Carol Nolan
Question:84. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the number of companies that have an annual turnover of less than €750,000. [9748/22]
View answerDepartmental Data
Questions (84)
Written answers
The Central Statistics Office’s Structural Business Statistics (SBS) publishes annual statistics on enterprise characteristics including turnover. The latest SBS results show that there were 285,466 enterprises in the business economy in 2019. Of these, 244,510 enterprises had annual turnover less than €750,000.
The following table shows the breakdown of these figures by sector in 2019.
Total enterprises and percentage of enterprises with turnover less than €750,00 in 2019
|
Sector |
Enterprises with turnover less than $750,000 |
All enterprises |
% with turnover less than €750,000 |
|
Mining and Quarrying |
317 |
451 |
70.3% |
|
Manufacturing |
13,228 |
16,461 |
80.4% |
|
Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning |
434 |
663 |
65.5% |
|
Water Supply; Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation Activities |
803 |
1,024 |
78.4% |
|
Construction |
53,594 |
59,175 |
90.6% |
|
Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles |
31,758 |
46,786 |
67.9% |
|
Transportation and Storage |
23,293 |
24,851 |
93.7% |
|
Accommodation and Food Service Activities |
16,399 |
19,418 |
84.5% |
|
Information and Communication |
14,301 |
16,418 |
87.1% |
|
Real Estate Activities |
15,276 |
15,788 |
96.8% |
|
Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities |
40,806 |
45,161 |
90.4% |
|
Administrative and Support Service Activities |
13,892 |
18,097 |
76.8% |
|
Arts, Entertainment and Recreation |
4,493 |
5,007 |
89.7% |
|
Other Service Activities |
15,916 |
16,166 |
98.5% |
|
All Enterprises |
244,510 |
285,466 |
85.7% |
Departmental Data
Questions (85)
Carol Nolan
Question:85. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the estimated number of companies that have fewer than 20 employees. [9749/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Central Statistics Office’s Structural Business Statistics (SBS) publishes annual statistics on enterprise characteristics including employee numbers. The latest SBS results show that there were 285,466 enterprises in the business economy in 2019. Of these, 273,829 enterprises had less than 20 employees.
It should be noted that a large portion of the business economy is made up of sole traders and proprietors with zero employment. In 2019, 150,966 enterprises had zero employees.
The following table shows the breakdown of these figures by sector in 2019.
Total enterprises and percentages of enterprises with less than 20 employees, 2019
|
Sector |
Enterprises with < 20 employees |
All Enterprises |
% with < 20 employees |
|
MINING AND QUARRYING |
413 |
451 |
91.6% |
|
MANUFACTURING |
14,978 |
16,461 |
91.0% |
|
ELECTRICITY, GAS, STEAM AND AIR CONDITIONING SUPPLY |
652 |
663 |
98.3% |
|
WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE,WASTE MANAGEMENT AND REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES |
929 |
1,024 |
90.7% |
|
CONSTRUCTION |
58,283 |
59,175 |
98.5% |
|
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE; REPAIR OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES |
43,674 |
46,786 |
93.3% |
|
TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE |
24,268 |
24,851 |
97.7% |
|
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD SERVICE ACTIVITIES |
17,256 |
19,418 |
88.9% |
|
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION |
15,620 |
16,418 |
95.1% |
|
REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES |
15,636 |
15,788 |
99.0% |
|
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES |
44,177 |
45,161 |
97.8% |
|
ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT SERVICE ACTIVITIES |
17,215 |
18,097 |
95.1% |
|
ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION |
4,695 |
5,007 |
93.8% |
|
OTHER SERVICE ACTIVITIES |
16,033 |
16,166 |
99.2% |
|
TOTAL |
273,829 |
285,466 |
95.9% |
Work Permits
Questions (86)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:86. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of work permits in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9113/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that General Employment Permit applications for the persons concerned (details supplied) were received on dates between 22 December 2021 and 20 January 2022.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department are currently processing standard applications received on 27 September 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/
The Department is very conscious of the lengthening of timeframes for processing employment permit applications and is committed to reducing these further. A plan of action has been developed and is being implemented to reduce processing times, with both human resource interventions and systemic changes. It advises employers to take the current timelines into account as part of their recruitment plans.
International Agreements
Questions (87)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:87. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the stakeholder consultation of his Department on the International Labour Organisation Convention 190, Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work is due to commence. [9042/22]
View answerWritten answers
Ratification of ILO Convention C190, Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, a matter of priority for Ireland, is being considered in the context of our standard approach to the ratification of international instruments. Ireland does not ratify international conventions until it has been determined that national law is in line with the provisions of the international instrument.
Convention 190 is the first ever international instrument on the very important issues of eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work. Ireland already has very strong protections in law to combat violence and harassment in the world of work and has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence - that is, the Istanbul Convention.
Officials in the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment have engaged with all relevant Government Departments and offices to establish the extent to which domestic legislative provisions already provide for the rights and entitlements included in the Convention, as well as legislative amendments, if any, that may be required to enable ratification.
The Department is conducting an analysis of the outcomes and engaging with legal advisers to ensure that there are no gaps.
Following this consideration, as part of the ratification process, my Department will undertake a stakeholder consultation with trade unions, employer representative bodies and other interested parties.
I wish to reassure the Deputy of Ireland’s commitment to work towards being amongst the first ILO member States to ratify Convention 190.
Protected Disclosures
Questions (88)
Pat Buckley
Question:88. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to serious concerns over the perceived failure of the Health and Safety Authority to respond to protected disclosures made in relation to dangerous work practices; and the steps he is taking to ensure that protected disclosures are dealt with in a prompt and serious manner. [9314/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Protected Disclosures Act 2014 protects workers in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors from retaliation if they speak up about wrongdoing in the workplace. Persons who make protected disclosures are protected by law and should not be treated unfairly or lose their job because they have made a protected disclosure.
The Health and Safety Authority has systems and procedures in place for addressing complaints and protected disclosures received, including the initiation of an inspection or investigation where appropriate. Information on its protected disclosure process is published on its website at www.hsa.ie
I have been assured by the Health and Safety Authority that it responds and follows up on all protected disclosures which fall within their remit.
Public Bodies are also required to publish a report on the number of protected disclosures made to the public body in the preceding year and the action taken (if any) in response to the protected disclosures. In 2021, the Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, in the context of her role as a prescribed person under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, received 11 protected disclosures from parties external to the Health and Safety Authority and relating to third parties. All disclosures were referred to inspectors for investigation. Four of the disclosures have been closed out and the rest remain under investigation.
The Health and Safety Authority does not comment on the content or nature of disclosures received and carries out its obligations under the Protected Disclosures Act independently of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Departmental Advertising
Questions (89)
Michael Ring
Question:89. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount that his Department has paid for advertising, features and so on in a magazine (details supplied). [9572/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has paid for neither advertising nor features in Public Sector Magazine.
Enterprise Support Services
Questions (90)
Michael Collins
Question:90. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding that is available for a physical therapy, health and well-being start-up business; if low-interest loans or grants are available for this type of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9603/22]
View answerWritten answers
Anyone considering starting, expanding or pivoting their business should in the first instance contact their Local Enterprise Office which acts as a ‘first stop shop’ for all available Government business supports.
Businesses operating in the area of health and wellbeing, including those involved in physical therapy, are largely excluded from direct grant-aid support as the funding of such businesses may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses.
Nevertheless, the Local Enterprise Offices do provide a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. Whether it is starting a business or growing a business there is something suitable for anyone wishing to start or advance their entrepreneurial journey.
In particular, I would encourage the person to enquire about the Start Your Own Business Programme.
The objective is to assist entrepreneurs in assessing their business idea, its viability and helps them decide if they should proceed or take a step back. The programme covers topics such as starting up/getting started, identifying, understanding, and researching your target market, developing a business plan amongst other vital areas of interest to a new business.
I would also suggest seeking the advice of a LEO Business Mentor; the Mentor programme is open to both new and existing businesses located within the Local Enterprise Office region and is designed to match up the knowledge, skills, insights and entrepreneurial capability of experienced business practitioners with small business owner/ managers who need practical and strategic one to one advice and guidance.
The mentor contributes independent, informed observation and advice to aid decision making. Mentors can also advise on finance options available to entrepreneurs and can assist with applications and referrals to Micro-Finance Ireland, which provides vital support to eligible microenterprises by lending to businesses that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders and who do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by commercial lenders. It offers loan funding, including Start-up Loans, from €5,000 to €25,000.
Industrial Development
Questions (91)
Brendan Griffin
Question:91. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the up-to-date position regarding the commencement of operations at a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9620/22]
View answerWritten answers
Central Pharma took a long-term lease on the Advance Technology Building in Tralee. I understand the company subsequently experienced delays in progressing its plans in part due to Covid-19 restrictions preventing work on site from commencing.
I am told Central Pharma’s total investment into the facility to date (including construction, rent and salaries paid) is approximately €1.1m. The company obtained three key licensing approvals from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), concluding in September 2021.
I have been informed that Central Pharma is currently recruiting for a production manager and is still planning to commence production activities in Q1 2022. Central Pharma has recruited a Head of Warehousing and a Business Development Specialist and plans to add production employees over the first three months of operations.
Industrial Development
Questions (92, 93)
Brendan Griffin
Question:92. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the up-to-date position regarding the provision of a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9621/22]
View answerBrendan Griffin
Question:93. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration has been given to the possible provision of a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9622/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
IDA Ireland is committed to building a new Advanced Technology Building in Tralee. I am advised that the IDA is continuing to engage with stakeholders to seek a suitable site for this proposed building. Securing planning permission and the construction of the building will take time, but it is intended that the building will be delivered during the life of the current IDA Strategy to 2024. The advanced technology building may support either a new office or industrial investment given the flexible nature of IDA buildings.
The are no plans at this time for additional advance buildings in Kerry beyond what is outlined in the Strategy.
The 2021-2024 Strategy also states that IDA will continue to work closely with the private sector to secure the provision of appropriate and cost-effective building and property solutions for client companies and also that additional upgrade works and investment are planned for IDA Parks in the region.
IDA Ireland continues to engage with new companies on promoting Ireland as a location for their business and the Agency will continue to position County Kerry for virtual and in-person site visits over 2022 and beyond.
Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 92.
Departmental Data
Questions (94)
Carol Nolan
Question:94. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of private companies limited by shares, designated activity companies, public limited companies, companies limited by guarantee and unlimited companies, respectively, that are currently incorporated in Ireland under the Companies Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9744/22]
View answerWritten answers
I have been informed by the Registrar of Companies that the information sought by the Deputy is as follows.
|
Company Type |
Number |
|
LTD – Private Company Limited by Shares |
243,584 |
|
Designated Activity Companies |
6,362 |
|
PLC - Public Limited Companies |
925 |
|
Companies Limited by Guarantee |
17,691 |
|
Unlimited Company |
5,111 |
Departmental Data
Questions (95)
Carol Nolan
Question:95. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of collective asset management vehicles and undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities that are currently authorised, registered or incorporated in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9745/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that the Register of Irish Collective Asset Management Vehicles (ICAVs) is maintained by the Central Bank of Ireland and questions about this Register can be directed to the Minister for Finance. The Companies Registration Office (CRO) is required to de-register companies who have registered as ICAVs with the Central Bank. During 2021 one such company was de-registered by the CRO for this reason. Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) are registered by the CRO and file their annual returns with the Central Bank. I understand that there are currently 172 UCITS registered with the CRO.
Departmental Data
Questions (96)
Carol Nolan
Question:96. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies that are currently incorporated in Ireland under the Companies Act 2014 which have a single director; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9746/22]
View answerWritten answers
I have been informed by the Registrar of Companies that there are 72,325 companies on the register that have a single director.
Departmental Data
Questions (97)
Carol Nolan
Question:97. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies currently incorporated that are considered to be a micro company as defined in the Companies Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9747/22]
View answerWritten answers
I have been informed by the Registrar of Companies that of the companies on the register, 82,910 have identified themselves as micro companies.
Employment Rights
Questions (98)
Brian Stanley
Question:98. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will examine the current situation regarding the payment of private security personnel, the quashing of the Workplace Relations Commission award and the pressing need for a sectoral pay order. [9781/22]
View answerWritten answers
On 28 April 2021, I announced my intention to issue an Order to give effect to a statutory recommendation of the Labour Court concerning minimum rates of remuneration and other terms and conditions in the Security Sector. The Order was to apply from 1 September 2021.
As the Deputy may be aware, an ex-parte application to initiate legal proceedings challenging the underlying legislation in the High Court was lodged in late July. As part of the proceedings, the High Court placed a Stay on making the Order.
Following a settlement of the High Court challenge, the draft Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the sector has been quashed and was remitted back to the Labour Court in January 2022 for their consideration.
I am aware that the Labour Court hearing on the Security ERO is scheduled for March 21 next.