Written Answers Nos. 78-96
78. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Taoiseach the jobs that have been created in the past 12 months for the south western peninsulas of County Cork and the eight Islands off the south west coast of County Cork. [53404/21]
View answerThe exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is a household survey which provides quarterly statistics on employment and unemployment and is the official source of labour market estimates in the State. The primary classification used for the LFS results is the ILO (International Labour Organisation) labour force classification.
The most recent figures available are for Q2 2021.
Due to the methodology and sample size of the survey it is not possible to produce reliable county or more detailed area estimates from the LFS. Estimates of employment however, are produced by NUTS 3 Regions.
The NUTS3 South-West region includes counties Cork and Kerry.
The table below shows the number of persons aged 15-89 years in employment in the NUTS3 South-West region in Q2 2019, Q2 2020 and Q2 2021, the annual change in employment and the biennial change in employment between Q2 2019 and Q2 2021.
As the table shows the overall stock of persons employed at given points in time, the annual or biennial change which is calculated using these stock figures depends both on the number of jobs lost and jobs created over the period in question.
The LFS does not record whether a job is newly created.
Number of persons aged 15 - 89 years in employment (ILO) classified by NUTS3 South-West region, Q2 2019, Q2 2020 and Q2 2021 - Annual change and biennial change Q2 2019-Q2 2021.
'000
|
Q2 2019 |
Q2 2020 |
Q2 2021 |
Annual Change Q2 2019 to Q2 2020 |
Annual Change Q2 2020 to Q2 2021 |
Biennial change Q2 2019 to Q2 2021 |
|
|
In employment |
319.9 |
309.0 |
332.2 |
-10.9 |
+23.2 |
+12.3 |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: Q2 April - June.
Note: A new framework regulation governing the production of European Statistics on persons and households.
(Integration European Social Statistics framework regulation – IESS FR) came into force on 01 January 2021. This has led to some minor changes to previously published series of the Labour Force Survey. Users should note that some further changes may be necessary by the end of 2021.
79. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the number of Irish products currently competing on world markets. [52859/21]
View answerThe data requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. The most detailed level of classification for trade in goods is at CN level (Combined Nomenclature).
To-date in 2021, 7,076 different CN product codes have been exported globally.
Table A : The number of product codes and value of Exports January to August 2021
|
Product Group |
Number of CN codes |
Export Value € million |
|
Food and live animals |
1,329 |
7,657 |
|
Beverages and tobacco |
143 |
1,082 |
|
Crude materials, inedible, except fuels |
324 |
1,287 |
|
Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials |
65 |
657 |
|
Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes |
65 |
71 |
|
Chemicals and related products |
884 |
67,700 |
|
Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material |
1,686 |
1,757 |
|
Machinery and transport equipment |
1,448 |
15,238 |
|
Miscellaneous manufactured articles |
1,113 |
11,153 |
|
Commodities and transactions not classified elsewhere |
19 |
354 |
|
Total |
7,076 |
106,956 |
80. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the current debate on a pandemic recognition dividend for front-line workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53075/21]
View answerThe Deputy might wish to submit a question to my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, T.D., who is working on this issue. The LEEF Plenary was convened last Thursday 28th October. We had a good preliminary discussion on the Covid-19 recognition issue and we agreed that further discussions would continue with the social partners on the matter.
81. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the proposed instant payments system proposed by banks (details supplied) and the objection filed by an organisation with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52007/21]
View answerThe Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for the enforcement of domestic and EU competition law in the State. Section 9 (5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 provides that the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions.
I understand that this transaction is currently the subject of an ongoing merger examination by the CCPC. As investigations and enforcement matters generally are part of the day-to-day operational work of the Commission and part of its independent statutory role, I have no direct function in the matter and have no view on it other than that appropriate processes should be followed.
82. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the status of a work permit (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52081/21]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that a standard application for a General Employment Permit for the person concerned (details supplied) was received on 30th September 2021.
Applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order, as Employment Permits Section are currently processing standard applications received on 15th July 2021.
Applicants can keep track of Employment Permit applications current processing dates at: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/Current-Processing-Dates-for-Employment-Permits.html
83. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to challenges in sourcing workers in the homecare sector; his plans to include this cohort on the critical skills list under the caring personal services heading to ensure non-EEA workers can gain permits to work in this important sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52109/21]
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 my Department and of the relevant policy Departments, in this case the Department of Health.
The results of the most recently concluded review were announced on 28th October 2021. The review did not recommend removal of the occupation of care worker/home carers from the Ineligible Occupations List as the evidence suggested that the contracts of employment on offer and employment terms and conditions being offered are factors in the recruitment challenges faced by the sector, rather than a demonstrable labour market shortage. The sector has also previously been advised that a more systematic and structured engagement with the Department of Social Protection needs to be demonstrated.
The next Occupational Lists Review will open in the coming months.
84. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the failure to implement the EU Copyright Directive; the reason given to the European Commission for not implementing same; if the assurances given by Ireland in relation to the matter have been followed through; and when the Directive will be transposed into Irish law. [52131/21]
View answerI wish to assure the Deputy at the outset that the Government is fully committed to ensuring the transposition of the Copyright Directive. The Directive will be transposed by way of the European Union (Copyright and Related Rights in the Digital Single Market) Regulations 2021.
Drafting is now at an advanced stage and intensive work is ongoing in order to ensure that the drafting is completed as soon as possible. It has to be said however that the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that legislative priority has had to be directed towards the necessary interventions and supports for businesses and citizens. The drafting process has also had to have consideration of the Commission’s Communication Document on Guidance on Article 17, which was circulated three days before the transposition deadline in June.
Following the publication of the Directive, the Department conducted a series of public consultations seeking the views of all stakeholders on the various provisions in the Directive to help to inform how the provisions should be applied in the context of Irish copyright legislation. When assessing the optional provisions of the Directive, the large number of submissions received were carefully considered, with cognisance taken of the diversity of the views expressed. In its approach, the Department was guided by the overarching objective of providing a copyright legislative framework fit for the digital age and which represents a balanced consideration of the interests of all stakeholders.
The analysis also included detailed consideration on how best to transpose the Directive into the existing national copyright law framework.
In concluding its analysis of the Directive, and considering the breadth of views expressed by stakeholders, the Department decided to transpose the mandatory provisions by way of Regulations contained in secondary legislation i.e., by Statutory Instrument. This is required only for provisions that do not already reside in existing copyright legislation.
In order to keep stakeholders informed of progress in relation to the transposition of the Directive, the Department, in May 2021, published an information note which set out the actions taken to date and the decision to proceed with the transposition of the mandatory provisions by way of secondary legislation.
85. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will give a detailed and written outline of the expectations on workers and employers over the coming number of months regarding the return to workplaces and remote working. [52245/21]
View answerFurther easing of restrictions took place on the 22nd of October with the extension of some non-pharmaceutical interventions. Important and necessary public health guidance currently in effect in relation to workplaces remains in place after the 22nd of October, with the general return to workplaces continuing to take place on a phased and cautious basis and for specific business requirements.
This phased and cautious approach has been in place since the 19th of September and will continue in line with public health advice over the coming months.
A cautious and careful return to workplaces should take into account:
- appropriate attendance levels, cognisant of public health guidance as reflected in the Work Safely Protocol and associated checklist(s);
- the use of staggered arrangements, such as non-fulltime attendance and flexible working hours, and
- that attendance is for specific business requirements.
The approach taken depends on the specific circumstances of each workplace and should be informed by consultations with workers.It is important to re-state the basic guidelines in relation to workplaces as the further easing of restrictions continue.
The Work Safely Protocol remains in place and continues to apply in full. All workers, regardless of the sector of the economy in which they work, are covered by the provisions of the Work Safely Protocol.
Collaboratively working together in workplaces on implementing public health infection control measures is the best way to avoid the spread of COVID-19. I would ask all employers and employee to re-read the Protocol and consider what additional steps they can take.
Since May 2020, over 46,000 Covid-19 inspections around compliance with the Work Safely Protocol have been carried out by the Health and Safety Authority and the other Government Departments and State Bodies.The National Remote Work Strategy ‘Making Remote Work’, was published on January 15th 2021, and my Department is focused on the implementation of the Strategy, for which all the strategic actions have delivery dates in 2021.
On 20th August 2021, my Department also published the results of the Public Consultation on the Right to Request Remote Work. Informed by the consultation and a review of international best practice the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill has commenced. Cabinet approval for the drafting of Heads of a Right to Request Remote Working Bill will be sought in Q4 2021.
86. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to update, amend and or increase the prescribed list of work on the critical skills list; and his plans to make the application process more efficient for the applicant. [52270/21]
View answerThe 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. The lists are reviewed twice a year to ensure their ongoing relevance to the State’s human capital requirements. The outcome of the most recent Review was announced on 28 October. A press release is available on my Department’s website.
Key features of the review were:
- Most construction sector jobs now eligible for a General Employment Permit
- Quota to be removed for HGV driver work permits
- 350 General Employment Permits for hospitality managers
- Social Workers to be eligible for Critical Skills Employment Permit
- Dispensing Opticians to be eligible for General Employment Permit
- New General Employment Permit quotas for 1,000 Horticulture Operatives, 500 Meat Deboners, 1500 Meat Processing operatives and 100 Dairy Farm Assistants; with a strategic review of labour attraction and retention in the sector to follow
- New General Employment Permit quota of 100 for Work Riders
In terms of the application process, my department is conscious of the recent lengthening of timeframes for processing applications and is taking a range of measures to clear the current backlog as quickly as possible. This includes redevelopment of the current employment permits IT system, which should drive further efficiencies in processing and result in increased productivity. My department advises employers to take current timelines into account as part of their recruitment plans.
The Trusted Partner Scheme is a key initiative, as part of the wider operation of the employment permits system, with regular users of the service eligible to apply to become a Trusted Partner. The Scheme not only eases the administrative burden on those utilising the service, through the removal of the requirement to replicate key information for every application made, but also allows the Department to deliver a faster turnaround for these applications, in furtherance of our commitment to provide a high-quality responsive employment permits service.
In addition the Employment Permits (Consolidation and Amendment) Bill sets out to consolidate the existing legislation to make a more accessible statutory basis for our economic migration system and to increase its agility and responsiveness, for example; modernising the labour market needs test, moving operational criteria to regulations to increase responsiveness, and streamlining requirements to make the grant process more efficient.
87. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications to the critical skills employment permit in the past three years to date in 2021; the number accepted, refused and appealed, respectively; and the average time to receive a permit from date of application to the date of issuing the permit. [52271/21]
View answerThe employment permits 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 and these lists are subject to twice-yearly evidenced based review.
Since March 2020, my Department has implemented Covid-19 contingency arrangements moving employment permit operations seamlessly to a totally remote working environment. In fact, Ireland was one of the few countries that has managed to keep their employment permit system fully operational throughout the crisis.
From the outset of the crisis, in order to assist the HSE and all other medical providers in the State to respond to, and to assist with, the public health response to the threat of Covid-19, all medical employment permits are expedited with immediate effect.
My Department has seen a significant increase in applications for employment permits this year. To the end of September, some 17,084 applications were received, representing a 41% increase over the same period in 2020 (12,115) and a 23% increase on 2019 (13,868), which itself represented an 11 year high in applications. To date (20/10/2021), my Department has issued some 12,186 employment permits since the beginning of the year, which represents a significant volume of activity.
Processing times have been impacted by this increase in demand but also because of the HSE cyber-attack. As a result, employment permit applications associated with the July Doctors rotation (which occurs twice yearly in January and July) had to be submitted either manually or through other nonstandard methods. This resulted in a significant additional administrative burden in dealing with these applications, requiring staff to be temporarily reassigned to assist in the process and had a direct impact on wider processing times for other permit applications.
It is important to point out that when set against other international employment permit regimes, Ireland compares favourably, even at current processing times.
However, my Department is very conscious of the recent lengthening of timeframes for processing Employment Permit applications and is committed to reducing these further. My Department is taking a range of measures to reduce the current backlog. It advises all employers to take current timelines into account as part of their recruitment plans.
My Department updates the employment permit processing timelines on its website on a weekly basis and regularly issues updates on relevant employment permit matters to Trusted Partners such as the September update on employment permit processing timelines.
|
Critical Skills Employment Permits |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021* |
|
Applications Received |
7,117 |
8,524 |
8,234 |
10,360 |
|
Applications Issued |
5,863 |
7,524 |
8,195 |
6,707 |
|
Applications Refused |
442 |
451 |
391 |
221 |
|
Average Wait Time for CSEP (Days) |
41 |
30 |
23 |
58 |
|
Appeals Received (All Permit types) |
677 |
641 |
549 |
326 |
*19/10/2021
Appeals received are captured collectively by all permit types at the end of each month.
88. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a grant awarded under the regional enterprise development fund (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52281/21]
View answerRegional enterprise development and sustainable job creation is a key policy priority of mine and the Government and is a core element of the National Development Plan.
My Department plays a very strong part in implementing that policy goal through a variety of policy initiatives and investments in the regions.
Through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF), the Border Enterprise Development Fund (BEDF) and the recent Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme (RETS), my Department through Enterprise Ireland has approved over €126m in funding for 79 regionally impactful projects for the benefit of enterprises/industry sectors across the regions.
The National Design Innovation Hub DAC project was funded €1,843,320 in June 2018 under the second call of the REDF for a proposal to locate a Design & Innovation Hub in Kilkenny, initially in a rented premises and to move to an agreed building in the Abbey Quarter (old Smithwick’s site) when construction was complete. I have been advised by Enterprise Ireland that there has been a delay in the completion of the building in Abbey Quarter due to Covid-19 and planning, which has had a knock on effect on the delivery of the project.
I understand that Enterprise Ireland are engaging directly with the project promoters in relation to this project.
89. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the recently announced updated guidelines include the continuation of appointments only for the hair and beauty industry; the way this will be enforced and monitored; the additional guidelines that will be in place for those availing of these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52329/21]
View answerA revised Work Safely Protocol was published on the 22nd of October. The Work Safely Protocol supports employers and workers in adapting their workplace procedures and practices to put measures in place, in compliance with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol is a general document applicable to all sectors. The control measures set out in the revised Work Safely Protocol should remain the key focus for employers, business managers and employees to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in workplaces and to keep our workplaces safe.
Following public health advice, the government has agreed that the following identified public health advice remains in place.
- isolating and getting tested if we have symptoms
- wearing our face coverings where appropriate
- maintaining adequate social distancing whenever appropriate
- covering our coughs and sneezes and keeping our hands clean
- making sure that indoor spaces are well ventilated
The Protocol advices, to facilitate maintaining physical distancing, the use of allocated appointments (page 18). Arising from the publication of the Protocol and the reopening of the hair and beauty sector in 2020, specific guidance was developed by the sector to strengthen those public health measures which include provisions for allocating appointments. The guidelines outline those services should be facilitated by appointment where possible (or else a protocol for dealing with walk in clients should be developed) in line with physical distancing guidelines. The use of an appointment system is clearly advantageous from the perspective of maintaining client contact information and if a business considers it necessary to maintain such a system, then it should continue to do so.
Any worker who has concerns about the implementation of the Work Safely Protocol at their place of work can bring these concerns, in confidence, to the Health and Safety Authority.
90. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when Ireland will complete ratification of the Unified Patent Court Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52363/21]
View answerThe international Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA) was signed by twenty-five EU Member States during Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2013, with a view to establishing the Unified Patent Court (UPC). The UPC is an international court set up by participating EU Member States to deal with the infringement and validity of Unitary Patents.
To enter into force, the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA) must be ratified by 13 Member States including the three largest contracting states (by number of European patents). Originally, these were France, Germany, and the UK. The UK announced in February 2020 that following Brexit, it would not be participating in the UPCA. With the UK having withdrawn, those three countries are now France, Germany, and Italy. To date, 16 Member States have ratified the Agreement including France and Italy.
Several constitutional challenges had significantly delayed the German ratification, but they have now been resolved, and Germany has now passed the legislation enabling it to ratify the UPCA. Germany has also ratified the Protocol on Provisional Application (PPA). One further participating Member State is required to ratify the Protocol, so that it may enter into force and mark the start of the provisional application period (PAP). This will enable various final preparations to be undertaken so that the UPC can become fully operational.
In order for Ireland to ratify the UPCA, a successful Constitutional referendum will be required to allow for the transfer of jurisdictional powers from our Courts to the new international Court. A decision on the holding of a referendum on this issue will be kept under review in the context of the timing of the coming into force of the UPC. The timing of holding referenda is a matter for Government.
91. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of HSA inspections carried out specifically in relation to Covid-19 in third-level over the academic year 2020-2021 and to date in the current academic year. [52584/21]
View answerThe plan for the safe return to on-site activity for higher and further education for 2021/2022 academic year was published in September by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, each college would have prepared their own plans based on this.
From the 18 May 2020 to the 22 October 2021, a total of 45,976 inspections assessing compliance with the COVID-19 Work Safely Protocol have been carried out by the various State Agencies.
In the same period, the Health and Safety Authority has undertaken 14,399 inspections and investigations of which 11,767 addressed COVID-19.
The Health and Safety Authority prioritise their inspection programme based on the high risk sectors for occupational safety and health. The Authority continue to support their colleagues in public health by supporting and working with them in sectors where there has been a high number of COVID-19 outbreaks such as manufacturing (e.g. meat plants, construction, health and social care).
The Health and Safety Authority have carried out no proactive inspections in third level institutions specifically related to COVID-19. However, Department of Education inspectors have been carrying out COVID-19 compliance checks in the education sector which would include primary and secondary schools.
92. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he plans to introduce a bill to provide for a right to request remote working; the protections that are in place now for employees who want to continue working from home but are directed to return to office despite being able to carry out their duties at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52649/21]
View answer94. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if legislation to provide for a right to request remote working will be in place before the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52651/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 94 together.
The right to request remote work is part of the 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.
Informed by the public consultation and a review of international best practice, the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill has commenced and Cabinet approval will be sought 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 line with current public health advice, the return to physical attendance in workplaces should continue to take place on a phased basis appropriate to each sector and for specific business requirements. A cautious and careful return to workplaces should take into account appropriate attendance levels, with the use of staggered arrangements such as non-fulltime attendance and flexible working hours, and that attendance is for specific business requirements.
The Work Safely Protocol sets out the minimum measures required in every place of work to facilitate the re-opening of workplaces, prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the ongoing safe operation of those workplaces. The Protocol takes account of the most up to date public health advice and reinforces the core public health measures that have kept workplaces safe throughout the pandemic.
Any worker with a query or a concern about compliance with the provisions of the Protocol at their place of work can contact the Workplace Contact Unit of the Health and Safety Authority for advice and guidance. In addition, there is a broad range of supporting checklists and templates available from the Health and Safety Authority to assist both employers and workers in complying with the Protocol.
93. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on plans for a statutory sick pay scheme; when the legislation will be published; if he has a deadline for when he plans to introduce the bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52650/21]
View answerThis 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. 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.
I have asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee to proceed with their pre-legislative scrutiny as quickly as possible. Once this is complete, I will be in a position to seek Government approval to present the Bill to the Houses.
95. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which he intends to introduce a living wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52652/21]
View answerThe current Programme for Government makes the commitment to “progress to a living wage over the lifetime of the Government”.
Earlier this year I asked the Low Pay Commission to examine this commitment and to make recommendations on the best approach to achieving it within the lifetime of the Government.
The Low Pay Commission has commissioned supporting research on the living wage. Terms of Reference for this research were noted by Cabinet earlier this year. The Commission intends to provide a report to me on the issues surrounding the progression to a living wage later this year.
The report will consider the policy, social and economic implications of a move to a living wage and the process by which Ireland could progress towards a living wage.
It will do this by looking at international evidence on living wages, examining different calculation methods and examining the policy implications of moving to a living wage in Ireland.
The paper will conclude by outlining options for how Ireland can progress towards a living wage.
I look forward to receiving the Low Pay Commission’s report later this year. Their report will inform Government on the best practical approach to progress to a living wage in Ireland.
The current Programme for Government also commits to the Government continuing to be guided by the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission with regard to any future changes in the minimum wage. We will continue to do this while the living wage initiative is being considered.
The minimum wage was established in 2000 at £4.40 (€5.58). Since then, it has risen to €10.50.
In every year since its founding in 2015, the Low Pay Commission has recommended an increase in the minimum wage and these recommendations have always been accepted and implemented by the Government.
96. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the take-up of Enterprise Ireland innovation vouchers since the scheme was introduced; the number of vouchers used; the number of participating SMEs; the amount spent on the scheme; the type of institutions to which the vouchers go; the sectors and areas in which the vouchers were utilised in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52659/21]
View answerThe Innovation Vouchers Programme is designed to build links between Ireland's public knowledge providers and small businesses and help to create a cultural shift in the small business community's approach to innovation. This action is about ensuring that the opportunities that the collaborative project habit engenders is available to the broadest number of companies. The €5,000 Vouchers encourage companies and public knowledge providers (higher education institutions and research performing bodies) to work together on specific innovation questions and projects related to the company’s needs. The nature of such projects will be such that they transfer knowledge that is new to the company. The company may use the new knowledge to innovate a product, production process or service.
All small and medium-sized limited companies, in all sectors of the Irish economy are eligible to apply for an innovation voucher. The only exclusions on a sectoral basis are enterprises in the agricultural sector, in line with State Aid rules. Enterprises in the agricultural sector have their own suite of supports.
The table below shows the number of Innovation Vouchers redeemed per year and the number of unique companies in each given year that redeemed a voucher.
There are a total of 36 Knowledge Providers that can be utilised under the Innovation Vouchers Programme and a company can only contact one who has signed up to participate in the Programme. The 36 include 9 participating in the initiative from Northern Ireland. The table below outlines the breakdown of the Innovation Vouchers redeemed annually by knowledge provider sector. The category of ‘other’ includes private institutes, colleges and some other publicly funded research performing organisations that do not fall into the Institute of Technology/Technological University (IOT/TU) or University categories.
Enterprise Ireland is not in a position to provide a breakdown by sector, by year, for all innovation vouchers redeemed, as their available data on sectors only reflects EI client companies, not all sectors of the Irish economy, so therefore does not give a true representation of the whole of the sectors who redeem vouchers.
