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Thursday, 9 Dec 2021

Written Answers Nos. 80-115

Departmental Schemes

Questions (87)

Colm Burke

Question:

87. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of support provided under the trading online voucher scheme in County Cork; the number of recipients since the scheme transferred to his Department 12 months ago; if the scheme will be run in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60674/21]

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Written answers

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme offers a fifty per cent co-funded voucher of up to €2,500 to help businesses, which have been trading for at least 6 months, to develop their online trading capability. It includes training sessions that cover various topics, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme has been a crucial support for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to assist businesses with digitalisation and developing their online presence.

Between 1st January 2021 when the scheme transferred to my Department, and 1st December 2021, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme had a total of 4,306 approvals across Ireland to a value in excess of €9.3 million. This includes a total of 481 applicants approved for payment in County Cork to a value of €1,030,184. This is strong evidence of the success of the scheme and the demand for the vouchers across the micro-enterprise sector.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme continues to build and strengthen the online presence of micro enterprises, which has been underpinned by the phenomenal uptake of the scheme in 2020 when small businesses pivoted to online sales.

There were a total of 12,946 approvals across Ireland to a value of €30,774,904. It is important to note that the scheme allows previous voucher recipients to apply for a second voucher.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme was of huge importance to the survival of many local businesses during the pandemic.

I am satisfied that the Trading Online Voucher Scheme will continue to be a key component in the suite of interventions to assist micro-enterprises to develop and flourish in the years ahead.

Questions Nos. 88 to 92, inclusive, answered orally.

Employment Data

Questions (93)

Alan Farrell

Question:

93. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the employment figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60678/21]

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Written answers

The CSO's 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 latest LFS, for the third quarter of 2021, was published on 25th November. On an annual basis, employment increased by 221,200 in the year to Q3 2021 to 2,471,200. This represented an annual increase of just under 10 per cent. Employment increased by 113,400, or 4.8 percent in seasonally-adjusted terms, in the third quarter of 2021 alone. In that quarter employment was 98,700 more than the pre-pandemic peak of 2,367,000 recorded in Q1 2020.

It is positive to note that employment also increased in all eight regions over the twelve months to Q3 2021, with the largest increases recorded in the Border, Mid-West and Dublin regions, increasing by 18.8 percent, 10.4 percent and 10.2 percent respectively.

Employment also increased in all 14 economic sectors. It is unsurprising that the largest sectoral increase was in Accommodation and Food services, with a 28.8 percent annual increase in the number of people working in that sector, as it reopened during this period.

The LFS results show that employment levels are fast approaching the 2.5 million target set for 2024 in the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan. The growth in employment follows a similarly positive performance in Q2 and is reflective of the Government’s strategy to help workers and businesses throughout the pandemic, allowing them to return to work relatively quickly as public health restrictions eased, and the Government’s vaccination programme was rolled out.

The Government recognises that the recent additional public health measures to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 will have a big impact on some sectors and may slow this momentum in employment growth. It has, therefore, approved extra economic supports for impacted sectors, as well as a limited reopening of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, to ensure that businesses are in a position to fully reopen and workers return to work, once public health dangers have abated.

Industrial Development

Questions (94)

Dara Calleary

Question:

94. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the proposed industrial park for Ballina, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60791/21]

View answer

Written answers

IDA Ireland actively promotes available buildings and land in IDA Business Parks and high-quality buildings in private ownership to potential investors through their network of overseas offices. The IDA owns 10.6 hectares of industrial zoned land on the Sligo Road in Quignashee, Ballina. The Agency is working in collaboration with Mayo County Council to review the best potential for this land to further support the objectives of IDA’s new strategy 2021-2024.

Planning permission was previously obtained for infrastructural development on the site, although this has since expired. I am advised that IDA Ireland is at the final stages of completing its new planning application. A number of external factors delayed the submission of the application in Q3 as originally intended, namely Covid-19 restrictions for geotechnical site surveys and data analysis required to finalise the application details. IDA Ireland is awaiting final confirmation of feasibility in relation to infrastructure and utilities to include in the planning application and it will lodge the planning application on receipt of same.

In the meantime, IDA Ireland continues to market the site to existing and prospective investors that may be interested in expanding or locating in County Mayo. More generally, the IDA is actively encouraging investors to locate in regional areas, whether through marketing potential investment sites outside of the main cities or working to develop recognised industry clusters.

The Government, in cooperation with the IDA, is determined to continue to win projects with significant social and economic benefits and will continue to work hard to make sure these benefits are spread as widely as possible across Ireland.

Consumer Rights

Questions (95)

Richard Bruton

Question:

95. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to improve consumer rights; and if he will consider initiatives that would foster better value for consumers at a time of rising prices through switching suppliers, greater transparency in charging structures or other initiatives. [60637/21]

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Written answers

Legislation is in place regarding how prices should be displayed, to ensure that the price of goods and services is clear. This includes:

- The European Communities (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations 2002 requires that all products offered on sale to consumers must show a selling price and, where required, a unit price in euro.

- The Consumer Protection Act 2007 requires traders to be transparent and it is a criminal offence for any trader to make a false or misleading claim about goods, services and prices.

- The European Union (Consumer Information, Cancellation and Other Rights) Regulations 2013 gives consumers strong protections when they purchase goods or services by distance or off premises contracts. It sets out the information requirements that should be provided by the trader to a consumer, including the total price of the goods or services or, where the nature of the goods or services is such that the price cannot be reasonably be calculated in advance, the manner in which the price is calculated.

As the Deputy may be aware, I will be bringing forward the Consumer Rights Bill into the Houses for enactment shortly. The Consumer Rights Bill represents the most substantial reform of consumer contract law in forty years.

Its main aims are to consolidate existing primary and secondary legislation and to address legislative gaps in the protections afforded to consumers under existing legislation. It will make consumer protection legislation easier to navigate for consumers as well as strengthening their rights and protections.

It is also intended that the Bill will contain provisions to extend consumer information requirements to contracts beyond their current scope, to include, as appropriate, visible fee schedules for services provided.In relation to switching suppliers, this is something I want to encourage consumers to consider, so that they can obtain the best value for their needs. While it is regulated and promoted by individual sectoral regulators I believe there is value in this Department promoting this message to increase consumer awareness. Separately, under my remit, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission provides comprehensive information to assist consumers make the best financial decisions across a range of expenditures, including its Money Tools online comparison.

Data Centres

Questions (96)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

96. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 32 of 2 November 2021, the status of the review of the Government statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy 2018; the timeline of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60795/21]

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Written answers

The Government published the new Climate Action Plan on November 4th, which addresses in detail our objective to decarbonise our economy and society. This includes a suite of actions to ensure that Ireland is planning appropriately for new energy demand in the context of our electrification and decarbonisation ambitions. We need to facilitate digitalisation across our enterprise base, while ensuring that we are cultivating reliable energy markets and infrastructure that deliver smart and competitively priced services to all electricity customers.

We will need to ensure that new electricity demands, and the growth of existing demand, are sustainable and use our infrastructure efficiently. The transformation of our electricity and wider energy system, will require innovative and world leading solutions on both the supply and demand sides of that market.

A key action in this regard is to revise the ‘Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy’, first published in 2018, to reflect new electricity targets, carbon ceilings, electricity and enterprise policy, as well as recent regulatory decisions. Developments such as Eirgrid's 'Shaping our Electricity Future' analysis; the recent Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) direction on data centre connection policy; as well as our carbon budgets and forthcoming sectoral emissions ceilings; can all be usefully reflected in this revised Statement on enterprise policy on data centres.

Following detailed research by SEAI on a policy framework for Corporate Power Purchasing Agreements (CPPAs), I also expect that a policy roadmap in this regard will be relevant in advance of publishing this revised Government statement.

My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and engage with stakeholders such as Eirgrid, the CRU, IDA Ireland and the data centre sector in developing this statement. This will set out any additional measures required to ensure that the existing demand for data centre development can be managed to drive the decarbonisation of our electricity system and deliver regional economic opportunities. I anticipate that this revised Statement will be published in the first half of 2022.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (97)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

97. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the eligibility criteria for the range of financial supports for businesses in response to the public health measures in place in response to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60676/21]

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Written answers

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 the Government has worked to support businesses through a wide range of financial measures including the wage subsidy scheme, Covid 19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small Business Assistance Scheme (SBASC), COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, the Future Growth Loan Scheme, commercial rates waivers and warehousing of tax liabilities.

On 3rd December the Government agreed additional public health measures to help to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We are very aware that specific sectors will be particularly impacted by these measures and that targeted supports are needed to help many in these areas.

This is why there will be a limited re-opening of the Pandemic Employment Payment (PUP) to help those workers who may lose their jobs as a direct result of the introduction of the new restrictions.

A further extension of the current targeted commercial rates waiver for the first quarter of 2022 has been agreed for businesses in rateable premises.

Furthermore, additional financial supports from the Department of Finance will be announced imminently and will provide timely assistance to those sectors affected by the recent necessary public health measures.

The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme is the largest scheme of its type in the history of the State and makes up to €2 billion in lending available to SMEs. Since its launch in September 2020, it has enabled vital access to loans for the SME sector. To date, loans to over eight and a half thousand SME businesses across the country have been drawn or sanctioned to the value of €599 million.

Many of these loans have been delivered to the sectors most impacted by the pandemic such as the wholesale and retail sector, accommodation and food services, and construction. These three sectors alone, account for forty-seven percent of the value of loans drawn.

The Scheme is currently available until 31 December 2021 in line with European Commission’s State Aid Temporary Framework. The Commission recently announced the extension of the Temporary Framework until 30 June 2022 and a legislative amendment to extend the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme is currently under scrutiny by the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The COVID-19 Business Loan provides up to €25,000 to eligible micro-enterprises through Microfinance Ireland with low-cost interest rates and with zero repayments and zero interest for the first six months. Microfinance Ireland also provides start-up business loans and loans for established businesses for up to €25,000.

Finally, all financial help and supports for businesses are being kept under review across Government to ensure that they are timely and will target those that need them the most.

State Bodies

Questions (98)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

98. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of funding provided to the IDA in each of the past ten years; the number of industries supported; and the amount that was granted to each company in each of the years. [60755/21]

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Written answers

In 2011 the IDA was allocated €124.6m Exchequer funding, in 2012 it was allocated €121.8m and in 2013 €124.5m. This rose in 2014 to €130.6m and €135.3m in 2015. In 2016 the IDA was allocated €163.7m, rising to €179.3m in 2017 and €180.8 in 2018. In 2019 the IDA was funded in the amount of €214.5m and €189.2m in 2020.

IDA Ireland offers a wide range of financial assistance to companies wishing to locate and / or expand their existing operation in Ireland including and not restricted to; capital grants, employment grants, training grants and research and development and environmental supports. Grant payments are only one measure of performance. IDA supports client companies through a range of offerings, and it is worth noting that only approximately 10% of clients are paid grants in a given year. Grants are generally drawn down over the lifetime of a project which is normally over a period of three to five years. Some investments which result in job creation may not be grant aided and some well-established companies may no longer be receiving grant payments. I have asked the Agency to supply the Deputy with the details sought regarding the number of industries supported and amount granted to each company in each of the years.

In addition to supporting potential investors through financial supports, IDA Ireland also facilitates site visits, introductions and assists companies with property solutions.

IDA plays a central role in Government efforts to encourage inward investment. There is good evidence of Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a destination for FDI, and investors’ confidence in Ireland remains strong, as evidenced by the flow of investment projects over recent months and years. FDI has shown great resilience and investment is virtually at pre pandemic levels.

The number of investments supported by IDA has grown over the past 10 years, rising from 148 investments in 2011 to 246 in 2020, also increasing the number of people directly employed in the multinational sector in Ireland to 257,394. IDA Ireland’s new strategy, ‘Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021-2024 has a strong emphasis on balanced regional development. Almost 145,000 people employed by IDA clients are outside of Dublin, where the impact of FDI is even more keenly felt.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (99)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

99. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he is taking to facilitate hybrid working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60815/21]

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Written answers

The Government is very supportive of hybrid working and we have taken a wide range of actions to support employees, businesses and communities.

My Department published the National Remote Work Strategy on January 15th, 2021. The objective of the Strategy is to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature in the Irish workplace in a way that maximises economic, social and environmental benefits.

My Department is leading the implementation of the Strategy’s 15 actions through an Interdepartmental Group. There has been significant progress in implementing these actions which will facilitate hybrid working. I would highlight the following:

- The publication of the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect in April 2021 by the Workplace Relations Commission.

- A public consultation was held on the Right to Request Remote Work. Informed by this and by a review of international best practice, the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill is at an advanced stage. I anticipate I will be in a position to seek Cabinet approval for the drafting of Heads of a Bill in early January.

- My Department has published extensive guidance and ran a ''Making Remote Work'' campaign to assist employers and employees in making remote working arrangements.

- ConnectedHubs.ie- Ireland’s first national digital hub network- was launched by the Department of Rural and Community Development at the end of May . ConnectedHubs.ie will ultimately link over 400 hubs throughout the country.

- The Connected Hubs Call has awarded funding of €8.9m to 117 remote working hub projects in July to upgrade Ireland’s remote work infrastructure.

- While National Broadband Plan has been impacted negatively by COVID-19, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications is continuing to engage with National Broadband Ireland to address the delays that have arisen to ensure that the programme gets back on track and builds momentum.

- The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been working across the Civil and Public Service to develop a Blended Working Policy Framework for the Civil Service which will be finalised over the coming months, following engagement with employee representatives.

- My Department is currently developing nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024, in which there will be a focus on promoting remote working opportunities and investing in infrastructures across the nine regions.

- In October, over €9.3 million in funding was awarded to projects around the country through Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme, with successful applicants including hubs and enterprise centres throughout the country.

- In Budget 2022, an enhanced income tax deduction for people working from home was announced. It amounts to 30 percent of the cost of vouched expenses for heat, electricity and broadband.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (100)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

100. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the further and continuing supports that are being considered for SMEs to ensure the viability of these businesses when they reopen and continue trading given the financial difficulties experienced by Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60757/21]

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Written answers

The Government has worked to ensure that there is a wide range of easily accessed financial assistance for SMEs affected by the changing impacts of COVID-19, these include the COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the Brexit Loan Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Future Growth Loan Scheme. For further information, businesses are advised to view my Department’s website at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/Government-supports-to-COVID-19-impacted-businesses.html.

In Budget 2022, my Department was allocated €17m in once-off funding for COVID-19 impacted businesses, ensuring that our Enterprise Agencies can continue to fund important projects aimed at fast track expanded production of COVID-19 relevant products, as well as meeting the cost of any claims under the Covid Credit Guarantee Scheme. In addition, some €79m from savings in 2021 will be used to meet commitments on various Covid Schemes arising in 2022 and as a result almost €100m of discrete Covid funding will be available to assist businesses as they emerge from the grip of the pandemic in 2022.

Individual businesses are also advised to contact their Local Enterprise Office (contact details are available on their network website www.localenterprise.ie) who act as a signpost to information on business supports.

On 3rd December the Government agreed some additional public health measures to help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 including extra economic supports approved for sectors impacted by public health measures.

We recognise that these decisions, coming in addition to those of 16th November, will have a particular impact on sectors such as hospitality, the night time economy, and the arts and entertainment sectors.

With this in mind, on Friday the Government announced a package of financial interventions for the hospitality, events and entertainment sectors. The package includes:

- a change to the CRSS or EWSS, details of which will be confirmed very shortly by the Minister for Finance

- an extension of the targeted commercial rates waiver at least until the end of March

- an extra €25 million from the Covid contingency fund applied to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, in particular to assist the live entertainment, arts and performance sectors.

As the Deputy will be aware, the PUP has also been reopened for workers who lose their jobs or have lost their jobs as a result of the newly announced restrictions.

Details of existing supports can be found on my Department’s website: Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie). For further details on the new scheme and the changes to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment please refer to the Department of Finance and the Department of Social Protection.

Government policy remains that there will be no cliff edge to the support. All business supports are being kept under review to ensure that they are timely and target those that need them the most.

The full range of Government supports to business are available on my Department’s website www.enterprise.gov.ie. It is important to note that all business supports are being kept under review to ensure that they are timely and target those that need them the most.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (101)

David Stanton

Question:

101. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of support and number of recipients of the trading online voucher scheme in the past year by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60748/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme offers a 50% co-funded voucher of up to €2,500 to help businesses, which have been trading for at least 6 months, to develop their online trading capability and includes training sessions that cover various topics, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme has been a crucial support for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to assist businesses with digitalisation and developing their online presence. Between 1st January 2021 and 1st December 2021, on a national basis, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme had a total of 4,306 approvals across Ireland to a value in excess of €9.3 million. This is strong evidence of the success of the scheme and the demand for the vouchers across the micro-enterprise sector.

The Scheme continues to build and strengthen the online presence of these enterprises which has been underpinned by the phenomenal uptake of the scheme in 2020. In 2020, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme had a total of 12,946 approvals across Ireland to a value of €30,774,904. This was of huge importance to the survival of businesses as they pivoted to online sales during the pandemic, and I am satisfied that the Trading Online Voucher Scheme will continue to be a key component in the suite of interventions to assist micro-enterprises to develop and flourish in the years ahead.

1 January to 1 December 2021

Trading Online Vouchers:

Applications

Approvals

Value of Approvals €

Carlow

50

70

151,249

Cavan

28

51

105,281

Clare

89

115

287,500

Cork City

115

231

500,468

Cork N/W

76

176

387,668

South Cork

88

74

142,048

Donegal

88

130

279,883

Dublin City

320

636

1,449,148

South Dublin

661

138

345,000

Dun Laoghaire

185

243

495,479

Fingal

219

330

725,335

Galway

221

301

752,500

Kerry

119

182

372,673

Kildare

153

121

210,390

Kilkenny

102

86

190,330

Laois

48

68

150,094

Leitrim

13

29

72,500

Limerick

104

121

246,180

Longford

24

32

69,750

Louth

84

107

226,781

Mayo

156

152

316,278

Meath

137

158

309,589

Monaghan

24

24

46,567

Offaly

27

37

83,334

Roscommon

41

41

72,460

Sligo

43

62

122,357

Tipperary

87

84

151,143

Waterford

100

91

182,209

Westmeath

65

129

287,396

Wexford

89

159

324,237

Wicklow

86

128

268,059

TOTAL

3,642

4,306

9,323,886

Departmental Schemes

Questions (102)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

102. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the support provided under the online retail scheme; if the scheme will run in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60496/21]

View answer

Written answers

As the largest private sector employer, and a key element in providing for the needs of society and indeed other sectors of the economy, it is vital that retail continues to develop capability and remain competitive.

Trading online is a very important route for retail businesses to grow and improve and will be an important element in their recovery over the longer term. I welcome the significant progress made by the retail sector in Ireland to move to online commerce over the past 18 months.

To enable retailers to increase their customer base and build a more resilient business, my Department initially launched a pilot Online Retail Scheme, in 2018.

40 retailers across Ireland were provided €894,636 in funding over two calls of the pilot Scheme, with grants of between €10,000 and €25,000 on a 50 percent match fund basis.

In 2020, my Department launched the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme in response to the COVID-19 crisis and the urgent need for retail companies to increase their online capability.

The COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme is helping companies in the indigenous retail sector who have already started an online journey, to enhance and strengthen their existing online presence.

This will help them to respond to both domestic and international consumer demand competitively.

To date the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme has provided funding of €18.2m to 503 retailers under three calls, bringing the total approved to over €19m.

I am committed to supporting the needs of the retail sector, through the Retail Forum, which I chair, in developing their online capability and enhancing their competitiveness. The Online Retail Schemes to date are being reviewed and it is my intention to open a further round of applications for funding in 2022.

The Deputy will also be aware of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, administered by the Local Enterprise Office network on behalf of my department. This scheme was transferred into my Department at the start of this year

In 2020 the scheme attracted 17,315 applications and 12,984 approvals to a value of €30.6m and between 1st January and 1st December this year there have been 4,306 approvals to a value of €9,323,886.

The scheme offers a voucher of up to €2,500 (50% co-funded by the applicant) to help businesses develop their online trading capability.

It includes training sessions, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation.

While not exclusively for the retail sector it provides significant assistance to retailers to start to trade online.

Job Creation

Questions (103)

Denis Naughten

Question:

103. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to support job creation in regional towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60289/21]

View answer

Written answers

Regional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation is a key policy priority of mine and this Government.

Overseen by my Department, nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 are being developed by regional stakeholders which will identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and enable job creation across the regions.

These Plans are complementary to and build on the core activities of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, the LEOs and the wider range of State Bodies involved in regional enterprise development. Each Plan is overseen by a Regional Steering Committee chaired by a senior level businessperson.

I expect to publish the new Regional Enterprise Plans in early 2022.

The Government, through Enterprise Ireland, has provided funding to assist enterprise development and regional jobs growth across all regions. For example, my Department’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Border Enterprise Development Fund, and recent Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme has approved over €126 million across 79 enterprise strengthening projects in every region over a series of competitive calls since 2017. These Funds enable significant collaborative and innovative regional projects to provide a timely impetus to job creation in regional locations.

Almost two thirds of new jobs created by Enterprise Ireland client companies in 2020 were in regions outside of Dublin. IDA will target half of all investments (400) from 2021- 2024 to regional locations and maintain the same high level of investment as targeted in IDA’s previous strategy for each region of the country. IDA client companies directly employed almost 145,000 people outside of Dublin in 2020. Combined with indirect employment of 116,000, an estimated 260,000 jobs in the regions were supported by FDI in 2020. The Local Enterprise Offices continue to provide a first stop shop to individuals who want to start or grow their micro enterprise in every county. There were 35,236 people employed in over 7,500 LEO client companies nationally in 2020.

The Government is also committed to the development of a ‘Town Centre First’ policy focused on regeneration of rural towns and villages. My Department’s Retail Forum developed a Framework for Town Centre Renewal which is a useful tool to assist Town Teams in how to improve footfall and customer experience in their towns. Through the Government’s National Planning Framework, the main cities are to develop as viable alternatives to Dublin with funding channelled through Project Ireland 2040.

Employment Rights

Questions (104, 167)

Emer Higgins

Question:

104. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the statutory sick leave scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60493/21]

View answer

Alan Farrell

Question:

167. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is anticipated the statutory sick leave scheme will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61034/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 167 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. 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.

The draft Heads of Bill have been published and are available on my Department’s website.

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 not jeopardised.

However, for those employers who are genuinely unable to cover the costs, we have, under Section 10 of the draft Bill, included a provision whereby an employer may seek an exemption from the Labour Court from the requirement to pay statutory sick leave for a period not less than three months and not more than twelve months.

Pre-legislative scrutiny commenced on 10th November. Once this process is complete and I receive the Committee's report, I will seek Government approval to present the Bill to the Houses, hopefully early in the new year.

Industrial Development

Questions (105, 124)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

105. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that a site with full planning permission in an IDA Ballinasloe Business and Technology Park, County Galway is marketed globally by the IDA for foreign direct investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60441/21]

View answer

Claire Kerrane

Question:

124. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to a site with full planning permission in the IDA Ballinasloe Business and Technology Park, County Galway that is ready for construction and to be marketed globally by the IDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60440/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 124 together.

Ballinasloe is marketed by the IDA as part of the West Region. There are 120 IDA supported companies in this region, employing 27,695 people in total, with 93 IDA supported companies in Galway city and county, employing 21,428 people (up 3% on the previous year). This provides scale and scope and gives confidence to potential investors that they will be able to establish themselves outside of a main city area and manage to secure talent and services to make their business work.

IDA positions the West Region as home to the leading cluster of Life Sciences industries employing the highest per capita of Medical Technology staff in Europe. Examples of companies in region include Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Hollister, Baxter and of course Surmodics in Ballinasloe. These international brands are an attraction for additional companies to potentially locate to the West Region and Ballinasloe.

The timely provision of appropriate and cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of multinational companies remains essential to winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Over the last 5 years the IDA’s Regional Property Programme has enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations. IDA actively promotes available buildings and land in IDA Business Parks, as well as high-quality buildings in private ownership through their network of overseas offices. In Galway, the IDA has invested significantly in the provision of world-class property solutions.

Following the decision by Aptar to cease manufacturing operations in Ballinasloe in 2020, IDA Ireland worked to market the vacated facility to potential client companies of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. In May 2021, Enterprise Ireland client company Chanelle Pharma announced plans for 60 jobs in Ballinasloe and a €5m investment.

I am advised that IDA Ireland continues to market the available lands (c.21.94 acres) on the IDA business & technology park in Ballinasloe to potential investors, which includes the advanced planning permission for an Advanced Technology Unit (ATU) on these lands. The IDA and Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD) completed a joint venture to secure planning for an Advance Technology Unit (ATU), and the availability of the ATU planning permission is being marketed by IDA as a flexible potential property solution to potential investors.

Enterprise Support Services

Questions (106)

Pauline Tully

Question:

106. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider introducing supports specifically for entrepreneurs with disabilities who want to establish their own business that acknowledges the additional cost of setting up and maintaining a business that disabled persons face; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60817/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Local Enterprise Offices act as a ‘first stop shop’ providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to anyone wishing to start or grow their own business. The Local Enterprise Office can offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities and all schemes and grants can be availed of by any business that meets the relevant eligibility criteria.

The Local Enterprise Offices offer Feasibility Grants to help start-up companies or individual entrepreneurs with the cost of researching their proposed business idea to ascertain its viability and sustainability. They also offer the Start your Own Business Programme to assist participants in assessing an idea and making an informed decision on whether to proceed or take a step back. The Local Enterprise Offices also aim to accommodate all clients on a case-by-case basis.

Enterprise Ireland's Centre of Excellence is planning to deliver Diversity and Inclusion Training for Local Enterprise Office staff in 2022. This will be beneficial in helping the Local Enterprise Office staff understand the needs of all entrepreneurs seeking assistance.

The Local Enterprise Offices are providing mentors for a new course for people with disabilities who wish to start their own business, which began in September 2021. The course is hosted and delivered by TU Dublin through its Continuing Professional Development programme. It is open to anyone who self-identifies as having a disability and who wishes to start their own business. The course requires participants to have a business idea that they wish to evaluate as a sustainable enterprise.

The course will include a range of guest speakers whose experience and expertise are relevant to the target audience. Using a newly developed online tool that will enable participants to develop their idea on a week-by-week basis, plus adopting Universal Design for Learning principles, a customised experiential learning approach will allow each participant to maximise their learning from the course.

Each participant will be allocated a business mentor by their Local Enterprise Office who will support them with the development of their business idea. Pobal and The Open Doors Initiative sponsor the course, so there is no fee required to be paid by participants.

In 2021, Enterprise Ireland established a Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group to oversee the development of the agency’s Diversity and Inclusion vision and strategy. A critical component of this strategy is specific to supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment for people with a disability.

Throughout 2021, a number of virtual events (Virtual Ability Series) took place for EI clients and enterprises, including: Recruit for Ability; Inclusive Recruitment podcast; and DesignAbility - Innovation through Inclusion webinar. Content is hosted on eiLearn portal and is available to all enterprises nationally (e.g. eilearn.ie/designability/).

EI is also reassessing opportunities for greater employer engagement across their range of enterprise leadership and capability programmes, including Leadership 4 Growth, Attracting and Retaining Talent and Spotlight on Skills. The latter two programmes specifically explore employers’ current and future skills needs, and help develop talent attraction strategies, including diversity. Enterprise Ireland has a close working relationship with the Regional Skills Fora, in particular in the implementation of programmes such as Spot Light on Skills programme. This review will be completed by year end 2021.

My Department is actively represented on the Steering Groups of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) 2017-2021 and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024 and has in place a Disability Consultative Committee to provide a focus for disability inclusion in respect of our policy work, schemes and initiatives. Membership of the committee includes nominated representatives of disability groups along with Departmental officials and colleagues from our Offices and Agencies.

Enterprise Policy

Questions (107)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

107. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 2 November 2021, the status of the new west regional enterprise plan to 2024; if the plan has been finalised to date; when the plan will be published; the analysis that has been carried out in the preparation of the plan with regard to supporting sustainable, community-based, indigenous industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60799/21]

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Written answers

Regional 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, including for the West region.

These are ‘bottom-up’ plans, developed by regional stakeholders who are working together to identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and to address ecosystem gaps, to enable sustainable job creation in businesses across the regions, through collaborative regional actions.

The new West Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 which covers Galway, Mayo and Roscommon will complement and build on the core activities of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs and the wider range of private and public bodies involved in supporting enterprise development in the region, with a focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities.

I am driving the delivery of the new Plan in the West and have engaged directly with the West Regional Steering Committee made up of regional stakeholders including representatives from IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, LEOs, Local Authorities, Regional Skills Forum, the Western Development Commission and others. The Group is chaired by Evelyn O’Toole, Founder and CEO of Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS).

The regional stakeholders in the West region have finalised their Strategic Objectives and actions on developing Regional Entrepreneurship; on harnessing the Creative sector; on realising the potential in the Renewable Energy sector; on driving forward the Life Sciences sector; on growing the AgTech and Food sector; on expanding Tourism prospects, and on facilitating Digital and Green transformation in the West.

It is my Department's intention to publish and launch the West Regional Enterprise Plan along with all the new Plans in early 2022.

To assist the Regional Enterprise Plans, my Department, through Enterprise Ireland, has made available to date over €126 million in regional enterprise funding to aid locally led regional enterprise development projects. Of this, over €18.8 million has been approved for nine regional enterprise projects for the West under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and more recently the Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme.

Brexit Supports

Questions (108)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

108. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the Brexit impact loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60810/21]

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Written answers

The Brexit Impact Loan Scheme was launched in the market by Bank of Ireland in October this year. AIB subsequently opened for applications through the Scheme in November as well as five Credit Unions in the Metamo Credit Union Group: Access CU, Cara CU, Savvi CU, St. Canice’s CU and St. Francis CU. It is anticipated that a further lender to the Scheme will open to applications next January.

The Scheme will make up to €330 million in competitively priced lending available to eligible Brexit impacted SMEs and small mid-caps, including farmers and fishers.

Finance provided under the scheme is competitively priced and offered at favourable terms. Loans range from €25,000 to €1.5 million per eligible business, with loans up to €500,000 available unsecured. Loan terms of up to six years are available for working capital/liquidity and investment purposes. In addition the scheme offers some element of refinancing.

The Brexit Impact Loan Scheme features a two-stage application process. Businesses must first apply to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to confirm their eligibility under the scheme. Successful applicants will be issued an eligibility reference number, which they can then use to apply for a loan under the scheme with one of the participating finance providers.

As of December 6th 2021, 368 eligibility applications have been approved by SBCI and 77 loans have been sanctioned to a value of €7.6 million.

I encourage SMEs and small mid-caps to look at the Brexit Impact Loan scheme as an option for accessing the finance they require to help them as they pivot and adjust in response to and in mitigating the challenges that they face due to Brexit.

Full scheme details are available on the SBCI website.

EU Directives

Questions (109)

Richard Bruton

Question:

109. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the recently transposed EU Copyright Directive can assist businesses and workers in the media sector. [60636/21]

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Written answers

The EU Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market 2019/790 was transposed by way of S.I. No. 567 of 2021, the EU (Copyright and Related Rights in the Digital Single Market) Regulations 2021. The Regulations strengthen the rights and protections of copyright holders in order to reflect the impact of technological advances and increased digitalisation.

The new Regulations also address the legal uncertainty that existed when copyright-protected material was circulated online by way of social media and online platforms. Authorisation is now required from copyright holders so that the online platforms can continue to circulate copyright-protected works such as music, videos, or other works, online. This authorisation is usually obtained by way of a license from the relevant copyright-holders’ representative, i.e., from a collective management organisation.

The Regulations also provide for wider access and use of copyright protected works for the benefit of a broad range of stakeholders, including the creative sectors, press publishers, researchers, educators, cultural heritage institutions, and citizens.

Specifically, as per Regulation 13, the new requirement establishes a press publishers’ right allowing press publishers (and therefore the industry and its workers including journalists) to seek remuneration for the online exploitation of their works by news aggregators (e.g., the online platforms). Typically, as with other types of copyrighted works, the fee payable for use by an online platform of a press publisher’s work would form part of a licensing agreement between both parties.

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (110)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures he and his Department are taking to ensure Ireland is prepared to harness the opportunity of the renewable energy transformation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60855/21]

View answer

Written answers

Climate Action is one of the most urgent issues facing the Irish economy and society and mitigating the impacts of Climate Action is one of the core objectives of this Government.

Renewable energy of all forms will be instrumental in enabling our transition to a low carbon economy. Under the Climate Action Plan 2021, the Government is committed to 80% of our electricity being created from renewable resources by 2030. Meeting our targets will require a very significant increase in the deployment rates of renewable electricity compared to those achieved in recent years.

My Department has undertaken a number of measures to prepare us for the transition. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), whose Secretariat is located in my Department, recently published their study on Skills to Zero Carbon. The study outlines recommendations for consideration in areas it identifies as representing “Zero Carbon” activities including:

- Onshore and Offshore wind generation (5GW of offshore and up to 8GW of onshore wind)

- Solar energy generation (1.5-2.5GW)

- The energy efficient retrofit of 500,000 homes to a minimum B2 BER

- The installation of 600,000 heat pumps, and

- The target of having 840,000 electric cars, and 95,000 commercial vehicles, on Irish roads.

The work of the EGFSN is informing the Government’s approach to skills planning across the education and training system for the transition to a low carbon sustainable economy.

My own Department’s agency, Enterprise Ireland, is actively working to develop Irish SME capability in the Offshore Wind sector. In 2019 Enterprise Ireland established an Offshore Wind industry cluster to identify and work with Irish companies to drive the industry’s growth. Enterprise Ireland continues to work closely with 60 companies in the sector to solve technology challenges, identify innovation opportunities and to capitalise on end market opportunities.

EI will also set out actions to embed sustainability and climate action as a fundamental part of its approach to company development and engagement with client companies in the context of its forthcoming new Strategy.

IDA Ireland’s strategy published earlier this year, “Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021-2024” includes a sustainability pillar. This places sustainability at the heart of IDA Ireland’s corporate strategy, and includes a focus on winning FDI from the world’s leading companies across all areas of the Green Economy.

The National Standards Authority of Ireland is involved in the drive towards a green economy which in the renewable energy transformation includes, for example, establishing and enhancing standards for retrofitting, publishing recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of solar PV panels and details on heat pump requirements.

This work will present opportunities for developing and growing the green economy while also assisting in our transition to increased renewable energy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (111)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

111. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has considered the advice from the Expert Group on the Role of Ventilation in Reducing Transmission of Covid-19; his views on whether there is a role for this advice in assisting businesses in hospitality, tourism and the experience economy; if guidance has been produced for business owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60804/21]

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Written answers

The Government’s Expert Group on Ventilation was set up by the Minister for Health in February 2020, to provide scientific advice on the role of ventilation and other control measures in mitigating against the risk of long-range (airborne) transmission of SARS-CoV-2. In its second report, published in March 2021, the Expert Group concluded that ventilation is an important factor in reducing the risk of long-range airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, particularly in enclosed spaces. Clean air is vital in minimising its spread so adequate ventilation, and air filtration measures where necessary, can provide practical and effective ways to facilitate clean air in enclosed workspaces.

From the outset, this Government has committed itself to protecting workers as much as possible from COVID-19. The Workplace Safety Protocol sets out a range of public health measures that should be put in place to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces.

The Expert Group has been very supportive of the approach taken to workplace ventilation in the Work Safely protocol. The Work Safely Protocol contains a section on ventilation to assist employers in all business sectors to understand the importance of ventilation in reducing the risk in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The Health and Safety Authority has also produced a ventilation check list for employers as having adequate ventilation in the workplace is a compliance requirement under the Work Safely Protocol. In addition, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) published on 18 November 2021 a document called “Guidance on non-healthcare building ventilation during COVID-19” which also highlighted that inadequately ventilated indoor spaces present a risk for SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

It is worth noting that existing occupational safety and health legislation creates a requirement for employers to ensure that there is an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 currently creates a requirement on employers to make sure that there is an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace. The evaluation of ventilation in a workplace should form part of an overall workplace risk assessment. The Health and Safety Authority also has enforcement powers to seek improvement in ventilation in workplaces

Separately, the National standards Authority of Ireland has established a registration scheme that certifies an individual as a competent independent third party to validate that a ventilation system has been installed, balanced, and commissioned to meet the minimum requirements of Technical Guidance Document (TGD) F - Ventilation (2019) to the Irish Building Regulations.

Legislative Measures

Questions (112)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

112. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the attention of his Department has been drawn to the proposals for corporate accountability legislation set out by an organisation (details supplied) in a report; and if his Department will set out a roadmap for introducing a requirement for Irish companies to undertake mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence in line with these proposals. [60576/21]

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Written answers

The Government is committed to the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights with the objective of promoting responsible business practice at home and abroad. Ireland has had a National Plan on Business and Human Rights in place covering the period 2017-2020. The Minister for Foreign Affairs is bringing to Government the results of a review of that Plan and this will help to inform future activity across a range of policy areas.

In relation to matters that are directly within the responsibility of my Department, there are a number of legislative initiatives either already underway or expected in the area of corporate accountability.

There is an existing obligation on certain large companies in the EU to publish annually non-financial information in respect of their social and environmental impact including on matters such as human rights and climate change or explain where they do not. In April 2021, the European Commission published a significant revision of the current rules in the form of a proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Under the proposal all large companies and listed SMEs will be required annually to publish information on their performance and impact in respect of environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, including human rights matters in accordance with mandatory EU standards. Ireland is taking an active part in negotiations at EU level on these important and positive developments.

In addition, there are proposals awaited from the European Commission in relation to Sustainable Corporate Governance (SCG). It is understood that the proposals will require companies to put in place policies and procedures to monitor the adverse effect of their operations and/or supply chain on human rights, labour rights, social rights and environmental issues.

Legislative initiatives in this area are best progressed, where possible, at EU level in recognition of the complex, international nature of many supply chains and to ensure harmonisation, promote policy coherence and avoid the risk of fragmentation within the EU single market. Cross border business activities, by their very nature, are not confined within political borders and are most effectively and impactfully addressed through multilateral cooperation and action.

Ireland is a strong advocate of human rights protections and seeks to ensure that proposals relating to corporate responsibility strike the right balance by protecting fundamental rights whilst ensuring that the measures to be implemented by companies achieve the policy goals and are not unduly onerous, particularly with regard to SMEs. Specifically in relation to the expected EU SCG proposals, my Department will carefully consider these, when available, and will engage with stakeholders to inform Ireland’s position on the legislation.

Employment Rights

Questions (113)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

113. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to ensure employers in the digital gaming sector are adhering to employment legislation following the introduction of the new tax credit for the digital gaming sector announced in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60353/21]

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Written answers

Tax matters are a matter for the Minister of Finance. I understand that in his recent Budget speech the Minister confirmed that he is introducing a new tax credit for the digital gaming sector. Details of the relief are available in the Finance Bill 2021.

Ireland has a comprehensive body of employment legislation, in respect of which the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is mandated to secure compliance. We have a strong track record when it comes to protecting the rights of workers. Ireland’s employment rights legislation protects all employees who are legally employed on a contract of service basis. Inspections carried out by WRC Inspectors operate on a compliance model. This means that an inspector will work with the employer to ensure that the employer fulfils all their statutory obligations and that any outstanding wages or entitlements are given to workers.

The Inspectorate Division of the WRC carries out inspections of employer records with a view to determining compliance with employment rights legislation. These inspections arise:

- In response to complaints received of alleged non-compliance with relevant employment rights legislation.

- As part of compliance campaigns which focus on compliance in specific sectors or specific pieces of legislation; or

- From routine inspections (announced and unannounced) which act as an overall control measure.

The aim of the WRC Inspectorate is to achieve voluntary compliance with employment law through the provision of education and awareness, inspection of employers’ employment records and enforcement where necessary. While every effort is made to secure compliance, some employers either refuse or fail to rectify the breaches identified and/or pay money due to their employees. These cases are referred for prosecution.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (114)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department have already assisted the manufacturing and services sectors throughout the economy with particular reference to areas affected by Covid-19 restrictions; the extent to which it is recognised that further assistance in various guises may be appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60780/21]

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Written answers

The Government has worked to support manufacturing and services businesses through these challenging times with a wide range of measures for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, business continuity and trading online grants, COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, the Future Growth Loan Scheme, commercial rates waivers and warehousing of tax liabilities. Details of the supports can be found on my Department’s website: Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).

On 3rd December the Government agreed some additional public health measures to help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 including extra economic supports approved for sectors impacted by public health measures.

We recognise that these decisions, coming in addition to those of 16th November, will have a particular impact on sectors such as hospitality, the night time economy, and the arts and entertainment sectors.

In addition to existing economy-wide schemes, including the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), it is intended that the Minister for Finance will introduce an adjusted version of the CRSS for businesses impacted by the new restrictions. Confirmation of the details is due shortly.

There will be a further extension of the current targeted commercial rates waiver for the first quarter of 2022. This will be put in place at an additional cost of approximately €62.3 million.

The Government has also agreed to a limited reopening of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for workers who are temporarily laid off due to the impact of these public health restrictions. There will be a number of refinements to the scheme design to target it more effectively. Further details will be made available by the Department of Social Protection.

I would urge businesses to ensure that they are aware of what is available to them and apply for the appropriate schemes. We are committed to keeping all businesses advisory and financial assistance schemes under review to ensure that they are timely and target those that need them the most.

Regional Development

Questions (115)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

115. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether his Department can be central to helping reimagine and redevelop town and city centres. [60859/21]

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Written answers

Under the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future, Government has committed to a range of actions to continue balanced regional development across the country. Enabling all parts of the country, from rural to urban, to grow and prosper is a central goal of our economic policy.

My colleagues, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Minister for Rural and Community Development, are leading on the Government's Town Centre First policy, which is taking a strategic approach to town centre regeneration focused through an Interdepartmental Group (IDG) chaired jointly by those two Departments.

The work of the IDG is to develop a Framework that delivers actions at a national and local level to support the development and revitalisation of our Town Centres. For this purpose, working under the IDG, a dedicated Advisory Group was formed to engage with a wider range of stakeholders, including other Government Departments. Their Report is being finalized currently, and my Department will continue to work with these Departments in the development of the policy.

Regional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation is a key policy priority of mine and this Government, and overseen by my Department, nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 are being developed by regional stakeholders which will identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and enable job creation across the regions. These Plans are complementary to and build on the core activities of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs and the wider range of State Bodies involved in regional enterprise development. Each Plan is overseen by a Regional Steering Committee chaired by a senior level businessperson.

New Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 are expected to be published in early 2022.

The Government, through Enterprise Ireland, has provided funding to assist enterprise development and regional jobs growth across all regions. For example, my Department’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Border Enterprise Development Fund, and recent Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme has approved over €126 million across 79 enterprise strengthening projects in every region over a series of competitive calls since 2017. These Funds enable significant collaborative and innovative regional projects to provide a timely impetus to job creation in regional locations.

Additionally, Action 15 of the Nighttime Economy Taskforce Report sets out: "Work with the Retail Forum to examine the types of interventions required for late retail opening. Establish a Retail Forum working group to discuss this along with the Town Centre First initiative.". The Retail Forum is chaired by Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English, T.D.

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