Written Answers Nos. 156-178
156. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure effective ongoing dialogue between Oireachtas Members and the Registry of Credit Unions by requiring the Registry of Credit Unions to appear before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27687/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Bank is independent in the exercise of its functions but the Governor or a Head of Function may be requested under section 32L of the Central Bank Act 1942 (as amended by the Central Bank Reform Act 2010) to appear before Committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas to address certain matters.
It is the prerogative of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform to agree its own work programme as it sees fit. As Minister for Finance I would have no input into the Committee's agenda.
157. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to ensure that adequate and equivalent funding is available to inland counties not covered by the Ireland-Wales INTERREG programme for the period 2014 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27411/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Ireland Wales border is a maritime border, the Ireland Wales Programme nevertheless includes inland counties (Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary) within the eligible area, as well as coastal counties (Meath, Dublin, Wicklow, Waterford, Wexford, Cork, Kerry).
The Programme, which has a total value of approximately €100 million over the period 2014-2020, will support projects with partners in both Ireland and Wales focussing on activities across three priority areas: cross-border innovation; adaptation of the Irish Sea and coastal communities to climate change; and cultural and natural resources and heritage.
Project partners in any of the counties in the eligible area, including inland counties, may put forward project proposals for any of the priorities. As a cross-border Programme, projects must of course have partners in both Ireland and Wales and they must have a cross-border added-value element. In the case of one of the three priorities (cultural and natural resources and heritage) the project benefits must accrue to coastal communities. This is a requirement of the European Commission and applies equally to Ireland and Wales. Inland counties are not precluded from taking part in this priority, however, but the benefits must accrue to the coastal community as well as to the non-coastal community.
Irish counties outside the eligible area for the Ireland Wales Programme, regardless of whether they are inland or coastal, are of course eligible for funding under Ireland's two regional Operational Programmes under the European Regional Development Fund, which together have a total value of more than €800 million, including Exchequer funding.
158. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider the merits of relocating a monument (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27107/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not appropriate to move National Monuments to other locations solely on the basis of visitor or tourism potential. The Dunloe Ogham Stones are not considered to be under any threat and therefore it is not proposed to move them.
159. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the process used to recruit seasonal workers for the Office of Public Works in parks and public buildings for the summer period; his views on whether it is appropriate that retired public servants are provided with these positions ahead of unemployed young persons; the steps he will take to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27155/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works recruits seasonal guides each year and these posts are advertised in the national papers, on social media, in regional publications and on the OPW’s website. The application form together with an information guide is made available on the OPW website. The information guide contains comprehensive information for candidates, including details of the job specification and the selection process.
The OPW is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit the most suitable candidates for positions. The seasonal guide posts are open to all persons to apply for and as with any other public body, under legislation, the OPW cannot restrict the competition as suggested by the Deputy. Posts are filled on merit following a competitive process completed by the OPW.
160. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a report will be sent to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27159/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware from earlier replies (Parliamentary Questions Nos. 237 of 3 March and 84 of 2 April 2015), the bridge in question was constructed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) as part of the Corrib-Mask-Robe Arterial Drainage Scheme under the powers given to the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland by the Arterial Drainage Act 1945.
No agreement has been signed by the relevant landowners and the OPW in relation to the use of the bridge.
While the OPW has not given a commitment to issue a specific report to the landowner, an OPW representative did visit the site and met with the landowner on 16 April 2015, to discuss the landowner concerns.
It appears that the issue causing concern to the landowner relates to a difficulty in accessing his lands, potentially due to the work undertaken by a neighbouring landowner. This is not a matter in which the OPW has any responsibility. The OPW has made the landowner aware of its role on this matter.
161. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of all sanctions approved by his Department to pay fines imposed by any European institution since 2011; the amount involved, and the subject matter for the fine, in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27347/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question the following table outlines sanctions approved by my Department to pay the fines imposed by European Institutions since 2011.
|
Year |
Claim |
Amount |
Comment |
|
2013 |
ECJ Judgements: C374/11 Septic Tanks |
€2,756,000 |
In relation to transposition and implementation of a Directive on waste relating to the disposal of domestic waste waters in the countryside through septic tanks and other individual waste water treatment systems |
|
2013 |
ECJ Judgements: C279/11 EIA Agricultural Developments |
€1,500,000 |
In relation to transposition of a Directive relating to Environment Impact Assessments |
162. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to the judgment in the Supreme Court case between the National Asset Management Agency and the Office of the Commissioner for Environment Information, the total legal fees incurred to date in the case by that office; and the estimate of all legal costs incurred by that office. [27379/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total of legal fees incurred by the Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Information (OCEI) to date in the case of NAMA v. Commissioner for Environmental Information is €97,000. It is expected that additional fees will be incurred in the coming weeks. The total of all legal fees incurred by the OCEI since its inception to date, including those for the NAMA case, is €266,000. The background to the NAMA Supreme Court appeal is as follows: A request was made to NAMA for access to certain information under the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007. NAMA refused the request on the ground that it did not consider itself to be a "public authority" within the meaning of the Regulations. The applicant appealed NAMA's decision to the OCEI. The Commissioner found that NAMA was a public authority for the purposes of the Regulations. NAMA appealed the Commissioner's decision to the High Court. The High Court dismissed NAMA's appeal. NAMA subsequently appealed that judgment to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court delivered its judgment on 23 June 2015, dismissing the appeal.
163. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the two charity shops operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Newcastle West in County Limerick are liable for the payment of commercial rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27436/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Valuation Act, 2001 provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Act and the making of valuations is his sole prerogative and I, as Minister, have no role in decisions in this regard.
The position under the Valuation Acts regarding claims for exemption on charitable grounds is that in order for a property occupied by an organisation to be exempt from rates under the terms of Schedule 4 - paragraph 16 of the Act, that organisation must be a charitable organisation that uses the land, buildings or part thereof exclusively for charitable purposes and otherwise than for private profit.
However, where a property which is occupied by a registered charity is used for retail purposes, it is considered that such a property is not being used exclusively for charitable purposes. Therefore, a charitable organisation in occupation of and using a property for retail purposes is rateable under the Valuation Acts.
I have been informed by the Valuation Office that in relation to these specific cases there is no extant application to the Valuation Office for an exemption from commercial rates.
In general, if an occupier of property is dissatisfied with a decision not to exempt a property under Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001, there are extensive appeal avenues provided for in the Valuation Acts. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations in relation to a proposed valuation to the Revision Manager in the Valuation Office. Following consideration of the representations and determination of the valuation, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, an independent body set up for such purposes and, finally, there is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
164. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason that a meeting that was promised for 9 June 2015 with the Lough Mask heritage group about Bunadubber Mill, The Neale, Ballinrobe, did not take place; when it is intended to hold such a meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27444/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs far as the Office of Public Works is aware no arrangements were made for a meeting on the date stated.
Tenders have been invited for the preparation of a Conservation and Management Plan for Bunadubber Mill. It is hoped to have a consultant in place for September this year. Until this process has been completed any meeting, along the lines suggested, is unlikely to be of any real value.
165. Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for the property owned and managed by the Office of Public Works on Harcourt Terrace in Dublin 2; the groups that are currently using the former Garda Síochána station site; his plans for the property at 17 Harcourt Terrace; if it is currently occupied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27515/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioners of Public Works have agreed to transfer the site at Harcourt Terrace, which incorporates the former Garda station and film Censor's Office, to the Department of Education and Skills for the purpose of building a new primary school subject to the Department securing the necessary planning permission. The Department of Education and Skills has launched an architectural design competition for the new school.
The former Garda Station and Film Censor's office on Harcourt Terrace are currently occupied under licence by the following six groups in a caretaking capacity: The Irish Arts Review; Drumcondra Work Space; The Corn Exchange; Institute of Conservators, Restorers in Ireland (ICRI); Too Old too Ugly Productions; St. Patrick's Festival.
Future use of the property at 17 Harcourt Terrace is currently under consideration by the Commissioners of Public Works.
166. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position on a flood relief scheme (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27538/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme is being progressed by Cork County Council as the Contracting Authority for the project, with funding being provided by the OPW. The current position is that tenders from civil works contractors have been received and have been assessed by the Council.
The Skibbereen Scheme will shortly be submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for Confirmation i.e. statutory approval under the Arterial Drainage Acts, once the documentation has been finalised. This process includes an independent review of the Environmental Impact Statement for each Scheme. The Scheme will have to be Confirmed before a contractor is appointed but it is hoped that the statutory process will be completed to allow an appointment later this year. Once a contractor is appointed and construction gets underway, it is expected that it will take approximately two years to complete the Scheme.
167. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to reappoint a Minister with responsibility for social enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27149/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans for social enterprise; the current update on the recently published Forfás report on the same subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27150/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra169. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans for social enterprise; if he has discussed with his Scottish counterparts ways of making social enterprise more effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27151/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 167 to 169, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to develop a vibrant and effective social enterprise sector. A report on the potential of social enterprises to create jobs and to identify the actions required by Government and other relevant bodies and agencies, was commissioned and produced by Forfás in July 2013. The Forfás report recommended the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) to develop and champion the sector. The group was established in October 2013 and at that time Minister of State Sean Sherlock, who had a personal interest in driving this agenda, was appointed as Chair of the IDG, with administrative support to be provided by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Minister Sherlock has since been appointed as Minister of State to the Department of Foreign Affairs. While the work in this area continues political responsibility has not yet been reassigned.
The Social Enterprise spectrum ranges from enterprises that are fully supported by the State through to a small number of commercially trading companies. Where Social Enterprises are trading commercially, they are fully entitled to engage with the range of enterprise supports provided by my Department and its agencies – particularly the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).
Where social enterprises are already supported by the State to provide certain services, they are not trading commercially and therefore not eligible for the finite supports the State has to offer to companies in the commercial sphere.
My Department has no policy responsibility for the broader social enterprise sector and to this end I have no role or specific plan in relation to this area. However, there are many supports available to all entrepreneurs wishing to start up a business, and those that wish to expand businesses, with a viable commercial element.
170. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation regarding the current taxi meter verification process, which is currently overseen by the National Standards Authority of Ireland and which is subcontracted to companies such as Applus+, if he will consider introducing a new fairer system of retesting for these visual fails which will ensure there will be no need to conduct a full re-test when the listed fail is only a visual fail, and that the system will be replaced with one similar to the National Car Test, in which a visual fail does not require a full re-test, and any extra charges are levied to the owner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27305/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMeasuring equipment used for trade, including taximeters, is subject to control by the NSAI Legal Metrology Service in accordance with the Metrology Acts 1980 to 1998. The regime of control includes approval of new designs of measuring equipment, verification of instruments upon installation and following repair or recalibration and inspection over the life of the instruments. Verification is a process that includes tests to determine that a measuring instrument conforms to its approved design and measures correctly within legal tolerances. Upon successful conclusion of the tests, the instrument is secured with tamper-evident devices to prevent unauthorised access to its calibration settings.
Owners/Operators of taximeters used for trade should ensure re-verification is carried out following repair or adjustment of parts requiring official seals to be broken. Knowingly failing or neglecting to ensure compliance may result in prosecution.
In May 2014, Applus Car Testing Services (Applus+) was authorised under Section 12 of the Metrology Act, 1996 to conduct verifications of taximeters at a new reduced test fee. The cost per verification of a taximeter was reduced from €75 to €70 per test. Currently over 90% of taxi owners/operators pass the test.
The Legal Metrology Service continues to work closely with the industry by providing technical information to support a reduction of taximeters that fail the verification test.
In an effort to reduce the potential for failing the verification test Applus+ sends a checklist of requirements to each applicant prior to their appointment in order to draw attention to the items that should be taken care of before undergoing testing.
The current arrangements for failures agreed with Applus+ require either a retest with full equipment or in certain circumstances a visual recheck will be sufficient. Taximeters that fail the verification test due to a peripheral device issue, i.e. a printer, will be sealed at the time of verification and will require a visual retest within a set time to ensure that the issue has been resolved. This type of visual retest is carried out free of charge.
Taximeters that fail and as a result cannot be sealed on completion of the test will require a retest after the issues causing the fail are resolved. Retesting of previously failed meters incurs a full test fee as a complete test cycle using equipment is required.
171. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is aware of the long delays in securing independent verification agency certification for new vehicles; the number of applications received for such certification, and processed, from January to June 2015; the average length of time taken to process such applications in these months; the steps he intends to take to reduce the processing times associated with securing this certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27402/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe responsibility for the EU Directive 2007/46/EC governing motor vehicles type approvals lies with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and its Agency, the Road Safety Authority. The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is the Irish approval authority for this and related Directives. The processing time reflects the technical nature of the approvals process, the increased registration of new vehicles at the start of the year and at the mid-year registration cycle and, in that context, the requirement on industry to build in an adequate provision for the automotive approvals timescale.
NSAI recognises that the current lead times are the cause of concerns for the industry and has implemented actions to continue to reduce the processing time. In response to the increasing workload, NSAI went to tender for the provision of technical assessors, who commenced in January 2015. However, it was not possible to rapidly increase processing capacity as the sourcing and induction of engineers takes a period of approximately 6 months before they become competent in the approvals process. However, the effect of these new personnel is now beginning to impact on the processing times.
The timelines are also dependent on submission of complete and accurate information accompanying the application. It may be prudent, therefore, for companies to build in a contingency timescale to allow for clarifications and/or the provision of additional information.
In recent weeks, NSAI has also introduced a new IT system to help manage applications and workloads. The new system allows tracking of applications through all stages of the application phase to final completion of approval. The new IT system will, however, be only populated by fully completed application forms - incomplete forms are returned to applicants – thus allowing more completed forms to be processed.
In addition, NSAI is carrying out training of appointed test centres (ATC’s) in order that they can work closely with applicants to clarify the test and inspection requirements which are leading to delays in processing approvals. ATC’s are commercial centres appointed by NSAI - and agreed with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Road Safety Authority - to physically examine and issue test reports for some or all of the technical requirements. These test reports are then used by NSAI to grant approvals.
It is anticipated that these two new initiatives will contribute to an increased throughput of applications.
The NSAI will continue to closely monitor processing times with a view to returning to an optimum lead time target of two weeks.
The following table provides data on the number of IVA certification applications received, the number of applications completed and the average time taken to process applications, from January to June 2015.
|
Total IVA Applications |
Received |
Completed |
Average processing time (weeks) |
|
Jan '15 |
589 |
370 |
1.00 |
|
Feb '15 |
509 |
424 |
1.61 |
|
Mar '15 |
605 |
594 |
2.30 |
|
Apr '15 |
529 |
558 |
2.12 |
|
May '15 |
505 |
474 |
2.94 |
|
Jun '15 |
404 |
423 |
3.04 |
|
3141 |
2843 |
2.21 |
172. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will ensure that his Department and the relevant statutory agencies provide all appropriate supports to employees of an insurance company (details supplied) who face redundancy; the meetings and advisory sessions that have been held to date by officials of his Department and the relevant agencies with these employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27691/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been in touch with the relevant bodies in this case, to ensure that this company’s staff are aware of their entitlements and the range of assistance and services generally which are available from the State.
The National Employments Rights Authority, which is an Agency of my Department, have made themselves available to deal with any employment rights issues which may arise for the staff impacted by this decision.
The Department of Social Protection has already been in touch with the company with a view to arrange briefing sessions for employees. These briefings are due to commence this week, and will advise the employees who opt for voluntary redundancies on the Intreo process, on jobseeker’s payments and on redundancy entitlements, as well as information on other schemes. One to one consultations will also be arranged with the employees.
The Guidance Staff of the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) have already made contact with the company, with a view to establishing the precise number and timescale of impending job losses. In due course, the CMETB will provide individual appointments and follow-up meetings as well as collective staff briefings on emerging up-skilling and re-skilling opportunities.
The CMETB Skills for Work Programme will also be available in this case. Tailored Training Programmes will also be designed and delivered in light of emerging opportunities in relation to training needs being identified.
173. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding work permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27242/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with our EU obligations, employment permits policy is calibrated to encourage the meeting of general labour and skills needs from within the workforce of the EU and other European Economic Area (EEA) countries. Ireland's labour market is part of a much greater EEA labour market which affords a considerable supply of skilled workers. Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the EEA, an employment permit may be sought to hire a non-EEA national. The Employment Permit (Amendment) Act 2014 provides the flexibility to deal with changing labour market, work patterns and economic development needs which often require rapid response. The Regulations, as provided for in the Act, are being reviewed and adapted on a biannual basis to reflect the exigencies of a changing enterprise environment. They, inter alia, stipulate two types of occupation for the purposes of the employment permits system: the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations Lists (HSEOL) sets out the lists of eligible occupations deemed to be critically important to growing Ireland’s economy, are highly demanded and highly skilled, and are in significant shortage of supply in our labour market. This list is an integral part of the Critical Skills Employment Permit which is designed to attract highly skilled people into the labour market with the aim of encouraging them to take up permanent residence in the State. The Ineligible Categories of Employment List includes those occupations for which there is a clear surplus of adequately skilled Irish and EEA nationals in the wider labour force.
My Department has devised a process of reviewing and updating the HSEOL and Ineligible Categories of Employment List for employment permits bi-annually. This review is predicated on a formalised and evidence-based process. Such a process involves obtaining and considering advice from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SMLRU - SOLAS). It also involves input from relevant Government Departments, Agencies, and industry as necessary.
The EGFSN’s Annual Skills Bulletin contributes principally to my Department’s ongoing monitoring of the labour market. This Bulletin draws on data on employment, vacancies, job announcements and immigration and other qualitative information held in the National Skills Database (in SOLAS), to identify imbalances in the Irish labour market at occupational level.
The inclusion of massage therapists on the Ineligible Categories of Employment List was informed by the work of the EGFSN. However, the periodic review process provides an opportunity to interested parties to make representations on the composition of the lists.
New employment permits cannot be granted for occupations included on the Ineligible List, as they are proscribed in Regulations pursuant to the Employment Permits Acts.
However, those employees who are currently working on the basis of employment permits granted prior to the commencement of the Employment Permits (Amendment) Act 2014 and associated Regulations may continue to work on the basis of those permits and may seek their renewal upon expiry. Unfortunately, while massage therapists remain on the Ineligible Categories of Employment for an Employment Permit List, new applications for massage therapists cannot be granted.
174. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will detail compliance with the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996; the number of completed inspections; the number of compliant inspections; the number of prosecutions initiated; the number of convictions in the years 2012 to 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27286/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table provides details of the overall number of employment rights cases completed for the years 2012-2014 inclusive. All inspections include the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996 as part of the inspection process.
|
Year |
Number of Completed Inspections |
PYP Compliance Rate |
Number of Prosecutions Initiated |
Number of Convictions |
|
2012 |
4,689 |
99.8% |
0 |
0 |
|
2013 |
5,546 |
99.8% |
1 |
1 |
|
2014 |
5,591 |
99.6% |
0 |
0 |
The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) seeks to achieve a culture of compliance with employment law, by informing employers and employees of their respective responsibilities and entitlements, and by working in close cooperation with them and their representatives. In some cases, where inspectors encounter minor or sometimes inadvertent breaches, the employer is asked to rectify them and where the matter is rectified to the satisfaction of the inspector, the matter is closed.
There are times, however, where it is necessary and appropriate to invoke legal sanctions against non-compliant employers who refuse to comply or have been found repeatedly to be in breach of the law. However, such cases only amount to approximately 1.5% of all employment rights cases completed.
The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996 is designed to protect the health of young workers and to ensure that work during the school years does not put a young person’s education at risk. The provisions of the Act encompass arrangements that are differentiated by reference to the age of young persons concerned, their school going status and whether school holidays are in effect.
It is an increasing reality that many young people are taking on jobs, both part time and full time during holiday periods. While many enjoy a positive experience there is a risk that others may be exploited. It is important, therefore, that young people are aware of their rights and the steps they can take when those rights are breached. Prospective employers and employees are encouraged to make themselves aware of their respective obligations and rights under the Act. Comprehensive information is available from the Workplace Relations Customer services (WRCS) at www.workplacerelations.ie. The service is provided through a contact centre in relation to employment, equality and in relation to industrial relations rights and obligations. The service can also be contacted on lo-call 1890 80 80 90.
175. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation given that Ireland does not have any investor-state dispute settlement agreements with the United States of America, and that the level of investment from the United States of America in Ireland still stood at $204 billion, while Irish investment in the United States of America stood at $25 billion in 2011, if he now supports the inclusion of an investor-state dispute settlement in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership that would be binding on Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27291/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to assessments made by the EU Commission, a comprehensive TTIP could over time boost EU GDP by 0.5% per annum bringing significant economic gains as a whole for the EU. This converts into 400,000 jobs across the EU. A study commissioned by my Department estimates that these benefits in Ireland will be proportionally greater than in the EU as a whole. It suggests growth in Irish exports of almost 4%, increases in investment of 1.5% and increase in real wages of 1.5%. It estimates somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 additional export related jobs.
The EU Commission’s mandate to negotiate with the United States on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) includes in the scope (paragraphs 22 and 23), investment protection and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS). The stated aim of negotiations on investment is to negotiate investment liberalisation and protection provisions on the basis of the highest levels of liberalisation and highest standards of protection that both sides have negotiated to date.
The mandate makes it clear that the inclusion of investment protection and ISDS will depend on EU interests being met and on the final balance of the Agreement. Importantly, the mandate states that the objectives of any investment protection provisions would be without prejudice to the right of EU and the member states to adopt and enforce measures necessary to pursue legitimate public policy objectives such as social, environmental, security, stability of the financial system, public health and safety in a non-discriminatory manner.
This means that the type of investment arbitration system under TTIP will be a vast improvement on investment protection in existing Bilateral Investment Treaties, some of which date back to the 1950s.
The Commission’s Concept Paper, “Investment in TTIP and beyond – the path for reform”, published on 6 May, sets out the context for this reform and, building on the important progress that has been achieved in the investment agreements with Canada and Singapore, sets out four areas for further improvement: Governments’ right to regulate, establishment and functioning of tribunals, relationship between national judicial systems and an ISDS system, and an appellate mechanism.
These improvements are aimed at fixing the problems with investor dispute settlement in order to create a new modern system of investment arbitration. Ireland already provides the highest protection for investors by virtue of Article 43 of our Constitution, so the policy intention of the Commission in these negotiations is not new to Ireland.
The inclusion of an acceptable model of ISDS would provide a common floor across the 28 Member States and at federal and state level in the US.
176. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of visits led by the Industrial Development Agency for foreign direct investment companies to each county in the years 2010 to 2014 and to 30 June 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27324/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra177. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of Industrial Development Agency assisted jobs created by foreign direct investment companies in each county in the years 2010 to 2014 and to 30 June 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27326/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
I am informed by IDA Ireland that information in relation to sponsored site visits by potential investors is provided on a county by county basis only and that in each of the years from 2010 to date in 2015 there were a total of 1,962 IDA sponsored site visits by potential investors to various locations throughout the country. The attached tabular statement (A) sets out, on a county by county basis, the number of site visits paid in each of these years.
IDA Ireland sponsored site visits by potential investors to specific locations in Ireland are only part of the long and complicated process involved in attracting foreign direct investment to this country. For reasons of client confidentiality and commercial sensitivity, IDA Ireland does not comment publicly on the success rate of such site visits. We must also remember that it is the investor in all cases who decides where to invest and an investment win for Ireland regardless of the location has to be seen as a plus for the country as a whole. It is also worth noting that approximately 70% of all FDI investment won by IDA Ireland comes from the existing client base.
The following tabular statement (B) sets out, on a county by county basis, the total numbers employed in IDA Ireland client companies in each of the years from 2010 to 2014, inclusive. Figures for 2015 will not be available until early next year.
Earlier this year IDA Ireland launched its 5 year strategy for the period 2015 to 2019 which aims to create 80,000 new jobs in the economy over the period and increase investment into each region by between 30% and 40%. Additionally, a €150 million property investment plan, spread out over five years, will support the achievement of the organisation’s regional goals. The funding will be used to upgrade Ireland’s Business and Technology parks, make investments in a number of strategic utility-intensive sites and build new advanced technology buildings in a number of regional locations.
In February, the Government announced details of the Action Plan for Jobs: Regional initiative which seeks to capitalise on the strengths and assets of each region to maximise enterprise growth and job creation. The initiative will build on the success of the National Action Plan for Jobs, and encourage regional stakeholders - including enterprise agencies, Local Authorities, higher education institutions, other public bodies and the private sector - to come forward with innovative ideas to boost job creation in their own region.
In total, eight regional Action Plans will be developed and published this year. The first of these plans for the Midlands region covering counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath was launched on Monday 29th June. This plan sets out over 120 actions aimed to deliver enhanced employment growth in the region over the coming years with a target of increasing employment in the region by 10-15 % by 2020. IDA has been tasked with attracting 25-30 additional FDI investment projects into the region over the next 5 years while Enterprise Ireland is to increase the number of start-ups by 25% by increasing their flow of start-up companies through enterprise hubs and onto Enterprise Ireland’s competitive programmes. The overall ambition of the Action Plan for Jobs – Midland Region is to increase employment by approximately 14,000 by 2020.
Number of IDA Ireland sponsored Site Visits by potential investors on a county by county basis from 2010 to date in 2015
|
County |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
Carlow |
3 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Cavan |
3 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Clare |
7 |
15 |
14 |
5 |
9 |
2 |
|
Cork |
44 |
27 |
38 |
31 |
30 |
10 |
|
Donegal |
4 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
6 |
|
|
Dublin |
197 |
150 |
196 |
180 |
205 |
58 |
|
Galway |
41 |
35 |
18 |
15 |
19 |
8 |
|
Kerry |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
|
Kildare |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
|
Laois |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
38 |
40 |
30 |
23 |
22 |
9 |
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Louth |
25 |
26 |
12 |
4 |
10 |
5 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
|
Meath |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Offaly |
7 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Roscommon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
|
|
Sligo |
12 |
3 |
6 |
10 |
7 |
4 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
1 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
Waterford |
11 |
11 |
26 |
14 |
11 |
10 |
|
Westmeath |
22 |
15 |
7 |
9 |
12 |
10 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Wicklow |
5 |
3 |
6 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
|
TOTAL |
426 |
341 |
378 |
326 |
359 |
132 |
Table showing on a county by county basis the total number IDA client companies together with the total employment figures in those companies in each of the years 2010 to 2014 inclusive
|
County |
# |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Carlow |
No of Companies |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
|
Carlow |
Total Jobs |
317 |
514 |
645 |
735 |
741 |
|
Cavan |
No of Companies |
7 |
7 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
|
Cavan |
Total Jobs |
1,195 |
1,172 |
1,128 |
1,135 |
1,136 |
|
Clare |
No of Companies |
69 |
66 |
66 |
66 |
65 |
|
Clare |
Total Jobs |
6,568 |
6,502 |
6,300 |
6,216 |
6,343 |
|
Cork |
No of Companies |
137 |
135 |
140 |
147 |
146 |
|
Cork |
Total Jobs |
23,983 |
24,981 |
26,263 |
27,399 |
28,545 |
|
Donegal |
No of Companies |
13 |
13 |
14 |
14 |
14 |
|
Donegal |
Total Jobs |
1,854 |
2,106 |
2,228 |
2,387 |
2,612 |
|
Dublin |
No of Companies |
509 |
523 |
550 |
596 |
596 |
|
Dublin |
Total Jobs |
53,931 |
57,617 |
61,753 |
67,270 |
70,989 |
|
Galway |
No of Companies |
55 |
60 |
62 |
62 |
63 |
|
Galway |
Total Jobs |
10,417 |
12,225 |
12,933 |
13,508 |
13,862 |
|
Kerry |
No of Companies |
15 |
12 |
13 |
12 |
12 |
|
Kerry |
Total Jobs |
1,513 |
1,497 |
1,605 |
1,638 |
1,874 |
|
Kildare |
No of Companies |
29 |
27 |
27 |
26 |
24 |
|
Kildare |
Total Jobs |
10,693 |
10,417 |
10,388 |
10,250 |
10,412 |
|
Kilkenny |
No of Companies |
4 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Kilkenny |
Total Jobs |
460 |
447 |
572 |
617 |
716 |
|
Laois |
No of Companies |
4 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
|
Laois |
Total Jobs |
133 |
108 |
84 |
106 |
87 |
|
Leitrim |
No of Companies |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
|
Leitrim |
Total Jobs |
1,076 |
903 |
714 |
692 |
613 |
|
Limerick |
No of Companies |
40 |
43 |
46 |
45 |
48 |
|
Limerick |
Total Jobs |
6,498 |
6,662 |
7,157 |
7,435 |
7,906 |
|
Longford |
No of Companies |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Longford |
Total Jobs |
719 |
658 |
696 |
701 |
650 |
|
Louth |
No of Companies |
20 |
20 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
|
Louth |
Total Jobs |
1,322 |
1,511 |
1,881 |
2,568 |
3,029 |
|
Mayo |
No of Companies |
17 |
17 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
|
Mayo |
Total Jobs |
3,468 |
3,514 |
3,537 |
3,728 |
3,932 |
|
Meath |
No of Companies |
16 |
15 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
|
Meath |
Total Jobs |
1,214 |
1,270 |
1,204 |
1,229 |
1,252 |
|
Monaghan |
No of Companies |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Monaghan |
Total Jobs |
418 |
352 |
348 |
365 |
275 |
|
Offaly |
No of Companies |
10 |
11 |
11 |
11 |
11 |
|
Offaly |
Total Jobs |
882 |
847 |
901 |
896 |
890 |
|
Roscommon |
No of Companies |
6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
|
Roscommon |
Total Jobs |
727 |
819 |
878 |
907 |
858 |
|
Sligo |
No of Companies |
20 |
20 |
20 |
22 |
22 |
|
Sligo |
Total Jobs |
2,183 |
2,309 |
2,257 |
2,090 |
2,069 |
|
Tipperary North |
No of Companies |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Tipperary North |
Total Jobs |
281 |
301 |
294 |
313 |
326 |
|
Tipperary South |
No of Companies |
11 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Tipperary South |
Total Jobs |
3,671 |
3,395 |
3,393 |
3,055 |
3,044 |
|
Waterford |
No of Companies |
32 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
29 |
|
Waterford |
Total Jobs |
6,112 |
5,190 |
5,023 |
5,075 |
5,097 |
|
Westmeath |
No of Companies |
17 |
17 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
|
Westmeath |
Total Jobs |
2,030 |
2,123 |
2,262 |
2,216 |
2,405 |
|
Wexford |
No of Companies |
14 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
16 |
|
Wexford |
Total Jobs |
2,385 |
2,386 |
2,350 |
2,413 |
2,483 |
|
Wicklow |
No of Companies |
21 |
19 |
19 |
19 |
19 |
|
Wicklow |
Total Jobs |
2,578 |
2,397 |
2,397 |
2,413 |
2,342 |
|
Total |
No of Companies |
1,093 |
1,096 |
1,136 |
1,192 |
1,195 |
|
Total |
Total Jobs |
146,628 |
152,223 |
159,191 |
167,357 |
174,488 |
178. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, in tabular form, the names and locations of firms that received assistance from Enterprise Ireland in 2014 and up to 30 June 2015; the amount that was provided to each firm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27328/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayments to individually-named companies form part of the Annual Report and Accounts of Enterprise Ireland. A list of companies in receipt of payments for the year is made available on the occasion of the publication of the Annual Report.
Enterprise Ireland’s Annual Report for 2014 is expected to be published shortly.
The Agency does not provide company addresses, however they do break down payments by county. I will provide the necessary list of companies to the Deputy as soon as possible after the publication of the Annual Report.
A list of companies in receipt of payments for 2015 will be available from Enterprise Ireland following the publication of the 2015 Annual Report.
