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Tuesday, 12 Oct 2021

Written Answers 23-42

Work Permits

Questions (23)

Charles Flanagan

Question:

23. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he plans to expand the work permit scheme; if he will consider the pig industry having regard to the concern expressed regarding labour shortages in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49167/21]

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Written answers

The employment permits system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages, in circumstances where there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is a genuine one.

The system is managed through the use of lists designating highly skilled and ineligible occupations. In order to maintain the relevance of these lists of occupations to the needs of the economy and to ensure their ongoing relevance to the State’s human capital requirements, they undergo twice-yearly evidence-based reviews. The reviews 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 my Department and of the relevant policy Departments. Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are represented on the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group.

In May 2018, 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. These three quotas have been filled.

The current review of the occupations lists is drawing to a close with submissions received from a range of sectors - including from the pig industry – considered during the process. It is expected that the final report on the review will be submitted for approval shortly and any changes necessary to deal with verified skills or labour shortages will be made in the coming weeks.

Data Centres

Questions (24)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

24. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration will be given to introducing environmental policy and guidelines in relation to data centres in conjunction and consultation with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49170/21]

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Written answers

In June 2018, my Department published the Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Policy. The location of data centres in Ireland plays a significant role in Ireland’s technology sector, contributing to Ireland’s international reputation as a digital hub and as a high-quality investment location. Ireland has an extremely valuable Information Technology (IT) sector which accounts for €52 billion (16%) of gross value add in the Irish economy and employs 140,000 people, equivalent to 6% of total national employment and representing 40% growth over the last five years. Data centres are a critical infrastructure for strengthening and advancing Ireland’s position as a strategic international location for IT services and for developing both Ireland’s and Europe’s digital economies.

Since the publication of the Statement, there have been significant policy and market developments with implications for the data centre infrastructure in Ireland. My Department is committed to revising the Statement to reflect the new enterprise context, security of energy supply issues and align it with our renewable energy targets and priorities, in the forthcoming Climate Action Plan 2021.

The revision to the statement will take account of several key related workstreams underway in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications for which the output is due shortly. These include the publication of Eirgrid’s ‘Shaping our Electricity Future’ analysis and strategic approach to grid development; the SEAI-led work on a policy framework for Corporate Power Purchase Agreements and the policy interventions that can be brought forward; publication of Climate Action Plan 2021, which will set out the measures to move toward a decarbonised energy system and the final system design in 2030 which will inform how data centres can best adapt and contribute to decarbonisation; and the publication of the review of wider Security of Supply issues in the electricity sector.

My Department will work closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on the revision to the Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Policy.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (25)

Paul Murphy

Question:

25. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to a number of employees that have been deemed unable to return to their place of work full-time by their healthcare professional under circumstances in which they are able to fulfil their job in full while working from home when they are experiencing inflexibility from their employers given the absence of remote working legislation; if his Department will be introducing measures to safeguard these workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49216/21]

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Written answers

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 to work from home.

On 31 August 2021, the Government published Reframing the Challenge: Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting, containing updated guidance which took effect from 20 September 2021, as part of a gradual and careful re-opening process in advance of further planned relaxation of restrictions on the 22 October.

All workers, regardless of the sector of the economy in which they work, are covered by the provisions of the Work Safely Protocol and I can assure you that the Government is committed to continue to work closely with employers and trade unions to ensure appropriate guidance is in place for this next phase of reopening.

The 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 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.

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.

National Development Plan

Questions (26)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

26. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which projects that fall within the aegis of his Department and are within the revised National Development Plan are at an advanced stage at present or are in course thereof; the extent to which preliminary work has taken place or on-site works are in hand or proposed; the expected delivery date of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49251/21]

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Written answers

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s priority NDP investments focus on optimal use of its capital investment to drive a jobs-led recovery and promote the longer-term capacity and reorientation of our economy. Whilst the revised NDP sets out the key physical infrastructure projects in transport, health, broadband and energy that will serve our society into the future, the Department’s NDP projects and programmes complement these by prioritising knowledge capital and investment in the enterprise environment that enhance competitiveness, job creation and the productivity and innovative capacity of our businesses. A competitive, innovative and resilient enterprise base is essential to achieve the ambitions set out in Project Ireland 2040, delivering employment opportunities for people to live and prosper in all regions.

The programmes to be delivered by Enterprise Ireland include the Green Transition Fund (driving decarbonisation and enterprise resilience in the transition to a low carbon economy), the Digital Transition Fund (building a future focused SME base), Seed and Venture Capital Funding (assisting regional start-ups and growth), the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (spurring innovation and investment in cutting-edge technologies and future-focused solutions), the Space Technologies Programme (benefitting firms in the regions) and EI will establish the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs. These actions will be undertaken in line with EI’s new corporate strategy.

IDA Ireland will continue to strengthen growth and employment potential with a particular focus on balanced regional development and smart specialisation, building competitive and innovative regions and enterprises. Its projects will include the expansion of the National Institute for Bioprocess Researching and Training (NIBRT), the commencement of the Advanced Manufacturing Centre, and the continued roll-out of the Regional Property Programme.

The Advanced Manufacturing Centre is a new, independent industry-led centre that will enable Irish based discrete manufacturers (MNCs and SMEs) access, adopt, and accelerate digital technologies at scale, which solve real world challenges and drive further competitiveness. The AMC building is currently under construction at the National Technology Park, Limerick. It is expected that the AMC building will be practically complete in Q4 2021, with the centre fully operational in Q1 2022.

The expansion of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) will be rolled out and capacity will be scaled up to produce personalised medicines. It is expected that contractors will be appointed in November 2021 and that construction will commence in Q4 2021. The expansion is due for completion in Q4 2022.

The IDA Regional Property Programme will be expanded in order to continue to attract investment to regional locations. Over the course of the current strategy to 2024, IDA will see the delivery of 19 buildings across 15 regional locations together with land acquisitions, infrastructure, and services delivery.

Five properties are currently under construction, with three due to be completed in Q4 2021. These include Advanced Building Solution in Sligo; Advanced Technology Building in Monaghan; and the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Limerick.

Four further buildings are at contractor procurement stage, with two in Limerick and Athlone due to commence onsite in Q4.

A further three are awaiting planning approval; these include Advanced Buildings Solutions in Sligo, Cavan, and Galway.

Nine further projects are at earlier stages of development. The table below summarises the position:

Building

Start Date

Completion Date

Status

Sligo AOB

Q2 2020

Q4 2021

Under Construction

Monaghan ATB

Q4 2019

Q3 2021

Limerick AMC

Q3 2020

Q4 2021

Carlow ABS

Q2 2021

Q2 2022

Limerick ABS

Q4 2021

Q4 2022

Procurement

Athlone AOB

Q3 2021

Q3 2022

Athlone ATB

Q1 2022

Q2 2023

Waterford ABS

Q1 2022

Q1 2023

Sligo ABS

Q1 2022

Q1 2023

Planning

Cavan ABS

2022

2023

Galway ABS 2*

Q1 2022

Q1 2023

During the 2021-2024 period, the upgrading of works on IDA Parks as well as the acquisition of strategic regional sites for development is ongoing and the property programme will be complemented with IDA grants programmes across the regions.

The grants available to IDA clients include, Capital and Employment; Training Grants; Research Development and Innovation, R&D feasibility; Environmental Aid Grants; and other grant supports under de minimis aid including Business Asset Grants; Lean and Green Grants and the International Marketing Programme. Grant programmes introduced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic include the Business Continuity Grant and the Covid-19 Medicinal Products Scheme.

Departmental Communications

Questions (27)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

27. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when additional advice (details supplied) will be issued to employers and employees in relation to the return to the workplace. [49474/21]

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Written answers

As outlined in the roadmap, Reframing the Challenge: Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting, published by Government on the 31st of August , based on the criteria of over 90% of people aged 16 or over being vaccinated and having regard to the incidence and behaviour of the disease at the time, the Government plans to remove further statutory restrictions from the 22nd October. Ireland is currently on track for the relaxation of restrictions on the 22nd of October as set out in the roadmap .

The Work Safely Protocol was developed by Government with employers and trade unions through the Labour Employer Economic (LEEF). As we approach the 22nd of October, further engagement will take place between Government, trade unions and employer representatives, under the auspices of LEEF, and decisions in relation to guidance required for employers and workers following this date, taking account of latest public health guidance and decisions made by Government prior to the 22nd of October.

Employment Rights

Questions (28, 29)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

28. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps his Department is taking to engage with payroll software developers in the planned roll-out of statutory sick pay for 2022; the degree of engagement that has taken place; his plans to open a consultation in advance of the roll-out; if his attention has been drawn to a perceived absence of a detailed specification of requirements regarding the calculation and reporting of the proposed statutory sick pay; and the date on which he plans to make that information available to the relevant stakeholders. [49489/21]

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Catherine Murphy

Question:

29. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to directly engage with an association (details supplied) in 2021 in the context of the roll-out of statutory sick pay. [49490/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.

This Government is committed to introducing a statutory sick pay scheme and work is well underway in this regard. Any move to introduce a statutory sick pay scheme must be balanced with the need to support the viability of the business and enterprise sector, thereby protecting jobs. Therefore, appropriate examination of all implications and consultation with stakeholders is essential to the development of the scheme. We do not want to jeopardise jobs by placing a cost and/or admin burden on business without working through all of the implications and potential solutions. This is why my Department undertook a full public consultation, reviewed international best practice, and formed an interdepartmental group – to ensure that all views and issues were properly considered in the development of the scheme. Department officials are currently finalising the draft Heads of Bill in conjunction with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. I will then seek Cabinet approval to publish the Bill over the coming weeks. It will also be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny which is to be carried out by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, following which the Bill will need to pass through both houses of the Oireachtas.

It is important that we continue to prioritise the completion of all steps required to get this Bill through the legislative process. We will then be in a position to communicate clear instructions on the detail of requirements for end-users.

Officials from my Department are very mindful of the important role played by the Payroll Software Developers and appreciate their offer to assist with the development of detailed guidelines and worked examples. A preliminary meeting has already been held. My officials will further engage with payroll software developers at the earliest opportunity, once the final key policy matters in relation to the scheme have been settled and well in advance of the commencement of the scheme.

Departmental Data

Questions (30)

Holly Cairns

Question:

30. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of State boards under the remit of his Department or its agencies in tabular form; the number of members of each board; the number of women on each board; and the percentage of each board that is made up of women. [49557/21]

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Written answers

There are nine State Boards under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and one Commission (the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission).

Gender balance at board and senior leadership levels in Irish companies is a policy priority for my Department. The policy approach to date has focused on driving culture change in businesses, supported by voluntary targets, which are set and monitored by Balance for Better Business. Balance for better Business is an independent business-led Review Group, established by the Government to improve gender balance in senior leadership in Ireland, and supported by my Department. Enterprise Ireland also play an important role through their Action Plan for Women in Business, launched in 2020.

The information requested by the Deputy is listed below in tabular form:

State Board/Agency

Number of Members on Board

Number of Woman on Board

% Woman on Board

Enterprise Ireland

12 (2 vacancies, appointments to be made shortly)

4

33.33%

Health and Safety Authority

12

5

42%

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)

9

3

33.33%

Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB)

10

6

60%

IDA Ireland

10

4

40%

National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)

12

7

58%

Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)

9 (7 vacancies, appointments to be made shortly)

1

11%

Low Pay Commission(LPC)

9 (6 vacancies, appointments to be made shortly)

2

22%

Intertrade Ireland (ITI)

12 (1 vacancy, one female Board member resigned in May)

2

17%

Departmental Data

Questions (31)

Pa Daly

Question:

31. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of in-person and e-visits made by the IDA to each county in quarters 1, 2 and 3 of 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49611/21]

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Written answers

In response to COVID 19, the IDA migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities to digital platforms. The Agency has developed a suite of digital content and put in place an E-Site Visit experience which can be accessed by potential investors.

As the Deputy will be aware, regional development is a priority in the IDA's new Strategy to 2024, with the aim of winning 400 investments for regional locations.

The numbers of in-person site visits and e- site visits made during Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 are set out in the table below. Figures for Quarter 3 site visits are not yet available.

County

E-visits To end Q2 2021

In person Visits To end Q2 2021

Carlow

1

0

Cavan

1

0

Clare

12

0

Cork

20

0

Donegal

1

0

Dublin

74

0

Galway

16

0

Kerry

1

0

Kildare

3

0

Kilkenny

1

0

Laois

2

0

Leitrim

0

0

Limerick

19

0

Longford

0

0

Louth

4

0

Mayo

1

0

Meath

0

0

Monaghan

0

0

Offaly

3

0

Roscommon

1

0

Sligo

3

0

Tipperary

6

0

Waterford

0

3

Westmeath

15

0

Wexford

1

0

Wicklow

1

0

Total

186

3

Potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. These figures represent individual visits and are therefore not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.

Trade Data

Questions (32)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

32. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of eucalyptus imports in 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49613/21]

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Written answers

The Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data on goods imports.

Eucalyptus is classified within a number of trade classifications, or CN Commodity codes which are shown below, together with their descriptions. In the case of Code 44123300, eucalyptus is classified with other woods.

CN (Commodity Code) Descriptions of CN codes44012210 Wood in chips or particles, of eucalyptus44039800 Eucalyptus "Eucalyptus spp." in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared (excl. rough-cut wood for walking sticks, umbrellas, tool shafts and the like; wood in the form of railway sleepers; wood cut into boards or beams, etc.; wood treated with paint, stains, creosote or other preservatives)44123300 Plywood consisting solely of sheets of wood <= 6 mm thick, with at least one outer ply of non-coniferous wood of the species alder, ash, beech, birch, cherry, chestnut, elm, eucalyptus, hickory, horse chestnut, lime, maple, oak, plane tree, poplar, aspen, robinia, tulipwood or walnut (excl. of bamboo, with an outer ply of tropical wood, and sheets of compressed wood, cellular wood panels, inlaid wood and sheets identifiable as furniture components)

Imports under these CN Codes for 2020 and January-July 2021 were as follows:

-

2020

2020

Jan-July 2021

Jan-July 2021

CN Code

€’000

Tonnes

€’000

Tonnes

44012210

0

0

1,484

22,637

44039800

16

6

0

0

44123300

6,823

11,249

5,791

8,732

Regional Development

Questions (33, 34)

Pa Daly

Question:

33. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the taskforce established to focus on the development of the Shannon Estuary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49616/21]

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Pa Daly

Question:

34. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of local development plans to stimulate economic activity for those areas that expected economic development arising from the Shannon LNG project; when these plans will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49617/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.

The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future commits to consider the potential of the Shannon Estuary in terms of regional economic development across transport and logistics, manufacturing, renewable energy and tourism, and develop a strategy to achieve this potential.

I am finalising plans to establish the Taskforce to identify areas of potential and I will bring a Memo to Government on this issue shortly. This will allow the Taskforce to begin its work in earnest taking account of the substantial potential the Shannon Estuary possesses. The Taskforce will be supported in its work by relevant Government Departments and State agencies. My ambition is that the Taskforce will be in a position to convene a number of meetings before the end of the year and finalise its work in the first half of 2022.

Court Procedures

Questions (35)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

35. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the State’s defence of the Court challenge taken against the employment regulation order for the security industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49664/21]

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Written answers

My officials are in the process of receiving legal advice in relation to the Stay placed on me by the High Court which stops me from making the Order.

A press release issued by my Department on the 17th of August to ensure that all employees and employers in the Security Sector are aware that, until such time that these legal issues have been resolved, the statutory minimum rates of pay and other terms and conditions in the sector will remain unchanged.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (36)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

36. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number and value all procurement contracts that took place by way of negotiated procedure without prior publication in 2020 and to date in 2021; and the date, value and purpose of each negotiated procedure contract in tabular form. [49727/21]

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Written answers

My Department has a dedicated Procurement Co-Ordination Unit, with responsibility at Principal Officer level. The Unit assists internal business units and our Offices on a range of procurement matters, as required, so as to ensure that there is an appropriate focus on procurement best practice. The Department is also guided by various national and international (EU) procurement rules and guidelines.

The Department, for the vast majority of its procurements, will try to avail of various centralised procurement frameworks put in place by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) as well as utilising the e-Tenders website and advertising in the EU Journal, where applicable.

It is the case however, that due to certain circumstances, a small number of contracts will be awarded each year without entering into a competitive process. As outlined in the 2019 OGP Public Procurement Guidelines for goods and services, contracting authorities can avail of the Negotiated Procedure Without Prior Publication i.e. a direct award of contracts.

Over the course of 2020 and to date in 2021, four procurement contracts were awarded via negotiated procedure without prior publication by my Department. The total value of these contracts is €182,019 (exclusive of VAT) and this amount represents approximately 1.5% of the total procurement spend of my Department over the period. Details relating to the four contracts awarded via negotiated procedure are set out in the table below.

Date

Description of contract by good or service type

Supplier

Value of Contract (Exclusive of VAT)

May 2020

Legal services to support the implementation of the €500 million expansion of the Future Growth Loan Scheme. This scheme enables business to access appropriate financing for long-term, strategic investment purposes. A negotiated contract was put in place which complied with the requirements of the COVID-19 Public Procurement requirements.

McCann Fitzgerald

€20,000

May 2020

Legal services for the development of the amendments to primary legislation, new secondary legislation and legal agreements related to the €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme. This is the largest guarantee scheme in the history of the State and provides liquidity to SMEs impacted by COVID-19. A negotiated contract was put in place which complied with the requirements of the COVID-19 Public Procurement requirements.

McCann Fitzgerald

€132,419

June 2020

To review the current definition of remuneration for the purpose of the employment permit regime and identify how minimum remuneration thresholds for the Critical Skills (CSEP) and General (GEP) Employment Permit types should be set.

The Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI)

€17,000

January 2021

Legal Advices as advised by the Attorney General to assist the urgent drafting of Competition (Amendment) Bill 2021 to transpose Directive (EU) 2019/1

External Counsel (Nathy Dunleavy)

€12,600

Departmental Meetings

Questions (37)

Joan Collins

Question:

37. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of any meetings which he or officials of his Department have had with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry or of pharmaceutical companies since 1 October 2021, at which the Covid-19 waiver proposed at the WTO Council on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights were discussed; the names and positions of those present; the actions taken; and the documents prepared by him or Departmental officials on foot of such discussion. [49772/21]

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Written answers

Neither I nor officials have met with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry or pharmaceutical companies since 1 October 2021 to discuss the Covid-19 waiver proposed at the WTO Council on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights.

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. The EU with its Member States has been the leading donor to the COVAX facility with €3.2 billion committed to support equitable distribution of vaccines. Team Europe has committed 200 million doses to reach low and middle-income countries by the end of this year, mainly through the COVAX initiative and is investing €1 billion to ramp up mRNA production capacity in Africa.

The global production of vaccines is increasing rapidly and it is estimated that 12 billion doses of COVID vaccines will be produced by the end of 2021. The EU has been the leading exporter of vaccines, exporting over 730 million doses, around half of its vaccine production, to more than 130 countries by mid-September 2021.

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.

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.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (38)

James Lawless

Question:

38. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to address a matter (details supplied) in relation to vaccinations in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49891/21]

View answer

Written answers

There will be practical challenges facing employers, and employees, as more workplaces re-open and workers return to the physical workplace.

In relation to the issue of employers determining the vaccination status of their employees the Data Protection Commissioner has made it clear that the matter of checking the vaccination status of an employee would require to be rooted in public health legislation as opposed to health and safety legislation. A balance exists between an employer’s legal obligation to protect the health of their employees and maintain a safe place of work and an employee's right around privacy of their medical information. Fundamentally, the decision to get a vaccination against COVID-19 is voluntary and there are no plans to make vaccinations mandatory.However, with the high levels of vaccination uptake in Ireland, the majority of the adult population in Ireland are fully vaccinated. This can only offer re-assurance to both employers and employees who are returning to the physical workplace. Notwithstanding these high levels of vaccination, current public health advice is that all existing COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures must be adhered to whether workers are vaccinated or unvaccinated. Therefore, the control measures set out in the Work Safely Protocol will remain the key focus for employers, business managers and employees.The Government is also calling on employers, in consultation with their workers, to develop longer-term arrangements for blended or remote working having regard to their operational requirements. In this regard, my Department published, earlier this year, the “Making Remote Work – National Remote Working Strategy” which outlines the vision for the future of remote working in Ireland.

Broadband Infrastructure

Questions (39)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

39. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting so long for high-speed broadband in their area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49113/21]

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Written answers

The Question refers to premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention. I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.

I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 1 October over 257,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed and over 108,000 premises are under construction across 30 Deployment Areas. The first premises are connected in Cavan, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Monaghan.  Surveys are complete or underway in County Cavan in Ballinagh, Corlurgan, Araghan, Poles,Caughoo, Belturbet, Killashandra, Butler’s Bridge, Ballylennon, Redhills, Gannons Cross, Derryheelan, Castlesaunderson, Townparks, Foalies Bridge, Riverrun and Erne Hill. Main works commenced outside Cavan town including Ballinagh, Corlurgan, Araghan, Poles, and in Caughoo in the South of the county.

Further details are available on specific areas within County Cavan through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.

In addition to the challenges to the delivery of the NBP due to the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has faced a range of other challenges due to the sheer scale and complexity of rolling out fibre to the home in a rural environment. These include significant tree trimming to ensure cable can be placed on overhead poles, remediation of ducting that has been in place for many decades, the co-ordination of hundreds of contracting crews and addressing the many issues arising week on week which could not have been foreseen until the build crews commenced work on the ground. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract. This plan addresses delays experienced by NBI, primarily arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and re-baselines milestones for 2021. Work is underway to re-baseline milestones for 2022 and beyond. This has resulted in some changes to timeframes for connection for end users.

Given the scale and complexity of delivery of the new high speed broadband network under the NBP, I am advised that any dates provided by NBI on its website are based on the best available information at the time and may be subject to change. NBI has recently published details of its full deployment schedule on its website, www.nbi.ie, which enables all premises within the intervention area to have an anticipated service activation date range.

Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 1 October, 379 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are installed at Cornafean Community Centre, Mullahoran Community Centre, Drumavaddy Community Centre, Glengevlin Community Hall, Templeport Community Centre, Gallonray House, Gallonreagh, Maudabawn, Killenkere Leisure Centre, Kildallan Parish Hall, Castle Saunderson Scout Centre, Castlerahan Community Centre and Bunnoe Community Centre. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.

Killoughter National School, Corlis National School, Kilmore National School, Lackan National School, Dromaili  National School, Saint Patrick's School, Kildallan National School, Greaghrahan National School, Laragh National School and Corlea National School have been installed by NBI for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026.  Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.        

National Development Plan

Questions (40)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which projects that fall within the aegis of his Department and are within the revised National Development Plan are at an advanced stage at present or are in course thereof; the extent to which preliminary work has taken place or on-site works are in hand or proposed; the expected delivery date of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49252/21]

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Written answers

The National Development Plan 2021-2030 sets out a €12.9 billion indicative allocation for my Department which underpins our commitment to achieving a climate neutral, sustainable, and digitally connected Ireland. The trebling of the Department’s budget reflects the significant scale of ambition and pace set for delivery of Ireland’s response to climate change. In addition State Owned Entities will play a central role in decarbonising the energy sector and the collective spend by the SOEs in energy related projects is projected to be in excess of €16bn.NSO 8 - Transition to a Climate Neutral and Climate Resilient Society - sets out the investment priorities which must be delivered if Ireland is to meet its climate objectives. The commitments include unprecedented levels of funding in energy efficiency to support our residential retrofitting targets. A new National Retrofit Plan, designed to address barriers to energy efficiency investments, and a new National Retrofit Scheme will be published later this year.Over the next 10 years, we will increase the share of renewable electricity generation up to 80%. Our offshore wind target of 5GW by 2030 requires private investment of tens of billions of euros and the NDP outlines our approach to unlock this  private investment, including an enhanced regulatory regime, specific offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions and a second Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan. My Department is developing the first of a series of RESS auctions specific to offshore wind, the terms and conditions of which will be published shortly. Regular RESS onshore auctions will also deliver competitive levels of up to 8GW of onshore wind and up to 2.5GW of solar electricity generation by 2030. The second RESS auction, RESS 2, is planned to be held next year. My officials are working to finalise the auction design and my aim is to accelerate the current auction timetable and deliver a second onshore RESS auction. Under NSO 3 - Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities - the commitment to the National Broadband Plan (NBP) is underpinned with an investment of €2.7 billion that will bring high-speed broadband to every home, school, and business in Ireland, within the Intervention Area. This project is advancing, with over 257,000 premises across all counties surveyed and over 108,000 premises under construction. In addition, primary schools with no high-speed broadband have been prioritised, an acceleration which will see 679 primary schools connected to high-speed broadband by the end of 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. 379 Broadband Connection Points have also been installed by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs.Finally, the wider NDP investment will underpin the transition to a Circular Economy and support initiatives such as the introduction of a Deposit and Return Scheme to be introduced in 2022, creating a cleaner, healthier environment and a more sustainable society.

National Development Plan

Questions (41)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

41. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which local authorities and homeowners will be able to apply for the €1.3 billion for retrofitting 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 as per the renewed National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49273/21]

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Written answers

The Climate Action Plan and Programme for Government set highly ambitious targets for the number and depth of retrofits to be completed by 2030. A new National Retrofit Plan to be published shortly will detail the Government’s approach to meeting these targets and will address barriers to retrofit across four key areas: driving demand and activity; financing and affordability; supply chain, skills and standards; and structures and governance.  

Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is a critical climate priority and a major focus of the funding provided in the National Development Plan review.  €5 billion in carbon tax receipts will be invested by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to support the achievement of our national targets which are to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal or carbon equivalent and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes by 2030.  Annual allocations totalling €1.3 billion are identified in the NDP for the period 2022-2025.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) residential and community energy efficiency schemes will be a central element of the Government’s retrofit plan. These schemes provide free energy upgrades for households in, or at risk of, energy poverty as well as partial grants for those that can contribute to the cost. Full details on the application processes for the range of schemes operated by the SEAI are available at www.seai.ie.

A new National Home Retrofit Scheme will be launched at the end of this year. The Scheme will support homeowners to achieve deeper (B2) retrofits with heat pumps and will facilitate continuous, year-round working and the multi-year planning which has long been identified as a crucial requirement by the supply chain and homeowners. Information on this scheme will be published at its launch.   

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the local authority retrofit programme.  The “Housing for All” plan commits to the retrofitting of 36,500 local authority homes by 2030 which will contribute to the achievement of our overall retrofit target. 

 

Waste Management

Questions (42)

Thomas Gould

Question:

42. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the location to which waste is shipped from the Port of Cork by a company (details supplied). [49330/21]

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Written answers

I refer to the reply to Question No. 237 [46695/21] of 28th September, 2021  The position is unchanged.

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