Written Answers Nos. 203-216
203. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when the Office of Public Works will provide the Courts Service with a promised report to ensure that historical artefacts in the disused Bridewell Jail within the Kanturk Courthouse complex do not fall in to further disrepair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51115/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works can confirm that a consultant has been engaged, on behalf of the Courts Service, to prepare a Conservation Report. It is expected that the Report will be completed in Q1 of 2024.
204. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports, if any, made available by his Department to businesses that were not actively trading at the time of the recent flooding caused by Storm Babet, but whose assets are now beyond repair and unsellable as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50557/23]
View answerThe Government has recently opened two Emergency Business Flooding Schemes for small businesses, sports clubs, community, and voluntary organisations unable to secure flood insurance and affected by recent flooding caused by Storm Babet during the period 17th to 23rd of October 2023, including Middleton and East Cork. These schemes were extended to cover Louth, Wexford, Galway and any other areas affected by flooding during the period 17th October 2023 to the 13th of November 2023.
A condition of the schemes is that, at the time of the flood, the business must have been trading in a rateable premise and provide the business rate number and a Tax Clearance Access Number.
These schemes are set up to provide urgent assistance to businesses that were unable, through no fault of their own, to get insurance to help with the costs of repairing the damage caused by flooding.
Given the unprecedented level of damage caused by recent events, the Government agreed a second enhanced version of the scheme that should be of assistance to businesses that suffered exceptional damage.
As with similar weather events in the past, the Irish Red Cross will administer and make payments under the schemes on behalf of the Department. Details of how to apply and application forms are available on the Irish Red Cross Society website: redcross.ie.
In addition to the flooding schemes, financial assistance by way of low-cost loans is immediately available from Microfinance Ireland to small businesses that cannot get loan financing from other lenders. Loan options include cashflow loans of up to €25,000, which can be used for general business purposes including re stocking and other business costs. Loans for capital expenditure are also available which could fund the refurbishment of premises or the replacement of equipment. Further information is available at: microfinanceireland.ie.
205. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the review of the critical skills list will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50693/23]
View answerThe occupations lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits are currently being revised as part of an evidence-based review which incorporates a public consultation to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages.
The deliberative process is ongoing at present with Submissions to the review under consideration by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy. The IDG was convened in late October to oversee the review, consider all evidence and submissions and to collect the observations from Government departments with regard to shortages and impacts in their sectors.
It is expected that a report will be finalised for my consideration by the end of the month following which any recommendations approved would be implementation through amendment to the Employment Permits regulations thereafter.
An announcement will be made and the revised lists of occupations for employment permits will be published on the Department's website.
206. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the requirements for dormant clubs when filing their annual returns to the Companies Registration Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50743/23]
View answerA dormant club that is registered as a company under the Companies Act 2014 is required to submit an annual return to the Companies Registration Office, in accordance with section 343 of the Act. The annual return is made up of the B1 Annual Return form, the fee, the financial statements (where applicable) and the signature page.
A company may avail of a dormant company audit exemption if during the financial year in question it has no significant accounting transaction and its assets and liabilities comprise only permitted assets and liabilities (which are investments in shares of, and amounts due to or from, other group undertakings). The dormant company audit exemption is not subject to any company size criteria.
In addition, a dormant company that qualifies as a small company or micro company may also avail of certain exemptions and simplifications in the preparation of annual financial statements. A company qualifies as small company if it satisfies two of the following three conditions: a balance sheet total not exceeding €6m; turnover not exceeding €12m; Employees not exceeding 50. A company qualifies as a micro company if it satisfies two of the following three conditions: a balance sheet total not exceeding €350,000; turnover not exceeding €700,000; Employees not exceeding 10. Further information is available on the CRO website at cro.ie/en-ie/Annual-Return/Accounts-Requirements.
207. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has met with so-called fast fashion retailers in operation in Ireland; and, if so, if he will detail his representations in respect of the environmental and workers' rights practices of same. [50777/23]
View answerI understand the Deputy is referring to multinational retailers which have headquarters in Ireland.
IDA Ireland actively markets Ireland as an attractive investment location for Multi-National Companies (MNCs). In this regard, IDA Ireland’s 2021-24 strategy includes a focus on sustainable growth in all its forms, including the promotion of responsible and environmentally sustainable business practices among the Agency’s client base. I would also emphasise that all IDA client companies, like all other enterprises, must comply with all relevant national and EU laws and regulations.
Recently in May 2023, SHEIN which is a client of IDA Ireland, officially launched its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) headquarters based in Dublin City Centre. At that event I met with SHEIN’s Global Head of Government Relations and other company leaders to discuss SHEIN’s strategy in Ireland. This included discussing the growth of SHEIN’s workforce in Dublin to fill roles in big data and analytics, security engineering, finance management and legal, as well as expanding SHEIN's graduate programme in Ireland. SHEIN aims to fill 30 key roles in the Ireland office by end 2023, with a view to increasing that number as the company grows.
Sustainability considerations, including a company’s corporate level approach to the environment, form part of IDA’s due diligence process in assessing investment projects for approval. While engaging with SHEIN, IDA Ireland sought and received assurances in relation to the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability transformation in the fashion industry. SHEIN publicly states that it uses a unique mobile-first, on-demand production model enabling the company to identify trends and anticipate consumer demands. They utilise a model which produces an ultra-small batch (100-200) of each style pieces, gauge market response in real-time, and respond with larger-scale production to meet demand if warranted. This results in significantly less waste and excess inventory. The average unsold inventory level of the industry is, I understand, between 25%–40%, whereas SHEIN states that it has reduced this to a single digit.
In April this year, SHEIN announced its US$70m investment for the empowerment of the supply chain. Through the investments, the company states it aims to bolster efforts to continuously transform traditional production models with technology advancements, provide upskilling initiatives for workers, facilities enhancements, as well as services for the communities within the supplier ecosystem. The company has also signed international pledges and committed funding to improve worker conditions in their partner companies and is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact Agreement (UNGC) and supports the ten principles focused on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.
208. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how many staff members in his Department have received training in cyber security in the past three years; what types of cyber security training programmes have been conducted; if he will provide details of these programmes; and of the staff trained in cyber security, how many have obtained accredited cyber security qualifications. [50795/23]
View answerFor operational and security reasons, public bodies are advised by the National Cyber Security Centre not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise cyber security measures in place in those bodies. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements. This limits the level of information which can be provided in the public domain in relation to cyber security training and/or qualifications.
All staff working in my Department are provided with periodic cyber security awareness communications. This is supported by information and awareness sessions in relation to cyber security which are provided regularly by staff of the ICT Unit or with support from external cybersecurity experts.
The ICT Unit in my Department is currently in the process of reviewing its internal cyber security training offering to Departmental staff and this will continue to be updated in line with best practice guidance.
In relation to specialist cyber security training, Departmental staff within the ICT Unit who hold responsibilities in relation to cyber security and related technical areas areas undertake a range of professional and related training courses in relation to cyber security.
In this regard, Departmental staff are provided with financial and other support (for example paid study leave) to support them to undertake ongoing professional development. While it is not appropriate for security and confidentiality reasons to disclose details in relation to individual staff members, examples of specific training areas undertaken by staff in recent years have included structured taught courses in Cyber-Security and Ethical Hacking.
209. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the expenditure on cyber security consultants and companies within his Department in the past three years; if his Department engaged in cyber security audits with outside firms in the past three years; if so, the expenditure on same; the amount his Department spent on cyber security consultants and companies in the past three years; and for a breakdown of these expenditures by year and type of service provided [50813/23]
View answer210. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are any ongoing contracts or commitments with cyber security firms; and if details can be provided [50831/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.
My Department has a range of contracts with external cyber security and related ICT firms which enable the provision of essential products and services required by the Department such as security advice, penetration testing, provision of security software and related services.
My Department conducts ongoing security assessments and evaluations against the relevant external specialist guidance and standards (including the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Cyber Security Baseline Standard and the NIS2 Directive which is a new European Union cyber security directive which will be transposed into Irish law during 2024). These reviews inform the ongoing programme of security work by staff of the ICT Unit of the Department which is undertaken with support (where required) from external consultants.
For operational and security reasons, the advice from the NCSC recommends that public bodies do not disclose details of systems and related projects/ processes as there is a risk that this disclosures could in turn compromise cyber security measures in place in those bodies. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements.
This constrains the level of detail which can be put into the public domain in relation to the ongoing programme of work around the Department’s cyber- security arrangements. Specifically, it is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to cyber security tools and services, and for these reasons my Department does not comment in detail or make disclosures around operational security arrangements.
A breakdown of the expenditure categories specifically sought in the Deputy’s question PQ 50813/23 is detailed below:
|
- |
2020 (€) |
2021 (€) |
2022 (€) |
|
Cyber Security Audits |
- |
- |
16,789.50 |
|
Cyber security advice/consultancy |
139,215.17 |
33,866.12 |
101,160.08 |
|
Total |
139,215.17 |
33,866.12 |
117,949.58 |
Please note that the expenditure detailed in the table above relates only specifically to the categories of expenditure security audits and security advice sought by the Deputy and therefore does not represent the totality of security expenditure by my Department in so far as it excludes many other areas of security expenditure within the Department falling outside of these categories such as (but not limited to) specialist staff, licenses for security products and capabilities, security related ICT infrastructure etc.
211. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has a policy and plan in place to address a ransomware attack and restore his Department's IT systems. [50849/23]
View answerMy Department adopts a defence in depth approach to cyber security. This approach uses multiple layers and disparate systems to deliver security which is not dependent on any single component. My department has several policies, plans and procedures in place to deal with significant cyber security and business continuity issues. Given the heightened level of risk, my Department’s technical staff has adopted a posture of increased vigilance and oversight of systems along with adopting enhanced resilience and recovery measures in the event of a significant issue.
For operational and security reasons, we are advised by the NCSC not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise cyber security measures in place in public bodies. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements.
Therefore, it is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to attack vectors, and my Department does not comment on operational security matters.
More broadly, and in line with best practice, my department has a Business Continuity Plan in place. This plan provides structures to mitigate the impact of serious disruptions on the Department and its ability to provide services to the public and wider community. Examples of the kinds of scenarios for which contingency planning is undertaken include responses to a significant cyber incident or a physical or environmental issue affecting a Departmental building. The Business Continuity Plan identifies roles and responsibilities at a senior level throughout the department, as well as response protocols. This plan is updated regularly and is presented to Management Board on an annual basis for their approval.
212. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if IDA Ireland plans to open an office in Italy. [50941/23]
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 has 20 overseas offices. IDA Ireland’s European office footprint includes offices in Paris, Frankfurt and London. FDI investment originating from Italy is managed from both the Frankfurt and Paris offices. There are no plans to open an office in Italy at present.
213. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he plans to announce the completion of the review of the occupations lists for employment permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51009/23]
View answerThe occupations lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits are currently being revised as part of an evidence-based review which incorporates a public consultation to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages.
The deliberative process is ongoing at present with submissions to the review under consideration by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy. The IDG was convened in late October to oversee the review, consider all evidence and submissions and to collect the observations from Government departments with regard to shortages and impacts in their sectors.
It is expected that a report will be finalised for my consideration by the end of the month following which any recommendations approved would be implementation through amendment to the Employment Permits regulations thereafter.
An announcement will be made and the revised lists of occupations for employment permits will be published on the Department's website.
214. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if dental hygienists will be included in the updated list of occupations for non-EEA work permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51010/23]
View answerThe occupations lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits are currently being revised as part of an evidence-based review which incorporates a public consultation to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages.
Submissions to the review are under consideration by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy. The IDG consists of cross-departmental membership including the Department of Health, which has policy responsibility for the dental sector.
The IDG was convened in late October to oversee the review, consider evidence and submissions and to collect the observations from Government departments with regard to shortages and impacts in their sectors.
The role of Dental Hygienist is not currently listed on the Ineligible Occupations Lis and is therefore already eligible for an employment permit.
It is expected that a report will be finalised for my consideration by the end of the month.
215. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if dental nurses will be included in the updated list of occupations for non-EEA work permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51011/23]
View answerThe occupations lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits are currently being revised as part of an evidence-based review which incorporates a public consultation to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages.
Submissions to the review are under consideration by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy. The IDG consists of cross-departmental membership including the Department of Health, which has policy responsibility for the dental sector.
The IDG was convened in late October to oversee the review, consider evidence and submissions and to collect the observations from Government departments with regard to shortages and impacts in their sectors.
The role of Dental Nurse is listed on the Ineligible Occupations List and is therefore not eligible for an employment permit at present. Over 100 submissions were received to the review covering a number of occupations in a range of sectors with one submission making reference to dental nurse.
It is expected that a report will be finalised for my consideration by the end of the month.
216. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has any current contracts with any Israeli state agency, any Israeli-based company or any company based elsewhere in the world which is owned or part-owned by any Israeli state agency or by any Israeli-based company; and if so, the value of those contracts. [51042/23]
View answer217. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department or any of its agencies are involved in any exercise, operation, training or research which includes involvement by any Israeli state agency, any Israeli-based company or any company based elsewhere in the world which is owned or part-owned by any Israeli state agency or by any Israeli-based company. [51060/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together.
My Department has not been involved in any exercise, operation, training or research which included an Israeli state agency, any Israeli-based company or any company based elsewhere in the world which is owned or part-owned by any Israeli state agency or by any Israeli-based company.
Furthermore, my Department does not hold any current contacts with any Israeli state agency, any Israeli-based company or any company based elsewhere in the world which is owned or part-owned by any Israeli state agency or by any Israeli-based company.
In respect of the Agencies that come within my remit, they are statutorily independent in their functions, and this is an operational matter for them. However, I have asked the Agencies for this information and will respond to you in due course on this matter.
