Niall Collins
Ceist:72. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of persons on a wage at or below the minimum wage by gender and age; and the percentage this represents of the overall workforce. [32531/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNational Minimum Wage
Ceisteanna (72)
Freagraí scríofa
The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment (ILO) in the State. The most recent figures available are for Q1 2017 when the proportion of employees aged 15 years and over reporting earning the National Minimum Wage or less in the State was 7.8% (122,800).
Tables 1 and 2 below show the total number of employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over reporting earning the National Minimum Wage or less classified by gender and age group and share of selected employees in Q1 2017.
Table 1 Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by gender and National Minimum Wage (NMW) earnings status
'000
|
'000 |
||
|
Gender |
National Minimum Wage earnings status |
Q1 17 |
|
Male |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
53.9 |
|
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
727.1 |
|
|
Not stated |
76.0 |
|
|
Total |
856.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of male employees aged 15 years and over reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
6.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
Female |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
69.0 |
|
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
726.1 |
|
|
Not stated |
69.1 |
|
|
Total |
864.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of female employees aged 15 years and over reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
8.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
All employees |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
122.8 |
|
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
1,453.2 |
|
|
Not stated |
145.1 |
|
|
Total |
1,721.2 |
|
|
Share of all employees aged 15 years and over reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
7.8 |
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: Q1=Jan-Mar.
1Note: Denominator excludes employees whose National Minimum Wage status was Not stated.
Table 2 Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by age group and National Minimum Wage (NMW) earnings status
'000
|
Age group |
National Minimum Wage earnings status |
Q1 17 |
|
15-19 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
16.9 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
10.6 |
|
|
Not stated |
5.9 |
|
|
Total |
33.3 |
|
|
Share of employees aged 15-19 years reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
61.7 |
|
|
20-24 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
27.9 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
74.0 |
|
|
Not stated |
20.0 |
|
|
Total |
122.0 |
|
|
Share of employees aged 20-24 years reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
27.4 |
|
|
25-34 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
34.6 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
364.4 |
|
|
Not stated |
41.1 |
|
|
Total |
440.0 |
|
|
Share of employees aged 25-34 years reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
8.7 |
|
|
35-44 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
22.5 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
449.2 |
|
|
Not stated |
32.1 |
|
|
Total |
503.8 |
|
|
Share of employees aged 35-44 years reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
4.8 |
|
|
45-54 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
12.1 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
340.1 |
|
|
Not stated |
26.1 |
|
|
Total |
378.2 |
|
|
Share of employees aged 45-54 years reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
3.4 |
|
|
55-59 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
[4.3] |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
123.5 |
|
|
Not stated |
9.8 |
|
|
Total |
137.6 |
|
|
Share of employees aged 55-59 years reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
[3.4] |
|
|
60-64 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
* |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
71.9 |
|
|
Not stated |
7.4 |
|
|
Total |
82.4 |
|
|
Share of employees aged 60-64 years reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
* |
|
|
65+ years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
* |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
19.6 |
|
|
Not stated |
[2.8] |
|
|
Total |
23.9 |
|
|
Share of employees aged 65+ years reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
* |
|
|
All employees |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
122.8 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
1,453.2 |
|
|
Not stated |
145.1 |
|
|
Total |
1,721.2 |
|
|
Share of all employees aged 15 years and over reporting earning NMW or less (%)1 |
7.8 |
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland
*Estimates for numbers of persons or averages where there are less than 30 persons in a cell are not produced as estimates are too small to be considered reliable.
Parentheses [ ] indicate where there are 30-49 persons in a cell, estimates are considered to have a wider margin of error and should be treated with caution.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: Q1=Jan-Mar.
1Note: Denominator excludes employees whose National Minimum Wage status was Not stated.
State Visits
Ceisteanna (73)
Joan Burton
Ceist:73. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Justin Trudeau. [32099/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I was delighted to welcome Prime Minister Trudeau and his family to Ireland last week. The Prime Minister was especially welcome as my first international visitor and given the close and historical ties between our two countries. Our meeting was an opportunity to discuss our shared and common outlook on issues such as free trade, multilateralism and climate action.
We discussed the importance of the bilateral trade and investment relationship between our two countries. Annual Trade between Ireland and Canada is valued at over €2.75 billion whilst Canadian tourist traffic to Ireland has increased by 56% in three years, with close to 200,000 Canadians now visiting Ireland every year. The Prime Minister and I agreed that there is considerable potential for further growing trade and economic links given increased direct air access, CETA and the strength of our respective economies.
We discussed the current state of play in relation to Brexit since the commencement of negotiations and I outlined Ireland's priorities in this regard. The Prime Minister was interested in developments in Northern Ireland and I updated him on the current political situation there. He reiterated to me the Canadian Government's continued support for the Northern Ireland peace process and offered any assistance that might be useful to drive progress.
On CETA, the Prime Minister and I discussed the benefits and opportunities from the agreement for both of our economies and progress towards the commencement of provisional application. CETA is a progressive and comprehensive agreement which will remove over 99% of tariffs and will create sizeable new market access opportunities in many sectors for Irish firms.
We discussed Climate Change and reaffirmed our commitment to the implementation of the Paris Accord. The Canadian Government is continuing its efforts to work with the US on Climate Change matters given that US withdrawal from the Paris Accord cannot proceed until 2020. In conclusion, the Prime Minister and I reaffirmed our commitment to working together across a range of common interests and I look forward to working to further strengthen the bilateral relations between Ireland and Canada in the time ahead.
Unemployment Data
Ceisteanna (74)
Niall Collins
Ceist:74. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the unemployment blackspots nationwide according to the latest unemployment data in the Census 2016 Summary Results - Part 2, by county, in tabular form. [32012/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Census of Population 2016 Summary Results – Part 2 published on 15 June, 2017 recorded 79 unemployment blackspots. In this report an unemployment blackspot was defined as an Electoral Division whose labour force exceeded 200 persons and where the unemployment rate (on a Principal Economic Status basis) exceeded 27 per cent. There were 79 such EDs in 2016 with an average unemployment rate of 31.2 per cent compared with 12.9 per cent nationally. The following table is published in the report.
List of unemployment blackspots
|
County |
Electoral Division |
Unemployment rate |
|
John's A, Limerick City |
58.3% |
|
|
Galvone B, Limerick City |
45.0% |
|
|
Ballynanty, Limerick City |
43.6% |
|
|
Abbey C, Limerick City |
41.9% |
|
|
Prospect B, Limerick City |
40.7% |
|
|
Glentworth C, Limerick City |
40.2% |
|
|
St. Laurence, Limerick City |
39.2% |
|
|
Killeely A, Limerick City |
38.8% |
|
|
Rathbane, Limerick City |
33.8% |
|
|
Glentworth A, Limerick City |
33.7% |
|
|
Singland A, Limerick City |
33.6% |
|
|
Prospect A, Limerick City |
33.1% |
|
|
John's B, Limerick City |
31.4% |
|
|
Killeely B, Limerick City |
31.1% |
|
|
Rathkeale Urban, Limerick |
31.1% |
|
|
Dock A, Limerick City |
30.7% |
|
|
Shannon B, Limerick City |
27.5% |
|
|
Limerick |
Custom House, Limerick City |
27.3% |
|
Priorswood B, Dublin City |
36.2% |
|
|
Tallaght-Killinardan, South Dublin |
32.9% |
|
|
Clondalkin-Cappaghmore, South Dublin |
32.2% |
|
|
Ballymun D, Dublin City |
32.1% |
|
|
Ballymun B, Dublin City |
31.8% |
|
|
Kilmore C, Dublin City |
29.9% |
|
|
Finglas North A, Dublin City |
28.9% |
|
|
Finglas South C, Dublin City |
28.7% |
|
|
Blanchardstown-Tyrrelstown, Fingal |
28.1% |
|
|
Tallaght-Fettercairn, South Dublin |
28.0% |
|
|
Ballymun C, Dublin City |
28.0% |
|
|
Dublin |
Clondalkin-Rowlagh, South Dublin |
27.2% |
|
Larchville, Waterford City |
37.6% |
|
|
Morrisson's Road, Waterford |
32.6% |
|
|
Newport's Square, Waterford City |
32.3% |
|
|
Lisduggan, Waterford City |
31.5% |
|
|
Ballybeg North, Waterford City |
30.9% |
|
|
The Glen, Waterford City |
30.9% |
|
|
Roanmore, Waterford City |
30.8% |
|
|
Mount Sion, Waterford City |
30.0% |
|
|
Waterford |
Kingsmeadow, Waterford |
29.3% |
|
Mín an Chladaigh, Donegal |
35.3% |
|
|
Clonleigh South, Donegal |
30.9% |
|
|
Gort an Choirce, Donegal |
30.4% |
|
|
Raphoe, Donegal |
29.2% |
|
|
Letterkenny Urban, Donegal |
27.4% |
|
|
Donegal |
Leitir Mhic an Bhaird, Donegal |
27.1% |
|
Knocknaheeny, Cork City |
33.5% |
|
|
Mayfield, Cork City |
33.2% |
|
|
The Glen A, Cork City |
33.1% |
|
|
Fair Hill B, Cork City |
29.7% |
|
|
Cork |
Farranferris B, Cork City |
28.6% |
|
Ardnaree South Urban, Mayo |
31.4% |
|
|
An Geata Mór Theas, Mayo |
29.9% |
|
|
Cnoc na Lobhar, Mayo |
29.6% |
|
|
Ballina Urban, Mayo |
27.7% |
|
|
Mayo |
Cnoc na Ráithe, Mayo |
27.0% |
|
Kilrush Urban, Clare |
29.7% |
|
|
Ennis No. 2 Urban, Clare |
29.1% |
|
|
Clare |
Kilkee, Clare |
28.1% |
|
Longford No. 1 Urban, Longford |
39.7% |
|
|
Meathas Truim, Longford |
27.7% |
|
|
Longford |
Longford Rural, Longford |
27.4% |
|
Enniscorthy Urban, Wexford |
32.1% |
|
|
Rosbercon Urban, Wexford |
30.8% |
|
|
Wexford |
Killincooly, Wexford |
27.2% |
|
Cavan Urban, Cavan |
35.8% |
|
|
Cavan |
Belturbet Urban, Cavan |
33.5% |
|
Scainimh, Galway |
34.3% |
|
|
Galway |
Garmna, Galway County |
31.8% |
|
Tipperary East Urban, South Tipperary |
34.0% |
|
|
Tipperary |
Carrick-on-Suir Urban, Tipperary |
29.2% |
|
Kerry |
Tralee Urban, Kerry |
27.2% |
|
Kildare |
Athy West Urban, Kildare |
35.0% |
|
Kilkenny |
Urlingford, Kilkenny |
27.5% |
|
Louth |
Dundalk Urban No. 2, Louth |
28.0% |
|
Meath |
Ceannanus Mór (Kells) Urban, Meath |
29.7% |
|
Monaghan |
Castleblayney Urban, Monaghan |
27.7% |
|
Roscommon |
Boyle Urban, Roscommon |
27.1% |
|
Westmeath |
Mullingar North Urban, Westmeath |
33.4% |
|
Wicklow |
Rathmichael (Bray), Wicklow |
27.2% |
Note:
The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of employment and unemployment statistics for the State. In the QNHS, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) classification is used and defines employment, unemployment and the inactive population. Unemployment is defined as persons who, in the week before the survey, were without work and available for work within the next two weeks, and had taken specific steps, in the preceding four weeks, to find work.
The Census uses the Principal Economic Status (PES) classification to establish the labour force situation of the respondent. The PES classification is based on how respondents would describe their present principal status including a status of being unemployed.
Living Wage Expenditure
Ceisteanna (75)
Niall Collins
Ceist:75. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.70 for all employees directly employed or in agencies funded by his Department. [32569/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The additional annual salary cost of implementing a living wage of €11.70 for employees directly employed by my Department or in bodies under its aegis is approximately €18,600.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (76)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:76. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the level of expenditure by his Department or organisations under the aegis of his Department for each of the past five years on photography, advertising, communications advice, public relations, website development, media interview training and preparation; the events, campaigns or policies to which this expenditure related; and the company or person to which such payments were made, in tabular form. [32658/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The tables below detail expenditure by my Department on photography, advertising, communications advice/public relations and website development for the years 2013 to 2017 inclusive. There was no expenditure on interview training and preparation in those years. Expenditure for communications advice/public relations was only incurred by the Department in 2013.
Relevant expenditure in the various categories is also included for the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of my Department.
PHOTOGRAPHY
2013
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd |
EU Conference of Presidents, Dublin Castle on 31 December 2012 |
€ 116.85 |
|
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd |
Presidency meeting of European Parliament Leaders, Dublin Castle 29th Nov 2012 |
€ 430.51 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography Prints for Convention Inaugural Meeting on 1st Dec 2012. |
€ 1,763.46 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Family photo shot, post production touch up + prints (36copies) for the EU Directors General Informal meeting (13-14/1/2013) |
€ 512.62 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
2 JPEG images of the Taoiseach/Cyprus President Nov 2005 - 28 Jan 2013. |
€ 34.44 |
|
Lafayette Photography Ltd |
Eucharistic Congress Reception Dublin Castle 1st July 2012 |
€ 171.01 |
|
Lafayette Photography Ltd |
Visit of Secretary of State Northern Ireland on 01 Oct 2012, 18 images sent to media |
€ 19.43 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Photocall for 40 years in the EU, Art Exhibition, 25 February 2013. |
€ 318.54 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal Justice and Home Affairs meeting, Dublin Castle, 18/01/13 |
€ 1,471.99 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy visit, Dublin Castle, 9/1/2013 |
€ 1,645.47 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal Justice and Home Affairs meeting, session 2, Dublin Castle, 17/1/2013 |
€ 1,449.89 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal EU Affairs meeting, Dublin Castle 21/01/13. |
€ 1,564.62 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal meeting of Employment 8th Feb. 2013 Dublin Castle. |
€ 817.91 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal meeting of Employment 7th Feb. 2013 Dublin Castle. |
€ 1,573.31 |
|
Levon Biss Photography Ltd |
Prints of Taoiseach's Time Magazine cover 26/11/2012 |
€ 111.95 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
31st Dec 2012 for EU Flag Raising Ceremony attended by Taoiseach at Dublin Castle. |
€ 669.09 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Visit of Presidents Barroso & Schulz at Government Buildings on 28/2/2013. - Post Production Fee |
€ 257.43 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal meeting of Defence Ministers 13/2/2013, Dublin Castle. |
€ 817.91 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal meeting of Development & Co-operation Ministers 12/2/2013, Dublin Castle. |
€ 1,559.45 |
|
M M McNally Photographer |
Taoiseach's visit to Downing Street on 11 March 2013. |
€ 335.03 |
|
E Hill Photography |
Taoiseach's visit to Enniskillen, 11 November 2012. |
€ 700.60 |
|
Peter Cavanagh Photography |
Whos Who for Presidency. 27/28 Sept. 2012 & 16 Oct 2012. |
€ 1,600.00 |
|
Magnum Computers |
Photos of Taoiseach's visit to Cleveland, Ohio. October 2012. |
€ 192.41 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Gymnich meeting - 23rd March 2013. |
€ 484.58 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Energy Ministers at Dublin Castle 24 April, 2013 |
€ 1,181.62 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Environment Ministers at Dublin Castle 23 April, 2013 |
€ 1,307.04 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal Meeting of Environment Ministers at Dublin Castle on 22nd April 2013 |
€ 821.57 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Ministers for Trade at Dublin Castle 18 April, 2013 |
€ 1,535.67 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Hunger-Nutrition Conference at Dublin Castle 15 April,2013 |
€ 968.41 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
ECOFIN Ministerial Informal meeting on 13/4/2013 |
€ 1,870.49 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of ECOFIN Ministerial Informal 12 April 2013. |
€ 4,126.55 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Hunger-Nutrition & Climate Change at Dublin Castle on 16th April 2013. |
€ 817.91 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Commission College meeting Dublin Castle on 10 Jan 2013 - Prints & Digital Imaging |
€ 2,042.61 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Health Informal Ministerial Meeting 4th March, Dublin Castle attendance |
€ 276.75 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
EU Presidency Team Group Shot on 01 May 2013. |
€ 302.58 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Health Informal Ministerial Meeting 5th March 2013- Dublin Castle. |
€ 1,134.33 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Gymich meeting 22 March 2013, Photography & Hi Res imaging |
€ 1,570.00 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Ministerial Informal, Agriculture Ministers on 27th & 28th May 2013 |
€ 2,453.74 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Ministerial Informal - Competitiveness [Dept. DJEI] 2 May 2013 |
€ 817.91 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal meeting of Competitiveness - Council day on 03 May 2013. |
€ 1,134.34 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Family photos of Presidency team at Government Buildings on 01 May 2013. |
€ 31.38 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Presidency Liaison Officers Photos at Dublin Castle on 27 May 2013. |
€ 162.01 |
|
Marty Katz Photography & James Higgins Photography |
St Patrick's Day Visit, New York - 16-17 March 2013 |
€ 2,235.66 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
North South Ministerial Meeting on 05/07/2013 at Dublin Castle Sundays F.T.P. images to Media outlets |
€ 706.02 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
EU Presidency staff event on 05/07/2013 at Dublin Castle - Upload of images to online gallery |
€ 292.74 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Round table discussion with the Taoiseach and on Online Retailers on 06 Sept 2013. |
€ 292.74 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Taoiseach's meeting with Bill Clinton at Government Buildings - 09/10/2013 |
€ 249.69 |
2014
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Extra copies of prints of the Queen & President Obama's visit, May 2011 ordered for Taoiseach |
€77.18 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography assignment, Taoiseach's Address of the Nation, 15th December 2014 |
€956.94 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography Services for the Convention on the Constitution final plenary meeting 22nd & 23rd February 2014 |
€511.68 |
|
DNP Service |
Taoiseach's visit to Japan, 3-4 December 2013. |
€244.23 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography assignment for the visit of the Spanish PM on the 6th March 2014 |
€519.06 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography assignment for the visit of the German Prime Minister on the 7th March 2014 |
€396.06 |
|
Maria Photography |
Taoiseach's visit to Abu Dhabi & Dubai, January 2014. |
€2695.8 |
|
Dan Hallissey Photography |
Taoiseach's visit to Boston, 16 March 2014. |
€506.77 |
|
Marty Katz Photography |
Photography for Taoiseach Enda Kenny & delegation's trip to Washington DC on 13 & 14 March 2014 |
€1740.64 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Official Photography at State Funeral of the late Albert Reynolds 23rd and 25th Aug 2014 at Mansion House and Donnybrook Church |
€2841.3 |
|
James Higgins Photography |
Photographs of the Taoiseach's visit to New York on 17 March 2014. |
€252.71 |
|
Dowlings Pharmacy |
Passport photos 04 Sep 2014 |
€6 |
|
Boots Chemist |
Photo prints for Taoiseach's office 13 July 2014 |
€2.10 |
|
Getty Images International |
EU, All About Jobs campaign, purchase of iStock photo subscription for 3 months, 7th Oct 2014 |
€207.87 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for North South Ministerial Council on 3rd Oct 2014, Dublin Castle. |
€547.35 |
|
CreativeShot Photography |
United Irish Cultural Center - San Francisco 4 June 2014. |
€753.07 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
EU - Photography of Minister Ged Nash at 2 events in Carlow 26th November 2014 |
€491.14 |
2015
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
EU - 10 Low Resolution images from Minister Ged Nash events in Carlow 26 November 2014 |
€124.85 |
|
Getty Images International |
EU 'All About Jobs campaign' purchase of monthly iStock photo subscription for January 2015 |
€207.87 |
|
Department of Foreign Affairs |
Photographs of the Taoiseach Enda Kenny attending Youth Reception - Irish Consulate New York September 2014 |
€198.68 |
|
Mr John Kingman |
Photography for Taoiseach's visit to New York, 22-24 September 2014. |
€317.89 |
|
Getty Images International |
All About Jobs - purchase of one year iStock subscription for stock photos for All About Jobs section of Merrion St, 25 Feb 2015 |
€1,966.77 |
|
Dowlings Pharmacy |
Dowlings Pharmacy - Passport photos 26 Feb 2015 |
€6.00 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Photography costs for the visit of Mr. Manuel Valls Prime Minister of France to Government Buildings 24 April 2015 |
€160.00 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Photography costs for the visit of Mr. Manuel Valls Prime Minister of France to Government Buildings 24 April 2015 |
€181.50 |
|
Marty Katz Photographer |
St. Patrick's Day 2015. Taoiseach's visit to Washington, DC, USA. 16-17 March 2015. |
€2,459.34 |
|
Allison Shirref Photographer |
Taoiseach's visit to Atlanta, USA, 13 & 14 March 2015. |
€1,112.10 |
|
Lensmen & Associates |
Minister J. Deenihan TD photoshoot with Sonia O'Sullivan on 30 April 2015 at Government Buildings |
€553.50 |
|
Conor McKeown Photographer |
Photographer for US Ambassador's visit to Castlebar - April 2015 |
€120.00 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography costs for Data Protection Event on 2 July 2015 |
€447.72 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography Assignment for State Funeral of Thomas Kent - 18 September 2015 |
€1,475.80 |
|
Fotogioberti Studio |
Taoiseach's photos with PM Renzi, 10 July 2015. |
€488.00 |
2016
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Supply of Jpeg Images of Ceann Comhairle with Queen, taking during her visit to Ireland in 2011 - January 2016 |
€17.22 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for Flag-Raising Ceremony, 1 January 2016 |
€120.52 |
|
Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd |
Photos from National Library for Press Office |
€28 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for Flag-Raising Ceremony, 1 January 2016 |
€524 |
|
Getty Images International |
All About Jobs - purchase of one year iStock subscription for stock photos for All About Jobs section of Merrion St, from 18th February 2016 to 18th February 2017 |
€1966.77 |
|
M. McNally Photographer |
Taoiseach's visit to London, U.K. 9 November 2015. |
€278.47 |
|
AM Photography |
9 September 2015. Taoiseach's visit to Paris, France. |
€250 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for Commemoration Ceremony and Parade and Kilmainham Gaol Wreath-Laying Ceremony, Easter Sunday 27 March 2016 |
€2520 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for Commemoration Ceremony and Parade and Kilmainham Gaol Wreath-Laying Ceremony, Easter Sunday 27 March 2016 |
€579.6 |
|
Irish Gallery of Photography Ltd |
Photograph presentation for State Reception Dublin Castle 27th March 2016 |
€4674 |
|
Lensmen & Assoc |
Photography at Interfaith Ceremony and Unveiling of Remembrance Wall, Glasnevin Cemetery, Sunday 3 April 2016 (1916 Centenary event) |
€430.50 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photographs of new Cabinet at first meeting in Cabinet room, Government Buildings, 11 May 2016, and syndication to daily and Sunday newspapers and online media outlets |
€873.76 |
|
British Irish Council |
Official Photo of the British Irish Council Summit Dublin 2015 |
€782.04 |
|
MacInnes Photography Ltd |
Photography services for Somme Centenary Commemoration Ceremony 9 July 2016 |
€1554.72 |
|
MacInnes Photography Ltd |
Photography services for National Day of Commemorations, 10 July 2016 |
€1554.72 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for Visit of VP Biden, 21-26 June 2016 |
€3047.94 |
|
Marty Katz Photographer |
Taoiseach's visit to Washington DC, USA, 14-15 March 2016. St. Patrick's Day Visit. |
€1405.36 |
|
Marty Katz Photography |
Taoiseach's visit to Washington DC. USA. 17-18 May 2016. Ireland 100 at Kennedy Centre. |
€1703.42 |
|
Lensmen & Assoc |
Event Photography for inaugural meeting of Citizens Assembly on 15th October 2016 |
€553.5 |
|
Provision Photographs Ltd |
Photography for Smart Cities Event - 9th December 2016 - Cork |
€170.25 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photocall Package for meeting of Citizens Assembly 26th & 27th Nov 2016 |
€854.85 |
2017
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
FRANK FENNELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Photography services for visit of UK PM Theresa May Monday 30 January 2017 |
€150.00 |
|
FRANK FENNELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Photography services for visit of UK PM Theresa May Monday 30 January 2017 |
€34.50 |
|
FRANK FENNELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Photography services for visit of UK PM Theresa May Monday 30 January 2017 |
€450.00 |
|
FRANK FENNELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Photography services for visit of UK PM Theresa May Monday 30 January 2017 |
€60.75 |
|
DEPT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE |
Department of Foreign Affairs - Reimbursement of bills for the Irish Missions, 01-31 December 2016 |
€357.00 |
|
Dowlings Pharmacy |
Passport photos 28 February 2017 |
€12.00 |
|
Dowlings Pharmacy |
Visa photos 27 April 2017 |
€12.00 |
ADVERTISING
2013
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
FCR Media Ltd |
Advertising in State Directory Section of Phonebook for Year 2014. |
€6191.82 |
|
Brindley Advertising Ltd |
EU Presidency |
€51660 |
|
Brindley Advertising Ltd |
Public Consultation on Economic Regulation |
€10276.45 |
2014
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
FCR Media Ltd |
Advertising in State Directory Section of Phonebook for Year 2014/2015 |
€6191.82 |
2015
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
DAA (Dublin Airport Authority) Shared Services |
Home To Work advertising |
€24600 |
|
Mediavest Ireland Ltd |
Home To Work advertising |
€18200.06 |
|
Audrey Elliott |
Home To Work advertising (Knock Airport) |
€615 |
|
FCR Media Ltd |
Advertising in State Directory Section of Phonebook for Year 2015/2016 |
€6191.82 |
|
Mediavest Ireland Ltd |
Data Protection “Data Forum” |
€3379.55 |
|
Mediavest Ireland |
Irish language advertising |
€679.78 |
2016
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Clear Channel Ireland Ltd |
Home To Work advertising – Shannon Airport |
€6150 |
|
DAA (Dublin Airport Authority) Shared Services |
Home To Work advertising |
€1722 |
|
Dawn Recruitment Ltd |
Home To Work advertising – leaflet distribution |
€2516 |
|
WC O’Brien Ltd |
Home To Work advertsing – Cork and Shannon airports |
€3314.2 |
|
Mediavest Ireland Ltd |
Citizens Assembly: Call for Submissions on Eighth Amendment |
€4746.81 |
|
FCR Media Ltd |
Advertising in State Directory Section of Phonebook 2016/2017 |
€5881.86 |
2017
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
FCR MEDIA LTD |
Advertising in State Directory Section of Phonebook 2017/2018 |
€4,530.00 |
|
FCR MEDIA LTD |
Advertising in State Directory Section of Phonebook 2017/2018 |
€1,041.90 |
COMMUNICATIONS ADVICE/PUBLIC RELATIONS
2013
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Glass Eye Productions |
EU Presidency video |
€801.31 |
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
2013
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Terminal Four Ltd |
Development of EU Presidency site |
€4367.89 |
2014
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
pTools |
Development of Dept. Taoiseach sites |
€24354 |
|
pTools |
Development of Allaboutjobs section on Merrionstreet.ie |
€4059 |
|
Escher Group (IRL) |
Development of Convention on the Constitution site |
€6150 |
2015
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
pTools |
Development of Dept. Taoiseach sites |
€13530 |
2016
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
pTools |
Development of Dept. Taoiseach sites |
€6765 |
2017
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO)
2015 NESC (National Economic & Social Council)
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Fusio |
NESC Website |
€13671.45 |
Brexit Staff
Ceisteanna (77, 85)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:77. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach if his Department's integrated division currently leading Ireland's response to Brexit is to be moved to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and if so, the rationale for this decision. [32660/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Micheál Martin
Ceist:85. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has recently met his officials on Brexit; and the particular areas that they discussed. [32813/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 85.
The International, EU and Northern Ireland Division of my Department, under a Second Secretary General who also acts as the Irish Sherpa in EU matters including Brexit, will remain in my Department.
The Division handles a range of responsibilities across International, EU and British and Northern Ireland relations in support of me, including in my role as a member of the European Council.
I remain in frequent contact with senior officials in my Department on the matter of Brexit.
Brexit is, of course, a priority for all Government Ministers and Departments, with the Minister and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade having a particular responsibility in this area. As you would expect, there is close co-operation on Brexit between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including the Permanent Representation in Brussels and our Embassy Network.
Office of the Attorney General
Ceisteanna (78)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:78. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the role his Department has in relation to the allocation and management of the budget for the Attorney General's office; and if there is much interaction during the year regarding same. [32805/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While I am the member of Government responsible for answering parliamentary questions on administrative matters connected with the Office of the Attorney General (and other Law Offices of the State), it should be noted that the Office of the Attorney General has its own Vote and has responsibility for the management of its own budget and governance issues.
Ministerial Advisers Data
Ceisteanna (79)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:79. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of advisers he will be employing in his Department; and the roles and responsibilities they will have. [32807/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since my appointment as Taoiseach, I have recruited the following advisers:
- a Chief of Staff;
- a Spokesman and Communications Adviser; and
- 4 Special Advisers.
It should be noted that I have not, as yet, finalised the make-up of my team and that all of the above appointments are, of course, subject to Government approval.
Government Information Service
Ceisteanna (80)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:80. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of non-civil servants employed in the Government Information Services; and the roles that they have. [32808/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Two members of staff in the Government Information Service are non-established civil servants; namely, the Government Press Secretary and the Deputy Government Press Secretary. All other staff working in the Government Information Service are established civil servants.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (81)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:81. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in his Department in 2014, 2015 and 2016, in tabular form. [32809/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The number of full-time equivalent staff employed in my Department in 2014, 2015 and 2016 is as follows:
|
Year |
Full-time equivalent |
|
2014 (position on 31 December 2014) |
185 |
|
2015 (position on 31 December 2015) |
199 |
|
2016 (position on 31 December 2016) |
188 |
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (82)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:82. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of contract staff he has in his Department; and the roles that they have. [32810/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are currently 30 contract staff employed by my Department. This number includes recently recruited civil servants on probationary contracts and unestablished civil servants.
It should be noted that neither I, nor the Ministers of State assigned to my Department, have, as yet, finalised the make-up of our teams. All such support staff will be on contract (subject to Government approval where appropriate).
Departmental Offices
Ceisteanna (83)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:83. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if refurbishment took place in his Department in the past five years. [32811/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The building occupied by my Department is provided and managed by the Office of Public Works. Ongoing routine maintenance and necessary upgrading has taken place over the past five years consisting mainly of painting and furniture repairs. No major refurbishment projects have been undertaken in that time.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (84)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:84. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach when he last visited Northern Ireland. [32812/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While I have not yet had the opportunity to visit Northern Ireland since becoming Taoiseach, I intend to visit on a suitable occasion in the near future.
I consider that it is very important for Ministers to actively engage on North/South issues, including by visiting Northern Ireland for appropriate events and engagements. Ordinarily this would include meeting their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Executive. In the absence of the normal operation of the North/South institutions due to the lack of agreement between the Northern Ireland parties on formation of an Executive, I believe that other forms of engagement by Ministers remain important.
Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 77.
Departmental Inquiries
Ceisteanna (86)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:86. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of inquiries under the remit of his Department. [32814/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following inquiries/tribunals have been established under my Department:
Tribunal of Inquiry into payments to politicians and related matters (Moriarty).
The two Commissions of Investigation currently underway for which I am the specified Minister under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 are the IBRC Commission, Chaired by Mr Justice Brian Cregan, and the NAMA Commission, Chaired by Mr Justice John D Cooke.
Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 1.
Commencement of Legislation
Ceisteanna (88)
James Lawless
Ceist:88. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the sections of the Constructions Contracts Act 2013 that still remain to be commenced; the timeframe for completion of the said sections to be commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32251/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Construction Contracts Act, 2013 came into force in respect of applicable construction contracts entered into after 25 July 2016, in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 165 of 2016 entitled 'Construction Contracts Act, 2013 (Appointed Day) Order 2016'.
All sections of the Act have been commenced.
EU Directives
Ceisteanna (89)
Joan Burton
Ceist:89. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she has examined the decision by the European Parliament to vote in favour of a directive to require companies to require big multinationals to report tax and financial data separately in all countries in which they operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32375/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Commission adopted its Proposal for a Directive to amend the Accounting Directive as regards disclosure of income tax information by certain undertakings and branches in April of last year. Since then, both the European Parliament and the Council have each been considering that Proposal, as part of the normal co-decision legislative process.
At its plenary session on 4 July last, the European Parliament adopted a Report, which supports the objectives of the draft Directive and proposes several amendments, on a range of issues, to the original Commission Proposal. The effect of some of those amendments would be to require large multinational companies to break down the corporation tax paid in each country in which they have operations, and not just in EU countries and some non-EU jurisdictions as the original Proposal provided. That Report will form the basis of the Parliament’s position in the trilogue negotiations between it, the Council and the Commission.
For the moment, the Council is continuing its examination of the Commission’s Proposal and considering its own recommendations for amendments. As the Council has not adopted its own common position, trilogue negotiations have not yet been scheduled.
In the meantime, officials in the Department are examining the Parliament’s Report as part of preparing the Irish position for those trilogue negotiations.
IDA Ireland Site Visits
Ceisteanna (90)
Sean Fleming
Ceist:90. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA visits to County Laois for each of the past three years; the number of visits to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33049/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to regional development and my Department and its Agencies are working towards ambitious targets to ensure that employment and investment are as fairly distributed as possible across the country. In June 2015, my Department published a Midlands Regional Enterprise Strategy as part of the Action Plan for Jobs. Good progress is being made but I know that more remains to be done, especially in counties like Laois.
County Laois is marketed by IDA Ireland as part of the Midlands region, together with Counties Westmeath, Longford and Offaly. In total, there are 30 multinational companies based in the Midlands, employing 4,280 people. There are 115 people employed by those IDA Ireland client companies based in Laois itself.
Site visits represent one tool through which the IDA has sought to encourage more investment in Laois. There were ten such visits to the County across 2015 and 2016, which ultimately led to the creation of 28 new IDA Ireland supported jobs. The following table sets out the details of these visits from 2013 to Q1 2017. The Agency continues to promote Laois as an investment location to overseas companies and I am hopeful that further jobs will be created there by IDA clients in the future.
Laois is also part of the Midlands Region for the purposes of the Regional Action Plan for Jobs. As part of this Action Plan the Laois Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is currently advancing three projects - which are in receipt of approximately €230,000 of funding through the LEO Competitive Fund - that will variously support the growth of micro-enterprises, innovation in small firms and job creation. These projects should help to collectively foster further enterprise and employment growth in the County.
Sites visits to Laois 2013 - Q1 2017
|
IDA Ireland site visits |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
Q1 2017 |
|
Laois |
2 |
0 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
Jobs Data
Ceisteanna (91)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:91. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs lost and created in the mid-west region as covered by Shannon Development in each of the years 2004 to 2016, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32073/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Regional Development is a key priority of mine and I am determined to help drive job creation all across Ireland, including the Mid West.
Last week I attended the launch of IDA Ireland's 2017 mid-year results where the Agency reaffirmed its target of increasing investment in each region of Ireland by 30% to 40% by 2019. Good progress is being made towards achieving these targets and in 2016 over half of the jobs created by IDA Ireland supported companies were outside Dublin.
This progress is reflected in the Mid-West region where, over the past seven years particularly, the Agency's hard work on the ground has yielded 62 investments for the region. Two very recent successes are Northern Trust's expansion of its operation in Limerick adding approximately 400 new jobs and Element Six in Shannon announcing the creation of 100 additional jobs.
IDA Ireland provides employment statistics over a 10 year period and details on jobs created and lost in the Mid-West between 2007 and 2016 are outlined in the following table. If the Deputy requires additional data I can direct the Agency to provide it, but this will take some additional time to collate.
|
Employment Data |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
No of Companies |
41 |
42 |
39 |
39 |
41 |
44 |
43 |
46 |
51 |
54 |
|
Total Jobs |
11,126 |
9,397 |
6,573 |
6,478 |
6,642 |
7,165 |
7,448 |
7,930 |
8,702 |
10,153 |
|
Gross Gains |
357 |
154 |
282 |
308 |
575 |
574 |
764 |
950 |
1,634 |
|
|
Losses |
-2,086 |
-2,978 |
-377 |
-144 |
-52 |
-291 |
-282 |
-178 |
-183 |
|
|
Net Change |
-1,729 |
-2,824 |
-95 |
164 |
523 |
283 |
482 |
772 |
1,451 |
Regional Development Funding
Ceisteanna (92)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:92. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if funding will be provided for a centre (details supplied) in order to minimise the effect it may have on current and prospective tenants in Drogheda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32108/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Regional Enterprise Development Fund was launched in May 2017. This €60 million competitive fund will support major new collaborative and innovative initiatives that can make a significant impact on enterprise development in the region/across regions or nationally to build the unique USP capabilities to grow the regions.
Under a competitive process, Enterprise Ireland is now seeking applications for funding under four streams with varying investment levels:
1. Major Change Projects - €2m up to €5m per project,
2. Regionally Significant Projects - €250,000 up to €2m per project,
3. Local & Community Enterprise Development Projects - €50,000 up to €250,000 per project,
4. Industry Clusters - €50,000 up to €250,000 per project.
The Applicant will be not-for-profit entities that have already, or propose to, set up a distinct legal entity that comprise national/regional, county and local stakeholders, with a purpose of benefiting the wider needs of the community and region/nation.
Applicants can be promoted by private or public organisations, which for example might include:
- Higher Education Institutes
- Semi-State Commercial bodies
- Local Enterprise Development Groups
- Local Authorities.
In addition, Industry Clusters must comprise of at least five companies.
The first call for applications closes on August 18th. All eligible projects are encouraged to apply.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (93)
Tom Neville
Ceist:93. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the detail of grants available for a person who wants to buy a derelict business and refurbish same in order to provide a retail business in a town. [32112/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not have any role in providing grants for the purchase and refurbishment of derelict business premises.
IDA Ireland Portfolio
Ceisteanna (94)
John Brassil
Ceist:94. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will request IDA Ireland to carry out works at its site at Langford Downs, Killorglin, County Kerry to top trees which are overhanging and causing a hazard at the neighbouring housing estate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32169/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The remedial works requested by the Deputy are an operational matter for IDA Ireland. I have directed that the matter be brought to the attention of the Agency who, I am informed, will deal with it directly.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland Administration
Ceisteanna (95)
David Cullinane
Ceist:95. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the measures her Department has taken to address the issue of tax vetting procedures in relation to the issuing of training certificates for crane drivers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32176/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, has informed me that Solas is responsible for the issuing of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) certificates to crane driver candidates that attain the required assessment standard. I am informed that there is no reason tax vetting procedures would form part of this process.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (96)
Niall Collins
Ceist:96. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on correspondence (details supplied); and her plans for the Hallmarking (Amendment) Bill 2016. [32313/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is currently examining the proposals set out in the submission from the Irish Jewellers Association. These proposals were sent to my Department on 26 June 2017. In this context, my Department is currently consulting with other stakeholders in the jewellery sector on these proposals.
I would recall that such weight exemptions have not been a feature of Irish hallmarking legislation. Views on this issue have been traditionally divided with wholesalers being in favour of weight exemptions while other stakeholders, including the jewellery manufacturers and retailers, being against their introduction.
While I am willing to examine any proposals in a constructive manner, this must be on the understanding that they do not undermine the current system of hallmarking in Ireland or result in a reduction in the level of consumer protection that the current legislative framework provides.
Financial Services Regulation
Ceisteanna (97)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:97. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the current regulatory framework for receivers appointed by banks; her plans to introduce changes in this area; the oversight in place with regard to the level of fees charged by receivers; the recourse an affected borrower has that is of the view the fees charged in respect of their assets are excessive and unjustifiable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32405/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Receivership is a remedy that derives from courts of equity. The relevant law in relation to receivership is largely made up of rules which the courts have developed by applying general contract law and equitable principles. Receivers are appointed under a relevant security e.g. a mortgage or a charge which contains the contractual terms in relation to their appointment and their powers under the instrument. Depending on the circumstances of the case, courts may also, on application from a secured creditor, exercise their discretionary powers to appoint a receiver. Receivers can also be appointed under the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 in the case of mortgages created after 1 December 2009, and the Conveyancing Act 1881 for mortgages created prior to that date.
Section 437 of the Companies Act 2014 confers statutory powers on receivers and is intended to alleviate many of the problems which may arise from poorly drafted debentures. However, section 437(4) makes clear that these powers are limited by any provision in the instrument under which the receiver was appointed, again underlying the essentially contractual nature of receivership.
A receiver has specific statutory duties under section 439 of the Companies Act 2014 which provides that:
(i) receivers must achieve the best price reasonably obtainable at the time of sale; and
(ii) the receiver must not sell by private contract a non-cash asset of a company to a person who is or who, within three years prior to the date of appointment of the receiver, has been, an officer of the company unless the Receiver has given 14 days’ notice of his or her intention to do so to all creditors of the company who are known to him or her or who have been intimated to him or her.
These statutory duties make it imperative that the receiver obtains expert legal and valuation advice in relation to the sale of property, consistent with the duty "to obtain the best price reasonably obtainable". Breach of a receiver’s statutory duties may result in the receiver being held personally liable for any loss incurred.
Section 444 of the Companies Act 2014 allows a liquidator, a creditor or a member of a company to apply to the High Court for an order to fix the amount to be paid to a receiver, notwithstanding that his or her remuneration has been fixed by the instrument appointing the receiver. If the receiver has been paid previously in excess of the amount fixed by the court, the court order may extend to requiring him or her to account for the excess or such part of it that may be specified in the order.
The Companies Act 2014 applies to receivers generally but my Department has no role in relation to the regulatory framework for receivers appointed by banks which are entities regulated by the Central Bank.
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
Ceisteanna (98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:98. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 29 June 2017, the source data that her answer was based on; the version of the CETA trade agreement that she was referencing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32433/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMick Wallace
Ceist:99. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 18 of 29 June 2017, the source data that her answer was based on; the version of the CETA trade agreement that she was referencing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32434/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMick Wallace
Ceist:100. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 6 and 18 of 29 June 2017, the sectors and sub-sectors that Ireland and Germany have each included in their negative list and reservations in the CETA agreement; if she will provide the detail of reservations for existing measures and liberalisation commitments and reservations for future measures; the reservations which apply at a national level and which apply only at regional level with regard to both countries; the number of pieces of legislation which come under both countries' reservation lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32435/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMick Wallace
Ceist:101. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 6 and 18 of 29 June 2017, the detail of the CETA trade agreement, that is, page number and section that specifies that the water supply sector here will not be subject to the terms of the agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32436/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMick Wallace
Ceist:102. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 6 and 18 of 29 June 2017, if her understanding of Article 1.9(3) of the CETA trade agreement means that Ireland's water sector will be subject to the terms of the agreement in view of the fact that Irish Water charges for water and this permits the commercial use of water sources (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32437/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMick Wallace
Ceist:103. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 6 and 18 of 29 June 2017, if she will provide links to the economic research and data behind her positive characterisation of CETA and her claim of huge advantages it offers to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32438/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 to 103, inclusive, together.
On 14th January 2017, the final text of the EU-Canada Comprehensive and Economic Free Trade Agreement (CETA) (OJ L 11, 14.1.2017, p. 23–1079) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union and is available at http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2017.011.01.0023.01.ENG&toc=OJ:L:2017:011:TOC.
The detail requested by Deputy Wallace in relation to the reservations in the Agreement is available for -
Annex I Reservations for existing measures and liberalisation - pages 592 - 866;
- EU Party Reservations applicable in the European Union (applicable in all Member States of the EU unless otherwise indicated) - pages 722 – 728;
- Annex I Reservations applicable in Germany - pages 760 – 771;
- Annex I Reservations applicable in Ireland - pages 804 – 806.
Annex II Reservations for future measures – pages 867 – 1027;
- EU Party Reservations applicable in the European Union (applicable in all Member States of the EU unless otherwise indicated) - pages 898 –936;
- EU Reservation on the collection, purification and distribution of water – pages 922 – 923;
- Annex I Reservations applicable in Germany - pages 978 – 983;
- Annex I Reservations applicable in Ireland - pages 988 – 989.
In relation to water supply, like all EU trade agreements, CETA does not cover public services. CETA will not force governments to privatise or deregulate public services like the water supply and Ireland will be able to keep public monopolies for particular services. The Agreement does not oblige Ireland to permit the commercial use of water if it does not wish to do so. It fully preserves Ireland’s sovereign right to decide how to use and protect water sources. Furthermore, the Agreement will not prevent the reversal of a decision to allow the commercial use of water.
Regarding the advantages CETA offers, all the details are in the text of the Agreement including the elimination of tariffs on almost all key exports, easing regulatory barriers and ensuring more transparent rules for market access. For example, the elimination of 26.5% tariffs on beef and up to 18% on clothing will make our exports more competitive. Furthermore, the opening of public procurement markets in Canada is significant and will bring new opportunities for Irish exporters across a range of sectors.