Written Answers Nos. 176-192
176. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether the Saturday service for the 209 bus in Cork has been suspended or reduced; whether this change is permanent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54365/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific questions in relation to Bus Éireann's Saturday 209 route, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
177. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport what action his Department is taking to improve a bus route in Cork city in view that there are recurring issues with reliability of the service (details supplied); if Saturday has been removed from the route; if so, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54367/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific questions in relation to Bus Éireann's Saturday 209 route, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
178. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport how he intends to proceed implementing seven recommendations in the Irish Coast Guard following an inquest (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54375/23]
View answerMs Lucas was a highly regarded and valued member of the Doolin Unit of the Irish Coast Guard who tragically lost her life in the course of duty. We would like to extend our condolences to Ms. Lucas’s family and friends on their enormous loss.
Our priority at all times is the safety of our volunteers who save the lives of others. The Irish Coast Guard is committed to operating at the highest possible maritime safety standards so that we support and protect our volunteers as they work to serve communities all around Ireland.
Following Ms Lucas’s death, both the HSA and the MCIB have conducted reviews into the incident and the Irish Coast Guard has worked to implement the recommendations stemming from both of these reports. The Irish Coast Guard fully accept the findings and recommendations made by the coroner at last week’s inquest. Detailed consideration of how best to implement these recommendations is now under way.
179. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if costs incurred by a family in the course of an inquest will be reimbursed by the State (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54376/23]
View answerMs. Lucas was a very highly regarded and valued volunteer in the Coast Guard who tragically lost her life in the course of duty on the 12th September 2016. The Department of Transport has fully engaged in supporting the Coroner’s Inquest into her death and accepts the findings and recommendations made by the Coroner. Detailed consideration of how best to implement the recommendations is now underway.
The Lucas family has been advised that the Minister is willing to reimburse reasonable legal costs in connection with having appropriate legal representation at the Inquest.
180. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the key initiatives taken to improve transport services in both urban and rural Ireland since 27 June 2020. [54399/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, while the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure.
The Government is strongly committed to improving public transport options in both urban and rural Ireland – both bus and rail – and has backed that commitment up with significant investments across the network since 2020. This includes investment in the BusConnects programme, Connecting Ireland and new town services, in addition to significant investment in public transport infrastructure projects such as the DART+ programme, and new bus and rail fleet. The Government has also invested in a number of fare initiatives over this period including the 90-minute fares, the 20% average fare reduction and the introduction of the Young Adult Card.
To support the Government's ambitious goals for the public transport network, in Budget 2023, the Department of Transport secured €563.55 million of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €538m in 2022). More recently, under Budget 2024, funding has been secured to support the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2024, and for new and enhanced bus and rail services next year.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request in relation to the key initiatives taken to improve transport services in both urban and rural Ireland since 27 June 2020, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
181. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Finance the main policy achievements of his Department in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54290/23]
View answerTo date in 2023, the Department of Finance has delivered a number of policy achievements which include:
- Budget 2024
The distributional impact of Budget 2024 is progressive, with lower income deciles experiencing the largest gains from both the Cost of Living package and from the core Budget 2024 measures. The establishment of two new funds was announced in Budget 2024:
• the Future Ireland Fund will help to protect living standards and public services for current and future generations, and,
• the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund which will allow for sustained levels of investment in infrastructure in the event of economic downturns and to support climate and nature related projects.
In line with the Department’s strategic goals of ‘balanced, sustainable and economic growth’ and ‘sound public finances’, in 2023 my Department continued to monitor emerging domestic and international trends. In managing the challenges presented by Brexit, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and elevated rates of inflation, the economic position remains strong. This is most clearly evident in the labour market, where the number in employment has expanded to record highs.
- International Tax Reform
The agreement reached by Ireland with approximately 140 other jurisdictions in 2021 represents an important step towards resolving the issues brought about by the digitalisation of the economy and is intended to provide certainty for multinational enterprises whose business models are so important for the Irish economy. There are two pillars to this agreement. The EU Minimum Tax Directive will be implemented through the Finance (No.2) Bill 2023 making good on Ireland’s commitment to deliver Pillar Two of the OECD agreement. Ireland welcomed the publication of the Multilateral Convention (MLC) by the OECD, demonstrating the substantial progress made on all aspects of Pillar One. I look forward to the opening of the MLC for signature in due course.
- Retail Banking Review
Government approved the publication of the Retail Banking Review in 2022 and the implementation of its 34 recommendations, which are now Government policy. A key issue identified by the Retail Banking Review was access to cash, both the ability to withdraw and deposit cash, and a number of recommendations address this. There is a dedicated team in place working on this issue that is currently developing legislation and preparing heads of bill, which I expect to bring to Government for approval to draft shortly.
Another related issue was a recommendation for the Department to lead on the development of a National Payments Strategy (NPS) in 2024 that will take account of the changing landscape and determine how best to adapt to it as per the terms of reference I published in June this year. The NPS will also take account of the EU legislative landscape including the shortly to be adopted instant payments regulation and the proposals on payment services, the digital euro and legal tender. The NPS is also looking at how to tackle fraud domestically and the acceptance of cash by both the private and public sectors. A public consultation will be issued shortly.
- Funds Sector Review
A review of the Funds Sector commenced this year. “Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets ” is a wide ranging review of an important part of the financial services sector, both in Ireland and globally. A public consultation has been conducted and the review is due to report in Summer 2024.
- Ireland for Finance Strategy
Action Plan 2023, the first action plan under the Update to Ireland for Finance strategy, was launched in March 2023 and contains 12 priority action measures. Priority themes are sustainable finance and digital finance and fintech.
- Advancing the Government’s Legislation Agenda
• Regulation of Lobbying and Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) (Amendment) Act 2023
• Finance Act 2023
• Central Bank (Individual Accountability Framework) Act 2023
• Finance (No. 2) Bill 2023, which gives legislative effect to a number of announcements made in Budget 2024 as well as a number of other tax-related changes, will be enacted by end December 2023.
• Credit Union (Amendment) Bill 2022
• Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2023
• Finance (State Guarantees, International Financial Institution Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023
• Motor Insurance Insolvency Compensation Bill 2023
In addition to these highlights, the Department has worked collaboratively on achieving positive results across the Divisions on policies in Economics, Climate Finance, EU and International Affairs and Financial Services. More details on these achievements will be available in the Department’s annual report for 2023. The report will provide more information on initiatives such as Insurance Reform, the selling down of the State ownership in AIB and PTSB, and the Credit Union policy framework review as well as on events such as the National Economic Dialogue.
Work will shortly commence on the Department’s 2023 annual report which will be published and available on the gov.ie website. Further detail on the strategic framework that underpins the policy achievements in 2023 is available in the Department of Finance Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 on the gov.ie site.
182. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Finance if an individual who has agreed to purchase farm land, and who has the contracts signed in December 2023, but with a sale that will close in January 2024, still qualifies for 2023 agricultural relief based on the fact that they have an agreement in place in December 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54338/23]
View answerIt is my understanding that the Deputy's question relates to s. 33 of Finance (No. 2) Bill 2023 which amends s. 664 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA). Section 664 provides for an income tax exemption for certain income arising from leasing of farm land.
I am advised by Revenue as follows:
There are a number of conditions to be satisfied before relief under s. 664 can be claimed. Subject to an upper limit, individuals who qualify for the relief are entitled to take a deduction in determining their total income for income tax purposes.
The lease must be a qualifying lease, that is, a lease of farm land which —
• is in writing or evidenced in writing,
• is for a definite term of 5 years or more, and
• is made on an arm’s length basis between one or more qualifying lessors and one or more qualifying lessees.
Section 33 of Finance (No.2) Bill 2023 contains a number of amendments to section 664 of the TCA. One of these amendments introduces a seven-year holding requirement in respect of farm land purchased by an individual pursuant to a contract entered into on or after 1 January 2024 for a consideration equal to the market value of the land at the date of the purchase. For contracts entered into on or after 1 January 2024, an individual must hold the farm land concerned for at least seven years before they are eligible for the income tax relief.
Where a taxpayer has entered into and signed a contract to purchase farm land in December 2023, but the sale is completed in (or after) January 2024, the seven-year holding requirement will not apply in respect of that purchase.
183. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will address the issues raised in correspondence regarding the help-to-buy scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54350/23]
View answerThe Help to Buy (“HTB”) incentive, is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment.
The incentive gives a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (“DIRT”) paid in Ireland over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation. Section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act outlines the definitions and conditions that apply to the HTB scheme and provides that the amount of relief available shall be the lesser of:
• €30,000,
• 10 per cent of the purchase value of a new home/self-build property; or,
• the amount of Income Tax and DIRT paid in the four years before application for the relief.
One condition of the scheme is that a qualifying first-time purchaser (“FTP”) must take out a loan in an amount equal to at least 70% of the purchase value of the property. In the case of a self-build property, the purchase value is the approved valuation of the self-build property, as approved by the lender in accordance with the Central Bank’s macro prudential rules. These rules stipulate the valuation should include the site value.
The HTB online process includes three stages - application stage, claim stage and verification stage. It is during the first stage, the application stage that a FTP establishes the potential maximum amount of relief due to them, based on the amount of IT and DIRT paid over the previous four years. At application stage, the FTP is asked to confirm that they are eligible for the HTB scheme by declaring, amongst other things, that they are a first-time buyer, that the property will be used as their home and that the loan-to-value ratio of mortgage on the property is 70% or greater. In order to complete the application stage of the process, the taxpayer in question would have confirmed his eligibility, including that he would meet the 70% loan-to-value requirement. However, information regarding the ultimate purchase value of the property and the amount of the mortgage is not provided to Revenue by the FTP until the claim stage, which is the second stage of the online process.
Revenue advise that In this case, when this information was provided at the second stage, it became apparent that the 70% LTV limit was not, in fact, met.
The Revenue guidance on this matter outlines the various criteria for eligibility, including the 70% LTV limit and also outlines how to make a claim:
• Help to Buy – Summary Guide for Applicants, which is available at www.revenue.ie/en/property/documents/htb-summary-applicants.pdf,
• Tax Duty Manual 15-01-46 Help to Buy, available here - www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-46.pdf
The HTB scheme, was initially intended to be limited to persons who had mortgages with a minimum LTV of 80%. However, Central Bank data indicated that a sizeable number of first-time buyers take out a mortgage with a LTV of less than 80%. As such, it was decided to amend the scheme in the subsequent Finance Bill to set the minimum LTV at 70% so as to ensure that first-time buyers did not feel compelled to borrow larger amounts than they would have otherwise in order to qualify for the scheme.
According to Revenue statistics, from the inception of the scheme to end-November 2023 self-builds have represented 25.28% of approved claims. The nature of self-builds is such that an applicant may already own the land on which the house is built which means that they are likely to need to borrow only in relation to construction costs.
Individuals who are in the position of being able to avail of a mortgage at a lower loan-to-value ratio than 70% are considered to have sufficient resources to more than meet the deposit requirements of the macro-prudential rules and thus less in need of assistance from the Exchequer. Lowering the LTV ceiling would therefore only increase dead-weight in the scheme. In fact, the independent review of the scheme which took place in 2022 recommended that the LTV be increased to 80% for purchasers availing of HTB.
It would not be equitable to allow for different eligibility criteria with regard to LTV ratios in respect of self-build properties vis-á-vis that which applies to all other new build homes; the policy position remains that purchasers taking out a mortgage of less than a 70% LTV will not be able to qualify under the HTB incentive.
184. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if measures will be introduced to assist in the provision of better credit facilities for small and medium enterprises as many businesses, particularly small enterprises, are facing serious difficulties due to the non-availability of reasonable loan and overdraft facilities from the pillar banks; if he is aware that some businesses that had reasonable credit facilities with banks that exited the Irish market recently do not have similar arrangements with their new banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54392/23]
View answerThe Deputy can be assured a key strategic priority for me and my Department is a well regulated, sustainable banking and financial services sector. This includes that viable businesses operating in Ireland should have the opportunity to access sufficient finance to meet their enterprise needs in a manner that supports growth and employment in the economy. That is why my Department has a range of measures in place to support viable SMEs to access appropriate finance at a reasonable cost from both bank and non-bank sources.
At a time of heightened economic volatility, State backed risk sharing and guarantee programmes will continue to be a relevant policy option. In particular, I would like to draw your attention to some of these.
The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) launched the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme (UCGS) in March 2023. The UGCS provides €1.2 billion of low-cost, unsecured working capital for Irish SMEs, small Mid-Caps, and primary producers affected by rising costs of energy following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In order to qualify, the borrower is required to declare that their costs have increased by a minimum of 10% on their 2020 figures and that the loan is being sought specifically as a result of difficulties being experienced due to the Ukraine crisis.
No personal guarantee or collateral is required for loans up to €250,000. Loan facilities (including overdrafts, working capital and term loans) of €10,000 to €1 million will be available; with payback period of up to 6 years. Loans under the UGCS also benefit from reduced interest rates vis-à-vis standard market rates.
Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank, Capitalflow and three Credit Union Groups (Metamo, Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) and Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) currently lend under the UGCS scheme.
The SBCI also recently launched its €500 million Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS). This scheme will facilitate strategic investment by SMEs, including farmers and fishers, in growth, resilience and climate action, to support their continued viability and sustainability, and increase their productivity and competitiveness.
The GSLS aims to be an accessible source of low-cost finance for SMEs. Loans under the GSLS are available from €25,000 to €3 million, with up to €500,000 available unsecured. The scheme is underpinned by a counter-guarantee from the European Investment Fund with support from the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
At least 30% of the scheme’s lending capacity is directed towards climate action and environmental sustainability, recognising that it is crucial that SMEs, including farmers, play their part in Ireland’s sustainable transition, and demonstrating the Government’s support for this goal. Loans under this strand will benefit from a further ‘green’ interest rate discount.
Such loans include investment in green/sustainable measures, any investment by SMEs classified as a Green/Sustainable Enterprise, and any investment by farmers classified as a holder of a Green Eco Label. The remaining 70% of the lending volume is targeted for investment in business growth and resilience.
Bank of Ireland and AIB are currently accepting applications under the GSLS and more on-lenders are expected to join this scheme in the near future.
These schemes followed in the footsteps of a range of other successful products made available by the SBCI to SMEs.
As Minister of Finance, I have no direct function in the relationship between banks and their customers nor in relation to the banking decisions made by individual lending institutions. However, measures are in place to address circumstances such as the ones you raise.
In relation to businesses refused credit, the Credit Review (www.creditreview.ie) was established to assist those SMEs and farm borrowers that have had credit applications of up to €3 million refused, or an existing credit facility withdrawn or amended by the participating bank. SMEs can apply to Credit Review after exhausting the internal appeals process in the participating institution, which are currently AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB.
Credit Review received 1,275 formal applications by the end of 2022. Of these, 922 have reached a final conclusion, with Credit Review upholding appeals in favour of 543 borrowers, including those with a commitment to reassess the lending in the future if agreed performance hurdles are met in the short term. The upheld appeals resulted in EUR 77.4 million in credit being made available to SMEs and farms.
In addition, the Central Bank of Ireland has a number of measures in place to specifically protect and support the interests of businesses. Banks must follow regulations set out in the Central Bank’s Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 (Section 48) (Lending to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) Regulations 2015 (the SME Regulations).
The SME Regulations (centralbank.ie/news/article/regulations-for-firms-lending-to-smes-from-2016) set out the required treatment of SMEs by regulated entities in relation to various aspects of business lending. This includes detailed provisions around the credit application process, requirements regarding security or collateral, credit refusals and withdrawals, handling complaints, managing arrears and having in place policies for engaging with SMEs in financial difficulty.
185. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance what action has been taken to boost Ireland's economic competitiveness since 27 June 2020. [54395/23]
View answerIreland’s long-standing reputation as a stable and pro-enterprise jurisdiction is reflected in the continued investment in the economy. The most recent figures show the stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ireland stood at over €1.2 trillion at the end of the third quarter of 2023. The multinational sector contributes to the domestic economy through employment and supply chain linkages as well as income and corporation tax receipts.
It is important, given the impact of FDI on the domestic economy, that Ireland maintains its competitive position internationally. Ireland’s talented and flexible workforce, strong legal and regulatory landscape, and reputation as a stable economy all contribute to our competitiveness in encouraging both indigenous and foreign investment. Continued investment in skills and infrastructure will help Ireland to remain attractive in this regard.
To this end, this Government has consistently put forward policies to protect and further enhance the competitiveness of the Irish economy. Through the National Development Plan (NDP) we are investing in Ireland’s future, ensuring that crucial investments including in housing, healthcare and schools are in place to meet the needs of the generations to come.
Arguably, one of the greatest challenges facing households and businesses over the past year has been the high rates of inflation. The Government has responded to this challenge with timely and targeted cost of living measures.
Budget 2024 included a package of once-off cost of living measures of €2.7 billion. This is the fifth package of cost of living supports that the government has provided since Budget 2022. This has brought the total fiscal support provided by Government to just under €15 billion.
This Government has also taken considerable actions through policies aimed directly at our enterprise sector. In Budget 2024 the Government’s set up a Smart Regions fund, increased the R&D tax credit and established the new National Enterprise Hub.
This Government remains vigilant of the challenges on the horizon and will take the prudent steps required to ensure Ireland remains a highly competitive economy in the years ahead.
186. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if a light will be turned on at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54252/23]
View answerThe OPW will respond directly to the Deputy on the matter.
187. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what action he has taken to enhance and expand public investment since 27 June 2020. [54393/23]
View answerSince this Government took office in June 2020, we have introduced significant changes to enhance the delivery of the State's national investment priorities.
Following a comprehensive review of the National Development Plan (NDP) over the course of 2020 and 2021, the Government committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP 2021-30 published in October 2021. From that total investment, between 2021 and 2023 almost €33 billion in core capital funding has been made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects. As Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments. My Ministerial colleagues in Government are responsible for the delivery of the NDP projects that fall under their remit.
The significant level of expenditure committed under the NDP is pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, supporting balanced regional development and, most importantly, delivering the necessary infrastructure to support our future climate change obligations as well as our social and economic requirements.
In March this year, I informed Government of a package of significant actions aimed at enhancing project delivery of the NDP. The actions include significant changes to reduce the administrative burden for Departments and public bodies developing capital projects. One of these specific changes was the general threshold for major projects increasing from €100m to €200m. These thresholds will be reviewed every 3 years to ensure they are still appropriate.
In terms of reviewing priorities and the capacity to deliver the NDP, an independent evaluation of investment priorities and capacity of was commissioned by my Department earlier this year. This work has been conducted by the ESRI, and my Department has recently received the final draft. The evaluation focuses on the capacity to deliver current Government priorities, to utilise sectoral capital allocations and estimates the impact of components of the NDP on key economic indicators. It is expected that the report will be published shortly.
The Government will continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map as well as the publication of annual reports and regional reports highlighting Project Ireland 2040 achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments which have been made throughout the country.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 in the three Regional Assembly areas have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 The reports set out the regional projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered across the State, as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040.
The Project Ireland 2040 Annual and Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
188. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions taken to boost jobs and businesses since 27 June 2020. [54389/23]
View answerSince June 2020, my Department has been working to achieve the commitments and priorities set out in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future. We implemented our 2021-2023 Statement of Strategy and delivered on our remit to drive the productive capacity of the economy, create and maintain high-value jobs, promote fair competition in the marketplace, protect consumers and safeguard workers during a period when the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU and the impacts of the war in Ukraine were creating unprecedented challenges for the business community in Ireland.
The main policy achievements and actions taken by my Department to boost jobs and business between June 2020 and December 2022 are set out in our Statement of Strategy Report on Delivery, which is available on our website at www.enterprise.gov.ie. This report sets out details of the objectives realised under each of the department’s strategic goals.
In 2023 my Department has played an important role in delivering our priorities under the Programme for Government and in delivering cross-Government policy objectives as set out in documents such as the National Planning Framework and National Development Plan, the Climate Action Plan 2023, Harnessing Digital – the Digital Ireland Framework and to our international commitments including the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Government’s White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 sets out the medium- and long-term ambitions for a vibrant, resilient, regionally balanced and sustainable economy made up of a diversified mix of leading global companies, internationally competitive Irish enterprises and thriving local businesses. Our recently published report on implementation of the White Paper shows we are making good progress across a range of initiatives.
The Implementation Plan 2023-2024 identified 40 initiatives, with 93 underlying activities, across the seven priority pillars set out in the White Paper on Enterprise. In the first half of 2023, 83 of these activities were undertaken, with 10 not yet scheduled to commence. 10 activities are currently completed as of H1 2023, with 61 activities on track for completion against their intended target dates. 12 are currently delayed against their intended targets, but are expected to be completed.
The employment situation is generally well-balanced regionally, and the enterprise agencies have seen year-on-year increases in IDA Ireland client expenditure, increases in the number of large Irish exporting companies and the number of High-Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) supported by Enterprise Ireland, and Irish-owned enterprise productivity growth. Moreover, enterprise agency targets for regionally balanced development were either met or almost met in 2022, with 52% of all FDI investments located outside of Dublin (against a 50% target over multiple years) and 64% of new jobs created in Enterprise Ireland-assisted firms outside of Dublin (against a 2 out of every 3 jobs target).
White Paper on Enterprise Update Report H1 2023
189. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to confirm what action will be taken to recruit additional legal staff to the Health and Safety Authority to assist the coronial service so that inspectors reports cannot be finalised, which require a solicitor's sign off before it can be progressed, particularly in light of the fact that the coronial service, and families affected, have been experiencing significant delays in cases being listed for inquest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54394/23]
View answerThe core function of the Coroner Service is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths so that a death certificate can be issued. The Minister for Justice has responsibility for the legislation that governs the role and responsibilities of coroners.My Department has no role in relation to the Coroner Service or the delivery of its functions.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) which operates under the remit of my Department is a regulatory body which carries out investigations into workplace fatalities. The HSA carries out these investigations independently of myself and my Department.
In the case of a sudden death, such as one resulting from a workplace incident, a coroner is required to hold an inquest. An inquest is an inquiry by a coroner into the circumstances surrounding a death and is entirely separate to any investigation of the HSA. Following the allocation of additional funding for the HSA in recent years, the overall number of sanctioned positions now stands at 317 across both administrative, professional and technical grades, of which there are over 250 in post. However this number is expected to rise by year end and into 2024. The bulk of current HSA recruitment is at inspector level.
190. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline the measures that will be made available to assist small and medium enterprises with the challenges that have arisen for such businesses due to increased costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54397/23]
View answerThe Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant is a once off payment for small and medium businesses operating out of a rateable premises. It is important that I be clear that this scheme is a once-off grant aid provision and not a commercial rates waiver. It will have no bearing on the commercial rates paid by firms. It will be administered by Local Authorities and provided to qualifying premises in the first quarter of 2024.This payment is not intended to compensate for all of the increased costs but the money will provide a welcome cash injection for many businesses. We will continue to monitor what remains a challenging businesses environment and continue to support our businesses.
This week, the Government signed off on an increased package of €257 million for the grant. The Government decision also incorporates changes to the parameters of the scheme. The changes to the scheme announced this week extend the scheme to ratepayers paying up to €30,000 in rates, in recognition of concerns raised with me about the abrupt cut-off point of the scheme as announced and the need to provide support firms who were at the margins.
In order to ensure that the smallest firms see the greatest benefit, the grant will be paid at a rate of half the enterprise’s 2023 commercial rates bill, for firms paying up to €10,000 in rates. For those paying between €10,000 and €30,000 in rates, they will receive a grant of €5,000. This further ensures that smaller premises receive a higher proportional grant.
No grant will be available for firms paying more than €30,000. Firms who do not have a rateable premises are not within scope of this grant. It is not intended that there be a formal application process. Rather it is intended that each premises will be contacted directly by the local authorities.
This will be a demand led scheme, as eligibility will be assessed on the basis of an applicant satisfying a minimum of the below conditions:
• The business is a commercially trading business operating directly from a premises that is rateable by a Local Authority.
• The business has provided confirmation of its bank details to the respective Local Authority;
• The business is rates compliant, including those businesses with a phased payment arrangement in-place
• The business is tax compliant, and in possession of a valid Tax Registration Number.
My officials are currently working with the Local Authorities on the administration of the ICOB grant to ensure that support can be provided early next year.
191. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Education if she will intervene and provide funding for a school bus (details supplied) and ensure that the service continues for the rest of the school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54245/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Over 134,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year. There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.
Under the current terms of the scheme, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Any children who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post-primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and will be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for the spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Eireann have confirmed, that the pupils referred to by the Deputy, are not eligible for school transport as they are not attending their nearest post primary school/centre and were not successful in receiving concessionary ticket(s) for the 2023/24 school year.
192. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if her Department will increase the rate of pay for school transport escorts to a level commensurate with special needs assistants; and the reason school transport escorts continue to have to sign on for unemployment benefits when schools are on holidays. [54246/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort, where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.
Under the Education Act 1998, the Principal/Board of Management (“School Management Authority”) is responsible for the operation of the school and is the employer of the School Transport Escort and therefore responsible for all employment matters relating to their School Transport Escort. The Department of Education provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay.
Building Momentum – a new public service agreement, 2021-2022 was agreed between Government and Unions in 2020 and was extended last year to run until 31 December this year. The agreement provides for a number of pay increases over the period of the agreement. This agreement only applies to public servants, subject to compliance with sectoral action plans and industrial peace provisions of the agreement. The increase does not automatically apply beyond public servants and therefore grant funded school staff such as bus escorts employed directly by schools are not comprehended by the agreement.
The School Transport Section in the Department review the rate of pay for school bus escorts, and they will continue to keep the rates under review.
