Written Answers Nos. 155-165
155. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he last reviewed the critical skills list; his plans to expand the list to address the national skills shortages in healthcare, including the delivery of oral healthcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14416/23]
View answerMy Department keeps the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances and outside of the full review process the Department continues to be in contact with relevant policy departments and other stakeholders to address particular challenges as they arise.
My Department actively responds to the concerns raised by various sectors with regard to the critical short supply of skills in a number of roles and this has been highlighted by the number of amendments made to the Employment Permits Regulations over the last two years, with sectors, including the health sector, provided with access to employment permits.
During 2021 and 2022 key occupations in the health sector were prioritised for eligibility with a number of critical care occupations added to the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) such as Cardiac Physiologist, Medical Scientist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist/Chiropodist, Psychologist, Pharmacist and Speech & Language Therapist. Health Care Assistants were also provided with access to permits by removing the role from the Ineligible Occupations List (IOL) in 2021.
Until recently, Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors had to apply for a General Employment Permit for each new contract. My Department worked with the Department of Health and introduced a new 2-year multi-site General Employment permit for non-EEA doctors eliminating the requirement for a new permit for each 6-month rotation, thereby reducing the administrative burden on the Department, the HSE, hospitals and doctors. These changes have made Ireland a more attractive destination for highly skilled healthcare professionals.
Ireland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is vacancy led and managed through the operation of the Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible Occupations List. The Lists undergo periodic evidence-based review involving a public/stakeholder consultation and are informed by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and SOLAS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU). Consideration is also taken of the views of the Economic Migration Policy Interdepartmental Group which is chaired by my Department and includes representatives from a number of relevant policy Departments including the Department of Health. In framing policy regarding employment permits, consideration is given to wider policy instruments that are also available in meeting the challenges presented by skills shortages.
While oral health occupations such as Dental Technician and Dental Nurse are currently on the Ineligible Occupations List and ineligible for permits, the occupation of Dental Hygienist is eligible. An occupation may be considered for inclusion on the Critical Skills Occupations List or removal from the Ineligible Occupations List provided:
- there are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work;
- development opportunities for Irish/EEA nationals are not undermined;
- genuine skills shortage exists and that it is not a recruitment or retention problem;
- education, training, employment and economic development policies are supported; and
- the skill shortage exists across the occupation, despite attempts by industry to train and attract Irish/EEA nationals to available jobs.
Sectors are also required to engage structurally with the public employment service of the Department of Social Protection.
156. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he last reviewed the ineligible list of occupations for employment permits; and his plans to reduce the list to address skills shortages of dental nurses and dental hygienists in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14417/23]
View answerMy Department keeps the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances and outside of the full review process the Department continues to be in contact with relevant policy departments and other stakeholders to address particular challenges as they arise.
My Department actively responds to the concerns raised by various sectors with regard to the critical short supply of skills in a number of roles and this has been highlighted by the number of amendments made to the Employment Permits Regulations over the last two years, with sectors, including the health sector, provided with access to employment permits.
During 2021 and 2022 key occupations in the health sector were prioritised for eligibility with a number of critical care occupations added to the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) such as Cardiac Physiologist, Medical Scientist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist/Chiropodist, Psychologist, Pharmacist and Speech & Language Therapist. Health Care Assistants were also provided with access to permits by removing the role from the IOL in 2021.
Until recently, Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors had to apply for a General Employment Permit for each new contract. My Department worked with the Department of Health and introduced a new 2-year multi-site General Employment permit for non-EEA doctors eliminating the requirement for a new permit for each 6-month rotation, thereby reducing the administrative burden on the Department, the HSE, hospitals and doctors. These changes have made Ireland a more attractive destination for highly skilled healthcare professionals.
Ireland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is vacancy led and managed through the operation of the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List (IOL). The Lists undergo periodic evidence-based review involving a public/stakeholder consultation and are informed by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and SOLAS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU. Consideration is also taken of the views of the Economic Migration Policy Interdepartmental Group which is chaired by my Department and includes representatives from a number of relevant policy Departments including the Department of Health. In framing policy regarding employment permits, consideration is given to wider policy instruments that are also available in meeting the challenges presented by skills shortages.
While oral health occupations such as Dental Technician and Dental Nurse are currently on the Ineligible Occupations List and ineligible for permits, the occupation of Dental Hygienist is eligible. An occupation may be considered for inclusion on the Critical Skills Occupations List or removal from the Ineligible Occupations List provided:
- there are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work;
- development opportunities for Irish/EEA nationals are not undermined;
- genuine skills shortage exists and that it is not a recruitment or retention problem;
- education, training, employment and economic development policies are supported; and
- the skill shortage exists across the occupation, despite attempts by industry to train and attract Irish/EEA nationals to available jobs.
Sectors are also required to engage structurally with the public employment service of the Department of Social Protection.
157. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland investments that have been made over the past five years; and the number of these that had Enterprise Ireland board oversight, including board seats or a supervisory role. [14492/23]
View answer158. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland investments that have been made over the past five years; the number that had Enterprise Ireland board oversight, including board seats or a supervisory role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14498/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
There have been 1,842 direct investments made in the form of equity, convertible loan notes and repayable advances by Enterprise Ireland in client companies over the past five years. These investments are made in support of client companies business development plans.
Enterprise Ireland undertakes detailed due diligence in advance of the approval of all such investments. This due diligence includes both commercial and financial due diligence, and an assessment of the projected economic impact in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland’s policy is to not take more than 10% ordinary shareholding in a company, as such, being a small minority shareholder, Enterprise Ireland’s shareholder agreement does not include the right to take up a Board position. Enterprise Ireland’s position and rights are protected under the terms of our shareholders agreement with the company.
159. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the protocols and or guidelines he has issued in respect of the use of personal social media accounts by officials in his Department; the number of sanctions imposed by his Department on its own officials in the past ten years to date in respect of social media output by its officials, verbal, written or otherwise; if social media platforms are restricted on his Department’s network; if an application (details supplied) is available to use and or download onto Departmental-issued mobile phones; and if not, if it is barred from use. [14510/23]
View answerMy Department has a social media policy. It has two purposes. Firstly, it is aimed at external stakeholders of my Department, to explain how the Department uses social media to convey its messages, and what those stakeholders can expect if they interact with the Department’s social media accounts. Secondly, it is intended to provide guidance to Departmental staff to encourage employees of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to use social media appropriately to support and enhance the work of the Department, and also to highlight individual responsibilities to do so in accordance with my Department’s Code of Standards and Behaviour and related policies. The current policy was introduced in 2020. My Department has one record of a sanction imposed on an official in respect of social media output in the past ten years. This matter related to a post on a staff member’s personal social media account.
Social media is recognised as an important channel of communication, and as such has a role in many aspects of my Department’s work. Access to most social media channels from the Department’s network, including the channel referenced by the Deputy, is currently restricted by default for productivity reasons, except where there is a business case to support access.
Social media channels are not currently blocked from Departmental mobile phones. My Department is aware of recent advice on mobile device security from the National Cyber Security Centre. It is reviewing this advice in light of its own business needs and risks. It is also understood that further, more detailed advice will be forthcoming which will inform any decisions on mobile device security, and which will be taken into account in making any changes to policies where this is deemed necessary.
160. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects to appoint a new CEO of the IDA. [14565/23]
View answerIDA Ireland has today announced the appointment of Michael Lohan to the role of CEO. Mr Lohan is currently IDA Global Head of Life Sciences and Talent Transformation and Innovation and is a member of the organisation’s Executive Leadership team. He will take up his new role on 17th April 2023.
In that regard, I look forward to working with the new CEO, and the IDA Board, as we work together to sustain Ireland’s success in winning and retaining investment and jobs in an increasingly competitive international environment. Government is clear that we must ensure that Ireland continues to attract and retain overseas investments and the jobs they provide and that our value proposition continues to be amongst the best in the world.
IDA Ireland is recognised as a leading investment promotion agency, responsible for supporting over 300,000 jobs in multinational companies across the country. The performance of our FDI sector has reached record levels, notwithstanding the current resetting by the tech sector, and I am looking forward to working with the new CEO and the IDA in maintaining Ireland’s strong performance in attracting and retaining high-quality FDI.
With the FDI sector a central element of our economic model, IDA will continue to play a leading role in implementing Government’s policy on enterprise as set out in the recently published Government White Paper on Enterprise. In this regard, Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland remains at the frontier of new technologies and sectoral development and realising the potential of our regions. To these ends, IDA is working closely with the FDI sector on digital transformation, achieving our net-zero carbon commitments and developing our offshore wind industry.
Finally, my Department and IDA will work hand-in-glove to maintain Ireland’s strong performance in attracting high-quality mobile FDI to Ireland in such key sectors as ICT, Lifesciences, Financial Services and frontier manufacturing, as well as further embedding the many FDI companies already located here, built up over the seven decades of IDA’s existence.
161. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will detail current vacant positions across Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, that is, the position, location and period each has been vacant; and the measures in place to fill these positions. [14566/23]
View answerThe tables below outline the current Irish and Overseas staffing vacancies in Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.
Enterprise Ireland - Irish Contracts:
|
Position |
No. of Vacancies |
Location |
Measure in Place to Fill |
|
Divisional Manager |
1 |
Ireland |
In Recruitment stage |
|
Level F |
2 |
Ireland |
1 in recruitment stage1 in pipeline |
|
Level E |
25 |
Ireland |
5 candidates selected10 in recruitment stage10 in pipeline |
|
Level E |
1 |
London |
|
|
Level E |
1 |
New York |
Candidate selected |
|
Level E |
1 |
Secondment |
In pipeline |
|
Level D |
12.5 |
Ireland |
1 Candidate selected5 In recruitment stage4.5 in pipeline |
|
Level C |
10 |
Ireland |
1 Candidate Selected9 in pipeline |
|
Level B |
13 |
Ireland |
11 in recruitment stage2 in pipeline |
Enterprise Ireland - Overseas Contracts – Local Hire
|
Position |
No. of Vacancies |
Location |
Measure in Place to Fill |
|
Overseas Manager/Senior Market Adviser (Local) |
16 |
EurozoneIMEAAmericasAPACUKNordics |
|
|
Market Adviser (Local) |
12 |
EurozoneIMEAAmericasAPACUKNordics |
|
|
Assistant Market Adviser (Local) |
2 |
IMEAEurozone |
|
|
Overseas Executive Assistant |
2.5 |
IMEAAmericas |
* IMEA – India, Middle East, Africa
The Local Hire vacancies above are in various stages of recruitment process, ranging from initial advertisement through to offer stage.
Enterprise Ireland have advised that they are not currently in a position to advise the length of time for which these posts have been vacant, as their current systems do not record the information in this format.
IDA
|
Position |
Location |
Vacancy Period |
Measure in Place to Fill |
|
Project Executive |
India |
15/06/22 / 8 months |
Internal Competition: No applicantsExternal x 4 times: Three rounds of interviews but no successful candidate due to lack of experience |
|
Project Executive |
Japan |
15/06/22 / 8months |
Internal Competition: No applicantsExternal x 3 times: Three rounds of interviews but no successful candidate due to lack of experience |
|
Project Executive |
Dublin |
17/11/22 / 4 months |
Internal Competition: 5 applications. Two rounds of interviews - no appointmentAdvertised Externally |
|
Project Executive |
Dublin |
23/12/22 / 3 months |
Appointment made - Start Date April 23 |
|
Project Executive |
Athlone |
17/12/22 / 3 months |
Advertised internally. No internal applications. Advertised Externally x 3 times - no suitable candidate due to lack of property experience. |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
Dublin |
25/11/2022 / 4 months |
Interviews completeAwaiting Board decision |
|
Executive Assistant |
Limerick |
06/01/2023 / 2 months |
Advertised Internally: No applicantsExternal: Competition 1 closed - Interview Stage |
|
Executive Assistant |
Dublin |
21/01/23 / 2 months |
Advertised Internally: No applicationsAdvertised Externally: No suitable applications to date. Re-advertised externally March 23 |
|
Assistant Media Relations Executive |
Dublin |
09/02/23 / 1 month |
Advertised Internally: 1 candidate - not suitableAdvertised Externally: |
|
Helpdesk Administrator |
Dublin |
07/02/23 / 1 month |
Advertised Internally: No applicationsAdvertised Externally: 3 applications - 1 appointment but query with salary |
|
Assistant Project Executive |
Dublin |
27/01/23 / 2 months |
Advertised Internally: No applicantsExternal: Competition x 1 - shortlisting stage |
|
Assistant Project Executive |
Cork |
03/03/23 |
Advertised internally: Closed on 17/3/12 - Shortlisting Stage |
|
Project Manager |
Dublin |
27/02/23/ 1 month |
Advertised internally: Closed 27th Feb.Interviews scheduled for 30/31st March. 5 applications |
|
Project Executive |
Athlone |
10/02/23 / 1 month |
Advertised Internally - 1 applicant not suitable - lack of experienceAdvertised Externally: Interview set up for 28th Mar |
|
HR & OD Executive |
Dublin |
06/03/23 |
Advertised internally: No applications so gone Advertised Externally: closing 24th Mar |
|
Assistant Property Executive |
Athlone |
16/02/23 / 1 month |
Advertised internally . 1 internal application. |
|
Project Executive |
Dublin |
01/03/23 |
Advertised internally: Shortlisting stage |
|
Project Executive |
Athlone |
01/03/23 |
Advertised internal: No applicationsNote: to be re-advertised again |
|
HR & OD Manager |
Dublin |
17/02/23 / 1 month |
Advertised internally: No applicationsAdvertised externally: Shortlisting stage |
|
Financial Accountant |
Dublin |
07/03/23 |
Advertised Internally: No applications Advertised Externally: Closing 24th March |
|
Project Executive |
Dublin |
08/03/23 |
Advertised Internally |
|
Project Executive |
Athlone |
08/02/23 |
Advertised Internally |
|
Project Executive |
Athlone |
08/03/23 |
Advertised Internally |
|
Press & PR Manager |
Dublin |
13/03/23 |
Advertised Internally |
|
Assistant Finance Executive |
Dublin |
14/03/23 |
Advertised Internally |
162. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider developing a code of practice to assist State bodies to comply with the obligations under section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 as amended by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021. [14579/23]
View answerSection 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, as amended by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, relates to the duties of certain bodies to perform their functions in a manner consistent with -
(a) the most recent approved climate action plan, (b) the most recent approved national long term climate action strategy, (c) the most recent approved national adaptation framework and approved sectoral adaptation plans, (d) the furtherance of the national climate objective, and (e) the objective of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change in the State.
This statutory requirement applies to all bodies that conform to the definition in Section 6(1) of the FOI Act are subject to the requirements of Section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 unless they are in whole, or in part, specifically exempt, any such exemption would be pursuant to Section 6(2) or 6(3) and Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule One of the FOI Act.
A code of practice is not being developed, and in any case, would not supplant the statutory requirements of the Climate Acts. However public sector bodies are assisted complying with their obligations under the legislation through the structures and mechanisms outlined below, and further detailed in the Climate Action Plan 2023.
The Public Sector Climate Action Mandate applies to all bodies covered by decarbonisation targets, except for local authorities, commercial semi state bodies, and the school sector. The mandate highlights the main climate action objectives for public bodies and will be reviewed annually.
The mandate requires that public sector bodies put in place a Climate Action Roadmap. This roadmap is the path by which the public sector body will implement the mandate. Guidance is available from the SEAI and the EPA and will be updated annually.
The Public Sector Climate Action Strategy, which will be published shortly, sets out the leadership and governance structures that are essential for the achievement of meaningful climate action in the public sector.
The 2021 Climate Act requires each local authority to prepare a Local Authority Climate Action Plan (LA CAP) specifying the adaptation and mitigations measures to be adopted by the local authority.
In relation to commercial semi state bodies, the Climate Action Framework for this sector was approved by Government in July 2022. The framework consists of commitments that each commercial semi state body should adopt.
In relation to schools, I understand that a roadmap for this sector is under development by my colleague the Minister for Education and his officials.
163. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has considered banning an application (details supplied) from the phones of Ministers and civil servants, in line with Britain, the USA and the European Commission; if he has discussed the matter with any social media companies or experts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14419/23]
View answerThe National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of my Department, issues guidance to Government Departments and office holders on the security of mobile devices. This guidance is based on risk assessments appropriate to the circumstances and is kept under continuous review by the NCSC.
Earlier this month, the NCSC reviewed and updated its current mobile phone guidance for Government officials. The new guidance recommends that officials strictly limit their use of third-party apps on official devices, particularly apps such as social media, gaming, gambling or fitness apps. The guidance also provides advice to officials on precautions to take regarding their devices while travelling.
The NCSC is presently working on a comprehensive guidance document on device security for public sector bodies in Ireland, which will include mobile phones. This work is being conducted with the assistance of the Data Protection Commission and other State bodies, together with information gathered from international partners. This work has been underway for some time and will conclude in the coming months
The Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the 2019 National Cyber Security Strategy is currently underway and I will shortly be bringing it to government. The MTR consultation paper provides a brief account of progress to date in delivering the measures under the 2019 Strategy and possible future measures for the remaining years of the Strategy including measures on security of mobile telecommunications.
164. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has had any engagement with representatives of a social media application (details supplied); if so, if he will detail the dates upon which such correspondence or engagements took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14420/23]
View answerI have not had any engagements with representatives of TikTok.
165. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises in County Mayo; the number of premises that have had National Broadband Ireland surveys completed in County Mayo; the number of premises in which National Broadband Ireland surveys are ongoing in County Mayo; the number of premises that have been certified as suitable for internet connection in County Mayo; the number of premises that have been connected in County Mayo, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14430/23]
View answerI am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 10th March 2023, over 131,300 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 26 counties, with over 120,500 premises passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection.
There are 37,074 premises in County Mayo that will be passed by National Broadband Ireland with high-speed gigabit fibre broadband as part of the State Intervention under the National Broadband Plan. To date in County Mayo, NBI has advised that 17,127 premises have had a survey complete. 3,884 premises are passed by the NBP high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection. As of 28th February 1,179 premises are now connected in County Mayo.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Mayo through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
NBI have created a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: nbi.ie/reps
Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high-speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 10th March 2023, 880 SCP sites (282 Broadband Connection Points, which are publicly accessible sites, and 598 schools) have been installed and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs.
In County Mayo all 16 BCPs have been installed. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/. In addition, 55 schools have been installed to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high-speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
