Written Answers Nos. 124-128
124. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the transfer of lands from the Office of Public Works to Kerry County Concil (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20627/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis transfer has been delayed by issues regarding title, however final instructions have issued to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor and I expect this long running matter to conclude in the immediate future.
125. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the portion of pension resulting from the payment of AVCs will be subject to the proposed public sector pension reduction;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20681/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra126. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, in the proposed pension reduction legislation, a pension above the threshold, that is, €33,000, will be subject to the reduction on all of the pension or just on the portion in excess of the threshold €32,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20682/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, following public servants non-acceptance of the measures proposed by the Labour Relations Commission, the Government has requested the CEO of the LRC to make contact with the parties to establish whether or not there is a basis for a negotiated agreement to meet budgetary targets. The Government will reflect on the outcome of this process before coming to conclusions on how to secure the required level of savings from public service pay and pensions.
127. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding an audit of limited companies by guarantee; and if he will clarify the most up to date exemption levels [20792/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAudit exemption was first introduced under the Companies (Amendment) (No.2) Act 1999, allowing private companies which satisfy certain conditions to be exempt from the audit requirements. Currently, to avail of the exemption, the amount of the turnover of the company must not exceed €8.8million and the balance sheet total of the company must not exceed €4.4million. Both these amounts are the maximum allowed under EU law. The average number of persons employed by the company must not exceed 50. The scope for companies to have an exemption from the requirement to have an audit carried out is set out in EU legislation (4th Company Law Directive).
The Companies Bill 2012 contains a provision to extend the audit exemption to companies in a group situation, guarantee companies and dormant companies which meet the above described thresholds.
128. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to encourage the Industrial Development Agency and Enterprise Board to bring companies to locate in County Longford, where it is an attractive location to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20732/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland is charged with the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The role of the Longford County Enterprise Board is to provide a source of support for micro-enterprise in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level.
As Ireland competes for high quality investments, the concept of scale is crucial. Leading global corporations require a significant population pool, access to qualified talent, world standard physical and digital infrastructure coupled with the availability of sophisticated professional and business support services.
At present there are 6 IDA Ireland client companies in Longford employing 632 people. IDA Ireland has strong relationships with these companies and works closely with them in order to ensure their long term sustainability and to encourage their growth, development, a broadening of their mandates and continuing re-investment in their sites.
I am mindful that, in order to ensure that Ireland can continue to compete globally for FDI projects, it will be necessary to undertake an in depth analysis of our FDI strategy with a view to informing the formulation of an appropriate strategy for the period post 2014. This analysis, which will be undertaken later this year, will take account of factors such as key trends emerging in FDI best practice internationally, Ireland’s strengths in attracting FDI, any changes to the EU’s State Aid rules that may be introduced in the near future and our agreed approach to regional development.
In the meantime, IDA Ireland has assured me that it will in 2013, in accordance with the Government’s recently announced 2013 Action Plan for Jobs, seek to target more than 130 new investments, secure €500 million of R&D expenditure and create 13,000 new jobs in its client companies. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, Longford County Enterprise Board (CEB) supports individuals, firms and community groups provided that the proposed projects have the capacity to achieve commercial viability. This support can be in the form of financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. In 2012, Longford CEB paid out over €250,000 in grant assistance to 31 projects and 585 people participated in Longford CEB assisted training courses. This year 2013 Longford CEB has facilitated the establishment of a business forum group where local business persons meet to discuss ideas on how better to raise County Longford’s business profile and promote the county as an investment location.
Longford CEB will continue to support enterprise development in the area and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at county level.
