Written Answers Nos. 111-119
111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he expects all of the jobs lost during the economic downturn to be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42244/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key objective of the Action Plan for Jobs process, which this Government commenced in 2012, was to rebuild our economy based on enterprise and entrepreneurship, talent, innovation and exports and provide a solid foundation for future growth. Irish industry has to been to the forefront of the economic recovery, with our enterprises and entrepreneurs innovating, developing and improving their products and services to meet the needs of customers in markets across the globe.
The goal of this Government is to replace all of the jobs lost during the economic crisis by the end of 2018. This whole of Government effort has been integrated into the Action Plan for Jobs process which aims to strengthen the enterprise base, support entrepreneurship, improve competitiveness and support regional development.
The Action Plan for Jobs is working and we are making progress towards our goal of replacing all the jobs lost. Since the launch of the first plan in Q1 2012, 135,800 more people are at work - exceeding the original target of an additional 100,000 jobs by 2016. The unemployment rate has fallen below nine per cent for the first time since 2008, down from a high of 15.1 per cent in early 2012 and we are making progress on reducing the numbers of youth and long-term unemployed.
My intention is to publish the 2016 Action Plan in mid-January 2016. My Department is currently developing the 2016 Plan and is engaging bilaterally with Government Departments to identify actions to ensure that the 2016 Plan is as ambitious and impactful as possible and keeps us on track to achieve our goal to have 2.1 million people in employment by 2018.
The Action Plan for Jobs complements the Government’s Pathways to Work which sets out actions to be taken in support of those that are currently unemployed, in order to help them access the labour market and new job opportunities. The Tánaiste, and Minister for Social Protection, is developing a new Pathways to Work Strategy for the period 2016 to 2020. Our Departments will continue to build on the progress to date through the Action Plan for Jobs and Pathways to Work to ensure that more employment opportunities are available to those who are seeking work.
A strong economy with full employment that supports vibrant public services for our people is within our grasp if we make the right choices. Earlier this month we launched Enterprise 2025, the 10 year jobs and enterprise strategy, which sets out the roadmap to build a sustainable economy and have 2.18 million people at work by 2020, the highest in the history of the State.
112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which women and men have had equal opportunity to take up jobs in the workplace over the past four years; the extent to which this is in line with international trends throughout Europe, and globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42246/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraEquality of opportunity in the workplace is enshrined in the Employment Equality Acts which provide protection to workers and jobseekers against discrimination - including on gender grounds - in a wide range of employment and employment-related areas.
Since the introduction of the Action Plan for Jobs, 135,800 extra people are at work. The improving jobs market has presented opportunities for all sections of the labour market, and for both men and women. The overall rate of unemployment has fallen from over 15% in 2012, to 8.9% in October 2015. The unemployment rate for females decreased from 11.4% in Q1 2012, to 7.4% in Q3 2015. For males the equivalent decline was from 18.1% in 2012, to 10.5% in Q3 2015, on a seasonally adjusted basis.
In terms of the distribution of employment growth, males accounted for 70%, or 95,300, of the employment growth over the period. This is broadly equivalent to the 68% share of males in the labour force in Q3 2015, and mostly in full-time roles. Of the 41,000 extra females at work over the period since early 2012, 75% were in full-time employment.
Among the initiatives in the Action Plan for Jobs to ensure equal opportunity is the highlighting of female role models in industry to increase female participation on ICT courses and in employment in the sector through the Smart Futures Programme.
Enterprise Ireland has also had a very successful focus on promoting female entrepreneurship via promotional and support programmes.
Data from Eurostat indicates that the average employment rate for females in the 28 EU Member States was 59.6% in 2014, with the Irish female employment rate at 56.7%. However, there has been an improvement in Ireland’s female employment rate in 2015 and the rate reached 58.2% in Q3 2015.
113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he expects job opportunities to arise through small and medium-sized enterprises, and the extent of specific incentives available to that sector, based on the experience of the past four and a half years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42247/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur focus on enterprise growth and SMEs in particular in Action Plan for Jobs is having a positive impact. The role of SMEs in job creation can hardly be overstated, as we know from research by the Central Bank that two-thirds of new jobs are created by firms in the their first five years. It is in this context that we have placed a key focus on promoting entrepreneurship and scaling of businesses in manufacturing and services sectors at the heart of the Action Plan for Jobs. As of Q3 2015, there were an additional 135,800 at work in the economy since the launch of the first Action Plan for Jobs in 2012, which achieved and exceeded the Government’s target of 100,000 extra at work by 2016.
The 2015 Action Plan for Jobs sets out a comprehensive range of measures to support entrepreneurship, SMEs and the self-employed in the areas of education and research, business environment and supports, innovation and access to finance, networks and mentoring; and, access to markets. Increasing entrepreneurial activity is a Disruptive Reform in the Action Plan for Jobs for 2015. Our key priority is driving implementation of the actions in the National Entrepreneurship Statement, which was published in October 2014 and to achieve the ambitions targets set out for a 25% increase in the number of start-ups and in the scaling and sustainability of new enterprises.
The launch of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) was a major reform delivered in 2014. In 2015 the LEOs will have ambitious and robust county strategies and targets for start-ups, enterprise engagements and supports to be effective first-stop-shops for enterprise information and supports and launch an Entrepreneur Partnering Programme.
In 2014 I launched the awards programme for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur and I am pleased to report that we are in the final stages of the judging for the 2015 awards.
Enterprise Ireland works to increase the number of companies starting-up, succeeding, expanding, exporting and ultimately creating jobs in Ireland. EI’s support system for young companies includes help with business planning, mentoring and development advice, feasibility funding and finance, often in the form of equity investment, as appropriate to the founder’s ambitions and the company’s potential and stage of growth. Enterprise Ireland also continues to support the development of the Seed and Venture Capital and Business Angel sectors to increase the provision of early stage funding to support entrepreneurs and early stage companies.
We have continued to improve the attractiveness of the tax environment for start-ups and SMEs as part of Budget 2016. The Start-Up Refund for Entrepreneurs scheme was announced in 2016, the rate of capital gains tax for entrepreneurs was reduced to 20% and the exemption from corporate tax for the first three years of a business was also extended. We have improved access to finance through a range of initiatives including the establishment of Microfinance Ireland, the introduction of the Credit Guarantee Scheme and increased support through Enterprise Ireland for seed and venture funds. The launch of a range of funding initiatives by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and the new Regional Action Plans for Jobs will also have a particular focus on the environment for start-ups. We are also continuing to supporting the tourism sector with retention of 9% VAT rate.
114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which the cost base in the manufacturing and services sectors remains competitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42248/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving Ireland’s international competitiveness is a key economic priority for Government. Since 2012, the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs has set out a comprehensive set of measures to improve our competitiveness performance. Ireland’s improving competitiveness performance since 2011 has been central to securing the recovery in economic growth and employment. Overall, Ireland has moved from 25th to 16th on the IMD Competitiveness rankings, and we are ranked fourth in euro-area in the recent World Bank Doing Business Report. Notable areas of progress include the environment for start-ups, regulation, and access to credit.
Improved competitiveness has made Irish firms more cost competitive internationally and made Ireland a more attractive location for firms to base their operations in. The recovery in jobs to date, with 135,800 more employed than at the beginning of 2012, unemployment down from over 15% in 2012 to 8.9% in October and the record levels of indigenous exports being achieved, is in large part due to the considerable improvements in the business environment for enterprises.
We continue to focus on actions to improve Ireland's cost competitiveness and take appropriate action to address fragilities as they emerge. Budget 2016 introduced a number of measures to improve our cost competitiveness, including for example, reducing road transport costs through the introduction of a cap of €900 on the largest commercial vehicles, reducing the Universal Social Charge and consequent reductions in marginal tax rates, increasing employers PRSI ceilings and thereby reducing the costs of employment, sustaining other measures such as the reduced rate of VAT for the hospitality sector and accelerated capital allowances for investment in energy efficient equipment. The introduction of the Knowledge Development Box will also allow innovation-led enterprises to benefit from a reduced 6.25% rate of corporation tax on intellectual property-related income.
The National Competitiveness Council's 2015 Costs of Doing Business in Ireland report benchmarks key business costs across over fifty indicators and focuses on areas where Irish enterprise costs are out of line with key competitors, and on costs that are largely domestically determined. The NCC's report finds that while relative cost competitiveness is improving (i.e. although costs are increasing, they are increasing at a slower rate than in many of our competitors), this improvement is largely being driven by external factors beyond the control of domestic policymakers. In particular, a weak euro exchange rate, low ECB interest rates, and low international fuel prices have all combined to improve Irish cost competitiveness. The NCC report concludes that Ireland’s industrial cost base has improved but pressure points are emerging in labour, property and business service costs.
I am convinced that for us to achieve the ambition in the Government's recent enterprise policy statement Enterprise 2025 of achieving sustainable full employment, we must maintain an intense focus on reducing costs that are out of line with those in competitor countries. There is a role for both the public and private sectors alike to proactively manage their cost base and drive efficiency, thus creating a virtuous circle between the costs of living, wage expectations and cost competitiveness. Measures that ensure open and competitive markets and improve productivity performance are essential.
I will shortly bring the Competitiveness Council's annual Competitiveness Challenge report to Government and we will ensure the required actions to address emerging issues are addressed as part of the Action Plan for Jobs process.
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his proposals for job creation throughout the regions, with particular reference to the need to achieve a reasonable balance in terms of economic investment, thereby contributing to a more co-ordinated, integrated and comprehensive development of job creation opportunities; if any infrastructural deficiencies need to be addressed in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42249/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regional Action Plans for Jobs Initiative was launched by Government in February of this year. The purpose of this initiative is to identify a range of actions over the period 2015 - 2017 aimed at facilitating each region to achieve its economic potential and raise employment levels in each of the regions.
The objective of the Regional Action Plans is to strengthen and develop regional collaboration by encouraging local authorities, regional bodies, higher education institutions, the private sector and communities to come forward with innovative ideas to boost job creation in their area. The aim is to capitalise on regional strengths, assets and areas of competitive advantage in order to support businesses in each region to start-up, succeed, expand, and export.
Each regional Action Plan includes a series of practical actions to support enterprise growth and job creation in the region, within clear timelines for delivery. As is the case with the national Action Plan process, it is the cumulative effect of delivering the actions in the regional Plans that will make a real and lasting impact on the business environment and jobs in the regions.
The primary objective of these plans is to have a further 10 to 15 per cent at work in each region by 2020 and to ensure the unemployment rate of each region is within one per cent of the State average.
Key targets in the Regional Action Plans published to date are to increase the number of entrepreneurs/start-ups in each region by a minimum of 25%, improve the 5-year survival rate by 25% and improve scaling performance of companies by 25%. 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%.
The Regional Action Plans will be supported by investment of up to €250 million over the next five years, including €150 million for a property investment programme by IDA Ireland. The intention is that up to €100 million will be made available over the next five years through three competitive calls to be administered by Enterprise Ireland. These competitive calls will be targeted at innovative and collaborative approaches to support job creation across the regions.
As stated above, the purpose of these Regional Action Plans is to build on existing strengths and opportunities in each region, while individual plans may reference infrastructure issues, it is not the intention to address such issues within these plans as these are prioritised within the Government’s National Capital Expenditure Framework in the areas where it can achieve greatest benefit and value for money.
To date five regional plans have been published covering the Midlands, South East, South West, Mid West, and West Regions. I hope to publish the North East/ North West plan by end November with plans for Mid East and Dublin regions currently in development.
116. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why a payment under the single payment scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has not yet been processed, following a successful appeal in December 2014; if he will have the case processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42064/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a late 2013 Single Farm Payment application which was deemed inadmissible and he subsequently appealed this decision. Upon successful appeal the number of eligible hectares attributed to the person named for 2013 has been taken into consideration for the allocation of entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme.
The person named submitted an application for the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme on 7th May 2015. The processing of this application is currently being finalised with the intention of payment issuing shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
117. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing a payment under the 2015 basic payment scheme to a person (details provided) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42085/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2015 Transfer of Entitlement Allocation Right and Reference Value application to my Department. Additional information regarding the land that is subject of the transfer is required in order for my Department to process the application. An official from my Department has spoken to the person named to outline what is required. Once my Department receives the required information the application will be processed and payment will issue shortly thereafter.
118. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is eligible to apply for the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42090/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe second tranche of the GLAS scheme is currently open and applications which are accepted into this tranche of the Scheme will have a start date of 1 January 2016 for their GLAS contract. The closing date for submission of applications to GLAS tranche 2 is 7 December 2015.
To be eligible to participate in the Scheme a farmer must:
-Be aged eighteen years or over on date of submission of the application for support.
-Be the holder of an active herd number with Herd Owner status. Herd Keeper is not acceptable.
-Have all lands farmed declared in his/her name on the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS).
Access to the GLAS scheme is structured around a hierarchy of three tiers, with Tier 1 receiving priority over Tier 2, and Tier 2 prioritised over Tier 3. This structure is designed to ensure the targeted and prioritised delivery of environmental benefits. Approval into the scheme is based on these pre-determined hierarchical criteria . For example, farmers with a Tier One priority environmental asset, such as commonage, Natura land, one of the endangered bird species, high status water, who keep rare breeds or farm organically, receive priority access into the scheme. Tier 2 actions receive the next priority access to the Scheme followed by Tier 3 actions. A summary outline of the Scheme Tiers and Actions is at Annex 1A of the Scheme’s terms and conditions booklet.
It is important to note that all applications to the Scheme must to be prepared by an approved GLAS advisor and must be submitted by the approved advisor via the Department’s online application system. If the person named is interested in the scheme, he should contact an approved advisor who will be able access the online system for him , review his possibilities under the Scheme and submit an application on their behalf if the person wishes to proceed.
Full details of the terms and conditions of the scheme and the list of approved GLAS advisors are available on my Department’s website.
119. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the disadvantaged areas scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42099/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment /Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme application on 28 May 2015. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases Remote Sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. This inspection is currently being processed with the intention of issuing any payments due under the Direct Payments Schemes as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
