Written Answers Nos. 61-80
61. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the progress made with regard to the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60498/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government gives a clear commitment to establish a gambling regulator focused on public safety and well being, covering gambling online and in person, and the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps.
As you will be aware, the Gambling Regulation Bill was approved by Government on the 15th of November. There is a pathway mapped for this legislation progressing which, with the cooperation of the Houses of the Oireachtas, will facilitate the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland being established in 2023.
In October 2021, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform sanctioned the recruitment of the CEO Designate of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. I am pleased to say that process has now completed and as of 8 September 2022, the CEO Designate was appointed and has assumed her duties. The CEO designate will be preparing for the establishment of the Authority while the legislation is enacted.
A Programme Board has been established in my Department to ensure that the legislation and the operational preparations are progressed in parallel so that the Authority commences operations, on a phased basis, as soon as possible after enactment.
62. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of convictions for dangerous dog offences/dog attacks over the past five years; the number of court orders issued for dogs to be destroyed as a result of such incidents. [60381/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, management of the courts, including operational matters and logistical functions, are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998, and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, it is the function of the Courts Service to provide information on any convictions handed down or orders issued by the Courts.
The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
To be of assistance, I have also referred the Deputy's query directly to the Courts Service.
63. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline the intentions of the Rural Safety Plan 2022-2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60602/22]
View answerI was delighted to launch the Rural Safety Plan 2022-2024 at this year's Ploughing Championships in Co. Laois.
The Rural Safety Plan is the result of strong collaboration between all the relevant organisations and brings together the excellent work already underway in relation to rural safety. The Plan is not intended to replace, but rather supplement, this work.
The vision of the Rural Safety Plan is for people and communities in rural Ireland to feel safe and be safe in their homes, their places of work, and their local environments.
The Plan identifies 5 main priorities in relation to rural safety. They are:
Community Safety
Burglary and Theft
Roads Policing
Animal Crime
Heritage Crime
The Plan outlines the key actions underway in these priority areas in an informative and accessible way and also provides useful contacts for partner organisations, groups committed to supporting victims of crime, and organisations that share the Department of Justice’s aim of advancing the safety of our people.
Some of the objectives set out in the Plan, such as the launch of An Garda Síochána's new property recording app, have already been achieved. Others will be progressed through the lifetime of the Plan and beyond.
I want to recognise the wide-ranging and impactful work to further people’s safety and welfare that is being undertaken in rural communities across the country. Much of this work is undertaken by dedicated volunteers who admirably commit so much of their time to the benefit of our communities and our country.
For the Deputy's information the Plan is available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/3502e-rural-safety-plan-2022-2024/#:~:text=The%20vision%20of%20the%20Rural,in%20relation%20to%20rural%20safety.
64. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the number of domestic violence refuge spaces to date in 2022; if she will provide an update on the number of domestic violence refuge spaces made available since government formation to date; if she will provide an update on the work underway to secure a domestic violence refuge in Dún Laoghaire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60360/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Government will establish a statutory agency with a dedicated focus on Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The agency will have a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance: Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue. Pending establishment of the Agency, responsibility for the allocation of funding for domestic violence services continues to be managed by Tusla.
As this will continue to be the case until services formally transfer to the new DSGBV agency, I have referred the question posed by the Deputy to Tusla for direct reply.
65. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice when gardaí can expect to have body worn cameras; the benefits she expects this development to bring; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60556/22]
View answer71. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the deployment of body cameras for An Garda Síochána; if new legislation is necessary to provide for them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60380/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 71 together.
The unprecedented €2.14 billion allocated to An Garda Síochána under Budget 2023 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Gardaí have the resources they need to carry out their vital service. This includes the provision of €3m for preparatory work to support the introduction of body worn cameras along with €6 million for new ballistic vests to protect frontline Gardaí.
The Deputy may be aware that the Government published the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 on 4 August last, which will provide a legal basis for the deployment and use of body-worn cameras by An Garda Síochána.
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland stated in their report that policing organisations around the world have found that such devices can help improve front-line capability with the accurate recording of incidents, expedite analysis, enhance situational awareness, and sometimes protect police from harm.
While deployment of these devices, including related timelines, will be an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner once the legislation has been enacted, I am supportive of them being brought into operation at the earliest opportunity.
66. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Justice if mandatory sentencing will be introduced on persons who assault or attack emergency service members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60624/22]
View answerAt the outset I would like to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, all attacks on frontline workers. Incidents such as the recent assault on members of An Garda Síochána are abhorrent and my thoughts are with the Gardaí involved.
We are grateful to all frontline workers who play such a vital role in the communities they serve. It is imperative that these people are able to perform this role in a safe manner and the law reflects the importance of this.
There are a range of robust legislative provisions available to the Garda authorities in circumstances where threats or assaults are made against front line workers. Minister McEntee had expressed her intention to increase the maximum sentence for assault causing harm from 5 years to 10 years imprisonment.
This will provide the Courts with a more appropriate range of sentences to take account for the gravity of each individual case in this category. This change will be brought forward by the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 which is currently before the Houses.
Any assault causing harm is an offence under section 3 of the Non–Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. A person convicted of such an offence would be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a maximum fine of €2,500 or to both, or on conviction on indictment to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.
Assault causing serious harm is an offence under section 4 of the Non–Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 with the punishment for such a crime up to life imprisonment.
Furthermore, an assault on a member of An Garda Síochána, a prison officer, a member of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel, or a member of the Defence Forces would constitute an offence under section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
A person convicted of such an offence on indictment would be liable to a fine, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years, or both. The latter penalty was increased from a maximum term of 5 years in 2006.
The criminal law in this area is being kept under ongoing review.
67. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of the interdepartmental group of the implementation bodies for the new DSGBV strategy; the membership of same; the terms of reference of same; the dates of all meetings held to-date by the group; the date of the next meeting; if minutes are taken and published in respect of the meetings of the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60480/22]
View answerThe interdepartmental group referred to is an ad hoc group which met for the first time on October 17 last. It is made up of all the statutory implementing bodies to the Third National Strategy, including Government Departments and State agencies.
This meeting was to collate and review updates on implementation of the Strategy up to the end of Q3 2022 and plans in furthering actions intended for Q4. It will next meet in early January. There is no Terms of Reference for this group and minutes are not taken as its primary function is to review updates from implementing bodies for presentation to the High Level Oversight Board and Senior Officials Group for discussion and identification of specific implementation challenges.
As the Deputy may be aware, political oversight of the DSGBV strategy and its effective implementation is situated within the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality, chaired by An Taoiseach and supported by the existing Senior Officials' Group for this Cabinet Committee. The Senior Officials' Group for the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality also met for the first time in October.
The High-Level Oversight Board, co-chaired by the Secretaries General of the Departments of the Taoiseach and Justice held their first meeting on 04 November and will meet on a quarterly basis to ensure that actions are being implemented successfully and within the designated timelines across all relevant bodies.
68. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications the Garda recruitment competition 2022 received; and the number of these applicants that are currently progressing through the recruitment process. [60505/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, as shown by the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of €2.14 billion. This level of funding will support the planned recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda members and 400 new Garda staff.
There was a high level of interest in the recent Garda recruitment campaign and the recruitment process is continuing to identify candidates to enter the Garda College over the coming period.
More specifically, I am informed by the Garda authorities that 11,075 applications were received as part of the 2022 campaign and that 5,362 applicants completed the Stage 1 assessment, with 4,706 deemed to have successfully completed it. I understand that candidates are being invited in batches to the Stage 2 assessments and subsequent interviews and physical competency test with An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy may be aware, 92 successful candidates entered the Garda College on 28 November 2022. This is the first group to enter from this competition. Hundreds more are at various stages of the selection and clearance process, and due to enter the college over the course of 2023.
In particular, further intakes of 200 trainees are scheduled at 11 week intervals over the course of next year, beginning in Q1 2022.
69. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Justice the number of county registrars serving to date; the number of vacancies that exist to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60538/22]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. However, I wish to assure the Deputy that any County Registrar vacancy which has arisen in recent years has been replaced, and there are no plans to close any District Probate Registry.
The Courts Service Act 1998 sets out the nature of the relationship between the Courts Service and the County Registrar. The post of County Registrar is a statutory officer appointed by the Government, with a number of different roles, including under-sheriff and returning officer functions. When such posts become vacant, arrangements are made with the Courts Service and the Public Appointments Service to run an open recruitment competition to identify suitable persons for recommendation to Government for appointment.
Having enquired into the matter, I can confirm that there are 14 serving county registrars serving, with 3 vacancies currently outstanding in Louth, Mayo/Roscommon and Waterford.
I wish to advise the Deputy that recruitment competitions are currently either ongoing or in the planning stage to identify persons for recommendation to Government for appointment to the 3 vacant positions as mentioned. Further information on such competitions is available on www.publicjobs.ie.
70. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the progress of the Community Safety Innovation Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60605/22]
View answerCommunity Safety is about people being safe and, just as importantly, feeling safe within their communities. It’s vital that we empower our communities to proactively address concerns and build stronger and safer communities.
The Community Safety Innovation Fund reflects the successes of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau in identifying and seizing the ill-gotten gains of criminals. Equally, people across Ireland are working tirelessly in their communities to prevent crime from taking hold and make their local areas safer.
By putting this money back into the community, we can show that there is a direct link between the activities of law enforcement and improving community safety.
I can confirm for the Deputy that 22 projects across the country were successful in their applications for funding and will receive grants ranging from €5,000 to €150,000, totalling €2 million, under the 2022 Community Safety Innovation Fund. The fund opened for applications in April 2022 and a total of 124 were received by the deadline of 8 June.
The funding call for the Community Safety Innovation Fund invited applications from community safety initiatives as well as groups co-funded with local authorities, NGOs and community organisations working on issues relevant to community safety and youth justice.
The Fund reinvests the proceeds of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau in local projects to build stronger, safer communities. Each successful project has detailed how best the community wants to prevent crime and their proposals reflect community priorities and local safety issues
Based on the high quality of proposals received, I believe the successful projects have the potential to have a real impact on their respective communities. I also want to encourage those who applied this year but did not receive funding to apply next year.
We are increasing the size of the fund by 50 per cent to €3 million in 2023. A call for applications to the 2023 fund will issue in the New Year.
72. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who retired from the force to date in 2022. [60506/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for all matters relating to personnel within An Garda Síochána. As Minister I have no direct role in such matters.
I am informed that at 30 November 2022 there were 340 retirements recorded by the Garda authorities for 2022. This includes applications on hand up to the 31 December 2022. I am advised that the total figure includes voluntary, compulsory and cost-neutral early retirements.
73. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the actions she has taken and plans to take in response to the substantial shortcomings found on handling of 999 calls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60572/22]
View answerAny inappropriate cancellation of 999 calls is a very serious issue and falls significantly below the high standards that the public expect from the Gardaí and the high standards that An Garda Síochána sets for its members.
Minister McEntee requested the Policing Authority to oversee the ongoing work by An Garda Síochána to review how 999 calls are handled. The Authority commissioned an external expert, Derek Penman, to conduct an examination of the adequacy of the review being undertaken by An Garda Síochána of the invalid and unwarranted closure of Computer Aided Dispatch incidents.
The purpose of this external examination was to give independent, expert assurance and advice to the Authority, to the Commissioner and most importantly to the public. The assurance sought was that the methodology being used by An Garda Síochána to examine incidents will deliver what is required to understand what happened, its impact and how the organisation can prevent its reoccurrence.
The Policing Authority published an interim update by the independent expert last November and it outlined key findings and recommendations, which were accepted by the Commissioner. The second phase of Mr Penman's examination involved listening to a structured sample of calls in order to assess the quality of the response provided to callers. This work is now completed and his final report was published on 29 September. Mr. Penman has recommended that An Garda Síochána concludes the CAD Review and ceases any further retrospective analysis of incidents. He further recommended that An Garda Síochána concentrates its resources on improving the current call handling arrangements.
I am sure the Deputy will agree that the most important thing now is that we consider the report and learn from it so that no person who falls victim to a crime, or finds themselves in any emergency situation, ever has any reason to feel less than 100% confident in contacting the emergency services.
I welcome the apology that has already been made by the Garda Commissioner on this matter and the fact that An Garda Síochána has fully accepted the findings and recommendations of the Report. I am assured by the Garda authorities that an appropriate disciplinary process is being followed in respect of certain aspects of the issues identified.
Furthermore, I am assured that when someone calls 999 now, they can expect and trust that An Garda Síochána will deliver a greatly improved service. For example, new measures and controls are in place to ensure call-takers have access to all the supports they need to carry out their challenging roles appropriately and that this will continue to be the subject of close supervision by Garda management. The Policing Authority will continue to engage with the Garda authorities to oversee this work and the implementation of the recommendations made.
Furthermore, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill includes audio recordings of calls within the definition of ‘documents’ which the Garda Commissioner is required to produce on the request of the new Policing and Community Safety Authority. This is intended to support future call handling assurance, as recommended by Mr Penman, and as requested by the Policing Authority.
74. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if she will indicate her support for a public inquiry into the killing of a person (details supplied) almost two years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60571/22]
View answerAs we approach the second anniversary of the tragic death of George Nkencho, I want to extend my sympathies and those of the Government to his family on their very sad loss.
As the Deputy will be aware, the fatal shooting is being fully investigated by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), which is the independent statutory body established with full powers to investigate such incidents. I understand that this investigation is ongoing.
I am advised by GSOC that it has deployed significant resources to this investigation. I am further advised that the investigation is at an advanced stage. I understand that a draft report pursuant to section 101 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) has been prepared, and is currently subject to internal and external peer review, as well as legal review.
I understand that once the report is completed and a decision reached by the Commission, GSOC will issue a statement on the matter. GSOC will also make its findings publicly available as and when other statutory processes permit it to do so.
GSOC have also informed me that they will continue to liaise with the Nkencho family on developments and will ensure the family are given appropriate notice before any public statement is issued.
75. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the contracts that have been granted without having to go to public tender; the companies that were granted these contracts and the nature of work involved; the qualifying criteria that was applied to any company awarded such a contract in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 [60092/22]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach ensures that there is an appropriate focus on the implementation of best practice in respect of purchasing and procurement and has procedures in place to ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations. The Department also liaises closely with the Office of Government Procurement on all matters related to public procurement and monitors all areas of expenditure on an ongoing basis to ensure that value for money is being achieved.
It is the case however, that a small number of contracts will be awarded without entering into a competitive process each year. Reasons for this include instances where only one company can provide the necessary technical support required, the service is not provided by any other service providers or the contract was for a critical and urgent need.
Under Department of Finance Circular 40/02, the Department is obliged to make an annual return to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General in respect of any contracts with a value of €25,000 or more, exclusive of VAT, which are awarded without a competitive process.
Based on the information gathered as part of this process the table below sets out the position in respect of contracts awarded by my Department for the years 2020 and 2021. As the annual reporting process in respect of the Department’s 2022 40/02 return has not yet commenced, the requested information in respect of this year is not yet available.
|
Year |
Company awarded contract |
Details |
|
2020/2021 |
Quark Software Inc. |
This expenditure relates to ongoing maintenance of the e-Cabinet system, developed by Quark, which utilises certain vital components which are Quark Software Inc. proprietary components. Given the highly complex technical architecture of e-Cabinet and its reliance on Quark Software Inc. products, no other economic operator would be in a position to provide the technical support and maintenance services required to maintain the system. |
|
2020/2021 |
CPL Solutions |
Legal secretary to work with the Moriarty Tribunal legal team. The Tribunal approached CPL Solutions directly in relation to this engagement when the Tribunal was set up in 1997. The Tribunal operates independently of the Department. |
|
2020 |
Eir |
Telephonists to operate the Department's switch. The Department has examined options for drawdown from the OGP framework for this service. Despite approaching all service providers within the Framework, no operators indicated that they would respond to an invitation to tender. |
|
2020 |
PlanNet21 Communications |
Video collaboration and conferencing systems and associated licences. These systems were introduced in an emergency situation to facilitate the operation of the Department of the Taoiseach, including meetings of the Government, during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
|
2021 |
Ward Solutions Ltd. |
Ward Solutions were engaged at short notice in May 2021 to provide advice relating to the Department’s cyber security posture following a cyber-attack in the Irish Health Service. |
76. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of the National Security Strategy. [60484/22]
View answerOur national security is a priority concern and the Government is carrying out very substantial work in building and sustaining our security and resilience across sectors, including justice, defence, the economy, energy and cyber.
Work is ongoing in my Department in drawing up a national security strategy. While necessarily constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic, planning, consultation and analysis in preparing a draft strategy covering a broad range of issues has continued. Further work is ongoing to address more recent security and defence developments and their related impacts, including the pandemic, the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and, of course, the very serious deterioration in the European security environment caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine and the related energy crisis.
In addition, cyber security and the evolution of hybrid threats have been a focus of recent work given the attack on the HSE last year and the nature of developments in the international security landscape.
77. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a list of the categories of public sector workers and civil servants under his Department whose contracts fall under the Croke Park Agreement. [60737/22]
View answerThe Croke Park Agreement encompassed all civil and public servants under my Department. No distinction was made between categories of civil servants under the Agreement.
78. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proportion of business insurance injury claims that have been settled through Public Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60177/22]
View answerThe Action Plan on Insurance Reform sets out 66 actions being delivered across Government, to reform the insurance sector and is one of the most important reform programmes this Government will undertake. The third implementation report of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform, published in November, shows the plan is on track with approximately 90% of actions in the Plan have been completed or are ongoing, with the remaining initiated.
One of the remaining principal actions in the Action Plan concerns the reform of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. I am currently progressing legislation through the Seanad to enhance and reform the Board which will encourage more claimants and respondents to avail of the Board’s model through mediation and/or assessment and should lead to cost savings in the claims environment and contribute to reductions in insurance premiums.
PIAB awards can be accepted or rejected by Claimants and Respondents. When an assessment of damages (award) is made by PIAB, the Claimant has 28 days to either accept or reject the award and the Respondent has 21 days.
PIAB track, on a rolling basis, the monthly acceptance rate of awards. PIAB have informed me that the current acceptance rate for PIAB awards is 47% for Employer Liability claims and 61% for Public Liability claims based on awards made in August 2022.
The new PIRB will enable more claimants and respondents to avail of an enhanced resolution Board thereby reducing the need to go to court. Reducing the expense and time associated with personal injuries litigation will benefit both businesses and consumers.
79. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects legislative changes to be enacted on the level of duty of care requirement under personal injury claims; when he anticipates that psychological damages claims will be included as part of PIABs remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60178/22]
View answerThe Action Plan on Insurance Reform sets out 66 actions being delivered across Government, to reform the insurance sector and is one of the most important reform programmes this Government will undertake.
- Principal actions delivered under the Plan to date include:
- The Personal Injuries Guidelines have been given effect.
- Legislation to strengthen the laws on perjury has been enacted.
- The Office to promote competition in the insurance market has been established.
I am currently progressing legislation through the Seanad to enhance and reform the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. This legislation will encourage more claimants and respondents to avail of the Board’s model through mediation and/or assessment and should lead to cost savings in the claims environment and contribute to reductions in insurance premiums.
The issue of duty of care falls under the responsibility of the Minister for Justice. Under action 24 in the Government’s Action Plan for Insurance Reform the Minister is progressing legislative proposals to reform the law relating to occupier’s liability and duty of care. These legislative proposals were introduced on the 22nd of November as amendments at Dáil Committee Stage to the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022. The proposals are designed to strike a new, fairer and more reasonable balance, between the steps an owner or operator of a premises must take to keep their customers and visitors safe, and what individuals themselves can be expected to take responsibility for when entering a business, club or community building. The proposals are in line with the Government policy objective of restricting the liability of occupiers.
Regarding the inclusion of psychological claims within the remit of PIAB. The Personal Injuries Guidelines include level of damages for psychological injury. Since their introduction in April 2021, PIAB have been making assessments including for psychological injury under the Guidelines. The Personal Injuries Resolution Board Bill 2022 once enacted will also amend the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003-2019 in respect of PIAB’s assessment of these injuries.
80. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will detail the most recent data on the level of IDA supported jobs by county in tabular form; and the number of additional jobs created in each county since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60286/22]
View answerIDA has worked hard to create a welcoming environment for FDI in all parts of the country and the strong regional spread of jobs and investment in the latest IDA results demonstrates the Government's commitment to regional development. Over half of investments in 2021 went to regional locations, and under IDA's current Strategy half of all investments from 2021 to 2024 will be targeted to regional locations.
IDA Irelands results for 2021, showed that total employment in IDA client companies in Ireland now stands at 275,384, up 16,826 on 2020, the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) employment level ever. Employment growth was recorded in every region of the country.
IDA's data is produced on an annual basis and therefore it is not possible to provide the data sought from 27th June, 2020.
The number of new IDA jobs created by county for 2020 and 2021 are available as part of the Department’s Annual Employment Survey which is published on the Department’s website at the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/publication-files/annual-employment-survey-2021.pdf.
As advised by colleagues in IDA, I expect 2022 figures to be available in January 2023.
