Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a timeline on the delivery of an advanced building solution in Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43519/23]
View answerIDA 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.
A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be a key differentiator in winning FDI projects, as evidenced by the record regional results achieved under IDA’s 2015-2019 strategy and its current strategy - Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, 2021-2024.
The provision of property solutions is a key element in IDA’s marketing of Mayo and the West Region. In that regard, IDA, as part of the Regional Property Programme, has delivered an Advanced Technology Building to Castlebar which has been occupied by Meissner Filtration Products who announced 150 jobs in 2019.
IDA Ireland has committed to build a second Advance Technology Building in Castlebar to support the winning of new investment. While an extensive site selection process for the new building is underway, the acquisition of appropriate lands has proven challenging in this location. Nonetheless, the IDA continues to explore all possible options to identify and secure suitable lands aligned with investor needs, although the site selection process is commercially sensitive until a land acquisition has been completed.
On conclusion of site selection, the design and planning phases will commence. The specific dates for commencement of construction are wholly dependent on and subject to the successful outcome of these processes. IDA will use its best endeavours to deliver the building in a timely manner. IDA Ireland has had regular engagement with Mayo County Council on its plans.
42. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has plans to address the challenges to Irish competitiveness outlined by the National Competitiveness Council. [44199/23]
View answerI welcome the recent publication of Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2023 by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council. The Council continues to focus on key competitiveness and productivity issues facing the Irish economy and the report makes recommendations on policy actions required to enhance Ireland’s competitiveness position.
The report acknowledges Ireland’s strong competitiveness position while emphasising that there should be no complacency in taking for granted the underpinnings of our success, and in addressing our weaknesses. As a small, open economy being competitive internationally is critical to the continued success of the Irish economy.
This year’s Competitiveness Challenge report makes 19 policy recommendations to Government centred around the areas of infrastructure delivery, energy generation and consumption, as well as improved performance on research, development, and innovation.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has lead responsibility for four of the Council’s recommendations. The Department of the Taoiseach is currently preparing a formal whole of Government response to the recommendations proposed by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, and it is expected that this will be published in the coming weeks. Plans to address the recommendations will be set out in the Government’s response.
43. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps his Department is taking to ensure that SMEs can continue to grow and create jobs in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43844/23]
View answerSmall and Medium Enterprises are vital to the local economies in our regions, towns and villages.
Recognising this and to ensure that our priorities of digitalisation and decarbonisation can continue to be addressed, the Local Enterprise Offices have been allocated an additional €9m in capital funding under Budget 2024. This represents a significant increase on the funding and reflects the ambition this government has for the Local Enterprise Offices to help businesses across the country.
This investment coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of the Local Enterprise Offices and will allow each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices to continue assisting new and existing small businesses to Start and Grow, providing new employment opportunities to communities throughout Ireland.
The expansion of the LEOs remit this year, allowing for the provision of grant assistance to businesses employing up to 50 employees with a clear export plan, is crucial to bridging the perceived gap in supports for businesses to grow and reach their potential and the LEOs will receive similar investment for this in 2024.
In line with commitments made through the White Paper on Enterprise, the expanded LEOs remit has seen an increase in engagement with the locally trading sectors, providing mentoring, training and development supports to locally trading businesses, while encouraging these businesses to consider developing their export potential.
Enterprise Ireland provides SMEs with access to financial resources through grants, equity investments, and other financial instruments, enabling them to invest in job creation, scale their output, and focus on innovation, research, and development. These funds enhance competitiveness and product development, ultimately driving growth.
Supporting Irish-owned companies to achieve greater scale, digitalise, decarbonise and expand their global footprint is a priority for Government and the additional €8m allocated to Enterprise Ireland green and digital schemes in Budget 2024, shows our commitment to supporting Irish companies on their journey to become global leaders in their field, ensuring they continue creating and sustaining jobs, providing a platform for strong economic growth into the future.
To further improve our assistance for businesses, as part of Budget 2024, the Government 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, including SMEs, can call it for direct help in navigating the comprehensive suite of supports that are being offered to business throughout Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland has, in its 2022 – 2024 strategy, committed to working with the LEOs, to deliver an integrated advisory and funding system to drive success for new exporters, and provide a clear pathway for progression from the LEOs to Enterprise Ireland for small companies with the potential to export.
44. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what action he is taking assist SMEs with the cost of doing business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44198/23]
View answer58. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has analysed the main sources of pressure on business costs at present; and how he believes these might best be addressed. [44200/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 58 together.
This has been a challenging year for firms as they grapple with the effects of global inflationary pressures and supply chain disruption. As a small, open trading economy Ireland is exposed to global inflationary pressures, including fluctuations on international markets for energy, commodities and food. Ireland is effectively a price taker on most international markets, and many of the drivers of Irish inflation are outside our control. Our remote geographic location can also add to transport costs for goods, which along with our small market size, can add to costs for businesses.
As a result of these inflationary pressures, input costs have gone up for many businesses. However, wholesale price inflation has levelled off across a number of areas in recent months. Irish wholesale electricity prices were 72.5% lower in August 2023 than in August 2022, and while wholesale prices for construction products rose by 2.1% in the year, overall, manufacturing producer prices were 0.3% lower in August 2023 than August 2022.
Although the Government cannot fully insulate individuals and businesses from developments in international markets that are outside of our control, we have been proactive in putting in place measures to remedy the fallout from higher rates of inflation. The Government is committed to supporting enterprise and Budget 2024 continues this approach. Among the measures included, are:
• The 9% VAT reduction for gas and electricity is being extended for an additional 12 months, until 31st October 2024;
• The temporary excise rate reductions applying to auto diesel, petrol and marked gas oil which were due to expire on 31st October 2023 are being extended until 31st March 2024;
• An increase in the limit on the amount that an investor can claim relief on under the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme, to €500,000;
• An increase in VAT registration thresholds for SMEs to €40,000 for services and €80,000 for goods;
• Reduced Capital Gains Tax rate of 16% for Angel Investors in innovative SMEs, on gains of up to €3 million;
• An increase in the R&D tax credit from 25% to 30%, as well as increasing the first-year upfront payment from €25,000 to €50,000, which will be of particular benefit to SMEs;
• The commencement of a range of amendments to the Key Employee Engagement Programme for the attraction and retention of staff;
• Introduction of the Increased Cost of Business Scheme, which will provide a once-off grant to benefit up to 130,000 small and medium businesses at a cost of €250 million.
In September, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council published its annual ‘Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge’ report. This report includes recommendations for Government relating to the cost of doing business. The Government will consider and respond to these recommendations in due course.
45. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he can provide an update on efforts that his Department, in conjunction with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Clare County Council are undertaking to secure new enterprise for the former Roche site in Clarecastle, County Clare. [44148/23]
View answerIDA Ireland has been working closely with Roche since their decision to close the Clarecastle facility in 2015. IDA Ireland had actively marketed the site through its extensive overseas network to both existing and new investors as a going concern which unfortunately yielded no offers.
On 26th July 2023 Roche held an event attended by stakeholders, including IDA and Enterprise Ireland, where Roche senior management presented a letter to Clare County Council offering the Council "he benefit of a right of first refusal in respect of the Roche site in Clarecastle after the remediation works are complete".
Roche is now focusing on remediation and decommissioning of the site and has commenced a programme of works in this regard. The company has developed digital content of their plans which can be shared with potential investors. They will be seeking mixed industrial use projects from start-up to scaling/FDI clients to fill the facility once the remediation is complete.
Clare County Council are working with Roche to develop a master plan for the site in Clarecastle. The Roche site is identified as a key strategic site in the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy.
IDA Ireland’s Regional Development, Property, BioPharma and Overseas teams remain engaged with Roche. While the site is not in IDA Ireland ownership, IDA Ireland continues to proactively market the site as if it were contained in the IDA Ireland property portfolio.
Enterprise Ireland will also work with Clare County Council and the Project Manager once they have a value proposition for interested clients.
46. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on his recent participation in the inaugural meeting of the Responsible Business Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44176/23]
View answerThe first meeting of the newly established Responsible Business Forum took place on Wednesday 27th September. This Forum is chaired by my colleague Minister Dara Calleary, with participation from various business representative bodies across different sectors.
The aim of the Forum is to provide a platform to discuss responsible business initiatives that are within the remit of my Department. These initiatives are already in place or are being developed at national and EU level which will impact how businesses operate when they fall within scope. Some of the initiatives include the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, the Proposal for an EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence; and the Proposals for Regulations on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products, on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition, and the Proposal for a Regulation to Prohibit Products Made with Forced Labour.
The Forum allows for information sharing by capturing the views, concerns, and suggestions of the enterprise sector, as appropriate. The Forum will also help to facilitate consistent and coherent messaging from my Department, and to provide practical advice which will be critically important for businesses. Those businesses that adopt early the responsible practices contained in the initiatives, have a real opportunity to gain a competitive edge.
Meetings of the forum are conducted under Chatham House Rule but, to ensure transparency, the terms of reference for the forum, which includes the membership, will be uploaded to the Department’s website, along with minutes of the meetings, once agreed.
47. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will detail how he intends to improve employment prospects for the area of mid-Louth, considering the high number of commuters in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44296/23]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Office in Louth contributes to several economic development projects within the county including Drogheda Digital Innovation Hub, which was approved €587,747 grant support under the Border Enterprise Development Fund to encourage high-potential future oriented tech projects seeking to start and grow and the M1 Corridor marketing initiative which promotes the region for investment and attracts employers to the entire county.
LEO Louth holds a seat on the board of the Ardee Community Development Company which manages the Ardee Business Park & Training Centre and continues to support Ardee Business Park to provide suitable services to businesses wishing to set-up or grow in the Mid-Louth area.
LEO Louth’s programmes are available to businesses and entrepreneurs in the county to help them grow and develop export potential.
Enterprise Ireland’s strategy, working with local stakeholders, encompasses initiatives aimed at promoting economic development and job creation in the region including:
• Supporting local startups and SMEs and facilitating business Incubation and acceleration
• Establishing research and innovation centres
• Promoting remote work
The FDI performance in the Mid-East Region has also been strong over the past five years and County Louth is home to 36 IDA client companies directly employing 4,485 people.
IDA has acquired two landbanks in Co Louth, situated in Drogheda and in Dundalk and they form part of its strategic plan to position Louth and the wider region to compete for FDI investment. IDA recently delivered an Advanced Office Solution on IDA’s Finnabair Business Park and an Advanced Business Solution building at IDA’s Mullaharlin Science & Technology Park in Dundalk. It also plans to commence the delivery of an Advanced Building Solution in Drogheda as part of the current strategy 2021-2024.
49. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 11 May 2023, for an update on the implementation of the white paper on enterprise; the details of the first update report, which was scheduled for Q3 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44207/23]
View answerThe White Paper on Enterprise was published in December 2022 and sets out the Government’s approach to enterprise policy for the period to 2030. The vision set out in the White Paper is for Irish-based enterprise to succeed through competitive advantage founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity, delivering rewarding jobs and livelihoods.
My Department is responsible for the development of consecutive two-year Implementation Plans of cross-government activity to implement the policy direction set out in the White Paper.
In May of this year, I published the first of these Implementation Plans, covering the period 2023-24. This first implementation plan identified a portfolio of 40 key initiatives across all seven policy priorities detailed in the White Paper on Enterprise. These 40 initiatives, while not exhaustive, reflect the range and depth of activities planned and underway in my Department, our enterprise agencies, and across Government.
Progress on the Implementation Plan will be reported on every six months to the Cabinet Committee on Economy and Investment, through a series of update reports.
The first Update Report was developed over the course of Q3 2023 and will be published in the coming weeks. The report details the progress made during Q1 and Q2 2023 on the 40 key initiatives that were identified and agreed as part of the 2023-2024 Implementation Plan.
This Update Report gives an overview of the range and depth of activity completed and underway to realise the objectives of the White Paper on Enterprise . These activities are largely driven by the Department and its enterprise agencies, with other relevant Government Departments and public bodies also responsible for a number of key deliverables.
50. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta an bhfuil aon dul chun cinn déanta maidir le comhráite idir a Roinn agus an feachtas ar son pacáistiú dátheangach sna siopaí; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44318/23]
View answerDe ghnáth is faoi shainchúram na Roinne Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán a thagann an fhreagracht as pacáistiú dátheangach.
Tá tiomantas i Straitéis 20 bliain an Rialtais don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 scrúdú a dhéanamh ar an bhféidearthacht cód deonach a thabhairt isteach maidir le lipéadú agus pacáistiú dátheangach na n-earraí go léir a dhíoltar in Éirinn, mar bhealach chun forbairt a dhéanamh ar an raon réimsí atá ar fáil chun go bhféadfaidh daoine an Ghaeilge a roghnú mar theanga malairte.
Tá beart leagtha síos sa Straitéis seo go ndéanfaidh Foras na Gaeilge, trína chlár ‘Gnó Means Business’, raon leathan tionscnamh a sheachadadh chun tacú le húsáid na Gaeilge sa saol gnó agus eacnamaíoch. Tá dhá leabhrán foilsithe ag Foras na Gaeilge a thugann treoir phraiticiúil don earnáil ghnó ar úsáid an dátheangachais: ‘Comharthaíocht Dhátheangach’ agus ‘Pacáistiú Dátheangach’.
Ba cheart ceisteanna breise maidir leis an straitéis ghinearálta faoi chur chun cinn na teanga agus faoin cód deonach a dhíriú ar an Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán.
51. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on job creation in counties Roscommon and Galway from January 2023 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44345/23]
View answerEnterprise Ireland collects employment data from its clients on an annual basis through its Annual Employment Survey, which is carried out over October/November. Therefore it is not possible to give employment updates on a monthly or quarterly basis. The table below provides the most recent employment performance for the relevant counties for 2022:
|
- |
Net Job Gains 2021* |
Total Jobs 2021* |
Net Job Gains 2022 |
Total Jobs 2022 |
|
Galway |
714 |
8,122 |
637 |
8,651 |
|
Roscommon |
102 |
1,684 |
60 |
1,619 |
|
Total |
816 |
9806 |
697 |
10,270 |
* In 2021 a revision of the population of companies included in the Annual Employment Survey was undertaken, as a result, the changes to the baseline survey population reduced the total employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies.
In January 2024 Enterprise Ireland will publish its’ latest employment survey results and this data will outline jobs created in 2023 and total employment per county for the year ended 2023. This region has had some significant job announcements this year. As recently as last week, 97 new jobs were announced by Enterprise Ireland client companies Nostra and Titan HQ.
In terms of overall employment in the region, the Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of total employment in the State. Regional estimates of employment are produced by the NUTS 3 level. The NUTS3 West region includes counties Galway and Roscommon as well as Mayo. The latest figures published in August for the Labour Force Survey indicate there were 251,200 persons aged 15-89 employed in the West region and there was an increase of 14,100 persons or 5.6% when comparing 2023 figures to 2022.
52. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the status of the living wage; the expected year at which the minimum wage will reach a living wage as based on current Government projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44310/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in 2021 the Government asked the Low Pay Commission to examine and provide recommendations on the introduction of a living wage. The Low Pay Commission’s recommendations were received last year and in November, Government agreed that a national living wage would be introduced and set at 60% of hourly median wages in line with the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission. It will be in place by 2026, at which point it will replace the National Minimum Wage.
The first step towards reaching a living wage was the 80 cent increase to the National Minimum Wage from 1 January 2023 to €11.30 per hour. This will now be followed with the €1.40 increase to the National Minimum Wage which was announced as part of the Budget earlier this week. This significant increase will come into force on 1 January 2024 and will increase the minimum wage to €12.70 per hour.
The Low Pay Commission has estimated that the minimum wage in 2022 was 50.9% of the median hourly wage, increasing to 51.8% in 2023.
The Commission estimates that the €1.40 increase in the 2024 National Minimum Wage announced earlier this week will bring the minimum wage to 55.1% of median hourly wages.
The Low Pay Commission will continue to make annual recommendations on the appropriate rate of the National Minimum Wage, and the increases required so that by 2026 the minimum wage will reach the target of 60% of hourly median wages.
The increase in the 2024 National Minimum Wage of €1.40, or 12.4%, is very significant. Coupled with the changes in income tax and the Universal Social Charge announced in Budget 2024, it shows the Government’s commitment to protecting and improving the incomes of low-paid workers.
Once the 60% threshold is reached, the Low Pay Commission will assess the impact of the progression to the 60% target and then advise on the practicalities of gradually increasing the targeted threshold rate towards 66% of the hourly median wage.
53. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the National Digital Strategy. [44201/23]
View answerOur national digital strategy, Harnessing Digital, was published in February 2022 and reflects Ireland’s ambition to remain a digital leader at the heart of European and global digital developments. Our National Digital Strategy sets out a roadmap to drive and enable the digital transition across Enterprise; Infrastructure; Skills; and Public Services, in line with the EU’s Digital Decade. It includes targets and related workstreams and deliverables across each dimension, and it complements work towards achieving Ireland’s climate objectives.
The general objectives of the strategy are monitored and assessed at national level. As it is a strategy involving a large number of Government Departments, implementation of it is driven via cross-government coordination structures, reporting to the Cabinet Committee on the Economy and Investment via a Senior Officials Group on Digital Issues. A first Progress Report on the Framework was published in December 2022.
The National Digital Roadmap forms part of the National Digital Strategy and includes targets and related workstreams and deliverables across each dimension to progress the digitalisation of our enterprise base, and public services, supported and enabled by digital infrastructure and digital skills. Our Roadmap was sent to the Commission earlier this week.
We remain mindful of Ireland’s important role in enforcing digital regulation, and Harnessing Digital re-enforces our commitment to a modern, cohesive, well-resourced regulatory framework to effectively oversee and enforce digital regulations.
Recent progress in this regard includes the Government’s decision to designate the new Coimisiún na Meán as Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, under the Digital Services Act, and the recent appointment of a Digital Services Commissioner. The Digital Services Bill, which will give effect to that decision, is being advanced and work is ongoing to ensure our Digital Services Coordinator is in place, and operating effectively as quickly as possible.
Stakeholder engagement informed the development of the Strategy and remains a key element in driving its delivery. This includes regular engagement between the Senior Officials Group on Digital Issues and the Digital Regulators Group, and with industry stakeholders.
Sectoral strategies have been developed to align with Harnessing Digital, and have similarly involved stakeholder consultation and engagement. This includes the recent National Connectivity Strategy; a Mid-Term Review of our National Cyber Security Strategy; a new Digital Inclusion Roadmap – Digital for Good; a National AI Strategy, AI – Here for Good; Connecting Government 2030: A Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland’s Public Service; a Digital Strategy for Schools; and Adult Literacy for Life Strategy.
In this context, the European Commission recently published the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) for 2023, which showed continued progress across our digital agenda, building on and reflecting the significant progress achieved to date under Harnessing Digital.
While acknowledging our positive performance as a digital leader in Europe, including in the 2023 DESI results, the Government remains focused on continuing to drive further progress across all aspects of our digital agenda, to ensure we deliver on both our national, and EU-level targets, under the Digital Decade 2030 programme.
54. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the establishment of the artificial intelligence advisory council; the level of expression of interest to date; and if the council will contain worker representatives from the trade union movement. [44312/23]
View answerTo support the implementation of the National AI Strategy, I have proposed the creation of an AI Advisory Council.
The Council’s role will be to provide independent expert advice to Government on artificial intelligence policy, with a specific focus on building public trust and promoting the development of trustworthy, person-centred AI.
Its first role will be providing expert guidance, insights, and recommendations in response to specific requests from government. Its second role will be developing and delivering its own workplan of advice to government on issues in artificial intelligence policy, providing insights on trends, opportunities, and challenges. Its third role will be engaging in public communications aimed at demystifying and promoting trustworthy, ethical and person-centred AI.
The AI Advisory Council will be a mechanism for expert advice and not a consultative or a representative forum. Therefore, its members will represent themselves as individuals with relevant experience and expertise and not their employers or organisations of which they may be members. Experience and expertise from the perspective of workers is one of the elements that I will ensure is reflected. Several hundred expressions of interest have been received, which is a testament to the level of expertise in this overall area Ireland enjoys.
The establishment of this Council will further support the implementation of our National AI Strategy, “AI – Here for Good.” I published a progress report on this on 9 August 2023. It 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.
55. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the IDA advanced building solution to be provided on the purchased IDA land bank in Mell north Drogheda; the expected timelines on the delivery of the ABS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44295/23]
View answerIDA’s regional property programme ensures the continued supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. The timely provision of appropriate, cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of Multi-National Companies (MNCs) remains essential to winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Accordingly, the provision of property solutions is a key element in IDA’s marketing of Louth and the Mid-East Region.
Regional development is a key plank of IDA Ireland's current strategy “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024”. Under this Strategy, the IDA is targeting half of all investments to regional locations which aligns with the objectives of the Programme for Government. IDA Ireland holds a circa 19-hectare landbank at the Mell in Drogheda, Co Louth. This landbank forms part of IDA’s long term strategic plans to position Drogheda and the wider Mid-East region to compete for FDI investment.
IDA is committed to building an Advanced Building Solution (ABS) on the new lands. In this regard, I am advised that IDA Ireland has now formally lodged its planning application for its proposed ABS at Mell Drogheda. Subject to planning being granted, it is IDAs intention to then progress the process of identifying a suitable contractor in line with public procurement procedures to deliver the ABS.
Over the last five years, IDA’s Regional Property Programme enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations. IDA will continue to work with commercial property developers and Local Authorities to market other property solutions across all regions.
56. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, as reported in May 2023 (details supplied), he plans to further examine if new reporting mechanisms are required for companies such as supermarket chains that would oblige them to provide details on their margins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44372/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, Neale Richmond T.D., Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail held a special meeting with retail and grocery representatives in May to get a better understanding of price levels as they relate to inflation.
At that meeting, and in subsequent engagements with the sector, Minister Richmond was assured that they will continue to pass the impact of any reductions in input costs on product prices to their customers. The sector advised him that they have reduced the cost of quite a number of products and they will continue to monitor this.
I met with the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission (CCPC) also in May to discuss the ongoing issue of food prices and the costs incurred by consumers on that front and following the meeting requested them to provide their views on the grocery retail market.
I published the CCPC subsequent report, A High-level Analysis of the Irish Grocery Retail Sector on the 20 June 2023. I had a very comprehensive overview from the CCPC. Their analysis showed no indication to suggest market failure or “excessive pricing” and that they would continue to engage with the grocery sector. The CCPC have committed to undertaking further sectoral analysis of competition across sectors.
I have no plans to introduce new reporting mechanisms for the sector.
57. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the work to incorporate into legislation the recommendations on collective bargaining made by the high-level group on collective bargaining and industrial relations; if he will provide a timeline as to when the matter will be legislated for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44308/23]
View answerA LEEF Subgroup has been established, under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Employment, Retail and Retail, to discuss in detail the recommendations contained in the LEEF Final Report on Collective Bargaining. This Group met at the end of June, and another meeting is being scheduled for the coming weeks. ICTU and Ibec are represented on the Group.
In September, ahead of the last full LEEF Meeting, ICTU circulated a paper with their views on how the recommendations can be brought forward. The paper is a useful contribution to our ongoing consideration of the issues and will inform the discussions at the next working group meeting.
We agree with ICTU that both legislative and administrative measures need to be fully considered to give effect to the recommendations. In some cases, the legal proposals pose complicated legal and constitutional issues that will require considerable analysis. Department officials are engaged with the AGO’s office to discuss these and to try to find the best ways forward to address them.
As stated previously, these proposals for implementation will be considered by the Government by the end of the year.
59. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans for regulation of technology in business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44168/23]
View answerTechnologies and their uses are evolving rapidly, presenting a global challenge to create regulatory frameworks that are adaptable and flexible enough to accommodate future developments.
Within my Department, we are actively engaged in digital regulation negotiations at the EU level. We emphasise the necessity of striking a delicate balance in Europe between implementing measures essential for securing the digital economy while fostering innovation and growth without hindrance. Additionally, we advocate strongly for upholding the country-of-origin principle.
Specifically, my Department is currently leading on several recent and forthcoming digital regulations.
We are tasked with implementing the EU Digital Services Act into Irish law, a regulation that officially became part of EU law in November 2022 and which is set to be fully enforced in Member States from 17 February 2024. This regulation mandates due diligence obligations on online intermediary service providers to enhance consumer protection and safeguard fundamental rights online. It establishes robust transparency and clear accountability frameworks for online platforms while promoting innovation, growth, and competitiveness within the single market.
My Department officials are currently collaborating with the Office of the Parliamentary Council to draft the Digital Services Bill which will give effect to the Digital Services Act in national law, including designating Coimisiún na Meán as the lead competent authority, known as the Digital Services Coordinator.
Furthermore, officials in my Department are actively identifying provisions within the EU's Digital Markets Act that necessitate national implementing measures. The Digital Markets Act aims to ensure fair online behaviour of large online platforms acting as "gatekeepers" in digital markets. These gatekeepers must comply with the DMA by March 2024 at the latest.
My Department holds the responsibility for EU-level negotiations on the proposed Artificial Intelligence Act and Data Act. Officials are conducting Regulatory Impact Assessments to devise implementation and enforcement frameworks for these Acts, ensuring coherent and effective regulation, with functions being assigned to the appropriate bodies. The Spanish Presidency has highlighted these files as a priority. We expect the AI Act to be agreed by late 2023 or early 2024.
Moreover, my Department is concurrently involved in negotiations of the Council of Europe of Legal Convention on AI, with the negotiations of the AI Liability Directive to recommence shortly, to ensure consistency and legal certainty for businesses and consumers in this rapidly evolving sector.
My Department plays a key role in the Senior Officials Group for Digital Issues (SOG Digital) and also chairs a weekly interdepartmental meeting on digital files. These initiatives allow for the detection of cross-overs and synergies across the complex suite of new digital regulations.
Maintaining a strong focus on adequately resourcing and fostering connectivity within Ireland's regulatory framework remains a key priority for my Department. This dedication is aimed at guaranteeing a seamless and effective digital regulatory environment for businesses.
60. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on progress being made to acquire an IDA Ireland purpose-built facility in Longford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44195/23]
View answerBalanced regional enterprise development continues to be a key policy of mine 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 West Regional Enterprise Plan covers Galway, Mayo and Roscommon and was launched in Castlebar on 4 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.
Minister Calleary attended the most recent meeting of the West REP Steering Committee on 20 June in the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry and I believe good progress is being made in delivering on the strategic objectives of the Plan.
With regard to the BIA Innovator Campus, the Inaugural Irish Drink Summit, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine was held there in September.
Furthermore, partnering with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Galway and Leitrim County Councils, BIA is also leading out on a Shared Island AgriFood Infrastructure Enabling Growth project. Recently BIA welcomed over 40 Shared Island delegates to the campus over two days for an immersion and co-creation event.
BIA is also the facilitator of the AgTech Centre for Innovation, a priority project within the West’s Regional Enterprise Plan, designed to build regional capacity to enable agri-innovators to become more productive, sustainable and enterprising. Funding for this project was granted under the Regional Enterprise Innovation Scoping Scheme.
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 West 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 support for 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 next event will focus on the West region and takes place tomorrow in Ballina and I hope to see the Deputy there.
I believe the conferences demonstrate the firm commitment of this Government to balanced regional enterprise development for all regions of Ireland, including the West.
