Thursday, 7 Apr 2022

Written Answers Nos. 171-186

Job Creation

Questions (171)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to ensure an even spread of job creation investment throughout the country with a view to ensuring the availability of an increasing number of job opportunities in those areas previously not experiencing this with consequent benefit in respect of road transport, traffic congestion and journeys to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19105/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

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

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

Eight of the nine new Regional Enterprise Plans have been launched with the final Plan for the South West, due to be launched at the end of April. My officials are now engaging with the Regional Plan’s Programme Managers on implementation of the Plans.

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.

I can advise the Deputy that up to €180m is being made available over the coming months and years for the nine regional plans to develop and implement collaborative and innovative enterprise projects – projects that will not just sustain but add to employment at county, regional and national level. To create a strong pipeline of projects for future funding calls Enterprise Ireland has also announced a new competitive ‘priming’ and ‘feasibility’ scheme fund of up to €5 million. This Scheme is now open for applications and details can be accessed on Enterprise Ireland’s website.

The Government’s efforts to create sustainable enterprise in the regions is working, as can be seen by the latest Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office Annual Report figures.

Enterprise Ireland’s strategy fully aligns with Government's ambition to bring job opportunities and growth to all parts of Ireland increasing total employment to a record high of 2.5 million by 2024 with an ambitious target of creating 45,000 jobs over the next three years and increasing exports by Enterprise Ireland client companies to €30 billion.

The IDA has made progress in boosting investment in regional locations. Of the 246 investments won in 2020, more than half went to regional locations. In 2021, of the 249 investments secured by the IDA, over half were for locations outside Dublin.

The Local Enterprise Offices have just come out of an 8th consecutive year of growth with 7,400 new jobs created by LEO clients in 2021. The LEOs now support over 7,100 companies financially within their portfolio with almost 36,000 associated jobs. The Local Enterprise Offices are at the very heart of business development and entrepreneurship in towns and communities right across all regions.

While there are challenges, there is resilience in the Irish business community and a renewed optimism for the future growth of our small and micro businesses.

The Deputy may also wish to note that the ‘Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns’ which was jointly developed by Departments of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Rural and Community Development and informed by the work of a Town Centre First Interdepartmental Group, was published in February 2022, focuses on the regeneration of rural towns and villages.

Now that most of the restrictions have been lifted I want workers to be able to work remotely, whether from home or nearby hub if they chose to do so. I recently published details of new legislation which will give employees the right to request remote working, to allow people to live and work in their local regions. With more people working in their local towns and villages this will contribute to supporting our climate change targets, reduce traffic congestion and commuting times to an individual’s place of work.

Departmental Data

Questions (172)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total number of persons deemed to be in employment at the present time; the extent to which this shows an improvement on any recession caused by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19106/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

From the most recent Central Statistics Office Labour Force Survey for Q4 2021, the total number of people currently in employment is 2,506,000. This marks an increase of 6.3%, or 148,700 jobs, over employment in Q4 2019 before the pandemic began. Employment decreased between 2019 and 2020 due to the pandemic and rebounded in 2021 following the easing of restrictions.

The employment rate for those aged 15-64 was 73.0% in 2021, compared with 67.0% in 2020 and 70.1% in 2019.

Table 1: Total Employment, Q4 2019-2021

	Q4 2019	Q4 2020	Q4 2021	% Change 2019-21
Total Employment	2,357,300	2,276,800	2,506,000	6.3%

Source: Central Statistics Office, Labour Force Survey

These numbers count those who were on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme as employed.

These results show the resilience of the Irish economy despite the immense challenges posed by the pandemic.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Economic Recovery Plan, published last June, sets an ambitious target to exceed pre-crisis employment levels by having 2.5 million people in work by 2024 and in more productive and resilient jobs. The Plan sets out the Government’s commitment to create the right environment for a jobs-led recovery by helping business become more resilient and agile and by supporting people to transition to new jobs in growing sectors of the economy. The Plan commits to further strengthen Ireland’s Skills Framework and architecture to ensure people are supported to secure and remain in sustainable and quality employment through opportunities to reskill and upskill. Accelerating the provision of training, reskilling and upskilling opportunities and increased activation will be pursued through Pathways to Work 2021-2025.

SMEs account for over two thirds of total employment, and as such a strong focus on indigenous SMEs is critical to a jobs-led recovery. The Economic Recovery Plan sets out a two-pronged recovery approach; a focus on domestic SMEs, whilst leveraging and reinforcing the enormous strength and resilience of the Foreign Direct Investment sector in Ireland and its indispensable contribution to job creation and communities across the country. Under Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund, €115 million is being invested in projects to strengthen regional enterprise in all regions and the IDA Ireland will continue to roll-out its regional property programme under its new Strategy, specifically targeting 400 investments to advance regional development.

The Deputy is also aware of the ambition contained in our new National Development Plan, launched at the start of October 2021, which provides substantial investment in the resilience and dynamism of our enterprises, addressing immediate challenges like the ‘tail’ impacts of Brexit and COVID-19, while also preparing enterprises for the longer-term, including climate change and digitalisation.

The twin decarbonisation and digitalisation transition and associated behavioural changes will profoundly alter the economy. Embracing these transitions will also open up substantial new opportunities for businesses and will support significant job creation. Substantial capital investment under the revised National Development Plan and Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) under the European Recovery and Resilience Facility, with €915 million in first tranche of funding, will be key enablers of balanced regional development, and supporting the digital and green transition.

The enterprise programmes of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland will continue to strengthen growth and employment potential with a particular focus on balanced regional development and smart specialisation, building competitive and innovative regions and enterprises. This includes funding to back collaborative actions at regional and local level, driven by the Regional Enterprise Plans, aided through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, the Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme, and leveraging European Regional Development Funding and other strategic investments.

Foreign Direct Investment

Questions (173)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which any changes in foreign direct investment have been affected by international issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19107/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

There have been a number of international issues over recent months and years which may potentially impact investors’ decision making, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and Brexit. Global supply chains, energy costs, infrastructure and constructions costs, commercial real estate, housing, and talent attraction and skills development have all been impacted by the pandemic and geopolitical events.

Despite the challenges which these international issues have created, IDA Ireland’s end of year results for 2021 show that the level of foreign direct investment into Ireland has remained resilient.

Overall, 249 investments were gained by IDA Ireland in 2021. Of this number, 104 were new name investment, while 54%, or 134 projects of the 249 investments won, went to regional locations. The number of people directly employed in multinational companies in Ireland grew to 275,384 in 2021, the highest level of foreign direct investment employment ever reached.

Furthermore, it must be noted that Ireland is now facing these challenges with a resilient economy that is already recovering from the pandemic and has grown very quickly in the last couple of months. Investors’ confidence in Ireland remains strong as evidenced by the flow of investment projects over recent months and years. In 2020, Ireland increased its market share of FDI into Europe in the face of global declines in FDI. Ireland’s focus on the sectors that underpin a modern economy has been key to this. The pipeline of investment in 2021 was extraordinarily strong considering the continued uncertainty in the global operating environment.

Although international competition for FDI is intense and investors have many attractive locations to choose from, IDA Ireland believes that the FDI opportunities for Ireland will be ongoing. To ensure we seize these opportunities, my Department, with the support of IDA Ireland, will continue to build on Ireland’s 70-plus year track record of attracting and maintaining FDI by strengthening our value proposition which includes our pro-enterprise policy environment, our highly educated workforce and our membership of the European Union.

Job Creation

Questions (174)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which the level of investment in jobs here continues to keep pace with other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19108/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) published in June 2021, sets out the Government’s medium-term economic plan to rebuild Ireland’s economy. As well as committing to a package of supports and investments to assist enterprise recovery, the Plan outlines a medium-term policy framework to rebuild sustainable enterprises, encourage job creation and sustainable and balanced post pandemic growth.

The ERP set a target to exceed pre-crisis employment levels by having 2.5 million people in work by 2024 and in more productive and resilient jobs. This target has already been exceeded, according to figures released by the CSO’s Labour Force Survey in February of this year, indicating the strength of Ireland’s recovery and the improvement in the labour market in Ireland. The employment rate for those aged 15-64 has rebounded from the pandemic to 73.0% in Q4 2021 compared to 67.0% in Q4 2020 and has exceeded the employment rate of 70.1% in Q4 2019. Similarly, the unemployment rate fell over the course of 2021 as the economy recovered. It is now approaching the pre-pandemic rate of 4.5% as the recovery continues.

Projects funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) are integrated into the Economic Recovery Plan, and reinforce the Government’s approach, which is focussed on supporting recovery and job creation, advancing the green transition, and accelerating and expanding digital reforms and transformation. The initial allocation under the NRRP is €915 million, with a further allocation to be made in 2023.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Government has been committed to helping the sectors and workers most impacted and has invested heavily in order to stabilise the labour market. Schemes such as the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) compare very well internationally and have been extended well beyond their original end dates. Since its introduction, the EWSS, an economy-wide support for enterprise, has made €6.7bn in payments to support over 50,000 employers and nearly three quarters of a million employees. Under the CRSS €727m was paid to 25,700 to businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. As of the beginning of February 2022, over €9.1 billion has been paid out through the PUP.

The latest iteration of the national employment strategy – Pathways to Work 2021-2025 – will help unemployed people get back into employment through intense activation, upskilling and reskilling opportunities, and engaging with employers. It will have an overall target of over 100,000 additional caseloads per year, by expanding the caseload capacity of the Public Employment Service, reducing the risk of labour market scarring and long-term unemployment. There will be a particular focus on youth unemployment and working intensively with young people at greater risk of long-term unemployment, in recognition of the disproportionate effect of the pandemic on young people.

In addition to the work already underway, the Government is looking to prepare for the economy of the future. On 1 March 2022, Cabinet agreed to the development of a White Paper on Enterprise Policy in 2022, led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The White Paper will set out set out an ambitious medium- to long-term direction for enterprise policy in response to challenges, opportunities and new drivers of growth catalysed by the Covid-19 pandemic, new economic and geopolitical realities, and an increased urgency to accelerate the decarbonisation of industry.

In so doing, the White Paper will articulate what needs to be done differently to realise this vision and to set out clearly the risks to be faced (i.e., energy, skills availability, technological change, etc.) and the policy choices and trade-offs that will arise in order to maintain high-quality jobs, to protect the elements which make Ireland’s economy globally attractive for investment and to ensure a competitive Irish economy into the future.

Small and Medium Enterprises

Questions (175)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which assistances towards small and medium-sized enterprises here continues to equate with those available in other EU and non-EU jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19109/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My Department participates in a number of fora at EU and international level that facilitate the sharing of information on SME policies and programmes with other jurisdictions. This international engagement provides my Department with a rich source of international good practice examples to draw from, which directly informs SME policy development in Ireland.

At EU level, my Department is an active participant in the EU SME Envoy Network, which is an SME policy advisory group that promotes SME-friendly regulation and policymaking in all EU countries.

Ireland also participates in the OECD Committee on SMEs and Entrepreneurs, which is a valuable resource of data analysis and peer-learning among OECD member countries.

Furthermore, Ireland is a member of the Small Advanced Economies Initiative, which is a network consisting of seven economies of a comparable size and structure. The initiative provides a forum for senior policymakers to share experiences and discuss issues of mutual concern.

My Department also worked closely with the OECD in 2019 on a comprehensive report to map the entire supports framework for SMEs and entrepreneurs in Ireland, and to benchmark the assistance available against that in other OECD member countries. The resulting OECD Review of SME and Entrepreneurship Policy in Ireland 2019 stated that Ireland “has a strong entrepreneurship support system with an appropriate range of different supports for entrepreneurs in general”. This includes a comprehensive suite of assistance available through a variety of agencies, including the Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland.

The 2019 OECD Report also identified a number of opportunities to improve assistance to SMEs and entrepreneurs in such areas as management skills and access to finance. These recommendations directly informed the development of the SME and Entrepreneurship Growth Plan, the implementation of which is currently being led by my Department. A Report will go to Government in Q4 of this year on progress made on implementation, with a focus on ten priority areas identified in the Growth Plan.

This will cover actions taken by Government Departments and Agencies to assist SMEs and entrepreneurs in the following areas: access to finance; digital transformation; increasing first time exporters; enhanced assistance for high-potential businesses; clustering and networks; SME management skills; reducing the regulatory burden on SMEs; delivery of a single portal for business information and assistance; ensuring comprehensive enterprise agency coverage for SMEs; and promoting SME participation in public procurement.

Foreign Direct Investment

Questions (176, 178)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which Ireland is in competition with other jurisdictions for foreign direct investment; the degree to which this competition has changed in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19110/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way that he and his Department continue to promote Ireland as an attractive venue for foreign direct investment given the extent of competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19112/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 178 together.

The global economy continues to weather unprecedented shocks due to Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and now Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite the global upheaval of the last few years, IDA Ireland continues to successfully attract inward investment to Ireland. Last year, IDA won 249 investments, 104 of which were from new companies. The number of people employed in multi-national companies grew to 275,384, including 29,000 new jobs created in 2021.

While the competition may be stiff, what we offer companies looking to expand or establish new operations is world-class. To would-be investors, Ireland offers a stable macroeconomic environment; consistent pro-enterprise policies; high-quality education and skills development; an excellent track-record on ease of doing business and openness to trade; a stable, safe, and attractive living and working environment; availability of property; a competitive corporate tax regime; and an unwavering commitment to the European Union with access to the Single Market. Taken together, these factors all combine to mark Ireland as a stable and reliable location for investment.

Investors’ confidence in Ireland remains strong. In 2020 and 2021, Ireland increased its market share of FDI into Europe in the face of global declines in FDI. Though competition is intense and global with countries around the world actively vying for new FDI investments, IDA Ireland have tailored their approach to reflect this increased competition. IDA targets certain sectors and continuously refines its offering to ensure that Ireland offers the most competitive, innovative, and relevant elements that targeted investments seek. This focus on the sectors that underpin a modern economy has been key to our success.

Supported by my Department, IDA Ireland continues to engage with international clients from a range of sectors and will continue to attract job-rich investment from overseas firms.

Brexit Issues

Questions (177)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which Brexit continues to have a negative or positive effect in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19111/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Since the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) came into effect in January last year, businesses have felt the realities of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. In large measure, Brexit was not the calamitous event that we all feared. Businesses have navigated their way steadily through the new trading relationship which includes increased administrative burdens and non-tariff barriers. It is a tribute to the determination and resilience of the business community that so many have made it through these unchartered waters, adapting their business models and supply chains, allowing them to continue to trade and support the economy.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit, our export-led trading sector has proven to be very resilient. 2021 was a record-breaking year for Irish goods exports – rising to €165 billion, the highest level on record, and over €3bn higher than previous year. While last year imports from Great Britain declined, our exports to Great Britain performed very strongly - up over €2billion. The introduction of further checks and controls for trade to Great Britain can be expected to have an impact in due course on these exports as the UK only postponed these checks and controls to allow technical discussions on the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland to continue on finding durable and realistic solutions. I have no doubt that Irish businesses can prove their resilience once again and my Department, and colleagues across all Government Departments, will continue to help companies diversify and discover new markets and reap the benefits of free trade agreements and work with them to adapt to new realities, both in relation to Brexit but also COVID.

We have also seen a significant pick-up in trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is clear that some readjusting of supply chains is taking place, to be expected in the context of Brexit. As an open, trading economy, the continued growth of our export businesses and diversification in our trading partners is an important driver for jobs and growth - both in Ireland and with our trading partners.

While recognising the importance of our current markets, our focus is on deepening our reach into these markets while also opening up new trade markets between Ireland and the rest of the world. My department is working intensively with its enterprise agencies to help companies to diversify and discover new markets and to adapt to export challenges posed by both COVID-19 and Brexit.

With regard to foreign direct investment, IDA has approved over 100 Brexit related investments since the Brexit referendum in 2016 with an associated job creation potential of over 6,500. IDA’s 2021-24 strategy, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, positions the Agency to leverage FDI opportunities arising from Brexit. The Agency seeks to capitalise on the expansion potential from new-name Brexit investments secured since 2016 as these companies build out their Irish operations.

Financial Services continues to account for approximately two-thirds of the investments approved by IDA to date, driven by the end of passporting from the UK across the EU, in addition to Ireland’s existing strengths as a location for financial services firms. The December 2021 EY Brexit Tracker continued to show Dublin as the top destination for Brexit related investments from financial services firms, based on projects; Dublin ranks third, based on jobs.

Given that the UK is no longer part of the EU Single Market or Customs Union, inevitably our trade with our nearest neighbour, and biggest trading partner, is not now as frictionless as it had been before. The TCA outlines the conditions under which UK goods can benefit from the zero-tariff rate when imported into Ireland or elsewhere in the Union. The conditions stipulate those technical issues such as preferential “Rules of Origin” now need to be considered. It has brought new challenges for products that incorporate an all-island approach to its production.

The UK postponed import checks on goods from Ireland due to come into effect from 1 January 2022. For this reason, the full impact of our new trading relationship with the UK has not truly been felt yet as full customs controls are not yet in place. This temporary reprieve for goods from Ireland allows for the ongoing technical discussions between the EU and the UK on the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. These discussions continue and are focused on finding durable and realistic solutions under the Protocol to difficulties that present for businesses and citizens in Northern Ireland. The further introduction of checks and controls for trade with Great Britain can be expected to have an impact in due course on our exports but I have no doubt that Irish businesses can prove their resilience once again and my department, and colleagues across all Government Departments, will continue to help companies diversify and discover new markets and reap the benefits of free trade agreements and work with them to adapt to new realities, both in relation to Brexit but also COVID.

Businesses were actively assisted in their Brexit preparedness by Government in terms of advance Brexit contingency planning, involving a range of State Agencies and Bodies, providing a broad range of support for businesses and traders throughout. Government continues to stand ready to assist with these and other challenges associated with Brexit with the continued availability of supports as businesses continue to adapt to post-Brexit realities.

Question No. 178 answered with Question No. 176.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (179)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

179. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department plans to introduce further legislation in addition to proposed legislation allowing for a right to request remote working allowing for a legal right to work remotely to avoid situations in which employers can simply dismiss requests from employees; the additional steps his Department is taking to create more flexible work options for workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19137/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Government knows that many workers place huge social value on workplace flexibility, and remote working plays a central role in enabling that increased flexibility to support a better work/life balance. There has been a significant long-term shift in attitudes to remote work amongst both employers and workers throughout the country.

The Government is committed to increasing remote work adoption through removing barriers, developing infrastructure, providing guidance, raising awareness and leading by example in this area.

In the context of Pillar 1 of the National Remote Work Strategy, published in January 2021, a commitment was made to legislate to provide employees with the right to request remote work. This is one of the key actions of the Strategy.

In line with that Strategy, on 25th January the Government approved the priority drafting of the Right to Request Remote Working Bill 2022. This will provide employees with a right to request remote work and provide a legal framework around which requesting, approving or refusing such a request can be based. It will also provide legal clarity to employers on their obligations for dealing with such requests.

Pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment commenced on 9th February and Departmental officials are scheduled to attend a further meeting on 4th May.

I want to strengthen the Bill and I will be happy to consider any proposals made by the Committee. The Department is currently looking further at the legal issues related to strengthening the redress provisions and the right of appeal and is taking legal advice on the matter. Officials have been requested to consult further with union and employer representatives in this regard over the coming weeks.

We recognise that not all occupations, industries, or particular roles within an enterprise, will be appropriate or suitable for remote working, e.g. construction workers, nurses, doctors, waste collectors. Calls to introduce a blanket right to remote working are not realistic.

Directive 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council on work-life balance for parents and carers contains provisions in relation to flexible working arrangements. Responsibility for transposition of the Directive rests with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman T.D. I understand that this work is currently in train.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (180)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

180. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department plans to commission an expert report to examine the feasibility of a four-day working week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19138/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My Department, together with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, is commissioning research which will examine the potential social, economic and environmental implications of a transition to reduced working time, including the potential impacts of a transition to a four-day week. This research will be carried out with a view to establishing an evidence base which will inform any future policy development in this area.

A request for tenders for research services was published by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications on March 16th and the closing date for receipt of tenders is April 25th.

Following evaluation of the tenders submitted, it is intended to award the contract during Q2 2022 and to have the research study completed during 2022.

Ukraine War

Questions (181)

Holly Cairns

Question:

181. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports and programmes that he has in place or is developing to support Ukrainian refugees to establish enterprises. [19154/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Just this week the Ukrainian President addressed a joint sitting of the Dáil and Seanad and shared the heart-breaking and inspiring story of his people’s courage and endurance in the face of a grotesque and appalling aggression they are facing. Members of the House were united in our support for the people of Ukraine as we open our country to them for refuge.

In the first instance, I would draw attention to the comprehensive FAQ document for Ukraine Nationals and Residents of Ukraine on the Department of Justice website which provides the most up to date arrangements for Ukrainian citizens and their family members wishing to travel to Ireland or already in Ireland. It can be accessed at: www.irishimmigration.ie/faqs-for-ukraine-nationals-and-residents-of-ukraine/

This document advises inter alia that Ukrainian refugees are entitled to seek employment or self-employment and vocational training education activities in Ireland.

In general, anyone can set up a business in Ireland (sole trader etc) subject to their visa status.

Therefore, I would encourage anyone wishing to start a business to make contact with their Local Enterprise Office.

Local Enterprise Offices 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. In particular the Local Enterprise Offices offer Feasibility Grants, which help start-up companies or individual entrepreneurs with the cost of researching their proposed business or new business idea to see if it could be viable and sustainable, and Priming Grants, which aim to help with the associated costs of start-up. However, it should be noted that the Local Enterprise Offices do not provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services or local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses.

The above supports along with a host of others can also be found on the supportingsmes.gov.ie website. This is a cross-governmental guide to help small businesses know which of the over 170 Government supports could fit their business. By completing the questionnaire, a small business will, in one location find out which of the over 170 Government business supports from 27 different Government Departments, Agencies and initiatives are available; find information on the range of Government supports for accessing credit; and find contact details for their nearest Local Enterprise Office.

The Local Enterprise Offices also 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 exploring self-employment as an option.

In particular, I would encourage any person starting a business to enquire about the Start Your Own Business Programme. The objective is to assist clients 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 your 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.

Defibrillators Provision

Questions (182)

Holly Cairns

Question:

182. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if defibrillators are installed in all offices and buildings accessible by the public in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19168/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My Department has a dedicated Health and Safety Unit with responsibility at Principal Officer level, whereby the objective is always to ensure a safe and appropriate working environment for all staff and visitors across our 11 buildings.

This includes the provision of specific health and safety related equipment, including at least one functioning defibrillator in each location. Where there is a higher staffing cohort across some of our occupied buildings, the Department and its Offices provides a number of defibrillators per location. The Department currently has a total of 22 defibrillators.

This important life-saving equipment, along with other key Health and Safety (H&S) specific items, are supported by regular maintenance; volunteer training to ensure the safe and effective operation of equipment; frequent H&S information provision and updates to staff and to other tenants with whom we share buildings with; and a series of site visits, local testing and H&S risk assessments per location.

The day-to-day operations of the Agencies under the remit of my Department is a matter for the respective Board and heads of the Agencies to oversee and manage.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (183)

Ged Nash

Question:

183. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total value of consultancy contracts awarded to an organisation (details supplied) for work with his Department and bodies under auspices of his Department in each of the years 2017 to 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19187/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My Department did not have any consultancy contracts with the company in question in the period 2017-2021.

Consultancy contracts entered into by agencies under the remit of my Department are an administrative matter for the agencies themselves and not one in which I have any function. My Department does not routinely keep a record of any such contracts entered into by the agencies.

Departmental Staff

Questions (184)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

184. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the salaries and pensions paid out to special advisers to Ministers and Ministers of State in his Department in 2020 and 2021, broken down by Minister in tabular form. [11393/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

The Information requested by in the Question is outlined in the tables below:

Minister Richard Bruton	No. Special Advisers	Total Salary paid	Pension paid
2020	2	€100,419.46	€0

MoS Sean Canny	No. Special Advisers	Total Salary paid	Pension paid
2020	1	€48,355.65	€0

Minister Eamonn Ryan	No. Special Advisers	Total Salary paid	Pension paid
2020 (8/7/20- 31/12/20)	3	€125,588.56	€0
2021	3	€286,656.49	€0

The 3 advisors referenced above for 2020 and 2021 work across the portfolio of both this Department as well as that of the Department of Transport. As the payment is through  the  Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, all are included in this response.

All payments are made in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Ministerial Appointments.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (185)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

185. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the vetting procedures in place for approving contractors for the retrofit scheme. [11268/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

My Department recently launched the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme which introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home upgrades. Under this new Scheme, SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops will provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance.

One Stop Shop (OSS) applicants must apply to SEAI to become a registered OSS. SEAI will assess each application against set prequalification eligibility criteria and application evaluation criteria outlined in the OSS Registration Guidelines which are available on the SEAI website. There is essentially two steps:

Step 1 - Successfully meet all pre-qualification criteria, as set out in the OSS pre-qualification eligibility list and provide evidence of such.

Step 2 - Invited to complete the OSS Application - Strategic Plan and provide evidence to demonstrate compliance with the various application criteria.

The aim is that the applicant must be able to demonstrate that they can meet the criteria under the key areas of:

- Financial Probity and Business Standing

- Organisational Capability and Technical Competence

- Governance and Legal Requirements

- Business Systems and IT Capability

- Market Engagement

- Skilled Workforce (direct or partnerships)

- Quality Assurance

- Obligated Party if relevant

- Commitment as a partner and key stakeholder in national retrofit

Submitted applications are assessed based on defined evaluation criteria and scoring outlined in the registration guidelines.

SEAI are focused on engaging organisations capable of professionally managing all aspects of a One Stop Shop service. Organisations interested in becoming a registered OSS should visit the SEAI dedicated One Stop Shop registration webpage www.seai.ie/register-with-seai/one-stop-shop/

Aside from this new development with One Stop Shops, there are of course arrangements already in place for the registration of installers/contractors to various SEAI schemes or technologies.  For example to register as an installer for Solar PV the installer would be required to be a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) with Safe Electric and have completed a recognised solar PV course. The installer/contractor would also have to be tax compliant and have appropriate insurance in place to cover the works they are installing.

Ukraine War

Questions (186)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the Russian invasion of Ukraine with consequences for energy supplies across Europe has been discussed with his European Union colleagues. [15300/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The European Council conclusions of 24-25 March 2022 set out that the European Union will phase out its dependency on Russian gas, oil and coal imports as soon as possible (as set out in the Versailles Declaration) and that the European Commission will develop a comprehensive and ambitious plan, on a phased basis, by end of May 2022. In the immediate term, Ireland is  continuing to monitor international energy (gas and oil) markets and to consult with its EU and international partners on appropriate measures, if necessary, to ensure energy security in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The European Commission is engaging with other countries to ensure sufficient and timely supply of natural gas to the EU from diverse sources across the globe to avoid supply shocks, including those that could result from disruptions.

This crisis in Ukraine has brought into sharp focus the EU and Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuel imports. We must continue to accelerate the clean energy transition, focussing on energy efficiency and renewable energies. The best way to secure our energy needs is to continue to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Climate Action Plan 2021 sets us on a pathway to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels dramatically by 2030.

In addition, my Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. This review is being carried out for the period to 2030, in the context of net zero emissions by no later than 2050. This includes examining potential risks and potential mitigating options for such risks.