Written Answers Nos. 187-209
187. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of occasions to date that a social clause has been attached to a public contract, and the project to which each has been attached to, in tabular form. [44021/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra189. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide the text of each of the social clauses attached to a public contract to date. [44023/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 189 together.
The consideration of social clauses is a matter for each contracting authority as they are best placed to gauge to appropriate clause for each contract. There are thousands of contracting authorities in the State and they are individually responsible for retaining the tender documentation for each procurement procedure that they carry out. Therefore the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the use of social clauses and the wording of each social clause is not available as such information is not collected centrally.
As part of the reform of the public procurement function the Office of Government Procurement has initiated measures to make it easier for contracting authorities to carry out public procurement in a consistent manner. One such measure was the introduction of standard procurement template documents that are used throughout the public service. These template documents make it easier for suppliers particularly SMEs to take advantage of public procurement opportunities. In relation to Social Clauses these template documents already provide for the inclusion of clauses in a number of wider policy areas that would include the following:
- Taxation and Social insurance payments
- Employment legislation
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
- Waste management
- Human Rights
- Environmental legislation
Government recognises the valuable contribution that a vibrant construction sector makes to the economic and social well-being of the State and has introduced a range of measures as set out in Construction 2020 A Strategy for a Renewed Construction Sector. In order to ensure that these stimulus packages generate the maximum return in relation to job creation social clauses are included in the various contracts that have been, and will be, awarded under the PPP element of the €2.25bn package announced in July 2012. The relevant clause requires:
- At least 10% of the working hours necessary to complete the projects are undertaken by those recruited from the live register who have been unemployed for more than 12 months; and
- At least 2.5% of the working hours necessary to complete the projects are undertaken by individuals who are engaged in an approved registered apprenticeship, training or educational work placement scheme.
Overall compliance in relation to the pilot clause has been good. The Department of Social Protection and their local Intreo offices are working closely with the appointed contractors to support the pilot initiative and there has been strong positive engagement from the contractors involved in each of the projects.
Whilst Government is convinced of the merit in using social clauses in particular circumstances, it is important that contracting authorities are not compelled to use them on every contract particularly where their deployment may disproportionately impact on SME's bidding for public contracts.
190. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44070/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) very recently received from Clare County Council (CCC) a copy of the feasibility study report prepared by the engineering consultants engaged by CCC to examine the flooding issues at the location mentioned. The OPW will be responding to CCC in due course when it has completed a full review of the feasibility study report.
191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if and when the necessary funding will be approved for drainage and flood prevention works associated with the Morrell River in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44084/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraKildare County Council (KCC), in consultation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), engaged Consulting Engineers to carry out a Full Feasibility Study, Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Lower Morrell River and the surrounding River Catchment in an effort to resolve the outstanding localised flooding issues in the Straffan area. A Steering Group which comprises representatives of KCC, OPW and the consultants, was set up to advance the project.
KCC and their consultants submitted a Draft Options Report/Feasibility Study to OPW outlining possible flood relief measures for the Lower Morrell River Catchment in 2014. Following consideration of the draft report by the OPW, it was agreed by the Steering Group that the consultants would carry out a more detailed review of the proposed scheme with further analysis of the various options considered to assess the benefits of the current works proposals as they have evolved. The review would also investigate if there are additional or alternative and more cost effective measures that can be put in place to alleviate flooding in the area. Any changes identified by the review process would need to be incorporated into the Cost Benefit Analysis and Environmental Impact Statement before the scheme can be advanced.
I am advised by my Officials that the consultants have completed the review process and KCC has submitted their findings to the OPW for consideration. It is envisaged that OPW and KCC will meet early in 2016 with a view to finalising the Feasibility Report. Once the Feasibility Report has been finalised, and provided the scheme is still economically and environmentally viable, KCC and the OPW will decide on how best to advance the proposed works. The OPW has included provision for the cost of the proposed works in its financial profiles in the period up to 2018.
192. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of refurbishing the near empty building of Carrisbrook House, given that it is almost totally vacant and of national and historical importance, given the site's role in the 1916 Rising, if he will make this site available to the local authority as housing for persons in emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44165/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarrisbrook House is a privately owned building, developed in the late 1960’s. The head lease on Carrisbrook House has been held by IDA Ireland since September 2013 following the completion of the assignment of properties from Forfás to IDA Ireland. Prior to this the lease passed through a number of State Agencies since 1969 when An Chomhairle Oiliuna (AnCo) first took out a 65 year lease on the building.
The Israeli Embassy is currently the only occupant of the premises, on a sub-lease which expires in 2025.
Over the past number of years every effort has been made by Forfás and IDA Ireland to lease the remainder of the building to a public or private sector client. However, there has been no interest in the building due to a number of factors including the state of repair of the building, and the fact that IDA Ireland cannot offer a prospective client vacant possession.
The Agency has assured me that they are addressing these issues, and as such are not in a position to consider making this site available to the Local Authority.
193. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the ten projects selected for the €500,000 competitive start fund to encourage enterprise and the diaspora to set up here, when the successful applicants will start these enterprises and in what location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43564/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTargeting start-ups and early stage companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets, the objective of this call was to attract international entrepreneurs and members of the Irish diaspora to start, scale and succeed from Ireland, ultimately creating jobs in Ireland. A call for applications to the Competitive Start Fund from International Entrepreneurs was launched on 26 August 2015. 87 applications were received by the closing date of 9 September 2015. The applications came from both Irish nationals living abroad and non-nationals from a wide variety of countries including Albania, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Australia, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, India, Italy, Macedonia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Following the call the twenty highest scoring projects were invited to pitch to a panel of external industry experts and EI representatives.
Ten projects were selected and each has been offered €50k investment in return for a 10% equity stake. Enterprise Ireland will be finalising investment agreements in the coming months, including the location of any investment.
A list of the successful projects will be available on the Enterprise Ireland website at the appropriate time and this will also identify the location of the companies concerned. To disclose the names of the companies in advance of this would be breaching commercial confidentiality. At this point, I understand that not all of the project promoters have identified where within the State they are planning to locate their companies.
194. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of meetings requested by private external lobby groups and the number of meetings held in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43602/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, many representative groups and, sometimes, groups or entitles representing individuals, companies, sectors or groups will seek meetings with me to discuss policy options on a wide range of issues impacting my portfolio.
The Deputy will be aware that the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 commenced on 1 September 2015. The Act provides that the Standards in Public Office Commission will establish and maintain an online register of lobbying under which any individual or organisation carrying out lobbying activities is required to register and to make an online return of their lobbying activities.
Since 1 September 2015, records show the following data:
|
Meetings |
Number |
|
Number of meeting requests to Minister received from “private external lobby groups”: |
4 |
|
Number of meetings held that were requested by “private external lobby groups”: |
10 |
195. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his Department's photography costs since he came into office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance, by year in tabular form; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion; the policy in place regarding the booking of photographers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43634/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the total photography costs incurred by my Department and its Offices since 9 March, 2011 are €21,244. The list of occasions for which photographers were booked, the photographers used and the breakdown of costs are detailed in the following table. By way of comparison, in the previous five year period, the equivalent photography costs were €34,085.
No expenditure for photography was incurred from Ministerial allowances.
2011
|
Occasion for which Photographer booked |
Name of Photographer |
Breakdown of costs associated with each event |
|
Small Business Advisory Group Launch |
Mac Innes Photography |
€409 |
|
Irish Ambassadors for Female Entrepreneurship |
Mac Innes Photography |
€223 |
|
One Millionth Document Filed Online at the Companies Registration Office |
Jason Clarke Photography |
€484 |
|
Ministerial image shot for Repeat use |
Mac Innes Photography |
€245 |
|
Launch of the Final Report of the Sales Law Review Group |
Mac Innes Photography |
€252 |
|
Launch of the Report of “The Voice of Small Business” |
Mac Innes Photography |
€284 |
|
Junior Inventor Awards |
Hot Shotz Photographers |
€120 |
|
Total |
€2,017 |
2012
|
Occasion for which Photographer booked |
Name of Photographer |
Breakdown of costs associated with each event |
|
Launch of Action Plan for Jobs 2012 |
Mac Innes Photography |
€438 |
|
Action Plan for Jobs Forum, Limerick |
Press 22 |
€312 |
|
Action Plan for Jobs Roadshow, Cork |
B.L. Mac Gill Photography |
€200 |
|
Launch of Research Prioritisation Report |
Jason Clarke Photography |
€492 |
|
Action Plan for Jobs Roadshow, Waterford |
Gerry O’Carroll Photography |
€298 |
|
Capital Investment Announcement |
Mac Innes Photography |
€284 |
|
Launch of IP Protocol |
Fennell Photography |
€301 |
|
Launch of Business Regulation Portal |
Fennell Photography |
€319 |
|
Establishment of Clustering Development Team |
Fennell Photography |
€331 |
|
Launch of “Managing out of the Crisis” Guide |
Fennell Photography |
€257 |
|
Publication of Micro Enterprise Loan Fund Bill |
Fennell Photography |
€283 |
|
Launch of €90 Million Microfinance Scheme |
Fennell Photography |
€321 |
|
Launch of Green Economy Policy Statement |
Fennell Photography |
€264 |
|
Total |
€4,100 |
2013
|
Occasion for which Photographer booked |
Name of Photographer |
Breakdown of costs associated with each event |
|
Launch of Action Plan for Jobs Q4 Results |
Fennell Photography |
€264 |
|
Launch of Action Plan for Jobs 2013 |
Fennell Photography |
€318 |
|
Meeting with Chinese Ambassador |
Fennell Photography |
€308 |
|
Launch of New Work Permit Legislation |
Fennell Photography |
€264 |
|
Launch of Manufacturing Report |
Fennell Photography |
€342 |
|
Unveiling of new Local Enterprise Office, Swords and announcement of details of improved new service for micro and small enterprises |
Fennell Photography |
€326 |
|
Announcement of membership of the Entrepreneurship Forum |
Fennell Photography |
€369 |
|
Launch of Action Plan for Jobs Q2 Results |
Fennell Photography |
€273 |
|
Launch of Copyright Review Report |
Fennell Photography |
€251 |
|
Appointment of Chairman of US-Ireland Partnership |
Fennell Photography |
€232 |
|
IDA Announcement |
Fennell Photography |
€270 |
|
Conference for EU High Level Group for Innovation |
Fennell Photography |
€290 |
|
Informal meeting of EU High Level Employment Committee in Dublin Castle |
Maxwell Photography |
€579 |
|
Group Photograph of Labour Court Members |
Tommy Clancy Photography |
€369 |
|
Total |
€4,455 |
2014
|
Occasion for which Photographer booked |
Name of Photographer |
Breakdown of costs associated with each event |
|
Launch of Entrepeneurship Forum report |
Fennell Photography |
€291 |
|
Taking Care of Business 2014 |
Fennell Photography |
€291 |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2014 Launch |
Fennell Photography |
€321 |
|
Launch of National Corporate Social Responsibility Plan |
Fennell Photography |
€137 |
|
Publication of OECD report on the Action Plan for Jobs |
Fennell Photography |
€229 |
|
Launch of young entrepreneur competition |
Fennell Photography |
€397 |
|
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Conference |
Fennell Photography |
€457 |
|
Domestic Workers Group |
Fennell Photography |
€321 |
|
EU SME Week |
Fennell Photography |
€203 |
|
Launch of the Horizon 2020 Strategic Research Proposals Group |
Fennell Photography |
€460 |
|
Retirement of labour Court member |
Tom Clancy Photography |
€369 |
|
Signing of MOU between NERA and the HSA |
Karl McDonagh |
€57 |
|
Senior Management Forum |
UCD |
€400 |
|
Taking Care of Business Launch |
Fennell Photography |
€275 |
|
CD Copy of Taking Care of Business |
Mac Innes Photography |
€203 |
|
Preparation of stock photo image for new Registrar of Companies for inclusion in CRO publications |
Fennell Photography |
€123 |
|
Total |
€4,534 |
2015
|
Occasion for which Photographer booked |
Name of Photographer |
Breakdown of costs associated with each event |
|
Launch of Action Plan for Jobs 2015 |
Fennell Photography |
€312 |
|
Launch of Action Plan for Jobs Regional |
Fennell Photography |
€489 |
|
Launch of EGFSN Report |
Fennell Photography |
€291 |
|
EI Trade Mission & St Patrick’s day schedules |
Fennell Photography |
€138 |
|
Launch of APJ.ie website |
Maxwell Photography |
€431 |
|
Launch of Low Pay Commission |
Maxwell Photography |
€448 |
|
Launch of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Impact in Ireland study |
Fennell Photography |
€336 |
|
Launch of Prompt Payments Code of Conduct |
Maxwell Photography |
€344 |
|
Photocall with Dr. Francis Gurry, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation |
Fennell Photography |
€291 |
|
Launch of Start UP Refunds for Entrepreneurs (SURE) |
Fennell Photography |
€306 |
|
Launch of CSR Hub Website |
Fennell Photography |
€352 |
|
Launch of Manufacturing Brochure |
Fennell Photography |
€137 |
|
Living Wage Forum |
Maxwell Photography |
€413 |
|
Launch of Enterprise 2025 Strategy |
Fennell Photography |
€381 |
|
Launch of EGFSN Report on Skills in the Hospitality Sector |
Fennell Photography |
€336 |
|
Photographer for CSR Website Launch |
Fennell Photography |
€99 |
|
Distribution of Photos of CSR Website Launch |
Fennell Photography |
€261 |
|
Launch of Workplace Relations Commission |
Fennell Photography |
€291 |
|
Launch of LPC Recommendations on the NMW – 21/7/15 |
Maxwell Photography |
€482 |
|
Total |
€6,138 |
The Department uses external photographers sparingly and, with a view to keeping costs to a minimum, regularly uses its own facilities and staff to take photographs in-house. My Department also avails of the panel of photography firms, selected following a procurement process undertaken by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which is available for use by all Departments.
196. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his Department's use of external public relations firms since he came into office by year in tabular form; the uses of these firms and the policy regarding employing them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43650/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department uses external public relations providers having regard to its business needs for specialist communications advice and technical materials assistance. In engaging such providers, the Department is mindful of the need to secure value for money and, accordingly, strives to keep costs to the minimum. The names and business addresses of the providers of public relations services used by my Department and the Offices of my Department and the details of the services supplied by each since 9 March, 2011 to date are as follows:
Providers of Public Relations Services
|
Year |
||
|
2011 |
Barberry Limited trading as Keating & Associates, 19 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2. |
To provide NERA with Communications Services (including PR; Media Monitoring; advising on the design, content and production of reports & brochures and assisting with website content). |
|
2012 |
Barberry Limited trading as Keating & Associates, 19 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2. |
To provide NERA with Communications Services (including PR; Media Monitoring; advising on the design, content and production of reports & brochures and assisting with website content). |
|
2013 |
Barberry Limited trading as Keating & Associates, 19 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2. |
To provide NERA with Communications Services (including PR; Media Monitoring; advising on the design, content and production of reports & brochures and assisting with website content). |
|
2013 |
MRPA Kinman Communications trading as MKC Communications Limited, The Archway,4A Lower Pembroke Street,Dublin 2. |
To provide the Department with Press and Media Relations Services for the Irish Presidency of the EU. (This was a once off exercise/expenditure due to Presidency events.) |
|
2014 |
Barberry Ltd T/A Keating & Associates 19 Fitzwilliam Place Dublin 2 |
To provide NERA with Communications Services (including PR; Media Monitoring; advising on the design, content and production of reports & brochures). |
|
2015 |
Atomic Advertising Ltd 15A Bishop Street Dublin 8 |
To provide brand development work for the launch of the Low Pay Commission |
|
2015 |
Jays Printing Unit 7 Abbey Business Park Grange Drive Baldoyle Industrial Estate Dublin 13 |
To provide roll-up banners for the launch of the Low Pay Commission |
|
2015 |
Jays Printing Unit 7 Abbey Business Park Grange Drive Baldoyle Industrial Estate Dublin 13 |
To provide a rigid sign for the launch of the CSR Hub website |
|
2015 |
Atomic Advertising Ltd 15A Bishop Street Dublin 8 |
To provide the Department with a one year advertising campaign, radio and digital, to raise awareness of a range of Government provided enterprise supports |
|
2015 |
Atomic Advertising Ltd 15A Bishop Street Dublin 8 |
To create a dual language logo for the Low Pay Commission |
|
2015 |
Barberry Ltd T/A Keating & Associates 19 Fitzwilliam Place Dublin 2 |
To provide NERA (and from 1 October 2015, the Workplace Relations Commission) with Communications Services (including PR; Media Monitoring; advising on the design, content and production of reports & brochures). |
197. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the reports he commissioned from external consultants since March 2011, by year, title, cost, date published and company in tabular form. [43666/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe names of external reports commissioned by my Department and Offices of my Department, details of consultants employed and the expenditure on each for the years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 is as set out as follows. The data in respect of 2014 includes the research and analysis programme, which was undertaken by Forfás up to the date of its integration into my Department in August 2014, and for which my Department held the 2014 budget. The Forfás element of work in 2014 - which historically had its own budget line - represented close to 80% of the 2014 costs outlined in the following table. This research and analysis has subsequently been carried out in the Strategic Policy Division in my Department.
1 January– 2 December 2015
|
Name of external Consultant/Organisation |
Report Title |
Status - Date Published/Ongoing |
Cost of Report** - € |
|
University of Limerick |
Study on the prevalence of zero hour and low hour contracts and their impact on employees |
Published 3 November 2015 |
96,670.00 |
|
Planet 21 Communications Ltd. |
Strategic Review of Network |
Internal ICT network assessment – not for publication |
9,932.25 |
|
Ward Solutions |
ICT security review |
Internal ICT security assessments – not for publication |
43,572.75 |
|
Version 1 Software |
Oracle eBusiness Suite Release 12 Upgrade Assessment |
Internal ICT system assessment – not for publication |
8,079.92 |
|
Copenhagen Economics |
TTIP Impact in Ireland |
Published on 27 March 2015 |
84,896.04 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact (ABSEI) 2014 - Strategic Policy Division |
Ongoing |
13,699.13 |
|
Technopolis |
Enterprise demand survey and analysis for report on Strengthening Ireland’s Market-Focussed Research Centre Capacity - Strategic Policy Division |
Technical input to development of successor to SSTI - Complete |
30,750.00 |
|
Mazars LLP |
Not in public domain. |
This report forms part of the evidence in a criminal prosecution by the DPP and will be detailed in court when the case is heard. |
177,545.80 |
|
Mason Hayes Curran |
Tables of Destinations and Origins to Companies Act 2014 |
15 June 2015 |
123,000.00 |
|
Crowley’s DFK |
Audit of funds transfer as part of Forfás restructuring |
Operational report not for publication |
7,000.00 |
|
Capita Business Services Ltd |
Review of allegations against Enterprise Ireland |
Not for publication based on legal advice received |
9,809.25 |
January – December 2014
|
Name of external Consultant/Organisation |
Report Title |
Status - Date Published/Ongoing |
Cost of Report** - € |
|
Technopolis |
Ireland’s Future Infrastructure Needs |
Published 8th December 2015 |
47,203.17 |
|
Ward Solutions |
ICT security reviews |
Internal ICT security assessments – not for publication |
35,178.00 |
|
Rits |
Mobile Device Policy Assessment |
Internal ICT security assessments – not for publication |
2,236.00 |
|
Version 1 |
Oracle eBusiness Suite R12 Upgrade Assessment |
Internal ICT assessment – not for publication |
4,174.13 |
|
Copenhagen Economics |
TTIP Impact in Ireland |
Ongoing (expected publication in early 2015) |
167,788.00 |
|
Clarion Consulting Limited |
Employment Permits Administration Section Business Process Improvement Project Report |
Completed |
52,275.00 |
|
CIRCA Group Europe Limited |
Review of Ireland’s membership of international research organisations |
Completed |
61,131.00 |
|
CM International |
Assessment of Public Funded RD&I Supports for Innovation in Services and Business Processes - Strategic Policy Division |
Input to Forfás report on Services Innovation published April 2014 |
6,000.00 |
|
Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government |
Ireland’s Competitiveness Scorecard 2014 - Strategic Policy Division |
Input on economic complexity to competitiveness analysis. |
2,600.00 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting/Fitzpatrick Associates |
Evaluation of IDA Training Grants - Strategic Policy Division |
Input to programme of evaluations - publication Q1 2015 |
19,188.00 |
|
DCU/Fitzsimons Consulting |
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2014 (GEM) – Strategic Policy Division |
Ongoing - GEM 2014 report will be published |
20,000.00 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Annual Employment Survey 2014 (AES) - Strategic Policy Division |
Published |
5,882.60 |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
Analysis of direct & indirect economic impacts on an export-led growth enterprise policy - Strategic Policy Division |
Complete – input to Enterprise 2025 |
14,482.00 |
|
IDC |
Harnessing Big Data for innovation led growth: an assessment of Ireland's progress and further policy requirements - Strategic Policy Division |
Complete – publication Q2 2015 |
56,690.00 |
|
CM International |
Optimising Policy Intervention to Strengthen the Impacts of Enterprise RD&I in Ireland – Strategic Policy Division |
Complete – input to development of successor to SSTI analysis Publish 8th December 2015 |
36,469.00 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
Econometric analysis of effectiveness & impacts of agency supports – Strategic Policy Division |
Input to DJEI Evaluations of agency programmes – Complete. Publication Q2 2015 |
14,391.00 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact (ABSEI) 2013 and 2014 - Strategic Policy Division |
Ongoing |
44,034.00 |
|
PWC |
Role of Intellectual Property – Strategic Policy Division |
Input to competitiveness analysis |
15,612.00 |
|
PWC |
Review of Insurance Costs – Strategic Policy Division |
Input to Costs of Doing Business 2015 and published 2015 |
34,440.00 |
|
PWC |
Review of Public Procurement – Strategic Policy Division |
Input to competitiveness analysis |
28,911.00 |
|
Technopolis |
Strengthening Ireland’s Market-Focussed Research Centre Capacity – Strategic Policy Division |
Complete – input to development of successor to SSTI analysis |
84,255.00 |
|
Tom Martin & Associates |
Higher Education Engagement by EGFSN – Strategic Policy Division |
Ongoing |
11,931.00 |
|
AECOM |
Assessing the Demand for Skills in the Freight Transport, Distribution and Logistics Sector in Ireland over the period 2014-2020 - Strategic Policy Division |
Input to EGFSN review - publication Q1 2015 |
78,702.00 National training fund contribution €60,601 |
|
DKM RPS |
Water Services & Environmental waste Issues & Priorities for Enterprise – Strategic Policy Division |
Ongoing - input to Forfás/DJEI submissions to regulator and competitiveness reports |
50.353.00 |
|
Technopolis |
A Mapping of Smart Ageing activity in Ireland and an assessment of the potential smart ageing opportunity areas – Strategic Policy Division |
Input to DJEI analysis – published Q2 2015 |
89,605.00 |
|
Cambridge IP |
An Analysis of Intellectual Property Activity in Ireland based on the existing data Phase 1 – Strategic Policy Division |
Input to DJEI analysis - publication Q1 2015 |
40,966.38 |
|
Technopolis |
A Study on enhancing the Intellectual Property activities in the firm base in Ireland – Strategic Policy Division |
Input to DJEI analysis – publication Q2 2015 |
49,138.00 |
|
E&Y |
Analysis of Sectorial Ecosystems - Input to Enterprise Policy 2025 – Strategic Policy Division |
Complete – input to Enterprise 2025 |
61,461.00 |
|
RSM McClure Watters |
Study of the Current and Future skills requirements of the Marine/Maritime Economy to 2020 - Strategic Policy Division |
Input to EGFSN review - publication Q1 2015 |
82,502.25 |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
Hospitality Sector - Hotels, Tourism & Catering – Strategic Policy Division |
Ongoing Input to EGFSN Review |
78,289.50 (39,145.00 paid in 2014, balance payable 2015) National Training Fund Contribution €60,282.92 |
January – December 2013
|
Name of external Consultant/Organisation |
Report Title |
Status - Completed/Ongoing |
Cost of Report** - € |
|
Ward Solutions |
ICT security reviews |
Internal ICT security assessments – not for publication |
24,627.00 |
|
HM Ventures |
Innovative pathways to jobs and growth – Entrepreneurship, Access to Finance and Internationalisation of SMEs |
Published |
7,500.00 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
Export Licensing Administration Process Review |
Complete |
47,417.00 |
|
Tom Martin & Associates/TMA |
Youth Unemployment A review of wage costs and other factors which may affect the employment of young people in Ireland. |
Presented to the Troika in line with the terms of the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policy which is a component of the Memorandum of Understanding, September 2013, as part of which the Irish Government undertook to present a report in December 2013. |
5,547.30 |
|
Janet Hughes |
Labour Court Review of Joint labour Committees |
Published |
17,835.00 |
|
RSM McClure Watters |
The evaluation of the Workplace Relations Pilot Early Resolution Service |
Published |
35,498.00 |
|
First Choice Financial Services Ltd and AJS Financial Advice Ltd |
Credit Guarantee Scheme “Findings and Recommendations” |
Published |
24,600.00 |
January – December 2012
|
Name of external Consultant/Organisation |
Report Title |
Status - Completed/Ongoing |
Cost of Report** - € |
|
Ward Solutions |
Security reviews of ICT systems |
Internal ICT security assessments – not for publication |
39,095.00 |
|
Version 1 |
ICT systems review – Patents Office Ptolemy System |
Internal technology review – not for publication |
29,667.00 |
|
Achilles Procurement Services Ltd. |
Recommended Procurement Strategy for a Customer Relationship Management System (CRMS) from the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court |
Published |
2,560.00 |
|
Deloitte |
Feasibility Study: Making Ireland an International Centre for Intellectual Property |
Ongoing |
102,872.62 |
March – December 2011
|
Name of external Consultant/Organisation |
Report Title |
Status - Completed/Ongoing |
Cost of Report** - € |
|
Rits |
IT Security assessment of new hosting site in Revenue Hosting Centre |
Internal ICT security assessment – not for publication |
7,093.00 |
|
Maxima Ireland |
Computer Server Virtualisation Strategy Review |
Internal technology review – not for publication |
8,276.00 |
|
UCD (Dr Frank Walsh) |
Review of ERO and REA Wage Setting Mechanisms |
Published May 2011 |
15,000.00 |
|
Greater Heights Ltd |
Learning Need Analysis (NERA Staff) |
Published |
15,645.00 |
|
Capital for Enterprise Ltd. |
Design of Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme |
Published |
59,565.00 |
|
Ward Solutions |
ICT security review |
Internal ICT security assessments – not for publication |
43,572.75 |
|
Version 1 Software |
Oracle eBusiness Suite Release 12 Upgrade Assessment |
Internal ICT security assessments – not for publication |
8,079.92 |
198. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of special advisers on his staff and their yearly salary from 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43682/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have two Special Advisors appointed by me as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation. The table below sets out the annual salary details from 2011 to 2015:
|
Title |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 Current salary |
|
Special Adviser (Policy) |
€127,000 |
€127,000 |
€118,840 |
€118,840 |
€118,840 |
|
Press Adviser (Press) |
€80,051 |
€83,337 |
€86,604 |
€84,706 |
€87,258 |
199. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will direct the Industrial Development Agency Ireland to designate County Kerry as a digital marketing initiative highlighting the specific positive attributes of the county, to attract inward investment similar to the investment in County Cork's recent successful initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43718/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland markets Kerry as part of its South West region, along with Cork. There are 12 IDA Ireland client companies, employing 1,874 people in the county. Companies supported by IDA Ireland in Kerry added 361 additional new jobs between 2011–2014 compared to 502 job losses in the period 2008 – 2010. It should be noted that 70% of new IDA jobs come from existing client companies, not from new investments. As part of its efforts to market Ireland and its different business locations, IDA Ireland continues to explore marketing opportunities based on the key criteria used by companies to assess different locations. In relation to County Kerry, IDA Ireland is actively exploring the potential of different digital marketing initiatives. The agency is also keen to work in partnership with other stakeholders in the delivery of effective marketing of Kerry as a location for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In this regard, a number of stakeholders, not limited to IDA Ireland have an active role to play in making this happen.
Marketing of any regional area, including Kerry, for FDI is done through IDA Ireland’s network of overseas offices. IDA Ireland actively incentivises and encourages investors to consider a range of potential locations in Ireland although the ultimate locations selected are always decided by the companies themselves.
IDA Ireland launched its new five-year strategy entitled Winning – Foreign Direct Investment 2015-2019 in April of this year. The strategy has a strong focus on regional development, setting forth aims and strategies to achieve a significant increase in investment going into regional locations. To support that aim, IDA Ireland is rolling out a €150million capital investment programme to help attract more multinational jobs into each region over a 5-year period. This programme will include investments over the coming years in building advanced technology buildings and office facilities in a number of regional locations to provide state-of-the-art property solutions for clients. Tralee is to be the site of one such advanced technology building.
Finally, a further boost to the county is the reinstatement of Regional Aid for Co. Kerry under the new Regional Aid Guidelines, which came into force on 1 July, 2014. The RAGs enable the State to grant State Aid, at enhanced rates, to businesses in order to support new investment and new employment in productive projects in Ireland's most disadvantaged regions. The funding for this comes from the Exchequer. This means that the full range of Regional Aid assistance options are available in Kerry.
200. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views that there would be cost implications for the Exchequer from ending age-related compulsory retirement in the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43743/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the impact of ending age-related compulsory retirement in the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43744/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
Apart from public sector employees, where certain statutory retirement ages may apply, there is no statutory retirement age for employees in Irish legislation. A contract of employment will generally contain a retirement age but this is a matter of contract between the parties.
The upper age limit for bringing claims under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007 was removed by a provision in the Equality Act 2004. It is now the case that a person of any age, when dismissed, may take a case under the Unfair Dismissals Acts unless she or he has reached the “normal retiring age for employees of the same employer in similar employment”, if one exists. In such circumstances, the burden of proof is on the employer to prove the normal retiring age. Furthermore, the upper age limit of 66 years for receipt of statutory redundancy payments was removed by the Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act 2007.
As the issue that arises around compulsory retirement at a given age is whether this entails discrimination on age grounds, the more usual avenue of redress for employees compulsorily retired is to take a claim, under the Employment Equality Acts, to the Workplace Relations Commission.
Responsibility for employment equality legislation rests with my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald T.D. As the Deputy is aware, Minister Fitzgerald is currently bringing the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill amends Section 34(4) of the Employment Equality Acts to bring it fully into line with Framework Directive 2000/78/EC and the interpretation of that Directive by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The CJEU rulings provide that it is not unlawful for an employer to fix a compulsory retirement age for employees provided it can be objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim, including legitimate employment policy, labour market and vocational training objectives, and if the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.
Issues around retirement age generally are very complex and require a Whole-of Government approach. In addition to the issues set out above they also raises significant issues in respect of pensions policy and the State Pension Age which come within the remit of the Minister for Social Protection. Retirement age issues have been brought into sharp focus by the ending of the State Pension (Transition) and the standardising of the State pension age at 66. In this regard, I understand that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is currently conducting a preliminary analysis of the issues involved, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform intends to bring a Memorandum to Government in due course.
202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he and the relevant statutory bodies under the aegis of his Department continue to meet the requirements of a firm (details supplied) in County Kildare, with particular reference to the need to ensure that all relevant supports continue to be made available, as required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43754/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I should point out that individual investment decisions are day to day operational matters for Enterprise Ireland. Such activities are commercially sensitive and confidential. However I am informed by Enterprise Ireland that they are in ongoing contact with the company concerned. The Agency continues to provide supports to the company and the full suite of appropriate Enterprise Ireland supports will remain available to the company going forward.
Therefore, I would advise that the company concerned continues to liaise with Enterprise Ireland and I hope that the outcome will be beneficial for the company.
203. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to ensure that the delivery of training sessions (details supplied) by local enterprise offices is orientated towards citizens who seek to develop entrepreneurial skills and to set up and develop businesses. [43760/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe various training courses, mentoring and advisory services offered by the Local Enterprise Offices are targeted at people who wish to start-up or expand their own business. In 2014, the latest full year for which data is available, the LEOs delivered 1714 training programmes for clients, including 233 Start Your Own Business programmes. As a result of grant and other supports, including training, some 4000 jobs were created in new or expanded client businesses in 2014. There is an MOU between the LEOs and the Dept of Social Protection in support of social welfare recipients who want to start a business and to ensure that such people can avail of the variety of State supports available.
The specific issue raised by the Deputy in relation to participation on training courses such as Start Your Own Business being a prerequisite for access/attainment of Social Welfare Programmes is a matter, in the first instance, for my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D. I understand that when taking up back-to-work schemes, the self-employment project must be approved as viable and sustainable.
I also understand that a review group in relation to the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance has been established - and is being chaired - by the Department of Social Protection. My Department will be represented on the Group.
204. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the annual targets his Department, Enterprise Ireland and the local enterprise office network have set for the increase in online trading by micro-businesses and small indigenous businesses for the period 2012 to 2016; and if these targets are being met. [43771/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Trading Online Voucher Scheme was launched nationally on 1 July 2014 and is a key initiative under the enterprise strand of the National Digital Strategy and the Action Plan for Jobs. The Scheme is administered by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) on behalf of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, which has responsibility for setting appropriate annual targets under the scheme for the LEOs.
Trading Online Vouchers are activating small businesses from across a wide range of sectors including, retail, manufacturing, professional services, food, craft/design, tourism and leisure. By November 2015, some 1,500 businesses had completed, or were in the process of completing, their trading online projects. In addition, it is estimated that more than double that number of businesses have benefitted from advice and peer-to-peer support through their participation in the information sessions delivered by the LEOs. The roll out of vouchers to reach the initial target of 2,000 continues nationwide. The Government is committed to rolling out the scheme to more interested businesses, and to this end, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has allocated funding of €3 million to deliver an additional 1,000 vouchers in 2016.
In relation to Enterprise Ireland, while the agency does not have a corporate target in relation to increasing online trading by small indigenous businesses, it works with its client base to help them incorporate the opportunities presented through online trading into their business activities. Enterprise Ireland's Internet Marketing Unit is focused on helping export-focused clients across all sectors to exploit the Internet as a route to market and to assist them in developing a strategy that will shape how they do business online.
205. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in the context of the extra £12 million sanctioned for the Industrial Development Agency Ireland property programme, the amount that will be invested in a site (details supplied) in County Mayo, the amount invested to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43799/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra206. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if locations (details supplied) in County Mayo and in County Meath were considered by the Industrial Development Agency Ireland as sites for the new-build projects under the regional property programme, if so, the reason they were not proceeded with at this time, if not, the reason for same, given their employment profile; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43800/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.
Regional development is fundamental to IDA Ireland’s new strategy for the next five years, titled ‘Winning – Foreign Direct Investment 2015-2019’, which was launched earlier this year. For the first time, ambitious investment targets have been set for each region, with a strong focus on securing a significant uplift in the number of investments. Central to this is a driving ambition for employment growth throughout all regions over the lifetime of this strategy.
As part of IDA Ireland’s commitment to achieve a significant uplift in the amount of FDI projects going into regions, the strategy outlines key actions aimed at achieving that, including a €150m property investment plan, spread out over five years, which will support the achievement of the organisation's regional goals. The funding which includes the €12 million referred to by the Deputy 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. About 30% of the property investment plan will be allocated to the construction of nine advance facilities.
These sites were decided on by IDA Ireland based on a number of criteria including population density, cluster of activities of other companies in the area and third level educational institutions. It is important to note that all investment must be targeted to potential investment wins and associated job creation opportunities.
IDA Ireland has decided to concentrate the investment programme in particular in locations where the private sector has been reluctant to build capacity suitable premises for FDI. In that context, the Government announced earlier this year that three locations, Sligo, Tralee and Castlebar, located in Co. Mayo would be the key focus for the 2015 investment programme.
In this respect, planning permission was sought and has been obtained for facilities in Sligo and Castlebar. The procurement process is underway to appoint contractors to construct these facilities and it is anticipated that this process will be complete and contractors will be on-site by year end. It is planned to submit a planning application during December 2015 to construct a facility in Tralee. IDA Ireland plans in 2016 to follow a similar process to deliver facilities in Galway, Dundalk and Limerick and in Athlone, Carlow and Waterford in 2017.
The Agency has approximately 11 hectares of land on the Sligo Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo, which are zoned and concept master planned with planning permission obtained for core park infrastructure development. These lands are included in the Agency’s database of available lands for marketing to FDI client companies or EI client companies as appropriate.
In addition, IDA Ireland has approximately 27 hectares of land on the Navan Business Park available for marketing to FDI client companies or EI clients as appropriate.
207. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will approve funding for the appointment of three additional full-time accountants for the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43845/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department secured sanction for the recruitment of five additional accountants for the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement in October 2014. Funding for those accountants was allocated to the Office for 2015 and again for 2016. An advertisement seeking applications for the Accountant's posts was placed by the Public Appointment Service on the 27 November 2015 with a closing date of the 17 December for receipt of applications.
208. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the €250 million fund for the Action Plan for Jobs will fund all the regional action plans, or if each regional action plan will be granted €250 million separately; if a specific amount of funding will be ring-fenced for each county, or if funding will be distributed on the basis of job creation proposals, essentially through a tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43953/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn launching the Action Plan for Jobs Regional initiative earlier this year, the Government announced that funding of up to €250 million will be made available over the next five years to support the Regional Action Plan process across all 8 regions. IDA Ireland is investing in a €150m Regional Property Programme over the five year period to ensure that there is sufficient availability of utility intensive Strategic Sites, quality Business Parks and Advance Building Solutions to attract investment to the Regions. So far this year, Advance Technology Buildings have been completed in both Waterford and Athlone and the construction of buildings in Sligo, Castlebar and Tralee is at an advanced stage of procurement. Next year, IDA Ireland will continue this programme of advance builds with projects in Galway, Dundalk and Limerick. Investment in IDA Ireland’s portfolio of Business and Technology Parks around the country is also underway.
A further sum of up to €100 million will be made available through Enterprise Ireland over the next five years to support innovative and collaborative approaches to support job creation across the regions.
The Enterprise Ireland funds will be distributed through three new competitive calls:
- A €5m Community Enterprise Initiative, to stimulate and support enterprise and job creation throughout the country at local, community and regional level. This competitive call has closed and applications are currently being assessed.
- A €5m fund open to groups of Local Enterprise Offices who come together to bid for funding for projects to support job-creation initiatives in their areas. This competitive call has closed and applications are currently being assessed.
- A third, broader, competitive regional call, will support significant projects or initiatives to improve or leverage identified enterprise capability in the regions. An expression of interest phase for this call has concluded and is informing the development of the competitive call, to be launched shortly.
In the case of all three funding calls, a collaborative approach, tangible jobs impact, enterprise start-up and scaling are amongst the criteria against which applications will be measured. It is not intended to ring-fence funding at county level.
The Regional Action Plans will cover the three-year period 2015-2017 to allow for the process to take hold and develop, and to capture a more medium-term ambition for the regions. However, the Regional Action Plans will also be flexible and dynamic to allow additional actions and ideas to be added as they emerge over the period of the Plan.
The success of the regional Action Plans will lie in the delivery of the actions on schedule. The process will be underpinned by robust reporting arrangements, with twice yearly updates to be published in each region setting out the progress on each of the actions due for delivery. Implementation of each Plan will be overseen by a Regional Implementation Committee, established within each region, which will involve the key stakeholders in the region. Given that strong business representation is also required to drive the enterprise and jobs focus of the Plan, I am appointing locally-based Enterprise Champions in each region to participate on the Implementation Committee.
209. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is aware of the situation facing Pairc An Gluinín Management Company Limited in County Kerry, which was set up to temporarily manage the estate until such time as the county council took it over, and which now faces fines from the Companies Registration Office for failure to make annual returns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44011/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince late filing fees were introduced in 2001 there has been a significant increase in compliance by Irish companies with their annual filing obligations. Whereas prior to 2001, only 13% of companies filed their annual returns on time, currently over 90% of companies file on time. I am informed that all companies are advised of their responsibilities under the Companies Acts at the time of incorporation, including their statutory obligations regarding the filing of annual returns and the fact that failure to file annual returns on time results in late penalties, loss of audit exemption and potentially prosecution.
The Companies Registration Office (CRO) provides information on its website about these requirements and also issues reminder letters to companies in advance of their Annual Return Date to remind them of their obligations to file annual returns.
As part of its work programme for 2010/2011 the Company Law Review Group (CLRG) examined the penalties that apply to companies that do not submit their company annual returns by the statutory deadline. These are known as late filing penalties and include monetary fines and loss of audit exemption for two years. The purpose of the review was to assess the proportionality of those penalties.
The CLRG concluded that no change should be made to the late filing penalties regime but it did make a recommendation that where a company seeks a waiver from the payment of late filing fees, the grant of that should not be within the powers of the CRO, but rather should be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, preferably the District Court. The recommendation was given effect in Section 343 (7) of the Companies Act 2014 which was commenced on the 1 June 2015.
