Written Answers Nos 149-168
149. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff employed in her Department and in each State agency under the aegis of her Department, by county, in tabular form. [29254/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has its head office located in Dublin, with certain offices based in regional locations. There are also a number of State Agencies that come within the remit of my Department, some of whom have a regional presence. The current functions and locations, together with the respective staffing complement for each is set out in the tables.
Please note that a transfer of certain functions relating to labour affairs to the Department of Employment and Social Protection is currently being progressed. The figures provided below relate to the Department and its Offices before the transfer of functions.
Staffing (headcount) numbers of the Department and its Offices
|
Department/Office |
County |
Staff Numbers (headcount) |
|
Department |
Dublin * |
465 |
|
Companies Registration Office (CRO) |
Dublin |
84 |
|
|
Carlow |
44 |
|
Patents Office |
Kilkenny |
46 |
|
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) |
Dublin |
35 |
|
Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) |
Dublin |
85 |
|
|
Carlow |
61 |
|
|
Cork |
7 |
|
|
Clare (Shannon) |
10 |
|
|
Sligo |
10 |
|
Labour Court |
Dublin |
28 |
*Includes 4 staff seconded to Geneva and 1 to Brussels counted in DJEI staffing figures
Staffing (headcount) numbers of the Agencies
|
Agency |
County |
Staff Numbers (headcount) |
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission |
Dublin |
89 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
412 |
|
|
Clare |
48 |
|
|
Cork |
19 |
|
|
Galway |
16 |
|
|
Westmeath |
12 |
|
|
Louth |
5 |
|
|
Sligo |
5 |
|
|
Kerry |
3 |
|
|
Waterford |
3 |
|
|
Donegal |
2 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
Dublin |
96 |
|
|
Cork |
21 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
12 |
|
|
Westmeath |
12 |
|
|
Limerick |
10 |
|
|
Waterford |
8 |
|
|
Galway |
7 |
|
|
Sligo |
6 |
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority |
Kildare |
22 |
|
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
158 |
|
|
Westmeath |
40 |
|
|
Sligo |
9 |
|
|
Cork |
6 |
|
|
Limerick |
6 |
|
|
Waterford |
6 |
|
|
Galway |
4 |
|
|
Donegal |
2 |
|
|
Louth |
2 |
|
|
Cavan |
1 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
Dublin |
111 |
|
|
Limerick |
9 |
|
|
Galway |
7 |
|
|
Cork |
4 |
|
|
Sligo |
3 |
|
|
Waterford |
1 |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
Dublin |
80 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
Dublin |
52 |
150. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she is satisfied with the rate of recruitment of State agency staff for Brexit-related issues; the reason less than one third of Brexit specific posts have been filled in Enterprise Ireland; if barriers have been identified to the recruitment of persons in State agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26557/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, 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 (€1,700,000)
- IDA Ireland (€750,000)
- Science Foundation Ireland (€150,000)
- The Health and Safety Authority (€150,000), and
- The Department itself (€250,000).
In relation to the rate of recruitment of staff for Brexit related issues within the State Agencies listed above, the current position is set out for each below. The remaining Agencies that come under the remit of my Department – the National Standards Authority of Ireland, The Personal Injuries Assessment Board, The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and The Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority – are not at this time recruiting any additional staff specifically for Brexit related issues.
In relation to Enterprise Ireland, 12 posts have been filled to date and a further 19 have been advertised with the recruitment process ongoing. The remaining 8 job specifications are being finalised with a view to advertising them in the immediate future. Enterprise Ireland are confident that they have partnered with the most appropriate recruitment agencies around the world and in Ireland, and consider that this will support them in the identification of high calibre candidates, increasing the speed of filling the outstanding posts.
Insofar as IDA Ireland is concerned, three Brexit related posts have been filled to date and the recruitment process for the remaining seven is ongoing. IDA Ireland has undertaken a rigorous recruitment process across a wide variety of channels to ensure that the best candidates are identified for these roles, and the Agency will make the remaining Brexit appointments at the earliest possible opportunity.
Additionally, IDA Ireland has sought a further 21 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. My Department is pursuing this matter separately.
In respect of Science Foundation Ireland, the recruitment process to fill three Brexit related posts is currently underway and successful candidates are expected to be in place in the coming months. 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 schemes with the UK.
The Health and Safety Authority's recruitment planning is currently underway and the HSA hopes to be in a position to commence the process of recruitment in July for two Brexit related posts.
I am, of course, eager to see the remaining additional resources recruited as quickly as possible. However, it should be borne in mind that recruitment is being undertaken by the Agencies within a highly competitive labour market and in this context I am satisfied that appropriate efforts are currently being made by the Agencies to recruit these additional resources.
It must also be borne in mind that all these Agencies will 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.
151. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the estimated impact of a no deal being reached in Brexit negotiations on the auto part industry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26558/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government through the Action Plan for Jobs has taken decisive action to support all sectors of the economy recover from the deepest recession we have experienced in recent decades. This sustained focus on job creation has resulted in the creation of over 209,000 additional jobs since 2012. The unemployment rate has declined from over 15% in 2012 to 6.4% in May this year.
The motor industry was impacted during the recession in the same way as all other sectors. The sector has recovered substantially over the last five years. New vehicle registrations reached their highest level since 2009 last year. While the data for the first four months of 2017 indicate a decline of over 9% compared with the same period last year, registrations remain above the levels in 2015 and immediately preceding years. CSO data is also indicating an increase in imported vehicles being registered, in part reflecting the weakening of sterling and consumers seeking value for money.
The outlook for consumer spend remains positive. According to data provided by the Department of Finance, personal consumption expenditure is growing, headline retail sales are up, and the total number of private cars has increased over the year. Overall, consumer spending, employment trends, and taxation receipts confirm that Ireland’s economic fundamentals remain solid. In terms of external demand, the UK, Euro-area, and US economies are expanding. This positive outlook should continue to benefit the motor sector and auto-part industry in their recovery to a sustainable level.
In addition, my Department is undertaking extensive preparatory work and consultations to anticipate the impact of Brexit on key sectors, including the retail sector. As Chair of the Brexit response in my Department, I will continue to ensure we address the challenges and opportunities arising from Brexit.
152. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the actions to be taken as a result of the outputs from a series of structured engagements with companies across the regions of different sizes and sectors on the impact of currency fluctuations on exposed companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26559/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA recent survey of SMEs commissioned by my Department on Brexit impacts, and published on my Department’s website, indicated that 49% of companies had experienced no impact on their business from Brexit, and a further 15% had experienced minimal impact. However, when asked to look forward over the next 18 months the percentage expecting no Brexit impact drops to 26%, with 17% expecting a significant impact.
Based on this analysis, other research carried out on behalf of my Department over the past months, and extensive engagement with stakeholders, my Department is working closely with Enterprise Ireland, the Department of Finance, the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, and the SBCI to develop targeted supports dealing with identified needs of companies around working capital and business development.
My Department and its agencies are actively supporting companies in preparing for Brexit on an ongoing basis. Enterprise Ireland’s (EI) #PrepareforBrexit communications campaign featuring the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ was launched in March. The Scorecard is an interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit.
EI has introduced a ‘Be Prepared Grant’ which offers up to €5,000 for exporting client companies to conduct further research and use external expertise to develop a Brexit Action Plan. EI is also delivering various supports to reduce supply-chain costs and drive efficiencies as a means of improving operating margins, thereby increasing competitiveness.
The Local Enterprise Office Brexit-focused supports include the roll out of a national Lean for Micro initiative to improve competitiveness; mentoring and training initiatives; and awareness raising including workshops and cross-border business networking.
InterTrade Ireland is also undertaking a range of initiatives for SMEs trading across the border including the provision of advice and supports for capability building.
153. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have contacted the Enterprise Europe Network in 2017. [26560/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Commission launched the Enterprise Europe Network in 2008. It is a project co-funded under the “COSME” - an EU funding programme designed to encourage the competitiveness of European enterprises.
The Enterprise Europe Network in Ireland is a 4-partner consortium consisting of Enterprise Ireland (as the coordinator) along with Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Cork Chamber of Commerce and the Local Enterprise Offices. It helps business innovate and grow through tailored support, new business and technology partnerships, commercial opportunities, licensing deals, and partners searches for EU funded R&D. Its services are tailored to SMEs but also available to all other businesses, universities and research centres. It provides free services including; identifying international partnerships, advice for international growth and support for business innovation.
The number of businesses that have contacted Enterprise Ireland EEN to date in 2017 is 83. Figures in respect of the Local Enterprise Offices are not available until the end of 2017. However, 1,396 SMEs/clients received individual advisory support from the LEOs in 2016.
My Department does not have the required data for the other members of the EEN in Ireland, i.e. Dublin Chamber of Commerce and the Cork Chamber of Commerce.
The EEN is active in over 60 countries and brings together 3,000 experts from more than 600 member organisations including innovation support organisations, universities and research institutes, regional development organisations and chambers of commerce and industry, throughout the world. It’s the biggest SME support network and combines international business expertise with local knowledge to help companies move into new markets.
154. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the agency which is responsible for the regulation of television contracts with persons; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that television companies making it difficult for persons to disengage from their contracts despite the contract term having expired; and if she will investigate this matter in order to determine whether action could be taken to ensure that television companies are not deliberately blocking persons from moving to another supplier when their initial contract period is up. [26617/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutorily independent body with primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with consumer protection legislation. The issues around contractual terms and termination policies raised by the Deputy come within the CCPC’s remit. The main consumer protection enactments relevant to these issues are the European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) Regulations 1995 (S.I. No. 27 of 1995) and the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 on unfair, misleading and aggressive commercial practices.
The CCPC has advised me that it is aware, through its Consumer Helpline, of concerns about trader behaviour and policies in respect of the termination of contracts with television service providers. While it is not the role of the CCPC to pursue individual cases, the contacts it receives from consumers are a key source of market intelligence which help to inform and prioritise its enforcement activities. While the volume of contacts received in relation to termination of television contracts has not necessitated enforcement action at this point, the CCPC will continue to keep the issue under review. In addition to welcoming contacts from consumers on the issue it would be happy to receive information from the Deputy.
As part of its information role, the CCPC (and its predecessor the National Consumer Agency) has consistently advocated that consumers should shop around when considering signing up for a service. Where consumers encounter difficulties in switching service providers, the CCPC’s helpline and website provide extensive information to assist consumers in fully asserting their rights.
The Deputy may also wish to note that, to the extent that television services providers provide electronic communications services, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) could have a role in respect of the issues highlighted in his question. ComReg has dual enforcement powers with the CCPC in respect of certain consumer protection legislation, including the legislation governing unfair contract terms. As the telecommunications sectoral regulator it also has a role in tackling operator conduct that hinders or prevents switching. There is a Cooperation Agreement in place between the CCPC and ComReg that permits the two bodies to consult and agree on the most appropriate ways of resolving issues of mutual concern in the electronic communications services sector.
155. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the budget allocated to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement in each of the years 2006 to 2016, in tabular form; the actual expenditure by the office for each of these years; and the whole time equivalent staffing at the end of each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26631/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe financial and staffing information being sought by the Deputy in relation to the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement is set out in the table.
|
|
Pay allocation |
Pay expenditure at year end |
Non-Pay allocation |
Non-Pay expenditure at year end |
Full-time Equivalent Staff serving |
Headcount |
|
2006 |
€1.899m |
€1.915m |
€2.814m |
€1.440m |
30.3 |
32 |
|
2007 |
€2.119m |
€2.140m |
€2.704m |
€2.215m |
32.9 |
35 |
|
2008 |
€2.681m |
€2.412m |
€2.276m |
€1.912m |
36.5 |
41 |
|
2009 |
€2.655m |
€2.664m |
€2.880m |
€2.941m |
40.6 |
44 |
|
2010 |
€2.579m |
€2.625m |
€3.507m |
€1.074m |
39.7 |
43 |
|
2011 |
€2.660m |
€2.629m |
€3.307m |
€0.768m |
39.7 |
42 |
|
2012 |
€2.620m |
€2.463m |
€3.077m |
€0.973m |
35.1 |
38 |
|
2013 |
€2.475m |
€2.394m |
€2.855m |
€0.729m |
34.5 |
37 |
|
2014 |
€2.465m |
€2.216m |
€2.207m |
€0.797m |
32.5 |
35 |
|
2015 |
€2.884m |
€2.156m |
€2.207m |
€0.917m |
30.5 |
33 |
|
2016 |
€2.808m |
€2.006m |
€2.207m |
€0.721m |
32.7 |
35 |
It should be noted that there were 27 fortnightly payroll periods in 2015 applicable to the bulk of ODCE staff and a return to the norm of 26 fortnightly payroll periods in 2016, hence the modest reduction in the 2016 Pay allocation.
In addition there is a staff complement of 7 Gardai assigned to the ODCE to assist with its criminal investigation / prosecution functions. Additional Garda resources were assigned to the Office in the period 2010-2013 to assist in the Anglo Irish Bank investigation. The pay related costs for the Gardai assigned to the ODCE are borne by the Department of Justice and Equality Vote and such pay costs are not reflected in the financial table above.
|
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Gardai |
8 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
Although the staffing complement of the ODCE formed part of the overall Department cohort, during the lifetime of the moratorium great care was taken in terms of the staffing impacts of the general Departmental down-sizing on the Office. In that regard, the Office was provided with sufficient pay monies to meet their pay needs as is evidenced from the pay underspends over recent years. In general, the ODCE only had a reduction in staff where staff retired or transferred from the Office and there were delays in filling the resultant vacancies in professional areas such as Legal and/or Accounting.
Specific provision was made in the Office’s 2015 allocation to allow for the recruitment of additional staff, including additional specialist staff such as the 7 forensic accountants. The reality, however, has been that notwithstanding the increased pay allocation, it has taken some time to effect the recruitment of the specialist staff concerned. Nonetheless, 5 additional forensic accountants are now in place and a competition to recruit a further 2 is underway under the auspices of the Public Appointments Service (PAS). Likewise, the Department and PAS are engaged on further senior recruitment of Legal and Accounting expertise at Principal Officer equivalent level.
A significant element of the non-pay allocation provided to the ODCE provides for possible legal costs. These costs, as well as their timing, are difficult to forecast as the ODCE has little or no control over the timing of when the cases will be determined. It is also the case that the ODCE cannot be sure of the outcome of cases in terms of costs orders and it cannot anticipate the scale of costs that other parties may seek. Whilst it is entirely prudent that provision continue to be made to meet legal costs in the ODCE’s subhead, the corollary of the uncertainty in relation to amount, timing etc. of such costs can lead to underspends. This has been the case for the last number of years where ODCE legal costs have been significantly less than anticipated thus giving rise to repeated underspends.
156. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of site visits the IDA has made to County Waterford in 2017 in view of the fact that the average unemployment figures in County Waterford are 3% above the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26818/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were three IDA Ireland-sponsored site visits to County Waterford in the first quarter of 2017. In 2016 there was a total of 17 site visits to the County.
It is important to remember that the number of site visits is not necessarily an accurate measure of the level of foreign direct investment (FDI) activity in an area. That is because approximately 70% of all FDI won by IDA Ireland comes from its existing client base, rather than new companies.
Similarly, site visit statistics are not necessarily reflective either of the level of employment. CSO figures show that in January this year, there were 7,823 people in Waterford County and 9,271 people in Waterford City on the Live Register. These figures represent decreases of 1,084 and 1,310 respectively over the previous 12 months.
While more work remains to be done, the jobs situation in the South East is improving. Since 2012 it has had the fastest rate of employment growth, in percentage terms, of any region in the country. Almost 215,000 people are now at work in the South East, which is an increase of 33,500 since 2012.
Waterford also remains home to 35 existing IDA Ireland client companies who employ 6,135 people in a range of manufacturing and service operations. The County gained a net increase of 561 Agency supported jobs in 2016.
These figures demonstrate that the overall employment trend is one of steady improvement and I remain positive that the region will benefit from continued job creation.
157. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to ensure that training opportunities, help and support are put in place by Enterprise Ireland to support the 33 manufacturing workers that will lose their jobs in a company (details supplied) in October 2017 when manufacturing will cease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26819/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe news that jobs will be lost at this company was very disappointing. The Government will, however, make every State support available to employees being impacted and the relevant Departments and Agencies will work collectively to help workers transition and find new employment opportunities. This will include the provision of re-training, if required.
While more work remains to be done, I would like to highlight the strong progress that has been made towards reducing unemployment in the South East Region over recent years. The most recent CSO data shows that the unemployment rate in the Region has fallen from a peak of 20.1% in 2012 to 9.3% in Q1 2017. Since 2012, the South East has also had the fastest rate of jobs growth, in percentage terms, of any region in the country. I am therefore optimistic that we will continue to see new jobs being generated across the wider South East area.
158. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on whether it would be in the consumer interest if a company (details supplied) only allowed its own policy holders to access clinics in view of the recent approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission for the company to take full ownership of clinics. [26832/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for the enforcement of domestic and EU competition and consumer law in the State. Section 9 (5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 provides that the CCPC is independent in the performance of its functions, including in relation to merger/ acquisition determinations. As merger/ acquisition determinations form part of the statutory functions of the CCPC, I, as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation have no direct function in the matter.
However, I am informed that the CCPC recently assessed and approved the acquisition of sole control of Aras Slainte Limited by Vhi Investments DAC.
The CCPC’s role in relation to merger/acquisition determinations is statutorily restricted to examining whether the proposed transaction would result in a “substantial lessening of competition” as provided for in Section 20 of the Competition Act 2002.
During the extended investigation, I am informed that the CCPC requested and received, on an on-going basis, further information and clarifications from the notifying parties and third parties. The CCPC’s analysis of the proposed transaction involved an in-depth economic assessment of the affected relevant markets, consultation with third parties and an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed transaction on consumers.
I understand that the CCPC has formed the view that the transaction will not substantially lessen competition in any market for goods or services in the State. This view was formed on the basis that the transaction would impact on three Vhi SwiftCare clinics in the State – two in Dublin and one in Cork - and as such, there are a multitude of other primary care options (e.g., GPs, A&E departments in public and private hospitals, etc.) active in the potential markets in Dublin and Cork. The CCPC also considers that other health insurers could either introduce their own clinics or seek to make arrangements with other health facilities to provide a similar service to their customers.
In addition, I am informed that the CCPC sought, and was given, assurances from Vhi that any changes to access to Vhi SwiftCare clinics for customers of other health insurers would be communicated in advance in a timely and widespread manner to affected health insurance policy-holders.
My colleague, the Minister for Health, has policy responsibility for health insurance.
159. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the threats identified by her Department with regard to the responsibilities of her Department as a result of no deal being reached in Brexit negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26906/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 2nd May, the Government published a comprehensive document on Ireland and the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This document sets out the approach of the Government to the forthcoming negotiations, following the successful campaign to have key Irish issues recognised in the EU negotiation position.
Following on from this publication, work is underway to prepare a further paper on economic implications of the Brexit challenge. This will draw on the work to date across Departments, which will be developed to mitigate emerging sectoral challenges. These plans will build on ongoing cross-Government research, analysis and consultations with stakeholders, and will reflect the core economic themes of the Taoiseach's speech to the IIEA on 15 February last.
Ireland’s economic interests lie firmly in a strong and well-functioning EU with continued and unfettered access to the single market. There is a lot of negotiation to be done around trading arrangements. Our contingency work is examining all scenarios and we cannot pre-empt the outcome at this stage. We are not under any illusions about the complexity of these negotiations and are engaged in detailed planning to prepare for these. There is a whole of Government approach in place focusing on Brexit issues and my Department and its agencies are to the forefront of this effort.
Given the wide mission of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union will impact significantly on all policy fields across my Department as well as our family of Agencies. Over the past number of months, I have tasked my Department officials with making Brexit their number one priority.
In advance of the Referendum my Department conducted a contingency risk assessment of the potential impacts of Brexit across policy areas of my Department. We have refined our analysis post-Referendum and we have been working with Agencies to put in place actions to mitigate risks and maximise opportunities.
We have also been working with colleagues across Government to analysis potential sectoral impacts and consider the implications of various scenarios which may emerge as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
My department has been building an understanding of companies’ needs in adapting to the challenges posed by Brexit and to develop appropriate and targeted responses to support them. I recently published the results of a survey of over 1,000 enterprises.
In response to the results of the survey we are developing a Brexit Working Capital Guarantee Scheme and scoping out the need for a longer term Business Development Loan Scheme to assist firms in investing for a post-Brexit environment.
My Department has funded a research project commissioned by InterTrade Ireland to improve our understanding of the impact on cross border trade of different trade and tariff regimes which might be imposed following Brexit. This study has recently been published.
We are also undertaking research to examine the implications for the most exposed enterprise sectors of the UK being outside of the European Single Market and Customs Union.
In addition we are profiling the composition of trade and investment for Ireland and a range of EU Member States with the UK – this will provide an evidence base to inform Ireland’s policy positions as part of the wider negotiation on the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
Finally, the Action Plan for 2017 is at the core of the government's response to the huge challenge these pose for businesses.
160. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Civil Service clerical officers in full time employment as of 31 May 2017 by county and by Department, in tabular form. [26928/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra161. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of full time Civil Service clerical officers that have either retired, resigned or been promoted from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017, by county and by Department, in tabular form. [26929/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra162. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of full time Civil Service clerical officer appointments made from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017, by county and by Department, in tabular form. [26930/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra163. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of temporary Civil Service clerical officer appointments made from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017, by county and by Department, in tabular form. [26931/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 to 163, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables.
Clerical Officers in full time employment as of 31st May 2017
It should be noted that my Department does not appoint TCO/CO staff on a part-time basis. It does however facilitate a number of staff (numbers included), upon their own request, with a reduced working pattern.
|
COUNTY |
REDUCED WORK PATTERN |
FULL WORK PATTERN |
TOTAL |
|
Dublin |
46 |
125 |
171 |
|
Carlow |
11 |
43 |
54 |
|
Kilkenny |
4 |
12 |
16 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Shannon |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Other (posts outside of Ireland) |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
62 |
182 |
244 |
Clerical Officers who have retired, resigned or been promoted 1st January 2015-31st May 2017
RETIREMENTS
|
County |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Dublin |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
Carlow |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
3 |
3 |
4 |
RESIGNATIONS
|
County |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Dublin |
2 |
3 |
2 |
|
Carlow |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
2 |
4 |
2 |
PROMOTIONS
|
County |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Dublin |
12 |
17 |
4 |
|
Carlow |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Total |
13 |
19 |
6 |
Clerical Officer appointments 1st January 2015- 31st May 2017
|
COUNTY |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Dublin |
3 |
22 |
12 |
|
Carlow |
5 |
8 |
5 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Total |
8 |
32 |
17 |
Temporary Clerical Officer appointments 1st January 2015-31st May 2017
|
COUNTY |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Dublin |
8 |
6 |
2 |
|
Carlow |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
8 |
7 |
5 |
164. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 378 of 23 May 2017, if she will provide the figures for all pension contributions made by public sector workers in each body under the aegis of her Department, excluding those in the Civil Service, including the pension levy, in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [26975/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of pension contributions made by public sector workers in agencies under the aegis of my Department, excluding those that are covered by the Civil Service Pension Scheme/Single Public Service Pension Scheme, are set out in the tables.
2010
|
Agency |
Amount contributed by employees to pensions |
|
Enterprise Ireland Contributions |
€6,670,261 |
|
LEO/CEB Contributions Paid to EI |
€788,010 |
|
Design & Craft Council Ireland paid to EI |
€37,237 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
€1,006,859 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
€1,428,352.02 |
|
IDA Ireland |
€2,393,211 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
€524,527 |
2011
|
Agency |
Amount contributed by employees to pensions |
|
Enterprise Ireland Contributions |
€6,495,494 |
|
LEO/CEB Contributions Paid to EI |
€1,030,352 |
|
Design & Craft Council Ireland paid to EI |
€31,640 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
€871,558 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
€1,411,611.26 |
|
IDA Ireland |
€2,256,937 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
€475,793 |
2012
|
Agency |
Amount contributed by employees to pensions |
|
Enterprise Ireland Contributions |
€5,851,260 |
|
LEO/CEB Contributions Paid to EI |
€935,548 |
|
Design & Craft Council Ireland paid to EI |
€27,610 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
€793,397 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
€1,403,532.53 |
|
IDA Ireland |
€2,072,587 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
€489,239 |
2013
|
Agency |
Amount contributed by employees to pensions |
|
Enterprise Ireland Contributions |
€5,498,974 |
|
LEO/CEB Contributions Paid to EI |
€792,624 |
|
Design & Craft Council Ireland paid to EI |
€21,248 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
€769,887 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
€1,355,041.02 |
|
IDA Ireland |
€2,074,823 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
€438,715 |
2014
|
Agency |
Amount contributed by employees to pensions |
|
Enterprise Ireland Contributions |
€5,262,456 |
|
LEO/CEB Contributions Paid to EI |
€1,837,159 |
|
Design & Craft Council Ireland paid to EI |
€25,006 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
€1,090,605 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
€1,328,376.84 |
|
IDA Ireland |
€2,010,705 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
€411,425 |
2015
|
Agency |
Amount contributed by employees to pensions |
|
Enterprise Ireland Contributions |
€5,035,190 |
|
LEO/CEB Contributions Paid to EI |
€234,880 |
|
Design & Craft Council Ireland paid to EI |
€28,761 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
€1,079,408 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
€1,404,913.36 |
|
IDA Ireland |
€1,900,177 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
€425,584 |
2016
|
Agency |
Amount contributed by employees to pensions |
|
Enterprise Ireland Contributions |
€4,231,077 |
|
LEO/CEB Contributions Paid to EI |
€191,628 |
|
Design & Craft Council Ireland paid to EI |
€17,260 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
€934,745 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
€1,242,958.12 |
|
IDA Ireland |
€1,786,764 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
€381,871 |
2017
|
Agency |
Amount contributed by employees to pensions |
|
Enterprise Ireland Contributions |
€1,722,110 (1st Jan – 31st May) |
|
LEO/CEB Contributions Paid to EI |
€33,251 (1st Jan – 31st May) |
|
Design & Craft Council Ireland paid to EI |
€11,234 (1st Jan – 31st May) |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
€413,468 (1st Jan – 2nd June) |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
€507,840.18 |
|
IDA Ireland |
See note 1 below |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
€160,897 |
1. IDA Ireland - 2017 figures have been excluded as IDA Ireland does not make these figures public until signed off by auditors.
165. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the policy regarding the employment of persons with disabilities in her Department and in each State and semi-State body under the aegis of her Department; if there is a responsibility to employ persons with disabilities to a quota of 3% of its workforce; if this quota has now been exceeded; if there has been an advertised competition in relation to this quota; if not, the reason therefor; the dates and details of such competitions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27140/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department as a public service employer has a legal obligation under the Disability Act 2005 to report each year on the number and percentage of employees with disabilities. Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 sets out the following obligations on Government Departments and public service bodies with regard to the employment of people with disabilities.
- Public bodies must, insofar as practicable, take all reasonable measures to promote and support their employment of people with disabilities.
- Public bodies shall ensure, unless there are good reasons for not doing so, that at least 3% of their employees are people with disabilities.
- Public bodies must report on an annual basis to a statutory monitoring committee in their parent Department on the number of people with disabilities in their employment and the measures they are taking to promote and support their employment. The monitoring committees in turn submit their reports on such compliance to the Minister of their parent Department and the National Disability Authority (NDA).
In order to build an accurate record of the number of staff with disabilities, in accordance with the legal definition in the 2005 Act, every employee, whether or not they have any impairment or disability, is asked to complete a census form and return it, in confidence, to the nominated person. While public bodies have a statutory obligation to report, there is no obligation on employees to disclose if they have a disability.
Under the Disability Act, public bodies staffed by civil servants report via the Monitoring Committee in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, while all other public bodies report via the Monitoring Committee in their parent Departments. Public bodies must report to their Monitoring Committees by 31st March each year. Each Monitoring Committee must then report to its respective Minister and the National Disability Authority by the 30th June.
At 31st December 2015, my Department had 842 employees. Of these, 48 declared that they had a disability. This represents 5.7% of the Department's Staff.
As the Monitoring Committees have not yet reported on the 2016 figures - albeit that this data is being collated at this time - the latest figures available in respect of my Department and the bodies within its remit are the 2015 figures listed in the table below.
|
Name of Body |
Total Employees 2015 |
No of employees with a disability 2015 |
% of employees with a disability 2015 |
|
Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation |
842 |
48 |
5.7% |
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission |
70 |
5 |
7.1% |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
563 |
16 |
2.8% |
|
Health & Safety Authority |
175 |
6 |
3.4% |
|
IDA Ireland |
307 |
13 |
4.2% |
|
InterTrade Ireland |
39 |
1 |
2.6% |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
130 |
5 |
3.8% |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
67 |
0 |
0% |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
49 |
2 |
4.1% |
All staff of the Department are recruited through the Public Appointments Service, except Service and Cleaning staff, which occasionally administers competitions specifically for persons with disabilities.
166. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) per annum since March 2011, in tabular form by her Department or agency or body under the aegis of her Department; the cost per contract; the basis for each contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27454/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not awarded any contracts to the company in question since March 2011. Contracts awarded by agencies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the agencies concerned. The agencies have informed me that no payments have been made to the company in the period in question.
167. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount her Department or a body under its aegis has paid to a company (details supplied) for advice, the use of intellectual property and other services. [27712/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my appointment as Minister, my Department has not made any payments to the company in question. Any payments to the company by agencies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the agencies concerned. I have asked the agencies to provide details of any such payments and I will forward to the Deputy once received.
168. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views regarding public concerns relating to a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27737/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe investigative shortcomings of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) identified by Judge John Aylmer in this case fell far short of the standard of impartial, unbiased and thorough investigation we expect and demand.
My predecessor, Minister of State Mitchell O’Connor, wrote to the Director of Corporate Enforcement on Wednesday May 24th, requesting a report under section 955(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2014. This report is to outline issues arising from the investigations by the ODCE into Anglo Irish Bank since 2008. In particular, she ordered that the report include an explanation of the following:
- the coaching of witness statements;
- late disclosure of documents;
- a perceived bias by ODCE investigators;
- the shredding of documents; and
- any other relevant matters.
This report is to be finalised as a matter of urgency and no later than June 23rd. All options will be considered to ensure mistakes of this nature cannot reoccur.
