Written Answers Nos. 231-251
231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he continues to utilise the concept of reform to enhance and improve delivery of the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52553/23]
View answerThe Government has committed to €165 billion in capital investment through the National Development Plan (NDP) published in 2021. As a percentage of national income, annual capital investment is now among the largest in the EU. In 2023, almost €12 billion will fund vital infrastructure in areas such as housing, transport, education, enterprise, sport and climate action. Achieving value for money and reducing cost and schedule overruns is a vital part of delivering the NDP.
However, the Government and I acknowledge that the significant investment under the NDP does not come without delivery challenges. As you know, delivery of some NDP projects has been adversely impacted over the past three years as a result of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. I am also acutely aware of the challenges that the construction industry has faced in terms of material price inflation, labour supply constraints, and supply chain disruption. As a result, in order to safeguard the delivery of key NDP projects, in January 2022, my Department introduced measures to address inflation for new contracts and tenders. Furthermore, in May 2022, a new set of measures to apportion additional inflation costs between the parties to public works contracts were introduced.
Nevertheless, no-one is any doubt that the need to ensure timely project delivery must be part of the Government’s focus to respond effectively to the pressing challenges of our time, particularly in areas like housing, health and climate. The renaming of my Department as the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR), has brought about a greater emphasis and mandate for the delivery of the NDP. In light of this new role, a review of the support structures and levers available across Government to maximise delivery of projects was undertaken. As a result, a series of actions and reforms were identified as priorities to improve delivery of NDP projects, including reducing the administrative burden on Departments charged with infrastructure delivery. Earlier this year, I secured Government approval for six priority actions which are:
- Significant changes to reduce the administrative burden in delivering major capital projects, through measures to streamline the Public Spending Code (to become the Infrastructure Guidelines);
- I am now taking a direct role in overseeing delivery of the NDP through chairing the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board;
- Capacity reviews of departments and agencies with significant delivery programmes to be carried out, where appropriate, to ensure that adequate resources for project delivery are in place;
- Additional reforms to the Capital Works Management Framework, which sets out the contracts used for public capital projects;
- Direct reporting to Government on NDP delivery on a quarterly basis throughout 2023 and 2024 and
- An independent evaluation of NDP priorities and capacity.
This package represents a fresh approach to securing delivery as part of my Department’s enhanced remit around the NDP.
I am confident that the combination of the six priority actions above will boost the delivery of the critical infrastructure we need to support a growing economy and higher living standards for those living here. In particular, I believe input of experts on the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board will highlight the key impediments to project delivery and I will work towards delivering mitigating actions to boost project delivery. In addition, my Department will continue to work closely with the construction sector in order to improve efficiency and enhanced delivery through the Construction Sector Group.
232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to indicate the extent to which reform has become an integral part of all Departments with a view to speeding up the relevant processes in respect of Government projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52554/23]
View answerThe Government has committed to €165 billion in capital investment through the National Development Plan (NDP) published in 2021. As a percentage of national income, annual capital investment is now among the largest in the EU. In 2023, almost €12 billion will fund vital infrastructure in areas such as housing, transport, education, enterprise, sport and climate action. Achieving value for money and reducing cost and schedule overruns is a vital part of delivering the NDP.
My Department is responsible for the Public Spending Code (PSC)/Infrastructure Guidelines which sets the value for money requirements and guidance for evaluating, planning and managing Exchequer-funded capital projects. Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister.
In March, I announced a number of reforms to this code aimed at enhancing project delivery for the NDP. The actions include significant changes to reduce the administrative burden for Departments and public bodies developing capital projects.
Some specific changes designed to streamline the project lifecycle and approval process include:
- The general threshold for major projects increasing from €100m to €200m, allowing for projects below this limit to progress more speedily through the appraisal and evaluation process.
- The reduction of the number of approval stages prior to implementation from 5 to 3, reducing the administrative burden on Government departments charged with developing and delivering projects.
- The removal of the requirement for a project to prepare a separate Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) at the start of the process. Instead, all the requirements previously required as part of a SAR must now be completed, and incorporated, as part of the Preliminary Business Case (PBC) at the first approval stage.
These changes have already been implemented through Government circular 06/2023. Further appraisal guidance will be published shortly, known as the Infrastructure Guidelines, as part of capital project development, which will supersede the existing Public Spending Code.
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which his Department receives as near as possible estimates from each Department in the preparation of annual budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52555/23]
View answerOver the last number of years, a range of reforms have been implemented in order to enhance Ireland’s budgetary framework and ensure that expenditure is managed in an efficient and effective way. The intention of these reforms is to increase transparency around the budgetary process and to facilitate meaningful dialogue around key elements of the Budget and on what is being achieved with public funds. These reforms have given greater emphasis to:
- demonstrating how public money is used;
- utilising evidence to inform policy-making; and
- developing the capacity of the civil service to undertake evidence informed policy work.
Central to these reforms is the ‘whole-of-year’ budgetary framework. This refers to an ongoing consideration of budgetary priorities throughout the year, rather than focusing budget discussions only around Budget Day. An important element of this is the publication at key points in the year of a range of documents including the Public Service Performance Report, the Summer Economic Statement, the Mid-Year Expenditure Report, and the Spending Review papers. These publications seek to support enhanced transparency and engagement in relation to budgetary issues.
Both as part of the whole-of-year Budget process and the finalisation of Estimates, my Department engages in a number of processes to broaden the approach to how public expenditure is appraised, implemented and reviewed. These processes, alongside ongoing engagement and negotiation with other Departments across Government, help to determine existing level of services requirements each year.
The Fiscal Monitor, published monthly, monitors expenditure by comparing it to plans set at the start of the year. Other budgetary processes include evidence-based analysis through the Spending Review, performance budgeting and internal policy papers.
Improving and supporting the evaluation capacity within Government Departments has also formed an important part of the reform programme. Supported by the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service, this has led to the development of a number of additional processes and reports to support the budgetary framework.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing reform and improvement of the budgetary process, including an enhanced focus across Government on issues of performance and national well-being. In implementing further reforms, DPENDR will look to build on the budgetary reforms already in place and the significant work on public service reform already completed. Adopting this approach will support stronger dialogue on key elements of budgetary policy and will help to facilitate the continued development of budgetary decisions, consistent with the maintenance of stable public finances.
234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he expects to advance pay agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52556/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware my Department are now engaged in formal negotiations, under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission, on the potential of a successor agreement to Building Momentum. A range of issues are being discussed as part of this and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specifics at this time.
235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which it is now deemed that all aspects of FEMPI have been resolved; the number of cases outstanding, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52557/23]
View answerThe process of unwinding the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation commenced under the Lansdowne Road Agreement 2016-2018. This was underpinned by the FEMPI 2015 Act. The provisions of the 2015 Act also allowed for the amelioration of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR). The remainder of the process continued under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 (PSSA) and the current public service agreement, Building Momentum. This was underpinned by the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017, implementation of which would complete the unwinding of the FEMPI legislation in relation to reductions in remuneration. The 2017 Act also provided for the complete unwinding of PSPR.
At the end of the PSSA 2018 - 2020, FEMPI pay reductions were reversed for all public servants earning up to €70,000 per annum, which equated to almost 90% of public servants. Allowances reduced under FEMPI were fully restored from 1 October 2020. Section 19 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 provided for the complete unwinding of remaining FEMPI measures on public servants paid an annual basic salary of up to €150,000 on 1 July 2021. Section 20 of the 2017 Act provided for the complete unwinding of remaining FEMPI measures on public servants paid an annual basic salary of more than €150,000, on 1 July 2022. This completed the process of unwinding FEMPI reductions for public servants.
Each year, under the terms of the FEMPI Act 2013, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is obliged to carry out an annual review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the FEMPI Acts, having regard to the overall economic conditions in the State and national competitiveness. In this annual review, the Minister is also to consider whether or not any of the provision of the relevant Acts continue to be necessary having regard to the purposes of those Acts, the revenues of the State and State commitments in respect of public service pay and pensions. The 2023 annual report was published in June 2023 and can be found on the DPENDPR website.
236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which public procurement procedures can be enhanced to ensure a more rapid through flow of State projects, while at the same time maintaining best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52559/23]
View answerPublic Procurement is governed by EU and national rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which governs the award of a public contract in a manner that is transparent and delivers value for money. Under EU law, public contracts above a certain value must be advertised EU-wide and awarded to the most competitive tender following an open and objective process.
The Open and Restricted procedures are the most commonly used procedures permitted for general use under the EU Directives. The minimum time period is 35 days when using the Open procedure; reduced to 30 days where tenders are submitted electronically. The Restricted procedure is split into two stages, stage 1 is 30 days for submissions of Requests to Participate; and 30 days submission of tenders, this may be reduced to 25 days where tenders are submitted electronically.
When fixing the time limits for the receipt of tenders and requests to participate, contracting authorities must take account of the complexity of the project and the time required for drawing up tenders.
In the case of more technically complex projects, it may be necessary to adopt other procedures such as the Competitive Dialogue or the Competitive Procedure with Negotiation both of which require longer tender periods as there are normally several submission stages leading up to the final tender.
There are many measures that can be taken to enhance the process such as using standard templates with which both contracting authorities and tenderers can familiarise themselves, adopting digital technologies and the use of frameworks or other instruments for aggregation where a contracting authority has a significant volume of projects of a similar nature.
From the market’s point of view a clear pipeline of projects enables businesses to prepare and to prime their supply chains.
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) publishes a range of procurement templates and contracts for supplies, services and works. It also publishes extensive guidance on setting appropriate pre-qualification and award criteria that are proportionate to the nature and scale of the contract as well as managing the procurement process. The Commercial Skills Academy in the OGP has also been established to provide training to those awarding and managing public contracts.
Framework agreements have been set up for commonly sourced supplies and services at both a national and sectoral level by the OGP and its sector sourcing partners in health, education, defence and local government which are available to all public bodies . Where works are concerned, contracting authorities establish framework agreements to suit their particular project or programme requirements.
The OGP also operates eTenders, the national digital tendering portal, which enables contracting authorities to administer their procurement procedures entirely by digital means. This has been a requirement of the national regulations governing the award of public contracts since October 2018.
The National Investment Office in my department maintains the Investment Projects and Programmes Tracker which is regularly updated to monitor the progress of the projects and programmes funded under the National Development Plan. This enables contractors and construction professionals to plan their tendering activity and to invest in the necessary skills or equipment necessary to compete for public works projects.
The tender process operates most efficiently where the contracting authority has taken the time to prepare tender documents that clearly set out the project’s requirements, key risks and deliverables along with award criteria that are considered, succinct and comprehensible. This enables tenderers to respond within the time frame and the evaluation team to determine the award of the contract in a timely fashion.
237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether he remains satisfied that every effort is made to utilise best procedure in relation to State contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52560/23]
View answerState contracts govern the relationship between the entities who provide supplies or services or undertake works to public bodies following a competitive tender process.
They are usually somewhat different to contracts that regulate the behaviours between solely private entities in that they must have regard to a variety of public policy imperatives, not least of which are the rules governing public procurement. The core principles of which require public bodies to transact in a manner which ensures transparency, equal treatment, open competition, and sound procedural management.
Across the range of sectors in which public bodies operate where they engage private sector entities and, indeed, other public sector and semi-state bodies there is significant variety in the range of contract types that apply.
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) and its sector sourcing partners in health, education, defence and local government have a range of central arrangements in place for commonly sourced supplies, services and minor works to support the delivery of public services.
The OGP also publishes template contracts and procurement documents which public bodies may use to engage the supplies and general services they require. The OGP is responsible for the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) and the suite of template contracts and procurement templates which must be used by public bodies engaged in delivering the Exchequer-funded element of the National Development Plan.
Those template forms of contract and the documents used in the procurement and award of contracts are kept under regular review to ensure they are up to date with applicable legislative and policy developments. The most recent legislation introduced by the EU Commission which impacts procurement include:
- EU Regulation 2022/576 of 8 April 2022 aimed at placing sanctions on the participation of economic operators from the Russian Federation; and
- the International Procurement Instrument which introduces measures limiting non-EU companies' access to the open EU public procurement market if the governments of those countries do not permit similar access to their own domestic public tenders for EU companies; and
- The Foreign Subsidies Regulation which contains the main substantial and procedural rules on tackling distortive foreign subsidies on the internal market.
The CWMF is undergoing a comprehensive review which will undergo a progressive refinement over the coming years that will change the manner in which public works projects are procured and managed. Implementation of a number of reforms has already commenced and in July 2023, I, along with my colleague Ossian Smyth TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform with responsibility for Public Procurement, announced a package of reforms, both in contracts and procurement processes to build confidence in NDP delivery.
These include:
- A range of amendments to the public works contract published in July 2023 to address the uncertainty with respect to the risk posed by the exceptional level of inflation and continuing volatility in the price of construction materials and energy in the aftermath of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- Insurance and liability requirements in the CWMF have undergone amendment arising out of stakeholder engagement. Both measures are aimed at rebalancing the level of risk transferred under the CWMF.
- Reporting requirements for contracting authorities on embodied carbon are being introduced within amended cost report templates published under the CWMF in October. Initially these will operate on a voluntary basis until more developed databases dealing with embodied carbon in construction materials are available.
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) requirements will be introduced on a phased basis into the CWMF from January 2024 commencing with the design teams on projects with a value in excess of €100m. BIM refers to the use of a shared digital representation of a built object to facilitate the construction and operation process in both buildings and infrastructure. BIM facilitates design, construction and operation processes to form a more reliable basis for decisions.
These are but a few of the developments being undertaken across state contracts in response to legislative, policy and market changes that illustrate the breath of change that is applied to both the conditions of public contracts but also to the procurement templates and guidance that is relied upon to award those contracts. It represents a significant ongoing commitment to ensure the state keeps step with the latest developments.
238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether he remains satisfied that levels of public expenditure here are adequately proofed to ensure best outcome for the Exchequer and taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52561/23]
View answerThe Government’s approach to public expenditure policy is set out in the Medium Term Expenditure Strategy (MTES). The objectives of the MTES are twofold, to ensure that the level of core expenditure growth is sustainable long-term and that investment in expenditure protects and delivers improvements to public services. This framework must be responsive to the economic landscape and is reviewed annually as part of the whole of year budget process including the Summer Economic Statement and the Estimates process.
The ongoing dialogue between my Department and other Departments and Offices is part of the monitoring process for existing levels of service provision and any emerging pressures. Managing the delivery of services within budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and measures are in place to help ensure that budgetary targets are met. My Department ensures that expenditure is being managed within the overall fiscal parameters and the drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is monitored against the published expenditure profiles. There is regular reporting to Government and information in relation to voted expenditure is published monthly with the Exchequer Returns.
Budgetary and expenditure reforms remain a key feature of public expenditure management throughout all Departments. This important goal has been fully embedded across the system of Government and is progressed in a number of ways including the day-to-day management of resources, regular engagement across Departments on cross cutting issues and through the public service reform programme. It is also progressed through a range of core budgetary reform initiatives including, but not limited to:
- The Public Spending Code;
- National Development Plan;
- Performance Budgeting;
- Equality Budgeting;
- Green Budgeting
- Well-being budgeting; and
- The Spending Review Process.
These reforms and processes broaden the approach to how public expenditure is appraised, implemented and reviewed. They govern not only how and where the money is spent but also the impact of public expenditure across different cohorts of society and the different categories of expenditure. They work in tandem with broader initiatives, such as the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), to develop capacity and enhance the role of economics and value for money analysis in public policy making.
Additionally, my Department engages in international fora, including OECD working parties and committees. These discussions focus on spending reviews, budgetary reform and other areas that that strengthen the public sectors’ ability to promote systemic change as way to respond to economic, social and environmental challenges.
While each reform may be considered in isolation, it is important to recognise that each represents one part of the overall reform process. Together, these expenditure reforms aim to provide a more comprehensive and thorough insight into how public services are supporting the Irish population.
It is with this more complete understanding that policymakers can work towards the achievement of value for money objectives in the context of the entire budgetary process, ensure responsiveness to emerging opportunities and trends where appropriate, and enhance the impact of policies and programmes on the lives of people in Ireland.
239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the degree to which reforms throughout the public sector remain in place to ensure accountability, collective responsibility and good value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52562/23]
View answerMy Department works to serve the country, its people and the Government by delivering well managed and well-targeted public spending, delivered through modernised, effective and accountable public services. My Department develops major initiatives in collaboration with Government Departments and public service sectors and works to enable the delivery of sectoral reform priorities.
Examples of reforms developed by my Department since it was established in 2011 include those in relation to:
- Successive Civil and Public Service Reform Plans and Making Innovation Real the Public Service Innovation Strategy;
- Expenditure reforms and innovations in policy-making including the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES);
- Digital Government including the establishment of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the infrastructure to provide online services;
- Shared services and procurement reform including the establishment of the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) for shared HR, pensions and payroll services and the Office for Government Procurement to lead procurement reform;
- HR professionalisation and OneLearning the shared learning and development centre and rules governing staff including the Civil Service People Strategy and revised Disciplinary Code;
- Initiatives to support better customer service and enhanced employee engagement and
- Legislative and policy reform to enhance trust and transparency across government including Regulation of Lobbying, Protective Disclosures, Freedom of Information legislation and well as delivering the Open Government Partnership National Action Plan with Civil Society, the development of the Open Data Strategy, the implementation of Data Governance legislation and the delivery of the biennial OECD Trust in Public Institutions Survey with CSO.
The current plans are ambitious and build on the achievements to date. In that context, the ten-year strategy for the Civil Service, Civil Service Renewal 2030 is built on three core themes – Digital First and Embedding Innovation; Workforce, Workplace and Organisation of the Future, and Evidence-Informed Policy and Services. The strategic priorities will be achieved through three-year Action Plans, the first of which is Civil Service Renewal 2024.
Connecting Government 2030: A Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland’s Public Service sets out an approach to deliver digital government for all, benefitting both society and the broader economy. My Department recently hosted a public consultation process to help plan how we deliver improved digital public services.
Regarding overall reform, Better Public Services was published by my Department in May. This public service transformation strategy aims to deliver for the public and build trust through inclusive, high quality and integrated public service provision that meets the needs and improves the lives of the people of Ireland, including through a range of flagship projects.
In terms of collective responsibility for the implementation of reform, my Department chairs the Public Service Leadership Board, drawn from senior management in the Civil and Public Service, to ensure coherence of reform across the system. The Board will play a key role in leading the next phase of reform.
In regard to value for money, expenditure reviews have been a vital component of the public expenditure management framework. Since 2017 a total of 177 formal Spending Review papers have been published with more Departments routinely assessing key policies and programmes as part of the spending review processes.
As part of this broader approach to ensuring value for money, the introduction of shared services and centralised procurement in earlier phases of reform have been further integrated in public service operations and expanded into new areas. These expansions will continue and we are exploring new areas to further embed reforms that will enhance the cost-effectiveness of public services; for example, through leading or enabling digitalisation of key public services, automation, innovation, new ways of working and service design.
Finally, in regard to the Public Service Pay Agreement Building Momentum, the parties to the Agreement are committed to the ongoing reform and development of public services to meet the changing needs of citizens, communities, businesses and the staff who deliver public services.
240. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are personnel in his Department who could be classified as having a significant or exclusive focus of their role dedicated to dealing with integration; if so, to detail the title of the post; the grade level of that post; the core functions of that role; to provide details of the exact nature of their responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51831/23]
View answerMy Department has no direct remit dedicated to dealing with integration policy. However, The table below sets out the details of staff of my Department, by grade, who are assigned on a full-time basis to provide support to the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in order for that Department to fulfil its areas of responsibility in dealing with integration.
|
Grade |
Number |
Secondment Start Date |
Notes |
|
CO |
1 |
16 May 2022 |
Extension granted up to 25 Oct 2024 |
|
HEO |
1 |
16 May 2022 |
Move to DCEDIY made permanent on 30 October 2023 |
|
AP |
1 |
12 March 2023 |
Secondment agreement in place until 8 March 2024 |
In respect of the schedule of services that my Department provides to the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the salary of some members of staff currently on secondment, or previously on secondment, is paid for by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the duration of their secondment. My Department seconded 2 additional staff members previously, who have now returned to this Department.
241. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total number of Enterprise Ireland sponsored jobs, by county for the years 2016 - 2022, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51866/23]
View answerEnterprise Ireland (EI) is the Government agency responsible for developing Irish business globally. Latest employment figures reflect the creation of 19,660 new jobs by EI client companies in 2022. This jobs growth translates into a net increase of 10,841 jobs created last year.
Enterprise Ireland companies now employ 218,178 people, an increase of 5% on the 2021 outturn and 68% of these jobs are outside Dublin. More than 147,000 people in the regions are now employed by Enterprise Ireland client companies, making a significant contribution to local economies and communities.
Employment increased across Enterprise Ireland’s three core economic sectors - Technology & Services (+8%), Industrial and Life Sciences (+5%) and Food and Sustainability (+3%).
The table below illustrates the total employment figures per county for EI client companies for the years 2016 to 2022.
|
County |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021* |
2022* |
|
Carlow |
2,973 |
3,034 |
3,221 |
3,257 |
3,171 |
3,500 |
3,815 |
|
Cavan |
5,221 |
5,451 |
5,842 |
6,089 |
6,045 |
6,506 |
6,534 |
|
Clare |
3,444 |
3,709 |
4,115 |
4,325 |
4,372 |
4,286 |
5,266 |
|
Cork |
24,936 |
25,975 |
24,444 |
25,130 |
25,706 |
24,962 |
25,585 |
|
Donegal |
3,581 |
3,552 |
3,993 |
4,236 |
4,148 |
4,209 |
4,308 |
|
Dublin |
70,365 |
72,461 |
77,426 |
78,003 |
77,352 |
66,704 |
70,785 |
|
Galway |
7,294 |
8,103 |
8,095 |
8,431 |
8,369 |
8,122 |
8,651 |
|
Kerry |
4,677 |
4,866 |
4,833 |
4,828 |
4,697 |
4,598 |
4,874 |
|
Kildare |
8,632 |
9,134 |
8,931 |
9,301 |
9,154 |
9,098 |
9,270 |
|
Kilkenny |
4,167 |
4,276 |
4,549 |
4,832 |
4,784 |
4,960 |
4,908 |
|
Laois |
1,385 |
1,473 |
1,543 |
1,769 |
1,849 |
1,886 |
1,924 |
|
Leitrim |
922 |
559 |
607 |
610 |
585 |
622 |
834 |
|
Limerick |
7,954 |
8,269 |
9,561 |
9,755 |
9,774 |
9,141 |
8,736 |
|
Longford |
2,886 |
2,970 |
2,979 |
2,954 |
2,959 |
2,262 |
2,223 |
|
Louth |
5,819 |
6,121 |
5,937 |
6,207 |
6,372 |
6,521 |
6,369 |
|
Mayo |
3,856 |
4,118 |
4,714 |
5,037 |
4,888 |
4,862 |
5,288 |
|
Meath |
7,007 |
7,302 |
7,393 |
7,687 |
7,845 |
7,510 |
7,943 |
|
Monaghan |
5,168 |
5,366 |
5,626 |
5,749 |
5,548 |
5,579 |
6,255 |
|
Offaly |
3,941 |
4,281 |
4,314 |
4,238 |
4,172 |
4,249 |
4,260 |
|
Roscommon |
1,688 |
1,776 |
1,791 |
1,788 |
1,754 |
1,684 |
1,619 |
|
Sligo |
1,546 |
1,733 |
1,917 |
2,013 |
1,992 |
1,966 |
2,116 |
|
Tipperary |
5,352 |
5,907 |
5,945 |
6,225 |
6,556 |
6,287 |
6,542 |
|
Waterford |
5,721 |
6,359 |
6,849 |
6,853 |
6,208 |
6,519 |
7,502 |
|
Westmeath |
3,653 |
3,741 |
3,564 |
3,382 |
3,296 |
3,019 |
3,099 |
|
Wexford |
4,816 |
4,670 |
4,714 |
4,926 |
5,114 |
5,024 |
5,580 |
|
Wicklow |
4,104 |
4,132 |
4,283 |
4,270 |
3,903 |
3,818 |
3,892 |
|
Total |
201,108 |
209,338 |
217,186 |
221,895 |
220,613 |
207,894 |
218,178 |
* In line with Enterprise Ireland’s new strategy, a revision of the population of companies included in the Annual Employment Survey was undertaken in 2021 and is reflected in the tables.
242. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment , to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51950/23]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that a General Employment Permit application for the person concerned in the details supplied was received on 9 November 2023. On 10 November the application was formally accepted and placed in the processing queue.
Applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. As of 21 November 2023, the Employment Permits Section is processing new applications in respect of standard employers received on 23 October 2023. It is therefore expected that the application concerned in the details supplied should be considered in the next 3 weeks.
An application to have an employment permit expedited will be considered in exceptional circumstances. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis. The Department can only consider a request to expedite an employment permit application where a detailed business case is provided.
Details of the exceptional case must be submitted to the Department on the official expedite request form (available on our website), which is a prerequisite for DETE to consider any such request. A separate expedite request form is required for each application.
Once the business case is completed it should be submitted to Employmentpermits@enterprise.gov.ie for consideration. It is important to point out that the completion of a business case does not guarantee that an expedite will be facilitated. enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/
The Employment Permits processing times are updated on a weekly basis at the following link: .
There is also an Online Status Update Enquiry - where details on a particular application can be found on the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Status-Form/.
243. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023; the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51970/23]
View answerIn 2022, my Department received a total of 313 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests of which 37 were refused. To date in 2023 the Department has received 258 FOI requests of which 31 have been refused.
My Department is committed to being transparent and providing ease of access to information and records where possible. Where practicable, my officials will endeavour to redact a version of a record as opposed to refusing a request in its entirety.
When a request has to be refused however, it may be due to a number of different reasons. For example, it may be necessary to safeguard sensitive information, including but not limited to personal information, information obtained in confidence as well as commercially sensitive information.
244. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of Exchequer funding allocated towards the Eirsat-1 project; to outline the total amount paid to the European Space Agency to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52001/23]
View answerThrough Ireland’s membership to the European Space Agency (ESA), University College Dublin (UCD) secured the opportunity in May 2017 to develop, launch and operate, what will be, Ireland’s first satellite EIRSAT-1 through the ESA’s Fly Your Satellite! programme.
The EIRSAT-1 project is led by UCD, with participation from academic staff and students and is supported by Irish industrial partners, SensL (Cork) and ENBIO (Dublin) which will provide in-orbit demonstration of their technologies. EIRSAT-1 is expected to be launched on Friday 1, December.
In addition to funding and support from ESA, the project has also received Exchequer funding through several national agencies. In 2019, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) awarded €40,470, via the Discover programme, for educational activities relating to EIRSAT-1 launch and operations.
The Irish Research Council (IRC) has funded PhD students where a partial element of their project involved a contribution to the EIRSAT-1 project. However, the value in monetary terms cannot be quantified as the amount of time contributed by the PhD students is not available to the IRC.
The IRC has also sponsored an EIRSAT-1 workshop in May 2022 to the value of €6,535. This was a collaborative project involving the UCD EIRSAT-1 team, UCD Research, the School of English, Drama and Film, Museum of Literature Ireland, and JCSP Libraries, who are working with DEIS junior cert students.
To date in 2023, the State has paid €22.87m to the ESA. Additional funding of €2.864m is due to be paid to ESA by Enterprise Ireland before year end. Ireland's increased investment in ESA in recent years is in line with the National Strategy for Space Enterprise 2019 - 2025 which aims to build an economically sustainable and expanding space-active industry, delivering quality jobs for the economy of tomorrow.
245. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 28 September 2023, if the review into occupation lists for employment permits for non-Irish/EEA nationals has been completed; if he can provide a breakdown of the occupations on the list; how many permits are being allocated to each occupation; if there will be an increase in the number of work rider permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52044/23]
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 process that provides stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages.
The deliberative process is ongoing at present. Submissions to the review have been considered by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy, which was convened on 26 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.
A report containing recommendations for adjustments to the Occupations Lists is being finalised for my consideration at present, following which any changes to occupations approved, including whether any will be subject to quota restrictions or not, will be announced and the revised lists of occupations for employment permits will be published on my Department's website.
With regard to the eligibility of work riders for employment permits, a quota for this occupation previously provided for has recently been fully allocated. I can confirm that my Department received submissions in relation to this occupation by way of the public consultation. These submissions are under consideration as part of the review process.
246. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Department of Foreign Affairs has raised any human rights or foreign policy concerns with his Department in relation to issuing of dual use export licences to Israel in the last five years, and the number of times such issues were raised by the Department per year in relation to Israeli exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52118/23]
View answerMy Department is the National Competent Authority with responsibility for Export Controls, including Controls on defence-related exports and exports of Dual-Use goods. The Department operates Export Controls to the highest standards, in accordance with EU law and international best practice.
My Department administers Controls on the export of Dual-use items in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items.
Dual-use items are products and components, including software and technology, that can be used for both civil and military applications. The bulk of Dual-use exports from Ireland are mainstream business ICT products, both hardware and software (networking, data storage, cybersecurity etc). They are categorised as Dual-use items as a consequence of fact that they incorporate strong encryption for ICT security purposes.
The Programme for Government contains a clear commitment to the promotion of Human Rights through business practices and in particular, to rigorously scrutinise all applications for export licences for Military equipment and Dual-use items.
In keeping with the commitment in the Programme for Government, all applications for export licences are rigorously scrutinised by my officials, on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with all relevant legislation, including EU sanctions.
My officials seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs on any human rights or foreign policy considerations that may arise with every proposed export. The Department of Foreign Affairs provides my Department with up to date geopolitical information that assists my officials in assessing applications for export licences.
The advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs gives due consideration to the Dual-use item in question, the end-user and end-use for the item, and has regard to the eight criteria for assessing licence applications set out in the European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment. Therefore, advice provided from the Department of Foreign Affairs in respect of every application include a view of any human rights or foreign policy considerations that are relevant to that export.
247. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total costs incurred by his Department arising from the placing of advertisements with the national broadcaster, RTÉ, in any format, for each of the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52161/23]
View answerBetween the years 2016 and 2023 my Department advertised with RTE once. This was in 2021 at a cost of €63,250 as part of a wider multi-platform campaign to promote the National Remote Work Strategy: Making Remote Work.
248. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue by organisations (details supplied) from 2020 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52188/23]
View answerMy Department and its Offices have not facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issues by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) and the Hope and Courage Collective from 2020 to date.
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 to respond to the Deputy directly.
249. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 33 of 8 September 2022, the progress that has been made on the review of the eligibility for the insolvency payment scheme to date; the anticipated timeframe in finding a solution to this long-running saga; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52327/23]
View answerSignificant progress has been made in finding a solution to allow employees of companies that cease trading without engaging in any formal wind-up process to access the Insolvency Payments Scheme.
Due to the complex and cross-cutting issues involved, an inter-departmental Working Group was established to agree a solution in December 2022. The group was made up of a number of Government Departments along with representatives from Revenue, the Corporate Enforcement Authority and the Companies Registration Office. This Working Group concluded its work in March of this year and based on its recommendations a policy solution was brought to Government in July.
Government approved the drafting of a General Scheme of a Bill to amend the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Act 1984 in order to implement the policy solution and this is ongoing. My Department aims to bring the General Scheme to Government for approval in the first half of 2024.
250. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for details of all export licences under the various categories of the Control of Exports (Goods and Technology) Order that have been approved and are currently in existence for export of goods to Israel; the number that fell within the scope of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/1922; the type of export licence issued in each instance; if his Department has been made aware of exemptions from licencing requirements by exporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52529/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.
251. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what income by Enterprise Ireland has been sanctioned by his Department to ensure that Irish businesses have increased financial supports available under the Brexit adjustment initiative to assist and prepare for the new UK import rules to be imposed on Irish and EU exports and to commence at the end of January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52320/23]
View answerEnterprise Ireland (EI) supports Irish businesses to take a strategic approach to growing internationally. Their 39 international offices can provide direct introductions to potential customers and partners, whether it involves an experienced international seller or a first-time exporter.
Businesses supported by Enterprise Ireland have access to a range of expert teams from Development and Market Advisors to Digital Marketers and Technologists, with in-depth industry knowledge and supports to start, scale and grow internationally.
My department provides funding through EI to help Irish businesses to become global leaders, by supporting them to explore international exporting opportunities to drive global growth. EI have a range of supports to help companies develop market entry plans, fund market research and upskill leadership teams. Businesses working with Enterprise Ireland benefit from international trade missions, trade event programmes and buyer visits which are instrumental when growing and scaling internationally.
Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) funding has been allocated to my Department through the European Commission. In 2023, there was €15 million allocated to Enterprise Ireland (EI) for disbursal to indigenous companies to assist with eligible costs due as a result of Brexit. This funding covers the period from 2020 and must be drawn down by 31 December 2023.
