normal, pre-Covid, may include -
- Offering paid compassionate leave,
- Allowing employees to work from home,
- Altering shifts, so that employees can coordinate caring between themselves and partners, or another person,
- Allowing employees to rearrange holidays,
- Allowing employees to rearrange parental leave,
- Allowing employees to take paid time off that can be worked back at a later time etc.
- Allowing employees to take unpaid leave until they can return to work full or part-time.
122. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that have been taken to protect businesses such as retail and hospitality from commercial landlords attempting to recoup rent waived during periods of lockdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43819/21]
View answerI understand some businesses are under pressure to meet their fixed costs, such as rent, after what has been an exceptionally challenging period. At the same time, we must remember that commercial landlords have their own financial obligations that still need to be paid. Where a landlord has debt in place, their flexibility will likely be driven by what their bank/lender will accept. One person’s rent might be another person’s income or pension.
Over the last eighteen months, the Government has urged commercial landlords and tenants to talk to one another and come to some arrangement, as it is in everybody’s interest that terms are amicably agreed. As such, last October, I published the Code of Conduct between landlords and tenants for commercial rents. The aim of this Code is to facilitate discussions between landlords and tenants impacted by COVID-19. It sets out a structured approach for engagement between both commercial landlords and tenants, based on their mutual interest in continuing to work together.
The Code states that landlords should be willing to do what they can to help their tenants to continue to operate rather than facing the risk of a vacant premises and inability to obtain new tenants. Equally, tenants should pay what they can and speak with their landlord when difficulties arise. In addition, as set out in the Code, care should be taken to ensure that any repayment of the deferred rent does not compromise the ability of the affected tenant to recover from the crisis.
As the relationship between landlord and tenant is a legal matter, the Code advises that parties may wish to seek legal advice when deciding new arrangements. If one party feels that another is reneging on new arrangements or new contractual commitments, they may also wish to seek legal advice in that instance.
However, the Code should not be seen in isolation. The Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses through the crisis including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), the forthcoming Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. Many of these alone, or in combination, can be used to assist in the payment of commercial rents if needed.
123. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the general scheme of the sick leave Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43752/21]
View answerThe Government is committed to introducing a statutory sick pay scheme and as such the Sick Leave Bill 2021 is being prioritised.
I am committed to having legislation in place for 2022 and Heads of Bill will be published over the coming weeks. While there will be some additional costs, the scheme is not intended to impose excessive costs on employers. Taking account of the current economic climate the initial period covered by employers will be modest, but this will increase incrementally.
In the first instance, the legislation will provide for a replacement rate of 70% of gross salary for a duration of 3 working days in a calendar year. Coupled with the 70% rate of pay, the application of a daily earnings cut-off point of €110 will ensure that employers do not face excessive costs and that jobs are jeopardised.
The Bill is intended to provide a minimum level of protection to low paid employees, who may have no company sick pay schemes and have 3 ‘waiting days’ before eligibility for illness benefit from the State.
As a first step, we want to plug the existing gap in coverage which would address the issue of people going to work while sick because of concerns about affordability. By closing the gap between illness benefit and waiting days we would eliminate this issue.
The legislation will not prevent employers offering better sick pay terms or unions negotiating for more through a collective agreement.
125. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in County Carlow 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. [43791/21]
View answerThe Government recognises the sacrifices business owners, employees and their families have made over the past 18 months in order to help 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 (SBASC) is part of that comprehensive business support package including 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.
The total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications for County Carlow is 112 and 63 have been approved for payment.
Refusals have occurred due to businesses not meeting the eligibility requirements such as the reduction in turnover, 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 businesses can now apply for the Government's new Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS).
My 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 enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/ .
I would also encourage business owners to talk to their Local Enterprises Offices who offer advice and guidance in relation to the supports available to businesses.
