Written Answers Nos. 182-209
182. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the total projected capital spend in 2023 broken down by core and non-core and what it represents as a percentage share of GNI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45295/23]
View answer183. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the total projected capital spend in 2024 broken down, by core and non-core, and what it represents as a percentage share of GNI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45296/23]
View answer184. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the total projected capital spend in 2025, and what it is projected to represent as a percentage share of GNI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45297/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 182, 183 and 184 together.
As Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments. Over the lifetime of this NDP out to 2030, the government is investing €165 billion in new and upgraded infrastructure that will meet the needs of our growing population. This year alone over €12 billion will be invested from the Exchequer in vital infrastructure projects. The NDP includes agreed Exchequer allocations for each Department for a five year period (2021 to 2025) and the overall capital expenditure ceilings out to 2030.
The following table sets out total allocated capital expenditure as a percentage of GNI* for the period 2023 – 2025. Total allocated capital expenditure is as set out in the National Development Plan 2021-30. Additional capital expenditure of €0.25 billion is also included for 2024 along with an additional €0.75 billion in 2025 from windfall exchequer receipts, to be allocated to critical infrastructure projects that are at an advanced stage.
As the Deputy will note our NDP investment is well above the recent EU average of 3% of national income. This represents a solid pipeline of activity that will have a transformative impact on employment opportunities, economic development and regional growth to support our growing population through the provision of new homes, schools, roads and hospitals.
|
Year |
Total Capital €,m |
Of which Core €,m |
Of which non-Core €,m |
Capital as % of GNI* |
|
2023 |
12,100 |
11,566 |
534 |
4.1% |
|
2024 |
13,103 |
12,560 |
543 |
4.3% |
|
2025 |
14,352 |
13,442 |
910 |
4.5% |
185. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 269 of 3 October 2023, if he will provide detail on the nature of the data breaches suffered by his Department; the severity of the breaches; if all individuals whose information was compromised were notified of the breach; if the Data Protection Commission was notified of all data breaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45341/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to him in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 51(1)(b).
186. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the amount collected in entrance fees for national monuments by the Office of Public Works in 2022 and to date in 2023. [45365/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works conserves and presents over 780 National Monuments and 32 National Historic properties at locations nationwide.
75 of these heritage properties offer visitor services which include guided tours. An admission fee is collected at approximately 40 of these properties nationwide. This includes major, internationally significant heritage attractions such as Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, Newgrange - Brú na Boinne, Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel.
A total figure is provided below in relation to the annual income generated from admission fees to all OPW-managed heritage properties for the years 2022 and 2023 to date.
|
Total 2022 |
7,725,646.98 |
|
Total 2023 to date |
8,276,829.87 |
187. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 05 October 2023, while it is heartening to read about the supports available to companies across the country and across County Tipperary if he will commit to utilising all available State agencies and exerting every possible effort to support the community of Carrick-on-Suir; specifically, if he, his Department and State agencies actively seek an alternative company to take over a factory (details supplied) and address the loss of approximately 50 jobs in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44631/23]
View answerMy Government, through Enterprise Ireland, typically support employment in regions such as Tipperary through a range of programmes aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, business development, and job creation.
Almost 70% of new jobs growth occurred outside of Dublin, the positive job creation results are a testament to the talent, resilience and innovation of businesses operating in Ireland today. In conjunction with the dedicated and determined Enterprise Ireland team, they have tackled head on the impact of global economic challenges to support and grow employment opportunities throughout the country. The strong regional performance evident in these results is very welcome.
Over 200,000 people now work in Enterprise Ireland client companies. That’s almost as many people working for multi-nationals. It’s great to see Irish exporting companies performing so strongly last year notwithstanding the disruption to trade caused by Brexit, the pandemic, and latterly the war in Ukraine.
The EI Mid West Regional team at Enterprise Ireland are consistent in dealing with prospective SME clients of Enterprise Ireland on a one to one and ongoing basis in Co Tipperary. The team represent EI on the Tipperary LEO Evaluation panel and New Frontiers review boards in TUS Mid West as well as reaching out to many representative opportunities such as the Tipperary Economic Forum and online events to attract start ups and SMEs to County Tipperary.
On 22 March 2023, SEPAM, a family-owned Engineering and Construction company, announced 100+ jobs for its head office in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. The new jobs will include design engineering, commercial and administration; recruitment for which has already commenced. This planned expansion is very important for the long-term growth and continued development of the company in existing industry sectors and in the new emerging Energy Transition market.
Enterprise Ireland have supported Questum in Clonmel under the community enterprise scheme to date. Questum is the newest of the TUS Limerick enterprise centres and comprises of nearly 2,000sqm of office and lab space. This facility is at capacity to date and is home to many Enterprise Ireland clients such as Shorla Pharma, Theradep and Skanstec. The resident-client companies’ employee 35 people, with a subseqeunt positive multiplier effect into the local and regional economy. QUESTUM is also home to BuzzQuarter, a pilot project aimed at startup digital creatives, who will be supported in their journey to setup and establish a digital company.
The EI Mid West team are currently working with Regional Enterprise Development funded projects in County Tipperary as follows;
The Irish Bioeconomy Foundation’s (IBF) facility at the National Bioeconomy Campus in Lisheen, Co. Tipperary is currently developing of a state-of-the-art National Bioeconomy Innovation & Piloting Facility encompassing flexible, modular, pilot-scale multi-purpose chemical & biological infrastructure. This project is now close to delivery stage for Tipperary.
188. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the Code of Practice on the right to request remote work will be in place; if it will be in place before the end of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44635/23]
View answer206. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will seek and provide an update from the WRC as to the expected timeline on production of a code of practice on the “Right to Request Remote Working”, for which public consultation closed in early June 2023; when legislation will be progressed following the production of the code of practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45226/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 206 together.
The 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 51 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 meeting, attended by representatives from ICTU and Ibec, took place on 5th October. 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 a robust Code of Practice published as soon as possible.
The legislation will come into force as soon as practicable following the completion of this Code.
189. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated full year cost to double the number of Workplace Relations Commission inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44679/23]
View answerThe WRC Inspectorate is staffed by civil servants of my Department. WRC inspectors are ranked at Executive Officer (EO) Inspector and Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Inspector Team Manager (ITM) levels.
Additional funding of €1.7million has been allocated to the WRC in Budget 2024, bringing the WRC’s total allocation next year to just over €18.5 million. The additional funding in 2024, includes provision for additional WRC inspectors.
The WRC currently has sanction for 70 Inspectors, (61 EO and 9 HEO ITM). Teams are located regionally in five locations, Carlow, Dublin, Sligo, Cork, and Ennis. Regional teams are supervised by 3 Assistant Principal (AP) Regional Managers and 1 Chief Labour Inspector. The inspectorate also has a Solicitor/Assistant Principal. The Inspectorate is part of the Information, Inspection and Enforcement Division of the WRC.
The yearly cost of recruiting an executive officer inspector for the WRC would be approximately €69,827 PPC. This is based on the calculation of staff costs as set out in the Public Spending Code. The code sets out that the cost should be based on the midpoint of the salary scale and include employer’s salary related PRSI, imputed pension costs and overheads e.g., ICT equipment, legal costs, travel and subsistence.
WRC inspectors also qualify for an allowance of €9,455 PPC, bringing the cost of recruiting one EO inspector to approximately €79,282 per annum. Estimate cost of 61 additional EO inspectors is €4,836,202.
The yearly cost of recruiting a HEO/ITM for the WRC would be approximately €94,612 PPC. This is based on the calculation of staff costs as set out in the Public Spending Code. The code sets out that the cost should be based on the midpoint of the salary scale and include employer’s salary related PRSI, imputed pension costs and overheads e.g., ICT equipment, legal costs, travel and subsistence.
WRC HEO/ITM inspectors also qualify for an allowance of €9,455 PPC, bringing the cost of recruiting one HEO/ITM inspector to approximately €104,067 per annum. The estimate cost of 9 additional HEO ITM inspectors is €936,603.
Using the Public Spending Code calculation, the estimate cost of 1 AP Regional Manager is €130,380 per annum. The estimate cost of 3 additional AP Regional Managers is €391,140.
Total estimate cost of doubling the current cadre of WRC inspectors is approximately €6,163,945.
190. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied that a company (details supplied) sufficiently handled the consultation process for upcoming redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44734/23]
View answerFirstly, my thoughts are with all employees facing job losses and I fully appreciate how difficult this situation can be for both them and their families.
Ireland has a robust suite of employment rights legislation to protect and support workers in collective redundancy situations. The Protection of Employment Act 1977 imposes certain legal obligations on employers proposing collective redundancies. These obligations include engaging in an information and consultation process of at least 30 days with employees’ representatives, and to notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment of the proposals at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes place. A collective redundancy notification was received from the company on 17 August 2023.
The consultation with employees’ representatives should include the possibility of avoiding the proposed redundancies, reducing the number of employees effected or mitigating their consequences.
While I strongly encourage parties to engage in consultation in a constructive manner with a view to finding a mutually acceptable solution, this is not a matter in which I can intervene. It is important that the autonomy of both employees, employers and their representatives in the matter of resolving differences is respected by the State.
It is the employer’s legal responsibility to comply with their obligations under the Protection of Employment Act 1977. Employers who fail to comply are guilty of an offence and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is the statutory agency responsible for bringing such prosecutions.
Employees also have the right to refer complaints to the WRC on a wide range of employment law breaches for an adjudication and redress where appropriate, including the right to refer a complaint should an employer fail to consult or provide certain information to employees’ representatives during a collective redundancy process. The WRC is independent in the performance of its functions and it is important that I respect that independence.
191. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when upholstery and furniture making was removed from the general employment permit lists; the reason for its removal at that time; if he is aware of labour constraints in the sector; if there are any plans to reintroduce this to the general list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44768/23]
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. This objective must be balanced by the need to ensure no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals are available to undertake the work and that the shortage is genuine one.
The system is, by design, vacancy led and managed through the operation of the occupation lists: the critical skills list in respect of highly skill professional roles that are in critical shortage in the labour market and the ineligible occupations lists for which a source of labour should be available from within Ireland and the EEA.
The roles of upholsterer and furniture maker are on the ineligible list since the lists were compiled in conjunction with the commencement of the Employment Permits (Amendment) Act 2014.
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 occupations under review.
My Department is 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. Over 100 submissions were received covering a number of occupations in a range of sectors with one submission making reference to furniture and the woodworking profession.
A report containing recommendations for my consideration is expected in November.
192. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 204 of 26 January, 2023, 1884 , 584 and 585 of 11 September 2023, the reason data on mixed founders, a company with a mix of a male and female founders, is not readily available; if he will provide the definition used by his Department of a female founder in the tabular data provided; and if he will provide the data start-ups with female-only founder teams. [44770/23]
View answer193. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 204 of 26 January, 2023, 1884 , 584 and 585 of 11 September 2023,, in relation to venture capital funding, if he will confirm the definition of 'female decision maker', 'female founded' and 'female led' businesses; and if he will provide the data in relation to companies with female only founders in addition to companies whose founder include a female. [44771/23]
View answer194. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 204 of 26 January 2023, 1884 , 584 and 585 of 11 September 2023, the reason the details on the number of applications for all programmes is not recorded aggregated by gender as this data can provide useful insights; if the data on applicants is aggregated by gender if this information can be provided over the past five years in tabular form; and if not, the reason that is the case. [44772/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 102 to 194, inclusive, together.
The answer to this PQ is deferred to allow for clarification with agencies under the remit of the Department.
My Department will supply the information requested once it has been collated.
Questions Nos. 193 and 194 answered with Question No. 192.
195. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown and value of high potential start-up grants received by women-only founder companies, men-only founder companies, and mixed founder men-and-women companies, for the period between 2017 and 2022, in tabular form. [44773/23]
View answer196. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to Enterprise Ireland press release (details supplied) it mentions there were 10 pre-High Potential Start-Ups in 2022; and if he will clarify the funding type for these ten companies and the breakdown of women-only founder companies, men-only founder companies and mixed founder men-and-women companies [44774/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
The attached table provides a breakdown of the grants awarded by Enterprise Ireland under New Frontiers, High Potential Start Ups and the Pre-Seed Start Fund (formerly Competitive Start Fund).
In relation to the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF), this commenced in Q4 of 2022. In 2022 prior to the official launch of PSSF, 10 pre-HPSU companies were awarded an investment of a €50k Convertible Loan Note (CLN), of which 5 were female founded.
New Frontiers
|
Female |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
No of successful applicants P2 |
47 |
46 |
60 |
60 |
41 |
58 |
22 |
|
Euro Value |
705,000 |
690,000 |
900,000 |
900,000 |
615,000 |
870,000 |
330,000 |
|
No of successful applicants P3 |
n/a |
n/a |
0 |
13 |
11 |
3 |
12 |
|
Euro Value |
n/a |
n/a |
0 |
97,500 |
82,500 |
22,500 |
90,000 |
|
Male |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
No of successful applicants P2 |
122 |
126 |
108 |
99 |
117 |
98 |
33 |
|
Euro Value |
1,830,000 |
1,890,000 |
1,620,000 |
1,485,000 |
1,755,000 |
1,470,000 |
495,000 |
|
No of successful applicants P3 |
n/a |
n/a |
2 |
25 |
17 |
5 |
16 |
|
Euro Value |
n/a |
n/a |
15,000 |
187,500 |
127,500 |
37,500 |
120,000 |
|
TOTAL |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
No of successful applicants P2 |
169 |
172 |
168 |
159 |
158 |
156 |
55 |
|
Euro Value |
2,535,000 |
2,580,000 |
2,520,000 |
2,385,000 |
2,370,000 |
2,340,000 |
825,000 |
|
No of successful applicants P3 |
n/a |
n/a |
2 |
38 |
28 |
8 |
28 |
|
Euro Value |
n/a |
n/a |
15,000 |
285,000 |
210,000 |
60,000 |
210,000 |
HPSU
|
Female |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
No. of successful applicants |
25 |
18 |
19 |
19 |
24 |
34 |
|
Euro Value |
5,855,000 |
6,500,000 |
3,430,000 |
5,637,500 |
5,620,000 |
8,237,000 |
|
Male |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
No. of successful applicants |
65 |
64 |
72 |
61 |
58 |
57 |
|
Euro Value |
15,919,055 |
14,456,256 |
17,952,304 |
13,674,400 |
13,203,000 |
14,026,000 |
|
Combined |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
No. of successful applicants |
90 |
82 |
91 |
80 |
82 |
91 |
|
Euro Value |
21,774,055 |
20,956,256 |
21,382,304 |
19,311,900 |
18,823,000 |
22,263,000 |
(Women led HPSUs are defined as a HPSU where a woman holds a shareholding of 25% or greater in the company and has a strategic role with the company.)
PSSF
|
Female |
2022 |
2023 |
|
No of Applicants |
28 |
33 |
|
No. of Unique Applicants |
n/a |
31 |
|
No. of successful applicants |
15 |
8 |
|
Euro Value |
1,350,000 |
650,000 |
|
Male |
2022 |
2023 |
|
No of Applicants |
126 |
87 |
|
No. of Unique Applicants |
n/a |
75 |
|
No of successful applicants |
29 |
18 |
|
Euro Value |
2,250,000 |
1,650,000 |
|
Total |
2022 |
2023 |
|
No of Applicants |
154 |
120 |
|
No. of Unique Applicants |
n/a |
106 |
|
No. of successful applicants |
44 |
26 |
|
Euro Value |
3,600,000 |
2,300,000 |
Pre-seed
|
Female |
2022 |
|
No. of successful applicants |
5 |
|
Euro Value |
250,000 |
|
Male |
2022 |
|
No of successful applicants |
5 |
|
Euro Value |
250,000 |
|
Total |
|
|
No. of successful applicants |
10 |
|
Euro Value |
500,000 |
Competitive Start Fund (CSF)
|
Female |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
No. of CSF Calls |
8 |
9 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
|
No. of Applicants |
135 |
113 |
101 |
23 |
||
|
No. of successful applicants |
41 |
12 |
22 |
20 |
16 |
5 |
|
Euro Value |
2,050,000 |
600,000 |
1,100,000 |
1,000,000 |
800,000 |
250,000 |
|
Male |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
No. of CSF Calls |
7 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
No. of Applicants |
158 |
165 |
164 |
40 |
||
|
No. of successful applicants |
50 |
44 |
14 |
26 |
27 |
11 |
|
Euro Value |
2,500,000 |
2,200,000 |
700,000 |
1,300,000 |
1,350,000 |
550,000 |
|
Combined |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
No. of CSF Calls |
8 |
9 |
197. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a list of the venture capital funds used by Departmental agencies over the past five years, and a breakdown of the funding provided to each VC fund, in tabular form. [44775/23]
View answerThe agencies under the aegis of my Department are statutorily independent in their functions, and the details requested are an operational matter for them. However, I have referred this query to the enterprise agencies for response. IDA Ireland has replied that they do not use venture capital funds for enterprise funding. Enterprise Ireland will respond to you directly on the matter.
198. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he believes the Pre-Seed Start Fund has been an adequate replacement for the Competitive Start Fund, and if there are any plans to bring back the Competitive Start Fund. [44776/23]
View answerThe Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) has been designed to serve as a valuable and effective support mechanism for high-growth early-stage start-up firms and entrepreneurs operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It specifically aims to foster innovation and encourage the growth of innovative businesses. The PSSF offers investments in the range of €50,000 to €100,000 in the form of a convertible loan note.
Comparing the PSSF to the previous Competitive Start Fund, which provided €50,000 in exchange for 10% ordinary share capital, it's evident that the PSSF provides start-ups with greater flexibility in terms of financing, as it offers convertible loan notes rather than equity stakes. This flexibility can be advantageous to entrepreneurs who want to maintain greater ownership and control over their ventures in the early stages of development.
Furthermore, successful applicants of the Pre-Seed Start Fund not only receive financial support but also benefit from the guidance of an Enterprise Ireland Development Adviser. This adviser helps start-ups access a wide range of start-up support services, including mentoring and market research, which can be instrumental in their growth and development.
As of now, there are no plans to bring back the Competitive Start Fund. The Pre-Seed Start Fund, with its unique features, flexibility and support structure is an adequate replacement for the Competitive Start Fund in the context of supporting innovative entrepreneurs and fostering high-growth start-ups in Ireland.
199. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will urgently review the work permit situation for the meat production industry; if he is aware of the chronic workforce shortage which currently exists within this industry and the recruitment restrictions which currently exist; and if he will commit to increasing the meat producer general operative permit quota. [44891/23]
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. In framing policy, consideration is given to other instruments that are also available in meeting skills shortages challenges, such as upskilling and activating the unemployed.
My Department works with other Government departments to promote an integrated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages in the longer term. However, the Department also actively responds to concerns raised by various sectors about more immediate skills and labour supply shortages, highlighted through a number of amendments to the Employment Permits Regulations over recent years, whereby sectors most impacted by shortages were provided with access to employment permits, including the agri-food sector.
In October 2021, following a comprehensive review of the employment permit occupation lists and in light of the continued labour shortages in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector, previous quotas were extended to release an additional 1500 general employment permits for meat processing operatives along with 500 for meat deboners.
The role of Meat Processor Operative was also provided with a further additional quota of 425 General Employment Permits in June last year. All quotas for meat processing operatives have now been filled.
This and other agriculture/agri-food quotas were opened with a proviso that a strategic review on labour attraction and retention in the sector be carried out in order to put in place more sustainable solutions for meeting the labour needs of the sector into the future. The review will influence the decision on the eligibility of the role for employment permits in the future.
The Economic Migration Policy Unit of my Department is actively engaging with other government departments including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider submissions received to the latest public consultation to review the lists. The role of meat processing operative is also under consideration.
Employment permit policy is part of the response to addressing skills deficits which exist and are likely to continue into the medium term. It is not intended over the longer term to act as a substitute for meeting the challenge of up-skilling the State’s resident workforce, with an emphasis on the process of lifelong learning whilst maximising the potential of EEA nationals to fill our skills and labour deficits.
200. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of early warning reports for foreign direct investment companies for each of the past five years. [44908/23]
View answerThe table below outlines the number of Early Warning Reports issued by IDA Ireland for each of the past five years 2018 – 2022 inclusive.
|
Year |
No of EWR Reports |
|
2018 |
33 |
|
2019 |
32 |
|
2020 |
142 |
|
2021 |
50 |
|
2022 |
68 |
Insofar as 2020 is concerned, it is important to note that that was the year when Covid-19 work restrictions were implemented.
The Early Warning System is a well-established process facilitated by IDA Ireland to alert and inform Government on a confidential basis of future potential decisions and actions by multi-national investors, when they are made known to the Agency, which may or may not result in headcount reductions in their Irish operations.
Such headcount reductions by companies can occur for a wide variety of international factors including:
• Corporate Restructurings and/or Reorganisations;
• Market Contractions;
• Financial performance;
• Geo-political events;
• Consumer/Customer responses or reactions;
The Early Warning Reports (EWRs) also highlight how IDA is working with the company in efforts to address the challenges the company is experiencing such that prospective job reductions may be lessened, where possible. Moreover, it is important to note that not all EWRs translate to job losses, and in some cases, the proposed number of job losses may be revised downward following statutory employee consultation periods.
IDA has close relationship with its portfolio of clients, which now stands at 1,796 companies directly employing 301,475 people, and these clients share sensitive information with the Agency on a confidential basis, and, for that reason, my Department does not disclose individual EWR details.
As noted above, 2020 saw a large increase in the number of EWRs which reflected the Covid-19 pandemic impacts. Furthermore, there has been a relatively modest contraction for some tech clients over the past 12 months, which is reflected in the 2022 data. In most cases, the level of job losses has been consistent with, or less than, the level of layoffs implemented elsewhere in their global organisations.
While any such job losses are, of course, very regrettable, the country is close to full employment with recent CSO data showing unemployment at 4.2% last month. Moreover, there is high demand for tech, marketing and other skills across all sectors, and there is a strong pipeline of new investments from overseas and within Ireland across a range of sectors where those being let go will, hopefully, secure alternative employment.
Finally, I should note that there have been over 60 IDA investment announcement this year alone, announcing over 6,500 new jobs.
201. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when construction will start on an advanced manufacturing facility in Co. Westmeath (details supplied). [44954/23]
View answerIDA Ireland received the final grant of planning permission from Westmeath County Council on the 29th of December 2022 for the construction of a c.50,000 sq.ft. Advanced Building Solution consisting of office and light industrial/production spaces.
The public procurement process for the selection of a suitably qualified contractor to complete the development is at an advanced stage. It is IDA Ireland’s intention to appoint a contractor for the construction of the Advanced Building Solution in Quarter 4 2023 with a view to commencing the development shortly thereafter. The appointment of the contractor will be subject to approval by the IDA Ireland Board as part of its normal procurement policy implementation.
As the Deputy will be aware, IDA’s Regional Property Programme, of which this project is an integral part, aims to ensure the 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. A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be a key differentiator in winning FDI projects, as evidenced by the record regional results achieved under the IDA’s previous 2015-2019 & current 2021-2024 strategy.
202. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the regional enterprise funds will open to applications. [44955/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that my Department has secured up to €145m in regional enterprise funding which is aimed at accelerating economic growth and sustainable job creation across all regions of the country.
The first call under the ‘Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme’ was announced last week. This €35m call will capitalise on existing regional enterprise partnerships and complement priorities set out in the nine Regional Enterprise Plans.
The Scheme is now open for applications on Enterprise Ireland’s website – www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/funding-supports/Smart-Region-Enterprise-Innovation-Scheme.
203. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the intention of the overtime element of the new ERO legislation was to see security workers paid time and a half for every hour worked over 48 hours (details supplied); and if not, his plans to close this loophole that employers are now taking advantage of to avoid paying their workers time and a half rates. [44995/23]
View answerEmployment Regulation Orders (ERO) are statutory instruments drawn up by a Joint Labour Committees (JLC), adopted by the Labour Court, and given statutory effect by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The ERO fixes minimum rates of pay and conditions of employment for workers in specified business sectors: employers in those sectors are then obliged to pay wage rates and provide conditions of employment not less favourable than those prescribed.Where a person believes that their rights may have been breached, they, or a person acting on their behalf, may submit a complaint to the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission. The Director General may, if they consider the matter to be suitable for resolution by means of mediation, refer such complaint to a Mediation Officer. Otherwise, they will refer the matter to an Adjudication Officer for adjudication.The Adjudication Service investigates disputes, grievances and claims that individuals or small groups of workers make under the employment legislation and the equality legislation as provided in the Employment Equality Acts.
204. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment with reference to the Committee on Budgetary Oversight’s May 2023 Report on Section 481 – Films Tax Credit, the action he intends to take with respect to the Committee recommendation (details supplied). [45142/23]
View answerThe Report on Section 481 – Films Tax Credit contains references to Directive (EU) 2019/790 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market and amending Directives 96/9/EC and 2001/29/EC (‘DSM Copyright Directive’). This Directive was transposed into Irish law by way of the European Union (Copyright and Related Rights in the Digital Single Market) Regulations 2021, Statutory Instrument No. 567 of 2021. The Regulations were signed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 12 November 2021 and are therefore applicable from that date.
The Irish implementing S.I., Statutory Instrument No. 567 of 2021, transposed the mandatory provisions of the Directive, and accordingly, all of the provisions of the Irish S.I. are obligations of EU law.
While the Section 481 Report lists a number of recommendations following the piece on ‘Intellectual Property Rights’ those recommendations do not relate to the substance of the copyright legislation itself.
Section 481 (of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997) is a provision of tax legislation, so both it and the terms on which the relief applies are matters for tax legislation, which is within the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister of Finance. Furthermore, I understand that for a production to qualify for the relief (under s.481) it must have been issued with a cultural certificate by the Minster for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – the criteria to obtain this certification as well as the industry test fall under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Neither I nor my Department has any role in the enforcement of intellectual property rights, as this is a matter primarily for the holders of the respective rights themselves.
205. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to respond to concerns raised by the Restaurants Association of Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45189/23]
View answerI am very aware of the continuing challenges that businesses, including restaurant businesses, still face due to the cost of living crisis. For that reason, we are introducing the Increased Cost of Business Scheme (ICOB). The ICOB will be a targeted grant payment paid out by local authorities which will apply to businesses operating out of a rateable premises, at a rate of up to half their commercial rates bill, for business who pay up to €20,000 in rates. The scheme will benefit up to 130,000 Small and Medium enterprises.
The technical details underpinning the scheme and the mechanism for delivering the payment are currently being developed. It is intended that qualifying businesses will receive payment in the first quarter of 2024. It is important to be clear that this scheme is a once-off grant aid provision and not a commercial rates waiver. It will have no bearing on the commercial rates paid by firms.
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 Supports for SMEs - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).
The VAT reduction was in place from November 2020 to August 2023 at a gross cost to date of €1.2bn, which represents a very significant support by Government for a vital sector of the economy. It was one of many measures provided to support businesses.
It is not correct to say that Ireland has the highest VAT rate on hospitality in the EU at 13.5%. In addition, comparing VAT rates across Europe can also paint a misleading picture in that it does not account for other taxes paid by businesses, including corporation taxes and local taxes.
In making any decision in relation to VAT rates or other taxation measures, the Government must balance the costs of the measures in question against their impact and the overall budgetary framework.
As part of the Budget settlement secured for tourism in 2024, up to €10M has been identified for a comprehensive programme of supports targeted at downstream tourism businesses experiencing particular trading challenges linked to the reduction in footfall to activities and attractions in regions most impacted by tourism bed stock displacement. This programme of supports includes investment in sustainable tourism development and promotion, industry digitalisation, promotion of domestic tourism and festivals and recruitment and retention initiatives.
€3m has been allocated to Fáilte Ireland to help tourism businesses improve their energy efficiency. This investment will overtime help businesses to reduce overheads and dependency on fossil fuels while supporting the sector in the delivery of its climate targets by reducing carbon emissions.
€2million to assist Tourism Ireland target value-adding tourists and promote Ireland as a sustainable destination with compelling and authentic reasons to travel to those regions most impacted by tourism accommodation stock displacement.
€1.5 million will support ongoing work under Fáilte Ireland’s Employer Excellence Programme which aims to address the current recruitment issues. Tourism businesses are in every region of the country and sustain people living and working in areas, where often there is no other industry operating. This is a 3-year programme that has, since 2022, supported 390 tourism businesses and Fáilte Ireland will now be extending the scope of the programme to engage and support businesses with less than 20 employees with a particular focus on attractions and activity providers.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Gaeltacht, Heritage, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD., has asked Fáilte Ireland to examine the scope for a specific business support scheme that could help the most affected tourism activities and attractions and to report back on options and recommendations in four weeks’ time.
The Government are mindful of the impact and cost implications of the new legislation to improve working conditions in Ireland. As part of Ireland's Competitiveness Challenge (ICC) report for 2022, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) recommended that an evaluation be undertaken of measures proposed to improve working conditions in Ireland. Following this advice, officials from my Department are collaborating with the Department of Social Protection on an assessment of the cumulative impact of these measures.
207. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason work permits have still not been made available to the meat processing industry. [45236/23]
View answerThe meat processing industry have been provided with access to the General Employment Permit over the last number of years, most recently with an additional quota of 425 permits made available in June last year. All quotas for meat processing operatives have now been filled.
These and other agriculture/agri-food quotas were opened with a proviso that a strategic review on labour attraction and retention in the sector be carried out in order to put in place more sustainable solutions for meeting the labour needs of the sector into the future. The review will influence the decision on the eligibility of the role for employment permits in the future.
The Economic Migration Policy Unit of my Department is actively engaging with other government departments including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider submissions received to the latest public consultation to review the lists with a report on the outcome expected in November.
208. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No.41 of 15 February 2023, if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) which noted that the Commission on Taxation and Welfare analysis of universal basic income was based on an insufficient number of studies and recommended that further examination of the proposal be undertaken; his plans for further examination of universal basic income, and to conduct a pilot in the lifetime of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45243/23]
View answerIn December 2022, two reports were published by the Low Pay Commission on this matter: the Low Pay Commission’s report on piloting a Universal Basic Income, and an accompanying research report, authored by ESRI under the terms of the Low Pay Commission / ESRI Research Partnership Agreement.
In the Low Pay Commission’s report on piloting a Universal Basic Income, five general principles were recommended by the Low Pay Commission for the design of any UBI pilot for Ireland and ten guidelines were provided which may help in the design of a UBI pilot for Ireland. The report noted these guidelines should be contingent on the policy preferences of Government, included the establishment of an interdepartmental working group and obtaining legal advice on the establishment of a universal basic income scheme. The Low Pay Commission’s report further noted that “the recommendations and guidelines in this report regarding how UBI might be piloted in Ireland should not be seen as an implicit endorsement of the concept of a UBI by the Low Pay Commission. The Low Pay Commission was not asked to evaluate the concept of a UBI. Nor was it asked to evaluate whether or not UBI should be piloted”.
As stated in reply to previous Parliamentary Questions, given the recent implementation of Basic Income for the Arts scheme, the views of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare on the development of Universal Basic Income in Ireland, and after receiving the Low Pay Commission’s two reports, there are no plans to introduce or further trial Universal Basic Income at this time.
While I am familiar with the report produced by the Select Committee on Budgetary Oversight’s Examination of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare Report, I do not propose asking the Low Pay Commission to undertake any further work on Universal Basic Income in Ireland.
209. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to amend the work permits system for non-EU nationals who wish to come to work in Ireland, in order that permits that have been granted to applicants who subsequently fail to be approved for a visa to travel to Ireland can be re-issued to other eligible workers to take up those positions instead (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45254/23]
View answerAn application for an employment permit seeks to secure permission to take up employment in the State on the basis of a job offer to fill a current vacancy in an eligible role from an Irish employer to a suitably qualified or skilled non EEA national. Applications are subject to a range of requirements and criteria set out in the employment permits legislation and are granted to the non EEA national concerned, to work with that employer in the role specified and set out in the contract of employment provided to that employee.
If a visa is required, where a non EEA national is denied visa permission then the employment permit becomes void and is cancelled. An employment permit cannot be transferred to another employment or non EEA national.
My Department and the Department of Justice are currently examining the development of a single application procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions. An Inter-Departmental Group, led by the Department of Justice has been established to examine the legal and operational changes required to deliver a more seamless customer experience for users of the employment permits and entry visa systems.
