Written Answers Nos. 56-80
56. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of reports that the IDA has commissioned an analysis into advance planning permission for future data centres; the name of the company commissioned for this task; the cost involved; when this report will be published; and if IDA vacant sites are being examined for possible use. [45590/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this year, IDA Ireland sought submissions from suitable service providers to undertake a study to identify potential strategic land banks in Ireland that would be suitable to accommodate the sustainable development of large scale Data Centre projects. Following this process Jacobs Engineering, supporting by AOS Planning, were appointed to produce this report.
The study, which will assist efforts to ensure that Ireland continues to be best placed to compete for, win and sustain data centre investments, is now approaching its final stages. The study will evaluate viable property options nationally that are both supported by the necessary infrastructure and able to meet the complex and evolving needs of data centre investments.
The study is for internal IDA Ireland purposes and is not intended for publication. Details on its cost have not been made publically available as they are commercially sensitive and could impact other tendering processes.
Over recent years, leading international technology and computing companies have announced significant data centre investments for Ireland and the IDA is committed to ensuring that this trend continues. The Agency, supported by other relevant key stakeholders, will continue to highlight credible and flexible property solutions that form part of the competitive value proposition for this sector.
57. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the details of the development of a longer term business development loan scheme which would assist firms in long term investing for a post-Brexit environment. [45592/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra58. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a formal request was made to change State ceilings for grant aid to enterprises over a three year period further to her confirmation that in autumn 2016, officials from her Department initiated discussions with the Directorate General for Competition to sensitise the commission to potential difficulties likely to be encountered by firms relating to Brexit. [45593/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the rescue and restructure scheme will comply with State ceilings for grant aid to enterprises made over a three year period following her confirmation that her Department recently filed the scheme for approval under state aid rules with the EU Commission; and the direct exchequer funding that will be allocated to the scheme. [45594/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 to 59, inclusive, together.
In our engagements with both EU Commissioners and Ministers from other Member States since the UK decision, Brexit has been a central part of the discussions at these meetings. Officials of my Department have held discussions with DG Competition on the potential difficulties likely to be encountered by Irish firms from the Brexit referendum result, with the most recent meeting taking place this week. I also informed Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, of these issues when I met him in Brussels on 10th July 2017. These discussions will continue at the highest levels to address all relevant issues relating to any proposals emerging from our work with industry.
I recently announced a Brexit Loan Scheme, which will provide affordable working capital financing to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit, or will be in the future. The new Scheme will be delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through commercial lenders to get much needed working capital into Irish businesses.
The new Brexit Loan Scheme aims to make up to €300 million available to SMEs and Small Mid-Caps. The scheme will be open both to State Agency clients and those businesses that do not have any relationship with State Agencies.
The total cost to the exchequer will be €23 million. My Department will contribute €14 million, the Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will contribute €9 million. SBCI will use this budget to leverage the overall fund of up to €300 million.
My Department is also scoping the development of a longer-term Business Development Loan Scheme which would assist firms in long term investing for a post-Brexit environment.
The State aid implications of the potential longer term are being worked through. It is anticipated that this Scheme would be provided under General Block Exemption Regulation rules, meaning My Department could bring the scheme into place without prior notification to the Commission.
Further details of this scoping exercise will issue in due course.
A lot that can be done within the existing EU State Aid Framework. We are confident that the measures currently in development will be State Aid compliant, and we are taking steps to ensure that we can use all options available under the State aid framework to provide support to companies impacted by Brexit.
Should issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing rules, we will move quickly to advance this with the EU Commission.
60. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of inspections carried out by the workplace relations bodies on a county basis in each month in each of the years 2014 to 2015 and to date in 2017; the number of prosecutions undertaken in each county during that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45595/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body which was established on 1st October 2015 under the Workplace Relations Act 2015. The WRC assumes the roles and functions previously carried out by the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), Equality Tribunal, Labour Relations Commission (LRC), Rights Commissioners Service (RCS), and the first-instance (Complaints and Referrals) functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT).
Inspectors of the WRC carry out inspections of employer records with a view to determining compliance with employment rights legislation. These inspections arise:
in response to complaints received of alleged non-compliance with relevant employment rights legislation;
as part of compliance campaigns which focus on compliance in specific sectors or specific pieces of legislation, or
as routine inspections, which act as a control measure.
The aim is to achieve voluntary compliance with employment law through the provision of education and awareness, inspection of employers’ employment records and enforcement where necessary. While every effort is made to secure compliance, some employers either refuse or fail to rectify the breaches identified and/or pay money due to their employees. These cases are referred for prosecution.
Details in relation to the number of inspections and prosecutions undertaken in each county during 2014 to 2016 and to end September 2017 are provided in the tables below (a monthly breakdown of the figures for inspections undertaken is not available).
Inspections:
|
' |
2017 (to 30 Sep) |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
|
CARLOW |
55 |
36 |
71 |
53 |
|
CAVAN |
61 |
117 |
134 |
137 |
|
CLARE |
106 |
129 |
242 |
217 |
|
CORK |
148 |
332 |
287 |
304 |
|
DONEGAL |
123 |
128 |
184 |
153 |
|
DUBLIN |
959 |
1,067 |
977 |
1,021 |
|
GALWAY |
236 |
408 |
410 |
420 |
|
KERRY |
39 |
96 |
51 |
59 |
|
KILDARE |
101 |
186 |
246 |
316 |
|
KILKENNY |
66 |
92 |
91 |
158 |
|
LAOIS |
27 |
63 |
85 |
124 |
|
LEITRIM |
43 |
36 |
24 |
23 |
|
LIMERICK |
252 |
426 |
347 |
546 |
|
LONGFORD |
69 |
79 |
76 |
73 |
|
LOUTH |
218 |
177 |
182 |
121 |
|
MAYO |
98 |
147 |
154 |
146 |
|
MEATH |
83 |
121 |
143 |
120 |
|
MONAGHAN |
76 |
69 |
77 |
82 |
|
OFFALY |
124 |
76 |
91 |
57 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
35 |
61 |
72 |
85 |
|
SLIGO |
38 |
47 |
58 |
57 |
|
TIPPERARY |
149 |
177 |
241 |
224 |
|
WATERFORD |
95 |
207 |
166 |
115 |
|
WESTMEATH |
116 |
117 |
133 |
153 |
|
WEXFORD |
85 |
181 |
299 |
337 |
|
WICKLOW |
159 |
255 |
344 |
490 |
|
TOTAL |
3,561 |
4,830 |
5,185 |
5,591 |
Prosecutions:
|
' |
2017 (to 30 Sep) |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
|
CARLOW |
2 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
|
CAVAN |
0 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
|
CLARE |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
|
CORK |
5 |
2 |
7 |
1 |
|
DONEGAL |
4 |
2 |
6 |
1 |
|
DUBLIN |
7 |
7 |
13 |
24 |
|
GALWAY |
1 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
|
KERRY |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
KILDARE |
6 |
11 |
9 |
5 |
|
KILKENNY |
4 |
2 |
5 |
6 |
|
LAOIS |
8 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
|
LEITRIM |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
LIMERICK |
5 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
|
LONGFORD |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
LOUTH |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
|
MAYO |
4 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
MEATH |
1 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
|
MONAGHAN |
6 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
OFFALY |
1 |
8 |
15 |
4 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
SLIGO |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
TIPPERARY |
6 |
6 |
5 |
6 |
|
WATERFORD |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
WESTMEATH |
7 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
|
WEXFORD |
6 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
|
WICKLOW |
3 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
|
TOTAL |
83 |
85 |
106 |
84 |
61. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has had discussions at EU level on the need to implement specific measures to assist businesses and enterprise in the Border region that will be adversely affected by Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44668/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn our engagements with both EU Commissioners and Ministers from other Member States since the UK decision, Brexit has been a central part of the discussions at these meetings. Officials of my Department have held discussions with DG Competition on the potential difficulties likely to be encountered by Irish firms from the Brexit referendum result with the most recent meeting taking place this week. I also informed Michael Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, of these issues when I met him in Brussels on 10th July 2017. These discussions will continue at the highest levels to address all relevant issues relating to any proposals emerging from our work with industry.
The Government is conscious of the need to consider the types of supports that Irish businesses may require across all regions of the country, to address challenges arising from the UK's decision to leave the EU. Short, medium and long term responses from market diversification through to price repositioning will be needed.
On foot of extensive engagement with industry, my Department is working with the Department of Finance, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Enterprise Ireland and the SBCI to develop appropriate, tailored and targeted responses. This work, along with market developments as a result of Brexit, and ongoing engagement with the business community, will inform further discussions with the Commission and the development of any further initiatives to business.
I recently announced a Brexit Loan Scheme, which will provide affordable working capital financing to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit, or will be in the future. The new Scheme will be delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through commercial lenders to get much needed working capital into Irish businesses.
The new Brexit Loan Scheme aims to make up to €300 million available to SMEs and Small Mid-Caps. The scheme will be open both to State Agency clients and those businesses that do not have any relationship with State Agencies.
My Department is also scoping the development of a longer-term Business Development Loan Scheme which would assist firms in long term investing for a post-Brexit environment. Further details of this scoping exercise will issue in due course.
A lot that can be done within the existing EU State Aid Framework. We are confident that the measures currently in development will be State Aid compliant, and we are taking steps to ensure that we can use all options available under the State aid framework to provide support to companies impacted by Brexit.
Should issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing rules, we will move quickly to advance this with the EU Commission.
62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions her Department is having with its counterpart in Northern Ireland on the need to implement programmes on a cross-Border basis to assist businesses and enterprise that will be affected adversely by Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44669/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its counterpart in Northern Ireland, the Department for the Economy, co-fund the cross-border body InterTrade Ireland (ITI). ITI has specific responsibility for developing North-South trade and assisting SMEs, on both sides of the border, to develop their export potential.
Given its mandate, ITI is especially well-placed to help businesses throughout Ireland prepare for and address the specific commercial challenges that Brexit may create for cross-border trade. The body is already providing a range of Brexit-related services to its client companies and will continue to do so in the time ahead. Additional funding has been made available from my Department to support this important work and we continue to keep ITI's requirements under review.
My Department's officials engage regularly with their counterparts from the Department for the Economy regarding funding for ITI and the programmes - whether Brexit-related or otherwise - the body carries out. This engagement is ongoing.
63. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there have been inquiries from prospective investors about a replacement manufacturing industry for a site (details supplied); the way in which the IDA is actively promoting the site to existing customers and potential investors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45376/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have made clear, the decision by HP Inc to close its facility in Leixlip was very much regrettable. Although the company continues to operate there, IDA Ireland is nevertheless actively promoting the site to existing clients and potential investors and will continue to do so in the time ahead. This entails engaging with suitable multinational companies - including those currently based in Ireland and others considering situating here - about the possibilities for investment in Leixlip. Given the attractiveness of the HP Inc facility, and its location, I remain hopeful that a new investor will be identified in due course and that further employment opportunities will in turn be created for the people of Kildare and the surrounding region.
While HP Inc's decision is very disappointing, there are over 20 other multinational companies in Kildare that employ more than 10,000 people across a broad range of sectors. IDA Ireland continues to work with its client base in the region to both sustain and grow employment further with the aim of increasing job creation by 30%-40% over the lifetime of the Agency's current strategy.
64. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to assist in increasing the viability of the second-hand car market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45424/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have any role in the introduction of measures to assist in increasing the viability of the second hand car market.
65. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Enterprise Ireland supported jobs in County Mayo; the number in the Ballina area in each of the years 2014 to 2016, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45563/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland supports companies in every county of Ireland to start and scale, innovate and remain competitive on international markets. In addition, with the advent of the network of Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland now plays a critical role in driving and nurturing entrepreneurship all the way from an originating idea at local level, to taking-on global markets.
In January 2017 Enterprise Ireland published its strategy for the period 2017-2020. The strategy was developed in the context of Brexit and despite economic and market uncertainties, Enterprise Ireland’s strategic aims are to:
Assist clients to create 60,000 new jobs by 2020 and to sustain the existing record level of jobs;
Grow annual exports by €5bn to €26bn per annum;
Increase the level of spend in the Irish economy by €4bn to €27bn per annum by 2020, thus creating further jobs indirectly in the local economy.
The 5,000 manufacturing and internationally traded services companies that Enterprise Ireland works with are a critical source of existing employment and job creation in every county in Ireland and are spread across a wide range of sectors. In 2016, Enterprise Ireland supported companies employed 201,108 people. Within this, 19,244 new jobs were created resulting in a net gain of 9,117 jobs. 65 per cent of client employment is outside of Dublin. 42.2 per cent of client employment is outside the five counties which are home to the five urban centres (Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Cork). The contribution of Enterprise Ireland client companies to the domestic economy is very important, particularly from a regional perspective, as it sustains over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Enterprise Ireland collects employment data by county only and therefore cannot report on employment figures specifically for Ballina.
In 2016, Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Mayo employed 3,856 people. Table 1 below presents employment at Enterprise Ireland supported companies for the period 2014 -2016.
Table 1
|
County Mayo |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Total Job Number |
3784 |
3667 |
3856 |
|
Permanent Full Time Gains |
220 |
139 |
247 |
|
Permanent Full Time Losses |
-147 |
-196 |
-36 |
|
Permanent Full Time Net Change |
73 |
-57 |
211 |
(Source: DBEI Annual Employment Survey 2014,2015 and 2016)
66. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA site visits in each county in quarter 1, 2 and 3 of 2017, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45588/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder its current strategy, IDA Ireland has targeted an increase of 30% to 40% in foreign direct investment (FDI) in every region outside Dublin by 2019. The data available shows that progress is being made towards achieving this goal, with 173 site visits recorded in the first quarter of this year. This is an increase of over 20% on 2016, when 136 visits were recorded for the same period.
While visits by the Agency’s client companies are a useful tool in promoting particular locations, the final decision as to where an investment may ultimately be situated is dependent on an array of factors. This includes the suitability of infrastructure and proximity to transport hubs. Another key consideration for IDA Ireland clients in this context is the ready availability of suitable properties. The Agency therefore requires an adequate supply of marketable serviced land and buildings that can be offered to investors. If the Agency did not have such properties available for investment, it would diminish Ireland’s ability to win mobile FDI, particularly for the regions
The following table sets out the number of IDA Ireland sponsored site visits to each county over the course of the first six months of 2017. Information on the number of site visits that took place during quarter three of this year will be available at the beginning of November.
|
County |
Q1 2017 |
Q2 2017 |
|
Dublin |
82 |
155 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
2 |
|
Meath |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
2 |
|
Laois |
0 |
0 |
|
Longford |
0 |
6 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
1 |
|
Westmeath |
9 |
22 |
|
Clare |
10 |
17 |
|
Limerick |
10 |
17 |
|
Tipperary |
5 |
5 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
1 |
|
Louth |
5 |
10 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
1 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
2 |
|
Sligo |
2 |
8 |
|
Carlow |
3 |
4 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
3 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
4 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
2 |
|
Cork |
9 |
21 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
2 |
|
Galway |
23 |
34 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
2 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
173 |
323 |
67. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance the status of his Department's study of the impacts of carbon taxes. [45400/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s carbon tax covers non-ETS emissions arising from the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, for uses outside electricity generation and heavy industry sector.
In the context of Ireland’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and other climate obligations the National Mitigation Plan commits to examine the impact of the carbon tax to inform policy on the tax.
As I announced in the Budget I have asked my officials and the ESRI to carry out a review of carbon tax with a view to bringing forward proposals for Budget 2019. The review will incorporate an examination of the role of the tax in driving changes to behaviour in households and business.
The ESRI are currently in the process of developing an energy model which would enable a deeper analysis of the carbon tax. It is expected that the model will be available to assess the impact and pricing of a carbon tax in the first half of 2018.
68. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the value of stamp duty collected at the 2% rate in 2016 related to the sale of working farmland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45421/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that, while a breakdown of the receipts from non-residential property Stamp Duty is not presently available, Revenue is undertaking further analysis on this topic and expects to have more detail available in the coming weeks.
69. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if an allowance is being made on behalf of accountants who are facing the income tax filing deadline on 14 November 2017 due to loss of ESB supply and broadband in October 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45425/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that in recognition of the difficulties experienced by many households and businesses during recent storms that resulted in significant power outages, Revenue announced yesterday, 25 October, an extension in the online Pay and File deadline to midnight on Thursday 16 November 2017.
A copy of the Press Release is attached for the Deputy’s information.
Revenue extends “Pay and File” deadline to 16 November 2017
Revenue is very aware of the difficulties that affected many households and businesses as a result of the recent storms and is conscious that these may have impacted on preparations to meet the upcoming online Pay and File deadline.
In order to assist customers and practitioners impacted by power outages, Revenue has today advised that the deadline to Pay and File online has been extended to midnight on Thursday 16 November 2017.
The ROS and Payment Support helpdesks will be open until 8pm on the nights leading up to the new deadline, and will remain open until midnight on 16 November, to assist with filing returns and making payments right up to the deadline.
The deadline for paper filers is 31 October 2017 and this remains unchanged.
70. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the non-payment of water charges by a household will be reflected in the central credit register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45429/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra71. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the late payment of utility bills by a household will be reflected in the central credit register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45430/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 71 together.
The Central Credit Register is established by the Central Bank under the Credit Reporting Act 2013. Part (e) of the definition of credit as set out in Section 2(1) of the Act excludes from the definition of credit that which is provided ‘in connection with the provision of a utility or other service on a continuing basis’. Accordingly the Central Bank advises that information relating to utility bills or water charges will not be collected by the Central Credit Register.
72. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Finance the reason the VAT rate for the entertainment industry is 23% (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45436/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe VAT Consolidation Act 2010, as amended, provides for the application of the standard rate of VAT, currently 23%, to the supply of the service of a band. The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the VAT Directive provides that all goods and services must be charged to VAT at the standard rate unless they fall within particular categories of goods and services specified in the VAT Directive. VAT rating is determined on the basis of particular goods and services, not by goods or services as a whole.
The 9% reduced VAT rate, which was introduced from 1 July 2011 as part of the Government Jobs Initiative, applies to a number of services including those provided by hairdressers and barbers. This is provided for under Annex III of VAT the Directive. There is no provision that would allow a reduced VAT rate to apply to wedding bands.
There is no legislative basis that would allow private individuals to reclaim VAT in the circumstances outlined. VAT is a tax charged on goods and services by businesses who are registered for VAT but ultimately VAT is paid by the end consumer. VAT-registered businesses who are charging VAT are entitled to claim back VAT on their inputs, but individual persons who are not registered for VAT are not entitled to claim back VAT.
73. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the number of firms by size (details supplied) that have applied for the knowledge development box scheme for SMEs since being established in tabular form. [45586/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the Knowledge Development Box (“KDB”) was introduced with effect from 1 January 2016. Information from Corporation Tax returns for 2016, the bulk of which are presently being filed, will be processed, parsed and analysed in the coming months. Further information on the KDB will then be available in late 2017 or early 2018.
74. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the number of firms by size (details supplied) that have applied for the research and development tax credit in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [45587/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is a very important feature of the Irish Corporation Tax system. The central purpose of the R&D tax credit is to encourage companies to undertake high-value added R&D activity in Ireland, thereby supporting jobs and investment here. A review of the R&D Tax Credit was undertaken by my Department prior to Budget 2016. The review concluded that the tax credit provides a reasonable level of additionality and that the rationale for the tax credit is not in question. Firms clearly respond to it by increasing their R&D expenditure.
I am advised by Revenue that information in respect of the annual tax cost of the research and development tax credit for years up to 2015, the latest year available, is at the following link
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/tax-expenditures/costs-tax-expenditures.pdf
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy is available up to 2015. The information requested in terms of companies availing of the scheme, and of firm size is as shown in the following table. The number of companies shown below availing of the credit includes companies offsetting their credit against their in-year profits and those with refundable tax credits in the year.
|
Year |
No. of Companies availing of the R&D tax credit |
Less than 10 employees |
11 to 49 employees |
50 to 249 employees |
250 or more employees |
|
2010 |
1172 |
428 |
394 |
252 |
98 |
|
2011 |
1409 |
505 |
497 |
292 |
115 |
|
2012 |
1543 |
549 |
554 |
313 |
127 |
|
2013 |
1576 |
549 |
584 |
326 |
117 |
|
2014 |
1570 |
528 |
563 |
341 |
138 |
|
2015 |
1535 |
502 |
560 |
330 |
143 |
75. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if the new KEEP share options scheme for SMEs has the same threshold for granting share options up a level similar to the UK's enterprise incentives scheme. [45596/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2018 I introduced the Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP) with the objective of supporting SMEs in Ireland in competing with larger enterprises to recruit and retain key employees. Share options can provide key employees with a financial incentive linked to the success of the company and may improve the attractiveness of an SME employment offer.
A restriction is placed at company level which limits the market value of issued but unexercised KEEP share options to €3,000,000. It is my understanding that the UK Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme, which is similar in nature to the KEEP, specifies that the market value of shares subject to unexercised EMI options granted by a company or group cannot exceed stg £3,000,000.
76. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied) which was furnished to his Department; and if he will address the position as outlined therein. [45599/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that vehicles which are granted relief from VRT and VAT under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994 must continue to be used primarily for the transportation of persons with a disability for a minimum period of required use that ranges from 2 to 6 years, depending on the level of adaptations of the vehicle and the corresponding amount of tax relief available. In the event that the vehicle is not so used, the residual VRT and VAT associated with the vehicle must be calculated using the formula specified in regulation 15 of S.I. 353 of 1994 and refunded to Revenue. The regulations do not provide for any exception to this requirement.
77. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of civil servants for each service grade who applied to the service wide mobility scheme to date in 2017, under action 15 of the civil service renewal plan in each Department; the geographic location requested to move from; and the geographic location requested to move to, in tabular form. [45372/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Civil Service Mobility scheme is one of a number of arrangements to be put in place to fulfil the requirements of Action 15 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan which calls to ‘Expand career and mobility opportunities for staff across geographic, organisational and sectorial boundaries’.
The scheme will generate an open, fair, transparent and practical system that facilitates effective mobility of staff across the Civil Service in pursuit of development opportunities and relocation while also supporting the needs of the business.
The Mobility scheme is being developed for the Civil Service on a phased basis:
- Phase 1A will be for the general Civil Service grades of CO and EO for mobility between zones (all 46 zones) and within zones (excluding Zone 46 – Dublin). Anticipated launch Q4-2017.
- Phase 1B will be for the general Civil Service grades of CO and EO for mobility within the zone of Dublin. Anticipated launch mid-2018.
- Phase 2 will be for the general Civil Service grades of HEO, AO and AP. Anticipated launch late-2018.
Equivalent Professional and Technical grades are not covered under early phases of the scheme and consideration will be given to mobility for these grades at a later date.
An element of Phase 1A of the Civil Service Mobility scheme was successfully piloted in Wexford Town and Cork City for the general Civil Service grades of CO, SO and EO in February this year for a 3-month period. This phase has now been extended to include all locations and, following the learning from the Pilot, will be launched in the coming weeks.
Details of applications from the Pilot of Phase 1A are attached for your information.
|
Grade |
Location |
Organisation |
Number |
|
CO |
Cork City |
CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE |
9 |
|
CO |
Cork City |
COURTS SERVICE |
2 |
|
CO |
Cork City |
Emp Affairs-Social Protection |
31 |
|
CO |
Cork City |
FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE |
3 |
|
CO |
Cork City |
Garda Civilians |
11 |
|
CO |
Cork City |
JUSTICE, EQUALITY & LAW REFORM |
3 |
|
CO |
Cork City |
LEGAL AID BOARD |
5 |
|
CO |
Cork City |
REVENUE COMMISSIONERS |
9 |
|
CO |
Wexford Town |
Agriculture, Food & Marine |
20 |
|
CO |
Wexford Town |
COURTS SERVICE |
1 |
|
CO |
Wexford Town |
Comms, Climate Action & Environment |
1 |
|
CO |
Wexford Town |
Culture, Heritage & Gaeltacht |
4 |
|
CO |
Wexford Town |
EDUCATION & SKILLS |
1 |
|
CO |
Wexford Town |
Emp Affairs-Social Protection |
16 |
|
CO |
Wexford Town |
Housing, Planning & Local Govt |
1 |
|
CO |
Wexford Town |
LEGAL AID BOARD |
1 |
|
CO |
Wexford Town |
REVENUE COMMISSIONERS |
4 |
|
EO |
Cork City |
Agriculture, Food & Marine |
1 |
|
EO |
Cork City |
CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE |
5 |
|
EO |
Cork City |
COURTS SERVICE |
3 |
|
EO |
Cork City |
Emp Affairs-Social Protection |
9 |
|
EO |
Cork City |
FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE |
1 |
|
EO |
Cork City |
Garda Civilians |
1 |
|
EO |
Cork City |
JUSTICE, EQUALITY & LAW REFORM |
1 |
|
EO |
Cork City |
REVENUE COMMISSIONERS |
8 |
|
EO |
Wexford Town |
Agriculture, Food & Marine |
12 |
|
EO |
Wexford Town |
Comms, Climate Action & Envir |
2 |
|
EO |
Wexford Town |
Culture, Heritage & Gaeltacht |
6 |
|
EO |
Wexford Town |
Emp Affairs-Social Protection |
5 |
|
EO |
Wexford Town |
Housing, Planning & Local Govt |
3 |
|
EO |
Wexford Town |
REVENUE COMMISSIONERS |
5 |
|
SO |
Cork City |
CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE |
1 |
|
SO |
Cork City |
Emp Affairs-Social Protection |
7 |
|
SO |
Cork City |
Garda Civilians |
2 |
|
SO |
Wexford Town |
Agriculture, Food & Marine |
4 |
|
SO |
Wexford Town |
Emp Affairs-Social Protection |
3 |
|
SO |
Wexford Town |
Housing, Planning & Local Govt |
1 |
|
SO |
Wexford Town |
REVENUE COMMISSIONERS |
1 |
78. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of religious instruction in schools in which he is the patron or in which a public body is the patron; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45231/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Education and Skills, in accordance with the Education Act 1998, I am currently the Patron of the nine model schools. The nine model schools operate as denominational Catholic or Protestant schools in accordance with the historic traditions that go back to their foundation and the community to be served at the time they were established.
Religious education is one of the seven curricular areas of the Primary Curriculum (1999). Denominational schools are currently required to allocate thirty minutes per day for religious instruction. However, unlike other subject areas, the content of the religious curriculum provided by schools is not set by my Department. The Education Act recognises the rights of the different church authorities to design curricula in religious education and to supervise their teaching and implementation. This means that the content of the religious education programme in a particular primary school is determined by the patron of the school.
Community National Schools (CNS) are multi-denominational schools under the patronage of Education and Training Boards (ETBs). ‘Goodness Me, Goodness You’ (GMGY) is the patron’s programme that underpins the characteristic spirit of CNS schools. GMGY is a common programme suitable for pupils of all faiths and beliefs and none. GMGY is taught in all of the Community National Schools.
Post Primary ETB and Community Schools are multi-denominational schools and as such are required to provide for religious instruction according to the profile of the students who attend the school. My Department is preparing a circular that will provide guidance to ETB Post Primary schools on the arrangements that should apply in future for students that wish to opt out of religious instruction or worship. I expect the circular to issue later this year and that it will also apply to Post Primary Community Schools in all of which ETBs are co-patrons.
79. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills when tenders will be invited for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45375/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building project at the school referred to by the Deputy is for a new build 24 classroom school including a Special Needs Unit, with an approx. floor area of 4,748M2.
The project is currently at Stage 2B of Architectural Planning - Detailed Design Stage, which includes applications for all statutory consents, including Planning Permission, Disability Access Certificate and Fire Safety Certificate and also the preparation of tender documentation. Planning Permission for the project was received in August of this year.
Once the Stage 2B submission has been received and reviewed, my Department will then revert to the school with regard to a timeframe for progression to tender.
80. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board has concluded its examination of options for accommodation for a new school (details supplied) in Maynooth, County Kildare; if not, when it will conclude the examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45377/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaynooth Community College opened in 2014 with an Irish-medium Aonad and it was stated that should the Aonad demonstrate sufficient viability after four years from its date of establishment, a Gaelcholáiste would be established, in a partnership patronage model between Kildare and Wicklow ETB and An Foras Pátrúnachta.
As part of the Major School Building Projects announcement in November 2015 and in view of the continued support for an independent Gaelcholáiste, it was confirmed that a Gaelcholáiste to serve the North Kildare area will open in 2019, subject to the continued viability of the Irish-medium Aonad at Maynooth Community College.
Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board is continuing to examine the options for accommodation for the school referred to by the Deputy which will involve consideration of the timing and availability of appropriate infrastructure in the area.
My Department will continue to work closely with Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board and An Foras Pátrúnachta in relation to the provision of appropriate accommodation for the establishment of the school.
