Written Answers Nos. 123-128
123. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs supported by the Science Foundation Ireland; and the cost per jobs supported by the Science Foundation. [42376/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraScience Foundation Ireland (SFI) is not a direct job-supporting agency in the same way as its sister enterprise agencies, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.
SFI is specifically mandated to focus excellence in research investments through the higher educational sector in the areas of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), Biotechnology and Sustainable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies through which SFI is aiding the development and competitiveness of Irish based industry.
The SFI funding of top-class research through Ireland’s higher education institutions is playing a crucial role in underpinning the efforts of the enterprise agency partners as part of the Government’s overall economic recovery strategy.
SFI invests in assembling world-class research teams, thereby increasing the number of high quality researchers in Ireland. Resulting gains encompass new scientific knowledge, increased commercial opportunities, and a larger pool of available talent to the Irish workforce – all of which can contribute to efficiency, competitiveness and employment gains across the economy.
At present SFI is directly supporting 2,995 researchers in Ireland who are interacting with over 600 companies here. These companies employ in the region of 85,000 people in Ireland. Through these collaborations with SFI funded researchers, the Irish based companies can often avail of new ideas, implement new processes to develop new products and increase employment opportunities as they look to enhance their respective operations. The numerous examples of the businesses connected to SFI researchers/teams and how SFI funded research is delivering for Irish enterprise are highlighted on www.sfi.ie
A major impact attributable to SFI has been, and continues to be, its underpinning role for the enterprise and job creation activities of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Over the past decade SFI has led a transformational change in Ireland’s research landscape. It has helped develop a truly credible and internationally recognised scientific research base in Ireland. SFI researchers are now collaborating across 60 countries globally which is helping to maintain Ireland’s position amongst the top-twenty research performing countries globally.
SFI’s activities are helping to create magnets of attraction for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ireland as well as maintaining FDI jobs here. In 2011 IDA had one of its best ever years for FDI wins with value of new client wins with a research, development and innovation component amounting to €700m. This is nearly a six-fold increase on 2003/04 levels of €120m. 2011 levels were also up by €200m on the 2010 and 2009 levels.
So far in 2012, SFI has links to 61%* (3,975 of the 5,701) new jobs announced by IDA Ireland.
(*data accurate as at 17 th August 2012).
124. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is considering adding geothermal energy as a priority area in the National Research Prioritisation Exercise. [42384/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recommendations of the Report of the Research Prioritisation Steering Group, as adopted by Government Decision on February 21st 2012, were made within the context of a 5 year time-frame. I personally chair the Research Prioritisation Action Group tasked with driving implementation of the recommendations in the report and a primary focus of our agenda is to target support towards the 14 priority areas identified as offering the greatest opportunity in terms of economic and societal impact. Implementation is still in the early stages and we still have some way to go to bed down prioritisation fully. In this context and for the moment at least, consideration is not being given to adding to the list of 14 priority areas.
However, as the Deputy may be aware, Marine Renewable Energy is one of the 14 priority areas with a focus on positioning Ireland as a research, development and innovation hub for the deployment of marine renewable energy technologies and services. Along with a number of other priority areas (e.g. Food for Health, Sustainable Food Production and Processing, Smart Grids and Smart Cities) the focus on Marine Renewable Energy will serve simultaneously to generate enterprise, improve quality of life and help meet legally binding obligations. This will help sustain and promote our reputation as a ‘green economy’ ensuring the economy is competitive, inclusive and provides a high standard of living with lower environmental impacts.
The Deputy may also be aware of the International Energy Research Centre (IERC) which is an industry led, world-leading, collaborative programme of research and innovation in integrated sustainable energy system technologies. The IERC was established in April 2010 with a commitment to provide €20m funding from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and is located at the Tyndall National Institute, based in Cork. The IERC brings together international companies and researchers in the energy space, leveraging research capabilities and technologies to find commercial solutions to the global energy demand challenge.
125. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline all legislative changes he has initiated since coming into office. [42389/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislative changes effected since assuming office in March 2011 are set out below.
Secondary legislation - 2011
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European Communities (Restrictive Measures) (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 727 of 2011) |
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European Union (Restrictive Measures) (Syria) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 726 of 2011) |
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European Union (Restrictive Measures) (Afghanistan) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 725 of 2011) |
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Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 712 of 2011) |
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European Communities (Artist’s Resale Right) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 709 of 2011) |
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European Communities (Statutory Audits) (Directive 2006/43/EC) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 685 of 2011) |
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European Communities (Intra-Community Transfers of Defence Related Products) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 535 of 2011) |
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Competition Act 2002 (Section 10) (Commencement) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 491 of 2011) |
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Companies (Forms) (No. 2) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 450 of 2011) |
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European Communities (Restrictive Measures Against Certain Persons and Entities Associated with Osama Bin Laden, the Al-Qaida Network and the Taliban) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 415 of 2011) |
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European Communities (Restrictive Measures) (Democratic Republic of Congo) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 413 of 2011) |
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European Union (Restrictive Measures) (Libya) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 412 of 2011) |
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European Communities (Transnational Information and Consultation of Employees Act 1996) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 380 of 2011) |
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European Communities (Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road and use of Transportable Pressure Equipment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 349 of 2011) |
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European Communities (Intra-Community Transfers of Defence-Related Products) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 346 of 2011) |
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National Minimum Wage Act 2000 (Section 11) (No. 2) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 331 of 2011) |
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European Communities (Calibration of Tanks of Vessels) Regulations 1976 (Revocation) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 316 of 2011) |
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European Union (Restrictive Measures) (Syria) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 314 of 2011) |
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European Communities (Machinery) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 310 of 2011) |
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European Communities (Mergers and Divisions of Companies) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 306 of 2011) |
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Chemicals (Asbestos Articles) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 248 of 2011) |
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Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) (No. 5) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 242 of 2011) |
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Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) (No. 4) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 241 of 2011) |
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European Union (Restrictive Measures) (Eritrea) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 237 of 2011) |
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European Union (Ecodesign Requirements for Certain Energy-related Products) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 203 of 2011) |
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European Union (Restrictive Measures) (Libya) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 117 of 2011) |
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S.I. No. 117 of 2011 European Union (Restrictive Measures) (Libya) Regulations 2011 |
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Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 (Prescribed Persons) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 113 of 2011) |
Primary legislation – 2012:
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Patents (Amendment) Act 2012 (No. 1 of 2012) |
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Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012 (No. 13 of 2012) |
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Competition (Amendment) Act 2012 (No. 18 of 2012) |
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Companies (Amendment) Act 2012 (No. 22 of 2012) |
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Credit Guarantee Act 2012 (No. 26 of 2012) |
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Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012 (No. 31 of 2012) |
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Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act, 2012 (No. 32 of 2012) |
Secondary legislation – 2012:
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Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012 (Commencement) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 383 of 2012) |
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Credit Guarantee Act 2012 (Commencement) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 382 of 2012) |
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Industrial and Provident Societies and the European Cooperative Society (Fees) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 363 of 2012) |
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Credit Guarantee Scheme 2012 (S.I. No. 360 of 2012) |
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Microenterprise Loan Fund Scheme 2012 (S.I. No. 343 of 2012) |
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European Communities (Control of Trade in Goods That May be Used for Torture) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 339 of 2012) |
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European Union (Restrictive Measures Against Iran) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 338 of 2012) |
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Patents, Trade Marks and Designs (Fees) (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2012 (S.I. No. 335 of 2012) |
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Patents (Amendment) Rules 2012 (S.I. No. 334 of 2012) |
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Patents (Amendment) Act 2012 (Commencement) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 329 of 2012) |
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Prospectus (Directive 2003/71/EC) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 317 of 2012) |
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Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 316 of 2012) |
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Market Abuse (Directive 2003/6/EC) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 315 of 2012) |
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European Union (Third Country Auditors and Audit Entities Equivalence, Transitional Period and Fees) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 312 of 2012) |
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European Communities (Intra-Community Transfers of Defence Related Products) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 309 of 2012) |
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Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1999 (Section 32) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 308 of 2012 ) |
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European Union (Accounts) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 304 of 2012) |
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Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act (Commencement) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 302 of 2012) |
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Prospectus (Directive 2003/71/EC) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 239 of 2012) |
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Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 238 of 2012) |
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Competition (Amendment) Act 2012 (Commencement) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 236 of 2012) |
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Customs-Free Airport (Extension of Laws) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 217 of 2012) |
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Control of Exports (Goods and Technology) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 216 of 2012) |
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European Union (Restrictive Measures) (Belarus) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 165 of 2012) |
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European Union (Restrictive Measures) (Syria) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 153 of 2012) |
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Consumer Protection (Consumer Information) (Articles of Precious Metals) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 143 of 2012) |
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European Union (Textile Fibre Names and Related Labelling and Marking of the Fibre Composition of Textile Products) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 142 of 2012) |
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European Union (Copyright and Related Rights) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 59 of 2012 |
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Industrial Designs (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 31 of 2012) |
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Patents, Trade Marks and Design (Fees)(Amendment) Rules 2012 (S.I. No. 30 of 2012) |
126. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department works with local authorities in the delivery of services; and if so, the details of same. [42565/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department engage with local authorities in the provision of services and if so the details of same. [42586/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
The Government’s Action Plan for Jobs sets out a range of actions across Government Departments and Agencies which aim to create a vibrant environment where enterprises can start up and flourish. My Department is working with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, and the Local Authorities, in specifically seeking to improve the operating environment for businesses at local level.
Clearly the Local Authorities have an important role to play in delivering a range of services, critical infrastructure and assistance to businesses at local level. Currently my Department is engaged in the development of a more joined-up approach to the direct delivery of supports to the micro and small business sectors which are a crucial part of our economy. This will focus primarily on the establishment of a network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) within Local Authorities. The LEOs will provide a high quality, innovative, “one-stop-shop” support service for small businesses, and integrate key local authority business services into the Local Enterprise Office.
The Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government recently announced the Local Government enterprise and jobs strategy – Supporting Economic Recovery and Jobs. This sets out the framework for Local Authorities to develop targeted local strategies for economic development and enterprise support to drive the Action Plan for Jobs.
128. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to reverse the reintroduction of more stringent rules with which most defined benefit pension schemes must comply by the end of the year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42513/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe majority of pension schemes are in deficit and face serious challenges in restoring their funding levels to enable the scheme deliver on the pension promise. It is acknowledged that the fundamental problem facing pension schemes is that pensions are significantly more expensive due to the increasing life expectancy and lower than expected investment returns which are reflect in increased annuity rates.
The Funding Standard provides a benchmark against which the “health” of a scheme can be tested. When a scheme fails the Funding Standard that means that unless some action is taken, the scheme will not be able to pay all the benefits promised. The existence of the Funding Standard itself is not the central issue in relation to whether a scheme is properly funded. Rather the responsibility rests with the employer and the trustees for ensuring that the scheme is properly funded and managed. However, the Funding Standard does provide the regulatory mechanism for ensuring that a scheme can live up to the “promised” level of pension benefits.
The Pensions Regulator suspended the Funding Standard four years ago, following the downturn in financial market, to give trustees/employers an opportunity to assess the impact on pension funds and to enable them time to develop responses to the challenge. Both national and EU law requires the maintenance of a Funding Standard. The reintroduction of the Funding Standard was delayed on a number of occasions pending changes to legislation which were designed to help trustees respond to the funding challenges facing pension schemes. It was considered desirable that, when the Funding Standard was re-introduced, schemes should be given an indication as to how the defined benefit model might develop in the future. Following consultation with stakeholders in 2010 and 2011, revisions to the defined benefit model formed part of the re-introduction of the Funding Standard.
The requirement for a risk reserve is being introduced from 2016, to provide a level of protection for scheme members against future volatility in financial markets. It is accepted that the requirement for a risk reserve presents an added challenge for schemes, however, guidance issued by the regulator identifies options which trustees and scheme members can consider in meeting this requirement by 2023.
It should be noted that the changes to the Funding Standard are being implemented over the next 11 years, not immediately. This is the longest recovery period generally allowed in any European country.
The guidance issued by the Regulator is being kept under review and the Regulator made an announcement last week extending the timeframe for the submission of funding proposals to address scheme deficit, until 30 June 2013.
There are currently no plans to reverse the recently reintroduced funding standard.
