Written Answers Nos. 77-94
77. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the feasibility study proposed by the Office of Public Works for the Carrigaline area in County Cork, including Ballinhassig, using the existing outputs from the Lee Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study; if flood relief works are proposed for Ballinhassig, arising from this study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35477/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the intention of the Office of Public Works to undertake a Flood Relief Feasibility Study for Carrigaline within available resources. In that context, it is expected that progress on this Study, that will cover Ballinhassig, will commence during the first half of 2016.
The Study will cover, using the outputs from the Lee Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study and the review of the Lee CFRAM outputs by the engineering consultants that are undertaking the South Western CFRAM Study.
The Feasibility Study when complete will identify the feasible flood relief measures for Ballinhassig.
78. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the rationale behind the Office of Public Works's production of flood maps for flood prone areas; the reason county councillors have been asked to approve these maps; if such approval will result in increased legal liability for damage caused by future flooding in mapped areas; if the Office of Public Works has undertaken any analysis of the effect that approval of these maps will have on home insurance premiums in areas affected; and if there is an expectation that approval of these maps will have an effect on home insurance premiums. [35579/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM) Programme is the principal vehicle for implementing the EU Floods Directive and forms the strategic focus of national flood policy. Local Authorities and other stakeholders are involved in the Programme, in partnership with OPW, on Steering Groups and Progress Groups across six regional studies. The Programme, which is focusing on 300, mainly urban, potentially significant flood risk areas, involves the production of predictive flood risk and hazard mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of Flood Risk Management Plans. The Plans will be used to determine national priorities for State investment in flood defences. An OPW website, cfram.ie, provides information and updates on the CFRAM Programme.
In conjunction with a national public consultation on the draft predictive flood maps scheduled for late 2015, the draft flood maps will be made available to the county councils for their consideration following which each county council may provide observations on the maps. The county councils will not be asked to approve the maps. The flood maps, when finalised following this consultation process, are vital to inform the development of prioritised plans for both the structural and non structural solutions to manage flood risks. The maps will assist the emergency response authorities with regard to responding effectively to flood events. The maps will also be available for use as an information source for sustainable planning.
The OPW has no role or function in relation to the oversight or regulation of the insurance industry or of insurance matters generally. The provision of insurance cover, the level of premiums charged and the policy terms applied are a matter for individual insurers. Insurance companies make commercial decisions on the provision of insurance cover based on their assessment of the risks they are prepared to accept on a case by case basis.
I am aware that some insurance companies are using their own flood risk survey and mapping information as part of their risk assessment approach. The draft Flood Maps scheduled to be published later in 2015 for public consultation purposes cannot be relied upon for commercial or other decision making purposes.
When the maps are finalised, the OPW's Flood Risk Maps will provide an analysis of the number of properties, business and other public amenities that are at risk from a predictive assessment of flood risk. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the OPW and Insurance Ireland, which was signed on 24th March 2014, outlines the principles of agreement between the parties on the provision of information to insurers to facilitate, to the greatest extent possible, the availability to the public of insurance against the risk of flooding.
The Working Group established through this MOU and that includes the Department of Finance provides the forum to discuss and exchange information between the parties and the impact on flood insurance. This is the appropriate structure for the OPW to analyse any possible strategic impact to the availability of insurance cover when the flood maps are finalised.
I have recently reconvened an Interdepartmental Policy Co-ordination Committee that is due to report to the Government next Spring on the Whole of Government policy measures, including those to support availability of affordable insurance, to support the OPW's Flood Risk Management Plans arising from the CFRAM programme.
79. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a recruitment campaign for tour guides at heritage sites managed by the Office of Public Works is planned; if such a campaign will take into account the experience and years of service of tour guides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35782/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recruitment campaign for Seasonal Guides at OPW-managed heritage sites nationwide will commence shortly with an advertisement seeking applications which will be placed in the media and on relevant OPW websites.
All recruitment of Guides is undertaken following an interview, during which relevant qualifications and capacity to undertake the role, including previous guiding experience, is fully assessed. Guides who have worked for a set number of years for the OPW and who have consistent unbroken service are considered to have met the eligibility and suitability criteria and are exempt from interview.
80. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of the e-Government Strategy 2012 to 2015; and if work has commenced on a new strategy. [35783/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2011 Programme for Government contained commitments to ensure more progress on eGovernment and moving Government services online. The Public Service Reform Plan, published in November 2011, recognised that there was significant opportunity for increasing the electronic delivery of services and stated that the Government would develop and publish a new eGovernment Strategy to support this opportunity. The Strategy, eGovernment 2012-2015, was published in April 2012. It was developed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in consultation with the Public Service Chief Information Officer (CIO) Council to progress and support the aims of the Public Service Reform Plan.
Much of what was planned in eGovernment 2012-2015 has been achieved and good progress has been made in relation to other plans. Two particularly significant developments which have taken place since eGovernment 2012-2015 was launched are the publication of the new Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016 and the publication of a Public Service ICT Strategy. Many of the remaining elements included in eGovernment 2012-2015 are now subsumed by or reflected in work being undertaken through a number of initiatives arising from these developments.
Digital Government is a central theme of the Public Service Reform Plan 2014 2016. The Public Service ICT Strategy, published in January 2015, supersedes eGovernment 2012-2015 and complements the overarching objectives of the 2014 Reform Plan. The provision of new digital services to citizens, businesses and public servants is a key aim of the Strategy.
The Public Service ICT Strategy, sets out a new model for ICT delivery across the entire Public Service, delivering more efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery through a more integrated, shared and digital environment. It identifies a number of key strategic objectives that will set the future direction for innovation and excellence in ICT within the Public Service:
- Build to Share: Creating ICT shared services to support integration across the wider Public Service to drive efficiency, standardisation, consolidation, reduction in duplication and controlling of costs;
- Digital First: Digitisation of key transactional services and the increased use of ICT to deliver improved efficiency within Public Bodies and provide new digital services to citizens, businesses and public servants;
- Data as an Enabler: In line with statutory obligations and Data Protection guidelines, facilitate increased data sharing and innovative use of data across all Public Bodies to enable the delivery of integrated services, improve decision making and improve openness and transparency between Government and the public;
- Improve Governance: Ensure that the ICT strategy is aligned, directed and monitored across Public Bodies to support the specific goals and objectives at a whole-of-government level and with an emphasis on shared commitment; and
- Increase Capability: Ensure the necessary ICT skills and resources are available to meet the current and future ICT needs of the Public Service.
The Public Service ICT Strategy is aligned with the objectives of the 2014 Reform Plan and the goals of the Civil Service Renewal Plan and has the overarching objective of providing better outcomes for citizens, businesses and public servants through embracing the latest technological advances. Further initiatives will be progressed in line with this Strategy.
81. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress in redesigning the www.gov.ie website to make it more accessible and user-friendly, and to ensure its compatibility with the latest technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35784/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service ICT Strategy sets out a new model for ICT delivery across the entire Public Service, delivering more efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery through a more integrated, shared and digital environment. It identifies a number of key strategic objectives that will set the future direction for innovation and excellence in ICT within the Public Service - Build to Share, Digital First, Data as an Enabler, Improve Governance, and Increase Capability. A redesign of the www.gov.ie website is one initiative that comes under the Digital First Stream of the Strategy. The new version of the website, currently in test, will be live before the end of 2015 and will be more accessible and user-friendly for citizens and businesses.
82. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the report on the property management action plan published by the Office of Public Works in July 2013, with particular reference to the mapping register which shows core data on all State property, and also to the optimising power at work initiative. [35785/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Progress Report on the Property Asset Management Delivery Plan (PAMDP) was submitted to Government in July 2015 which highlighted the progress achieved in relation to each reform action contained in the PAMDP.
The Government noted the progress achieved which included progress on the actions relating to the State Property Register and the Optimising Power At Work initiative. The Progress Report is available on the Office of Public Works website under the following link: http://www.opw.ie/en/media/PAMDeliveryPlanProgressReportJune2015.pdf.
83. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to formally recognise the Alliance of Retired Public Servants; to support it on pensions issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35792/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have met with representatives of retired public servants, firstly in May of 2013. At that time I indicated to them my support for the formation of a pensioner representative grouping along the lines of the Alliance of Retired Public Servants. I also committed to move towards reducing the impact of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) at the earliest date the economic and fiscal recovery enabled this Government to do so, with the majority of the planned benefit focussed on benefitting those PSPR-affected public service pensioners who are in receipt of relatively lower public service pensions.
Since then, representatives of the Alliance have met me and officials of my Department on a number of occasions. For example, the Alliance made a submission regarding the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR), among other issues, to my Department in May of 2015. At subsequent meetings the Alliance had the opportunity to discuss the issues covered in their submission.
I am happy to have delivered on my commitment to reduce the impact of PSPR on public service pensions. The proposals provide for the part-restoration of the PSPR pensions cuts in three stages effective from 1 January 2016, 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018. From 1 January 2018, all public service pensions in payment with pre-PSPR values of €34,132 or less will be fully exempt from PSPR, while those pensioners not fully removed from the PSPR "net" will, in general, benefit by €1,680 per year. The cost of the announced changes is estimated at €90m on a full year basis in 2018.
My proposals to Government were welcomed by the Alliance at the time of their announcement.
While the award of a negotiating licence to a group representing pensioners under the Industrial Relations Acts would be a policy matter for my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, I believe that the current arrangements for engagement with the Alliance are operating satisfactorily.
84. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to release the full and detailed breakdown of Irish armament and dual-use export licenses granted to companies exporting to Israel since 2011; the identities of export companies; the full details of the items exported; the end-receivers of said exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35340/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for controls on the export of military items from Ireland. Under Irish law, military export licences have to be sought in respect of the goods and technology, and any components thereof, listed in the Annex to the Control of Exports (Goods and Technology) Order, S.I.216 of 2012 which reflects the EU Common Military List. The EU Common Military List includes military goods and technology, and components for such items that should be licensed for export from the Union. Items which are classified as “military goods” from an export control perspective and which are exported from Ireland involve components rather than military equipment.
My Department is also responsible for licensing those dual-use items controlled pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No. 428/2009 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items, as amended.
While the term “dual-use” refers to those items that are normally used for civilian or commercial purposes but may also have a military application, the vast majority of dual-use licences issued by my Department are for commercial purposes.
Application for the export of Military List and Dual-Use products to Israel, as with all other destinations, are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applications are subject to a rigorous licence application process which centres on a careful assessment of the proposed end-user and the end-use. Furthermore, the Department consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in respect of all export licence applications involving Israel.
In view of security concerns and the relatively small number of export licence holders, it is the policy of my Department not to identify licence holders or recipients of controlled goods. The Information Commissioner has previously affirmed my Department’s decision to not release confidential export licensing information that could identify export licence holders.
I have however provided, as follows, details of licences issued for the export of Military List and dual-use items to all end-users in Israel from 2011 to date.
Licences issued for the export of Military List items to Israel, 2011 to date
Eleven licences for the export of Military List items to Israel have been issued from 2011 to date. Details are provided as follows:
2011
Three licences for the export of Military List products to Israel were issued in 2011, to the total value of €6.138 million. Two licences were issued for Military List (ML) “category 6” items while one was issued for ML “category 22” items. The ML “category 6 “refers to “Ground Vehicles and Components”, while ML “category 22” refers to “Technology”. “Technology” is that which is “required for the development, production or use of items or components specified in the EU Common Military List”.
2012
One licence for the export of Military List products to Israel was issued in 2012. The value of the licence was €39,525 and it was issued for ML “category 6” items, i.e. “Ground Vehicles and Components”.
2013
Five licences for the export of Military List products to Israel were issued in 2013, to the total value of €119,971. Two licences were issued for ML “category 6” items while three were issued for ML “category 10” items. The ML “category 10” refers to “Aircraft, lighter-than-air vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles “UAVs”), aero-engines and aircraft equipment, related equipment, and components”.
2014
Two licences for the export of Military List products to Israel were issued during the first quarter of 2014, to the total value of €126,637. Both licences were issued for ML “category 6” items. No applications for the export of Military List products to Israel have been received since the end of the first quarter of 2014.
The figures provided above represent the maximum value which can be exported under the above export licences and not the value of the goods and technology actually exported under those licences. It is important to recall that items which were classified as “military goods” from an export control perspective and which were exported from Ireland involved components for inclusion in, rather than finished military equipment.
Licences issued for the export of dual-use items to Israel, 2011 to date
A small number of dual-use export licences are issued each year in respect of Israel. Twelve licences were issued in 2011, twenty in 2012, twenty in 2013, twenty one in 2014 and seventeen for the year to date. Further details of these licences are provided as follows.
Israel is also included as a destination on a proportion of the small number of global dual-use licences issued by my Department each year. Global dual-use licences are issued to companies that have a very high volume of relatively low-risk exports. These licences are issued subject to a number of strict conditions, such as a prohibition on their use for exports to military, police or State security forces end-users. Global licence holders must submit an application for an individual dual-use licence where they intend exporting to this category of end-users.
Individual dual-use licences issued in respect of exports to Israel
|
Year |
Dual-Use Category |
Number of Licences Issued |
Number of Licences where Individual Licence Value= €0 - €100,000 |
Number of Licences where Individual Licence Value= €100,000 - €500,000 |
Number of Licences where Individual Licence Value is above €500,000 |
|
2015 (to date) |
Category 3 |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Category 5 |
15 |
11 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Total number of licences issued |
17 |
||||
|
2014 |
Category 3 |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Category 5 |
17 |
10 |
1 |
6 |
|
|
Category 7 |
2 |
2 |
|||
|
Total number of licences issued |
21 |
||||
|
2013 |
Category 2 |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Category 5 |
12 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Category 7 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
||
|
Total issued |
20 |
||||
|
Year |
Dual-Use Category |
Number of Licences Issued |
Number of Licences where Individual Licence Value= €0 - €100,000 |
Number of Licences where Individual Licence Value= €100,000 - €500,000 |
Number of Licences where Individual Licence Value is above €500,000 |
|
2012 |
Category 2 |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Category 4 |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Category 5 |
18 |
15 |
3 |
||
|
Total issued |
20 |
||||
|
2011 |
Category 2 |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Category 3 |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Category 5 |
9 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Total issued |
12 |
It is important to note that the figures provided above represent the maximum value which can be exported under the above export licences and not the value of the goods and technology actually exported under those licences.
The dual-use categories correspond to the product category classifications as set out in Annex I to the Dual-Use Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No. 428/2009, as amended):
Category 2: Materials Processing
Category 3: Electronics
Category 4: Computers
Category 5: Telecommunications and “information security”
Category 7: Navigation and avionics
85. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will report on the so-called trusted partner status for companies and agencies based here, and hiring workers from outside the European Economic Area; the number of such workers who have entered the State under this system in each year since 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35236/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Trusted Partner Initiative was launched on 12 May 2015 and was one of my commitments in the Action Plan for Jobs 2015. The employment permit application process is streamlined for those employers who are granted Trusted Partner status. The application process to become a Trusted Partner is onerous and applicants must provide significant detail and evidence of their legal entitlement to trade in Ireland both as a business and as an employer. In addition, all applicants for such status must sign a comprehensive declaration confirming their compliance and obligations in respect of subsequent employment permits issued.
The key benefits to employers are:
- No fee involved to become a Trusted Partner,
- Trusted Partner registration period will be valid for 2 years after which it can be renewed,
- shortened employment permit application forms to complete,
- less documentation required with each application, and
- a faster turnaround time to process employment permit applications.
As of 8 October 2015 a total of 64 employers have been granted Trusted Partner status and have been issued with a total of 246 employment permits.
I am very pleased so far with the operation of this Initiative which is of benefit to employers who have demonstrated that they warrant Trusted Partner status.
86. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of trade between Ireland and Mexico in the years 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35269/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest year for which full trade figures (goods and services) are available is 2013. These show that total trade between Ireland and Mexico in 2013 amounted to €1,277 million. This comprises €928 million in exports and €349 in imports. Total exports comprise goods exports of €692 million and services exports of €236 million. Total imports comprise goods imports of €317 million and services imports of €32 million. In 2014, goods exports to Mexico increased by an impressive 76% to €1,216 million and goods imports from Mexico were down slightly by 1% to €313 million. 2014 services figures for individual countries will be published shortly by the CSO, at which time the value of services exports and imports to Mexico in 2014 will be available.
The most recent goods figures for 2015 show that the value of goods exports to Mexico have continued their upward trend, with growth of 12%, to € 808 million, for the first 7 months of this year, compared to the same period in 2014. Goods imports from Mexico for the same period rose by 36% to €218 million, again compared to Jan-July last year.
The principal goods exported to Mexico from Ireland in 2014 were Essential oils, perfume materials etc; and Chemical materials & products. In 2014 Ireland’s principal imports from Mexico were Professional, scientific & controlling apparatus and Miscellaneous manufactured articles.
Goods Trade, Ireland- Mexico 2013 + 2014
|
Year |
Exports (€m) |
Imports (€m) |
|
2013 |
692 |
317 |
|
2014 |
1,216 |
313 |
|
Jan-Jul 2014 |
724 |
160 |
|
Jan-Jul 2015 |
808 |
218 |
Services Trade, Ireland – Mexico 2012 + 2013
|
Year |
Exports (€m) |
Imports (€m) |
|
2012 |
213 |
21 |
|
2013 |
236 |
32 |
Mexico is an attractive developing market for a number of the client companies of Enterprise Ireland. These opportunities are very sector specific and the agency is working, one to one, with companies to develop business in their areas of interest.
A Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Mexico was implemented in 2000 for trade in goods and expanded in 2001 to cover trade in services. Discussions are underway on a possible modernisation of this agreement and while any proposal to formally open new trade talks with Mexico is some time away, I would welcome an expansion of economic and trade links that will support the development work already underway by Enterprise Ireland to increase the potential of the Mexican market for our exports.
87. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is aware of the practice of retailers seeking a fee from customers paying utility bills in their outlets; if he will consider investigating the practice; the possibility of regulations to prevent the practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35437/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile there is no statutory prohibition on the charging of fees for the payment of utility bills, Regulation 25 of the European Union (Consumer Information, Cancellation and Other Rights) Regulations 2013 provides that the fee charged for the use of a given means of payment must not exceed the cost to the trader of that means of payment. Enforcement of this and other provisions of the Regulations is the responsibility of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and, for electronic communications and premium rate services, the Commission for Communication Regulations. As the Deputy will be aware, a wide range of utility and other bills can be paid free of charge at post offices through An Post’s payment service, BillPay. In addition to the general question of fees for the payment of bills, I am aware that there is a specific issue regarding fees charged for topping up cards used with pay-as-you-go electricity and gas meters. Questions relating to fees charged for the use of these cards are a matter for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
88. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the proposal of a person (details supplied) to set up an investor court to deal with disputes under the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35487/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra89. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has raised concerns with the European Commission regarding the investor state dispute settlement mechanism proposed under the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35488/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
The EU Commission’s mandate to negotiate with the United States on a free trade agreement includes in its scope (paragraphs 22 and 23), investment protection. The stated aim of negotiations on investment is to secure 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 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 in a non-discriminatory manner.
There is an awareness of the need to reform investment arbitration systems and to that end the EU Commission’s proposals for an investment court system published on 16th September set out the context for these proposed improvements. This proposal builds on the progress achieved in the EU investment agreement negotiated with Canada and sets out four areas for further improvement: Governments’ right to regulate, establishment and functioning of tribunals, relationship between national judicial systems and an investment protection system, and an appellate mechanism. These improvements represent a move away from privately conducted arbitration to a familiar public justice system that is accountable, transparent and subject to democratic principles.
This means that the type of investment arbitration system under the EU US Free Trade Agreement will be a clear improvement on investment protection in existing Bilateral Investment Treaties, some of which date back to the 1950’s. 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.
I welcome these improvements and the Commission’s efforts to follow up on the views expressed by Member States, the European Parliament and other stakeholders through the Commission’s public consultation process. I have consistently reinforced the message with the Commission that the investment protection model included in any final agreement between the EU and the US must be in the interests of EU Member States. I am of the view that the inclusion of this acceptable model of investment protection would provide a common floor of protection across the 28 EU Member States and at federal and state level in the US.
90. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when the recently completed study by the University of Limerick on the subject of zero-hour contracts will be published; if he will provide a comprehensive list of the stakeholders to be consulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35536/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the University of Limerick (UL) has completed its study, which I received recently. The study is a substantial body of research into the prevalence of zero hour contracts and low hour contracts across the Irish economy, the manner of their use and their impact on employees.
I intend to bring the report to Government shortly with a view to its immediate publication and to provide stakeholders with a period of time within which to consider its findings and respond to me, prior to my bringing policy recommendations to Government on foot of the study which I intend to do at the earliest opportunity. I do not propose to limit the consultation to a list of stakeholders.
91. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 becomes law in the life time of the current Government, the deadline for the selection and appointment of members to the adjudication panel; if there will be representatives from groups like the Business Retail Union of Ireland on the adjudication panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35599/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the earliest possible implementation of the Construction Contracts Act, 2013 and in order to achieve this, approved the delegation of responsibility for its implementation to me as Minister for Business and Employment, late last year. I am taking all the necessary steps to bring about implementation of the legislation as speedily as possible and significant progress has been made to date.
I appointed Dr. Nael G. Bunni as Chairperson of the Construction Contracts Adjudication Panel in July this year. The Public Appointments Service is, at my request, conducting an open competitive process for the selection of members of the Panel of Adjudicators. The closing date for applications was the 18th September. The eligibility requirements for membership of the Panel are specified in section 8(6) of the Construction Contracts Acts, 2013 and candidates must satisfy the Public Appointments Service that they have relevant qualifications to meet the eligibility requirements.
I will appoint suitably qualified candidates to the Panel as soon as is practicable following the completion of the assessment process by the Public Appointments Service. I am also reviewing a draft Code of Practice for the conduct of adjudications which is required under the legislation and the relevant stakeholders will be consulted prior to the publication of the Code by Statutory Instrument.
Once these preparatory arrangements have been completed, a date for implementation of the Act will be announced in advance in order to provide sufficient notice to those affected by its provisions.
92. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, in tabular form, by county, the number of new Industrial Development Agency Ireland jobs created over the 2000 to 2010 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35632/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, by county, the number of jobs supported by the Industrial Development Agency Ireland at the end of quarter three, 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35789/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, by county, a breakdown of the number of Industrial Development Agency Ireland sponsored visits from the start of quarter one to the end of quarter three, 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35790/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 96 and 97 together.
My Department’s Annual Employment Survey reports on employment in companies supported by the Enterprise Development agencies. Data is compiled on an annual basis and is published on a 10-year time series. I have asked IDA Ireland to compile a table reflecting the time series requested by the Deputy and will provide this information as soon as it received.
IDA Ireland data on jobs created during 2015 will not be available until the Annual Employment Survey 2015 results are published in early 2016.
I am informed by IDA Ireland from the beginning of January 2015 to the end of June 2015, there were a total of 247 IDA Ireland-sponsored site visits by potential investors to various locations across the country. A breakdown of this figure is given in the attached tabular statement.
The site visit figures have not yet been verified for quarter 3 and will not be available until later this month. I will provide the Deputy with this information as soon as it is available.
Table shows the total number of IDA Ireland sponsored site visits by potential investors by county from January 2015 to end of June 2015.
|
County |
2015 Jan - June |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
|
Clare |
8 |
|
Cork |
19 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
|
Dublin |
96 |
|
Galway |
16 |
|
Kerry |
3 |
|
Kildare |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
|
Laois |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
|
Limerick |
19 |
|
Longford |
1 |
|
Louth |
8 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
|
Meath |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
|
Offaly |
5 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
|
Sligo |
5 |
|
Tipperary |
8 |
|
Waterford |
19 |
|
Westmeath |
15 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
3 |
|
TOTAL |
247 |
93. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, in tabular form, by county, the number of new Enterprise Ireland jobs created over the 2000 to 2010 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35633/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland’s mission is to partner with entrepreneurs, Irish business and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland’s international trade, innovation, leadership and competitiveness. The ultimate objective is increased employment and prosperity in Ireland. The companies that Enterprise Ireland works with are a vital source of employment, both direct and indirect, in every county in Ireland. Over the course of the period 2002 to 2010 the net jobs created in each year was as follows:
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
|
Total Net Change in Jobs |
-4,044 |
-4,665 |
-1,394 |
-1,218 |
+1,489 |
+ 978 |
-7,608 |
-18,196 |
-3,726 |
Between 2011 and 2014 Enterprise Ireland client companies have added a net 17,280 extra jobs.
Since 2009, Enterprise Ireland has continued to work with its clients to focus on job retention through the economic crisis, and then on job creation. The net job figures have increased every year since 2011, with Enterprise Ireland recording a net job increase of 8,476 in 2014, the highest in the history of the Agency.
Employment data for Enterprise Ireland is collected annually as part of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Annual Employment Survey which measures the number of jobs in Agency assisted client companies, as permanent full-time jobs and “other jobs”. “Other jobs” refer to employees who are part-time, temporary, short-term contract and agency workers employed on a part-time or short-term basis or employed on contracts of less than nine months and exclude those based permanently in overseas Offices.
Table 1 identifies the breakdown by county of the permanent full-time jobs (PFT) jobs created from 2002 to 2010.
Table 2 identifies the breakdown by county of “other jobs” created from 2002 to 2010.
Figures for 2000 and 2001 are not currently available.
Table 1 - Breakdown by County of the Permanent full-time jobs (PFT) created from 2002 to 2010.
|
County |
2002 FT Gains |
2003 FT Gains |
2004 FT Gains |
2005 FT Gains |
2006 FT Gains |
2007 FT Gains |
2008 FT Gains |
2009 FT Gains |
2010 FT Gains |
|
Carlow |
187 |
176 |
196 |
204 |
231 |
322 |
151 |
24 |
209 |
|
Cavan |
195 |
264 |
366 |
838 |
806 |
341 |
802 |
73 |
111 |
|
Clare |
30 |
18 |
- |
9 |
12 |
185 |
72 |
35 |
131 |
|
Cork |
1,716 |
1,499 |
1,076 |
1,417 |
1,353 |
1,564 |
1,229 |
1,224 |
948 |
|
Donegal |
347 |
255 |
242 |
396 |
431 |
435 |
231 |
233 |
218 |
|
Dublin |
3,721 |
3,949 |
3,827 |
3,865 |
3,807 |
4,805 |
3,645 |
2,399 |
2,640 |
|
Galway |
597 |
582 |
1,030 |
558 |
816 |
735 |
418 |
309 |
594 |
|
Kerry |
99 |
52 |
81 |
36 |
86 |
243 |
186 |
162 |
130 |
|
Kildare |
487 |
400 |
597 |
309 |
445 |
611 |
245 |
351 |
157 |
|
Kilkenny |
522 |
279 |
186 |
161 |
261 |
186 |
109 |
102 |
120 |
|
Laois |
113 |
49 |
86 |
70 |
189 |
94 |
115 |
19 |
58 |
|
Leitrim |
78 |
28 |
19 |
84 |
61 |
32 |
46 |
13 |
31 |
|
Limerick |
46 |
43 |
53 |
3 |
47 |
789 |
434 |
417 |
350 |
|
Longford |
66 |
218 |
335 |
180 |
146 |
126 |
141 |
120 |
64 |
|
Louth |
251 |
224 |
554 |
506 |
434 |
391 |
401 |
318 |
258 |
|
Mayo |
229 |
189 |
184 |
400 |
294 |
354 |
241 |
203 |
140 |
|
Meath |
250 |
495 |
443 |
489 |
440 |
637 |
202 |
291 |
192 |
|
Monaghan |
319 |
317 |
347 |
532 |
395 |
324 |
293 |
107 |
253 |
|
Offaly |
185 |
99 |
131 |
165 |
140 |
397 |
285 |
103 |
209 |
|
Roscommon |
171 |
200 |
143 |
145 |
82 |
211 |
40 |
37 |
52 |
|
Sligo |
78 |
187 |
103 |
197 |
145 |
111 |
49 |
85 |
127 |
|
Tipperary |
187 |
94 |
157 |
150 |
143 |
623 |
437 |
45 |
216 |
|
Waterford |
472 |
516 |
346 |
150 |
368 |
236 |
167 |
305 |
469 |
|
Westmeath |
274 |
201 |
765 |
116 |
305 |
247 |
80 |
77 |
126 |
|
Wexford |
367 |
336 |
272 |
265 |
237 |
369 |
320 |
311 |
250 |
|
Wicklow |
483 |
537 |
359 |
416 |
219 |
247 |
183 |
80 |
140 |
|
TOTAL |
11,470 |
11,207 |
11,898 |
11,661 |
11,893 |
14,615 |
10,522 |
7,443 |
8,193 |
Table 2 - Breakdown by County of “Other jobs” created from 2002 to 2010
|
County |
2002 Other Gains |
2003 Other Gains |
2004 Other Gains |
2005 Other Gains |
2006 Other Gains |
2007 Other Gains |
2008 Other Gains |
2009 Other Gains |
2010 Other Gains |
|
Carlow |
82 |
43 |
24 |
29 |
61 |
84 |
35 |
46 |
89 |
|
Cavan |
63 |
39 |
66 |
48 |
17 |
203 |
123 |
103 |
135 |
|
Clare |
8 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
64 |
25 |
65 |
65 |
|
Cork |
398 |
319 |
508 |
403 |
384 |
361 |
562 |
671 |
421 |
|
Donegal |
102 |
123 |
167 |
97 |
69 |
93 |
94 |
245 |
164 |
|
Dublin |
1,941 |
1,275 |
1,772 |
1,233 |
1,394 |
1,274 |
1,591 |
1,699 |
1,622 |
|
Galway |
256 |
198 |
150 |
223 |
132 |
150 |
329 |
222 |
194 |
|
Kerry |
86 |
16 |
23 |
54 |
42 |
38 |
173 |
107 |
93 |
|
Kildare |
91 |
161 |
85 |
152 |
157 |
92 |
78 |
120 |
281 |
|
Kilkenny |
116 |
51 |
172 |
42 |
116 |
56 |
85 |
40 |
113 |
|
Laois |
38 |
12 |
40 |
28 |
42 |
30 |
28 |
52 |
30 |
|
Leitrim |
54 |
13 |
27 |
41 |
21 |
12 |
10 |
21 |
29 |
|
Limerick |
- |
4 |
54 |
16 |
32 |
202 |
197 |
256 |
188 |
|
Longford |
35 |
38 |
22 |
36 |
20 |
21 |
20 |
66 |
59 |
|
Louth |
88 |
119 |
108 |
169 |
237 |
80 |
122 |
214 |
195 |
|
Mayo |
101 |
40 |
53 |
51 |
44 |
66 |
101 |
137 |
87 |
|
Meath |
68 |
50 |
80 |
74 |
125 |
112 |
145 |
156 |
191 |
|
Monaghan |
75 |
28 |
47 |
78 |
70 |
107 |
117 |
88 |
147 |
|
Offaly |
70 |
25 |
18 |
38 |
17 |
55 |
93 |
104 |
54 |
|
Roscommon |
36 |
21 |
52 |
21 |
79 |
36 |
12 |
62 |
74 |
|
Sligo |
40 |
50 |
95 |
31 |
40 |
55 |
51 |
134 |
31 |
|
Tipperary |
157 |
41 |
111 |
26 |
24 |
94 |
152 |
115 |
181 |
|
Waterford |
428 |
120 |
72 |
190 |
157 |
159 |
117 |
85 |
132 |
|
Westmeath |
152 |
63 |
196 |
27 |
67 |
34 |
51 |
156 |
61 |
|
Wexford |
172 |
126 |
127 |
75 |
38 |
134 |
124 |
116 |
158 |
|
Wicklow |
78 |
153 |
89 |
118 |
92 |
197 |
158 |
93 |
123 |
|
TOTAL |
4,735 |
3,137 |
4,161 |
3,301 |
3,480 |
3,809 |
4,593 |
5,173 |
4,917 |
94. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the facilities available to the Industrial Development Agency Ireland for job creation purposes in Tallaght in Dublin 24; the number of official visits by personnel of the agency to Tallaght since February 2011; the number of official visits by agency sponsored prospective foreign enterprises to Tallaght since February 2011; the number of concerns currently pursuing the possibility of locating their enterprises in Tallaght; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35677/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland has two facilities in its ownership which are located in Tallaght. One facility is currently leased to a company called Meridian and the remaining facility is under contract to sell to an Enterprise Ireland client. In addition, I have been informed by IDA Ireland that there are a variety of privately owned property solutions in Tallaght which include offices and industrial units. The Agency has assured me that they are happy to show the facilities to future potential clients who require premises for investment in the area.
Information in relation to IDA Ireland sponsored site visits by potential investors is provided on a county basis only. I am informed by IDA Ireland that from 2011 to the end of June 2015 there were 827 IDA Ireland-sponsored site visits by potential investors to Dublin City and County. These visits were from new companies visiting the location for the first time and also from senior executives of existing client companies. It must be remembered that the final decision on where to visit and where to locate are made by the investor. Details of the number of these site visits during this period are set out in the attached tabular statement.
At the end of 2014, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 596 IDA Ireland-supported companies in Dublin employing 70,989 people. IDA Ireland works closely with these companies to ensure their long term sustainability and to encourage their growth, development and continuing re-investment in their sites.
As is evidenced with IDA Ireland investment announcements over the past number of years, a significant number locate in Dublin so it is reasonable to expect that this trend will continue.
A typical example of the type of investment which was announced in the City West area of Dublin in 2015 includes the announcement in September by Google that they will begin construction of a new data centre in West Dublin which will create 400 jobs during this period. This announcement builds on previous investments announced in 2014 by Aspen, Alexion and SAP.
I am confident that these investments will have a positive impact directly and indirectly on job creation in the greater Dublin area which includes Tallaght.
While significant progress has been made in supporting job creation and in reducing unemployment rates in all regions of the country this Government is not complacent about the challenge of achieving sustainable full employment over the medium term, in all regions including Dublin. As part of the 2015 Action Plan for Jobs we launched the process for developing Action Plans for every region and the work on the preparation of the Dublin Action Plan for Jobs is currently commencing. Two areas of particular focus will be how we can generate future entrepreneurship and investment in manufacturing and services sectors of the economy.
Table shows the total number of IDA Ireland sponsored site visits by potential investors to County Dublin since 2011 to the end of June 2015.
|
Year |
Dublin |
|
2011 |
150 |
|
2012 |
196 |
|
2013 |
180 |
|
2014 |
205 |
|
2015 (to end of June) |
96 |
