Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagements his Department is conducting in conjunction with the Department of Further and Higher Education with regard to the role of apprenticeship schemes in businesses within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43845/23]
View answerThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, along with its enterprise agencies, works closely with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to ensure the availability across the economy of relevant talent and skills, which are key enablers of enterprise productivity and innovation. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is the lead Department for skills policy and apprenticeships, which are framed by Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025, published in 2016, and the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, published in April 2021.
To keep pace with future change, Ireland’s higher and further education model is evolving, with increased emphasis on apprenticeships, transferrable skills, and flexible education responding to emerging skills needs. Aprenticeship.ie is a one-stop shop which connects job seekers of all ages with approved employers who are currently seeking to hire apprentices. At present, there are over 70 programmes available, leading to qualifications in areas such as accountancy, laboratory technician, engineering, vehicle mechanic, and in healthcare. The Action Plan for Apprenticeship is aiming to expand the types of programmes available and increase the number of apprenticeships to 10,000 per year by 2025.
In April 2023, the 'One More Job' initiative was launched to help employers taking on apprentices. The initiative was developed by the National Apprenticeship Office with Enterprise Ireland and apprenticeship partners around the country. It provides tailored financial and training supports to Irish micro and small businesses who create ‘One More Job’ by employing one or more apprentices in 2023. These businesses can be in any sector and can take on apprentices on construction-related programmes which will help to meet Housing for All targets, or on any of the more than 40 new programmes introduced since 2016. The supports include free online mentoring for employers new to training apprentices, grants towards training costs, and guidance from the One More Job team during the first year of training.
IDA Ireland has supported the development and roll out of the new consortia-led apprenticeships, since the start of their development in 2014, and view them as having an important role to play in enhancing and broadening the talent pool available to the FDI sector. A key focus for IDA Ireland is the operation of apprenticeships in disciplines most relevant to supported FDI high technology sectors such as ICT, Medical Devices, Engineering, Bio Pharmaceuticals, and International Financial Services.
Alongside the delivery of the Government’s Action Plan for Apprenticeships 2021 to 2025, other developments such as the creation of a new National Apprenticeship Office to drive reforms, providing a new grant for employers, targeting underrepresented groups, and the rebranding of some apprenticeship programmes to move them away from the perception of pure trades roles, are all extremely positive actions to ensure the increased uptake of apprenticeships.
22. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of the practice of so-called ‘buy-out’ contracts in the film industry, and the campaign by Irish performers and writers to secure their future residual payments from work on film through stronger implementation of the European Copyright Directive; the action, he plans to take to address their concerns and ensure that Irish performers are not forced to work for worse terms and conditions than performers from other countries working on the same films; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44317/23]
View answerOn the 12 November 2021, Directive (EU) 2019/790 was transposed into Irish law by way of S.I. No. 567/2021 - European Union (Copyright and Related Rights in the Digital Single Market) Regulations 2021. The Regulations strengthen the rights and protections of right holders in order to reflect the impact of technological advances and increased digitalisation. The Regulations also provide for wider access and use of copyright protected works for the benefit of a broad range of stakeholders, including the creative sectors, press publishers, researchers, educators, cultural heritage institutions, and citizens. The transposition of the Copyright Directive also amended some aspects of the Copyright Act 2000 (as amended).
While Irish copyright legislation does not specifically mention ‘buy-out’ contracts, Chapter 6 of the Regulations addresses the principle of appropriate and proportionate remuneration for rightholders. Regulation 26 outlines what factors should be taken into account when considering what is ‘appropriate’ and ‘proportionate’ remuneration in any given circumstance. Regulation 27 provides for a transparency obligation meaning that a rightholder shall receive, from the party to whom the rightholder has transferred his or her rights, detailed information on how the work has been exploited.
This provision ensures that rightholders, including performers and writers, have access to an increased level of information about the exploitation of their works and performances which is necessary to allow them to adequately and continuously assess the economic value of their work.
Having obtained information, by way of the transparency obligation, Regulation 28 offers performers and writers a contract adjustment mechanism when “the remuneration originally agreed turns out to be disproportionately low” compared to the success of their work or performance and the resulting revenues generated. Regulation 31outlines that any contractual provisions that prevents compliance with both the transparency obligation and the contract adjustment mechanism are unenforceable. As the Regulations transposed an EU Directive, the same protections are available to performers and writers across the EU.
While my Department does not have a role in the enforcement of rights, the copyright legislation ensures that rightholders have an effective means of enforcing their rights, should they believe them to be infringed, by way of proceedings before the appropriate court. In addition, the Regulations provide that should there be a dispute regarding the transparency obligation and/or the contract adjustment mechanism, parties may engage in mediation consistent with the Mediation Act 2017. In addition, disputes may be referred to arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Act 2010. This is without prejudice to any judicial remedies.
23. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on progress in the implementation of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan; the potential future funding for the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44197/23]
View answerBalanced regional enterprise development continues to be a key policy for me and this Government, and is reaffirmed in the Department’s White Paper on Enterprise.
My Department contributes to this agenda in several ways, including through the development, implementation and oversight of nine Regional Enterprise Plans.
The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan covers Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath and was launched in Mullingar on 1 March last year.
Each Plan is overseen and monitored by a Steering Committee made up of regional stakeholders and chaired by a senior level private sector businessperson.
I attended the last meeting of the Midlands Steering Committee on 12 May in Portlaoise. At the meeting an update was provided on each strategic objective and associated actions. I believe good progress is being made in delivering on the objectives of the Plan. The next meeting of this Steering Committee is scheduled for 24 November in Tullamore and which I hope to attend.
My Department has secured up to €145 million in funding to assist in delivering on the objectives set out in the nine Regional Enterprise Plans and support projects aligned to those Plans. This funding builds on the €126 million my Department has already allocated in regional enterprise funding.
Earlier this week I announced the first call amounting to €35 million under the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme (SREIS). The overall objective of this Scheme is to drive job creation and enterprise development; it provides an opportunity for regional stakeholders to unlock potential from the bottom up through collaboration and will have a major impact in all regions of the country.
The Scheme is now open for applications on Enterprise Ireland’s website and will close on 31 March 2024. I expect that there will be up to four calls under this fund over the coming years. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Chair of the Midlands REP, Anne Cusack, the programme manager, Sarah Morgan, and all on the steering committee whose passion and dedication for the region is evident in the ambitions plans outlined in the Midlands REP. I look forward to seeing innovative enterprise focused projects coming from the Midlands for this funding.
Finally, the Department is holding nine ‘Building Better Business’ conferences around the country throughout 2023. These focus on the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation and the transition to a low-carbon economy, as well as showcasing the government and agency supports available to small and medium enterprises. Regional Enterprise Plan Chairs also have the opportunity to address attendees about the progress being made in the implementation of their Plans.
The Midlands conference took place on 27 April in Portlaoise. The most recent conference was held on 22 September in Dundalk and focused on the North-East region. The next event will focus on the West region and takes place tomorrow in Ballina, Co. Mayo.
I believe these conferences demonstrate the firm commitment of this Government to balanced regional enterprise development for all regions of Ireland, including the Midlands.
24. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will comment on a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41862/23]
View answerI very much welcome the ambition set out by the independent Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce in their Final Report. The Taskforce’s vision for an Atlantic Green Digital Corridor, developing from the Shannon Estuary and stretching from Cork to Donegal is more than an energy strategy; it is also about reshaping the Irish economy very fundamentally, and it offers a tangible opportunity to achieve balanced regional development, something that is a key priority of mine.
Minister Coveney joined the Taoiseach and Ministers Ryan and Foley in launching the independent Taskforce’s Report in Ardnacrusha on the 8th of July last. As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government 2020 committed to supporting the Shannon Estuary region by establishing this Taskforce and I was particularly pleased to see that commitment honoured in such a visionary and ambitious Final Report.
I particularly welcome the Taskforce’s proposal to develop an Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind. My Department has established a dedicated Unit tasked with delivering on this objective recognising the vast potential the industry has for Ireland. My officials are leading on extensive consultations across Government and industry to develop the Strategy, and the intention is to publish a Strategic Roadmap in the first half of 2024.
A number of related recommendations contained in the Report, including the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) and the publication of a National Hydrogen Strategy, have also been actioned by Government in the past few months. These are important elements to our delivery of offshore wind energy, and its routes to market, and both clearly demonstrate Government’s commitment to developing an offshore wind industry of scale in Ireland.
I also welcome the series of recommendations in the Report designed to bring more immediate economic and sustainability benefits to the Shannon Estuary region. This includes actions required to develop and upscale the deployment of onshore sources of renewable energy such as biomethane, as well as specific recommendations on developing the region’s transport and logistics infrastructure, digital connectivity, and proposals around further developing the Estuary’s tourism offering.
The relevant Departments and Agencies are currently examining all the Taskforce recommendations in detail and my Department plan to publish an implementation update by the end of the year.
25. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on progress on the South East Regional Enterprise Plan; the funding for the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44290/23]
View answerBalanced regional enterprise development continues to be a key policy for me and this Government, and is reaffirmed in the Department’s White Paper on Enterprise.
My Department contributes to this agenda in several ways, including through the development, implementation and oversight of nine Regional Enterprise Plans.
The South-East Regional Enterprise Plan covers Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Waterford and was launched in Wexford on 24 March last year.
Each Regional Enterprise Plan is overseen and monitored by a Steering Committee made up of regional stakeholders and chaired by a senior level private sector businessperson.
I attended the last meeting of the South-East Steering Committee in workLAB in Waterford on 23 March. At the meeting an update was provided on the Plan's strategic objectives and associated actions, and I am pleased to report that good progress has been made to date. This is a reflection of the team driving the SE REP, and I wish to acknowledge it's Chair, Patsy Carney, the interim programme manager, Richard Hickey, and all on the steering committee whose dedication will no doubt see them realise the ambitious plans for the South-East region.
To that end, my Department has secured up to €145 million in funding to assist in delivering on the objectives set out in the nine Regional Enterprise Plans and support projects aligned to those Plans. This funding builds on the €126 million my Department has already allocated in regional enterprise funding.
Earlier this week I announced the first call amounting to €35 million under the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme (SREIS). The overall objective of this Scheme is to drive job creation and enterprise development; it provides an opportunity for regional stakeholders to unlock potential from the bottom up through collaboration and will have a major impact in all regions of the country.
The Scheme is now open for applications on Enterprise Ireland’s website and the first call will close on 31 March 2024. I expect that there will be up to four calls under this fund over the coming years. I look forward to seeing innovative enterprise focused projects coming from the South-East region for this funding.
This funding will help support entrepreneurship, start-ups and scaling companies, primarily micro and SMEs, through the provision of appropriate infrastructure and key staff resources.
Finally, the Department is holding nine ‘Building Better Business’ conferences around the country throughout 2023. These focus on the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation and the transition to a low-carbon economy, as well as showcasing the government and agency supports available to small and medium enterprises. Regional Enterprise Plan Chairs also have the opportunity to address attendees about the progress being made in the implementation of their Plans.
The most recent conference was held on 22 September in Dundalk and focused on the North-East region. The South-East event was held in July in SETU with over 100 in attendance, despite the inclement weather. The next event will focus on the West region and takes place tomorrow in Ballina, Co. Mayo.
I believe these conferences demonstrate the firm commitment of this Government to balanced regional enterprise development for all regions of Ireland, including the South-East.
26. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way he is encouraging businesses to engage on new sustainability reporting standards. [44193/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware my department has policy responsibility for the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The directive is one of a number of measures under the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Finance Agenda.
Companies in scope will be required to report annually in their directors' report on environmental, social and governance including human rights matters according to mandatory European Sustainability Reporting Standards. The new rules will be phased in across the EU from 2024 to 2028.
Companies that adapt to more sustainable practices will gain a competitive edge by aligning with the EU and Ireland’s sustainability agenda. Therefore, since the publication of the CSRD proposal in 2021, communication and consultation with stakeholders, in particular companies in scope, has been a priority for my Department.
The first of a series of stakeholder webinars was hosted by the Deputy in May 2021 and was attended by over 100 stakeholders. It focused on the proposal for a Directive and included a presentation from the EU Commission and an address from Commissioner Mairead McGuinness.
When the Directive entered into force on the 5th of January this year, the Department held a further stakeholder webinar for nearly 500 participants. EFRAG, formerly known as the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group, gave a detailed presentation on the new sustainability reporting standards - the European Sustainability Reporting Standards.
A public consultation followed in which my Department sought the views of stakeholders, in particular, on the discretionary options for Member States contained within Directive. In July, over 250 stakeholders attended a further webinar and were briefed on the decisions taken arising from the consultation and updated on the sustainability standards as well as progress on the legal transposition of the new rules.
A dedicated mailing list has been developed through which subscribers are kept up to date on a range of matters relating to the Directive. My Department is continuing to engage with stakeholders including via the new sub-group of the Enterprise Forum, the Responsible Business Forum. Further stakeholder webinars are planned for later this year and I welcome the Deputy's continued interest in this policy area.
27. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of any engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) with regard to addressing the shortage of dental nurses and dentists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44206/23]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system, maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The regime is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills or labour shortages in the State in the short to medium term.
The Occupational Lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits are subject to evidence-based reviews incorporating consideration of available research, and a public consultation which provides stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages. Submissions to the review are considered by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy with membership drawn from key Government Departments including the Department of Health who may provide observations on the occupation under review.
My Department is actively engaging with other government departments including the Department of Health to consider submissions received to the latest public consultation to review the Occupations Lists which was open between June and August this year. My Department has received a submission from the named organisation related to their sector as part of the Review. Over 100 submissions were received covering a number of occupations in a range of sectors with one submission making reference to dental nurse.
A report containing recommendations for my consideration is expected in November.
28. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on his meeting with the CEO of the Electoral Commission (details supplied) to discuss digital issues, in particular the use of artificial intelligence tools. [44180/23]
View answerI met with the CEO of the Electoral Commission on Wednesday 18 July 2023.
At our meeting we discussed digital issues, in particular the use of artificial intelligence tools.
The Government launched the National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework, in February 2022. Much progress has been made on implementation, and a full progress report, covering achievements across all four dimensions of the strategy, was published in December 2022. I published a progress report on implementation of the National AI Strategy, AI - Here for Good, in August 2023.
At our meeting, the CEO and I discussed that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment together with the Electoral Commission are members of the Working Group that is supporting the development of the National Counter Disinformation Strategy led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
We are working hard to ensure that digital services and artificial intelligence are safe and accountable, including around elections.
The Electoral Commission’s mandate to protect the fairness and integrity of elections is crucial in securing our democracy and strengthening public trust. The Commission’s establishment and the Electoral Reform Act are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Digital media literacy including around the use of AI tools will be an important part of the Commission’s work, and work is underway in number of responsible Departments to support this.
Digital regulation will also have a key role in addressing the spread of disinformation online and the risk of manipulation of electoral processes.
My Department is responsible for implementing the new EU Digital Services Act and the EU AI Act (when it comes into force) in Ireland.
The Digital Services Act (DSA), through its rules on how platforms moderate content, on advertising, algorithmic processes and risk mitigation, aims to ensure that platforms – and in particular the very large ones – are more accountable and assume their responsibility for the actions they take and the systemic risks they pose, including on disinformation and manipulation of electoral processes.
The EU AI Act will put in place a horizontal EU regulatory framework which will apply to AI developed or used in the EU. Implementation of these new digital regulations as part of the development of an overall coherent framework for digital regulation in Ireland under the National Digital Strategy.
29. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures that are being taken to increase climate literacy in his Department, to implement green public procurement and to retrofit his Department's buildings as noted in the Climate Action Plan and in his Department's Climate Action Roadmap September 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44288/23]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan sets out a Public Service Mandate under which public bodies are required to adhere to and report on under four headings; our targets, our people, our way of working and our buildings & vehicles.
In accordance with the Public Service Mandate my Department published its Climate Action Roadmap 2023 in September 2023. The Roadmap sets out how the Department is delivering the Mandate and reaffirms our commitment to reducing emissions and meeting our decarbonisation and sustainability targets. It has been prepared in line with CAP 23 parameters and will be reviewed annually.
My Department has a proven track record in climate action. Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) data shows the Department reduced C02 emissions by 11% in 2022. We have improved our energy efficiency by 65% since the baseline year (2009). We have a long standing internal green team which over the past four years has facilitated the delivery of many significant decarbonisation initiatives, several in collaboration with partners in the Office of Public Works (OPW) and SEAI.
My Department is committed to raising awareness amongst staff of the importance of transforming how we think about, generate and use energy. My Department encourages employee participation and behavioural change in energy conservation and emissions reduction initiatives. Last week we ran a Climate Action and Sustainability week which focused on climate related matters including transport, energy, waste management and climate change. The Department’s Learning and Career Development Unit is actively considering the provision of relevant climate action leadership training as part of its overall career development strategy. The Department’s Energy Performance Officer and Energy Coordinator partake in appropriate modules of SEAI Energy Management Workshops and participate in relevant SEAI webinars.
Green Public Procurement considerations are set out in my Department’s Corporate Procurement Plan. My Department reports on progress in relation to Green Public Procurement by priority sector in our Annual Report. In 2022 the total value of contracts signed by my Department which included GPP considerations (with a value in excess of €25,000) by priority sector was €1,748,400. Through the Department’s central Procurement Co-ordination Unit Department colleagues are also encouraged to consult with Unit during their RFT compilation stage regarding the incorporation of, and appropriate use of Green Procurement considerations in their specifications and/or award criteria.
My Department is committed to complying with applicable energy efficiency and environmental legal and other requirements that apply to our activities. The approach is to adapt our behaviour, improve our processes and have more efficient usage. The Department has maintained an overall improving trajectory against baseline figures with a reduction in overall energy consumption. This can primarily be attributed to three factors; reduced staff numbers onsite due to Covid-19 remote working, adjustment of TUFA figures due to relocation of staff and Offices to reduced floor area overall, and improvement in efficiencies due to LED lighting projects and increased monitoring of Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning systems.
The Department is currently working with the OPW to install 49 solar panels on the roof of 23 Kildare Street. It is estimated that the solar panels could generate in the region of 5-10% of the energy needed to support the operations of both Departments in the building.
Over the last decade, the Department has also significantly downsized its real estate footprint across Dublin most notably by decanting from Davitt House, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. While retrofitting of the Department’s buildings is dependent on assistance from, and in certain instances the approval of the OPW, my Department is working with OPW in this regard. In pursuit of our emissions targets, my Department will also continue to work with SEAI and OPW input, on climate action upgrades and projects to minimise the impact of our activities.
30. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the progression of a new IDA advance facility at Kerry Technology Park; the position regarding the existing facility (details supplied); the employment data relating to this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44401/23]
View answer61. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a new IDA advance facility will be considered for the Killarney area, given the relative lack of new foreign direct investment in the area in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44402/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 61 together.
IDA Ireland’s Regional Property Programme aims to ensure the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices and is a significant driver of regional economic development and job creation.
Under IDA’s Property Programme the regional building programme will see 19 Advanced Building Solutions being developed in regional locations across Ireland over the period to 2024 including in Tralee. Under its current strategy, IDA has made considerable property investments in Kerry, including in May this year when the IDA completed the acquisition of over 16 hectares of lands at Kerry Technology Park, Tralee from Shannon Commercial. Furthermore, at present, IDA Ireland is working to identify a suitable site within its land bank at Kerry Technology Park to accommodate the construction of an Advanced Building Solution in the context of planned developments at the site.
IDA Ireland continues to engage with Central Pharma in respect of the Advanced Technology Building in Tralee. The most recent information provided by the company, as of October 2023, is that they have no employees and 2 open vacancies. More generally, however, the number of people employed in IDA client companies in Kerry has seen a 21% growth over the last 9 years 9 years.
In September 2023, Astellas Pharma Inc announced its intention to build a state of the art facility at an approximate cost of €330 million on IDA’s newly acquired lands in Kerry Technology Park, bringing highly specialised engineering, science and technology roles to the Region. The investment will also create a large number of construction jobs during the construction phase of the new facility. This is one of largest FDI announcements for Kerry and the wider region in recent years.
Moreover, IDA Ireland has also partnered with Local Authorities and the private sector to deliver additional buildings in key locations where appropriate. In each region, IDA Ireland is also investing in significant infrastructure projects across the portfolio of Business and Technology Parks to upgrade and maintain these key assets in line with the evolving requirements of IDA Ireland and EI clients.
IDA Ireland also continues to engage with new and existing companies on promoting Ireland as a location for their business and the Agency will continue to position County Kerry for virtual and in-person site visits to prospective companies in 2023 and beyond. To date, in 2023 there has been one in-person site visit to Kerry.
31. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he is ensuring that artificial intelligence is fostered and deployed in a way that is safe, trustworthy and builds the confidence for innovation to flourish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44177/23]
View answer66. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he proposes to ensure that AI is developed and used in a manner that is human-centred, ethical, and trust-based, and underpins our engagement in national and international fora; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44174/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 66 together.
I published a progress report on our National AI Strategy - "AI - Here for Good" on 9 August 2023, the overarching aim of which is to drive the development and deployment of human centred, ethical, trustworthy AI tools.
The Progress Report highlighted many of the achievements so far. These include the appointment of an AI Ambassador, Dr. Patricia Scanlon and the completion of her first year in the role, establishing an Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum, publishing the NSAI’s AI Standards and Assurance Roadmap, and establishing Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hub for AI – CeADAR.
Priorities for the year ahead include supporting businesses, enterprise, and workers on AI adoption as well as upskilling, reskilling and adapting, including through this AI Innovation Hub. My Department will work closely with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on principles and guidelines for the use of AI in the public sector. Regulation is an enormous part of our approach and influencing the regulation of AI in Ireland and internationally, in particular, the development of the EU AI Act is another of my priorities.
The Act sets out harmonised rules for the development, placement on the market and use of AI systems in the Union. The proposed regulation aims to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and user safety, as well as trust in the development and uptake of AI, thereby enhancing EU investment and innovation.
My officials are also actively involved in negotiations on the Council of Europe legal convention on AI. Together, these guardrails will ensure trust in AI and in turn support ongoing, responsible innovation in this area.
32. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the lack of progress to date on the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021, and the lack of alternative wording from his Department that would support the progression of the proposed Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44422/23]
View answer48. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason he has referred the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 to the Department of Social Protection; the particular areas he is seeking clarification on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44425/23]
View answer64. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will expedite progression of the proposed the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44423/23]
View answerIt is a matter for the Deputy to progress this Private Members Bill.
At the Second Stage debate on the Bill, the former Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail outlined my Department's concerns in relation to the proposed Bill and these concerns remain.
To ensure that the views of all stakeholders were considered in relation to this issue, the Department ran a consultation process in March 2022 and all submissions received have been published on the Department’s website.
The Joint Committee on Enterprise Trade and Employment met in public session on the 25 January 2023 to discuss detailed scrutiny of the Bill. Following this meeting, my Department issued a detailed brief to the Committee as requested to assist with their deliberations. There has been no further correspondence from the Committee in relation to the Bill.
In April of this year, I and Minister Coveney met with you and a group of representatives of Retired Associations in relation to the Bill. At this meeting, a number of issues were raised with regard to the statutory protections in place for retired workers who have defined benefit contributory pensions. As the issues raised relate to pensions schemes and the operation of the Pensions Acts, Minister Coveney wrote to the Minister for Social Protection, Minister Humphreys, as the Minister who has the policy responsibility for the Pensions Acts.
Minister Coveney requested that officials in the Department of Social Protection might look at exploring whether it is possible to provide further space for the retired workers to be directly consulted in matters where changes to pension benefits are required.
It remains my position that any amendment to the legislation governing the pension rights of retired persons is not an industrial relations issue.
33. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the supports available to businesses with the rising cost of energy in running a business. [44133/23]
View answerI am very aware of the challenges that continue to face businesses due to the cost of living, crisis. That is why the Government in budget 2024 has announced a package for business owners.
As a Government, we have supported businesses with targeted interventions and supports, particularly through the extraordinary challenges of recent years. I recognise though that those challenges haven’t gone away, including very high energy costs. For that reason, we’re introducing the Increased Cost of Business Scheme (ICOB) which will benefit up to 130,000 Small and Medium enterprises.
The aim of the Scheme is to provide financial support to those firms which have been most impacted by additional business costs, by providing a tiered grant equivalent to up to half business rates for this year.
I also welcome the range of tax measures in the Budget to assist start-ups and SMEs, including improvements to the R&D Tax Credit.
Further changes were announced to R&D tax credits which increase from 25% to 30% and the increase in the payment threshold to €50,000. The increase in the rate will mean that any companies in-scope will be eligible to the same value of the R&D tax credit before the implementation of the new minimum effective corporation tax rate.
New funding and advisory programmes have also been put in place to help businesses across the country as part of Budget 2024.
Budget 2024 will deliver a real boost to businesses of all sizes; from an additional €9m to the Local Enterprise Offices which are vital for small businesses across the country, to a further €3m allocated to the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme which provides low-cost loans to SMEs.
Full details of all supports available to businesses including the Business Users Support Scheme for Kerosene which is open until 30th October for applications is available on my Department’s website www.enterprise.gov.ie.
That said, I recognise that it has become challenging for businesses to find the help they need, when they need it. So, this week I announced a new National Enterprise Hub which will include a dedicated website and phone line with a Hub Advisor to help businesses access State supports. Developed by Enterprise Ireland on behalf the Government, any business can call it for direct help in navigating the comprehensive suite of supports that are being offered to business throughout Ireland.
34. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will detail the most recent data on the level of Enterprise Ireland-supported jobs in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the number of additional jobs created in each county since March 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44139/23]
View answerMy Government, through Enterprise Ireland, typically support employment in regions like Cavan and Monaghan through a range of programmes aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, business development, and job creation. These initiatives often include providing financial assistance and mentoring to local startups and small to medium-sized enterprises, encouraging foreign direct investment in the region, supporting skills development and training, and facilitating access to international markets for local businesses.
Promoting our Irish-owned firms is a central element of my Department’s White Paper on Enterprise. In particular, the White Paper includes a regional target of unemployment not exceeding one percentage point of the national unemployment rate in any region.
The continued promotion of indigenous enterprise in Ireland is further supported by the Economic Recovery Plan and the Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland, Values for the World. Key priorities set out by that Strategy focus on the promotion of Ireland’s investment ecosystem and reaping the benefits of the EU Single Market.
The most recent employment data for Enterprise Ireland clients available for Cavan and Monaghan is set out in the tables below:
Employment in Enterprise Ireland Supported Companies - Cavan
|
- |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
|
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
Total No. of Jobs |
6,534 |
6,506 |
6,045 |
|
No. of Plants |
67 |
70 |
81 |
|
Total Gains |
310 |
256 |
280 |
|
Total Losses |
-310 |
-151 |
-236 |
|
Total Net Change |
- |
105 |
44 |
Employment in Enterprise Ireland Supported Companies - Monaghan
|
- |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
|
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
Total No. of Jobs |
6,255 |
5,579 |
5,548 |
|
No. of Plants |
79 |
78 |
107 |
|
Total Gains |
435 |
498 |
244 |
|
Total Losses |
-127 |
-51 |
-388 |
|
Total Net Change |
308 |
447 |
-144 |
In relation to the job losses, in the Annual Employment Survey 2022, the net change in Cavan was 0% - there were 310 gains and a similar level of losses. There were 21 companies that accounted for these 310 job losses. While there were significant job losses in Cavan, it should be noted that there were also significant gains in Cavan, resulting in a net zero position.
In terms of Monaghan, the net loss of 127 jobs is made up of 29 companies. There were also significant gains in Monaghan of 435 jobs, giving a net position of 308 or 5% growth compared to 2021.
35. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how Budget 2024 will help the SME sector. [44196/23]
View answerBudget 2024 backed businesses, in particular SMEs, in the face of ongoing challenges. There were a number of measures introduced that will support businesses in every city, region, town and village in Ireland.
My Department has received sanction for a €250m Increased Cost of Business Scheme. The grant will be paid to SMEs who pay commercial rates to their local authorities. The aim of this scheme is to assist businesses in tackling the increasing costs of doing businesses arising as a result of rising input costs (including energy), the increasing cost of wages, inflation, and other factors. This scheme will be administered through the local authorities and will provide a targeted refund to approximately 130,000 micro and small businesses, equating to 87% of rated businesses.
The introduction of the new targeted Angel Investment Scheme will introduce a reduced Capital Gains Tax Rate of 16% and will be a catalyst for promoting innovation. This new scheme will mainly be of benefit to angel investors who invest in innovative SMEs.
In addition to this, the increase in the Research and Development tax credit from 25% to 30% and the increase in the payment threshold from €25,000 to €50,000 are also measures that will further encourage investment in R&D by both large and small companies. The increase in the rate will mean that any companies in-scope will be eligible to the same value of the R&D tax credit before the implementation of the new minimum effective corporation tax rate.
The Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) has been a crucial source of funding for Irish SMEs since its introduction in 2011. The equalising of the EIIS investor relief from €250,000 to €500,000 for all investments will ensure that this stream of funding will continue and indeed increase in the coming years.
The key changes made to the Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP) includes an extension of the scheme and an increase in the lifetime limit for KEEP shares from €3million to €6 million. The first increase in the VAT thresholds since 2007 is a welcome increase and will support the smallest of firms to cope with the effects of inflation.
I also announced a new National Enterprise Hub which will include a dedicated website and phone line with a Hub Advisor to help businesses access State supports. Any business can call it for direct help in navigating the comprehensive suite of supports that are being offered to business throughout Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Offices were allocated an additional €9m in capital funding which will goes towards helping more SMEs go digital and decarbonise helping them save time, money and energy. An additional €8m was allocated to Enterprise Ireland for green and digital schemes to support Irish companies.
I want to ensure you that I, my Department, and its officials are fully committed to serving the SME sector in Ireland and the measures in Budget 2024 reflect this commitment.
36. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a team has been appointed to conduct a review of the occupations on the critical skills occupation list and ineligible occupations list for employment permits; when this review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44399/23]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system, maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The regime is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills or labour shortages in the State in the short to medium term.
The Occupational Lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits are subject to evidence-based reviews incorporating consideration of available research, and a public consultation which provides stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages. Submissions to the review are considered by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy with membership drawn from key Government Departments who may provide observations on the occupation under review.
The Economic Migration Policy Unit of my Department are tasked with responsibility for managing the review of the lists process and are actively engaging with other government departments to consider submissions received to the latest public consultation to review the Occupations Lists which was open between June and August this year. A report containing recommendations for my consideration is expected in November.
37. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the IDA has a presence in China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44149/23]
View answerOne of the aims of the Growth pillar of IDA Ireland’s current strategy "Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, 2021-2024", is to diversify its source markets for investment to enhance resilience of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Ireland.
In this regard, IDA Ireland’s Growth Markets team continues to build awareness of Ireland’s value proposition in locations with significant potential as FDI source markets. IDA Ireland is 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. To this end, IDA Ireland has a network of offices in the Asia Pacific region that manage investor and client relationships including in Australia, China, India, Japan, and Singapore.
China is an important FDI source market for IDA Ireland. IDA established its first office in China in Shanghai 2006 and now operates from 3 offices in China - Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen.
Top Chinese firms have operations in Ireland to serve the European and International markets including Wuxi, Huawei, Tik Tok, Travelsky and Tencent. In addition 4 of the top Chinese banks have set up international centres in Ireland (ICBC, Bank of China, Bank of Communications and China Construction Bank). Other leading Chinese Financial Institutions with aviation leasing operations in Ireland include Avolon, China Merchant Bank, Ping’an Group, China Development Bank and CALC.
38. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the status of the remote working code of practice being drafted by the Workplace Relations Commission; if he will provide a timeline as to when the code of practice in come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44309/23]
View answerThe right to request remote working will be available to all employees under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. Under the Act, flexible working arrangements such as adjusted working patterns or reduced hours, will be available to parents and carers.
One Code of Practice will now be developed which will provide practical guidance to employers and employees on dealing with requests under the new law.
Work on the development of the Code of Practice is ongoing in the Workplace Relations Commission since a public consultation closed in June of this year. The WRC have reviewed the consultation submissions received, as well as other relevant policy documents, research, and best practice in other jurisdictions as part of finalising a working draft Code.
I understand that a working group has been established and a first meeting, attended by representatives from ICTU and Ibec, was recently held at the WRC. It is anticipated that the group will meet every 2 weeks in order to compete the Code.
Whilst taking into account the constructive discussions between the employer and employee representatives that have taken place, it is expected that there will be ongoing meaningful engagement between the members of the working group in relation to the Code contents.
While no set date has been agreed for finalisation at this point, all parties are focused on having the code published as soon as possible.
39. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the implementation of the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022. [44181/23]
View answerReform of the insurance sector through the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) has been a priority for me since my appointment as Minister.
The focus for government remains to reduce the costs of personal injury claims and facilitate reductions in insurance premiums while ensuring that claims are efficiently and successfully resolved for those deserving.
The Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIRB) Act 2022 was signed into law by the President on 13 December 2022. The Act provides for the establishment of PIAB as a new and enhanced Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIRB).
The PIRB Act is being commenced over three phases in 2023. Phase 1 commenced on 13 February 2023 and includes provisions to allow PIAB to retain additional claims, such as those of a wholly psychological nature. Phase 1 also assigned certain additional functions to PIAB: to publish information, to commission research and analysis and to promote public awareness of the work of the Board.
Phase 2 of the Act commenced on 4 September 2023 and includes anti-fraud measures such as the requirement for a PPS Number (or alternative ID) when making an application, as well as requiring a medical report at the time of application.
I intend to commence the third and final phase of the Act with all elements relating to the introduction of a mediation service and the remaining provisions of the Act before year end and will continue to work with PIAB and my department on its enactment. Encouraging more claimants and respondents to avail of the Board’s model through mediation and/or assessment should lead to cost savings in the claims environment and contribute to reductions in insurance premiums.
40. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications made under the scheme to assist businesses with the price of kerosene in counties Roscommon and Galway, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44346/23]
View answerThe Business Users Support Scheme for Kerosene was launched on the 6th September and will remain open for applications until the 31st October. This Scheme was developed on foot of feedback from businesses who felt it was necessary.
The application process is straightforward and takes around half an hour to complete. Full details of how to apply are available online at bussk.ie. The scheme provides a once off grant to reimburse businesses that use kerosene for heating purposes for half of the increased costs that they experienced during the period from 1st March to 31st December 2022, when prices increased significantly.
As of the 9th October, 2 businesses from Roscommon and 8 businesses from Galway have made applications to the scheme. I strongly encourage all eligible businesses to apply for payments from this scheme before the 31st October deadline.
