Thursday, 18 Jan 2024

Written Answers Nos. 171-181

Flood Risk Management

Questions (171)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

171. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made with the design of urgent measures to reduce the impact of further flooding in a village (details supplied), with particular reference to measures that would not require detailed environmental studies in view of the damage done by flooding in 2023; the discussions in this regard between the OPW and the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2224/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

I have seen at first hand the devastating impact flooding has for home owners, businesses and communities.

Following the flooding that occurred in November 2023 during Storm Debi, I am advised that Galway County Council have been assessing the impacts and seeking advice from OPW on measures to mitigate the impact of further flooding in Clarinbridge. A meeting is to take place shortly to discuss all options available with a view to possibly submitting an application under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Works funded under this scheme are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.

Heritage Sites

Questions (172)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to indicate the progress, if any, on the issue of Castletown House and lands in State ownership, access to which is being impeded, and given the fact that alternative access referred to by the OPW and the local authority is not suitable for traffic for either Leixlip or Celbridge and given that there appears to be no willingness to accept the de facto position. [2320/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

The OPW remains committed to acquiring the additional lands that formed part of the original estate, where they become available, in order to reunite the historic demesne. The State tried to acquire these lands in 2022 and were outbid by the current landowner.  The OPW has had commercial negotiations with the landowners over the past nine months.  These discussions have included the purchase of a portion of the lands, the entire portfolio or alternatively, securing a renewal of the previous licence agreement.  

While the acquisition of these lands is important, it cannot be at any price. Any purchase must be delivered in compliance with the Public Spending Code and represent value to the taxpayer.

The OPW does not have any permission to access Castletown House and Estate from the M4 access road. As OPW staff are unable to enter the site through the Celbridge Gate this is having ongoing detrimental impacts on Castletown House, its collections and the biodiversity of the Estate. 

In October 2023, I initiated a working group to progress the reuniting of the historic demesne and access issues to Castletown House and Estate. This group have representatives of the community and all of the political representatives in the area. I welcome Deputy Durkan's ongoing engagement with this group. 

It is essential to understand that OPW staff have not had vehicular access to their workplace since September 2023. Their union withdrew their members on 25 October 2023 until the OPW can provide a safe working environment or safe access & egress for their members to attend their workplace. A skeleton staff continues to undertake the minimum operations on the site. This is why the opening hours have been reduced. Despite ongoing, intensive efforts it has not been possible to get agreement for the OPW staff to gain access to their workplace.

There is a continuing protest to any OPW vehicular traffic on the Lime Avenue although this does not extend to Kildare County Council or Irish Water. While I understand that the community feel a sense of loss that this road will have limited additional traffic, this must be balanced with the duty of the OPW to safeguard Castletown House and Estate for all visitors and future generations. As has been made clear to the local community, the OPW does not have any permission to access Castletown House and Estate from the M4 access road. Over recent months, as outlined to both the political representatives and the local community, the lack of access is causing ongoing damage to Castletown House, its collections and to the biodiversity of the Estate.

As Minister for the Office of Public Works I strongly encourage that the community and political representatives focus on what is widely agreed in order to safeguard the public investment in Castletown over the last thirty years. The Office of Public Works must be allowed access to conserve and preserve this national historic property are on behalf of all of the people of Ireland. The people of Ireland must be allowed to visit their national heritage.  The biodiversity of Castletown Estate must be protected.

While in previous years, approximately 250,000 cars and one million visitors came to Castletown Estate, I fully agree with the Deputy that the Lime Avenue is not suitable for this volume of traffic. The overwhelming majority of visitors are to the Estate are from the surrounding area, people on a guided tour of Castletown House account for less than one percent of visitors. The OPW will be commencing a public survey shortly. This survey will focus on gathering information on how people travel to Castletown, what is important to them when they visit and how can visitors be supported to use active travel and public transport. The OPW and the wider community who visit the Estate need to engage on this to find sustainable travel solutions. 

The OPW is not seeking to bring significant volumes of traffic through the Celbridge Gate and the Lime Avenue. The OPW envisages the Lime Avenue operating as a pedestrian priority road in line with current practice across numerous OPW sites such as St. Stephen’s Green and Farmleigh. The OPW has made written commitments that the volume of traffic would be approximately 20 vehicles per day for OPW staff and essential contractors. People with a disability would also be facilitated with access as required. 

At this time, Castletown House and Estate will not be offering car parking for visitors to Castletown. The practical implementation of this new reality, and ensuring that this does not have negative impacts on the local community within Celbridge, is a key area of discussion for the Working Group. To date the independent facilitator has convened three meetings and I understand another one is due shortly.

The current situation where Castletown House and Estate are deteriorating cannot continue and I am aware that the Deputy recently had discussions with the chairperson of the OPW. OPW will continue to engage with the local representatives and members of the local community as this and are endeavouring to find a solution.

Business Supports

Questions (173)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

173. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of expenditure expended through the Red Cross to assist businesses affected by flooding in 2023 to date; if he intends amending the scheme to cover businesses with partial flood insurance cover who were severely impacted by flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2223/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The purpose of the Emergency Humanitarian Flood Relief Scheme administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is to provide urgent funding to small businesses (up to 20 employees), community and voluntary organisations affected by flooding who were unable, through no fault of their own, to secure flood insurance.   The Scheme provides a contribution towards the costs of returning such premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant.

The Irish Red Cross paid out a total of € 3,300,428.18 in 2023 on behalf of my Department in respect of 3 severe weather events. 

Severe weather event in Co Kerry and Co Wexford during the period 17th June 2023 to 26th June 2023.

Severe weather event in Co Donegal in July 2023

Storm Babet and Storm Debi during the month of October and November 2023, affecting  Counties Cork, Wexford, Waterford, Limerick, Kilkenny and Louth.

Of the €3,300,428.18 paid out in 2023, €3,272,428.18 was paid out to 157 applicants in respect of flooding as a result of Storm Babet and Storm Debi during the months of October and November 2023, the application process for which closed on 15 December 2023.  The remaining payments for this Scheme are due to be paid out in the coming weeks.For businesses who had partial flood insurance, financial assistance by way of low-cost loans may be available from Microfinance Ireland for businesses with up to 9 employees that cannot get loan financing from other lenders.  Loan options include cashflow loans of up to €25,000, which can be used for general business purposes including re stocking and other business costs.  Loans for capital expenditure are also available, that could fund the refurbishment of premises, or the replacement of equipment damaged by the flooding.

Business Supports

Questions (174)

David Stanton

Question:

174. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current supports for small business available from his Department or from agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2132/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

This Government and my Department are fully committed in advancing the interests of SMEs in Ireland. The White Paper on Enterprise sets out an ambitious vision for Ireland’s enterprise policy, to protect Ireland’s strong economic position, and respond to challenges and opportunities that have emerged because of the pandemic, wider economic and geo-political developments, digitalisation, and an increased urgency to decarbonise industry. More recently, there were a number of initiatives introduced in Budget 2024 that will help support businesses in the challenges they face. 

Enterprise Ireland supports Irish SMEs in the development of global markets through a comprehensive range of supports. The support offered by EI vary from direct financial assistance through grants, loans, and equity investments, to Market Research and export development assistance, from funding and mentoring for Innovation and Research through to international Trade missions and Market Access opportunities.

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ providing a signposting service for all Government supports available to SMEs and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g. Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.

The LEOs can provide financial assistance to small businesses operating within the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. LEOs grant assistance is available the within four main categories, following the LEO Lifecycle of Pre-Start, Start, Grow and Exporting: Feasibility Grants, Priming Grants, Business Expansions Grants, Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME).

The LEOs also offer a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. Whether it is a new start up or growing an existing business there are programmes that are suitable for small

LEOs can also assist businesses owners with applications to Micro-finance Ireland (MFI), which is a not-for-profit lender that offers small business loans of between €2,000 and €25,000 (unsecured). Loans for commercially viable proposals can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their LEO, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged.

Along with financial, training and mentoring supports the LEOs also run a range of initiatives across the year to increase awareness of their supports and to foster entrepreneurship nationwide.  These include Local Enterprise Week, The National Enterprise Awards, National Women’s Enterprise Day, The Student Enterprise Programme, Local Enterprise Showcase @ Showcase in the RDS, The Local Enterprise Village @ the Ploughing Championships.

My Department has secured  €250 m for the Increased Cost of Business Scheme in Budget 2024 which will will be available to SMEs who pay commercial rates to their Local Authorities, and will provide targeted refunds to around 130,000 micro and small businesses, accounting for 87% of rated businesses.

Other measures such as the new targeted Angel Investment Scheme will introduce a reduced Capital Gains Tax Rate to 16%, promoting innovation for angel investors investing in ‘innovative’ SMEs.  The increase in the Research and Development tax credit to 30% and the increase in the payment threshold to €50,000, aiming to encourage investment in R&D by both large and small companies.

Finally, the new National Enterprise Hub which will include a dedicated website and phone line to Hub Advisors, developed by Enterprise Ireland, this will help businesses to navigate the comprehensive suite of supports that are being offered to business throughout Ireland. Work is currently underway on the development of this Hub. 

Business Supports

Questions (175)

David Stanton

Question:

175. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way the increased cost of business grant will be implemented; when he expects first payments to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2142/24]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant was announced as part of the Budget 2024 package and will be particularly targeted at Small and Medium sized businesses who operate from a rateable premises. Firms who do not have a rateable premises are not within the scope of this scheme. The total allocation for the ICOB grant is €257m.

Officials in my Department are currently working with the Local Authorities on the administration of the Increased Cost of Business grant to ensure that support can be provided in early 2024.

It will be administered by Local Authorities and it is intended that the grant will be provided to qualifying premises in the first quarter of this year. It is not intended that there be a formal application process, rather it is intended that the business will be contacted directly by the local authorities.

The administration of the Increased Cost of Business Grant (ICOB) will be undertaken in accordance with a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Local Authorities to underpin the operation of this scheme. This SLA will cover the delivery, funding and oversight arrangements for the grant scheme. The details of this SLA are currently being progressed with the Local Authorities.

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.

Eligibility for the ICOB grant 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 within a premises that is commercially 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.

Work Permits

Questions (176)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

176. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to reconsider the refusal of a critical skills employment permit for a person (details supplied) in light of the applicant's legal residency in the country as an international protection applicant, and in light of the applicant's Irish Dental Council registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2181/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Employment Permits Section of the Department informs me that the application concerned in the details supplied was refused on 4th January 2024. An appeal against the refusal reasons in relation to this application has been received.

The reviewing officer will be considering the appeal shortly and a decision will be forwarded to the applicant in due course.

Consumer Protection

Questions (177)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

177. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what protections are in place for consumers against dynamic pricing from large ticketers (details supplied); if consumers are entitled to transparency around dynamic pricing, specifically in relation to VIP packages, and increased ticket prices at peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2266/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

Consumer rights are protected for purchasing tickets for concerts or sporting events under the Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) Act 2021. The Act regulates the secondary ticket market where tickets are resold after their original purchase from the primary ticket market and where tickets are more likely to be sold above their original sale price, by prohibiting the sale or advertising for sale, of tickets for price exceeding the original sale price for designated events or events taking place in designated venues.

Primary online marketplaces provide a platform where primary tickets can be purchased. Such platforms do not fall within the remit of the Sale of Tickets Act 2021. Primary tickets are allocated for sale to the platform by event partners, which includes among others, event organisers, promoters, venues, artists/performers and agents. Event partners determine the conditions around the sale, availability and release of the tickets. If they put in place a dynamic pricing model and comply with general consumer law, they are free to charge any price they wish. The consumer has a choice as to whether they pay that price or not.

Generally, traders in Ireland, including ticket sellers, are free to set and change their prices for goods and services, based on demand, once they do so independently and in line with consumer protection law. Consumer law requires traders to provide certain information to consumers prior to purchase. This includes the total price, inclusive of taxes, allowing consumers to make the informed choice whether to purchase or not. Consumer law also prohibits businesses from engaging in a misleading commercial practice. Under the Consumer Protection Act 2007, a commercial practice is regarded as misleading if the trader does not act in good faith and misleads the average consumer into taking an action that she/he may otherwise not undertake.

When offering an item for sale or advertising a product or service, misleading practises could include claims regarding:

• the nature of the product/service

• the main characteristics, including its availability at a particular time, place, or at a particular price

• the price of the product/service, the manner in which the price was calculated or the existence and nature of a specific price advantage, and the legal rights of a consumer.

The 2007 Act also prohibits traders from making a false representation that a product is available only for a limited time, or on particular terms for a limited time, in order to elicit an immediate decision from a consumer, depriving the consumer of sufficient opportunity or time to make an informed choice in relation to the trader’s product.

In addition, under the Consumer Information (Advertisements For Concert Or Theatre Performances) Order, 1997, every advertisement for a ticket must show the ticket price and any extra charges payable.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the independent statutory body that enforces competition and consumer law under the remit of my Department, continues to promote and monitor compliance with competition and consumer protection laws across all sectors of the market, including ticket sales, and to investigate potential breaches, prohibited practices and offences.

Small and Medium Enterprises

Questions (178)

Brendan Smith

Question:

178. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will give detailed consideration to the issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied) concerning increased costs for small businesses; the measures that will be implemented to ease such pressures on small and medium enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2300/24]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

It is understandable that businesses – particularly SMEs – are concerned about the impact of rising costs. Inflation for consumer prices – although still elevated at 4.6 per cent in December – is generally declining. There have also been reductions in wholesale price inflation throughout much of 2023. Wholesale electricity prices are down. The latest forecasts from the Central Bank of Ireland indicate that inflation will continue to moderate to 3.2 and 2.3 per cent in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

This Government has provided significant support to business throughout the period of increasing costs and has been proactive in limiting the fallout from higher rates of inflation in input costs and prices. However, it is not possible to insulate every business from the total impact of these costs.

Over the two-year period prior to Budget 2024 a total of €12 billion – 4½ per cent of national income – was provided in cost of living and doing business supports, comprising a mix of permanent and one-off measures, to ease the burden of inflation on households and businesses. The main programme introduced by Government to alleviate cost pressures for small businesses was the €1.3 billion Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme. Budget 2024 also contained several measures which will support businesses facing increased costs. This includes, among others:

• The 9% VAT reduction for gas and electricity was extended for an additional 12 months, until the 31st of October 2024;

• The temporary excise rate reductions applying to auto diesel, petrol and marked gas oil were extended until the 31st of March 2024; and,

• There was an increase in VAT registration thresholds for SMEs to €40,000 for services and €80,000 for goods.

As part of Budget 2024, this Government also signed off on a package of €257 million for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant scheme, specifically intended to assist small and medium sized businesses operating throughout the country. This scheme is a once-off grant and not a commercial rates waiver. The grant is intended to aid firms but is not intended to directly compensate for all cost increases for every business. Analysis suggests that 143,000, or 95% of commercially trading business (operating directly from a premises that is rateable by a Local Authority) will qualify for the scheme, assuming that they satisfy the minimum eligibility conditions.

Over the last several years, this Government has also advanced a range of measures to improve working conditions in Ireland, including the transition to a Living Wage, Pension Auto-Enrolment, Parent’s Leave and Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay, an Additional Public Holiday, the Living Wage, and Remote Working. These measures have only been introduced following extensive consultation and are being phased-in over an extended period. While these measures will bring additional costs for some businesses, they will also bring economic and societal benefits, by means of increasing disposable incomes and addressing in-work poverty. These measures will also assist enterprises with issues of recruitment and retention.

These changes will also bring Ireland in line with other advanced economies. Following a recommendation by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, my Department is working with the Department of Social Protection on a report that examines the combined impact of these measures. This report is supported by evidence received from both employer and trade union perspectives and will be finalised in the coming weeks.

This Government has adopted an active approach in supporting Irish businesses across multiple crises over the last number of years, including the introduction of unemployment supports during the COVID-19 pandemic, the provision of financial supports to firms facing the implications of Brexit, and more recently, through the period of increasing overhead costs. This Government will continue to monitor what remains a challenging businesses environment and continue to support Irish businesses.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (179)

Colm Burke

Question:

179. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she could advise on an application for an extension for a school (details supplied); what progress has been made to date on this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2148/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The project to which the Deputy refers, was approved a project under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation scheme for the provision of 3 general classrooms, 1 textiles room, 1 science lab/prep area, 1 graphics  room, 1 art room, 1 art project store, and 2 classroom SEN base.  

The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.

Design team has been appointed by the school authority, and the next step is for the design team to prepare and submit a Stage 1 report. Once this report has been received by my Department, the Professional and Technical Team will review the submission and issue comments accordingly.   

Schools Building Projects

Questions (180)

Thomas Gould

Question:

180. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education when the summer works grant will open for 2024. [2176/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As you may be aware, the purpose of the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The SWS operates on a multi-annual basis for categories of works such as roof works, window replacement, mechanical and electrical works, external works etc. and was last opened for applications in 2019.

My Department is leading an ambitious sustainability agenda and has progressed a wide array of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our school buildings.  It is a priority for Government to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious climate agenda and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes targets around the decarbonisation of Ireland’s public buildings.

As part of it’s planning for 2024 and beyond, Department officials are considering and planning for the next phases of the summer works programme and the opportunities this may create to support the sustainability agenda.  In this regard, it is envisaged at this stage that, a Multi-Annual SWS with a focus on climate action and energy conservation will be the focus for the next summer works scheme to be opened for applications. The arrangements and timing of that SWS is still under consideration and schools will be updated in due course. 

Schools Building Projects

Questions (181)

Thomas Gould

Question:

181. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education under what scheme a school can apply for replacement flooring. [2177/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

It is open to a school to use their capitation grant or their minor work grant to replace floor coverings at the school. The capitation grant is paid to primary and voluntary secondary schools. It is based on the number of recognised pupils enrolled in the schools. Capitation grants are paid at the applicable rate at the time the grant is issued.

Capitation funding is intended to contribute to the day to day running costs of schools and consequently should  be  used  to  meet  the  cost  of  items  such  as  heating, lighting, cleaning,  insurance  and  general upkeep in schools.  It should also be noted that a proportion of the grant is intended to be used by schools to assist with the purchase of teaching materials and resources. 

Capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for care taking and secretarial  services  may  be  regarded  as  a  common  grant  from  which  the  Board  of  Management  can allocate  according  to  its  own  priorities.