Michael Ring
Question:61. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach the salary of four roles within his Department (details supplied). [38304/22]
View answerDepartmental Staff
Questions (61)
Written answers
The rates of remuneration of the Secretary General and Assistant Secretaries at my Department are based on the pay-scales set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with the Secretary General being paid at Secretary General 1 level. The current rates used by my Department are set out in Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 04/2022, Application of 1st February 2022 pay adjustments.
Details of the pay of Oireachtas Members and Office Holders is publicly available on the gov.ie website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a8bc7-pay-of-oireachtas-members-and-office-holders/.
Departmental Staff
Questions (62)
Carol Nolan
Question:62. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the actions that his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department are taking to increase recruitment of members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. [38417/22]
View answerWritten answers
Recruitment to my Department and the National Economic and Social Development Office (the only body under the aegis of my Department) is, in the main, undertaken through the Public Appointments Service which plays a central role in recruiting diverse talent to take up public service employment opportunities in line with their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2021-2023 which aims to develop recruitment and selection processes to attract and welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds.
My Department, in line with the rest of the Civil Service, actively supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff. Unconscious bias training is embedded as part of interview board training for all internal promotion competitions overseen by this Department.
My Department’s well-being programme also provides staff with a regular platform to input into measures and activities to help shape an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Departmental Data
Questions (63)
Michael Ring
Question:63. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the factors contributing to the increase in the population to five million as recently confirmed by the Central Statistics Office including the number of deaths and live births in each of the past five years; the number of returning Irish emigrants in each of the past five years and to compare this to the number of Irish emigrants in the same period; the number of asylum seekers in each of the past five years; and the number of refugees for each of the past five years. [38424/22]
View answerWritten answers
Preliminary figures from the Census of Population 2022, indicated that the population of Ireland was 5,123,536. This figure reflected a population increase of 361,671 and was made up of a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 171,338 and estimated net inward migration (population change minus natural increase) of 190,333. This data is compiled on a de facto basis and represents the inter-censal change between 2016 and 2022. This is a preliminary count only and the processing of individual forms is now underway with an intention to publish final figures in the second quarter of 2023.
In addition, the CSO publishes an annual estimate of the usually resident population, in its Population and Migration Estimates publication and this publication contains a broad nationality breakdown. The latest figures available are for April 2021 and table 1 below show the number of immigrants and emigrants together with the broad breakdown by nationality, for April 2017 to April 2021. These figures will be subject to revision once the final figures from the Census of Population are available.
Table 1: Estimated Migration classified by Nationality, April 2017 to April 2021
|
- |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Nationality of Immigrants |
(thousand) |
||||
|
Irish |
27.4 |
28.4 |
26.9 |
28.9 |
30.2 |
|
Non-Irish |
57.2 |
61.9 |
61.7 |
56.5 |
35.0 |
|
of which: |
|||||
|
United Kingdom |
6.1 |
7.3 |
7.4 |
5.5 |
4.3 |
|
EU14 excluding Irish1 |
10.8 |
11.6 |
12.6 |
9.2 |
7.6 |
|
EU15 to EU27 states2 |
10.9 |
12.2 |
11.1 |
11.4 |
9.0 |
|
Non-EU nationalities |
29.4 |
30.9 |
30.6 |
30.4 |
14.1 |
|
Total Immigrants |
84.6 |
90.3 |
88.6 |
85.4 |
65.2 |
|
Nationality of Emigrants |
(thousand) |
||||
|
Irish |
30.8 |
28.3 |
29.0 |
28.3 |
22.8 |
|
Non-Irish |
34.0 |
28.0 |
25.9 |
28.2 |
31.2 |
|
of which: |
|||||
|
United Kingdom |
4.0 |
4.1 |
3.2 |
2.5 |
3.0 |
|
EU14 excluding Irish1 |
6.7 |
6.8 |
4.5 |
5.2 |
7.6 |
|
EU15 to EU27 states2 |
9.6 |
7.1 |
7.0 |
9.2 |
5.1 |
|
Non-EU nationalities |
13.7 |
10.0 |
11.2 |
11.4 |
15.4 |
|
Total Emigrants |
64.8 |
56.3 |
54.9 |
56.5 |
54.0 |
|
Net Migration |
19.8 |
34.0 |
33.7 |
28.9 |
11.2 |
1 EU14 excluding Irish: The EU countries before enlargement on 1 May 2004, excluding Ireland and UK.
2 EU15 to EU27 states: The ten countries that joined the EU on 1 May 2004, along with Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia.
In addition, the CSO publishes, both annual and quarterly statistics on births and deaths that occur in Ireland. The CSO publishes provisional quarterly data based on the date the birth/death was registered with the General Register Office (GRO) for the relevant period within 5 months of the end of the reference period. In addition, a yearly summary is published, also based on registered births/deaths within 5 months of the end of the reference period. There is also a separate annual publication which is based on the date the birth/death occurred, within 22 months of the end of the reference period.
All births/deaths that occur in the State must be registered with the General Registration Office (GRO) no later than three months from the date of death. The registration of a death may be delayed where the death has been referred to a Coroner for investigation or inquiry. The registrations submitted to the GRO are transmitted electronically to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on a weekly basis.
Please see Table 2 below, detailing the number of births and deaths for the five-year period 2017 - 2021. This data is based on data for births and deaths registered in these years.
Table 2 - Number of births and deaths registered, 2017 - 2021
|
- |
Births Registered |
Deaths Registered |
Natural Increase |
|
2021 |
58,443 |
33,055 |
25,388 |
|
2020 |
55,959 |
31,765 |
24,194 |
|
2019 |
59,796 |
31,134 |
28,662 |
|
2018 |
61,016 |
31,116 |
29,900 |
|
2017 |
62,053 |
30,484 |
31,569 |
Figures for asylum applicants and resettled persons are not published by the CSO but are instead published by the Department of Justice and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Data, where available, for 2017 to 2021, are those figures previously supplied to Eurostat by the Departments and are included in table 3 below.
Asylum Applicants and Resettled Persons, 2017 to 2021
|
- |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
(thousand) |
|||||
|
Asylum Applicants1 |
2.9 |
3.7 |
4.7 |
1.5 |
2.6 |
|
Resettled Persons2 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.8 |
0.2 |
: |
1 Collected by the Department of Justice and published by Eurostat (ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/migr_asyappctza/default/table?lang=en).
2 Collected by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and published by Eurostat (ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tps00195/default/table?lang=en).
: Data not available
Rights of People with Disabilities
Questions (64)
Holly Cairns
Question:64. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach his views on providing fully accessible changing places and toilet facilities open to the public in all buildings which his Department owns and public bodies and agencies under his remit to offer people with disabilities and carers a network of equipped spaces to take care of personal hygiene, in safety and comfort. [38727/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has no offices which are usually open to the public to access services and neither does the National Economic and Social Development Office, which is the only body under the aegis of my Department. All accommodation is provided and managed by the Office of Public Works including the provision of fully accessible changing places and toilet facilities.
Rights of People with Disabilities
Questions (65)
Holly Cairns
Question:65. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the way that his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are implementing action 32 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38745/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department supports the implementation of national policies and strategies designed to advance the lives of people with disabilities including those set out in the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021.
Neither my Department nor the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of my Department, currently provide statutory services directly to members of the public and therefore do not have a disability consultative committee. The private offices of the Taoiseach and other Ministers located in my Department do take phone calls and respond to correspondence from the members of the public on general matters and the Department has a strong commitment to customer service, including addressing any additional needs that any customer may highlight, as set out in the Department’s customer service action plan available at https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/179e67-quality-customer-service/.
The Government Information Service in my Department also has a role in publishing information for the public on www.gov.ie in relation to certain whole-of-government information campaigns such as COVID-19. Accessibility on the site continues to be improved by increasing the level of plain English used for services on the site and the undertaking of regular accessibility reviews by the Office of the Government’s Chief Information Officer who maintain the site.
Brexit Issues
Questions (66)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:66. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to companies in certain European Union member states that are refusing to deliver supply products to this State, and who are citing Brexit as their reasoning; and if he will raise this matter at an EU level. [38203/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to goods exports and imports. These statistics can be found on the website www.cso.ie.
My Department is monitoring the performance of various sectors as trade with the European Union, the United Kingdom and the rest of the world continues to be impacted not only by Brexit but also by the global pandemic and other geopolitical factors. Nevertheless, I can report that, in a record year for trade, the value of goods imported into Ireland in 2021 from the EU26 increased by €4 billion, from €30.3 billion to €34.3 billion, or 13% compared to 2020, representing 33% of total imports.
Ireland of course benefits from our status as integral part of the EU Single Market, which allows for the continuing growth of two-way trade with other EU countries, and indeed allows Irish companies to benefit from the EU's growing network of Free Trade Agreements with countries around the world, the most recent of which, namely the FTA with New Zealand, was signed earlier this month in Brussels. I would of course investigate any instance of companies refusing to supply products to Ireland owing to Brexit-related matters. The Government is continuing to support Irish enterprises as they deal with the consequences of the UK leaving the EU.
Departmental Staff
Questions (67)
Michael Ring
Question:67. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the salary of four roles within his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38294/22]
View answerWritten answers
Remuneration of all staff of my Department and its Offices is as sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) in line with Government policy.
The rates of remuneration of the Secretary General and Assistant Secretaries at my Department are based on the DPER sanctioned pay-scales, with the Secretary General at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment being levelled at Secretary General II. The current rates used by my Department for these posts are set out in Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circulars 04/2022 and 15/2022, Application of 1st February 2022 pay adjustments and Application of 1 July 2022 FEMPI restoration, respectively.
Details of the pay of Oireachtas Members and Office Holders is publicly available on the gov.ie website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a8bc7-pay-of-oireachtas-members-and-office-holders/.
Medicinal Products
Questions (68)
Colm Burke
Question:68. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has engaged with the Department of the Taoiseach in relation to formulating a position on the European Union Pharmaceutical Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38307/22]
View answerWritten answers
In 2020, in response to public consultations run by the European Commission, my Department prepared input on the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe from an enterprise perspective. Officials from my Department attend an interdepartmental stakeholder group on the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe, chaired by the Department of Health. My Department has not had any engagement with the Department of the Taoiseach in relation to this Strategy.
Medicinal Products
Questions (69)
Colm Burke
Question:69. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has engaged with the Department of Health in relation to formulating a position on the European Union Pharmaceutical Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38308/22]
View answerWritten answers
In 2020, in response to public consultations run by the European Commission, my Department prepared input from an enterprise perspective on the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe Roadmap. Officials from my Department engaged with the Department of Health to share views and information.
The Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe was published in November 2020. It aims to ensure access to affordable therapies for patients, deal with unmet medical needs, support competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of the EU’s pharmaceutical industry and the development of high quality, safe, effective and greener medicines. It is also looking at enhanced crisis preparedness and response mechanisms, diversified and secure supply chains, and reducing medicines shortages.
Earlier this year, as the EU Pharmaceutical Strategy progressed through to the implementation phase, officials in the Department of Health established an informal interdepartmental stakeholder group to ensure a coherent approach is taken to the Strategy, and in order to optimise any actions and responses from Ireland’s perspective. These meetings are attended by officials from my Department.
Intellectual Property
Questions (70)
Colm Burke
Question:70. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether intellectual property rights should be protected especially in the development of innovative medicinal products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38309/22]
View answerWritten answers
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) are one of the principal means through which companies, creators and inventors generate returns on their investment in research, innovation and creativity. IPRs are a crucial incentive for the development of new and innovative medicinal products, enabling the research and development necessary for the creation of many of today’s medicines and provide the incentive to encourage companies to continue to invest in the development of new treatments, medicinal products, and vaccines.
A well functioning intellectual property framework is key to providing companies that are researching and developing new medicinal products with the certainty that if a medicine makes it to the market, it can be protected, for a specific period time, from being copied or used by another party without the permission of the rightsholder.
Medicinal Products
Questions (71)
Colm Burke
Question:71. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether Europe has been losing ground to the United States and Asia, for biopharmaceutical research and manufacturing investments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38310/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department’s agency IDA Ireland last week reported record results for 2021, securing 249 investments, of which 104 were new name investors. The level of total direct employment in IDA client companies grew by 7% in 2021, to 275,384. Over half of all projects went to regional locations.
When we look at the base of FDI Biopharma companies established here, we can see that this sector has experienced great success in recent decades, with many largescale life sciences investments being made. Ireland’s Biopharma sector has a substantial economic impact and is a significant contributor to Ireland’s exports, and accounts for a substantial amount of Ireland’s corporation tax. Nine of the of the top 10 global Biopharma companies have significant manufacturing operations within Ireland. The combined Biopharma and MedTech cluster in Ireland provides direct employment to over 80,000 people.
The sector is thriving, and IDA’s Biopharma clients have continued to expand, with 14 Biopharma clients announcing significant expansions in Ireland over the last twelve months. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are reviewing their supply chains to ensure that their global manufacturing is evenly distributed globally, and Ireland is well placed to benefit from this development.
Ireland continues to be an attractive location for foreign direct investment, despite COVID-19 and a downturn in global FDI. IDA is adapting its responses to changes in global economic circumstances and it continues to secure high levels of FDI investment in a very competitive market. Nevertheless, we must remain alert to any competitiveness issues that may risk constraining our capacity for future success.
Medicinal Products
Questions (72)
Colm Burke
Question:72. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the adoption of a strong pro-innovation position in relation to the European Pharmaceutical Strategy has the potential to protect existing jobs, create new jobs and further help new treatments to originate and be developed in Ireland and Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38311/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe was adopted in November 2020, and aims to create a future-proof regulatory framework and to support industry in promoting research and technologies that reach patients in order to fulfil their therapeutic needs while addressing market failures.
It is my understanding that work on some areas of the Strategy is already under way. The implementation of the Strategy will span the mandate of the current EU Commission and will see a proposal for revision of pharmaceutical legislation in 2022.
My Department will engage in this process when enterprise aspects are relevant, and we will maintain good working relationships with our European colleagues and colleagues in other Government Departments, in particular through the interdepartmental group chaired by the Department of Health.
There are over 90 biopharma companies in Ireland employing over 42,000 people directly in activities ranging from manufacturing, research, development and innovation, and a full range of medical and supply chain services. Regulatory stability, sub-supply capability, a multicultural and talented workforce, and the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners has enabled the sector to flourish, and these investments in plant and staff have very deep roots, firmly anchoring these companies in the Irish economy.
Substantial investments have been made in recent years to promote innovation within the Life Sciences industry sector and provide access to technical resources through a network of research providing organisations. Specifically, a grouping of specialist Advanced Manufacturing centres have been funded to provide technical expertise in the areas of digital technologies supporting discrete and process manufacturing innovation. There has also been equivalent investment within a network of Life Science centres to develop innovative next generation therapeutics and associated technologies. Measures to ensure innovation across the healthcare and life sciences value chain ensure the resilience and growth of the Life Science sector and position Ireland to be a leading global hub to attract and retain investment and jobs. As Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I seek to take every opportunity that would allow us to strengthen Ireland's hard-won position in this evolving sector.
Medicinal Products
Questions (73)
Colm Burke
Question:73. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether there is a role for Ireland, along with other economically advanced, similar-sized countries, in supporting the protection of innovation in the European Union Pharmaceutical Strategy in order that Ireland remains competitive for new investments and raise standards of care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38313/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe was published in November 2020. It aims to ensure access to affordable therapies for patients, to addressing unmet medical needs, to supporting competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of the EU’s pharmaceutical industry and the development of high quality, safe, effective and greener medicines, along with other measures in relation to enhanced crisis preparedness and response mechanisms, diversified and secure supply chains, and to addressing medicines shortages.
The thematic concerns and legislation that will result from the Strategy will be discussed in detail in the coming years, and my Department, together with our European colleagues and colleagues in other Government Departments, remains ready to participate in this process.
The current global economic climate is challenging, and competition for FDI investments is intense, with countries around the world actively vying for new FDI investments. IDA Ireland is continuously refining 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 is key to our success.
Substantial investments have been made in recent years to promote innovation within the Life Sciences industry sector and provide access to technical resources through a network of research providing organisations. Specifically, a grouping of specialist Advanced Manufacturing centres have been funded to provide technical expertise in the areas of digital technologies supporting discrete and process manufacturing innovation. There has also been equivalent investment within a network of Life Science centres to develop innovative next generation therapeutics and associated technologies. This combined support at a national infrastructure level is further coupled with research, development and innovation mechanisms through enterprise agencies to ensure next generation products, services and technologies are being developed within operations in Ireland and that Ireland remains a global innovation hub for Life Sciences/BioPharma.
Additional measures which have been taken to ensure innovation across the healthcare and life sciences value chain involve collaborative innovation through national funding calls (Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund), European Digital Innovation Hubs, and through national networking and clustering organisations.
These combined measures to support innovation ensure the resilience and growth of the Life Science sector and position Ireland to be a leading global hub to attract and retain investment. Such measures directly support both the National and European economy and associated supply and value chains.
IDA Ireland continues to emphasise the core elements of Ireland’s value proposition for foreign direct investment, which includes our pro-enterprise policy environment, our highly educated and English-speaking workforce, and our membership of the European Union. Taken together, these factors combine to mark Ireland as a stable and reliable location for investment, and it is my intention to ensure that we retain this competitive position.
Departmental Staff
Questions (74)
Carol Nolan
Question:74. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions that his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department are taking to increase recruitment of members of the LGBTQIA+ communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38406/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Public Appointment Service (PAS) is responsible for undertaking a significant proportion of external recruitment of staff for my Department. The Department fully supports the PAS’ “Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy” and will continue to partner with PAS to proactively support recruitment of a workforce that is responsive, accessible, resilient, and reflective of the communities we serve.
Recruitment and promotion competitions managed by the Department adhere to the Code of Practice for Appointment in the Civil and Public Service and are fair, transparent merit based, and guided by the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
In October 2021, the Department’s People Strategy 2021-2024 was launched. Goal 3 of the Strategy aims to “Build an Inclusive and Supportive Workplace”. A crucial element required to achieve this objective is enhancement of the Department’s approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I). This is in line with the Department’s obligations as a public body under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, 2014 and the Civil Service Renewal 2024 Action Plan. It is also a key tenant of our efforts to become an Employer of Choice.
Work is currently underway to develop the Department’s ED&I Strategy which will detail the actions required to advance the Department’s ED&I objectives over the next three years. The strategy will set out a coherent structure and direction for my Department’s approach to ED&I, including broadening our focus on diversity across all nine grounds covered by equality legislation including sexual orientation.
As part of the Department's Learning and Career Development offering, my Department manages a diverse programme of events including information sessions hosted by Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) which focused primarily on gender expression, and "How to be an Ally" hosted by the then Department of Justice and Equality, focusing on supporting the equal civil rights and gender equality of members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
My Department also offers self-guided eLearning on “Equality and Human Rights in the Public Service” created by The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. Through its training and education offerings my Department remains committed to promoting inclusion, acceptance and awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community as it continues to drive its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda.
The Department's LGBTQIA+ staff-led network, ‘Pride in Enterprise’, held its inaugural meeting on the 1st of May 2019. The Network is for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies alike and is an avenue of support to colleagues in the Department who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as LGBTQIA+ allies, including parents who work in the Department whose children may be members of the Community.
The Department is an equal opportunities employer and will continue to drive equality, inclusion and diversity through the embedding of the above actions and the creation of new actions through its ED&I policy.
In relation to the agencies under my remit, please note the following information provided by them:
|
Agency |
Response |
|
Competition Consumer Protection Commission(CCPC) |
The CCPC partners with a Recruitment Agency when recruiting all of its employees. This approach to recruitment ensures we are fully up to date with modern recruitment and talent acquisition policies and programmes whilst also allowing us to advertise to a larger/ diverse candidate pool. |
|
Corporate Enforcement Agency (CEA) |
All personnel in place to date hold DETE contracts and as such DETE’s response applies. |
|
Health and Safety Authority (HSA) |
The Health and Safety Authority is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourages applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Acts. In all recruitment competitions, the Authority is proactive in communicating that applications are welcomed from potential candidates from all nine grounds protected under that legislation. |
|
InterTrade Ireland |
InterTrade Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons |
|
Personal Injury Assessment Board (PIAB) |
PIAB in all recruitment advertisements and campaigns advise all potential applicants that PIAB is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to championing an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects modern Ireland and the people we serve. PIAB strive to create a culture where all staff have equal access to opportunity and feel comfortable and confident to be themselves at work. |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
Enterprise Ireland is a diverse organisation, with multiple cultures in our 40 global offices. Enterprise Ireland believes in and is dedicated to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring opportunities for all. In line with our values of ‘We are One Team’ we celebrate and harness the diversity, individuality, commitment & talents of all our people, to maximise our impact. We further commit to being a E,D & I role model for all our stakeholders, to demonstrate a leadership position in our role supporting a base of over 5,000 Irish export-oriented companies. EI is currently working on developing our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement and action plan, which will form a key pillar of our upcoming People Strategy. This work has been enabled by a steering group, who have overseen an Investors in Diversity survey, followed by focus groups. In addition Leadership training covering gender, LGBTQ+ and unconscious bias has been undertaken. To date the organisation has achieved bronze certification from the Irish Centre for Diversity, with ambitions to progress beyond this as part of our Strategy action plan. The promotion of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, across a range of areas, including LGBTQ+, is a core commitment and we partnered with Open Doors with a webinar specifically around steps we can take to ensure we support and promote a welcoming environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community. This was further in evidence with the celebration worldwide of PRIDE across our offices, as a viable signal of our commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment where all our employees can be themselves at work. |
|
IDA Ireland |
IDA Ireland operates a policy of Dignity and Respect in the Workplace, which is also used to inform its recruitment policy and process. The Agency is always working to ensure that its recruitment process is equal, diverse and inclusive to members of underrepresented persons such as LGBTQIA+. Along with being an equal opportunities employer, the Agency is also a member of the Open Doors Initiative - which supports marginalised communities such as LGBTIQ+, to find employment. IDA also partners with the Open Doors Initiative for policy and process reviews (such as recruitment and its Gender Expression & Identity Policy) to ensure the Agency supports a wider and more diverse talent pipeline and onboarding. In addition, when appropriate, job specifications are regularly forwarded to the Open Doors Initiative for circulation to their wider network to support diversity within the talent pipeline. IDA also invests in the LGBTQ+ education of its leadership and recruitment teams with Unconscious Bias Training. IDA also partner with LGBTQIA+ organisations such as ShoutOut and BelongTo for further education and discussions to expand awareness of the community. |
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) |
IAASA is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. |
Rights of People with Disabilities
Questions (75)
Holly Cairns
Question:75. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on providing fully accessible changing places and toilet facilities open to the public in all buildings which his Department owns and public bodies and agencies under his remit to offer people with disabilities and carers a network of equipped spaces to take care of personal hygiene, in safety and comfort. [38716/22]
View answerWritten answers
The buildings and premises under the remit of my Department and its Offices, which include the Companies Registration Office, the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission, fall under the direct responsibility of the OPW who oversee the property portfolio for State bodies within Ireland. While most of the buildings within my Department are not open to the public, each one is equipped with reasonable accommodation accessible by staff with disabilities allowing for changing and taking care of personal hygiene in a safe and comfortable environment.
As a public service employer my Department has a legal obligation under the Disability Act 2005 to take measures to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. There is a dedicated Disability Liaison Officer in place who acts as a proactive contact for staff with disabilities to support them and to assist in the implementation of best Human Resource practices in line with equality legislation.
My Department is committed to providing accommodation to staff with disabilities. This includes asking staff to indicate if they have any needs for reasonable accommodation related to a disability and indicating if they require any particular health and safety supports relating to a disability, for example assistance or arrangements in relation to the creation of personal evacuation plans in the event of an emergency.
A needs assessment procedure is also in place to help identify workplace accommodations required by staff with a disability. There is a work assessment team in place which consists of Disability Liaison Officer, Health and Safety Officer, Access Officer, and ICT unit support for assistive technology/IT equipment. This team is also available to provide support to any staff member with a disability in areas such as access throughout the buildings, workstation suitability and access to toilet and canteen facilities.
The specific day-to-day operations of the Agencies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for their respective Boards and Heads of Agencies, however the legislative requirements referred to above are also applicable to each Agency.
Rights of People with Disabilities
Questions (76)
Holly Cairns
Question:76. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way that his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are implementing action 32 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38734/22]
View answerWritten answers
Action 32 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy states that Departments and Agencies will actively engage people with disabilities through consultative committees and/or other appropriate fora. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is committed to inclusion, with equality of opportunity for all, regardless of disability, gender, civil or family status, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, race or membership of the Traveller Community.
The Department's Disability Consultative Committee provides a focus for disability inclusion in respect of the policy work, schemes, and initiatives of the Department. The Committee, which meet quarterly, also monitors implementation of our actions under the National Disability Inclusion and Comprehensive Employment Strategies and raises awareness of issues and initiatives around disability across the Department and its Offices and Agencies. The committee has representation from the Disability Stakeholders Group (DSG) including a representative from AsIAm and Independent Living Movement (ILMI) Ireland.
The DSG monitor and report back on the Department's delivery on its actions under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.
Foreshore Issues
Questions (77)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:77. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is considering a request by a company (details supplied); and the legal basis to transfer from Foreshore Act 1933 to the Maritime Area Consent Regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38320/22]
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The Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 (‘the Act’) was enacted on the 23rd of December 2021, establishing the legal framework for a new planning system for the maritime area. One of the main features of the Act is the creation of a new State consent, the Maritime Area Consent, as a first step in new and streamlined planning process. To enable achievement of Ireland’s 2030 targets, a pathway was provided for in the Act to permit a select number of projects which had advanced under the existing Foreshore regime, to transition to the new regime once established.
The Transition Protocol, as set out in the General Scheme of the then Marine Planning and Development Management (MPDM) Bill gave guidance regarding the treatment of certain offshore wind projects in the context of the anticipated progression of the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Bill. These ‘Relevant Projects’ either applied for or were granted a lease under the Foreshore Act 1933, or were eligible to be processed to receive a valid grid connection offer in December 2019.
The Protocol allowed these projects to continue to progress a number of project elements, so that they could be in a position to apply under the new marine planning regime once the legislation was enacted.
Under the special transition provisions in the Act, the Minister for the Environment, Climate Communications has the responsibility for assessing and granting Maritime Area Consents (MACs) for this first batch of offshore projects. These ‘Relevant Projects’ are the projects which satisfy the definition of “relevant maritime usage” under the legislation.
Earlier this year, the developer referred to in the question wrote to the two relevant Ministers advising of their intention to apply for a Maritime Area Consent and no longer progress their application under the Foreshore Act, given the energy project satisfies the definition of relevant maritime usage under Section 100 of the MAP Act. The project is now being progressed by the developer under the MAC regime.
Energy Conservation
Questions (78)
Ged Nash
Question:78. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost to the Exchequer of a €200 credit for those with an income of up to €50,000 and living in a home with a BER rating of less than B2g; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38773/22]
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The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) has been applied to all domestic electricity accounts through April, May and June, including prepay meters. The scheme has been operated by ESB Networks and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. The Scheme used a single eligibility criterion of a meter point registration number (MPRN) with the credit being applied automatically to all domestic electricity accounts held with suppliers on 29 March. The payment has been applied to domestic electricity accounts i.e. those which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2), as set out in section 1 of the Act. The DG associated with a residence makes no distinction in terms of the use. Eligibility for the scheme was not determined by income levels or BER rating. The scheme was available to all domestic electricity accounts as outlined above. Based on an estimated 2.25 million domestic electricity accounts, the estimated cost of the scheme is €379,347,208.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (79, 80)
Claire Kerrane
Question:79. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the National Broadband Plan targets were similar to those that his Department initially sought in comparison with the number of residences passed in an area (details supplied); the reason for the delays; the rationale for an organisation moving forward with seven other deployment areas ahead of the area specified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38157/22]
View answerClaire Kerrane
Question:80. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current staffing levels of an organisation (details supplied) and the impact that this is having on target delivery, particularly with regard to broadband delivery targets in County Roscommon; the action that the organisation is taking to ensure that it has appropriate staffing levels to meet targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38182/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in almost 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 1 July 2022, over 312,800 premises are design completed and over 70,700 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 23 counties. NBI has further advised that over 63,600 premises are passed with a high speed fibre broadband service across 23 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is complete or underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. To date, the level of connections is increasing on a daily basis and is in line with projections with some areas exceeding expectations. NBI has advised that in County Roscommon there are currently 4,191 premises passed with a high speed fibre broadband service and available for immediate connection.
The area referred to in the Question in County Roscommon falls within the Castlerea Deployment Area under the NBP. NBI has confirmed that the Engineering Surveys for this Deployment Area are now fully complete. The new broadband network in this Deployment Area will serve approximately 4,264 premises. An initial anticipated date for live connections in this area was publicised by NBI as being between April 2023 – June 2023. Following the completion of the Engineering Surveys NBI’s team has greater visibility of the extent of the work that will be necessary, including pre-works, duct remediation and pole replacement, in order to successfully deploy fibre services in the area. As such NBI has revised the anticipated date for live connections in the Castlerea Deployment area to between October 2023 – December 2023. NBI contractors are now proceeding to the detailed Design Phase of the project which will be followed by the Network Build. Members of the public can monitor the progress of this work on the NBI website, www.nbi.ie or sign-up for email updates about their specific Eircode at www.nbi.ie/eoi. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
NBI has made recent improvements to their website to enhance the provision of information to Oireachtas members. NBI has now completed a suite of changes, creating a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: www.nbi.ie/reps
Since January 2020, NBI has mobilised the staff, subcontractors, infrastructure and material providers required to deliver the NBP and has advised that, as of 1 July 2022, is currently providing direct and indirect employment to 1,442 people. These staffing levels continue to increase as the project ramps up.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. Some 644 BCP sites have been installed by NBI, as of 1 July 2022, and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Roscommon 9 BCP’s have been installed by NBI to date. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/broadband-connection-points/.
In County Roscommon 6 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
Question No. 80 answered with Question No. 79.
Foreshore Issues
Questions (81)
Catherine Connolly
Question:81. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his Ministerial role in respect of the environment regarding the operations detailed in Marine Notice 43 of 2022 that was issued by the Department of Transport on 1 July 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38220/22]
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As Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications I have no role or function in this matter.By way of background, my Departmental officials have liaised with colleagues in the National Parks and Wildlife Service, who have advised that the work detailed in Marine Notice 43/2022, issued by the Department of Transport, related to an intention by Lir Offshore Array to conduct geophysical survey works as part of a scientific data gathering exercise. Grid references provided in the Notice indicate operations are entirely outside of the 12 nautical mile limit. This would mean that a licence could not be granted by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Foreshore Act 1933. No consent was granted by that Department under that legislation or the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations (SI 477 of 2011). The Marine Notice does not specify the precise nature of the works.
Nuclear Waste
Questions (82, 83)
Paul Murphy
Question:82. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if Britain's Nuclear Waste Services, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority or any other UK government body has sought the advice of or formally consulted his Department or the Government in relation to any transboundary or other impacts resulting from the construction of a geological disposal facility for the storage of high-level radioactive waste underneath the Irish Sea (details supplied); and if he will outline the content of any such correspondence and communications. [38224/22]
View answerPaul Murphy
Question:83. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if Britain's Nuclear Waste Services, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority or any other UK government body sought the advice of or formally consulted his Department or the Government in relation to any transboundary or other impacts resulting from the seismic blasting activity that is reportedly set to take place in the Irish Sea this in July 2022 (details supplied); and if he will outline the content of any such correspondence and communications. [38225/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
Senior officials from my Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) meet twice yearly with their counterparts from the United Kingdom (UK) through the UK-Ireland Contact Group on Radiological Matters. The matter of the storage and disposal of radioactive waste, and in particular the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) project, whereby this material is stored in an underground facility, is a standing item on the agenda for the Group. At the last meeting of the Group in May 2022 developments in relation to the GDF project were discussed including the seabed survey.
Following this meeting Nuclear Waste Services provided a briefing on the sea bed survey project to officials from my Department and the EPA. The GDF project is still at a relatively early stage and a site has not yet been identified to host it - currently four sites in England are under consideration. The question of a transboundary consultation will not arise until later when a site is identified and detailed plans established. Ireland will be formally consulted at this time on any possible transboundary impacts and will be in a position to make any appropriate intervention.
My officials will continue to monitor developments and to engage with their UK counterparts, at national and regional levels, to ensure that our views in this matter continue to be represented.