Written Answers Nos 134-148
134. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department pays for any of its employees to receive third level qualifications; if so, the annual cost for each of the past five years; if the employee will receive a financial bonus as a result of receiving this qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51382/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraExpenditure by my Department on course fees for staff participation in business relevant courses leading to third-level qualifications in the years 2009-2013 is outlined below. No financial bonuses are paid to staff as a result of receiving qualifications on successful completion of these courses. These courses are pursued by staff primarily in their own time.
|
Year |
Payment for 3rd Level Courses participated in by Staff |
|
2009 |
€179,573.69 |
|
2010 |
€175,706.73 |
|
2011 |
€168,511.88 |
|
2012 |
€140,156.95 |
|
2013 |
€133,238.85 |
Examples of courses which were supported in recent years include Public Administration/Management; Business Studies/Management; Information Technology; Accountancy/Financial Management; Law; Project Management and Economic Policy Analysis. Meeting the costs of such business-related courses of study recognises that the staff of the Department are our single greatest resource. It is essential, therefore, for the effective delivery of our strategic mission that they are well qualified for the tasks with which they are charged.
135. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total percentage breakdown of foreign direct investment that has been made in the cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford in the years 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51485/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested. My Department will forward this information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
136. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 285 of 19 November 2013, the date on which the total costs of these trade missions will issue; if he will provide a list of the contracts signed and announced on each mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51494/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland is the Government agency responsible for the development and internationalisation of Irish enterprises. Enterprise Ireland has 30 offices worldwide to help Irish firms develop overseas markets. Each year, Enterprise Ireland organises a series of targeted international trade missions.
The impact of trade missions together with the many other sales, marketing and trade promotion efforts of Enterprise Ireland are reflected in the growth in exports of Enterprise Ireland clients and the jobs they sustain and create. As announced earlier this year, Irish companies set a new record for level of exports achieved - €16.2bn in 2012. Exports now account for 54% of clients total sales, up from 51% in 2011. Total sales of client companies of Enterprise Ireland in 2012 exceeded €30bn. Export growth was achieved across all overseas territories and this level of growth is greatly supported by an extensive promotional programme, including trade events, trade fairs and trade missions. The employment and export figures for Enterprise Ireland clients in 2013 will be available following the completion of annual surveys in 2014.
There are obviously costs incurred by my Department and its agencies to ensure the success of these missions abroad. The table under shows the costs of the Trade Missions led by myself or Ministers of State in my Department since the Government came to office. It includes the travel and accommodation costs of the travelling Minister, officials from my Department and Enterprise Ireland, along with costs for Enterprise Ireland organised events, such as networking events and showcase events. It also takes account of contributions made by companies on trade missions.
Significant business is undertaken on these trade missions and, on occasions, companies work through the agencies to publicise their business successes. It is only when a company wishes to promote their success that Enterprise Ireland would publicise company activities. Press Releases from the trade missions which outline some of the successes of the Irish companies on these trade missions have been forwarded to the Deputy and are available on www.oireachtasdebates.ie. Any other contracts that are signed would be a private matter for a company.
As regards the names of companies participating on trade missions, I am informed that Enterprise Ireland takes the view that, while there may be press activity around a particular trade mission, it is generally for participating companies to disclose their interest in particular markets and not a matter for Government or its agencies. Matters of commercial sensitivity can also be a factor, as I indicated in my reply to Question No. 285. On this basis and in light of advice from Enterprise Ireland concerning the above question, details of specific company participation were not released at that time. However, following further consideration of the matter by Enterprise Ireland, it has been decided, in this instance, to release the names of the participating companies and organisations, which are listed below.
In relation to the Deputy’s previous Question, where neither a Minister nor Minister of State led a Trade Mission, I will arrange to have the information forwarded to the Deputy when it is received from Enterprise Ireland.
|
2011 |
2011 |
||||
|
Date |
Destination |
Minister |
Cost |
Companies Participating |
|
|
Apr 17-20 |
India/Saudi Arabia |
Minister Richard Bruton |
€ 58,394 |
Athlone Institute of Technology Dundalk Institute of Technology Galway Mayo Institute of Technology Institute of Technology Blanchardstown Institute of Technology Carlow Institute of Technology Cork Institute of Technology Limerick |
Irish Universities Association National University of Ireland Maynooth Trinity College Dublin University College Dublin University of Limerick Waterford Institute of Technology |
|
Sept 10-17 |
Australia |
Minister John Perry, |
€ 55,685 |
Deep Insight Mapflow Principal Systems Curam Software Daon ValidSoft Perigord Group Practice Evolve Netfort Zutec Intuition Learnosity Pulse Learning ThirdForce WBT Systems Greenstreets Skillsoft I-CanDo SpeedAuthor Exaxe Information Mosaic Trintech Fineos Corvil Intact |
Norkom Web Reservations Acumen Resources Fexco Teamer Currency Fair Taxback Shimmer Research Slainte Healthcare Glanta Ltd Lincor Valentia Technologies OneView Healthcare Informed IMS Maxims Episensor Mobile Travel Tech. The Now Factory Arantech Openet i-conX Idiro Vilicom Newbay |
|
Sept 18-24 |
USA |
Minister Richard Bruton |
€ 78,796 |
7C Global Technologies Accuris Networks Ltd Adaptive Mobile Allergy Standard Limited Altobridge Automsoft Bio-Medical Research Biotector Cheval Equi Crème Software Cylon Dairymaster Daon DPS Biometics Dromone Engineering Limited Fifth Province Ventures Ltd. Fragrances of Ireland Freeflow GenCell Biosystems Global Business Register Ltd H2 Compliance HKPB Scientific Information Mosaic Innopharma Labs Instant Upright Intuition Louet Woods Products Luxcel Biosciences |
Mergon Healthcare neoSurgical NewBay Software Oneview ONG Automation Open Oils Outdoor Media Connections Polarlake Ltd Premium Power QUMAS Rainmaker Technologies RCSI Richard Keenan & Co Rockall Technologies Ltd Safefood 360 Socrates Softrace Ltd Storage Online Ltd The Now Factory Tomkins IP Trinity College Dublin Trustwater Ltd Vigill Alerts Ltd Vigitrust Ltd Vordel Ltd Waratek Ltd William Fry Zenith Technologies |
|
2012 |
2012 |
||||
|
Date |
Destination |
Minister |
Cost |
Companies Participating |
|
|
March 15-17 |
Finland/Sweden |
Minister John Perry |
€ 9,141 |
Kingspan Softco Barclay Chemicals Manufacturing Conor Engineering S3 Glen Dimplex Barclay Chemicals Manufacturing Gaeltech Ovelle Pharmaceutials |
Techskills (CPL) Cylon Controls Horsewear Ireland Dubarry AMCS Openjaw Technologies Information Mosaic Aspire Technology |
|
March 22-30 |
China |
Minister Richard Bruton |
€ 74,432 |
Kingspan Softco Barclay Chemicals Manufacturing Conor Engineering S3 Glen Dimplex Barclay Chemicals Manufacturing Gaeltech Ovelle Pharmaceutials |
Techskills (CPL) Cylon Controls Horsewear Ireland Dubarry AMCS Openjaw Technologies Information Mosaic Aspire Technology |
|
June 30- July 3 |
France |
Minister Richard Bruton |
€ 39,424 |
Abtran Access Control Technology Amray ArcRoyal Arran Chemical Ash Technologies Associated Rewinds ATA Tools Group Automated Feeding Systems Barclay Chemicals BCD Engineering BHSL BookAssist Botany Weaving Brandvis BrownBag Films Bruce Shaw C&D Foods C&F Automotive (Iralco) Cartoon Saloon Castlebrook Cellix Chanelle Climote Clondalkin Group Coillte Combilift Cork Institute of Technology Cork Plastics Corvil CRH Clinical Trial EndPoint Cygnum Timber Frame Cylon Controls Dairymaster Data Display Decawave Design Partners Dortek Drive Rite Dromone Dublin Aerospace Eazysafe Ecocem EI Electronics EzeTop Firecrest Flightman (Aircraft Management Technologies) Freefoam Glanta Glen Dimplex France Glennon Brothers Grafton Architects Healthcomms Hi-Spec Engineering Horseware |
Hostelworld Icon Clinical Research Interactive Services Intuition Publishing Irish Breeze Irish Dog Foods JFC Manufacturing Kavaleer Keenan Kingspan Insulation Kingspan Panneaux Sandwich KMCS Lagan Cement Led Lighting Life Scientific Lifes2Good Lincor LLR-G5 LSM Engineering Luzern Magma McHale Megazyme Merrion Pharma Mincon International Ltd Multihog Murray Timber Nations Language Training Nolan Transport Nualight Ocuco Portwest Prosys PT Technologies Europe Punch Industries Qumas Realex Payments Red Mills Redfaire Samco Shay Murtagh Sigmoid Pharma Skillsoft Standard Brands Steripack Stone Developments Technical Engineering Group Trinity Biotech Trulife Vigitrust Visafirst (Taxback Group) Vordel Wakely Engineering Xeolas Pharmaceuticals Xtratherm |
|
Oct 27-Nov 2 |
Japan |
Minister Sean Sherlock |
€ 88,016 |
Biosensia Bord Bia / Irish Food Board Carbery Food Ingredients Connacht Gold Connemara Seafoods Connolly’s Red Mills Dairygold Food Ingredients Deloitte & Touche |
Glanbia Nutritionals Ireland Ltd. Luxcel Biosciences Sigmoid Pharma Statistical Solutions Teagasc Trinity Biotech University College Cork Xeolas Pharmaceuticals |
|
Nov 7-10 |
Canada |
Minister Richard Bruton |
€ 46,474 |
Voxpro Intuition Publishing MoneyMate Openet DNM Technology Barracuda FX Eishtec Accuris Networks Lifes2good FINEOS Ezetop Pixalert Exaxe Ltd SaaS Markets OnePosting |
IPL Group Softworks Workforce Solutions Samco Agricultural Manufacturing Fexco Ltd Nasc Technologies Ltd Adaptive Mobile ZolkC Millmount Health RCSI First Ireland Spirits Robert A Merry & Co Castle Brands Inc Irish Dairy Board Beam (Cooley Distillery) |
|
2013 |
2013 |
||||
|
Date |
Destination |
Minister |
Cost |
Companies Participating |
|
|
Feb 26-27 |
Stuttgart |
Minister Sean Sherlock |
€ 44,820 |
Abrel Products Ltd Anecto Ltd Asgard Cleanroom Solutions Ltd Enbu Consulting Ltd Lincor Solutions Ltd Mergon Healthcare Premier Tax Free |
Pro-Tek Medical Ltd Scivo Precision Ltd Timoney Technology TransSolve TTM Healthcare Quest Computing |
|
March 5-9 March |
Texas |
Minister Richard Bruton |
€ 62,692 |
45sound Adaptive Mobile AMCS Group Aviation Selection Consultants Axonista Cathx Incorportaed DiaryMonitor DIT Duolog Technologies FreeFlow Freightwatch Furious Tribe Instant Upright Interactive Services Intuition LotusWorks Mingoa Monex Financial Services N-Tier Securities Development Studio Ltd |
parkbytext Popdeem Pressco proTunes Pubble SCHIVO Group SerCom Solutions Skynet Labs Soundwave Analytics Limited StoryToys SureSkills Inc. TeamworkPM The Now Factory Trintech Trust5 VOXPRO Vu2Vu Networks WholeWorldBand WiseTek |
|
May 13-16 |
Poland & Czech Republic |
Minister John Perry |
€ 16,246 |
Aubren Book Assist BioAtlantis Cylon Controls Deep Insight Emydex Espion Grafton Recruitment Headcount Solutions Height for Hire / Easi UpLifts ID Technology Intuition Publishing Mergon Group Monex NuaLight Playprint |
PM GROUP Portwest PPI Realtime Technologies Seratel (Pace Computing) Salmon Software Silicon & Software Systems (S3 Group) Technicl Engineering Group Ventac Videobot Visual ID Wejchert and Partners Architects Zapa Technology Lenwol Ltd T/A 3V Transaction Services Ltd |
|
21st July to 27th 2013 |
China / Japan |
Minister Richard Bruton |
€ 13,783 |
This was primarily an IDA ireland investment mission |
|
|
16th – 21st Nov |
India |
Minister Richard Bruton |
Costs not yet available |
A&L Goodbody PaytoStudy PM Group PWC Taxback Ltd Weddings Online ARI Microbide Teagasc Hybrid Brown Bag Films FKP Architects Glanbia Plc Bord Bia Irish Dairy Board Kerry Group Plc Connolly Redmills Soundwave CRH Plc C & C Group HMH Instant Upright The Now Factory |
Zenith Technologies Arran Chemicals Cork Institute of Technology Dublin Business School Dublin City University Dublin Institute of Technology Galway Mayo Institute of Technology Griffith College Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) Limerick Institute of Technology Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) National College of Ireland (NCI) National University of Ireland, Galway NUI Galway NUI Maynooth Shannon College of Hotel Management Trinity College Dublin University College Cork University College Dublin University of Limerick Waterford Institute of Technology |
137. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans regarding a trade mission to Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51564/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr Alan Kelly T.D., led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Russia from 7 to 10 October, 2013. Based in Moscow, this trade mission was organised with the support of the Irish embassy in Russia and included 20 best-in-class Irish companies from the aviation sector. Russia has become a key export market over the past two years for many of these companies and the mission was aimed at reinforcing the broad range of products and services they offer to Russian airlines and aviation buyers. The trade mission was built around Russia’s leading aviation forum, ‘Wings of Russia’, which Minister Kelly addressed. The Minister’s schedule during the visit included a series of meetings with representatives of the Russian Federation Government, Moscow City Government, Kaluga region Government, Russian Aviation Authorities, RosKosmos (the Russian Space Agency), meetings with Irish companies and their Russian partners and customers, and a series of events promoting the capabilities and strengths of Irish companies in the aviation sector.
Enterprise Ireland does not currently have plans for a further trade mission to Russia in 2014. However, the schedule for 2014 mission has yet to be finalised.
138. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when a decision will be made on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) who has sought an extension to a work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51601/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Work Permit application in respect of the person named by the Deputy was refused on 21 October 2013. In accordance with Section 13 of the Employment Permits Act 2006 a review of this decision was sought by the applicant. I can inform the Deputy that a Work Permit issued on 29 November 2013 on foot of this review.
139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will set out the procedure to be followed to regularise their position in the case of non-EU nationals employed here, in some instances for up to ten years, occasionally employed by State agencies and meeting their statutory requirements in respect of PRSI, income tax and all other obligations but due to lack of work permit or updated residency status are now being informed by their employers which have been contacted by the Revenue Commissioners to the effect that they must cease employment notwithstanding the fact that many such persons hold pivotal positions in the workforce, have made a major contribution to society and continue to do so; if in such circumstances their situation can be urgently examined with a view to regularisation of their position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51680/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe employment of foreign nationals in the State is governed by the Employment Permits Acts 2003 to 2013. The law is clear on the matter of employment of 3rd country nationals - it is illegal for such a 3rd country national to be employed without the State's permission and it is an offence for both the 3rd country national and the employer concerned. Illegal employment of 3rd country nationals creates a serious problem for the employees concerned in that they do not have a legally binding contract of employment and cannot therefore rely on such a contract in asserting their rights under the contract and under the wide spectrum of employment rights legislation.
Migrant workers are a vulnerable class of people and language difficulties, cultural differences, and lack of social networks can disadvantage migrants and increase the potential for abuse by unscrupulous employers. Ireland has a very thorough employment rights legal framework. Careful consideration is given to the potential for abuse and many of the criteria in evaluating employment permits applications focus on the bona-fides of the employer and the protection of the employee. This feature of the employment permits regime will be preserved in the new Employment Permits Bill currently being drafted.
Following the result of the High Court Judgement of 31st August 2012 concerning Mr. Younis, I committed to amending the legislation in order to provide a defence for the employee which will then give the courts some discretion on the matter. Also, subject to Government approval, I intend to introduce new safeguards in the legislation that will ensure that the situation which arose in the Younis case will be prevented in future in a manner which does not undermine legal principles and ensures that an employer cannot benefit from the fact that a contract of employment is illegal and therefore not legally binding.
Another key feature of the new Bill, subject to Government approval, will be the establishment on a statutory footing of an Employment Permit for dealing with 3rd country nationals who have, to use a parlance, “fallen out of” the Employment Permits regime. I recognise that there can be situations where such a 3rd country national can find themselves falling out of the Employment Permits’ regime through circumstances beyond their control or even as a result of their omission to keep their Employment Permit up to date. Such people may have established roots in Ireland and it can be in the public interest to facilitate a reactivation of their inclusion within a legal employment framework through the granting of an Employment Permit.
There will be three overriding principles concerning an application for an Employment Permit of this type. Firstly, the application process and administration must be clear and approachable from the perspective of an applicant. Secondly, the employee concerned must have originally entered the labour market legally through the Employment Permits system. I do not want to create a mechanism capable of abuse or considered as an alternative to the normal Employment Permit process. Also, it is logical that an Employment Permits Bill deals only with Employment Permits matters. The third principle will be that the employee must not currently be in employment illegally – it would be counter-intuitive for an applicant to apply for a permit under one section of the Act whilst at the same time potentially committing an offence under another section of the Act.
I should also point out that it continues to be the case that an employer can be prosecuted for breaches of employment law including the Employment Permits Acts and it is the National Employment Rights Authority’s policy to pursue such breaches.
Finally, in terms of the current status of the Employment Permits Bill, the drafting process is almost concluded and I envisage submitting it to Government for approval at the earliest opportunity.
140. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the mechanism available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to obtain information regarding a former employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51703/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraClaims in respect of statutory redundancy and minimum notice, where they remain unpaid, can be taken to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT). A claim for statutory redundancy must be submitted within one year from the date of dismissal, and up to two years at the discretion of the Tribunal and where reasonable cause is shown. There is no statutory limit for submitting a claim for minimum notice, but a claim is likely to be considered by the Tribunal if submitted within six years of the date of dismissal.
Where the employment has ended and arrears of pay, payment for holidays accrued but untaken and public holiday benefit are outstanding the employee can submit a complaint to the Rights Commissioners Service (RCS) under the Payment of Wages Act. These complaints must be submitted with six months of the date of dismissal. If a Rights Commissioner is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances he/she may decide to extend the period for up to a further six months. Further information on employees’ statutory employment rights or general information in relation to submitting a complaint may be obtained from the Workplace Relations Customer Service Unit at 1890 80 80 90.
The contact details for a Receiver, Liquidator or the Examiner of a registered company is available by reference to the publicly accessible Companies Registration Office file for the relevant company. This file may be searched online through www.cro.ie.
Please also note that a proprietor may also trade under a trading name without registering as a company. In those circumstances any insolvency matters arising would be more appropriate to bankruptcy or personal Insolvency legislation. I have provided contact details below for the Insolvency Service of Ireland.
Insolvency Service of Ireland
Block 2
Phoenix House
Conyngham Road
Dublin 8
www.isi.gov.ie
Telephone: 076 106 4200 (9am to 6pm).
141. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the supports that are available for social enterprises (details supplied) that are upskilling persons and providing produce for local businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51827/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this year, Forfas published a report on Social Enterprise in Ireland. What is clear from the Forfas report is that social enterprises are not a homogenous group. There are many different types of social enterprises engaged in a wide variety of activity. The spectrum ranges from enterprises that are fully dependent on State support, to a small number of commercially trading companies.
The Forfas report shows that supports for social enterprises are provided by a number of Government Departments and agencies. These include the Department of Social Protection, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Department of Health/HSE. Social enterprises that are operating commercially and developing self-sustaining business models can currently benefit from advisory supports provided by the City and County Enterprise Boards which come under the remit of my Department. However, the Forfas report indicates that of 1,400 social enterprises in Ireland in 2009, only one-third generated any trading income.
Funding is also available to social enterprises under the new Microenterprise Loan Fund which is administered by Microfinance Ireland.
The Taoiseach has assigned responsibility to Minister of State Sean Sherlock, T.D. on a personal basis for developing the social enterprise sector across Government, with secretariat support provided by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
Minister Sherlock has established and chairs an Inter-Departmental Group which includes the key Departments of Environment, Community and Local Government, Social Protection, Agriculture, Food and Marine, Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Health, and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The group held its first meeting in October, and is scheduled to meet again in December.
142. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if two companies (details supplied) in County Cork received any grant funding from Enterprise Ireland, and the amount they received in total. [51844/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand from Enterprise Ireland that the companies concerned received grant funding from Enterprise Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland paid grant funding to the companies in question totalling €202,005.83. These grants were awarded over a period beginning in 1997 and concluding in 2012 under programmes covering areas such as Research and Development and Capital grants.
The grant inspection and payment process includes a comprehensive review of each grant claim, such as achieving certain milestones, against approved projects to ensure all expenditures claimed are in line with the original approval and the financial and associated records of the grantee are in order.
143. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in view of the commencement of intellectual property based derivatives trading by IPXI, Chicago, in June, the actions being taken vis-à-vis the report entitled Feasibility Study for Making Ireland a World Centre for Managing and Trading in Intellectual Property January 2013; when this report will be published; the main conclusions and actionable recommendations of the report; when these recommendations will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51877/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to deliver on a commitment in the Programme for Government which was further articulated in the Action Plan for Jobs 2012, my Department commissioned a Feasibility Study to examine what structures and policies could be developed to make Ireland a world centre for managing and trading in intellectual property. The objectives of the study were to identify and describe the emerging trends in IP Portfolio Management in corporations globally; and taking account of such global emerging trends, to identify options and models for Ireland to leverage its existing strengths to become an internationally attractive centre for managing and trading in IP, such that this could realise an economic and jobs potential.
The Study, which was undertaken by Deloitte, is now being considered by officials in my Department in the context of wider policy developments and economic conditions domestically and globally.
144. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will confirm, having received a copy of the report prepared by the copyright review committee, which he established in 2011 that he has assessed the recommendations therein, including the draft Bill attached thereto; when he proposes to bring forward appropriate legislation to implement the said recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51953/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Report entitled “Modernising Copyright” compiled by the independent Copyright Review Committee comprising Dr Eoin O’Dell of Trinity College, Professor Steve Hedley of University College Cork and Ms Patricia McGovern of DFMG Solicitors was published on 29 October 2013 last. The Report followed from the establishment in May 2011 of the Copyright Review Committee to examine current Irish copyright legislation to identify any areas that might be perceived as creating barriers to innovation and to make recommendations as to how these barriers might be overcome through changes to legislation. The Report, published by the Copyright Review Committee, involved an extensive consultation process by the Committee, and contains in excess of 60 recommendations covering a diverse range of copyright issues. My Department is currently engaged in conducting a detailed analysis of the recommendations in the Report which I expect will take until early 2014 to complete. I would hope thereafter, to be in a position to bring the results of our examination to Government with recommendations, including in relation to proposed legislative amendments.
As part of our initial examination of the Report’s recommendations, I am very interested in hearing the views of all interested parties so that, as a first step, my Department has arranged for the convening of a public Forum at which the members of the Copyright Review Committee will be present to present on the Report and to respond to issues arising. This Forum is being held in the Royal Irish Academy on 9 December next and registration for the Forum can be completed on my Department’s website at www.djei.ie.
In Ireland, as in many countries throughout the world, there has been a growing recognition of the need to ensure that copyright legislation remains fit for purpose in the digital age and the specific challenges that it presents. This is also an issue on which the EU is currently deliberating and I understand that a consultation by the European Commission on copyright is imminent.
145. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress of legislation to deal with media ownership which will promote diversity and prevent monopolies; if he has had discussions with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on the matter; and when such legislation will be introduced into the legislative process. [51959/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the proposed Consumer Protection and Competition Bill is, amongst other things, to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Media Mergers. Work is at an advanced stage on the drafting of the Bill and it is hoped to finalise it before the end of the year.
Given the proposed transfer of responsibility for the public interest test in relation to media mergers to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, my officials are working closely with officials from that Department and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in the matter.
146. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports that are available to support the return to work including covering the costs associated with respect to returning to work in the self-employed sector of persons who have been out on long-term sick leave. [51792/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department operates two schemes to assist people on social welfare who wish to commence self-employment; namely the Short Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) and the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA). The STEA provides immediate access to support where people who have lost their jobs and qualify for jobseekers’ benefit wish to set up a business. Payment under the scheme is at the same rate and for the same duration as their entitlement to jobseeker’s benefit.
The BTWEA is designed to allow the long term unemployed, lone parents, people with disabilities and other social welfare recipients to return to the active labour force by setting up a self-employment business. Participants on this scheme retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment over two years. In general, the qualifying period for the back to work enterprise allowance is twelve months in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment. Under both schemes, those taking up self-employment must develop a viable and sustainable business plan. Support for the presentation of business idea and subsequent development of a business plan is available from local development companies and this Department’s local employment support/case officers. My Department also provides further support to people who qualify for the BTWEA through the Technical Assistance and Training Scheme (TATS). TATS allows access to up to €1,000 of grant support towards certain business start-up expenses.
The Department can also provide support to self-employed persons who experience business downturn and need assistance by way of income support via the jobseeker’s payment. Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) provides a basic weekly allowance to eligible people who have little or no income. A person can continue to work in their business and get income support, other conditions having been met.
Details of all schemes and self-employment supports are available on the Department's website - www.welfare.ie or by visiting any of the Department's offices or Intreo centres.
147. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that the views of existing pensioners are taken into account in finalising the new priority order for defined benefit pension schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51292/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of how the assets of a defined benefits pension scheme are distributed in the event of the wind up of a pension scheme has been the subject of considerable deliberation and consultation over the last few years.
As you are aware this is a complex and sensitive issue and required careful consideration before any change is made to the current wind up priority order.
The consultation process included engagement with stakeholder representative and engagement with external consultants who provided technical assistance in considering possible alternative approaches to how the assets of a scheme might be distributed on the wind up of a scheme.
The stakeholder consultation took place in 2012 and included representatives from the employers, trade unions, pensioners and the pensions industry. All representatives were invited to make submissions on the issue.
The amendments to the priority order as set out in the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2013 provides greater equity for all scheme beneficiaries and takes account of the concerns raised by all representative groups.
148. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if the introduction of the Intreo service is intended to dispense with the role the community welfare officer currently plays; the number of offices that have been closed since the scheme was introduced; the number she plans to close and the time frame she is working to; where the staff have been deployed to; the way emergencies are to be handled in the absence of a CWO; if consideration has been given to the additional administrative burden elsewhere within her Department where assistance in making applications assisted in avoiding incorrect or inappropriate applications; what provision has been made to cover the travel costs of those who must travel to larger population centres; the estimated saving; under what heading will savings be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51302/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key objective of the transfer of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Service Executive to the Department on 1st October 2011 was to provide a streamlined and consistent service to the customer. As part of this process and to support the Department’s activation commitments under the Pathways to Work Programme and the development of Intreo services nationally, it has been necessary to review the administration of all its services across its remit including the community welfare service (CWS).
The Pathways to Work Programme includes the provision of opportunities, support and assistance to unemployed people by intensifying the Department’s level of engagement with them, in particular, those who are, or become, long-term unemployed. The Intreo service delivery model offers practical, tailored employment services and supports for jobseekers and this new service model, which is more efficient in its delivery, is currently being rolled out across the country with roll-out due to be completed for all offices by end 2014. It is expected that three hundred staff will be redeployed to these activities by the end of the year including staff from the CWS.
Overall, this is resulting in a rebalancing of resources across the Department’s range of activities including the relocation of some staff to main centres, primarily Intreo offices. The introduction of Intreo is not intended to dispense with the CWS service but will provide a full range of services, including the CWS and these will, in general, be available in one location.
The CWS play a vital role within the overall social welfare system in providing a responsive and flexible approach to meeting the needs of the disadvantaged. The role of the CWS and the objectives of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme which they administer are compatible with the goals and objectives of this Department having regard to income support, social inclusion and integration of services. The need for a flexible and responsive approach to meet the needs of members of the public experiencing disadvantage continues to remain central to the CWS following its integration to the Department. The service will also continue to provide key information, advice, advocacy and referral links between agencies.
To maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of their operation and to ensure continuity of service in the light of reducing resources, some 370 CWS clinics have been re-structured during the last 2 years where the level of demand for a service was low. This included offices where limited weekly CWS public clinics were held, in some cases for only one to two hours per week.
Where a closure has occurred, an increased level of service has been made available to the customers from these areas at alternative locations in the general vicinity. The change is a move away from the traditional model of one officer serving an individual location and delivering the full range of community welfare services, towards a sustainable team-based approach which is more efficient, effective and economical. The new arrangements have enhanced service provision, lead to greater value for money in terms of savings in respect of costs such as rent and have facilitated an improved utilisation of staff resources.
Where the CWS has been re-structured, alternative arrangements have been put in place to ensure that customers are provided with on-going access to the supports provided by the service. In general, this means that the frequency of available public clinics has increased, an improved phone service is available and alternative arrangements are in place for those who cannot travel, for example due to illness, including arranging a visit to the client’s home if necessary.
The Department’s services are continually monitored and kept under review by management taking account of the views of staff, public representatives and users of the service to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service. I am very conscious of the need to provide efficient and effective customer facing services at a local level for clients of the Department. It is therefore essential that the services provided are reconstituted to meet the changing needs of Irish society.
