Ivana Bacik
Question:204. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the Cabinet Committee on Covid-19. [35869/22]
View answerCabinet Committees
Questions (204)
Written answers
The Cabinet Committee on COVID-19 was established to assess the social and economic impacts of Covid and oversee the cross-government response.
The Cabinet Committee last met on 28 February. However, Covid continues to be considered at the Cabinet Committee on Health and I meet with the Minister for Health on an ongoing basis to discuss Health matters including Covid.
Over recent months the national response to the Covid pandemic has been shifting focus from an emergency approach to one which is appropriately mainstreamed and targeted at mitigating severe impacts of Covid on the population.
We will continue to closely monitor emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and assess any potential threat to population health.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (205)
Carol Nolan
Question:205. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach if his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department have engaged the services of two organisations (details supplied) at any point from 1 January 2020 to date; the costs associated with or incurred by the provision of services from these organisations. [37291/22]
View answerWritten answers
In the period from 1st January 2020 to date, a total of €17,412 was incurred by my Department for training and development services provided by Carr Communications. This included staff attendance on training and development courses provided through the Civil Service Shared Learning and Development Centre known as OneLearning. My Department has not engaged the services of the other organisation in question.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of my department, have not engaged the services of either organisation during the period in question.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (206)
Alan Dillon
Question:206. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Taoiseach if he will support a project (details supplied) under the Shared Island Fund. [37635/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Shared Island Fund is allocated to Government Departments to support delivery of approved collaborative North/South projects that implement the Government’s commitments and objectives on Shared Island as set out in the Programme for Government and the revised National Development Plan (2021-2030).
Shared Island projects are delivered through all-island partnerships, including with the Northern Ireland Executive, UK Government, with Local Authorities and civil society.
Projects are to implement Shared Island objectives in the Programme for Government and revised National Development Plan and be consistent with Government policy and approach in the relevant areas. The Shared Island unit in the Department of the Taoiseach works closely with the policy lead Department in considering Shared Island Fund allocations as part of overall Government support for a project.
My Department’s Shared Island unit has met with the proposers of the project referred to by the Deputy and provided this guidance on the basis of operation of the Shared Island Fund and suggested the project proposers continue to engage with the Department of Health.
Departmental Advertising
Questions (207)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:207. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the total amount spent on online and media advertising by his Department in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [37918/22]
View answerWritten answers
The table below details expenditure by my Department on advertising from 2012 to 30 June 2022.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2012 |
€562,573 |
|
2013 |
€68,128 |
|
2014 |
€6,192 |
|
2015 |
€53,666 |
|
2016 |
€21,815 |
|
2017 |
€40,616 |
|
2018 |
€1,895,673 |
|
2019 |
€33,659 |
|
2020 |
€17,045,754 |
|
2021 |
€11,573,834 |
|
30 June 2022 |
€1,732,761 |
The bulk of the expenditure in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 relates to the dissemination of information related to COVID-19. In 2020 and 2021, public information campaigns played a vital role in communicating the various strands of the pandemic. The campaigns informed people of all stages of restrictions as they were introduced and subsequently lifted. Public information campaigns were also used to communicate with people on the supports being made available by Government to get through the pandemic. Campaigns featured across national and local radio, national and regional newspapers, and social media platforms. The centralised approach adopted helped to ensure effectiveness of advertising spend, consistency, coherence and amplification of the public health messaging across the various public awareness campaigns, and a focus on hard to reach audiences. To date in 2022, COVID-19 information campaigns undertaken by the Department of the Taoiseach have focused on encouraging people to be more aware of the risk of COVID-19 to themselves and others, in particular vulnerable people.
Departmental Functions
Questions (208)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:208. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the work of the economic policy unit in his Department. [37919/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Economic Policy Unit is part of the Economic Division of my Department.
The Unit supports me, as Taoiseach, in delivering sustainable and balanced economic growth and in advancing the Government’s economic priorities.
The Unit also advises me on a broad range of economic policy areas and issues, and provides me with briefing and speech material on economic and related policy issues.
It supports the delivery of the Government’s economic commitments as outlined in the Programme for Government, especially where these are cross-cutting issues affecting multiple Departments.
Departmental Functions
Questions (209)
Mick Barry
Question:209. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the parliamentary liaison unit within his Department. [38139/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Parliamentary Liaison Unit in my Department assists Government in its relationship with the Oireachtas. It works with the Office of the Government Chief Whip on issues that arise at the Business Committee and the Committee on Dáil Reform and Standing Orders, including Dáil reform proposals and amendments to Standing Orders.
The Unit supports the Office of the Government Chief Whip in the implementation of the Government’s Legislation Programme.
In addition, the Unit assists the Office of the Leader of the Green Party in work relating to Cabinet, Cabinet Committees and oversight of the implementation of the Programme for Government.
In carrying out these duties, it provides detailed information on upcoming matters in the Dáil and Seanad; highlights any new Oireachtas reform issues and provides assistance in engaging with the new processes arising from Dáil reform.
The Unit is staffed by 3.5 whole time equivalent staff; 1 Principal Officer, 1 Administrative Officer, 0.5 Higher Executive Officer and 1 Clerical Officer.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Questions (210)
Mick Barry
Question:210. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meetings with heads of government and heads of state at the margins of the NATO summit in Madrid. [38140/22]
View answerWritten answers
I attended a EuroAtlantic dinner in Madrid on Wednesday 29 June, hosted by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The dinner was attended by the leaders of all EU Member States, as well as members of NATO. While it took place in the margins of the NATO Summit, it was a separate event.
While in Madrid I had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Karl Nehammer of Austria, a country that, like Ireland, is not in NATO. We discussed current EU issues, including Russia’s war on Ukraine and the upward pressure this is putting on prices, especially for energy and food.
I also had the opportunity to engage with a range of leaders attending the dinner including US President Biden; Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada; Prime Minister Støre of Norway and Prime Minister Jakobsdottir of Iceland as well as many of my EU colleagues.
During my visit I also addressed a reception for clients of our enterprise agencies in Spain.
Industrial Development
Questions (211)
Alan Dillon
Question:211. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects the IDA and Mayo County Council to conclude the site selection process in Castlebar for the development of an IDA advanced building solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37040/22]
View answerWritten answers
IDA’s property investment in the regions is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across IDA’s, Enterprise Ireland and local LEO’s respective client base.
It is essential that the West Region and Mayo has a competitive, sustainable property offering to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs.
IDA Ireland have publicly committed to build a new (second) Advance Technology Building in Mayo to support the winning of new investment and job creation.
The site selection process for the new building is well underway. On conclusion of site selection, the design and planning phases will commence. The specific dates for commencement of construction are wholly dependent on and subject to the successful outcome of these processes. IDA will use its best endeavours to deliver the building in a timely manner. IDA Ireland has engaged with Mayo County Council on its plans.
IDA continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply of competitive property solutions in regional locations.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (212)
Alan Dillon
Question:212. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of trading online voucher scheme applications approved from 2020 to 2022 in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37041/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme offers a voucher of up to €2,500 (with 50% co-funding by the applicant) to help businesses develop their online trading capability and includes training sessions that cover various topics, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation.
The information provided will assist applicants in deciding what trading online options are right for their business. Funding can be used towards adding payment facilities or booking systems to their website or developing new apps for their customers. The voucher can also be used towards subscriptions to low cost online retail platform solutions, to help companies quickly establish a retailing presence online.
The Local Enterprise Office Mayo has approved 628 Trading Online vouchers from 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2022, which breaks down as the following:
438 approvals in 2020, 161 approvals in 2021, and 29 approvals to 30 June 2022.
I am confident the Trading Online Voucher remains a key front-line support for microenterprises to embark on or continue their digital journey.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (213)
Carol Nolan
Question:213. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department have engaged the services of two organisations (details supplied) at any point from 1 January 2020 to date; the costs associated with or incurred by the provision of services from these organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37280/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has engaged the services of Carr Communications on several occasions during the period in question. Records indicate that, during the period from 1 January 2020 to date, my Department has paid Carr Communications a total of €19,500 for the provision of a suite of preparatory training courses, including job application and interview skills training courses.
My Department also paid a further sum of €10,985 to Carr Communications for the provision of various training courses undertaken by employees via the centralised “OneLearning” Civil Service learning and development platform during the period in question.
My Department has not engaged the services of Kinzen during the period in question.
Enterprise Policy
Questions (214)
David Stanton
Question:214. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way that his Department and the agencies under the remit of his Department engage with and support the development of blockchain technology; the engagements that he, the Department's junior Ministers or Department officials have had in this regard to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37454/22]
View answerWritten answers
The answer to this PQ is deferred to allow for clarification with agencies under the remit of the Department.
My Department will supply the information requested once it has been collated.
Work Permits
Questions (215)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:215. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his consideration on granting more employment permits to non-EEA nationals to meet the greater demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37704/22]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland’s employment permits system is designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour gaps for the benefit of our economy, in the short to medium term, but this objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that 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 operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine roles that are either in critical short supply, or, are ineligible for an employment permit where it is evidenced that there is sufficient availability of those skills in the domestic and EEA labour market.
In order to ensure the employment permits system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, these lists undergo regular, evidence-based review. These reviews are guided by relevant research and a public/stakeholder consultation. The views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group and relevant policy Departments are also taken into consideration.
Account is taken of upskilling and training initiatives and other known contextual factors, such as the ending of the pandemic unemployment payment schemes and their impact on the labour market. Changes to the employment permit occupations lists are made where there are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available, development opportunities are not undermined, a genuine skills shortage exists, rather than a recruitment or retention problem, and Government education, training and economic development policies are supported.
Demand for Employment Permits increased by over 50% in April 2021 and has increased further into 2022. 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. This increased demand is estimated to see up to 35,000 applications processed in 2022.
Enterprise Support Services
Questions (216)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:216. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the contingency measures and supports that are in place being considered to safeguard Cork SMEs due to running cost and inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37705/22]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to assure the deputy that the Government is very conscious of what the rise in global energy costs means for Irish businesses. Energy costs are one of the prime factors in the increase in business costs to which the deputy refers, and we have already implemented several measures to help ease the impact on enterprises of energy price increases including reductions in VAT and excise on some fuels, as well as a temporary grant scheme to hauliers in the supply chain. Businesses from Cork benefit from these nationwide programmes.
Minister Donohoe recently announced the extension of the 9% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate for the tourism and hospitality industry for a further six months; a measure for which €250 million is the estimated cost to the exchequer.
Furthermore, the Government has recently launched its ‘Reduce Your Use’ public information campaign. This highlights the range of supports that are available to households and businesses ranging from practical advice to financial supports.
Businesses can view these on my Department’s website at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/Energy-supports/Energy-supports-for-business.html
Practical advice includes the Climate Toolkit 4 Business, launched late last year by my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. This allows SMEs to input simple information to get an estimate of their carbon footprint and a personalised action plan to reduce it.
From the Local Enterprise Offices, the Green for Micro initiative offers mentoring to micro-enterprises looking to become greener. Meanwhile, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides direct grants such as the support scheme for renewable heat, project assistance grants, the EXEED grant scheme, tax incentives available through the Accelerated Capital Allowance, and funding for energy audits. Further training is available via the SEAI’s Energy Academy.
Finally, there are loans available for businesses absorbing the numerous economic shocks of recent years. The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland offers the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme, offering loans from €25,000 to €1.5 million, and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for businesses responding to the impact of COVID-19. These loan facilities may also be helpful to businesses struggling with increased energy costs.
Microenterprises can also avail of loans of up to €25,000 from Microfinance Ireland which they may not be able to avail of from commercial lenders.
Additionally, the Lean for Micro scheme works with LEO clients to help build resilience.
Government Departments have been consulting with stakeholders on specific measures that could be considered to ameliorate the short to medium term challenges to energy security. The Energy Supply Emergency Group is an inter-departmental and inter-agency group with responsibility for informing the Government response to the impact of rising energy costs on business, in addition to security of energy supply more generally, and a longer-term reduction in Ireland’s dependency on imported oil and gas.
Under the aegis of this Group, my Department has established the Business Energy Users Sub-Group to lead on consultations with business and industry to learn about the specific impacts on Irish businesses, and to hear their concerns and perspectives on the appropriate and most effective tools for policy action. The work of this sub-group, as part of the wider Energy Supply Emergency Group has informed the National Energy Security Framework which was launched by the Government on 13 April 2022.
State Bodies
Questions (217)
Pa Daly
Question:217. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of in-person and e-visits made by the IDA to each county in quarters 1 and 2 of 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37905/22]
View answerWritten answers
IDA Ireland continued throughout the pandemic to promote Ireland as an attractive location for investment to new and existing clients. As a result of the severe restrictions on international travel over the last two years, the ability to host in-person site visits was severely limited. However, IDA did innovate significantly in how it engaged online through e-visits with potential investors and the success of these efforts is reflected in the record number of jobs created in IDA assisted firms in 2021. The number of in-person and e-visits made by the IDA to each county in quarter 1 is set out in the table below.
I am advised that data relating to Q2 site visits will not be verified and available until the beginning of August.
|
County |
Q1 2022E-visits |
Q1 2022In person |
|
Carlow |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
1 |
2 |
|
Cork |
5 |
8 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
4 |
|
Dublin* |
43 |
11 |
|
Galway |
3 |
4 |
|
Kerry* |
10 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
0 |
|
Laois |
0 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick* |
13 |
3 |
|
Longford |
1 |
0 |
|
Louth |
1 |
1 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
1 |
|
Meath |
0 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
2 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
0 |
1 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
1 |
|
Westmeath |
4 |
3 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0 |
The numbers for these counties include a group of 10 companies virtually site visiting Kerry, Limerick and Dublin in Q1.
Potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. These figures represent individual visits and are therefore not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.
Industrial Development
Questions (218)
Pa Daly
Question:218. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the job figures outlined by the IDA as attributable to it in its 2021 annual report by county in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37906/22]
View answerWritten answers
We now have more people employed in this country than at any other point in the history of the State. Over the last year, there has been strong jobs growth across all regions, while female labour market participation is at a record high and the youth unemployment rate is at a record low.
IDA Ireland launched their 2021 Annual Report on Wednesday, 6 July confirming the announcements made in December last that 2021 was a record breaking year for FDI employment with significantly higher levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2021 compared with 2020.
The 2022 mid year results, also announced on the 6 July, reported significant investment growth in the first half of 2022, returning FDI employment creation plans to above the pre-pandemic 2019 record levels, despite a continuing challenging global environment.
The total Employment in IDA Ireland supported companies, by county, is shown below.
|
County |
Total Jobs 2021 |
|
Cavan |
862 |
|
Donegal |
3,647 |
|
Leitrim |
1,050 |
|
Monaghan |
430 |
|
Sligo |
2,732 |
|
Dublin |
123,708 |
|
Kildare |
9,748 |
|
Louth |
4,588 |
|
Meath |
1,911 |
|
Wicklow |
2,647 |
|
Clare |
6,924 |
|
Limerick |
13,824 |
|
Tipperary |
4,522 |
|
Laois |
157 |
|
Longford |
1,310 |
|
Offaly |
1,302 |
|
Westmeath |
4,099 |
|
Carlow |
1,477 |
|
Kilkenny |
837 |
|
Waterford |
8,868 |
|
Wexford |
3,750 |
|
Cork |
45,604 |
|
Kerry |
1,968 |
|
Galway |
22,801 |
|
Mayo |
5,145 |
|
Roscommon |
1,473 |
|
Total Jobs 2021 |
275,384 |
Source: DETE Annual Employment Survey 2021
Note: Includes part-time, temporary and short-term contract employees.
Legislative Measures
Questions (219)
Seán Haughey
Question:219. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the aims and objectives of the industrial relations (provisions in respect of pension entitlements of retired workers) Bill 2021; the actions that he is taking to give retired workers an input into the future of their occupational pension schemes after they have left their employment; the consultations which have taken place to date concerning this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37927/22]
View answerWritten answers
A Public Consultation Process on retired workers access to industrial relations mechanisms for pension related issues was recently conducted by my Department and concluded a number of weeks ago.
The purpose of this was to seek views on the proposals arising from the Private Members Bill and to establish whether there is the potential for new or enhanced methods of consultation through the introduction of alternative systems, networks or for a which might assist retired workers in engaging more fully on pension related issues.
My Department officials have commenced the examination of submissions received. The outcome of the consultation will feed into the Government’s response to the proposals.
State Bodies
Questions (220)
Johnny Mythen
Question:220. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA site visits to County Wexford in each of the years 2012 to 2021, and to June 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37963/22]
View answerWritten answers
The IDA continued throughout the pandemic to promote Ireland as an attractive location for investment to new and existing clients. As a result of the severe restrictions on international travel over the last two years, the ability to host site visits was severely limited. However, IDA did innovate significantly in how it engaged remotely with potential investors and the success of these efforts are reflected in the record number of jobs created in IDA assisted firms in 2021.
The number of site visits made by the IDA to County Wexford in each year from 2012 to quarter 1 2022 is set out in the table below.
I am advised that data relating to Q2 site visits will not be verified and available until the beginning of August.
|
County |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Q1 2022 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
Potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. These figures represent individual visits and are therefore not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.
The CSO's most recent Labour Force Survey shows that jobs in the South East increased by 24,500 or 13.6% over the last 12 months.
Enterprise Support Services
Questions (221)
Matt Shanahan
Question:221. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department contributes to a special incentive or other support as a cost offset to the carbon generating activities of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37976/22]
View answerWritten answers
The company in question has not received any mitigating aid towards carbon emission off-setting from Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland offers a number of measures to help businesses on their sustainability and carbon reduction journey. The Government recently launched the Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund which provides a capital investment for decarbonisation processes and energy monitoring and tracking systems.
My Department's Climate Toolkit for Business website, also provides a very practical starting point for every business looking to take their first steps to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and make more sustainable choices and be part of our national effort to reduce emissions.
Waterways Issues
Questions (222)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:222. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is satisfied that the fish passes at Carrigadrohid and Inniscarra dams are adequately giving access; the way that their effectiveness is measured; if issues have been identified; the plans, if any, for modifications deemed necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37643/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that the infrastructure referred to by the Deputy is in the ownership and under the management of ESB in line with its statutory responsibilities for certain fishery rivers.
The issues referred to are operational matters for ESB in which neither I nor my Department have and function.