Written Answers Nos. 251 - 270
251. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding measures to prevent flooding from the River Wad in Donnycarney, Dublin 5 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6791/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe flood defence works on the River Wad at Donneycarney, which are being undertaken and managed by Dublin City Council as the Contracting Authority commenced in late 2013 and are currently approximately 25% complete. The main elements of the works are being carried out by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Council using its own labour force. It is expected that the works will be completed by the end of this year, subject to the Council securing any necessary consents from property owners affected by the works.
252. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when his Department and the Office of Public Works will publish the detailed flood hazard and flood maps in order to comply with the EU floods directive. [6792/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is working in partnership with its consultants, local authorities and other stakeholders to deliver the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study (CFRAM) Programme. This is a strategic approach that recognises the need, in line with international best practice, to move to a more sustainable, planned and risk-based approach to dealing with flooding problems.
Under the Programme, work on Draft Flood Maps will be finalised during 2014. A key element of the Programme is public consultation. It is envisaged that the draft flood maps produced under the CFRAM will be brought to formal public consultation in summer/autumn 2014. Informal Public Information Days on the Draft Flood Maps will take place also. These events will be advertised in local press and regular updates will be available on the Programme website www.cfram.ie. The draft maps will be finalised following the public consultation phase.
253. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of all official engagements by him or the Ministers of State in his Department that have taken place in Northern Ireland since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6823/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question the following tables outline all official engagements by me and my Minister of State, including meetings with community groups and so on, that have taken place in Northern Ireland since I took office:
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform - Official Engagements in Northern Ireland since July 2011
|
Year |
Date |
Location |
Participants |
|
- |
18 July |
North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) sectoral meeting, Armagh |
Met with NI Minister for Finance and Personnel, Sammy Wilson MP MLA, Junior Minister Martina Anderson MLA and officials from SEUPB. |
|
- |
18 Nov |
NSMC Plenary meeting, Armagh |
Met with members of the Northern Ireland Executive. |
|
2011 |
21 Nov |
NSMC meeting in SEUPB format, Armagh |
Met with NI Minister for Finance and Personnel, Sammy Wilson MP, Alex Attwood, Minister for the Environment and officials from SEUPB. |
|
2012 |
4 May |
NSMC SEUPB sectoral meeting, Armagh |
Met with NI Minister for Finance and Personnel, Sammy Wilson MP MLA, Junior Minister Martina Anderson MLA, and officials from SEUPB. The meeting included a presentation on the PEACE III funded Rural Enabler project presented by the Rural Community Network. |
|
- |
10 May |
NSMC SEUPB sectoral meeting, Armagh |
Met with NI Minister for Finance and Personnel, Sammy Wilson MP MLA, Junior Minister Jennifer McCann MLA, and officials from SEUPB. |
|
- |
8 Nov |
NSMC Plenary meeting, Armagh |
Met with members of the Northern Ireland Executive. |
|
2013 |
6 Dec |
NSMC SEUPB sectoral meeting |
Met with NI Minister for Finance and Personnel, Simon Hamilton MLA, Junior Minister Jennifer McCann MLA, and officials from SEUPB. |
Although not in Northern Ireland, I did address the PEACE Conference in Brussels on 31 January 2013 where I met First Minister Peter Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA. The PEACE Conference included project presentations from participants and beneficiaries of the PEACE III Programme. I also intend to speak at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce Annual Conference on Thursday 13 February 2014 in Belfast and attend a pre-conference dinner the evening before.
Minister of State for Public Service Reform and the Office of Public Works - Official Engagements in Northern Ireland since July 2011
|
Year |
Date |
Location |
Participants |
|
2011 |
3 Nov |
Armagh |
Minister opened the Art of the State exhibition. |
|
2012 |
17 April |
Belfast |
Minister met with Minister Sammy Wilson and officials from Dept. Finance and Personnel to discuss Shared Services. |
|
- |
6 Sept |
Belfast |
Minister opened the Art of the State exhibition. |
|
- |
3 Nov |
Belfast |
Minister at PEACE III Conference, with Minister Wilson (Belfast City Hall). |
|
- |
- |
Stormont |
Met Minister Attwood (Stormont). |
|
2013 |
31 May |
Armagh |
Met with Dolores Kelly MLA followed by short tour of facilities and Q&A with politics students (Lismore Comprehensive School, Drumgask, Craigavon). |
|
- |
- |
Drumcree |
Visit to Drumcree Community Centre |
|
- |
- |
Mayfair Business Centre |
Visited Mayfair Business Centre, Social Economy BBusiness, supported by Irish Government IF |
|
- |
- |
Portadown |
Minister visited Ashgrove Centre. |
|
- |
- |
Newry |
Minister met with Danny Kennedy MLA. |
|
2013 |
16 Nov |
Belfast |
Minister attended NI21 party conference. |
254. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will confirm the stage of an application in respect of a group (details supplied) to acquire the recently closed Ardagh Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6834/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2013, I received representations on behalf of the three groups in question applying for the use of the former Garda station in Ardagh. I responded to those representation to confirm that the property was among forty former stations that the Commissioners had identified for disposal. Ganly Walters Auctioneers have been appointed to sell the property by public auction in March 2014. If there is no interest in the public auction, the property may be considered for the purposes of an application under the community scheme.
255. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will confirm the stage of an application by an association (details supplied) to acquire the recently closed Rathowen Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6835/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioners of Public Works considered the proposal submitted by the association to use the former Garda station at Rathowen, County Westmeath. An assessment of the property by my officials found it to be unsuitable for assignment to the community because of the existing complexity of the shared services arrangement with a neighbouring property.
256. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will, as part of the terms of the Haddington Road agreement, resolve the difference in salary scales in the Civil Service that occurs between those recruited in 2010 and those recruited in 2011; and the way he intends to do same. [6960/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra257. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if someone recruited to a position in the Civil Service in 2011 or 2012 can be deemed to be recruited in 2010 for the purposes of determining his or her salary scale, for any reason, including if he or she had previously worked, if only for a short period of time and on a temporary or part-time contract, in the Civil Service or public sector generally prior to their recruitment to a permanent position post in 2010. [6961/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together.
On the introduction of the modified salary rates introduced in January 2011, persons who were recruited to the public service through direct entry competitions in the period after January 2011 and who previously worked as a public servant in a similar or analogous role had such service recognised and were not accordingly subject to the revised rates. In fulfilment of the commitments entered into under the terms of the Haddington Road Agreement, my Department recently notified Government Departments and Offices of the revised pay rates applying in respect of the relevant direct entry civil service grades coming within the terms of clause 2.31 of that Agreement.
258. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the free trade agreement between Ireland and Canada; what it entails; if he will clarify a matter regarding this agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6278/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe political agreement reached on the key elements of a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada was announced on 18 October 2013 by EU Commission President Barroso and Canadian Prime Minister Harper. At present further technical discussions based on this political agreement are taking place between both sides. These technical discussions are necessary in order to finalise the legal text of the agreement. Once agreement is reached on these, the agreement will proceed for translation and for legal validation. It is anticipated that the agreement will enter into force towards the end of 2015 or in early 216.
The CETA covers virtually every aspect of economic activity, and is an extremely important one for Ireland. It is the first comprehensive trade agreement with an historically close trade and economic partner and is a landmark deal between our two transatlantic economies. When fully implemented 99% of all tariffs (duties) on goods will be removed, the vast majority of them being wiped away from the first day of implementation. It is important to note also that the existence of a Free Trade Agreement would not have any impact on the VAT treatment of imported goods.
The CETA will also widely liberalise trade in services, among others in the areas of financial services, telecommunications, energy and transport. For the first time ever, all Canadian levels of government will open up their public procurement markets above certain thresholds to European suppliers. The opportunities presented by the Agreement could add well over €200 million to Ireland’s current €2.7 billion bilateral trade with Canada, thus creating more jobs and contributing to our economic recovery.
259. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if there are any plans to make ticket touting illegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6292/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTicket touting, or the resale of tickets for high-demand entertainment or sporting events at a price above their face value, is not a new phenomenon. The forms that it takes have changed markedly in recent years, however, due in particular to the emergence of online trading platforms. These changes have to be taken into account in considering whether or how to make ticket resale illegal.
First, a high proportion of ticket resales appear to be made by individuals who have bought a small number of tickets legitimately and then proceed to resell them. A study undertaken in the UK estimates that up to 90 cent of ticket resales are accounted for by resales by private sellers. It is open to question if criminalising the activities of such individuals would represent an appropriate or proportionate policy response, or would constitute an effective use of the limited enforcement resources available for consumer protection. Consumer protection legislation currently governs only transactions between businesses and consumers, and extending its scope to transactions between consumers would have major policy and resource implications.
Secondly, there are now a number of businesses that engage in ticket resale openly and, as they would see it, legitimately. The main ticketing service provider in Ireland, TicketMaster, operates a UK-based online resale platform, Get Me In, on which tickets for events in Ireland, the UK and the rest of Europe can be purchased. Secondary ticket sellers such as these contend that they serve a legitimate function in making tickets available to consumers who are willing to pay premium prices for tickets and that they do so in an above-board and transparent manner that complies with consumer protection legislation and avoids the illegality and misselling associated with black-market forms of ticket touting.
While I would not entirely rule out legislative intervention, I consider that the primary responsibility for preventing the re-sale of tickets at a price higher than their face value rests with ticketing service providers and event promoters. The terms and conditions governing ticket sales generally stipulate that unlawful resale is grounds for seizure or cancellation of the ticket. I note in this connection that the English Rugby Football Union successfully took legal action against a ticket resale website in 2012 to force it to disclose the identities of those offering tickets for resale with a view to preventing the sale of tickets to international matches at a price above their face value.
260. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will consider supporting a small and medium enterprise (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6234/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnyone interested in starting or expanding their own business should in the first instance contact their local County and City Enterprise Board (CEB). The CEBs support the indigenous micro-enterprise sector in the start-up and expansion phases and stimulate enterprise potential at local level. They are the first port of call in terms of advice, direction, training and grant support for anyone who wishes to start or expand a business. Contact details for the CEBs are available on www.enterpriseboards.ie.
The CEBs generally only grant assist enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector, which over time can develop into strong export entities and graduate to the Enterprise Ireland portfolio. Retail enterprises are ineligible for direct financial support from the CEBs due to concerns over displacement (where grant-assisted projects simply displace business from other players in the local market). However, any business can use the CEBs as a gateway to accessing finance from Micro Finance Ireland, which offers support in the form of loans of up to €25,000 to start-up, newly established or growing microenterprises employing less than 10 people with viable business propositions that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by the banks.
The Fund has a significant entrepreneurship focus and is open to anyone with a viable business proposal. Applications for the Microfinance Fund should be channelled through the local CEB. In addition, locally trading businesses, including start-ups can avail of non-financial assistance from their CEB in the form of a wide range of business advice and information services, management capability training and development programmes, e-Commerce training initiatives etc. Training courses include such topics as internet marketing, ideas generation and negotiation skills.
The Deputy may wish to note that the system for delivery of State supports to micro and small enterprises is being reformed and that the 35 existing County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) will be dissolved and new Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) will be created. This reform will bring about a new level of engagement and interaction at both national and local level in relation to enterprise support and economic recovery and growth. The target date for the legal dissolution of the CEBs and the formal launch of the LEOs is mid-April, 2014. Issues relating to rates are a matter for my colleague Deputy Phil Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
261. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will name each company awarded a contract for the provision of professional services by his Department and agencies under his aegis since May 2011; the value and purpose of the contract; if a competitive tendering process was undertaken in line with public procurement best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6458/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following tables.
May 2011 - December 2011
|
Name of Company providing professional services |
Total value of Contract € |
Purpose of contract |
Competitiveness tendering process undertaken |
|
Reidy Brophy Ltd. |
3,569.50 |
Facilitation of and report on focus groups with business to develop a web portal for business regulation |
Yes |
|
SIRA Consulting |
108,000.00 This amount is in respect of an interdepartmental project managed by DJEI; a number of Departments contributed funds to pay for the project but DJEI was not a contributor |
Provision of training, support and quality assurance in the Standard Cost Model to a number of Departments to facilitate measurement of administrative burdens |
Yes |
|
Arekibo Communications |
1,331.25 |
IT Development - ODCE Website |
Yes |
|
Artefact |
677.60 |
Artwork & Design for printed publication (ODCE) |
Yes |
|
Clever Cat |
5,378.45 |
Artwork & Design for printed publication (ODCE) |
Yes |
|
Corporate Graphics Ltd. T/A First Impressions |
4,833.95 |
Artwork & Design for printed publication (ODCE) |
Yes |
|
Cyril O’Neill Legal Costs Accountants |
6,826.01 |
Legal Costs Accountancy |
No - The ODCE maintains Panels of Professionals who have expressed an interest in providing services for the ODCE. Professional service providers are drawn from the Panels on the basis of the appropriate mix of expertise and experience |
|
KellKee Services |
3,721.80 |
Summons Service (ODCE) |
No |
|
Rochford Brady Legal Services |
8,174.10 Some of the amounts paid in respect of these services include outlay on behalf of the ODCE (e.g. lodgement of court documents, affidavits, stamp duty, etc.). The total paid therefore represents an amount in excess of the fee for services. |
Legal Searches |
No |
|
Enterprise Registry Solutions Ltd.* |
669,410.19 |
System Development Partners |
Yes |
|
Allied Irish Bank |
16,279.00 |
Credit Card Merchant Services (CRO) |
Yes |
|
Arekibo |
11,949.25 |
Maintenance of websites |
Yes |
|
Baker Consultants |
55,085.25 |
Support of IT Network equipment |
Yes |
|
Beirne AV Systems |
4,251.71 |
Support of conference room equipment |
Yes |
|
Bizquip Ltd |
1,070.86 |
Scanner support |
Yes |
|
Client Solutions |
11,782.98 |
Licensing and support for proprietary content management system |
This is a proprietary system and it is not possible to seek tenders for support. A competitive process was undertaken for the original procurement |
|
Dell |
11,277.20 |
Support of server hardware |
Yes |
|
Hewlett Packard |
148,692.79 |
Support of ICT network |
Yes |
|
Hewlett Packard |
12,204.17 |
Hardware maintenance |
No - this is system specific support |
|
Integrity Solutions |
22,506.00 |
Support of Internet security equipment |
Yes |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
6,907.42 |
Web hosting |
No - Cost of web hosting provided by Local Government Computer Services Board |
|
Planet21 Communications |
9,143.84 |
Support of ICT Network Equipment |
Yes |
|
pTools Software |
23,261.04 |
Web development and hosting |
Yes |
|
Rits |
78,121.17 |
ICT security advice & services |
Yes |
|
Shannonside Audio Video |
3,688.08 |
Support of video conferencing equipment |
Yes |
|
Site Improve Ltd |
1,199.67 |
Website monitoring and link-checking service |
No - Made up of a number of separate minor website monitoring services |
|
Sword SA |
276,594.92 |
ICT system support |
This is a proprietary system and it is not possible to seek tenders for support. A competitive process was undertaken for the original procurement. Support rates on contract renewal are fixed to changes in the Irish Consumer Price Index |
|
Version 1 |
2,379.47 |
Software asset management services |
Yes |
|
XML Workshop |
1,113.20 |
Support of website |
Yes |
|
AIB Merchant Services |
55,437.78 |
The provision of Credit and Debit card acquiring services (Patents Office) |
Yes |
|
Brindley Advertising |
59,874.73 |
Newspaper Advertising |
Yes - Central Government Contract |
|
OPW |
591.06 |
Iris Oifigiúil |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Truvo |
20,269.92 |
Telephone Directory |
Yes - Central Government Contract |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
193.60 |
Yearbook Diary |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Trinity College Library |
900.00 |
Book Loan Service |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Greene’s Bookshop |
4,650.00 |
Subscription to Industrial Relations News |
Yes |
|
Mac Innes Photography |
409.00 |
Photography services at Small Business Advisory Group launch |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Mac Innes Photography |
223.00 |
Photography services at Irish Ambassadors for Female Entrepreneurship event |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Mac Innes Photography |
245.00 |
Photography- Ministerial image shot for Repeat use |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Mac Innes Photography |
252.00 |
Photography services at launch of the Final Report of the Sales Law Review Group |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Mac Innes Photography |
284.00 |
Photography services at launch of the Report of “The Voice of Small Business” |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Jason Clark Photography |
484.00 |
Photography services to mark the One Millionth Document Filed Online at the Companies Registration Office event |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Hot Shotz Photographers |
120.00 |
Photography services at Junior Inventor Awards |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Kilroys |
9,231.04 |
Provision of legal advice on Export Credit Insurance issues |
No - as specialist expertise, including detailed knowledge of specific individual policies, was a prerequisite |
|
Terminal Four Solutions Ltd |
6,352.51 |
Website redesign |
No (This contractor developed and hosted the existing NERA site, which was used as the template model for the interim Workplace Relations website) |
January 2012 - December 2012
|
Name of Company providing professional services |
Total value of Contract € |
Purpose of contract |
Competitiveness tendering process undertaken |
|
Experian Ireland Ltd. |
2,214.00 |
Provision of statistical analysis |
Yes |
|
ABC Investigations |
3,371.67 |
Summons Service (ODCE) |
No |
|
Arekibo Communications |
2,998,13 |
IT Development – ODCE Website |
Yes |
|
Artefact |
184.50 |
Artwork & Design for printed publication (ODCE) |
Yes |
|
Arthur Cox |
3,188.86 |
Fees to Counsel |
No - The ODCE maintains Panels of Professionals who have expressed an interest in providing services for the ODCE. Professional service providers are drawn from the Panels on the basis of the appropriate mix of expertise and experience. |
|
Brosnan Investigations Ltd. |
147.60 |
Summons Service |
No |
|
Clever Cat |
393.60 |
Artwork & Design for printed publication (ODCE) |
Yes |
|
Cyril O'Neill Legal Cost Accountants |
15,764.72 |
Legal Costs Accountancy |
No - The ODCE maintains Panels of Professionals who have expressed an interest in providing services for the ODCE. Professional service providers are drawn from the Panels on the basis of the appropriate mix of expertise and experience. |
|
Kellkee Services |
2,027.20 |
Summons Service (ODCE) |
No |
|
Peter Fitzpatrick & Company Legal Cost Accountants |
10,307.40 |
Legal Costs Accountancy |
No - The ODCE maintains Panels of Professionals who have expressed an interest in providing services for the ODCE. Professional service providers are drawn from the Panels on the basis of the appropriate mix of expertise and experience. |
|
Pricewaterhouse Coopers |
40,646.58 |
Accountancy Assignment |
Yes |
|
Rochford Brady Legal Services |
11,619.47 Some of the amounts paid in respect of these services include outlay on behalf of the ODCE (e.g. lodgement of court documents, affidavits, stamp duty, etc.). The total paid therefore represents an amount in excess of the fee for services. |
Legal Searches |
No |
|
Woods Ahern Mullen Solicitors |
430.50 |
Legal Services |
No - The ODCE maintains Panels of Professionals who have expressed an interest in providing services for the ODCE. Professional service providers are drawn from the Panels on the basis of the appropriate mix of expertise and experience. |
|
Sabeo Technologies |
3,210.30 |
Hardware Maintenance |
Yes |
|
Enterprise Registry Solutions Ltd.* |
1,012,496.00 |
System Development Partners |
Yes |
|
Elavon Merchant Services |
17,394.00 |
Credit Card Merchant Services (CRO) |
Yes |
|
Ardilaun |
7,944.97 |
Support of Uninterrupted Power Supply equipment |
Yes |
|
Arekibo Communications |
13,210.20 |
Maintenance of websites |
Yes |
|
Baker Consultants Ltd. |
58,400.09 |
Support of IT Network equipment |
Yes |
|
Beirne AV Systems |
4,251.71 |
Support of conference room equipment |
Yes |
|
Bizquip Ltd. |
2,712.55 |
Scanner support |
Yes |
|
Client Solutions |
26,981.28 |
Licensing and support for proprietary content management system |
This is a proprietary system and it is not possible to seek tenders for support. A competitive process was undertaken for the original procurement |
|
Dell Computers |
4,766.25 |
Support of server hardware |
Yes |
|
Hibernia Services |
6,463.83 |
Support of IT Network equipment |
Yes |
|
Hewlett Packard |
5,673.25 |
Support of ICT network |
Yes |
|
Integrity Solutions |
15,836.25 |
Support of Internet security equipment |
Yes |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
5,595.00 |
Web hosting |
No - Cost of web hosting provided by Local Government Management Agency |
|
PlanNet21 Communications |
37,145.70 |
Support of ICT Network Equipment |
Yes |
|
pTools Software |
10,165.95 |
Web development and hosting |
Yes |
|
Rits |
22,922.67 |
ICT security advice |
Yes |
|
Shannonside Audio Video Ltd. |
4,771.17 |
Support of video conferencing equipment |
Yes |
|
Site Improve Ltd. |
2,201.51 |
Website monitoring and link-checking service |
No - Made up of a number of separate minor website monitoring services. |
|
Sword SA |
475,085.94 |
ICT system support |
This is a proprietary system and it is not possible to seek tenders for support. A competitive process was undertaken for the original procurement. Support rates on contract renewal are fixed to changes in the Irish Consumer Price Index |
|
Version 1 |
29,667.60 |
System review |
Yes |
|
Ward Solutions |
39,095.60 |
ICT security services |
Yes |
|
XML Workshop |
282.90 |
Support of website |
Yes |
|
Power Design |
4,946.70 |
Design and printing of Delivering Our Green Potential |
Yes |
|
Elavon Merchant Services |
94,819.61 |
The provision of Credit and Debit card acquiring services (Patents Office) |
Yes - by the Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB). |
|
Deloitte |
102,872.62 |
To undertake a Feasibility Study for Making Ireland an International Centre for Intellectual Property |
Yes |
|
Brindley |
29,987.05 |
Newspaper Advertising |
Yes - Central Government Contract |
|
OPW |
2,805.00 |
Iris Oifigiúil |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Truvo |
18,545.94 |
Telephone Directory |
Yes - Central Government Contract |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
196.80 |
Year Book Diary |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Industrial Relations News Publications |
3,918.55 |
Online Subscription |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Europolitics |
6,687.05 |
Online Subscription |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
European Voice |
702.52 |
Online Subscription |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Trinity College Library |
1,230.00 |
Book Loan |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Mac Innes Photography |
438.00 |
Photography services at Launch of Action Plan for Jobs 2012 |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Mac Innes Photography |
284.00 |
Photography services at Capital Investment Announcement |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
301.00 |
Photography services at launch of IP Protocol |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
319.00 |
Photography services at launch of Business Regulation Portal |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
331.00 |
Photography services for launch of Digital Games Clustering Development Team |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
257.00 |
Photography services at launch of “Managing out of the Crisis” Guide |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
283.00 |
Photography services at Publication of Micro Enterprise Loan Fund Bill |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
321.00 |
Photography services at launch of Microfinance Scheme |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
264.00 |
Photography services at launch of Green Economy Policy Statement |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Press 22 |
312.00 |
Photography services at Action Plan for Jobs Forum, Limerick |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
B.L. Mac Gill Photography |
200.00 |
Photography services at Action Plan for Jobs Forum, Cork |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Gerry O’Carroll Photography |
298.00 |
Photography services at Action Plan for Jobs Roadshow, Waterford |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Jason Clark Photography |
492.00 |
Photography services at Launch of Research Prioritisation Report |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Kilroys |
5,268.26 |
Provision of legal advice on Export Credit Insurance issues |
No - as specialist expertise, including detailed knowledge of specific individual policies, was a prerequisite |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
47,417.00 |
Benchmarking of Irish export licensing arrangements against EU and international comparators |
Yes |
|
Terminal Four Solutions Ltd |
2794.16 |
Website hosting services |
No - This contractor developed and hosted the existing NERA site, which was used as the template model for the interim Workplace Relations website |
|
A & L Goodbody |
165,609.00 |
Legal advice |
Yes |
|
Design Printworks |
2167.88 |
Artwork & Design of complaint form |
Yes |
|
Four point Solutions EMEA LTD |
11,568.15 |
IT Consultancy |
Yes |
|
Achilles Procurement Services |
2,559,94 |
Procurement support services |
Yes |
|
O’Flaherty Ltd. T/A Reads Print & Design Bureau |
171.85 |
Design and print of roll up Banner |
Yes |
|
DCU Language Services |
257.55 |
Verification of Irish language translation of EU Detergents Regulation |
Yes |
January 2013 - December 2013
|
Name of Company providing professional services |
Total value of Contract € |
Purpose of contract |
Competitiveness tendering process undertaken |
|
ABC Investigations Ltd. |
184.50 |
Summons Service (ODCE) |
No |
|
Arekibo Communications |
61.50 |
IT Development – ODCE Website |
Yes |
|
Artefact |
1,076.25 |
Artwork & Design for printed publication (ODCE) |
Yes |
|
Clever Cat |
479.70 |
Artwork & Design for printed publication (ODCE) |
Yes |
|
Cyril O’Neill Legal Costs Accountants |
5,597.95 |
Legal Costs Accountancy |
No - The ODCE maintains Panels of Professionals who have expressed an interest in providing services for the ODCE. Professional service providers are drawn from the Panels on the basis of the appropriate mix of expertise and experience. |
|
Inventise Business Solutions Ltd. |
10,279.73 |
IT Development – ODCE Website |
Yes |
|
KellKee Services |
1,202.92 |
Summons Service (ODCE) |
No |
|
Peter Fitzpatrick & Company Legal Cost Accountants |
4,323.45 |
Legal Costs Accountancy |
No - The ODCE maintains Panels of Professionals who have expressed an interest in providing services for the ODCE. Professional service providers are drawn from the Panels on the basis of the appropriate mix of expertise and experience. |
|
Rochford Brady Legal Services |
11,226.02 Some of the amounts paid in respect of these services include outlay on behalf of the ODCE (e.g. lodgement of court documents, affidavits, stamp duty, etc.). The total paid therefore represents an amount in excess of the fee for services. |
Legal Searches |
No |
|
Tanika Design Ltd. |
2,595.30 |
Artwork & Design for printed publication (ODCE) |
Yes |
|
Dell |
34,371.12 |
Hardware maintenance |
Yes |
|
Sabeo Technologies |
3,303.78 |
Hardware Maintenance |
Yes |
|
Enterprise Registry Solutions Ltd.* |
1,046,586.00 |
System Development Partners |
Yes |
|
Elavon Merchant Services |
41,567.00 |
Credit Card Merchant Services (CRO) |
Yes |
|
Ardilaun Electrical |
2,648.32 |
Support of UPS equipment |
Yes |
|
Arekibo |
9,563.25 |
Maintenance of websites |
Yes |
|
Baker Consulting |
46,494.00 |
Support of IT Network equipment |
Yes |
|
Beirne AV |
4,251.71 |
Support of conference room equipment |
Yes |
|
Bizquip Ltd. |
1,632.84 |
Scanner support |
Yes |
|
Client Solutions |
27,350.28 |
Licencing and support for proprietary content management system |
This is a proprietary system and it is not possible to seek tenders for support. A competitive process was undertaken for the original procurement. |
|
Data Direct 2000 Ltd. |
786.97 |
Photocopier maintenance |
Yes |
|
Datapac Ltd. |
221.19 |
Photocopier maintenance |
Yes |
|
Dell Computers Ireland |
57,778.50 |
Support of server hardware |
Yes |
|
IT & Electronic Services Limited |
468.19 |
Scanner support |
Yes |
|
Hibernia Services Ltd. |
6,463.83 |
Support of IT Network equipment |
Yes |
|
Integrity Solutions |
17,625.90 |
Support of Internet security equipment |
Yes |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
981.00 |
Web hosting |
No - Cost of web hosting provided by Local Government Management Agency |
|
Parallel Internet Ltd (pTools Software) |
5,297.05 |
Web development and hosting |
Yes |
|
Plannet21 Communications |
50,955.83 |
Support of ICT Network Equipment |
Yes |
|
Rits |
25,431.50 |
ICT security advice |
Yes |
|
Shannonside Audio/Video Ltd. |
511.29 |
Support of video conferencing equipment |
Yes |
|
Site Improve Ltd. |
1,675.61 |
Website monitoring and link-checking service |
No - Made up of a number of separate minor website monitoring services |
|
Stratathree Ltd. |
31,246.92 |
Website development |
Yes |
|
Sword SA |
371,709.53 |
ICT system support |
This is a proprietary system and it is not possible to seek tenders for support. A competitive process was undertaken for the original procurement. Support rates on contract renewal are fixed to changes in the Irish Consumer Price Index. |
|
Ward Solutions |
22,354.02 |
ICT security services |
Yes |
|
Power Design |
2,420.00 |
Reprint of Delivering Our Green Potential |
Tender undertaken for original print |
|
Power Design |
2,820.00 |
Design and print of Progress Report on Growth and Employment in the Green Economy in Ireland |
Yes |
|
Elavon Merchant Services |
88,253.69 |
The provision of Credit and Debit card acquiring services (Patents Office) |
Yes - by the Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB). |
|
Brindley |
18,151.51 |
Newspaper Advertising |
Yes - Central Government Contract |
|
OPW |
2,666.00 |
Iris Oifigiúil |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
FCR Media Ltd. |
18,545.00 |
Telephone Directory |
Yes - Central Government Contract |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
196.00 |
Year Book Diary |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Media World |
11,992.32 |
To Monitor Press Cuttings |
Yes |
|
Industrial Relations News Publications |
4,321.85 |
Online Subscription |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Trinity College Library |
1,230.00 |
Book Loan Service |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Europolitics |
6,641.25 |
On-line Subscriptions |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Fennell Photography |
264.00 |
Photography services at launch of Action Plan for Jobs Q4 Results |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
318.00 |
Photography services at launch of Action Plan for Jobs 2013 |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
308.00 |
Photography services at meeting with Chinese Ambassador |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
264.00 |
Photography services at launch of new Work Permit legislation |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
342.00 |
Photography services at launch of Manufacturing Report |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
326.00 |
Photography services at unveiling of new Local Enterprise Office, Swords and announcement of details of improved new service for micro and small enterprises |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
369.00 |
Photography services at announcement of membership of the Entrepreneurship Forum |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
273.00 |
Photography services at launch of Action Plan for Jobs Q 2 Results |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
251.00 |
Photography services at launch of Copyright Review Report |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
232.00 |
Photography services at appointment of Chairman of US- Ireland Partnership |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
270.00 |
Photography services at IDA Announcement |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
290.00 |
Photography services at conference for EU High Level Group on Innovation |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Maxwell Photography |
579.00 |
Informal Meeting of EU High Level Employment Committee in Dublin Castle |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
MKC Communications Limited |
76,480.00 |
To provide the Department with Press and Media Relations Services for the Irish Presidency of the EU. This was a once off exercise/expenditure due to the Irish Presidency of the EU in 2013 |
Yes |
|
H M Ventures |
7,500.00 |
Reporting services on informal EU Competitiveness Council during Irish EU Presidency |
No |
|
Kilroys |
4,305.00 |
Provision of legal advice on Export Credit Insurance issues |
No - as specialist expertise, including detailed knowledge of specific individual policies, was a prerequisite |
|
More Fresh Thought Limited T/A Ebow |
24,962.86 |
Design and development of Website |
Yes |
|
Ergo Services Limited |
57,287.25 |
Development of on line complaint form |
Yes |
|
RSM McClure Watters |
35,497.80 |
Evaluation of pilot early resolution services |
Yes |
|
Parallel Internet Limited |
16,506.60 |
Data Migration, Professional services |
Yes |
|
Iken Business Ltd. |
29,806.43 |
ICT consultancy bespoke development and software upgrade |
No - This contractor is the proprietor of this software |
|
Tom Martin & Associates/TMA |
5,547.30 |
To prepare a report at short notice for the EU/IMF/ECB Troika on Youth Unemployment |
No |
January 2014 - to date
|
Name of Company providing professional services |
Total value of Contract € |
Purpose of contract |
Competitiveness tendering process undertaken |
|
ABC Investigations Ltd. |
184.50 |
Summons Service (ODCE) |
No |
|
Cyril O'Neill Legal Costs Accountants |
5,199.78 |
Legal Costs Accountancy |
No - The ODCE maintains Panels of Professionals who have expressed an interest in providing services for the ODCE. Professional service providers are drawn from the Panels on the basis of the appropriate mix of expertise and experience. |
|
O' Mara Geraghty McCourt Solicitors |
738.00 |
Legal Service |
No - The ODCE maintains Panels of Professionals who have expressed an interest in providing services for the ODCE. Professional service providers are drawn from the Panels on the basis of the appropriate mix of expertise and experience. |
|
Rochford Brady Legal Services |
308.08 Some of the amounts paid in respect of these services include outlay on behalf of the ODCE (e.g. lodgement of court documents, affidavits, stamp duty, etc.). The total paid therefore represents an amount in excess of the fee for services. |
Legal Searches |
No |
|
Elavon Merchant Services |
3,710.00 |
Credit Card Merchant Services |
Yes |
|
Enterprise Registry Solutions Ltd.* |
64,896.03 |
System Development Partners |
Yes |
|
Dell Computers (IRL) |
2,263.82 |
Support of server hardware |
Yes |
|
Power Design |
3,366.80 |
Design and print of National Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility |
Yes |
|
Elavon Merchant Services |
5,657.43 |
The provision of Credit and Debit card acquiring services (Patents Office) |
Yes - by the Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB) |
|
Media Vest Ltd. |
3,444.89 |
Newspaper Advertising |
Yes - Central Government Contract |
|
OPW |
290.00 |
Iris Oifigiúil |
No - Sole Supplier |
|
Fennell Photography |
291.00 |
Photography services at launch of Report on Entrepreneurship |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
|
Fennell Photography |
291.00 |
Photography services at launch of Taking Care of Business event |
Yes - panel of photographers formed following Government tendering competition |
*Enterprise Registry Solutions provides a full systems development service for the Companies Registration Office. This entails maintenance and development of the CRO’s database and rules engine that stores data and images for all Irish companies. The database manages approximately half a million statutory submissions from companies per year.
262. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when a factory (details supplied) in County Wicklow closed; the background to the closure; the action taken to prevent same; if the jobs were relocated elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6503/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis specific factory, which was established in 1989, employed 360 staff in 2008, but was closed on a phased basis in 2008-2009. A new parent company had acquired the facility in 2006 and, following a review by the company of its international operations, that analysis led the company to decide to close this factory and transfer production to another facility within that group, located in Costa Rica. That plant in Costa Rica had spare capacity and had cost competitive advantages over the County Wicklow operation.
Prior to this decision, IDA had engaged with the company in an attempt to secure its future but this was not possible. As you will appreciate, the ultimate decision in such cases is made by the parent company, on strictly commercial grounds, and on what is seen by the company as being in the best interests of the group as a whole. Following the decision, the relevant State bodies, Enterprise Ireland, the Wicklow County Enterprise Board (CEB) and FÁS were involved in providing advice, assistance and other supports. IDA continues to pursue the attraction of new industry for County Wicklow.
263. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of State supported jobs assisted by IDA Ireland that have been created by county from 2000 to 2013, inclusive, showing the number created per year and a breakdown of the cost of these by county per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6504/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on the number of jobs gained and lost in the enterprise development agencies. The survey is conducted on an annual basis and aggregated at county level. I am informed by IDA Ireland that these figures are only available for the 10 year series 2004 to 2013. I am also informed that the 10 year series can change on a year by year basis reflecting the movement in the IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland portfolio of companies. Details of the number of new jobs created, on a county by county basis, in IDA Ireland supported companies in each of the 10 years from 2004 to 2013 is set out in the attached tabular statement A.
The cost per job sustained (CPJS) is the measure used by IDA Ireland to assess the cost effectiveness of various IDA Ireland grant programmes. It is not broken down on a county by county basis. The figure is calculated by taking into account all IDA Ireland expenditure to all firms in the period of calculation. Only jobs created during and sustained to the end of each seven-year period are credited in the calculations.
The latest figures for the cost per jobs sustained are contained in the Forfás Annual Employment Survey 2012 and are set out in the following tabular statement B. The cost per job sustained reduced in the period 2002-2008 arising from the strong employment performance of the FDI sector over the period. The slight increase in the CPJ over the period 2009-2010 primarily related to the reduced performance of the FDI sector particularly in 2009 where the economy experienced a significant number of job losses. This was heavily influenced by the global economic and financial environment. I am glad to be able to point out to the Deputy that this figure has begun to fall again due to improved economic performance in the FDI sector. The figure for each seven-year period is calculated by dividing the total number of jobs created by the total amount of money spent.
Table A
The following table outlines on a county by county basis the number of new jobs created by IDA Ireland client companies since 2005-2013 inclusive
|
County |
- |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
Carlow |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
20 |
46 |
26 |
1 |
89 |
32 |
87 |
197 |
132 |
91 |
|
Cavan |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
28 |
24 |
19 |
49 |
14 |
30 |
92 |
5 |
10 |
15 |
|
Clare |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
109 |
184 |
26 |
31 |
175 |
55 |
24 |
77 |
76 |
15 |
|
Cork |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
1,506 |
1,532 |
2,785 |
2,113 |
2,074 |
1,583 |
2,672 |
2,179 |
2,388 |
2,143 |
|
Donegal |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
167 |
287 |
139 |
186 |
61 |
98 |
281 |
277 |
164 |
177 |
|
Dublin |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
6,181 |
7,675 |
6,385 |
5,245 |
5,078 |
2,887 |
6,279 |
7,351 |
8,464 |
6,862 |
|
Galway |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
1,245 |
1,110 |
1,032 |
739 |
474 |
198 |
1,209 |
1,921 |
923 |
1,098 |
|
Kerry |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
129 |
112 |
96 |
151 |
75 |
53 |
51 |
171 |
120 |
101 |
|
Kildare |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
739 |
929 |
520 |
43 |
133 |
32 |
1,443 |
349 |
546 |
276 |
|
Kilkenny |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
53 |
87 |
28 |
100 |
9 |
0 |
78 |
1 |
125 |
80 |
|
Laois |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
16 |
14 |
18 |
5 |
0 |
17 |
14 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
153 |
4 |
4 |
6 |
131 |
0 |
77 |
24 |
0 |
31 |
|
Limerick |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
1,111 |
418 |
1,112 |
572 |
357 |
161 |
258 |
253 |
556 |
560 |
|
Longford |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
140 |
221 |
181 |
28 |
27 |
26 |
22 |
6 |
44 |
25 |
|
Louth |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
243 |
56 |
266 |
133 |
88 |
30 |
104 |
242 |
401 |
595 |
|
Mayo |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
252 |
115 |
160 |
212 |
116 |
105 |
94 |
152 |
96 |
242 |
|
Meath |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
141 |
145 |
140 |
154 |
111 |
38 |
50 |
88 |
53 |
68 |
|
Monaghan |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
8 |
71 |
58 |
11 |
7 |
7 |
45 |
0 |
7 |
29 |
|
Offaly |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
122 |
74 |
105 |
43 |
97 |
4 |
26 |
41 |
54 |
21 |
|
Roscommon |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
51 |
17 |
30 |
6 |
40 |
5 |
5 |
96 |
59 |
28 |
|
Sligo |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
230 |
128 |
243 |
61 |
92 |
58 |
84 |
187 |
163 |
184 |
|
County |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
|
Tipperary North |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
26 |
39 |
16 |
9 |
19 |
0 |
16 |
22 |
1 |
21 |
|
Tipperary South |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
99 |
251 |
159 |
829 |
300 |
254 |
63 |
25 |
67 |
180 |
|
Waterford |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
613 |
499 |
379 |
479 |
376 |
166 |
246 |
144 |
117 |
172 |
|
Westmeath |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
146 |
310 |
256 |
351 |
207 |
107 |
208 |
162 |
177 |
132 |
|
Wexford |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
379 |
107 |
95 |
60 |
126 |
10 |
285 |
111 |
100 |
149 |
|
Wicklow |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
318 |
311 |
243 |
168 |
150 |
61 |
172 |
84 |
106 |
72 |
|
Total |
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
14,225 |
14,766 |
14,521 |
11,785 |
10,426 |
6,017 |
13,985 |
14,167 |
14,949 |
13,367 |
TABLE B IDA Ireland Cost per Job Sustained (Constant 2012 prices)
|
Year |
1997-2003 |
1998-2004 |
1999-2005 |
2000-2006 |
2001-2007 |
2002-2008 |
2003-2009 |
2004-2010 |
2005-2011 |
2006-2012 |
|
IDA Ireland € |
19,001 |
16,687 |
14,837 |
13,464 |
13,460 |
13,038 |
14,378 |
14,509 |
14,444 |
13,475 |
Source: Forfás Annual Employment Survey 2012
264. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total amount spent on advertising by his Department and each agency under his aegis in 2013; if he will provide a breakdown on the amount spent on each of TV, radio, print, outdoor, Internet and social media platform advertising; the amount spent on advertising agencies; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6585/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total expenditure on advertising by my Department and it Offices in 2013 was €57,684. The following table provides a breakdown of this amount by the categories requested.
Expenditure on Advertising in 2013
|
Type of Advertising |
Amount of Expenditure in 2013 |
|
TV |
Nil |
|
Radio |
Nil |
|
|
€57,684 |
|
Outdoor |
Nil |
|
Internet & Social Media Platform Advertising |
Nil |
|
Advertising Agencies |
Nil |
|
Total |
€57,684 |
The payment of advertising fees by the Agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day-to-day matter for the individual Agencies concerned for which I have no direct function. However, I have asked each Agency to advise me of any such expenditure in 2013 and I will communicate that information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
265. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department currently engages in real time reporting of online conversations on issues relating to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6601/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department uses its Twitter account to communicate information on policies, events, publications and announcements that relate to the work of my Department, and its offices and agencies. This account is monitored by my Department’s Press Office.
266. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 316 and 317 of 21 January 2014 and in view of material published by the EU Commission impact assessment (details supplied), which sets out the key costs arising from a central element of the Commission proposals on the audit of public interest entities, if he will review his reply in which he states that the costs of implementing the EU audit measures in the public interest entities to which they apply cannot be quantified; if he will instruct his Department to review the cost implications as set out in the Commission impact assessment; if he will estimate on the basis of that review the cost implications to business here and request the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs to carry out a full examination of the cost implications, the potential impact on foreign direct investment into and the potentially negative impact on graduate recruitment of these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6685/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra267. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, on the basis of figures contained in the European Commission's impact assessment of 30 November 2011 on the Commission proposals for a regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of public interest entities, the costs of doing business in Europe could rise by more than €16 billion as a consequences of implementing just one element in the Commission proposals, the mandatory firm rotation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6686/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra268. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that reputable European and American business organisations (details supplied) have registered their concern regarding key provisions of the European Commission proposals for a regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of public interest entities, in particular Article 33(2) of the proposal, on the basis that the provision will increase costs for companies, increase the risk of audit error, undermine audit quality and cause particular difficulties for multinationals operating across multiple jurisdictions; if he will request the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs to examine these concerns and the concerns that have been expressed in many independent studies on the issues raised by the Commission proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6687/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra269. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department has carried out any review of the likely impacts on graduate and other recruitment to the audit industry of the European Commission proposals for a regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of public interest entities, in view of the fact that the audit profession and, in particular, the Irish offices of the major audit companies, are among the highest recruiters of graduates from Irish universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6688/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra270. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the recent decision of the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly to support a Bill (details supplied) that specifically prohibits the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board from introducing the types of measures that will be imposed in the EU by the Commission proposals for a regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of public interest entities; if he is further aware that the Canadian Public Accountability Board and CPA Canada issued a report in May last which included a finding that the mandatory rotation of audit firms or mandatory retendering of the audit would not contribute to the enhancement of audit quality and that the UK Competition Commission in a report issued in July last also opposed the concept of mandatory audit firm rotation; if he will indicate the basis on which he and his Department have taken a line that contradicts so many international authorities in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6689/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 266 to 270, inclusive, together.
These draft audit measures are currently in the process of adoption by the EU Institutions, following which they will require to be given effect by Member States. In these circumstances, it is unclear as to the purpose to be served either by an extrapolation of costs based on estimates in the EU Commission documentation which accompanied its original proposals, which differ significantly from those which emerged from the process of negotiation, or of referral to the Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs on the basis indicated. Obviously, it is open to the Committee in question to examine such matters within its purview as it considers appropriate.
It is difficult to envisage that graduate or other recruitment to the audit profession will be adversely affected by these audit proposals, in particular as enhanced audit provisions are entailed. The differing points of view regarding these audit proposals are moot at this point, as are positions adopted in other non-EU jurisdictions, in a situation where the focus required is on making the necessary arrangements to give effect to the EU measures when enacted. In this connection, the Department will be consulting with all of the stakeholders shortly after the adoption by the EU of the instruments in question.
The UK Competition Commission in October 2013, having confirmed that competition is restricted as regards the supply of audit services to large companies there, published measures to open up the UK market to greater competition. One of these is a requirement that FTSE 350 companies must put their statutory audit engagement out to tender at least every ten years. This is consistent with the provisions of Article 33 of the draft Audit Regulation relating to the duration of the audit engagement. Officials of my Department appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on 16 October and 18 December 2012 for the purpose of its scrutiny of these EU audit proposals.
Arising from the scrutiny process, the Joint Committee wrote to the EU Commission and the EU Parliament in the matter on 15 March 2013, remitting its report and a political contribution on the audit proposals, stating that the Joint Committee “Concludes that reform of the audit sector is necessary in the context of the recent past and therefore welcomes, in broad terms, the Commission’s proposals”. As regards the issue of auditor rotation the Joint Committee stated that it “Supports the concept of mandatory rotation of auditors to ensure independence in the performance of the function and the avoidance of any perception of long-term closeness between client and auditor.”
