Tuesday, 20 Sep 2022

Written Answers Nos. 121-134

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Questions (121)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

121. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the High-Level Oversight Board for the Zero Tolerance strategy to be jointly led by the Secretary General of his Department. [34514/22]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Government launched the Third Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Strategy in late June of this year.

The central aim of this Strategy is to bring about zero tolerance towards domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Irish society as well as the attitudes and assumptions that underpin it.

Another important goal of the strategy is to improve the coordination and delivery services for those affected by these forms of violence.

Political oversight of the Strategy and its effective implementation will be situated within the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality, which I chair.

In addition, a High-Level Oversight Board, chaired by the Secretaries General to the Departments of the Taoiseach and Justice, will be established.

The Board will meet to ensure that actions are being implemented successfully by all relevant organisations and within the specified timelines.

The High-Level Oversight Board is expected to hold its first meeting in the near future.

Departmental Staff

Questions (122)

Denis Naughten

Question:

122. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the number of persons within his Department who received the special leave with pay for Covid-19 up to 1 July 2022; the number of workers who have availed of this payment for an extended period of 12 weeks or more; the number of persons who availed of the special leave with pay for COVID-19 since 1 July 2022; and the number of such persons who have been in receipt of this payment in excess of 14 days. [45328/22]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

In line with the Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19 in relation to Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19, as published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department uses Special Leave with Pay in lieu of sick leave for COVID-19 to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Where possible, my Department facilitates home working for staff who feel well enough to work but have tested positive for COVID-19 or are self-isolating.

In the period to 1 July 2022, 44 members of staff in my Department availed of Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19. No staff of my Department took this leave for an extended period of 12 weeks or more.

Since 1 July 2022, 8 members of staff in my Department availed of Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 with none taking this leave for a period of more than 14 days.

Departmental Transport

Questions (123)

Holly Cairns

Question:

123. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the steps that he is taking to increase the percentage of electric or hybrid vehicles owned by his Department and state agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit. [45588/22]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

Neither my Department nor the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) which is the only body under the aegis of my Department own vehicles of any description. There are no plans to purchase any electric or hybrid vehicles.

Departmental Reports

Questions (124)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

124. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the current number of live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by his Department in tabular form; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [45963/22]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

Table of of study/review/research currently under way:

Details of study/review/research currently underway	Date commenced	Estimated date of completion
OECD research (funded by the EU) on Strengthening Policy Development and Foresight in the Irish Public Service.	Q4 2021	Q2 2023
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) COVID-19 Social Activity Measure.	January 2021	Q1 2023
Shared Island research programme with Economic and Social Research Institute, with current work on: - Modelling Productivity Levels in Ireland and Northern Ireland; - Benefit of all-island coordination of energy infrastructure and renewable energy; - Children’s care and early education in Ireland North and South; - Migrant Integration in Ireland, North and South. Further information is at www.gov.ie/sharedisland/research	January 2022	Q4 2022
Strand 8 (Shared Island initiative) as part of the Irish Research Council New Foundations Programme, with 11 research projects underway in areas extending across culture, science, education, law, equality and community relations. Further information is at www.gov.ie/sharedisland/research	December 2021	Q4 2022
Shared Island SCoTENS Research Initiative with 2 research projects focussing on educational attainment and 3 on curriculum delivery themes. Further information is at www.gov.ie/sharedisland/research	December 2021	Q2 2023

The Deputy may wish to be made aware that the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is an independent statutory agency operating under the aegis of my Department. The Council analyses and reports on strategic policy matters relevant to Ireland's economic, social, environment and sustainable development and on occasion commissions research in this regards. Details of the Council's work programme are available on www.nesc.ie.

Employment Rights

Questions (125)

James Lawless

Question:

125. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45926/22]

Written answers

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

Ireland has been an outlier to date among wealthy OECD countries in not providing for any statutory sick leave. It is not right that people feel forced to go to work when they are sick, and it is not good for public health. 

Following detailed consideration of the issues surrounding the implementation of the statutory sick leave scheme, The Sick Leave Act will commence on 1st January 2023.   

The Act is intended to provide a level of protection to employees who do not currently have employer-paid sick pay schemes, many of whom are low-paid and cannot afford to miss work. As a starting point, this scheme will cover the three waiting days before eligibility for Illness Benefit from the State. This is a progressive Act and will ensure, once commenced, that all employees are better off and will have financial protection from day one of a medically certified absence. 

Separately, the Deputy would be aware that If anyone is currently experiencing financial hardship that they can engage with the Community Welfare Service in the Department of Social Protection to seek any available  assistance.

Energy Prices

Questions (126)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

126. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on genuine concerns raised by a local business (details supplied) in respect of the worsening energy crisis that is debilitating businesses across Ireland; his plans to support businesses in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45498/22]

Written answers

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

I would like to thank the Deputy for raising the genuine concerns from a local business which highlights the rising energy costs that they face.

Government is acutely aware of the difficulties businesses have faced over the past number of years with the necessary COVID-19 restrictions and now in recent times with the increased cost of living and in particular energy costs.

While the Government has already implemented some measures to help ease the impact on enterprises of rising energy costs, we will be doing more. We are looking at a mix of broad based measures which will help all business and at targeted interventions for those most impacted. This approach has been central to our budget discussions and new measures will be announced on Budget Day, Tuesday 27th September.

Budget 2023 will be about putting money back in people’s pockets and that will include further measures to help households and businesses with their energy costs. The Government will keep the energy situation under close and active review, and we will continue to examine what measures are possible to manage the impact of rising energy prices for households and businesses.

What makes this situation challenging to respond to is the fact that it is being driven by international factors – outside of Ireland’s control.

My Department is also working with the European Commission to allow us to grant state aid to certain businesses to help them with additional costs (both liquidity and energy costs) due to the Russian war on Ukraine. This is under the Ukraine Temporary Crisis Framework introduced by the European Commission. While some of these interventions will be targeted at those firms that trade internationally or are impacted by global trade, a more broad based loan scheme will also be open to most business.

We will also be looking to raise awareness around energy efficiency, helping businesses reduce the amount of energy they use in the first place and improving take-up of the approximately 20 different schemes we already have in place for business.

For example, 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. This includes the Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund, which provides Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta and IDA Ireland manufacturing clients grants of up to €1m to improve their energy efficiency and decarbonise their processes.

The Government has not been found wanting when it has come to helping businesses get through difficult periods, including those in the manufacturing sector. 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.

Trade Promotion

Questions (127)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

127. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to report on the establishment of the proposed new Expert Group on Global Value Chains and Supply Chains, including details of its membership, remit and processes for engaging with export businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45531/22]

Written answers

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

The Government’s Trade and Investment Strategy, "Value for Ireland, Values for the World", identifies Ireland’s participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs) as critical to ensuring that our businesses – both SMEs and multinational companies – are sufficiently resilient and agile to take advantage of opportunities as they arise in the modern international market environment.

Under the direction of the Trade and Investment Council, an Expert Group will shortly be established to take stock of the evolution of Ireland’s position within GVCs and to consider how best to deepen GVC participation by Irish firms into the future.

Membership of the Group will comprise relevant Government Departments, State agencies and business representative organisations that are already members of the Trade and Investment Council and will be supported by a panel of industry and academic experts. Background economic analysis to facilitate the work of the Expert Group is currently underway.

Departmental Transport

Questions (128)

Holly Cairns

Question:

128. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that he is taking to increase the percentage of electric or hybrid vehicles owned by his Department and state agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit. [45577/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I can confirm to the Deputy that neither my Department, or any of the Offices or Agencies under its remit, own any vehicles so the question is not relevant to our specific business operations. 

Enterprise Support Services

Questions (129)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

129. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which mentors are chosen for the Enterprise Ireland mentoring network; the way in which these mentors are evaluated; if Enterprise Ireland staff have received training on how to evaluate mentors capabilities; the amount that has been spent on mentors by Enterprise Ireland in the past 3 years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45685/22]

Written answers

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

Expressions of interest are received on a regular basis from business entrepreneurs seeking to join the EI Mentor Network. The criteria to be eligible to apply is a person who has built and scaled an organisation on a global basis, or been part of a senior team in doing so. Enterprise Ireland consider the mentor’s experience in the context of requests received from Enterprise Ireland clients for support, and the sectors they are in.

The Mentor Manager reviews the applicant’s Curriculum Vitae, Biography, LinkedIn and any other relevant information provided. If the person presents with skills and expertise where there is a gap on the panel they may be invited for interview by one of Enterprise Ireland’s three Mentor Coordinators. The Mentor Coordinators are independent service providers who have successfully been awarded a tender to provide coordination and facilitation services to the EI Mentor Network.

Should the applicant be successful at interview they are asked to nominate two referees to be contacted as a further check. Throughout COVID-19, as emergency panels were established to support specific grant aids such as Business Financial Planning Grants, the Online Retail Scheme, and Digital Transformation, the Mentor Network closed the panel for applications, applicants were referred to their specific area of expertise where EI clients could be best supported at this challenging time.

The Manager of the EI Mentor Network is a qualified HR Specialist CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) and has a number of years’ experience in the area of skills assessment, recruitment and business development. Along with this as previously mentioned the three Mentor Coordinators are independent service providers who have successfully been awarded a tender to provide Coordination and Facilitation Services to the EI Mentor Network. Regular update meetings are held between the mentor team and the mentor coordinators to share information and discuss any challenge areas.

Mentor Grant Payments – Enterprise Ireland 2019-2021

Client Offer	Payment 2019 €	Payment 2020 €	Payment 2021 €
Mentor	€263,025	€265,825	€230,650

Work Permits

Questions (130)

Chris Andrews

Question:

130. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the case of a work visa appeal (details supplied) will be examined. [45842/22]

Written answers

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

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that a request for a review of the refusal to grant an employment permit in this case was received on 19th August. That appeal is currently being considered by the Employment Permits team. I understand that the reviewing officer has been in contact with the applicant and is awaiting additional information before a decision can be made.

Departmental Reports

Questions (131)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

131. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current number of live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by his Department in tabular form; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [45952/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Details of currently ongoing studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by my Department are set out in the table below.

Study/Review/Research Project	Anticipated Date for Completion
Report on the Future of the Irish Retail Sector	October 2022
Audit of the Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid	October 2022
Assessment of attitudes and opinions among the general public on the role that trade and investment plays in contributing to economic and social development in Ireland	November 2022
Investors in Diversity Staff Survey and consultation - survey and consultation of Department staff to understand their experiences and perspectives regarding workplace Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.	November 2022
Climate Appraisal Model Pilot Project – testing feasibility of including climate appraisal parameters in the Economic Appraisal Model	December 2022
AI-powered analysis of annual reports held by the Companies Registration Office, funded through the Public Service Innovation Fund	December 2022
Value Proposition for the Midland Region Smart Connected Technologies Cluster	December 2022
Enterprise opportunities of Offshore Floating Wind Energy – study commissioned by DETE on behalf of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce	December 2022
Assessment of Opportunities for Decarbonisation of Process Heat in the Shannon Estuary region - study commissioned by DETE on behalf of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce	December 2022
Assessment of Opportunities for Large Scale Rooftop PV Deployment in the Shannon Estuary region - study commissioned by DETE on behalf of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce	December 2022
Review of redundancy matter	December 2022
Review of State supports for the equity finance ecosystem in Ireland, with specific emphasis on early stage and scaling. The objective of the research is to assist in recognising market failures and determine future needs for State support or intervention.	May 2023

Enterprise Policy

Questions (132)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

132. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has reviewed the number of financial transactions over the past 12 months which would have met the threshold of a notifiable transaction under the proposed Screening of Third Country Transactions Bill 2022; if so, the number of total transactions which would have met those requirements; and the estimated number of transactions that his Department expects to be notified of annually once this legislation has been enacted. [45966/22]

Written answers

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

My Department has reviewed the limited, real-time detailed data publicly available on merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, and individual foreign direct investment (FDI) transactions. Officials in the Department are currently looking at a range of specialised private firms that specialise in collecting and collating such data. The Department expects to go to the market later in the year to request tenders to supply access to a detailed database providing comprehensive data on a range of M&A and FDI transactions – this is a key step in progressing the implementation of the proposed investment screening regime.

In advance of acquiring access to such a database, the Department and its Agencies have maintained a watching brief in relation to investment coming into Ireland from third countries. The purpose of this has been to identify transactions that might potentially represent a risk to security and public order, rather than an attempt to predict the number of transactions that might be subject to screening. I am happy to say that so far, we have not identified any completed third country transactions in Ireland that we believe might represent a significant risk to security or public order.

In preparation for implementing a screening regime, officials from my Department have undertaken significant work to estimate the number of transactions that might require notification and screening, based on the mandatory regime proposed in the Screening of Third Country Transactions Bill 2022.

Based on this work, it is anticipated that only a small number of investments, mergers or transactions might pose a risk to our security and public order. Accordingly, to maintain our attractiveness to investors, our investment screening mechanism must be proportionate and tailored to these risks, without undermining Ireland’s attractiveness to inward FDI more generally.

Based on the limited data available, there are relatively few transactions that would meet both the criteria requiring screening whilst also representing a potential threat to security and public order. Officials estimate that fewer than 100 third country transactions per year will require notification.

Looking at 2021 data from William Fry, there were approximately 172 inbound M&A deals, worth over €19 billion. These 172 deals include Irish and intra-EU deals. Excluding these intra-EU transactions, there remain approximately 118 transactions which potentially might have been screened.

Of course, some of these investments relate to non-sensitive sectors and would not raise any concerns. Therefore, excluding such non-sensitive transactions - relating for example to transactions in the leisure sector - brings the total number of third country transactions in potentially relevant sectors and activities to below 100 per annum.

Of these, third-country, non-EU transactions, approximately one third tend to be accounted for by US investments, and another third are accounted for by UK investments.

Another potential guide to screening activity is the work of The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The CCPC received 41 merger notifications in 2020, and 81 in 2021. It is important to note, however, that the CCPC are looking at mergers from a competition perspective, whereas the investment screening provisions relate to security and public order.

Officials continue to consult with colleagues across the EU on this matter, and so far, based on these discussions, the expected quantum of notifications appears robust.

Company Closures

Questions (133)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

133. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Irish businesses which have declared bankruptcy due to unpaid invoices over the period of 2018 to date in 2022; and the total number of Irish businesses which have declared bankruptcy over the same period. [45967/22]

Written answers

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

Information available to my Department relates to entities registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). This does not include businesses operating as sole traders. Companies can go out of business for a variety of reasons, not all of which relate to a company being unable to pay its debts. Where solvency issues do not arise, companies can as appropriate seek to be voluntarily struck-off the companies register or can pursue a members voluntary liquidation. In cases where a company is insolvent, a liquidation is initiated and this can be either a creditors voluntary liquidation or a Court liquidation. Under company law, companies are required to notify the Companies Registration Office when entering liquidation and the filings with the CRO for creditors voluntary liquidations and Court liquidations for the period 2018-2021 are set out in the table below, along with the number of new company registrations for the same period.

-	2018	2019	2020	2021
Creditors Voluntary	484	611	443	286
Court Liquidations	59	67	49	59
Total	543	678	492	345
Number of new company incorporations	22,428	22,723	21,873	25,468

Liquidation statistics in relation to 2022 are not available at this time. Filings with the CRO do not record information in relation to the circumstances behind the liquidation.

EU Programmes

Questions (134)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

134. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of funding that Ireland has applied for under the REPowerEU programme; the projects for which the funding would be allocated towards; the maximum amount of funding that Ireland is entitled to under this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46013/22]

Written answers

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

Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which was published earlier this year, sets out a total of 16 investments and 9 reform commitments which will be supported by approximately €915 million in grants from the European Recovery and Resilience Facility. The European Commission’s REPowerEU proposal provides the potential for further funding via the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. My Department is working with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in considering potential proposals for funding under this mechanism.