Written Answers Nos 169-188
169. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of companies her Department is currently liaising with to ensure their survival and retention of their jobs. [27798/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 am in ongoing communication with these agencies through my chairing my Department’s Brexit Co-ordination Group, which includes the chief executives of the agencies.
I have 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.
My Department's 2017 budget contains many measures to help Irish businesses to become more competitive and cope with the impact of Brexit. It includes an extra €52 million in capital funding to support the enterprise sector. Additional current moneys have also been secured to provide up to 50 extra staff for my Department and its enterprise agencies.
Enterprise Ireland is in close and regular contact with the 1500 clients that export to the UK, and in particular to those 600 companies, employing 40,000 people, that have a significant exposure to the UK market.
Training and supports provided by EI in terms of management capability, leadership, competitiveness, marketing/sales skills, market research, trade promotion, innovation and R&D is being intensified to help companies to build market share and create new market opportunities.
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 initiatives; and
- Local level awareness raising and information sharing about Brexit, including; seminars, workshops and cross-border business networking.
IDA Ireland has a clear Brexit Plan, which includes one-to-one investor engagements, public relations/media campaign and an international marketing campaign. The Agency has a Brexit Committee to oversee its response to the opportunities and challenges arising from Brexit.
IDA Ireland believes there are potential FDI opportunities for Ireland from Brexit. The potential sources of FDI are likely to come from: existing IDA Clients with a presence in Ireland who also have a presence in the UK, overseas clients (US, European and Asian) who have a presence in the UK but not in Ireland, UK companies operating in the UK who now need certain access to the European Market, and International clients without a presence in Europe seeking a European home.
In Budget 2017 I was also able to provide additional funding to InterTrade Ireland, the Cross Border Body which has specific responsibility for developing Cross Border Trade. InterTrade Ireland is undertaking a range of initiatives for SMEs trading across the border to help them adapt to the changed circumstances. Assistance will include the provision of factual advice, supports for capability building and the provision of other specialist expertise.
Finally I would like to draw attention to Enterprise Ireland’s #PrepareforBrexit communications campaign featuring the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ on www.prepareforbrexit.ie. The ‘Brexit SME 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. The Prepare for Brexit website also includes case studies of clients who have achieved export success in a range of key sectors and markets and features tips and advice. Enterprise Ireland is also running a series of Brexit events featuring expert speakers throughout the country to promote the tool and encourage companies to prepare for Brexit.
170. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of contacts her Department has received from companies seeking to relocate here as a result of Brexit. [27799/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe IDA, as the State Agency tasked with winning foreign direct investment (FDI), is responsible for working with companies that are considering expanding or locating in Ireland. The IDA continues to work hard to attract such new investment here, including opportunities connected to Brexit.
As I have said before, however, convincing overseas companies to invest in Ireland can be a delicate process that requires perseverance and patience. This is especially the case with regard to Brexit-related investment. It is therefore not in the country’s interests to describe or quantify, in detail, the engagement to date between the IDA and new investors or any inquiries that may have been received. In fact, to do so would risk both compromising the progress that has been made with prospective new clients of the IDA and losing the potential jobs that might accompany any such new future investment here.
I am confident that Ireland will remain attractive to new investment in the time ahead, whether Brexit-related or otherwise, and that we will continue to see significant FDI-related job creation. That is because the attributes that have made this country one of the leading global locations for FDI – including our talented workforce, first-rate education system and pro-enterprise policy environment – continue to be highly valued by multinational companies.
171. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to issues regarding persistent breaches of employment law in the film and television production industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27800/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra172. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the widespread use of bogus self-employment in the film and television production industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27802/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
I am aware of concerns regarding the employment rights protections for workers in the film and television production industry, including in particular the issue of bogus self-employment. These concerns were raised in both Houses of the Oireachtas during the debates on the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2016. They were also raised with me by one of the bodies representing employees in this sector.
All employers, including those in the film and television production industry, carry the same obligations in relation to compliance with employment law. Where an individual believes they are being deprived of employment rights applicable to employees they may refer a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) where the matter can be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication leading to a decision that is enforceable through the District Court. WRC inspectors can also be asked to investigate certain breaches. Complaints can be made on a single complaint form available at the WRC’s website www.workplacerelations.ie.
It is important that individuals are correctly designated regarding their employment status so that those who ought to be designated as employees are not deprived of their employment rights. This is particularly the case for vulnerable workers who may not feel in a position to object to certain arrangements. However, it is also important to remember that some working in this industry may be correctly categorised as self-employed.
In most cases it will be clear whether an individual is employed or self-employed. Where there is doubt in relation to the employment status of an individual the relevant Departments and Agencies will have regard to the Code of Practice for Determining Employment or Self-Employment Status of Individuals. This Code was drawn up and agreed in 2007 by the relevant Government Departments with ICTU and IBEC.
Finally, I welcome the enactment of the Competition (Amendment) Act 2017, which began as a Private Member’s Bill. The Act is intended to establish rights for certain categories of self-employed individuals to be represented by a trade union for the purposes of collective bargaining. I believe that this Act, which met with all Party support in both Houses of the Oireachtas, provides a fine balance in meeting the stated objectives underpinning it whilst, at the same time, remaining consistent with competition law. It will be of benefit to voice-over actors, session musicians and freelance journalists and it also provides for an application process whereby Trade Unions can apply for an exemption from the application of section 4 of the Competition Act 2002 to collective bargaining and agreements in respect of other specific classes of self-employed workers.
173. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any former Members have been appointed to State boards under her remit by the Public Appointments Service; if so, the names and positions of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28217/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo former TD's have been appointed to any State Boards under my Department's remit by the Public Appointments Service.
174. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount paid by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement to companies (details supplied) regarding a court case involving the ODCE and a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27993/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed that the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement made no payments to either of the named entities in relation to the court case referred to by the Deputy.
175. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent by her Department on designing, implementing and supporting the Eircode system in each of the years 2011 to 2016, and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [28142/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the introduction of Eircode, the relevant Eircodes for the various locations of my Department and its offices were circulated to all staff who were instructed to use these in all correspondence going forward. In addition, our website has been updated to include Eircode and as stocks of stationery are depleted, replacement printed material includes Eircode information. Where an Eircode has been provided by a correspondent with my Department, the Eircode will be used in future correspondence to that address. Our ICT systems include vacant fields that were utilised to incorporate Eircodes without any development costs. The changes outlined incurred no additional cost to my Department.
176. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of employees in the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland respectively in each of the years 2007 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [28167/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of full time equivalent employees in Enterprise Ireland, InterTrade Ireland and IDA Ireland for the end of year 2007 to end quarter 1 2017, are listed below.
|
End Year |
Enterprise Ireland Full time equivalents |
InterTrade Ireland Full time equivalents |
IDA Ireland Full time equivalents |
|
2007 |
844 |
44.75 |
275 |
|
2008 |
834 |
45.91 |
282 |
|
2009 |
841 |
42.11 |
268 |
|
2010 |
828 |
43.3 |
264 |
|
2011 |
797 |
47.11 |
249 |
|
2012 |
742 |
39.10 |
250 |
|
2013 |
648.5 |
38.90 |
263.75 |
|
2014 |
631 |
37.54 |
251.75 |
|
2015 |
563 |
37.52 |
248.95 |
|
2016 |
564 |
36.52 |
259.35 |
|
Q1 2017 |
571.5 |
33.59 |
261.35 |
177. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of job vacancies in the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland respectively. [28168/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland currently has 45 Ireland-based vacancies and 36 vacancies across the organisation’s overseas network.
IDA Ireland is actively recruiting to fill 24 vacancies.
InterTrade Ireland has no vacancies.
Vacancies in Agencies such as EI, IDA etc, generally arise on an ongoing basis due to natural attrition (retirements, resignation and death-in-service), as well as the allocation of additional posts in response to Brexit and the nature of each Agency’s resourcing model.
The majority of roles in the overseas network are filled on a fixed term contract basis and therefore at any given time, due to the expiry of contracts, a number of posts may be vacant. This model is required to ensure we retain the flexibility to adequately resource our overseas markets to match the market opportunities for our clients.
An intensive recruitment programme is underway to fill the vacancies with the most appropriate candidates, bringing the relevant specialist skill sets and experience as required for these critical roles.
178. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the budget allocation of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland for each of the years 2007 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [28169/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tables that follow show the annual funding provision made to Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Inter-Trade Ireland through my Department’s Vote for the period 2007 to date. The allocations were approved by the Houses of the Oireachtas and published in the Annual Revised Estimates Volumes for the years in question.
The 2010 allocations are taken from the Further Revised Estimates Volume that was undertaken that year to take into account the transfer of various functions to and from my Department’s Vote.
Enterprise Ireland
|
|
Current €m |
Capital €m |
|
2007 |
€115.550 |
€156.352 |
|
2008 |
€118.799 |
€177.645 plus €5m in capital carryover |
|
2009 |
€109.974 |
€220.736m plus €4m in capital carryover |
|
2010 |
€100.648 |
€197.393 |
|
2011 |
€100.839 |
€203.893 |
|
2012 |
€93.229 |
€202.500 plus €18.125m in capital carryover |
|
2013 |
€85.526 |
€182.000 |
|
2014 |
€80.873 |
€159.600 plus €11m in capital carryover |
|
2015 |
€83.722 |
€163.430 Plus €12m in capital carryover |
|
2016 |
€79.887 |
€173.600 |
|
2017 |
€84.502 |
€185.000 |
IDA Ireland
|
|
Current €m |
Capital €m |
|
2007 |
€42.223 |
€98.520 |
|
2008 |
€45.230 |
€98.520 |
|
2009 |
€41.877 |
€73.594 |
|
2010 |
€39.240 |
€86.000 Plus €5m in capital carryover |
|
2011 |
€38.577 |
€86.000 |
|
2012 |
€35.822 |
€86.000 |
|
2013 |
€38.447 |
€79.000 Plus €7m in capital carryover |
|
2014 |
€38.607 |
€89.000 Plus €3m in capital carryover |
|
2015 |
€40.316 |
€90.000 Plus €5m in capital carryover Plus €21m in Supplementary Estimate, December 2015 |
|
2016 |
€41.680 |
€112.000 Plus €10m in capital carryover |
|
2017 |
€42.264 |
€137.000 |
Inter-Trade Ireland
|
|
Current €m |
Capital €m |
|
2007 |
€2.726 |
€9.166 |
|
2008 |
€2.968 |
€7.714 Plus €1.2m in capital carryover |
|
2009 |
€2.499 |
€6.000 |
|
2010 |
€2.037 |
€5.811 |
|
2011 |
€2.041 |
€6.000 |
|
2012 |
€2.009 |
€6.000 |
|
2013 |
€2.085 |
€6.000 |
|
2014 |
€2.002 |
€5.760 |
|
2015 |
€1.924 |
€5.530 |
|
2016 |
€1.935 |
€5.530 |
|
2017 |
€2.265 |
€5.695 |
The Deputy should note that the funding provision to Enterprise Ireland covers their two subheads on my Department’s Vote, Subheads A7 and B4, which span general supports to indigenous firms and for research and development/innovation supports.
The table above does not capture other Exchequer funding provided over the period to Enterprise Ireland from the Votes of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Communication, Climate Action and Environment.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland are also provided with funding from the National Training Fund (NTF).
The operations of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland are also supported through the generation, retention and use of Agency Own Resource Income, which is subject to annual sanction by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The funding provision to Inter-Trade Ireland is provided on a North-South basis and annual allocations are finalised in conjunction with the Northern Administration. Over the period some cuts were imposed jointly by the Finance Departments North and South in certain years. This meant that the allocation provided through my Department’s Vote had to be adjusted proportionally given the joint-funding arrangement in place. In addition, the Northern Irish administration imposed a unilateral cut in 2015. Also, as the working currency of the Body is Sterling by virtue of being based in Newry, Co. Down, other adjustments were necessary in respect of some years, to take account of exchange rate fluctuations between the Euro and Sterling.
The respective agency expenditure drawdown from my Department’s Vote to the end of May 2017 is set out in the table below.
|
2017 Expenditure Year to Date (end May 2017) |
Current |
Capital |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
€31.91 million |
€46.64 million |
|
IDA Ireland |
€15.91 million |
€25.50 million |
|
InterTrade Ireland |
€0.74 million |
€1.64 million |
179. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of funding allocated to the be prepared grant run by Enterprise Ireland; the number of applicants to date in 2017; and the number of grants awarded to date in 2017. [28170/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have completed the Enterprise Ireland Brexit scorecard to date; and if the results of these scorecards will be published. [28171/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 180 together.
In March 2017, Enterprise Ireland (EI) launched its “Brexit SME Scorecard”. The Scorecard is a new interactive online platform which can be used by Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit. By completing the online questionnaire, the Brexit SME Scorecard will provide companies with an assessment of their preparedness under six key pillars - Business Strategy, Operations, Innovation, Sales and Marketing, Finance and People Management. The Scorecard then generates an immediate report which contains suggested actions, resources and information on events to attend, to prepare for Brexit. The SME Scorecard is available to all companies as a starting point for companies to develop an action plan to help mitigate risks and leverage opportunities which may arise from Brexit.
EI client companies that utilise the Brexit Scorecard will then be able to engage with the agency’s experts both domestically and through the overseas offices in global markets.
To date over 923 companies have used the EI Brexit Scorecard to help assess their level of preparedness for Brexit.
Because the scorecard is intended primarily as a tool for companies to self diagnose their preparedness for Brexit, it is not EI’s intention to publish any analysis of clients’ responses to the scorecard.
EI’s #PrepareforBrexit communications campaign also includes a “Be Prepared Grant” that supports the costs of EI’s SME clients in preparing a plan to mitigate risks and optimise opportunities. This Grant can be used to help cover consultancy, travel and out of pocket expenses associated with researching the direction of their Brexit action plan. This might involve developing new strategies to maintain and grow existing UK exports, investigating the feasibility of diversifying to new markets and market segments; investment in innovation; improvement in operational competitiveness; enhancement of strategic financial capability.
There have been a number of applications for the “Be Prepared Grant” and as the approvals come on stream over the next couple of months, Enterprise Ireland (EI) will report them. EI do not publish grant application information, only grant approvals information. This is standard practice for all grant approvals' processes.
EI is currently running a Brexit regional roadshow to encourage companies to examine their potential exposure to Brexit, complete the Scorecard and use the “Be Prepared Grant” to plan their strategic response to Brexit.
181. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the employees employed in the Brexit unit of her Department by category. [28172/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe work of very many Business Units is impacted by Brexit and the Department as a whole has prioritised the Brexit challenges in its work plans for 2017 across all of its Divisions.
A dedicated Brexit Unit was established in 2016 and is led at Assistant Secretary level within the EU Affairs, Trade Policy and Safety and Chemicals Policy Division, to coordinate and represent the Departmental and Agencies response to Brexit and to support me in my position at the Cabinet Committee on Brexit. The Unit is currently made up of 1 Principal, 1 Assistant Principal, 1 Higher Executive Officer and 1 Clerical Officer. Additional staffing resources are being recruited to support the Brexit Unit, and other areas of the Department impacted by Brexit in the immediate period ahead.
182. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the Low Pay Commission has reported to the Minister of State on reviewing the board and lodgings rates for au pairs; when she will make a decision on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28246/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is that last September, the then Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen T.D. asked the Low Pay Commission as part of their 2017 Work Programme, to review the board and lodgings rates that are provided for under the national minimum wage legislation.
The Low Pay Commission examined the board and lodgings rates for all employees that are covered by the national minimum wage legislation.
Under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 (National Minimum Hourly Rate of Pay) Order 2000 (SI No. 95/2000) certain reckonable components may be taken into account for all workers to determine an employee’s average hourly rate. The Act provides for the following amounts:
€54.13 for board and lodgings per week, or €7.73 per day;
€32.14 for board only per week, or €4.60 per day;
€21.85 for lodgings only per week, or €3.14 per day.
Thus, if an employer provides an employee with full board and lodgings, or lodgings only or full board only, the monetary allowances set out above can be included as reckonable pay.
The closing date for submissions to the Low Pay Commission Review was the 10th of January last. The Commission considered the submissions received and examined all the available evidence.
The Commission submitted its report to Minister Breen on 5th May. I am currently considering the content of the report and will present it to Cabinet in the coming weeks. It will then be published on the Low Pay Commissions website.
183. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 680 of 4 April 2017, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) does not recognise the trade union that represents the workers affected and instead claims that a works council based in Britain is the representative body; and if she will consider initiating a referral to the redundancy panel in relation to these redundancies should the workers concerned request this via their representative union in view of this fact. [28255/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that I received a complaint from a trade union alleging that the employer in question was in breach of the Protection of Employment Act 1977. That Act imposes certain obligations on employers where they propose collective redundancies. Officials in my Department have sought information from the employer to allow the complaint to be considered further and this process is on-going.
As I explained to the Deputy in response to her earlier question, number 680 of 4 April, on the basis of clarifications provided by the employer to my Department, it would appear that the collective redundancies in question do not come within the meaning of exceptional collective redundancies. Furthermore, and again as I explained in response to the Deputy on 4 April, under the Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act 2007 it is either the employees' representative or the employer who triggers whether a proposal to create collective redundancies should be referred to the Redundancy Panel. If it is the employees' representative that requests the matter to be referred to the Redundancy Panel, they must act with the approval of the majority of those whom they represent.
184. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of work permits granted for non-EU nationals to work in the hotel industry and as chefs here in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28286/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the employment of non-EEA nationals, the State's general policy is to promote the sourcing of skills needs from within the workforce of Ireland and the European Economic Area (EEA is made up of the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). The employment permits system, which my Department administers, is intended to offer an interim solution for employers where specific skills prove difficult to source within the EEA. The system offers a conduit into the Irish labour market for non-EEA nationals with in-demand skills and is operated as a vacancy-led system. The system is ordered by the use of lists which determine which occupations are highly demanded and which are ineligible for consideration for employment permits. Occupations not included on either list are considered eligible occupations but are subject to a labour market needs test. Changes to access to the Irish labour market for specific occupations via the employment permits system are made on the basis of research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) in tandem with a consultation process, as part of a package of measures to meet those skills needs.
Overall, in 2015, 184 employment permits were granted for occupations in the accommodation and food service sector which includes the hotel industry. In 2016, 290 employment permits were granted in respect of this sector and in 2017 to date, 95 employment permits have been granted.
The vast majority of these employment permits were granted in respect of chefs. In 2015, 144 employment permits were granted for chefs; in 2016 the figure was 287; in 2017 to date 83 have been granted. Currently, chefs with expertise in a non-EEA cuisine at the level of executive chef, head chef, sous chef and specialist chef are eligible for employment permits. My Department’s policy with regard to providing employment permits for these specific categories of chefs is that it is recognised that having a wide range of cuisines in the restaurant sector supports Ireland being an attractive destination for tourists.
In addition, employment in the hotel industry generally involves employments that are currently ineligible for employment permits - for example bar workers and catering support staff, spa workers and cleaning staff - as the research of the EGFSN has not indicated a skill shortage in these types of occupations. However, Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permits or Reactivation Employment Permits may be granted for ineligible occupations and these employment permits mainly account for the remaining permits granted in respect of the accommodation and food sector.
The lists of highly skilled and ineligible occupations are reviewed on a twice yearly basis. The current review is underway and consideration is being given to submissions received, including those from the hospitality sector, as part of the public consultation in April. It is expected the review will be completed over the coming months. The exact duration of the review will depend on the complexity involved in assessing and responding to the data received. However, I would anticipate that it will be September when the outcome will be available.
185. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will ensure that County Monaghan is placed on the IDA agenda (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28342/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra186. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will ensure that County Cavan is placed on the IDA agenda (details supplied). [28343/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
Regional development is a key goal of this Government and I am particularly aware of the need to create sustainable employment in border areas, including County Monaghan.
IDA Ireland is focused on increasing investment in Monaghan and is currently finalising a masterplan for its business park in the County. The Agency is also progressing, in partnership with Monaghan County Council, a proposed joint initiative for technology units in the business park to assist with marketing. I am hopeful that these steps, together with the broader work the IDA undertakes to promote FDI in the border areas, will help to increase levels of investment in Monaghan.
IDA markets Monaghan, together with Cavan, as part of its North East region. There are currently 12 IDA supported companies employing 1,340 people in this area. Enterprise Ireland supports approximately 303 companies in the same region, which collectively employ 10,389 people. Both Agencies remain determined to grow these numbers further and to create more employment in Cavan and Monaghan.
187. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the company law review group’s progress to date regarding examining existing legislation and reporting back with recommendations to safeguard a company’s employees and unsecured creditors in the case of insolvencies; when this report will be completed; and if she will provide an overview of the current regulatory framework in this area. [28393/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2016, the then Minister requested the Company Law Review Group (CLRG) to review company law with a view to recommending ways company law could be potentially amended to ensure better safeguards for employees and unsecured creditors. An ad-hoc committee of the CLRG was formed to explore relevant issues. It met 14 times in total and reported its findings to the 81st Plenary Meeting of the CLRG on 13th June 2017. A draft report is in the process of being finalised for adoption by the CLRG and it is due to be submitted for my consideration by the CLRG in early July.
I understand that the CLRG report will provide a comprehensive and detailed evaluation of all the relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2014 relevant to employees and unsecured creditors in an insolvency situation. I look forward to receipt of the report and to considering its findings and recommendations in the coming weeks.
188. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the Exchequer funding allocated in 2017 to each State agency under her aegis in 2017, in tabular form. [28394/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe distribution of exchequer funding allocations as per the 2017 Revised Estimates Volume for each Agency under the aegis of my Department and as provided through my Department’s Vote this year is set out in the table below.
|
Intertrade Ireland |
|
|
Pay |
€1.262m |
|
Pensions |
€103k |
|
Non-Pay |
€900k |
|
Capital |
€5.695m |
|
Total |
€7.960m |
|
|
|
|
IDA Ireland |
|
|
Pay |
€22.454m |
|
Pensions |
€1.750m |
|
Non-Pay |
€18.060m |
|
Capital |
€137.000m |
|
Total |
€179.264m |
|
|
|
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
|
|
Pay |
€4.353m |
|
Pensions |
€900k |
|
Non-Pay |
€49k |
|
Capital |
€500k |
|
Total |
€5.802m |
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Ireland |
|
|
Pay |
€50.700m |
|
Pensions |
€3.239m |
|
Non-Pay |
€30.563m |
|
Capital |
€185.000m |
|
Total |
€269.502m |
|
|
|
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
|
|
Pay |
€4.432m |
|
Pensions |
€14k |
|
Non-Pay |
€5.685m |
|
Capital |
€162.500m |
|
Total |
€172.631m |
|
Health And Safety Authority |
|
|
Pay |
€10.587m |
|
Pensions |
€1.065m |
|
Non-Pay |
€6.460m |
|
Total |
€18.112m |
|
|
|
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission |
|
|
Pay |
€7.114m |
|
Pensions |
€580k |
|
Non-Pay |
€4.444m |
|
Total |
€12.138m |
|
|
|
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
|
|
Pensions |
€228k |
|
Total |
€228k |
|
|
|
|
Low Pay Commission |
|
|
Pay |
€247k |
|
Pensions |
€230k |
|
Total |
€477k |
|
|
|
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority
|
|
|
Pay |
€2.100m |
|
Pensions |
€5k |
|
Total |
€2.105m |
The Deputy should note that the funding provision to Enterprise Ireland covers two subheads on my Department’s Vote, Subheads A7 and B4, which span general supports to indigenous firms and for research and development/innovation supports. The table above shows the combined allocations of the two subheads.
The table above does not capture other Exchequer funding being provided to Enterprise Ireland in 2017 through the Votes of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Communication, Climate Action and Environment.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland are also provided with funding from the National Training Fund (NTF).
The operations of a number of the enterprise agencies are also supported through the generation, retention and use of Agency Own Resource Income, which is subject to annual sanction by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Agencies concerned are Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, National Standards Authority of Ireland and the Health and Safety Authority.
The operations of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is essentially self-financing from the fee generation received from personal injury claims, typically in the region of €12 million per annum.
The operations of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission are part-funded through fees levied on certain activities provided to clients of both Agencies.
The funding provision to Inter-Trade Ireland is provided on a North-South basis and annual allocations are finalised in conjunction with the Northern Administration.
The Department also provides funding annually to the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) through Subhead A8 of my Department’s Vote. Working closely through the Local Authority system, the LEOs support the micro-enterprise sector in the start-up and expansion phases and stimulate enterprise potential at local level. The 2017 allocation to the LEOs through my Department’s Vote totals €32.93 million broken down between €22.5 million in Capital and €10.431 million in Non-Pay monies. The LEOs are also supported through funding provided via the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Vote.
