Written Answers Nos. 1396-1416
1396. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which she can encourage indigenous and foreign direct investment in rural areas in order to achieve a national balance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20814/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) provide a range of supports to help Irish companies start, grow and export.
The 31 LEOs are in every county supporting startups and microenterprises. I recently published the LEO annual jobs survey results which highlights three consecutive years of local jobs growth throughout the country. Overall in 2016 there was a net increase of 3,679 jobs and total direct employment among LEO client companies stood at 34,634.
Enterprise Ireland client companies are a critical source of existing employment and job creation in every county in Ireland and are spread across a wide range of sectors. There are now over 201,000 people employed by EI supported companies across the country. The fact that over 130,000 (65%) of those 201,000 jobs are outside of Dublin is significant.
Enterprise Ireland’s new Strategy 2017 – 2020 will support more Irish companies to achieve greater scale, to be more competitive and expand into new export markets. The objective of the ‘Global Ambition’ strategy is to support enterprises across the economy, to grow into strong Irish international companies, developing world-leading products and services and exporting them all around the world.
There is a vast range of programmes and supports offered to companies across the country to drive this strategy. These include management capability, leadership and marketing/sales skills as well as promoting innovation and R&D.
IDA Ireland reported a second, consecutive record year in 2016. 199,877 people are now employed in IDA Ireland supported client companies, which is the highest level of employment in the Agency’s history.
Since 2015 IDA Ireland has been working towards targets set out in their strategy “Winning - Foreign Direct Investment 2015-2019” including the creation of 80,000 new jobs and 900 new investments, which would bring total FDI employment in Ireland to 209,000 by 2019. The Agency is also aiming to increase the level of investment by between 30% and 40% in each region.
The Government’s commitment to countrywide job creation is further illustrated by the Regional Action Plan for Jobs initiative. This has seen eight plans published throughout 2015 and 2016, which identified a range of actions aimed at supporting each region to achieve its economic potential and raise employment levels.
As part of this initiative, IDA Ireland is investing €150 million over five years in property solutions designed to allow it to create opportunities to win additional projects for all regions. This includes include the construction of nine new advance facilities around the country. This is a positive development for attracting FDI into regional locations.
These new regional initiatives are already producing results. The numbers in employment increased in all regions during 2016 with 70% of new jobs created outside Dublin. The fastest growing regions in terms of employment during 2016 were the Mid West (up 7.4%), the West (up 5.5%), and the South East (up 4.6%).
I am currently finalising plans for a Competitive Regional Funding Initiative of up to €60m to support collaborative approaches to grow and sustain indigenous enterprise and jobs across the regions. This will be administered by Enterprise Ireland.
1397. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the Hallmarking (Amendment) Bill 2016 and the proposal by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19143/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently consulting with a range of representative groups in the jewellery sector (including the Irish Jewellers Association) on the issue of possible amendments to the Hallmarking (Amendment) Bill 2016: these consultations will consider the issue of weight exemptions. Until that consultation is finalised, no definitive position can be adopted.
1398. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 345 of 5 April 2017, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that only 10% of cases from the Equality Tribunal have been appealed to the Labour Court (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19175/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body established on 1st October 2015 under the Workplace Relations Act 2015. The WRC merges the functions and activities of the former Labour Relations Commission (LRC), the Equality Tribunal, the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), and the first instance functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) and the Labour Court. The Equality Tribunal was dissolved on the vesting day of the WRC.
With regard to the statistics on appeals published in the WRC’s 2016 Annual Report, and given the time period involved following the establishment of the WRC, the overall numbers of appeals to the Court are low. Having regard to that, some 90 per cent of Adjudication decisions were accepted by the parties and were not appealed.
As outlined in the WRC Annual Report, the position is that in relation to the decisions issued by the Labour Court in appeals on cases where the original complaint was made after 1 October 2015, of these, 47 per cent were upheld, 20 per cent were overturned and 31 per cent of those appealed were varied, mostly in relation to the quantum of the award. Two appeals were deemed to be outside the time-limits.
In terms of the Deputy’s question the proportion of decisions on appeals overturned by the Labour Court is one-fifth. In the nine months prior to the establishment of the WRC, 16 per cent of the appeals to the Labour Court taken in relation to Equality Tribunal decisions and heard by the Labour Court, were overturned. This does not appear to be statistically significant at this stage; particularly in light of the low overall number under consideration.
The WRC will monitor and report on these outcomes annually.
1399. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans for a site (details supplied) in County Cork. [19203/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the IDA purchased the Fermoy Business and Technology Park in 2002, the Agency has undertaken a number of initiatives to develop the attractiveness of the lands, including obtaining planning permission for the building of an advanced technology unit.
IDA Ireland regularly engages with both current and prospective clients to encourage further investment in Fermoy and the wider region. In 2015 Fermoy secured a significant investment from ABEC Inc. and the area has also benefited from recent investments in greater Cork area. IDA Ireland has, over the last four years, announced new projects for Cork with the potential to employ an additional 4,000 people in the region.
As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation I, along with the IDA, am committed to attracting further investors to Fermoy and the wider South West region. It remains the case, however, that the ultimate decision as to where to locate is always made by the company concerned.
1400. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to establish a North-South retail forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19205/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Chairperson to the Retail Consultation Forum, I am acutely aware of the importance of the sector to the economy and of the challenges facing the sector. As our largest private industry employer on the island of Ireland, the retail and wholesale sector plays a vital role providing over 275,000 jobs supporting economic growth in every city, town and village in the country.
The Retail Consultation Forum was established in 2014 as a response to the challenges experienced by the sector during the recession. This Forum provides a platform for structured engagement between the retail sector and relevant public bodies to identify practical actions which could be taken to support the sector. Membership includes the main retail representative bodies, retailers themselves and representatives from relevant Government Departments and public bodies.
One of the most immediate concerns currently facing the Sector is the impact of Brexit and how this might influence consumer decisions. I am also keenly aware of the concerns about the uncertainty surrounding border arrangements that will be in place post-Brexit, and the concerns on the depreciation of sterling. In recognition of these matters, Brexit has become a standing item on the agenda for discussion by the Retail Consultation Forum.
My Department is committed to supporting the retail sector during this period of heightened uncertainty and is working with retailers on a pilot study into the firm-level impact for enterprise of Brexit. The outcome of this study, together with the outcome of a number of additional stakeholder engagements with businesses, including retailers, will assist the Government in informing our position during the Brexit negotiations.
Furthermore, I have established a Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Enterprise Forum on Brexit and global challenges. This will provide a vehicle for discussion of enterprise, trade and investment policy implications arising from wider global challenges, with a specific focus on Brexit in the first instance. The work of this Forum will help inform me on the development of DJEI, and ultimately Government policy positions on enterprise, trade and investment, to be taken during Brexit negotiations.
A number of other relevant pieces of work are underway. My officials are currently finalising the outputs from a series of structured engagements with companies of different sizes, across different sectors and across the regions on the impact of currency fluctuations on exposed companies. The information gathered during the course of this engagement is detailed and informative and will give me a clear indication of the needs of SMEs to help them address the short and more medium and long term challenges of Brexit.
My Department is also funding a research project being undertaken in close cooperation with InterTrade Ireland by the ESRI to improve our understanding of the impact on cross border trade of different trade and tariff regimes which might be imposed following Brexit.
My Department is also providing InterTrade Ireland with additional funding this year to undertake a range of initiatives for SMEs in the Republic of Ireland to help them adapt to the changed circumstances following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. This will involve the provision of factual advice, supports for capability building and the provision of other specialist expertise for companies.
Through my Chairmanship of the Retail Consultation Forum, the sector is provided with a direct line of contact with Government in which to raise all of their concerns, including the impact of the referendum in the UK, and to work collaboratively towards practical solutions. As the Retail Consultation Forum provides a platform in which to raise these concerns, and the members have and will continue to be updated by my officials with reference to relevant developments of my Department’s Brexit undertakings, there are no plans to establish a separate north south forum.
1401. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the commitments to use local providers and staff the funds industry has entered into with the IDA or other bodies; and if, in view of a Central Bank report noting the high level of outsourcing within the sector, she or the IDA has raised this issue with the funds industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19213/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Funds Industry acts as a specialist outsourcing service to the Global Investment Management Industry. Within the industry, Ireland is a recognised global centre of excellence employing approximately 16,000 people.
Regulation of the industry under Irish and EU Law is controlled by the Central Bank who determine the type of activities undertaken in Ireland. The Funds Working Group is an important component of IFS2020, the Government Strategy for International Financial Services and it engages on a wide range of issues relating to the protection of existing employment levels and growth into the future.
IDA Ireland is not in a position to compel an organisation to use specific service providers within Ireland or within the EU.
1402. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the proposed introduction of an employer Exchequer mechanism and associated increase in the national training fund levy on employers; if her Department has undertaken research or surveys on the effects of an increase in the employer contribution on businesses; and if her Department will make a submission to the consultation on this. [19214/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation I am acutely aware of the central importance of the competitiveness of our education and training systems to sustainable job creation, productivity growth and success in international trade. I also recognise that the current funding environment, in addition to the impending demographic bulge, demonstrates that there is a clear need for increased investment in the education and training sector from all three sources, exchequer, students and employers, if we are to have a system that is internationally competitive in the future. I am consulting with relevant stakeholders and will be engaging with my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills in due course.
1403. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the annual cost of funding the high potential start-up programme; and the expenditure in this regard. [19221/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland is the Department's main agency for developing Irish business. As part of a broad suite of programmes the agency is responsible for driving an increase in the innovative capacity of Irish firms as well as support for start-up businesses.
In 2016 Enterprise Ireland paid €31.5 million to pre-High Potential Start Ups and High Potential Start Ups (HPSUs). This comprised €27.5 million in equity payments and €4 million in grants payments. 295 companies received equity payments and 193 grant payments.
New start-ups play a critical role in net new job creation in all advanced economies. Ireland, by promoting the right combination of supports and business environment, can become the best small country in the world in which to start a business. The World Bank Doing Business – Starting a Business Survey (2017) currently ranks Ireland as 10th out of 137 countries for its business environment and supports.
Enterprise Ireland offers a range of financial and non-financial supports to assist clients through all stages of the business development cycle. Enterprise Ireland’s start-up activity is focused on prospecting for and supporting High Potential Start-Ups. HPSU companies are defined as start-up ventures that are:
- Introducing a new or innovative product or service to international markets.
- Involved in manufacturing or internationally traded services.
- Capable of creating 10 jobs in Ireland and realising €1 million in sales within three to four years of starting up.
- Led by an experienced management team.
- Headquartered and controlled in Ireland.
- Less than six years old.
Start-up companies that have a well-developed business plan and meet the criteria of a HPSU can apply to Enterprise Ireland for equity support under the following two competitive funds:
- Competitive Start Fund: A €50k equity investment designed to accelerate the development of high potential start-up companies by supporting them to achieve commercial and technical milestones, such as evaluating international market opportunities or building a prototype.
- Innovative HPSU Fund: The Innovative HPSU Fund allows Enterprise Ireland to offer equity investment to HPSU clients, on a co-funded basis to support the implementation of a company’s business plans. First time and follow-on equity investments in HPSUs are supported under this offer.
In addition, pre-HPSU and HPSU companies can avail of Enterprise Ireland grant supports in the form of Innovation Vouchers, a Mentor Grant, a Business Links Grant and Competitive Feasibility Funding. As part of their developmental plans, these companies can also participate in capabilities-building events and programmes such as, Enterprise Excel at Selling and HPSU Founders Forum.
Over the period 2014 -2016, Enterprise Ireland supported a total of 308 High Potential Start-ups and 321 Competitive Start Funds. Of the total 629 start-ups supported by Enterprise Ireland from 2014 - 2016, 52% were located outside Dublin.
1404. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 366 of 6 April 2017, when the report entitled Brexit - the View of Irish SMEs will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19375/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department commissioned a survey, which was carried out by Behaviours and Attitudes in January, seeking the views of SMEs on the impact of Brexit on their businesses. This survey looked at the impact to date of Brexit and forward to the more medium term impacts (over the coming 18 months).
My officials have been analysing this data to build a picture of the types of challenges that will arise for SMEs as a consequence of Brexit, and how Government can best support them in facing these challenges.
I have asked my officials to expedite the completion of this analysis and I expect to publish the survey on my Department's website shortly.
1405. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on reports that some EU countries wish to exclude the UK from trade policy committees meetings at EU level (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19376/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUntil it leaves the EU, the United Kingdom remains a full Member of the European Union, subject to all rights and obligations set out in the Treaties and under EU law, including the principle of sincere cooperation. This means that they continue to participate in all EU meetings including Trade Policy Committees and have access to all EU documents on the same basis as other Member States. However, in line with the principle of sincere cooperation, the UK will be expected to remain loyal to the EU when dealing with third countries. Equally, there may be situations where the remaining Member States may need to meet to discuss the UK withdrawal from the Union.
1406. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the permit system for fishing workers from outside the European Economic Area can be replaced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19446/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matters that arose in relation to non-EEA workers in the fishing industry required a cross-Departmental and cross agency response as different Departments and Agencies had the capacity to bring the necessary expertise, legislative powers and resources to bear on the issues that were brought to light. To this end an inter-Departmental Task Force was formed by the Government.
The report of the Government’s Task Force on Non-EEA Workers in the Irish Fishing Industry recommended the establishment of a sector-specific Atypical Worker Permission system which is an extension of the existing Atypical Worker Permission schemes administered by the Department of Justice and Equality (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service – INIS). The purpose of this scheme is to provide a structured and transparent framework for the employment of non-EEA workers within defined segments of the Irish commercial sea-fishing fleet. This system was established and is operated through the co-operative efforts of my colleagues the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister Agriculture, Food and the Marine and my Department.
In tandem with the development of this scheme, 11 Departments or Agencies were brought together under the aegis of my Department and developed a 'Memorandum of Understanding for the Monitoring and Enforcement of the terms of Employment of non –EEA crewmen in parts of the Irish Commercial Sea Fishing Fleet pursuant to the establishment of the Atypical Worker Permission scheme'. Up to that point inspections on vessels were carried out primarily by the Marine Survey Office and the Health and Safety Authority. Inspectors of the Workplace Relations Commission, based on newly acquired powers were trained and equipped, with support from a number of marine agencies, to board vessels and carry out their own inspections. In the period 1st June, 2016 to 1st April, 2017 the WRC had inspected 80% of the fleet that comes within the aegis of the Atypical Worker Permission Scheme. I am informed the WRC objective is to inspect the remainder by Summer 2017.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine established and hosts a Central Depository, the purpose of which is to register the eligible contracts and supporting documentation required under the Scheme and to ensure that the ceiling of 500 contracts is not exceeded in any 12 month period. The Department of Justice and Equality retains responsibility for immigration matters under the scheme while the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) put in place and led by my Department with relevant State enforcement bodies provides for a rigorous and effective inspection system.
The scheme is a relatively recent initiative and I am not aware of any plans to replace it.
1407. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on whether the decision to fund the programme for research in third level institutions on an annual basis in 2016 and 2017, rather than announcing the programme as a five year investment cycle, has negatively affected the ability of institutions to attract matching funding from private sources due to lack of certainty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19489/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s allocation to the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) in 2016 was €30.4m; this included a Supplementary Estimate of €20m in December 2016. The allocation in 2017 is €14.4m.
The 2017 PRTLI allocation is being used to address the existing liabilities under PRTLI Cycle 5. There were 33 projects funded under Cycle 5, of these 29 are now complete and the remaining 4 are expected to reach completion by the middle of this year with final reports and expenditure declarations expected before year end. As with previous cycles, there is a long lead time before the total spend and the administrative obligations are finalised. The priority for my Department's PRTLI allocation is to address existing liabilities in respect of Cycle 5.
I am conscious of the impact that Government investment, including through PRLTI, has in enabling the HEIs to attract other sources of funding, particularly in the case of capital infrastructure projects. PRTLI-funded infrastructure and consortia have been a key attractor of matching funds from private (non-exchequer) sources. Over the course of the five Cycles to date PRTLI projects have attracted over €277m in co-funding. I am keen to ensure that any successor to PRTLI Cycle 5 will also facilitate the HEIs to continue to leverage investment from other sources.
The planning and design of a successor to Cycle 5 of PRTLI is an action in Innovation 2020 and is being progressed by my Department working closely with the Department of Education and Skills. My Department has included a proposal to commence funding for a successor to Cycle 5 of the PRTLI in its submission to the Mid-term Review of the Capital Plan. There will be more clarity on a successor to Cycle 5 when this review is concluded, and the funding envelope for this and other projects is finalised.
1408. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 348 of April 2017, the number of staff hired and to be hired with the additional €3 million secured for her Department in respect of pay in budget 2017, in tabular form and being targeted specifically to assist in the response to the evolving Brexit scenario; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19490/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraStaffing levels of my Department, its Offices and Agencies reflect the requirement to manage the pay bill and staff numbers in accordance with Government pay policy with staff resources deployed in the most effective and efficient manner as appropriate to business needs and key priorities at any given time.
An additional €3 million was secured in respect of Pay in Budget 2017 and is being targeted specifically to assist in our response to the evolving Brexit scenario. It is enabling the Department and, primarily, our Agencies recruit some 40 to 50 additional staff to supplement existing staffing numbers. These numbers may grow as Agencies allocate additional Own Resource Income, by agreement with the Department, to recruit further staff to work on "Brexit-related" activity.
The additional €3m has been allocated across:
- Enterprise Ireland
- IDA Ireland
- Science Foundation Ireland
- The Health and Safety Authority, and
- The Department itself (€250,000)
The Department as a whole (currently 861 staff or 813 Full-Time Equivalents) has prioritised the Brexit challenges in its work plans for 2017 across all its Divisions. Brexit Unit staffing has been set at a team of 4 staff for now as follows: 1 Principal, 1 Assistant Principal, 1 Higher Executive Officer and 1 Clerical Officer. In addition, the work of very many Business Units across the Department is impacted by Brexit. These Units have finalised their business plans for 2017 and the impact of Brexit for their work has been fully factored in. In addition, a workforce planning process spanning the years 2017-19 has recently been concluded. This process was coordinated by my Department's HR Unit and reviewed the level of resources assigned across all Divisions of the Department in relation to our current strategic priorities, and, naturally, responding to Brexit features heavily in the plan. In this regard additional staffing resources will be recruited to support the Brexit Unit and other areas of the Department impacted by Brexit in the immediate period ahead.
In terms of the Agency numbers, additional Brexit resources are being put in place in response to the €2.750m allocated for extra staff. This sum is anticipated to allow for additional Brexit staffing in Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, SFI and the HSA (with a number of specific posts sanctioned and recruitment under way).
In relation to Enterprise Ireland, my Department has sanctioned an additional 39 posts with the Agency supplementing the “Brexit” pay allocation with additional Own Resource Income. 12 of the 39 posts have been filled. The remaining 27 are actively being sourced through recruitment processes.
IDA Ireland has sought 21 additional staff resources in order that it can meet the jobs and investment targets set out in its Strategy – “Winning Foreign Direct Investment 2015 – 2019” - and to meet the global challenges of 2017 and beyond with Brexit key among the identified challenges. The Agency also submitted a staff resourcing strategy to the Department in July 2016 which sought sanction for retention of the 35 staff hired on 3-year fixed term contracts under the Winning Abroad Programme. This request is still under consideration. The Department has recently approved IDA's request to reinstate its Graduate Recruitment Programme on a three year contract basis and will commence the recruitment process shortly. In addition, IDA has received official sanction to recruit 10 additional “Brexit” staff members. One of the Brexit staff members has been recruited and recruitment is underway for the remaining positions.
Science Foundation Ireland will be hiring an additional 3 staff in 2017 who will have Brexit related responsibilities as part of their portfolios
In relation to the Health and Safety Authority, the Department has recently formally sanctioned an additional Assistant Principal post which is one of the two posts identified as ‘Brexit’ related for that body. Formal approval for the second post, for a Grade III Inspector, is currently awaited. The HSA will commence recruitment to fill the AP post in the near future.
Finally, in respect of these Agencies, they all have prioritised the Brexit implications arising for them in their individual work plans for 2017 and beyond which serving staff will contribute to as part of their day-to-day work. In this regard the staffing of these Agencies is set out below:
- Enterprise Ireland had 575 staff in 564 Full-Time Equivalent posts before Brexit-specific recruitment of upwards of 39 staff takes effect.
- IDA had 268 staff in 259 Full-Time Equivalent posts before Brexit-specific recruitment of upwards of 21 staff takes effect.
- SFI had 47 staff in 46.5 Full-Time Equivalent posts before Brexit-specific recruitment of 2 additional staff takes effect.
- HSA has 167 staff in 159 Full-Time Equivalent posts before Brexit-specific recruitment of 2 additional staff takes effect.
1409. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of funding paid out by an organisation (details supplied) in each of the years from 2007 to 2016 respectively, in tabular form; the projects this money was spent on; the way the annual spend was broken down by each project; the technology readiness level of each of those projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19650/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraScience Foundation Ireland (SFI) supports approximately 500 award holders across its portfolio of research programmes. The portfolio includes both investigator initiated and thematic calls, project grants and large-scale Research Centre awards, short and long-term funding, support for early career researchers, emerging and established research leaders, individual and collaborative awards.
Data on SFI awards by programme, year, budget, awardee and topic is available as part of the Government’s Open Data initiative. The full dataset of all STEM research and ancillary projects funded by the agency can be viewed here https://data.gov.ie/dataset/science-foundation-ireland-grant-commitments.
The Table provides a breakdown of annual grant payments by SFI.
|
Year |
Amount €000s |
|
2016 |
184,026 |
|
2015 |
162,706 |
|
2014 |
153,544 |
|
2013 |
152,310 |
|
2012 |
156,927 |
|
2011 |
154,029 |
|
2010 |
150,135 |
|
2009 |
173,550 |
|
2008 |
160,138 |
|
2007 |
156.622 |
In 2016 SFI mapped its active award portfolio against TRL levels. This indicated that most of Science Foundation Ireland’s portfolio of investment - more than 80% - was in TRL 1 and 2.
With time and given Science Foundation Ireland’s expanded remit, it would be expected to see investments moving to span the TRL levels including into mid-high TRL activity. While SFI’s mid-high TRL investments will grow in the future, most of SFI’s investment will continue to be in the lower TRLs, in line with the mandate of the organisation.
Appendix I - a graphic analysis of TRL Level of portfolio at end 2015 - has been forwarded separately to the Deputy.
Definition of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL):
TRL 1 Basic principles observed
TRL 2 Technology concept formulated
TRL 3 Experimental proof of concept
TRL 4 Technology validated in lab
TRL 5 Technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
TRL 6 Technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
TRL 7 System prototype demonstration in operational environment
TRL 8 System complete and qualified
TRL 9 Actual system proven in operational environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies; or in space.
1410. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will consider addressing the State's non-compliance with the EU part-time workers directive by implementing the French model of honest contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19695/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 (the 2001 Act) implemented EU Council Directive 97/81/EC into Irish law. This Directive emanated as a result of an agreement between employer and employee representatives at EU level to establish a general framework for eliminating discrimination against part-time workers and to contribute to developing the potential for part-time work on a basis which takes into account the needs of employers and employees.
Accordingly, the 2001 Act provides a wide degree of protection for part-time employees, including the general protection that a part-time employee shall not be treated in a less favourable manner in respect of his/her conditions of employment than a full time employee.
I understand that Ibec and ICTU were involved in the process of drafting the Directive at European level through the European social partner organisations. At national level, officials from my Department also consulted extensively with them regarding transposition of the Directive.
I am satisfied that Ireland has met its responsibilities in transposing EU Council Directive 97/81/EC into national law. This position is confirmed by a 2003 report on the implementation of the Directive undertaken by the European Commission.
While the French concept of 'honest contracts' is interesting, my colleague, Minister Mitchell O'Connor, and I are currently bringing forward our own proposals in this area for consideration by Government. The proposals are in response to the commitment in the Programme for Government to address the problems caused by increased casualisation of work and to strengthen the regulation of precarious employment.
The proposals are aimed at low paid, more vulnerable workers and address the issue of employees on low hour contracts who consistently work more hours each week but whose contracts do not reflect the reality of their hours worked. The proposals will also seek to ensure that employees are better informed about the nature of their employment arrangements and their core terms at an early stage in their employment.
The policy response takes account of the University of Limerick study on zero hour contracts and low hour contracts as well as the extensive material and practical examples provided by respondents to the public consultation conducted by my Department. My Department also engaged in a detailed dialogue process with ICTU and Ibec over a number of months in an effort to secure the deepest understanding of the issues and implications before finalizing proposals.
1411. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the specific incentives in place or extra measures available to the IDA to attract foreign direct investment into regional locations other than Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19764/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland is making good progress towards its target of increasing the level of investment in each region by 30% to 40% by 2019. In 2016, 52% of all Agency supported jobs created were based outside of Dublin.
While IDA Ireland does everything in its power to ensure an even spread of investments, it is important to realise that the ultimate decision on location rests solely with the company. There is a global trend to base foreign direct investment around large urban areas. Quite often, companies also want to be located near competitors or clusters of other similar enterprises. As a result, some businesses are only interested in investing in our larger cities.
The Government remains committed to achieving balanced regional development and this ambition is reflected in our eight Regional Action Plans for Jobs (RAPJs). The aim of the RAPJs is to ensure that the unemployment rate of each region is within one percentage point of the State average by 2020. These plans are delivering clear results with an implementation rate of over 90% for each region.
1412. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department is responsible for providing a mandate to allow a consortium to deliver a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19788/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised at national and EU-level that the biggest challenge often faced by innovative companies is finding a first customer, rather than securing funding for Research and Innovation.
At the EU-level, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020 has two programmes designed to address this challenge, namely Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) and Public Procurement of Innovative solutions (PPI).
At a national level, to address this challenge, the Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen T.D. announced in September 2016, a €1m Enterprise Ireland fund, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Fund, to drive collaborative projects between companies and public sector bodies to find solutions to specific public sector challenges and needs. The SBIR process facilitates competitions which enable public sector bodies to connect with innovation-led businesses to work on innovative ideas which tackle challenges facing the public sector leading to better public services and improved effectiveness and value for money.
The call, ICT-33-2017 Innovation Procurement Networks, is a Coordination and Support Action designed to address the fragmentation of public demand by facilitating cross-border cooperation among procurers. One objective is the creation of an EU-wide network of national competence centres on innovation procurement to promote the PCP and PPI programmes. The centres should assist ICT procurers in participating in PCP and PPI and share expertise across the EU.
In relation to the specific project referred to by the Deputy, I have been advised by the Office of Government Procurement that they have been notified that an application to participate in the Networks was submitted by the consortium to the European Commission by the 25 April 2017 closing deadline.
1413. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the estimated number of firms and full time equivalent jobs which will relocate to the United Kingdom as a result of a hard Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19886/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UK’s decision to leave the EU is regrettable and it will undoubtedly present challenges for Ireland because of the significant amount of trade between our two countries.
Our strategies are designed to keep companies and jobs in Ireland and we are fully focused on this objective.
I am deeply engaged with my Department’s agencies - Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland as well as through the Local Enterprise Offices - to ensure sufficient supports are in place to safeguard Irish jobs and exports in response to both the short term and long term impact of Brexit.
I have also met frequently with representatives of companies, business organisations and other stakeholders throughout the country in recent months to hear about their challenges and concerns arising from BREXIT and its possible consequences.
In terms of companies preparing themselves for Brexit, I would like to draw attention to Enterprise Ireland’s #PrepareforBrexit communications campaign featuring the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ on www.prepareforbrexit.ie. The Scorecard is a new interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies, whether they are EI clients or not, to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars. The Scorecard generates an immediate report which provides advice as well as information on supports and resources to Irish businesses preparing for Brexit.
In terms of supports available to companies, EI’s provision of management capability, leadership, marketing/sales skills, innovation and R&D supports is being intensified to help clients to build market share and create new market opportunities.
Enterprise Ireland also has a suite of supports that help clients reduce supply-chain costs and drive efficiencies and cost reductions as a means of improving operating margins, thereby increasing competitiveness.
Through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) a range of measures is being put in place to supplement existing supports, including:
- Supports to facilitate micro enterprises to develop new internationalisation opportunities;
- Roll out of a national “Lean for Micro” initiative to drive firm level competitiveness;
- Brexit-focused mentoring and training; and
- Local level awareness raising and information sharing about Brexit, including; seminars, workshops and cross-border business networking.
1414. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the estimated number of new full-time positions which will be created in the greater Dublin area as a result of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19888/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1422. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the promotion of north County Dublin in attracting investment and jobs as part of the Government's Brexit strategy, in view of the transport links provided for businesses due to the presence of Dublin Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20251/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1414 and 1422 together.
The vote by the UK to leave the European Union has potential job creation opportunities for Ireland, particularly in the financial services sector. However, quantifying job numbers for Dublin at this point is not possible.
The Government through the IDA will continue to pursue all new opportunities to attract mobile investment that emerge as a result of Brexit, however we must remember that there is stiff global competition in this area. We should also be realistic about the scale of any new investment and we should not expect tens of thousands of jobs in the short-term.
1415. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff in Science Foundation Ireland with specific responsibility for issues related to Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19889/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraScience Foundation Ireland (SFI) have designated three new posts to have specific Brexit related responsibilities and duties. These posts have been enabled by an increase in the Foundation’s pay allocation in 2017 for Brexit specific recruitment. While these posts have yet to be filled, recruitment is currently underway.
Furthermore, a number of current SFI staff also have Brexit related responsibilities. SFI has an internal Brexit team led by one of its Senior Directors which focuses on Brexit related initiatives including, for example, direct engagement with UK colleagues in exploring and drafting potential joint research schemes with the UK. The DG of SFI and senior management team all regularly participate in high level Brexit related consultations and meetings with some follow up activities that filter down throughout the organisation.
Pending the outcome of the consultations and exploration of potential schemes the three new Brexit posts will have specific responsibilities for the development and implementation of those Brexit related schemes – noting that the new Deputy DG post will likely be leading a number of those initiatives once appointed.
In addition, SFI will also continue to focus on the UK market, which is critically important in light of Brexit, by continuing its partnership with the Royal Society, The Wellcome Trust and the Research Councils to drive ever-increasing collaborations between Ireland and UK-based researchers. SFI also intends to explore the potential for recruitment of senior talent from the UK in areas of strategic importance.
1416. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will report on the implementation of the 1993 EU Directive on Unfair Terms Consumer Contracts here and its transposition into law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19961/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDirective 93/13/EEC on Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts was given effect by the European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) Regulations 1995 (S.I. No. 27/1995), the "Principal Regulations".
The Directive has since been given further effect by the following enactments:
the European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 307/2000) provide that consumer organisations set up for the purpose of protecting consumer rights may apply for a court order under the Principal Regulations;
section 94 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 (No. 19 of 2007) give the Central Bank enforcement powers under the Principal Regulations in respect of financial services provided by a regulated financial service provider;
section 21 of the Arbitration Act 2010 (No. 1 of 2010) provides that an arbitration agreement to which one of the parties is a consumer and a term of which provides that each party shall bear his or her own costs shall be deemed to be an unfair term for the purposes of the Principal Regulations;
the European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 160/2013) extend the civil remedies available under the Principal Regulations;
the European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 336/2014) give the Commission for Communications Regulation enforcement powers under the Principal Regulations in respect of providers of electronic communications networks or services or associated facilities and of premium rate service providers.
