Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what extra support will be provided to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51235/23]
View answerUnder this Government, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has seen record levels of funding and staffing. In 2020 the CCPC received €12.3 million in exchequer funding and in 2023 it received just over €19 million. The CCPC will be allocated approximately €24 million for 2024. The 2024 funding represents an increase of €4.9 million on last year, and a 90% increase on 2020 levels. The CCPC’s sanctioned headcount is 207. As of the end of October 2023 the serving sanctioned numbers of staff in the CCPC was 184. There are currently 23 vacancies which are in the recruitment pipeline. Overall, the CCPC estimates that it will hit a total recruitment for 2023 of 96 staff.
In addition to its Exchequer funding, the CCPC has the power under the Central Bank Reform Act 2010 to impose an annual levy on regulated financial services firms to meet the cost of the financial information and education functions. This is referred to as Levy funding. This levy funding is used in relation to the CCPC’s role in providing information for consumers in relation to financial services. The CCPC Levy funding for 2023 is €3,703,598, up from €2,420,906 in 2022. The CCPC 2024 levy is currently under consideration.
In addition to funding, the CCPC has been given significant new powers. In particular, the Competition (Amendment) Act 2022 came into force on 27 September 2023. It greatly enhances the ability of the CCPC to tackle cartels, bid rigging in public procurement, anti-competitive practices, and anti-competitive mergers. For the first time in Irish law, breaches of competition law can be enforced through administrative actions taken by the CCPC, with maximum fines of up to €10 million or 10% of total worldwide turnover, whichever is greater.
In summary, the Government has provided record funding and staff levels to the CCPC to enable it better to carry out its role promoting compliance with, and enforcing, competition and consumer protection law in Ireland.
22. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress of the National Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51532/23]
View answerFollowing approval of the development of a National Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind by Government Decision on 9th May 2023, my Department established a new Unit tasked with delivering on this objective recognising the vast potential the industry has for Ireland.
The overarching objective of the Strategy will be to ensure that Ireland maximises the economic benefits associated with Government targets to deliver 37GW of offshore wind energy (OWE) by 2050.
My officials are currently leading on extensive consultations across Government and industry to develop the Strategy, and the intention is to publish a Strategic Roadmap in the first quarter of 2024. This Strategy will be an iterative piece of policy development which will, over time, capture many of the areas of industrial development associated with our offshore wind targets.
The initial Strategic Roadmap will prioritise the most immediate requirements of industry to deliver OWE projects of scale, particularly, but not limited to:
• Identification of measures to maximise Ireland’s participation in domestic and international offshore wind supply chains.
• Setting out the main opportunities for Ireland in offshore wind RD&I (research, development and innovation) to leverage our intrinsic potential as a small, open economy with very strong innovation pedigree.
I also very much welcome the ambition set out by the independent Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce in their Final Report, including recommendations related to OWE. The relevant Departments and Agencies are currently examining all the Taskforce recommendations in detail and my Department plans to publish an implementation update by the end of the year.
24. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is concerned that a high proportion of businesses have yet to embark on the transition to the European Green Deal to sustainability. [51509/23]
View answerI am, of course, concerned that many businesses have yet to embark on their decarbonisation and sustainability journey. We need to bring all enterprises with us as we transition to a more sustainable, low carbon economy. I am conscious that businesses - particularly smaller businesses - have many competing priorities at present. That is why I and my Department have been focusing on meeting businesses and engaging with them wherever they are currently on their transition journey, and demonstrating that there are simple, cost-effective things every company can do to get started.
This year, I and my Department have run eight ‘Building Better Business’ events throughout the country to promote engagement with the climate action and digitalisation agendas, with a final event to take place in Dublin in early December. My Department, Enterprise Ireland, IDA and our Local Enterprise Offices, and other state agencies such as SEAI, SkillNet Ireland and business organisations have extensive programmes to engage businesses in upskilling and investing on this agenda. We have significantly steeped up our awareness raising and communications campaigns to bring these advisory and funding programmes to the the attention of business. The response has been extremely positive and we have found an awareness and willingness in our enterprise base to cease the opportunities and challenges of the green transition.
Thousands of businesses are being supported through the Green Transition Fund, SEAI energy programmes, SkillNet Ireland training, the LEO Green for Business programme, and a range of other advisory, training and grant aid offerings. We are constantly looking for ways to better equip enterprises for this transition, and to increase the uptake of available supports - for example, we amended SEAI's Solar PV grants for businesses this summer to make them more accessible and attractive.
The Deputy rightly identifies that the European Green Deal amounts to a transformation in the business landscape, and businesses can start now to prepare for a market-place that prioritises sustainability, circularity and informed consumers. The Green Deal consists of a range of measures to make the EU’s climate, energy, transport and taxation policies aligned and consistent with reducing EU-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. It is essential that where regulations place a new or increased responsibility on businesses, that it is a responsibility that reflects the sector, scale, environmental impact, and sophistication of that business, and not a 'one size fits all' set of regulations. I believe, on balance, that that objective is being achieved.
For any business starting on their decarbonisation journey I would advise them to try out the Climate Toolkit for Business and the SEAI Energy Academy. The Toolkit provides practical and cost-effective actions that every business can take to support their sustainability, and build resilience. The SEAI Energy Academy provides access to high quality, on demand training for businesses and their employees to under stand their energy use and reducing its climate impacts.
25. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to report on his efforts to tackle labour market shortages, in a time of full employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51294/23]
View answerAccording to the latest employment figures from the CSO’s Labour Force Survey, published on 24th August 2023, total employment stood at 2.63 million. There are now more people employed in Ireland than ever before. As per the CSO Statistical Release on Monthly Unemployment from early November, the seasonally adjusted national unemployment rate was 4.8% in October 2023.
It is essential that Irish enterprise has access to an adequate pool of high quality, adaptable and flexible talent – in particular in the context of a tightened labour market. In order to meet the demand for skills, there is close collaboration across Government, in particular between the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, its agencies and my Department, as well as between Government, industry, and the education and training system, in order to build and retain a highly skilled workforce to serve the needs of the economy.
My Department is also working closely with the Department of Social Protection in implementing Pathways to Work, the national employment strategy, and with it the labour market activation of the unemployed, groups underrepresented in the workforce, and workers transitioning to more viable roles or sectors across the economy. A mid-term review of the actions and commitments in the Pathways to Work strategy is under way at present to ensure they remain relevant and effective in improving the employment prospects and outcomes for people under-represented in the labour market.
My Department also operates an employment permits system which is highly responsive to areas of identified skills needs and labour shortages across the economy. The system is, by design, driven by the changing needs of the labour market. The employment permits system is managed through the operation of the critical skills and ineligible occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit.
My Department is currently in the process of finalising a review of the occupations lists following extensive engagement with industry representatives and stakeholders on the nature and extent of skills shortages. Demand for employment permits in Ireland is currently extremely high, with over 37,000 permits expected to be issued by the end of the year, providing another valuable stream of skilled labour for the Irish economy.
26. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans he has to provide additional financial supports to assist local authorities and community development organisations in the development of enterprise centres, in view of their importance in providing workspace for start-up businesses and small enterprises and the lack of such accommodation at present in areas such as County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51478/23]
View answerUpon taking office as Minister of State in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I made it clear that one of my main priorities was to focus on balanced regional enterprise development.
The contribution hubs play, whether enterprise hubs, community hubs or GAA clubs and community centres which provide remote working desks, cannot be underestimated. These facilities provide services which support the enterprise ecosystem and importantly they also allow people to live and work in their local communities.
My Department has already provided significant investment to support enterprise centres and hubs through a number of exchequer funds including the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Border Enterprise Development Fund and Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme. The Local Authorities have played their part in supporting many of those projects as project partners or by contributing to the matched funding requirement. The Deputy will be aware of projects funded in the North-East region such as the Cavan Digital Hub, M:Tek in Monaghan and the Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board which have secured funding.
Enterprise hubs play a vital role in supporting the enterprise ecosystem not just in the urban centres but in many rural locations too; they provide accommodation and facilities, as well as offering supports to entrepreneurs, start-ups, microenterprises and SMEs.
My Department will continue to support innovative projects including enterprise centres and hubs.
In addition to the funding already provided, together with Ministers Coveney and Richmond we recently announced that my Department has secured €145 million in funding for the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund. This Scheme will support projects aligned to the Regional Enterprise Plans, including development of new enterprise hubs and centres and expansion of existing facilities.
The first call of €35 million is now open and there will be further calls in the coming years. Full information is available on Enterprise Ireland’s website.
27. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on the report from the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy regarding the review of the occupational lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51567/23]
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 implemented 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 my Department's website.
28. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what additional funding is being provided in 2024 to the IDA regional property programme development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51400/23]
View answerAs part of my Department's Estimates negotiations, I secured an increase of €5m of Exchequer Funding on 2023 levels of €60m in capital spending for the IDA in respect of the agency’s property programme. The IDA Regional Property Programme ensures the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations as required by current and prospective clients of the IDA itself as well as Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs.
Over the lifetime of IDA’s current strategy, IDA Ireland will progress the delivery of 19 specific Advanced Building Solutions (ABS) in 15 regional locations, chosen after extensive analysis, engagement, review, and consultation as well as macroeconomic considerations, existing clusters, and available resources.
Success to date, in line with IDA’s Build programme, has seen the investment or expected investment of companies across the current property footprint. To build on this positive momentum and ensure IDA has the ability to compete for investments of scale across all activities and sectors, it is imperative that the Agency can be agile in developing and maintaining a property portfolio to support future investments across all regions as they arise.
In this context, continued investment in infrastructure upgrades, provision and future proofing, in addition to further land acquisitions and the building of new buildings is critical to delivering on IDA’s and Enterprise Ireland’s balanced regional development agenda with the proposed expenditure being commensurate with this ambitious strategy.
29. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how Budget 2024 will help theSME sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51233/23]
View answerIt is important to acknowledge the challenges facing Irish enterprise over the last number of years, and I am aware of the concerns of SMEs, as they deal with the rising cost of doing business. The Government has provided significant support to business throughout the period of rising costs and has been proactive in limiting the fallout from higher rates of inflation in input costs and prices. Although inflation in Ireland is still elevated at 5.1 per cent in October, it is generally declining and is down from 9.4 per cent in October 2022.
Unfortunately, the Government cannot insulate businesses from rising costs indefinitely. However, Budget 2024 backed businesses, in particular SMEs, in the face of ongoing challenges. There were a number of measures introduced that will support businesses in every city, region, town and village in Ireland.
Budget 2024 contained a number of measures which will support businesses facing increased costs of doing business. 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 a significant number of small and medium businesses at a cost of €250 million.
My Department, and its officials are fully committed to enabling the SME sector in Ireland to thrive, and the measures in Budget 2024 reflect this commitment.
30. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of tribunals, public investigations and commissions of investigations in process; the length of time each has been underway; when each will conclude; the cost to date of each; and the estimated cost of each at completion. [44814/23]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that there are currently no commissions of investigation under my Department. My Department is a stakeholder in one commission of investigation, however, this is set up under the Department of the Taoiseach.
31. 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. [51232/23]
View answerIDA Ireland’s property investment programme is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across the country and provides property solutions available to IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices' clients. In this regard, the provision of property solutions is a key element of IDA’s marketing of the Midlands Region, including Longford.
IDA Ireland has committed to build an Advanced Building Solution - or ABS - in Longford to support the winning of new investment and job creation. An extensive site selection process for the new building is underway. While the site selection process is commercially sensitive until a land acquisition has been completed, I am advised that IDA Ireland continues to explore all possible options to identify and secure suitable lands aligned with investor needs and is continuing to liaise with Longford County Council and with wider stakeholders in this regard. 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.
32. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps his Department is taking to promote the circular economy amongst the Irish enterprise base. [51439/23]
View answerIt is clear that our relationship with the planet's limited resources has become unsustainable and we need to significantly change how we make, use and dispose of the things that we use, moving to a more circular economy that continually re-uses those resources.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 was enacted in July 2022. Officials in my Department continue to work closely with their colleagues in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications on implementing its provisions, particularly with regard to the statutory Circular Economy Strategy, the required sectoral roadmaps, and are already actively engaged on product specific agendas such as batteries, textiles and construction products.
My Department has also been strongly supportive of CIRCULÉIRE, the first cross-sectoral industry-led innovation network dedicated to closing the circular innovation gap and accelerating the net-zero carbon circular economy in Ireland. CIRCULÉIRE was launched in 2020 by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), an Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland supported Technology Centre, in partnership with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the Environmental Protection Agency, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, and 25 cross-sectoral Founding Industry Members. The Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications is currently considering a proposal from CIRCULÉIRE to establish a national Centre of Excellence for Circular Innovation with a view to making a recommendation to Government in the coming months.
At EU level, negotiations are continuing on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation which will build circularity - through inclusion of requirements such as reparability and reusability - into the design of products that we all use. It replaces and extends the current Ecodesign Directive, which applies to energy using products. Its main features include the introduction of a Digital Product Passport, provisions to prevent the destruction of unsold goods and measures relating to Green Public Procurement. My Department leads on this file, and officials have been working with a number of industry stakeholders to inform them about this proposal and wider circularity issues and opportunities it should create. This engagement has included presenting to various fora, including Ibec, the green transition subgroup of the Retail forum, the Responsible Business subgroup of the Enterprise Forum, and also hosting an expert masterclass as part of a circular economy thematic working group for CIRCULÉIRE members.
My Department also leads on the proposal for a Directive on empowering consumers for the green transition, which will improve protection against unfair commercial practices and the provision of better information for consumers. It is expected that it will facilitate greater product circularity within the Irish economy while ensuring a level playing field across the Single Market. Further, the Commission recently launched a proposal for a Directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods which aims to promote sustainable consumption via an increase in the repair and reuse of viable defective goods purchased by consumers within and beyond the legal guarantee of conformity.
I am a strong advocate that all businesses, large or small, can build better material circularity into their practices. Those unsure how to get started can use our Climate Toolkit 4 Business, which provides an easy to use carbon calculator and action plan generator. The Toolkit provides businesses with tailored information about their impact on the environment in the key areas of energy, travel, materials use and water, pointing users to resources and Government supports to help them reduce their impact. It provides numerous actions that prompt businesses to consider their supply chains and more circular business models.
33. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will comment on a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51598/23]
View answerI welcome the ambition set out by the independent Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce in their Final Report. Government has committed to examining the Taskforce’s Report in detail. Among its recommendations, the Taskforce proposed that my Department coordinate the Government response to their action plan. My officials have been engaging across Government and State Agencies on this with the intention to publish an implementation update by the end of the year.
In terms of the recommendations, I particularly welcome the Taskforce’s proposal to develop an Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind. My Department has established a dedicated Unit tasked with delivering on this objective recognising the vast potential the industry has for Ireland. My officials are leading on extensive consultations across Government and industry to develop the Strategy, and the intention is to publish a Strategic Roadmap in the first half of 2024. This Strategy will be an iterative piece of policy development which will, over time, capture many of the areas of industrial development that the Taskforce make recommendations on.
A number of related recommendations contained in the Report, including the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) and the publication of a National Hydrogen Strategy and an Electricity Interconnection Policy, have also been actioned by Government in the past few months. These are important elements to our delivery of offshore wind energy, and its end uses, and clearly demonstrate Government’s commitment to developing an offshore wind industry of scale in Ireland.
I also welcome the series of recommendations in the Report designed to bring more immediate economic and sustainability benefits to the Shannon Estuary region. This includes actions required to develop and upscale the deployment of onshore sources of renewable energy such as biomethane, as well as specific recommendations on developing the region’s transport and logistics infrastructure, digital connectivity, and proposals around further developing the Estuary’s tourism offering.
34. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, he has to extend financial supports to business involved in import substitution from outside the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51521/23]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is enquiring about support for Irish companies to manufacture substitute products currently being imported from countries outside the EU.
As a small open economy, Ireland relies on trade as a principal source of economic growth and improvement in living standards. Our openness to trade and investment has allowed for a diversification of our economy into sectors that have made it more resilient to both internal and external shocks. We want to limit state aid interventions, where possible, so that we can compete internationally and ensure that our companies do not face barriers to entry in new markets.
We are committed to building an efficient indigenous industry in Ireland. The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are available to assist eligible companies with funding and soft supports. The LEOs were allocated an additional €9 million in Budget 2024 to help more SMEs go digital and decarbonise helping them save time, money and energy.
I also announced a new National Enterprise Hub which will include a dedicated website and phone line to help businesses access State supports. This initiative will help in navigating the comprehensive suite of supports that are available to business.
While there may be opportunities in certain sectors to reduce reliance on imports from markets that have proven to be disrupted, we are also aware that success in export markets is crucial to the long-term growth the Irish economy. Assistance for companies focused on growth through international sales is a priority for my Department and for our enterprise development Agencies.
35. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the planned IDA advance units development in Drogheda; when they will be available for use by client companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51447/23]
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).
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 IDA's intention to then progress the process of identifying a suitable contractor in line with public procurement procedures to deliver the ABS.
Regional development is a key part 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 as well as the Government's the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030.
Over the past years, IDA’s Regional Property Programme has 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.
In this regard, the FDI performance in the Mid-East Region, which comprises counties Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, has been strong with IDA Ireland client employment in the region growing by 13% in 2022. In recent years, IDA Ireland supported companies including WUXI, Wasdell, Almac, PCI Pharma Services, Amazon Web Services and Simply NUC who have announced investments and expansions for Co. Louth which has driven the demand for property solutions.
36. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extra support will be provided to the Digital Services Coordinator to resource its functions in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51236/23]
View answerThe European regulation known as the Digital Services Act (DSA) establishes clear and proportionate rules to protect consumers and their fundamental rights online, whilst simultaneously fostering innovation, growth and competitiveness. It aims to rebalance the responsibilities of users, platforms, and public authorities according to European values, placing citizens at the centre.
The DSA obliges each Member State to designate a lead competent authority, the Digital Services Coordinator (DSC). The DSA introduces new obligations on providers of online intermediary services to improve online safety in a variety of ways, such as improving transparency of services, giving users more control and making it more likely that illegal content online will be found and removed expeditiously.
In March 2022, the Government decided that Comisiún na Meán would be designated as the Irish DSC and this early decision given us a head start on getting resources in place to be ready for the date that the DSA enters into full effect on 17 February 2024.
The Member State DSCs will implement and enforce the DSA as a network of competent authorities, working alongside the European Commission. Other national regulators will have a role, and we will also designate the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission as a competent authority for specific articles of the DSA related to online marketplaces. However, there can only be one DSC in each Member State and I am aware that the Irish DSC will have an important role in the overall EU Regulatory framework because the majority of the most popular online platforms and search engines are established here (13 of the 19 very large providers have their main EU establishment in Ireland).
The Government is fully committed to adequately resourcing the DSC, and this began this year with a provision of €2.7 million to Comisiún na Meán for setting up and preparing for its formal designation and legal empowerment as DSC on 17 February 2024. For this set-up phase, the DSC has sanction for 39 posts, including a Digital Services Commissioner who took up his post in July this year.
In 2024, the DSC will move from the preparatory phase to the full implementation phase and my Department has secured an additional €3.3 million in Budget 2024 resulting in a total funding of €6 million for 2024 to support DSC functions and responsibilities.
This means that the Irish DSC can maintain the agreed 39 posts sanctioned for 2023 and build on this by recruiting additional staff to deliver the supervision and enforcement functions. From 2024 the DSC will be responsible for DSA matters such as coordination across the EU, handling complaints, policy development, communications, supervision, investigation and enforcement.
I fully appreciate the central role that the Irish regulator will have in the EU regulatory framework and, as a result, the extent to which the success of the new EU digital regulation relies on us. The Government is committed to providing all necessary and appropriate resources to the DSC.
The Government's National Digital Strategy outlines Ireland’s ambition to be a centre of regulatory excellence in Europe. This strategy specifically states this should be achieved through a modern, cohesive and well-resourced digital regulatory system. Coimisiún na Meán as Digital Services Coordinator will be a key element in this digital regulatory system.
37. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the skills and supports required for businesses to meet decarbonisation targets; if the Government has plans to increase awareness and knowledge of decarbonisation amongst businesses and SMEs in particular; how SMEs have been supported to date to decarbonise; if there are plans to increase this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51248/23]
View answerThe Government has committed to cutting our emissions in half by 2030, and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This means removing almost all emissions from business. All businesses, large and small, need to start planning and upskilling now to compete and thrive in providing low or zero carbon products and services. That means thinking about switching to renewable electricity, reducing transportation emissions, and redesigning supply chains for circularity and sustainability. My Department is pro-actively engaging Irish businesses in the many opportunities for decarbonisation, and integrating climate action into all aspects of the Department and its agencies’ activities.
My Department, Enterprise Ireland, IDA and our Local Enterprise Offices and other state agencies such as SEAI, SkillNet Ireland and others have extensive programmes to engage businesses in upskilling and investing on this agenda. This year, I and my Department have also run eight ‘Building Better Business’ events throughout the country to promote engagement with the climate action and digitalisation agendas, a final event is to take place in Dublin in early December.
Businesses are being supported through the Green Transition Fund, SEAI energy programmes, SkillNet Ireland Training, the LEO Green for Business programme, and a range of other advisory, training and grant aid offerings. We are constantly looking for ways to better equip businesses for this transition, and to increase the uptake of available supports - for example, we amended SEAI's Solar PV grants for businesses this summer to make them more accessible and attractive.
To help businesses, and SMEs in particular, understand where their emissions arise and plan to reduce them, the Government launched the Climate Toolkit 4 Business [www.climatetoolkit4business.gov.ie] in December 2021. This free online tool was jointly developed by my Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. It contains a simple carbon calculator and action plan generator that will point businesses to the training and Government supports relevant to their business needs. It is particularly useful for businesses that have not yet made a plan to tackle their emissions, and could use advice on the steps they should take.
By entering readily-available information into the calculator in the 4 thematic areas of energy, travel, materials use and water, SMEs will receive an estimate of their carbon footprint and a tailored action plan to reduce it. Relevant actions will link to available supports from a range of state agencies that will help achieve each action. These include:
• Training supports from SEAI's energy academy,
• Skillnet's Climate Ready Academy Sustainability Pass and Energy Leaders Programme,
• Green for Business and Energy Efficiency Grants,
• Green transition funding: Climate Planning Fund for Business and Enterprise Emissions Reduction Fund,
• SEAI supports including support scheme for energy audits, support scheme for renewable heat, non-domestic microgeneration grant and others.
• Advice and guidance from EPA, Circuléire and others on moving to more circular business models.
To date, almost 10,000 businesses have completed the carbon calculator and generated their tailored climate action plan. My Department and its enterprise agencies continue to promote the Climate Toolkit 4 Business as the first point of contact for SMEs wishing to learn more about their emissions and start their decarbonisation journeys.
38. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the action being taken by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to support new businesses and jobs in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51224/23]
View answerPerformance has been strong in the first half of the IDA’s 2021-2024 strategy despite the difficult global economic environment with total employment in IDA client companies reaching 301,475 in 2022. Furthermore, 260 investments of the 400 targeted over the lifetime of the Strategy for regional locations have been won and regional employment stands at 163,653 for 2022, an increase of 7% on 2021.
IDA markets Carlow as part of the South-East region for FDI investment. The region, which comprises counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford, has 86 IDA client companies employing 15,520 people. The FDI performance in the region has been strong, with employment in IDA client companies in the South-East region increasing by 25% over the past five years, and by 3% in 2022. IDA client companies in Carlow employ over 1,500 people.
As part of its marketing efforts, the IDA emphasises the significant strengths that Carlow and the South-East region have to offer potential investors and it works closely with local stakeholders to support in their efforts in enhancing the competitiveness of the region for FDI.
Additionally, the IDA’s Regional Property Programme has committed to delivering 19 Advanced Building Solutions in 15 regional locations over the lifetime of their current strategy. A key feature of this offering is the IDA’s new 31,500 sq. ft. Advanced Building Solution (ABS) in Carlow Town. The new ABS building was completed in August 2023 and is being actively marketed by IDA. This building, and IDA’s wider property programme, is designed to provide property solutions which enable the Enterprise agencies to attract companies and to create opportunities to win additional investment for regional locations.
IDA works closely with existing clients to transform, enhance, protect and grow their existing operations and IDA is committed to assisting these companies to build and grow their operations in Carlow and the South-East region. In September 2023, MSD Ireland, one of the country’s leading healthcare companies, announced a significant expansion at its Carlow site as well as opening a new, state-of-the-art facility in Meath. In January 2023, IDA client Unum announced the expansion of its Technology Centre of Excellence in Carlow with 50 new highly skilled technology jobs. These significant investments by IDA client companies represent a strong vote of confidence in the South-East region.
Enterprise Ireland also has approximately 68 client companies in County Carlow, employing 3,815 people across a broad number of sectors. In 2022, the South-East Region, including Carlow, witnessed positive developments in terms of new businesses and job creation. Six start-ups from the South-East Region secured High Potential Start-Up investments totalling over €1million from Enterprise Ireland.
Irish micro mobility start-up ZEUS Scooters raised €5m for expansion and development of its innovative solutions for markets globally. This Carlow company was established in 2019 and launched in Germany in 2020. ZEUS has since expanded into six countries across two continents and over 40 locations, making it Ireland’s largest micro mobility company. Glenveagh Properties has played a key role in job creation in Co Carlow town by establishing a new manufacturing site. NUA Manufacturing, located in the Old Braun Factory in Carlow town, is a state-of-the-art timber and steel frame manufacturing facility which is poised to enhance delivery capabilities and expedite the supply of new homes.
I can assure the Deputy that both enterprise Agencies are strongly focused on attracting and retaining employment opportunities for Carlow and the South-East Region.
39. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how Budget 2024 is supporting regional enterprise development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51399/23]
View answerDelivering balanced regional enterprise growth and sustainable local job creation is a core objective of this Government and is a key component of the White Paper on Enterprise.
Recognising the significant challenges businesses are facing, and to protect levels of employment right across the country, Government has put in place significant measures to help support regional enterprise development.
The enterprise agencies also play a vital role in supporting that goal.
I have ensured that the Budget 2024 allocation to Enterprise Ireland will enable the continuation of current schemes directly supporting enterprise development and sustainable job creation throughout the country with a focus on regional development.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) promote entrepreneurship within their locality and help in the creation of new sustainable jobs in innovative businesses that contribute to economic development in their regions. To support the vital work of the LEOs, an additional €9 million has been allocated in Budget 2024 to enable them to continue to assist business start-ups in local towns and communities across the country. This reflects the ambition this Government has for the LEOs and for supporting small businesses throughout the country.
I also secured an increase in capital spending for IDA Ireland in respect of grants to industry and the agency’s property programme. IDA’s client grant budget is a priority for the agency for the attraction of new investors to Ireland in an increasingly competitive environment, and particularly to regional locations. The grant programme will maintain existing levels of investment, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation in line with the Government’s White Paper on Enterprise; this will include R&D, Training, Capital and Employment grants.
In tandem, IDA’s regional property programme ensures the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations as required by current and prospective clients of both IDA and Enterprise Ireland. A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning FDI projects and is critical to delivering on IDA’s and Enterprise Ireland’s balanced regional development agenda with the proposed expenditure being commensurate with this ambitious strategy.
I also announced a new National Enterprise Hub which will include a dedicated website and phone line with a Hub Advisor to help businesses access State supports. Developed by Enterprise Ireland on behalf the Government, any business can call it for direct help in navigating the comprehensive suite of supports that are being offered to business throughout Ireland.
The Deputy will also be aware that on Budget day I announced that my Department has secured €145 million in funding for the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund. The overall objective of this scheme is to drive job creation and enterprise development in each region as well as supporting projects aligned to the nine Regional Enterprise Plans. The first call of €35 million is now open and there will be further calls in the coming years. Full information is available on Enterprise Ireland’s website.
40. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the delivery of a new facility (details supplied) in Castlebar, County Mayo; the progress made since September 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51526/23]
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.
It is essential that the West Region and Mayo has a competitive, sustainable property offering to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs. 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 (announcing 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.
On conclusion of site selection, the masterplanning, 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.
