Written Answers Nos. 3-25
3. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of work permits for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42111/22]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that standard General Employment Permit applications for the persons concerned (details supplied) were received on 25 May 2022 and 14 June 2022, respectively.
General Employment Permits issued on 9 August 2022 and 11 August 2022 in respect of both persons concerned.
4. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will seek briefings from the IDA and Enterprise Ireland on the work they are currently undertaking to actively secure foreign and indigenous direct investment in the mid-County Louth areas of Ardee and Dunleer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42333/22]
View answerIDA’s strategy identifies the opportunities for sustainable growth among IDA’s established base of clients through a focus on transformative investments to increase the productivity of Irish operations and their workforce through RD&I, digitisation, training and actions on sustainability. Crucially it also maintains a focus on attracting the next generation of leading MNCs to locate in Ireland, further driving sustainable growth and maximising the impact of FDI in Ireland to 2024 and beyond.
There are currently 35 FDI companies in County Louth. The FDI performance in the North-East Region has been strong over the past five years with employment growing among IDA clients within the Engineering & Industrial Technologies, Medical Technologies, Technology, International Financial Services and Life Sciences sectors. In recent years, IDA Ireland supported companies including WUXI, Wasdell, Almac, PCI Pharma Services, Amazon Web Services and Simply NUC have announced investments and expansions for Co. Louth which has driven the demand for property solutions.
As part of IDA Ireland’s focus for County Louth, of which Ardee and Dunleer are included, the Agency recently announced that it has acquired two landbanks with a combined total of 149 acres, situated at the townland of Killally, in Dundalk and Mell in Drogheda. These form part of IDA’s long term strategic plans to position Louth and the wider North-East region to compete for FDI investment. Both sets of lands have been added to the IDA marketing database. A review is underway with respect to further servicing considerations and best positioning of the landbanks to potential FDI investment opportunities.
Enterprise Ireland is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded services companies who are setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, growing jobs in existing companies and enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and third level institutions.
On the start-up side Enterprise Ireland provides a range of supports for high potential start-up companies including, financial supports, business and marketing advice, mentoring, product development etc. Enterprise Ireland also supports the provision of incubation space for new start-ups both on college campuses and Community Enterprise Centres. Enterprise Ireland’s Strategy 2022-2024 is focused on strengthening regional enterprise development during this strategy period. The response will reflect the varying needs and opportunities of enterprise across the different regions and will encompass working directly with companies in the regions, including investment by food FDI. EI also works with regionally-based partners through the Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committees.
Enterprise Ireland has supported and continues to work with 6 projects in County Louth, funded under either Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) or Border Enterprise Development Fund (BEDF) bringing total investment of almost €11.5m. This is aimed at accelerating economic recovery by delivering on the potential of local and regional enterprise strengths. The Funds will support significant collaborative regional initiatives to build on specific industry sectoral strengths and improve enterprise capability, thereby driving job creation. On March 24, 2022 a further €12 million in funding to address increased construction costs for approved REDF/BEDF projects was announced.
In 2021, Enterprise Ireland has made payments of €8,265,005 to client companies in County Louth.
5. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which the pharma sector in Ireland continues to receive adequate Government support for the production and distribution of appropriate rare disease medication and other services such as early diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42376/22]
View answerThere are over 90 biopharma companies in Ireland engaged in activities ranging from manufacturing, research, development and innovation, and a full range of medical and supply chain services. The sector employs 42,000 people directly and is firmly rooted 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. 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. 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. 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.
Measures to ensure innovation across the healthcare and life sciences value chain ensure the resilience and growth of the Life Science sector. 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.
6. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff employed in his Department, by gender and by civil service salary scale, in tabular form. [42399/22]
View answerThe table below sets out the number of staff employed in my Department by Civil Service Grade, gender and Civil Service salary scale.
|
Civil Service Grade (including equivalents) |
Male |
Female |
Civil Service Salary Scale Personal Pension Contribution Rate |
Civil Service Salary Scale Non-Personal Pension Contribution Rate |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
1 |
€235,294 |
€223,529 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
2 |
0 |
€190,943 |
€181,439 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
8 |
4 |
€145,283 - €166,194 |
€138,019 - €157,885 |
|
Principal |
35 |
34 |
€91,609 - €113,313 |
€87,030 - €107,648 |
|
Assistant Principal |
72 |
78 |
€70,399 - €87,734 |
€68,003 - €83,345 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
56 |
81 |
€50,848 - €64,038 |
€48,426 - €60,927 |
|
Administrative Officer |
23 |
29 |
€33,889 - €64,038 |
€32,465 - €60,927 |
|
Executive Officer |
96 |
145 |
€31,698 - €52,894 |
€30,227 - €50,352 |
|
Clerical Officer |
95 |
175 |
€25,339 - €41,504 |
€24,148 - €39,551 |
|
Head Services Officer |
1 |
0 |
€33,520 - €40,876 |
€32,263 - €38,950 |
|
Services Officer |
17 |
4 |
€23,852 - €33,252 |
€23,308 - €32,000 |
|
Services Attendant |
3 |
4 |
€23,535 - €32,848 |
€23,308 - €31,602 |
|
Cleaner |
0 |
13 |
€22,799 - €28,209 |
€21,895 - €27,253 |
|
TOTAL |
408 |
568 |
|
|
7. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies supported by IDA Ireland, by country of origin, in tabular form; his views on whether there is an overreliance on any one country; if so, the measures he is taking to reduce this overreliance through broadening the base of companies supported by the IDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42447/22]
View answerIDA Ireland launched their 2021 Annual Report in 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 in 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 origin of IDA Ireland supported companies in 2021 is shown below.
|
Origin |
No. of Companies |
|
United States |
893 |
|
Germany |
96 |
|
United Kingdom |
161 |
|
France |
78 |
|
Rest of Europe |
196 |
|
Rest of World |
267 |
|
Total |
1,691 |
Source: DETE Annual Employment Survey 2021. Note: Includes full-time and part-time employees.
To support the resiliency and dynamism of FDI in Ireland, the IDA is building upon the progress made under previous strategies to diversify its source markets for investment. The United States, as the world’s largest economy and innovation leader, continues to be a key market as IDA Ireland targets job creating investment opportunities arising from disruptive innovation, digital transformation and environmental sustainability.
IDA Ireland continues to monitor opportunities arising from Brexit, as well as the increased focus on resilience and business continuity, in winning investment from Europe, the UK, and Asia-Pacific. The Agency aims to capitalise on expansion potential from new name Brexit investments secured since 2016 as these companies build out their Irish operations. IDA Ireland will also continue to seek to win new name investments from companies who would previously have chosen the UK as their European base.
IDA Ireland's Growth Markets team is also aiming to grow the base of clients from Asia-Pacific in Ireland, building upon the strategic projects secured in recent years and on the international ambitions of target clients. In addition, the Agency continues to build awareness of Ireland’s value proposition in locations with significant potential as FDI source markets with a particular focus on South Africa, Brazil, Israel and UAE.
Since 2010, IDA Ireland’s successive strategies have focussed on market diversification which is reflected by the levels of investment from the US falling from 70% in 2014 strategy to 64% of investment in the 2019 strategy. This progress was achieved notwithstanding investment from the US growing, but investment from other parts of the world growing at a faster rate.
Ireland’s value proposition for FDI is strong and our business environment is supporting cutting edge, innovative investment. We have an enviable FDI platform which, combined with a dynamic indigenous base, can drive sustainable growth and create opportunities for all.
The Government is aware of the concentration risks arising from a reliance on multinational firms within the State. However, we must acknowledge the valuable role played by indigenous firms and their part in the enterprise ecosystem. SMEs account for over 98% of businesses in Ireland, therefore it is vital that we extend support in a way that allows these firms to expand and make significant contributions to the exchequer.
It is important to remember that FDI plays a role in the success of indigenous companies. The impact of FDI companies nationally and regionally to public finances, regional development, global value chain integration, spin-off indigenous enterprise, innovation and more can be clearly seen in their expenditure in the Irish economy.
8. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of local enterprise offices in Ireland; the number of staff who work in each office; the number of staff who work in the LEO section of his Department, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42452/22]
View answerFollowing the dissolution of the County Enterprise Boards in 2014 the 31 Local Enterprise Offices were established as business units under the local authority structure. The Local Enterprise Offices were created to promote entrepreneurship and to act as a “first-stop-shop” for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and Business and Management development programmes such as training and mentoring to those wishing to start or grow their own business.
As of the 30th June 2022, the 31 LEOs employed a total of 220 staff. The most recent full year Impact Report for 2021 for the LEOs showed that they supported 7,158 businesses and 35,729 jobs. Over that period 7,440 new jobs were created with a net jobs increase of 2,999. 2021 marked the 8th year of continuous employment growth for the LEOs and I am satisfied that the network will continue to be responsive to the needs of business and entrepreneurs in the months ahead and to build on the impressive performance to date.
In the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment there are five staff assigned to the LEO Liaison Unit which reports to a Principal Officer who also has responsibility for SME and Entrepreneurship Policy.
|
LEO Name |
Number of staff on the 30th June 2022 |
|
Carlow |
5 |
|
Cavan |
5 |
|
Clare |
6 |
|
Cork City |
8 |
|
Cork North/West |
9 |
|
Cork South |
6 |
|
Donegal |
5 |
|
Dublin City |
14 |
|
Dublin South |
10 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
8 |
|
Fingal |
10 |
|
Galway |
9 |
|
Kerry |
7 |
|
Kildare |
7 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
|
Laois |
5 |
|
Leitrim |
6 |
|
Limerick |
10 |
|
Longford |
6 |
|
Louth |
7 |
|
Mayo |
7 |
|
Meath |
8 |
|
Monaghan |
6 |
|
Offaly |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
6 |
|
Sligo |
5 |
|
Tipperary |
9 |
|
Waterford |
9 |
|
Westmeath |
7 |
|
Wexford |
5 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
|
Total |
220 |
9. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the budget allocation for local enterprise offices in each of the years 2014 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42453/22]
View answerHoused within the 31 Local Authorities, the Local Enterprise Offices are at the very heart of business development and entrepreneurship in towns and communities right across the country. The Local Enterprise Offices support over 7,100 companies financially within their portfolio with almost 36,000 associated jobs and a net gain of 3,000 jobs in 2021. They also provide training, mentoring and one-to-one consultancy programmes to thousands of other businesses including the Trading Online Voucher scheme, LEAN for Micro, Green for Micro and the Start Your Own Business programme.
Please find below the budget allocation for each of the Local Enterprise Offices in each of the years 2014 to 2021, and to date in 2022, in tabular form.
10. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies supported by IDA Ireland, per county, in tabular form. [42457/22]
View answer11. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons employed in companies supported by IDA Ireland, per county, in tabular form. [42458/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
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 6th July last, 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. Over half of all projects went to regional locations – representing a very strong start to IDA’s target to deliver 400 regional investments as part of its strategy.
The 2022 mid-year results, also announced on the 6th 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 number of IDA Ireland supported companies, and persons employed, by county, is shown below.
|
County |
IDA supported companies (2021) |
Total Jobs (2021) |
|
Cavan |
8 |
862 |
|
Donegal |
17 |
3,647 |
|
Leitrim |
5 |
1,050 |
|
Monaghan |
8 |
430 |
|
Sligo |
29 |
2,732 |
|
Dublin |
905 |
123,708 |
|
Kildare |
32 |
9,748 |
|
Louth |
35 |
4,588 |
|
Meath |
16 |
1,911 |
|
Wicklow |
20 |
2,647 |
|
Clare |
71 |
6,924 |
|
Limerick |
66 |
13,824 |
|
Tipperary |
13 |
4,522 |
|
Laois |
5 |
157 |
|
Longford |
6 |
1,310 |
|
Offaly |
11 |
1,302 |
|
Westmeath |
27 |
4,099 |
|
Carlow |
4 |
1,477 |
|
Kilkenny |
9 |
837 |
|
Waterford |
41 |
8,868 |
|
Wexford |
25 |
3,750 |
|
Cork |
200 |
45,604 |
|
Kerry |
18 |
1,968 |
|
Galway |
94 |
22,801 |
|
Mayo |
16 |
5,145 |
|
Roscommon |
10 |
1,473 |
|
Total 2021 |
1,691 |
275,384 |
Source: DETE Annual Employment Survey 2021
Note: Includes part-time, temporary, and short-term contract employees.
12. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when an organisation (details supplied) will receive a response to correspondence sent on 22 June 2022. [42501/22]
View answerA response to the correspondence in question was sent from then Minister Troy on the 12th August 2022.
13. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created with the assistance of the local enterprise office in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42523/22]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Offices support over 7,100 companies financially within their portfolio with almost 36,000 associated jobs and a net gain of 3,000 jobs in 2021. They also provide training, mentoring and one-to-one consultancy programmes to thousands of other businesses including the Trading Online Voucher scheme, LEAN for Micro, Green for Micro and the Start Your Own Business programme.
Housed within the 31 Local Authorities, the Local Enterprise Offices are at the very heart of business development and entrepreneurship in towns and communities right across the country. The following table shows the job creation figures in each of the last three years for the Local Enterprise Offices in Kildare, Laois and Offaly. While there were overall positive net gains in jobs in 2019 and 2021, there was a net loss in jobs in 2020 due to challenges presented by COVID-19.
14. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the right to request remote working Bill 2022; if he expects the Bill to be enacted in quarter 4, 2022; if not, if he will provide an intended deadline for the enactment of the Bill; the consideration, if any, he and his departmental officials are giving to reducing the number of grounds upon which employers will be able to refuse an employee's request to work remotely under the proposed new legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42710/22]
View answerThe Right to Request Remote Working Bill is part of a broader Government vision to make remote working a permanent feature of Ireland’s workforce in a way that can benefit all – economically, socially & environmentally.
With the Right to Request Remote Working Bill, we will, for the first time, provide a legal framework around which requesting, approving or refusing a request for remote work can be based. It will also provide legal clarity to employers on their obligations for dealing with such requests.
On 25th January the Government approved the priority drafting of the Right to Request Remote Working Bill 2022.
Pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment commenced on 9th February and the Report of the Committee was published on the 7th of July. Department officials are now carefully considering its contents including the recommendations on the grounds for refusal and redress provisions.
I intend to publish the Bill itself later this year and progress it through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible thereafter.
15. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 21 June 2022, if the Government has responded to the European Commission; and, if so, if the response will be published. [42758/22]
View answerA European Works Council (a “EWC”) is a body that facilitates information and consultation with European employees on transnational issues. EWCs are subject to the law of the Member State in which they are located. They derive from Directive 1994/45/EC (the “EWC Directive”) as transposed into Irish law by the Transnational Information and Consultation of Employees Act 1996. A recast by Directive 2009/38/EC was given effect by European Communities (Transnational Information and Consultation of Employees Act 1996) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 380 of 2011). The general provisions of the Irish Regulation follow the provisions of Directive 2009/38/EC faithfully, including providing mechanisms for dispute resolution.
The European Commission wrote to the Irish Government with a letter of formal notice on the 19 May 2022. Having consulted with the Attorney General’s Office, my Department responded to the Commission on the 19 July 2022. Ireland’s response to the Commission is considered confidential and there are no plans to publish it at this time. My officials are scheduled to meet with the Commission in September with regards the matter.
16. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the totality of grant aid and-or subsidy provided to each local authority in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 (details supplied). [42825/22]
View answerI would advise the Deputy that my Department does not directly grant aid local authorities. My Department does, however, provide funding for the Local Enterprise Offices which are located within the Local Authority system. Funding for the Local Enterprise Offices programme is channelled through the Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland using monies drawn from my Department’s Vote.
The total expended under the Local Enterprise Development Programme in the years requested is as follows.
|
- |
€'000 |
|
2019 |
37,931 |
|
2020 |
79,475 |
|
2021 |
58,119 |
|
2022 |
19,790 (up to July 2022) |
|
Total |
195,315 |
Aside from the Local Enterprise Office Programme, my Department as part of the Governmental response to Covid-19, funded a number of discrete once off initiatives which were administered on our behalf by the Local Authorities. Specifically, in the course of 2020 and 2021 the Local Authorities administered the Restart and Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid Grants in accordance with Service Level Agreements between the Local Authorities and the Department. The funding for these initiatives was also channelled to the Local Authorities by the Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland, using monies drawn from my Department’s Vote. The total of monies expended by the Local Authorities on behalf of the Department in respect of these Schemes is as follows.
|
- |
€'000 |
|
2020 |
633,000 |
|
2021 |
21,181 |
|
Total |
654,181 |
17. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department or the employment agencies under the aegis of his Department have undertaken an assessment of the number of jobs that may be at risk across the economy, in the energy-intensive manufacturing sector in particular, in the context of escalating gas prices; if so, if he will provide the details of any such assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43089/22]
View answerI think it is fair to say that this Government has not been found wanting when it has come to helping businesses get through difficult periods. The multi-billion euro financial assistance provided by Government during the pandemic was unprecedented, whether it was help with businesses’ wage bill so they could keep staff on, their overheads, the introduction of a cheaper, easier way to restructure and survive than examinership; the commercial rates waiver, or the reduction in VAT for the hospitality sector.
I'm very conscious of how worried businesses are now going into the winter and their concerns around energy costs. Unfortunately Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is having massive consequences for the whole of Europe, not just Ireland. We’ve already put some measures in place and we are looking at how we can help businesses further with these costs.
In June we announced a new €55 million ‘Green Transition’ fund to help businesses move away from fossil fuels and towards more sustainable, cheaper alternatives. There’s a wide range of help available and we are thinking about how to improve take-up and awareness of what’s already there.
We are working on a new loan scheme to help businesses affected by the knock-on consequences of the war in Ukraine and a scheme involving grants for those businesses in the manufacturing and exporting sectors.
We will also be looking to raise awareness around energy efficiency, helping businesses reduce the amount of energy they use in the first place. There are around 20 different schemes to which businesses can apply to get help from Government to carry out an energy audit and to get capital grants for the installation of equipment such as solar panels and insulation and for micro-generation. I want businesses to become more aware of what’s already available and also improve the existing schemes.
The Wholesale Price Index for energy products (purchased by the manufacturing industry) rose by almost 78% in the year to July 2022. The impact of rising prices is not unique to Ireland, but an issue facing all major economies around the world. Ireland imports over 70 per cent of our energy use. The Government cannot fully insulate businesses from price developments in international energy markets that are outside of its control, but we have already adopted many measures to help and will do more.
My Department continues to ensure an enterprise perspective is considered in response to price and supply issues in energy markets, and has been involved in the coordination of the response with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications through the Energy Security Emergency Group and its related sub-groups.
An analysis would suggest 120,000 as being directly employed in gas-intensive manufacturing sectors (where at least 40% of final energy consumption is in the form of gas). Gas-intensive manufacturing sectors include the basic metals and fabricated products sub-sector, chemicals and man-made fibres sub-sector (which includes pharmaceutical plants), food and beverages sub-sector. These sectors represent 41% of total final gas consumption nationally in 2020, and account for the majority of industry’s gas use.
While it is useful to consider the numbers employed and the energy intensity of the economic sectors to gain a broad understanding of sectoral exposure to energy, it would be incorrect to imply that all jobs in energy intense sectors are at risk. It is also difficult to forecast the impact that higher energy costs may have on the staffing of energy intense firms – any potential job losses would depend on decisions taken at the individual firm level and are therefore very difficult to predict given the unique nature of each firm’s cost base.
18. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the prospect of the loss of a considerable number of manufacturing jobs in energy-intensive industries as a result of escalating gas prices; if his attention has been drawn to any analysis undertaken across Government in terms of the potential numbers of job losses in exposed sectors in 2022 and 2023; if he will provide any costings undertaken by his Department on the introduction of a furlough scheme to help protect at-risk jobs and businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43091/22]
View answerI think it is fair to say that this Government has not been found wanting when it has come to helping businesses get through difficult periods. The multi-billion euro financial assistance provided by Government during the pandemic was unprecedented, whether it was help with businesses’ wage bill so they could keep staff on, their overheads, the introduction of a cheaper, easier way to restructure and survive than examinership; the commercial rates waiver, or the reduction in VAT for the hospitality sector.
I am very conscious of how worried businesses are now going into the winter and their concerns around energy costs. Unfortunately Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is having massive consequences for the whole of Europe, not just Ireland. We’ve already put some measures in place and we are looking at how we can help businesses further with these costs.
In June we announced a new €55 million ‘Green Transition’ fund to help businesses move away from fossil fuels and towards more sustainable, cheaper alternatives. There’s a wide range of help available and we are thinking about how to improve take-up and awareness of what is already there.
We are working on a new loan scheme to help businesses affected by the knock-on consequences of the war in Ukraine and a scheme involving grants for those businesses in the manufacturing and exporting sectors.
We will also be looking to raise awareness around energy efficiency, helping businesses reduce the amount of energy they use in the first place. There are around 20 different schemes to which businesses can apply to get help from Government to carry out an energy audit and to get capital grants for the installation of equipment such as solar panels and insulation and for micro-generation. I want businesses to become more aware of what’s already available and also improve the existing schemes.
The Wholesale Price Index for energy products (purchased by the manufacturing industry) rose by almost 78% in the year to July 2022. The impact of rising prices is not unique to Ireland, but an issue facing all major economies around the world. Ireland imports over 70 per cent of our energy use. The Government cannot fully insulate businesses from price developments in international energy markets that are outside of its control, but we have already adopted many measures to help and will do more.
My Department continues to ensure an enterprise perspective is considered in response to price and supply issues in energy markets, and has been involved in the coordination of the response with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications through the Energy Security Emergency Group and its related sub-groups.
An analysis would suggest 120,000 as being directly employed in gas-intensive manufacturing sectors (where at least 40% of final energy consumption is in the form of gas). Gas-intensive manufacturing sectors include the basic metals and fabricated products sub-sector, chemicals and man-made fibres sub-sector (which includes pharmaceutical plants), food and beverages sub-sector. These sectors represent 41% of total final gas consumption nationally in 2020, and account for the majority of industry’s gas use.
While it is useful to consider the numbers employed and the energy intensity of the economic sectors to gain a broad understanding of sectoral exposure to energy, it would be incorrect to imply that all jobs in energy intense sectors are at risk. It is also difficult to forecast the impact that higher energy costs may have on the staffing of energy intense firms – any potential job losses would depend on decisions taken at the individual firm level and are therefore very difficult to predict given the unique nature of each firm’s cost base.
Currently there are no plans specifically for a furlough scheme and, as such, no costings have been undertaken. The Deputy will be aware that we are considering a number of options to help households and businesses in advance of the budget and will continue to keep the energy situation under close review.
19. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the expenses paid to ministerial advisers in his Department in each of the years 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43151/22]
View answerThe amount of expenses paid to Ministerial advisers in my Department in each of the years 2020 and 2021 and to date in 2022, is set out in the table below. These expenses were travel and subsistence payments associated with travel on Department business and were paid in line with Department travel and subsistence policy and procedures.
|
Year |
Amount of Expenses Paid |
|
2020 |
€0 |
|
2021 |
€467.52 |
|
2022 |
€140.60 |
20. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will take a legal challenge to a High Court injunction secured on 24 August 2022 to block the enforcement of the new employment regulation order for the security sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43175/22]
View answerOn 3 August 2022, I announced my intention to issue an Order to give effect to a statutory recommendation of the Labour Court concerning minimum rates of remuneration and other terms and conditions in the Security Sector.
The Order was to apply from 29 August 2022.
On 24 August 2022 my Department was informed that High Court had granted an Injunction prohibiting the commencement of the proposed Statutory Instrument giving effect to the new Employment Regulation Order for the Security Industry.
My officials are in the process of seeking legal advice on the matter.
21. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date on which he reviewed the critical skills list; and his plans to expand the list to address skills shortages in Ireland. [43200/22]
View answerIreland’s employment permits 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 evidence suggests a supply of labour may be available in the domestic and EEA labour market.
In order to ensure the employment permits system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, the reviews of the lists 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. The aim of the Group is to promote an integrated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages being experienced in the economy which includes assessing proposals received through the public consultation.
Changes to the occupations lists may be 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.
Ireland's employment permit 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 timing of the next review is under consideration in light of changing labour market circumstances. Submissions will be invited from sector representative bodies and interested parties via the Public Consultation Form which will be accessible on the Department’s website throughout the consultation period when the next Review of the Occupational Lists commences.
22. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of all grants under the various scheme headings and the value of such grants paid by the IDA to a firm (details supplied) in each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43276/22]
View answerYapstone is an online payments provider headquartered in Walnut Creek, California. In 2012, Yapstone established a subsidiary in Drogheda to act as its international headquarters. The recent announcement by Yapstone that it is entering into a consultation process with regards to potential job losses is very disappointing. My foremost concern is for the staff and families of those impacted.
The IDA has been in contact with senior management of the company since it learnt of its potential restructuring plans and will continue to provide assistance to the company over the coming months and update the Department on developments. The Government, via local Intreo offices, will make all necessary State assistance available.
As the Deputy is aware, IDA Ireland is authorised by my Department to provide a range of financial supports to companies in the form of employment, capital, research and development, environmental and training grants. These grants are an important means of encouraging firms to invest in Ireland, particularly in regional locations.
Between 2012 and 2022, a total of €488,475 in grants was paid in support of the company’s Irish operation which is set out in tabular form below.
|
Year Approved |
Grant Type |
Grants Paid |
|
2016 |
Employment |
€486,000 |
|
2020 |
Business Continuity Support Grant |
€2,475 |
23. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of complaints made against a company (details supplied) to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement /Corporate Enforcement Agency; if these complaints were followed up; the outcome of the investigations; if they were not further investigated, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43289/22]
View answerThe Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) was established on 7th July 2022 under the Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021. The Act carried over to the Authority, both the functions and the range of powers of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE).
The Authority is therefore equipped with significant enforcement powers required to carry out its statutory functions; to enforce and encourage compliance with company law, to investigate suspected offences under the Companies Acts, to prosecute detected breaches of the Companies Act and to refer cases to the Director of Public Prosecutions on indictment.
Certain professionals, e.g., auditors, examiners and receivers, are required by law to make reports to the CEA under certain circumstances. Certain professional bodies have similar obligations. In addition, every liquidator appointed to an insolvent company has certain reporting obligations to the CEA. Members of the public may also submit complaints and concern to the CEA where there are indications of non-compliance with company law.
Section 944D (4) of the Companies Act 2014 provides that the CEA shall be independent in the performance of its functions. The purpose of this provision is to ensure that the law is enforced without the possibility of interference from any party or the appearance of any such interference. Therefore, I as Minister have no function in such matters.
The ODCE and CEA report on its investigations and enforcement activity in its annual reports. The annual report is available on the CEA's website. During 2021 a broad range of legislative provisions were used to secure compliance with company law and progress enquiries and investigations. The statutory powers exercised, and other investigative measures utilised included, among others, the use of statutory demands, production orders, search warrants, arrests for questioning and through High Court proceedings.
24. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with the Minister for Education on the matter of school transport since June 2022; and if he will publish any correspondence shared with the Minister for Education on same. [43353/22]
View answerEarlier this month, my office received correspondence from a family in Cork regarding an issue with school transport in their locality. My office passed this on to the Minister for Education's office for attention and reply.
I have not had any other engagement with the Minister for Education on the matter of school transport during the period in question.
25. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount his Department has spent on advertising on social media in 2021 and to date in 2022; the amount spent per platform; and the campaigns per platform, in tabular form. [43372/22]
View answerDetails of expenditure incurred by my Department on social media advertising during 2021 and to date in 2022 are set out at the following link.
