Written Answers Nos. 51-70
51. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports that his Department is putting in place for suppliers affected by the collapse of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18479/22]
View answerI once again extend my sympathies to all employees and subcontractors of Roadbridge who have been impacted by these developments and I know this news is very concerning for all involved.
Enterprise Ireland has been in regular contact with the company including engaging in discussions with the acting CEO of Roadbridge and the Receiver to investigate whether any Roadbridge contracts can be fulfilled by other operators in the market. This will be challenging given the current economic climate and inflationary pressures. These discussions are ongoing and everything possible will be done to achieve as positive an outcome as possible.
A number of creditors have also made contact with Enterprise Ireland, which in turn has advised them to contact the Receivers. Reports to hand from industry sources indicate that, where facilities are in place, credit insurance options are being exercised and will be considered favourably.
The Receiver has given an undertaking to continue discussions with Enterprise Ireland to further discuss how Enterprise Ireland can support employees and subcontractors impacted by the receivership.
However, it should be noted that Receivership arises from a private contractual relationship between a lender and a creditor and as such I cannot intervene in this matter. The Companies Act 2014 confers statutory powers on receivers appointed to preserve, manage or sell the property of a company. The Act also provides that an application may be made to court for directions concerning the performance by the receiver of their functions. Breach of a receiver’s statutory duties may result in the receiver being held personally liable for any loss incurred. In addition, misconduct by receivers must be reported to the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
We will continue to gather information as to the scale of the potential adverse impacts on sub-suppliers and sub-contractors. Department officials will continue to liaise with all stakeholders to fully determine the scale of the potential impacts on sub-suppliers and sub-contractors and the progress of the infrastructural projects concerned with a view to considering what options are available in terms of how these projects might be sustained.
We are working across Government, including with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Transport, to examine what options are available with regard to major construction projects to see how these projects might be progressed.
My officials will continue to monitor the situation carefully and continue to be as responsive as we can to the issues as they unfold.
53. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 10 February 2022, the status of his engagement at European Union and World Trade Organisation level with regard to the waiving of intellectual property rights in respect of Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18741/22]
View answer54. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the role that his Department plays in supporting social enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18481/22]
View answerResponsibility for social enterprises lies primarily with the Department of Rural and Community Development, which provides funding to social enterprises as defined by the National Social Enterprise Policy 2019 – 2022, with a view to complementing mainstream business supports.
The Local Enterprise Offices offer a ‘first-stop-shop’ providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start, grow or pivot their business and act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector including those businesses that are classified as social enterprises.
The Local Enterprise Offices can assist in the establishment and/or development of new and existing enterprises (limited company, individuals/sole trader, cooperatives and partnerships) provided that such enterprises/projects are capable of attaining commercial viability and subject to the following eligibility criteria:
- The enterprise must not employ more than 10 people;
- The enterprise must be established, registered and operate within the geographic location of the Local Enterprise Office;
- The enterprise must operate in the commercial sphere;
- The enterprise must demonstrate a market for the product/service;
- The enterprise must have potential for growth in domestic and/or export markets and also potential for new job creation.
Furthermore, the Local Enterprise Offices also offer one to one mentoring and a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes to any small business, including those that would be considered social enterprises. For further information on the supports available see the Local Enterprise Office Website.
55. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the company law reform group report on splitting of assets, recommendations made and plans for publication and implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18423/22]
View answerThe Company Law Review Group (CLRG) submitted its report on the consequences of certain corporate liquidations and restructuring practices, including splitting of corporate operations from asset holding entities in group structures in December 2021.
The issues considered in the report are complex and required extensive discussion and analysis by the CLRG. The CLRG ultimately concluded that the incidence of abusive practices in corporate restructuring, while attracting significant attention, is in fact low. This conclusion is supported by the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement which notes that its reviews of liquidations indicate that in over 90% of all liquidations, company directors had acted honestly and responsibly.
Notwithstanding this, the CLRG made eight recommendations for potential amendment to the Companies Act and are intended to further enhance the regulatory framework. The Report has been considered by officials from my Department in the context of the Plan for Action on Collective Redundancies following Insolvency. I have considered their analysis and proposals, and intend for proposed amendments reflecting the consequences of certain corporate liquidations and restructuring practices be carried through a Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
Preparations are underway on this legislation and my officials are also considering provisions in the areas of corporate supervision and enforcement, and other matters including rebalancing the provisions regarding audit exemptions for small companies.
The Report will be made publicly available on the CLRG's website shortly.
56. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the additional resources that are being allocated to processing work permit applications in view of the significant increase in the number applying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18761/22]
View answerMy Department experienced a significant increase in applications for employment permits in the past year, impacting on processing times. From the start of January to the end of December 2021, some 27,666 applications were received, representing a 69% increase over the same period in 2020 (16,293) and a 47% increase on 2019 (18,811), which itself represented an 11 year high in applications.
My Department has issued 16,275 employment permits in 2021, and processed a total of 17,968 applications which represents a significant volume of activity. In addition, the extension of categories of employment permits following the latest Review of the Occupational Lists has increased the demand for employment permits.
My Department and I recognise the impact delays on the processing times for employment permits has for businesses and their workers and the Employment Permits team are committed to reducing these times.
A plan of action is being implemented by officials in the Employment Permits team. It has increased resources and implemented more efficient methods of processing applications, including removing hundreds of doctors from the permits system. The processing team has trebled in size and daily output has more than tripled compared to 2021 levels.
Since the implementation of this plan, the Employment Permits section has made positive progress to reduce the current backlog reducing the number of applications awaiting processing from 11,181 in January 2022 to 8,773 at the end of March 2022. Officials expect to see a further significant improvements in this backlog by the end of Q2 of 2022.
Waiting times for Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEPs) have been more than halved in the past seven weeks. The Department plans to maintain processing times for all CSEP applications at approximately its current level for all of Q2, on the assumption that demand remains at current levels. The waiting time for other permit types will fall considerably in Q2.
57. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current processing times for general employment permits; the measures that are being taken to prioritise these types of permits due to SMEs experiencing issues around staffing shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18753/22]
View answerMy Department experienced a significant increase in applications for employment permits in the past year, impacting on processing times. From the start of January to the end of December 2021, some 27,666 applications were received, representing a 69% increase over the same period in 2020 (16,293) and a 47% increase on 2019 (18,811), which itself represented an 11 year high in applications.
My Department has issued 16,275 employment permits in 2021, and processed a total of 17,968 applications which represents a significant volume of activity. In addition, the extension of categories of employment permits following the latest Review of the Occupational Lists has increased the demand for employment permits.
My Department and I recognise the impact delays on the processing times for employment permits has for businesses and their workers and the Employment Permits team are committed to reducing these times.
An plan of action is being implemented by officials in the Employment Permits team. It has increased resources and implemented more efficient methods of processing applications, including removing hundreds of doctors from the permits system. The processing team has trebled in size and daily output has more than tripled compared to 2021 levels.
Since the implementation of this plan, the Employment Permits section has made positive progress to reduce the current backlog reducing the number of applications awaiting processing from 11,181 in January 2022 to 8,773 at the end of March 2022. Officials expect to see a further significant improvements in this backlog by the end of Q2 of 2022.
Waiting time for Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEPs) have been more than halved in the past seven weeks. The Department plans to maintain processing times for all CSEP applications at approximately its current level for all of Q2, on the assumption that demand remains at current levels. The waiting time for other permit types will fall considerably in Q2.
58. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific actions taken by his Department to address the job losses in Baldoyle since the meeting that took place between him and local representatives on 1 July 2021. [18634/22]
View answerIn May 2021, Teva announced that Tosara Pharma located in Baldoyle would cease manufacturing at the end of 2022 with the loss of 130 jobs. Tosara Pharma has been manufacturing Sudocrem at a 33,000 sq.ft manufacturing plant, since 1984. The site activities include manufacturing, packaging, quality, and shipping of Sudocrem to global markets. Tosara Pharma manufactures a high-volume, low-margin product and the company was of the view that the site which was dated was no longer competitive from a cost perspective. In addition, the company was unable to expand to meet increased product demand due to its site being landlocked .
Tosara has informed IDA Ireland that the redundancy package being offered to its staff is attractive and above statutory levels. The package has been discussed with all staff with terms of the redundancy being part of negotiations over the past number of months.
In addressing the job losses, the IDA has confirmed to my Department that:
- The Agency has engaged with the company and outlined the process for engaging with Solas, which has conducted training for staff in which they had a 70% uptake. In July 2022 the company will roll out outplacement services providing support for employees for interviews and CV writing etc.
- It will market the facility owned by Tosara for appropriate investment across its network once the marketing material is completed and released by the company’s agents.
- There is a very strong existing base of FDI companies in Dublin representing all of the sectors including the Lifesciences sector in which Tosara operates and the belief is that the recruitment market is buoyant with many multinationals recruiting to fill vacant roles.
- The IDA will continue to win new investments for Dublin and believe that employees from Tosara who are seeking employment will find alternative roles.
59. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way that his Department is dealing with projects that were grant-aided by his Department in cases in which the projected costs have increased substantially arising from construction inflation and so on, since the time that the grants were allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18769/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Enterprise Ireland has to-date approved funding to 68 projects under the three calls of the Regional Enterprise Development Fund 2017 – 2020 (REDF) and a further 11 projects under the Border Enterprise Development Fund 2020 (BEDF) on behalf of my Department.
I am very conscious that over the past 2 years there has been a significant increase in costs experienced by supported projects under the REDF and BEDF which are engaged in capital infrastructure development. These cost increases arise due to a multitude of individual increases in product and installation costs, primarily due to the impacts of Brexit and Covid 19 on the construction sector.
To assist those projects which have been delayed and incurred increased costs in the delivery of their originally approved projects, funding of up to €12m in grant support, or €15m in expenditure at 80%, whichever is the lesser, is being provided for eligible projects approved under the REDF and BEDF Schemes to cover eligible additional construction costs to enable those projects to be completed as originally planned. €6m has been set aside for 2022 and an additional €6m for following years.
Under this fund Enterprise Ireland will also provide advance payment of 50% of additional grant support, on approval by the EI Investment Committee, to eligible projects.
I have been advised that Enterprise Ireland has begun the process of contacting eligible projects regarding this fund.
60. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the sectors which he believes are most vulnerable in the face of the explosion in the cost of oil and gas. [18474/22]
View answerRising energy prices was one of a number of factors that drove a rise in inflation since mid-2021. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked further energy price increases and brought unprecedented volatility to international energy markets. This is feeding through to retail price increases for all households and businesses. I understand that these rising costs, including fuel costs, have placed an additional burden on enterprises trying to get back on their feet in the aftermath of the COVID-19 shock.
Recently, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) published its ‘HEAT Study Report’[1] , which noted that the Industry Sector in particular was already facing cost and competitiveness challenges because of the need to decarbonise and move away from fossil fuel usage. The report pointed out most industry sectors use gas to meet their heat demand needs. In Ireland, sectors which are relatively energy intensive include the Cement sector, the Commercial Activities Sector (which includes hospitality and retail), the Food and Drink Sector, and the Electrical and Optical equipment sector. However, businesses across a range of sectors are likely to be impacted by increased fuel prices through their reliance on the logistics and distribution sector to deliver their raw materials and inputs, and to bring their final products to market.
Ireland imports over 70 per cent of our energy use and the Government cannot fully insulate individuals and businesses from developments in international energy markets that are outside of our control. However, Government has put in place a suite of targeted measures aimed at reducing the burden of these cost pressures, both for businesses and households. Given the volatility of fuel prices, it is important that measures are sustainable and targeted.
To support businesses as well as households, in March the Government approved a temporary reduction in the excise duties charged by 20 cent per litre of petrol, 15 cent per litre of diesel, and 2 cent in the excise duty charged on marked gas oil. The Government also launched an emergency support measure for licensed hauliers to address cost pressures arising from current high fuel prices. The targeted and temporary grant scheme will provide a payment of €100 per week for every heavy goods vehicle (over 3.5 tonnes) in the country. It will operate for a period of eight weeks and will be reviewed. The Government also agreed a temporary, targeted intervention package for the tillage sector to the value of €12.2 million. The agriculture sector has been significantly impacted by higher input prices for fuel, animal feed and fertilisers.
The Government will keep the energy situation under close review and we will continue to examine what measures are possible to manage the impact of rising energy prices for households and businesses. My Department is leading consultations with business and industry to learn about the specific impacts of higher energy costs on Irish businesses, and to hear their concerns and perspectives on the appropriate and most effective tools for policy action.
The European Commission recently launched its Temporary State Aid Crisis Framework for businesses affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This opens the way for Member States to consider what specific instruments might be needed in the near-term in order to help vulnerable but viable businesses to overcome the acute impacts of the current crisis in particular with liquidity, and to gear up for meeting their longer-term investment and transition requirements. As part of the Framework, low-cost loans and grants may be made available in order to meet liquidity needs and facilitate the necessary investment.
In terms of short-term temporary supports, there are already a number of effective schemes in place resulting from Government’s response to the Brexit and Covid-19 crises, and the Government will consider whether, and to what degree, such schemes might be pivoted to firms impacted by the Ukraine crisis in particular.
[1] National-Heat-Study-Summary-Report.pdf (seai.ie)
61. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on delivering a living wage, calculated through the Living Wage Technical Group’s minimum essential standard of living formula, as a way to help workers in the face of the cost-of-living crisis. [18627/22]
View answerI have acknowledged the pressures people are feeling as the rate of inflation and the cost of living increases. I know these costs are increasing rapidly and that those on lower incomes are being disproportionately affected.
When considering increases in the National Minimum Wage during a period of inflation Government must be is conscious of the need to avoid second round effects. Pumping more money into the economy could lead to further inflation.
That being said, I have been clear in my commitment to improving pay and terms and conditions for everyone, but particularly for those on low pay.
Last year I asked the Low Pay Commission to examine and make recommendations on the best approach to achieving the Programme for Government commitment to progress to a living wage over the lifetime of the Government.
One of the issues examined by the Low Pay Commission, and the research team commissioned by them to produce a technical research report on the progression to a living wage, was how a living wage should be calculated. The Commission considered whether the Minimum Essential Standard of Living or fixed threshold approach should be recommended. As part of its deliberations, the Low Pay Commission met with a number of stakeholders in this area, including the Living Wage Technical Group.
Last week I received the Commission’s report and recommendations on the progression to a living wage. Along with my officials, I will review the Commission’s recommendations and consider next steps.
While the living wage initiative is being considered, the Government will continue to be guided by the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission with regard to any future changes in the minimum wage. The Low Pay Commission is required to submit its annual recommendation on the National Minimum Wage to me on or before the third Tuesday in July.
Since the establishment of the Low Pay Commission in 2015, the national minimum wage has increased from €8.65 per hour to €10.50 per hour between 2016 and 2022, a 21.4% increase. This compares with an increase in consumer prices of 7% in the 6 years to December 2021. The Minimum Wage has increased substantially in real terms over recent years.
The share of workers on the minimum wage in Ireland has also fallen consistently since the establishment of the Low Pay Commission. The share of workers on the minimum wage or less as a percentage of the total labour force has reduced from 9.3% in Q4, 2016 to 6.8% in Q4, 2020.
The Low Pay Commission is made up of an equal number of employer representatives, employee representatives, and independent members which helps to provide a balanced view when determining an appropriate rate for the National Minimum Wage. In addition, the establishing legislation requires the Low Pay Commission to give consideration to a range of issues when arriving at a recommendation for the appropriate National Minimum Wage rate. These issues include the cost of living, competitiveness and the likely effect that any proposed recommendation will have on future levels of employment.
62. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the appointment of a regional director of the IDA in the south east given that the position has been vacant since December 2021 and the importance of regional business development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18797/22]
View answerThe appointment of a Regional Manager for the South-East Region is an operational matter for IDA Ireland, though I understand the recruitment process for the position of IDA Regional Manager for the South East Region is currently underway.
I am also informed that the IDA Team in the South-East Region is, on a temporary basis, reporting to the Department Manager- Regional Development.
63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which priority continues to be given to various enterprises affected by Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18760/22]
View answerThe Government has worked to support 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, Restart 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.
The breadth and variety of COVID-19 related schemes to support all kinds of businesses, but particularly small and medium enterprise, through the pandemic has been unprecedented, and their design and delivery has very much been a priority for the government.
Details of such assistance can be found on my Department’s website. I also publish an updated table on the uptake of the range of advisory and finance schemes on this website, which sets out both closed and ongoing support schemes for the information of the public. I attach it here for the deputy’s information.
64. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the pay scales available for recruitment of IDA regional directors are sufficient to attract interest in the position from appropriate talent given the importance of the development of business in the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18810/22]
View answerRegional development is at the centre of the IDA’s current 2021-2024 strategy, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth. The Agency will target half of all investments (400) from 2021- 2024 to regional locations and maintain the same high level of investment as targeted in their previous strategy for each region of the country.
There are currently no vacancies at Regional Director level. However, there are two vacancies at Regional Manager level, for the South-West and the South-East Regions.
The recruitment of IDA Regional Managers is an operational matter for IDA Ireland. However, I am advised that the recruitment process is ongoing and IDA will endeavour to fill the posts at the earliest possible time.
I am informed that while the recruitment process for the positions of both vacant IDA Regional Managers are being completed, both teams are reporting on a temporary basis to the relevant Regional Director.
All Public Service pay rates are set centrally by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
65. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of the Government in relation to a factory (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15161/22]
View answerI want to assure you that Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty remains unwavering. Ireland is at the forefront of efforts across the United Nations and the European Union to bring an end to the conflict.
The EU has imposed sanctions targeting Russia for its illegal attack on Ukraine. These sanctions are designed to hurt the Russian economy and not the Irish or European economies. Further sanctions are being considered this week
Aughinish Alumina plays a significant role in the broader EU economy and the global aluminium supply chain. It operates the largest alumina refinery in Europe producing approximately one third of the EU's alumina. The importance of Aughinish Alumina to the local economy cannot be over-stated. In a small economy such as Ireland’s, and in a predominantly rural area, it is a very large employer and is a major contributor to the local economy and an important company regionally and nationally.
Minister Donohoe and I met with Aughinish Alumina recently, along with department and IDA officials. W e are continuing to monitor the situation closely and working to ensure the refinery remains operational.
66. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide further details on the way that the North-East Regional Enterprise Plan will directly benefit County Louth and in particular Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee and Dunleer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18659/22]
View answerRegional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation continues to be a key policy priority of mine and this Government.
Throughout 2021, my Department has overseen the development of nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024, including for the North-East, which covers Counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan.
The North-East Regional Steering Committee is chaired by Richard Hanlon, Chief Commercial Officer, Aon Cyber Solutions. The Steering Committee members include representation from the three Local Authorities, the Enterprise Agencies, LEOs, Regional Assemblies, Higher Education bodies and others, all of whom are focused on creating and sustaining employment opportunities for the region.
The plans are developed by regional stakeholders who are keenly aware of the growth opportunities and vulnerabilities in their region and also of the benefits of working collaboratively.
I was pleased to launch the North-East Plan in Cavan on 24th February. The Plan is the result of in-depth engagement across the region.
The new Plan for the North-East contains five strategic objectives and related actions to be delivered by end 2024 and my officials are engaging with the regional Chairpersons and Programme Managers as implementation commences.
I have been determined to ensure that funding is available to support these Plans. The Deputy will be aware that up to €180m is being made available 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.
€6 million has been set aside in 2022 and a further €6 million over the following years to assist those projects which have been delayed and incurred increased costs in the delivery of their originally approved projects. Enterprise Ireland are in the process of contacting eligible projects regarding this fund.
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.
Substantial funding will also be made available up to 2027 for regional enterprise projects under funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the Shared Island fund.
County Louth has performed particular well under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Border Enterprise Development Fund and Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme securing over €11.5 million in funding for six innovative enterprise focused projects. The region is full of potential and is very well positioned to compete for the new funding schemes. I strongly encourage all stakeholders to take advantage of the new funding to develop quality projects for the Louth and wider North-East region.
68. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the trade promotion missions that have been undertaken to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18657/22]
View answer77. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the work he is undertaking to promote new and existing trading links; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18730/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 77 together.
Each year, Enterprise Ireland offers a programme of trade missions and events which support the goal of securing high-level market access for companies based in Ireland who are aiming to grow business overseas and increase domestic employment.
In recent years the majority of Ministerial-led Trade Missions have taken place to the Eurozone, North America and Asia Pacific, which represented the strongest growth opportunities for Irish companies. These Trade Missions focused on promoting the innovative capabilities and competitive offerings of Irish companies to international buyers in sectors including internationally traded services, fintech, high-tech construction, engineering, ICT and lifesciences.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, trade missions took place virtually throughout 2020 and during Quarters 1 to 3 of 2021. Physical trade missions took place during Quarter 4 of 2021.
In February of this year, following the conclusion of the informal Trade Council meeting in Marseille, the Tánaiste went on a trade promotion visit in the Marseille region and in Paris to meet with a number of client companies of both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. These companies are at the forefront of research & innovation and are actively using collaboration and partnership to successfully expand their footprint in global markets.
As part of the Government's 2022 St Patrick's Day programme of Ministerial visits abroad to promote Ireland and Irish interests around the world, the Tánaiste visited Colombia and Chile, Minister English visited Sweden and I travelled to India. The international programme of visits focussed on the theme of Rebuilding Connections and Supporting Communities across the globe. These visits also provided opportunity to engage in events to support our trading and investment relationships, including meetings with a number of Irish businesses and senior business executives operating in these countries.
In conjunction with my 2022 St Patrick’s Day visit to India, I carried out a wider trade promotion programme in Delhi and Mumbai which included a campus visit to Delhi University to mark its partnership with UCD, meetings with client companies of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, the launch of the India-Ireland Business Association, India branch, and the official opening of Ireland House, Mumbai.
My Department is currently working closely with its agencies on a trade mission schedule for Q2 of 2022 which will maximise opportunities to help Irish companies to access new markets and to increase the levels of foreign direct investment into Ireland. Trade missions are being planned for the second quarter to the USA, Mexico, Europe and New Zealand. The trade mission schedule for 2022 is being planned and reviewed on a quarterly basis due to the changing global environment and adjustments will be made where deemed necessary.
69. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a minimum time can be achieved for the processing of applications for work permits for non-European Union workers particularly in the healthcare sector in which there are so many staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18623/22]
View answerThe employment permits system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages, in circumstances where there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is a genuine one. The system is managed through the use of lists designating highly skilled and ineligible occupations.
As the Deputy is aware, applications for employment permits are processed in date order of receipt of fully completed applications. My Department advise that an application for any employment permit should be received at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date.
Since the outset of the Covid-19 crisis, in order to assist the HSE and other medical providers in the State, all medical employment permits are expedited with immediate effect.
My Department experienced a significant increase in applications for employment permits in the past year, impacting on processing times. From the start of January to the end of December 2021, some 27,666 applications were received, representing a 69% increase over the same period in 2020 (16,293) and a 47% increase on 2019 (18,811), which itself represented an 11 year high in applications.
My Department has issued 16,275 employment permits in 2021, and processed a total of 17,968 applications which represents a significant volume of activity. In addition, the extension of categories of employment permits following the latest Review of the Occupational Lists has increased the availability of employment permits for these roles resulting in additional applications.
My Department and I are very conscious of the current timeframes for processing employment permit applications and the staff of the Employment Permits team are committed to reducing these.
An plan of action has been developed by the Employment Permits team that is focusing on increasing resources and driving efficiencies in applications processing. This plan is currently being implemented to tackle the current backlog, with both human resource interventions and systemic changes identified. Hundreds of doctors have already been removed from the employment permits system.
Since the implementation of this plan, the waiting time for Critical Skills Employment Permits has been more than halved and the number of applications awaiting processing declined from 11,181 in January 2022 to 8,773 at the end of March. Officials expect to see a further significant improvements in this backlog by the end of Q2 of 2022.
70. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagements he has had with his European Union counterparts regarding the European Union-Mercosur trade agreement. [17909/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the EU reached political agreement in their trade negotiations with the Mercosur region in June 2019. The Agreement will cement the close political and economic relations between the EU and Mercosur countries and represents a clear commitment from both regions to rules-based international trade.
In 2021, Ireland exported nearly €0.5 billion worth of goods to the Mercosur region. In 2020 – the most recent year for which figures are available – Ireland exported approximately €1 billion worth of services to Mercosur. Further expansion into the Mercosur markets is expected as a result of the Agreement reached. The independent impact assessment commissioned by my Department, and published last July, concluded that Irish exports to the Mercosur market are expected to be 17% higher in 2035 under the terms of the Agreement.
However, we also have some well-known concerns regarding climate change and the environmental impact of the extensive forest fires we have seen in the Amazon. I have raised these concerns at all political levels, including through my engagement with the Commission and with Trade Minister colleagues in Council.
Specifically, at a meeting of the EU’s Trade Council in Berlin in September 2020, I took the opportunity to remind both the Commission, and my counterparts, that enforceable guarantees which strengthen environmental protections, particularly with regard to the Amazon rainforest and climate action, are a priority for this Government in terms of our assessment of the benefits of the Agreement when it is formally presented for decision. Furthermore, there was a discussion on the EU-Mercosur Agreement at the meeting of EU Trade Ministers in Brussels in May 2021 at which I restated my and our Government's position on these important issues. Following these discussions, I took the opportunity to write to EU Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner Dombrovskis in June 2021 to restate Ireland’s position, as well as to address other Trade Policy matters.
On the basis of these concerns, raised by Ireland and other EU Member States, the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) are engaged with the Mercosur countries on negotiating further enforceable commitments on climate and deforestation.
Finally, both I and officials from my Department and across Government have continued to articulate our clear position regarding this Agreement at the highest level in the EU, including in bilateral conversations with colleague Trade Ministers in the margins of EU Council meetings, such as last February in Marseille at an Informal Trade Ministers meeting under the current French Presidency of the Council.
