Written Answers Nos. 143-166
143. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the meetings of the strategic communications unit she or her departmental officials attended; the date and location of each such meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45985/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials and I met the head of the strategic communications unit, Mr John Concannon, in September 2017. Since then my officials have had, and will continue to have, ongoing contact with the unit which is tasked with the delivery of major cross government communications campaigns.
144. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the last time her Department's website was revamped or remodelled; the cost of same; if she or her departmental officials have been consulted regarding creating one stand alone online Government portal website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46002/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department’s website underwent a significant redevelopment in 2014, as the previous platform was outdated, difficult to update and maintain. The cost of the redevelopment was €97,675.53.
As part of the Government's eGovernment Strategy 2017- 2020 the Office of the Chief Information Officer has been working on the development of a Digital Service Gateway - a single digital point where citizens can easily access information about Government services that are available to them.
This work, which commenced at beginning of this year, is ongoing and will involve the rationalisation of existing Government websites and online services over time. This project will be managed and developed by resources within the civil service.
145. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the investment in her Department’s website since 2011 including total associated costs incurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46019/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2011 my Department has engaged in a two-phase project to replace the Department’s previous corporate website. This project was initiated after the Department identified a number of issues with the previous website, including:
- Its structure was functional rather than customer focused
- It did not convey the breadth of the Department’s activities
- It had no means of engaging with customers or of using social media
- It was not mobile friendly
- It was visually unappealing
- It was based on older technologies which had not been changed in a number of years and was difficult to maintain
Those issues impeded the Department in an important aspect of its function, that of acting as an advocate for policies and actions which promote growth in jobs, enterprise and innovation throughout the economy.
The project resulted in the launch of the current website which is used to promote the key themes of the Department’s strategy, through the use of a modern and user-friendly website aimed at promoting the Department’s mission. The website includes customer focused information on the services and supports offered by my Department including key areas such as the Action Plan for Jobs, employment permits, financial supports for business, company law and intellectual property. The website also promotes the Department’s strategy through the use of modern social media tools such as aggregated news, photo, video and twitter content from the Department and its Agencies. It also provides direct links to the Online Employment Permits application system, the Agencies and Offices of the Department, and to other key Government services including resources on supports for SMEs and information on Brexit preparations.
The total cost of developing, improving and maintaining the website since 2011 is €250,655.
146. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of departmental staff in her press office; the reporting relationship in operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46036/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a number of strategic communications priorities for the latter end of this year and into 2018, particularly in the areas of: Brexit; Regional Job Creation; Research, Development and Innovation.
The Press Office within my Department is heavily involved in the communications of those priorities through a range of media facing work. In addition the Press Office responds to media queries on an ongoing basis, and supports me in my work as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Tánaiste, as well as the two Ministers of State at the Department.
The office is staffed by one Higher Executive Officer, one Executive Officer and two Clerical Officers and is part of a wider departmental Communications team which is managed at Principal Officer level and overseen by an Assistant Secretary.
147. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the protocol for attendance by staff, both civil servants and political non-civil servants at continuing professional development programmes and courses; the number of staff both civil servants and political non-civil servants in her Department that participated in such programmes on an annual basis in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the costs incurred by her Department for persons who participated in these courses; the providers of all such courses; the subject areas of all courses and programmes provided in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46053/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation supports continuous professional development by placing a high priority on the development of staff to enable a high performing and agile workforce.
The attendance by staff on learning andthird level courses to help enable the Department in building the appropriate skill and expert development courses/programmes is informed by an annual Learning and Development Plan. This plan sets out the key learning and development priorities for the year and is based on the individual, team and business needs of the Department. In addition, the Advanced Payment of Fees (APF) Scheme is supported which enables staff to participate in further relevant third level academic qualifications. In this regard the Management Board annually targets specific levels required, while supporting officers in the area of self-development and life-long learning.
The specific information the Deputy has sought requires the presentation of data that is not immediately available in the format requested, and will require some time to collate. In this regard, I will furnish the Deputy with the specific details of the costs and the providers of courses and programmes delivered since 2011 within 10 working days.
148. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the public relations companies or agencies the services of which her Department used for information campaigns since 1 January 2017; and the costs incurred to date in 2017. [46070/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department uses external public relations providers having regard to its business needs for specialist communications advice and technical materials assistance. In engaging such providers, the Department is mindful of the need to secure value for money and, accordingly, strives to keep costs to the minimum.
The total expenditure incurred by my Department and its Offices to date in 2017 on the services of public relations companies is €53,261. The names and business addresses of the providers of these services and the details of the services supplied are set out in the following table:
Total Expenditure Incurred by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation on the Services of PR Companies in 2017
|
Year |
Name of PR Company |
Service Provided |
Cost € |
|
2017 |
Strategem b.t.l. Ltd. |
To provide the Department with a six month public campaign to raise awareness of the Prompt Payment Code (This amount relates to work carried out in 2016) |
25,155 |
|
|
Drury Porter Novelli |
PR and event support for information campaigns; encouraging and informing companies on how to prepare their business for Brexit |
15,238 |
|
|
Fuzion Communications |
Provision of Communications Services to the Workplace Relations Commission |
12,868 |
149. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she has taken to ensure that grant aided organisations are spending their moneys appropriately in view of the revelations regarding a charity (details supplied) in 2016; if her attention has been drawn to concerns in relation to organisations funded by her Department; if so, the action she has taken; if her Department has issued new procedures regarding the use of credit cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46087/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll grant aided bodies are subject to governance and accountability arrangements and are advised of their obligations under various Department of Public Expenditure and Reform circulars including the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, Public Spending Code and the Management of and Accountability for Grants from the Exchequer Funds.
The overall principle of the circular on the Management of and Accountability for grants is that there should be transparency and accountability in the management of public money, in line with economy, efficiency and effectiveness. The provisions of this circular apply to the payment of grants to any agency as well as to any onward movement of such funds.
Every state body under the aegis of my Department reports, through an Annual Report and Financial Statement, their compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. The Chairperson is required to make a Statement on the System of Internal Controls operating in the Body. The statement is reviewed by both the Internal Audit Committee and the Board and are subject to review by external auditors to confirm the body’s compliance with the requirements with the Code. The Code requires that Statements of Internal Control must include specific information including an affirmation by the Chairperson that the Body has appropriate procedures for financial reporting, internal audit, travel, procurement and asset disposals. The Chairperson is also obliged to affirm that Codes of Conduct for the Board and its employees are in place and are being complied with.
My Department also has in place Service Level Agreements with all the Bodies under its aegis and has regular bi-lateral meetings with the Bodies concerned. Issues of governance, accountability and financial control are regular agenda items at those liaison meetings.
150. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the details of all planning and research work under way for the impact of the result of Brexit negotiations in her Department or related State agencies; if this analysis is intended for publication; the expected completion and publication date respectively of this research in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46113/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, Minister Coveney has responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. In this capacity, he is working closely with his colleagues across Government to address the many challenges resulting from Brexit. This co-operation also involves the relevant State Agencies.
Work at Cabinet level is being prepared through cross-Departmental coordination structures. These represent a frequent and active channel through which all relevant Departments are providing their research, analysis and overall policy input to the Government’s wider response to Brexit, including its priorities for the ongoing Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK.
As the outcome of the negotiations is not yet known, an important focus of the planning and preparation being undertaken through these structures is on deepening the Government’s analysis and understanding of the exact consequences of a range of different possible scenarios. This represents an intensification of efforts to build on the Government‘s contingency planning.
I will publish further documentation this week regarding the work already underway and future plans by my Department and its agencies in response to Brexit
My Department is conducting a number of research projects to build an understanding of the possible implications of Brexit on Ireland for enterprise, consumers and trading relations. These studies will provide an evidence base to inform Ireland’s policy positions as part of the wider negotiation on the UK’s future relationship with the EU. The details of the Brexit related research currently being undertaken by my Department is as follows:
|
Title |
Summary |
Date commenced |
Expected date of completion |
Expected date of publication |
|
Sectoral implications arising from Brexit: Most exposed sectors |
This research examines the firm level implications of the K being outside of the European Single Market and Customs Union for Ireland’s most exposed enterprise sectors. |
December 2016 |
End 2017 |
N/A* |
|
Strategic Implications arising from EU-UK Trading Patterns |
Profile trade and investment to highlight dependence at sectoral and product level; Quantify impact of various scenarios on trade and investment; Develop policy options for Ireland – negotiations and enterprise (mitigation) policies; Profile other EU countries to identify interests and allies |
June 2017 |
End 2017 |
N/A* |
|
Import Content of Irish Exports and Implications of Brexit |
This study examines the Import Content of Irish Exports: Implications of Brexit for Inputs and Competitiveness and the extent to which Irish firms source intermediate inputs from the UK. This research will provide empirical evidence on the import content of Irish firms’ exports, how firms may be exposed to changes in the trading environment after Brexit and the impact of Brexit on inputs, and competitiveness. |
September 2017 |
March/April 2018 |
Q1 2018 |
|
**The Potential Impact of WTO Tariffs and other key relevant issues on Cross-Border Trade |
The first topic in the research programme examined scenarios on how trade flows between Ireland and Northern Ireland might be affected in the event of the imposition of WTO-level tariffs and other non-tariff barriers on cross-border trade in manufactured products. That report was published earlier this Summer. Two remaining phases will be carried out - The second phase will assess some important aspects of how this cross-border trade is structured at a firm level and how flexible firms are in the face of trade shocks. It will also look at the integration of supply chains.
The third phase will look at wider ecosystem trade issues and will assess trends and developments relevant to trade in Services (as opposed to manufactured products), between both jurisdictions. |
Phase 2. - August 2017
Phase 3 - November 2017 |
Phase 2. - Nov. 2017
Phase 3 - Spring 2018 |
Phase 2. - Nov. 2017
Phase 3 - Spring 2018 |
|
***Financial impact of Brexit on consumers in Ireland |
Analysis of impacts on Irish consumers due to price increases on UK imports under a number of potential post Brexit trade scenarios. |
August 2017 |
End 2017 |
End 2017 |
|
Brexit Vote – The impact on Irish SMEs and their Capital Funding (Survey) |
This project is a survey of over 500 SME business owners and is a follow-on of a survey completed at the beginning of 2017, and published in April. |
September 2017 |
TBC **** |
TBC **** |
* It is not intended to publish this study as it will be part of the deliberative process to inform the development of our policy positions as part of the negotiations on the UK future relationship with the EU.
** Project being carried out by InterTrade Ireland in consultation with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation
*** Project being carried out by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in consultation with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation
**** This work is currently being finalised by the Consultants and its findings will be analysed by my Officials in advance of its publication.
151. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of company director restrictions in each year from 2007 to 2017, in tabular form. [46312/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the time available, it has not been possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy. As soon as the information comes to hand, it will be provided.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
152. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of company director restrictions in each year from 2007 to 2017 resulting from applications made by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, in tabular form. [46313/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the time available, it has not been possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy. As soon as the information comes to hand, it will be provided.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
153. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of company director restrictions in each year from 2007 to 2017 resulting from applications made by liquidators and receivers, in tabular from. [46314/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the time available, it has not been possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy. As soon as the information comes to hand, it will be provided.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
154. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of company director disqualifications in each year from 2007 to 2017, in tabular form. [46315/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the time available, it has not been possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy. As soon as the information comes to hand, it will be provided.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
155. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of the 3,955 names on the company director disqualification list at the end of 2016 which were as a result of applications made by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. [46316/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the time available, it has not been possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy. As soon as the information comes to hand, it will be provided.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
156. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of company director disqualifications in each year from 2007 to 2017 resulting from applications made by liquidators and receivers in tabular form. [46317/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the time available, it has not been possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy. As soon as the information comes to hand, it will be provided.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
157. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of prosecutions the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement has brought in each year from 2007 to 2017; and the number of these prosecutions that resulted in a conviction in tabular form. [46318/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 949(3) of the Companies Act 2014 provides that the Director of Corporate Enforcement shall be independent in the performance of his statutory functions. I, as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation have no direct function in such matters.
I am, however, informed that over the period 2007 to 2017, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) initiated a total of 43 summary prosecutions (i.e., against individuals and/or companies) in the District Court. Such prosecutions can involve individuals or companies being charged with multiple alleged offences. Those prosecutions resulted in a total of 140 convictions being secured. Those prosecutions and convictions are set out by year in the Table below.
As can be seen from the Table, activity in this area has reduced in recent years. This is consistent with the ODCE having taken a decision to concentrate its resources on more serious and complex investigations, the result of which is usually the submission of a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for consideration, as opposed to a summary prosecution by the ODCE. Over the same period, i.e., 2007 to 2017, the ODCE has submitted files in respect of 17 separate investigations to the DPP, on foot of which the DPP has directed a total of 214 charges. One such file currently remains with the DPP and, as such, it is possible that further charges will be directed on foot of the contents of same.
|
Year |
Prosecutions Initiated by the ODCE |
Convictions secured |
|
2007 |
4 |
28 |
|
2008 |
5 |
19 |
|
2009 |
4 |
6 |
|
2010 |
3 |
8 |
|
2011 |
5 |
20 |
|
2012 |
4 |
16 |
|
2013 |
5 |
17 |
|
2014 |
10 |
19 |
|
2015 |
3 |
7 |
|
2016 |
0 |
0 |
|
2017 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
43 |
140 |
158. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the report from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement into an investigation (details supplied) will be published. [46319/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI received a report under Section 955(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2014 from the Director of Corporate Enforcement on 23 June. This Report addresses the issues highlighted by Judge Aylmer in his ruling in the case of DPP v. Sean Fitzpatrick. The report sets out the facts relating to the case and does not purport to be an investigation or an enquiry.
The Report has been the subject of detailed consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. I received further advice from the Attorney General recently, which I am considering with my officials.
159. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the contracts her Department or bodies under the aegis of her Department have with a company (details supplied) or its subsidiaries; the value of the contracts; the year in which the contracts were concluded; when the contracts will be up for renewal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46366/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have any contracts with the company in question.
The following are details of contracts that bodies under the aegis of my Department have with the company:
The Personal Injuries Assessment Board established a Framework Agreement for provision of Business Process Support Services (BPSS) in 2014 from which they awarded a call-off contract for Service Centre Solutions. The contract was signed on 14 October 2014 with Southwestern Business Process Services Limited (Capita acquired the company in 2014) for an initial period of 3 years with the contract providing an option to extend by two periods of 12 months, one of which has been utilised by PIAB (first optional 12 month contract extension ends on 13 October 2018). The total value of the 3-year contract plus optional 12 month extension is c€7.5m (ex VAT).
IDA Ireland has recently signed a contract with Capita IB Solutions following a tendering process for the Provision, Implementation and Support of a Financial Management System from 21 September 2017 for a period of 4 years at a total cost of €154,250 (excl. VAT). In addition, IDA also has a contract with Capita IB Solutions for a Database Managed Services Support in place from 1st December 2016 until 30th November 2017 at a cost of €20,000 (excl. VAT).
The National Standards Authority of Ireland has the following contracts with the company:
Contract 1: Integra Annual Support Contract
Company Name: Capita IB Solutions Ireland Ltd
Address: 17-19 Rochester Row, London, SW1P 1LA
Value of Contract: €14200.00
Date of Contract: January 2017 to December 2017
Contract 2: Annual Support Contract for bespoke application TRAMS
Company Name: Capita IB Solutions Ireland Ltd
Address: 17-19 Rochester Row, London, SW1P 1LA
Value of Contract: €25682.52
Date of Contract: January 2017 to December 2017
Contract 3: Oracle Database - Managed Service Annual Support Contract
Company Name: Capita IB Solutions Ireland Ltd
Address: 17-19 Rochester Row, London, SW1P 1LA
Value of Contract: €9800
Date of Contract: April 2017 to April 2018
Contract 4: Integra Upgrade Fixed Price Contract
Company Name: Capita IB Solutions Ireland Ltd
Address: 17-19 Rochester Row, London, SW1P 1LA
Value of Contract: €31185
Date of Contract: August 2017
Contract 5: TRAMS Mobile Taxi App – Bespoke Fixed Price contract
Company Name: Capita IB Solutions Ireland Ltd
Address: 17-19 Rochester Row, London, SW1P 1LA
Value of Contract:€8400
Date of Contract: August 2017
160. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the Labour Court recommendation that a company (details supplied) pay enhanced redundancy to seven Dublin-based workers; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that the company has refused to implement the Labour Court recommendation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46382/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s system of industrial relations is essentially voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers rests primarily with the employer, the workers and their representatives. As Minister, I encourage full participation by all parties involved in an industrial dispute to come to the best possible accommodation and to seek a resolution of the issues at workplace level.
The State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences. In this context, the Labour Court operates as an independent adjudicative body carrying out statutory functions designated to the Court under relevant law.
The Deputy refers to a Labour Court Recommendation made under the Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2015 which Recommendation has been published on the website of the Workplace Relations Commission at www.workplacerelations.ie.
I understand that the Court's Recommendation followed a referral to the Court under Section 20(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1969. I understand also that while referrals under that Section of the Act requires the referring party to agree to be bound by the Court’s Recommendation, there is no obligation on the other party to be bound by, or to accept, the Recommendation.
As an independent adjudicative body, the Labour Court has discharged its statutory function in this matter and as Minister, I have no function in relation to this issue.
161. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the names of the special advisers employed in her Department; the names of special advisers to Ministers of State in her Department; the annual salary of each adviser; if these persons were special advisers immediately prior to taking up their current role or immediately prior to the June 2017 Cabinet reshuffle; if so, the Minister to which they were appointed; the date each special adviser was appointed with effect as stated in the Government order; the date of the Government order; if they received a salary for the period before the appointment order was signed in the case of special advisers whose appointment order date has an effective date earlier than the order date; if so, by whom they were paid; if a special adviser during a period later backdated by appointment order had access to confidential material and or Cabinet papers; if they were subject to the Official Secrets Act 1963 during this period; if any persons currently employed as special advisers have not yet been appointed by order since the Cabinet reshuffle of 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46461/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I have the services of three Special Advisers, details of whom are available through the Department of Public Expenditure website, but are set out in table format for the Deputy’s information. These are the only Special Advisers employed by my Department.
Payment of salary has been made by my Department as appropriate to the respective start dates of each individual pending the receipt of the Government Decisions. All such appointments are immediately notified to the Taoiseach and the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform in advance of the administrative process to progress an appointment via Government Decision and implement pay arrangements.
From the date of their appointment, each Special Adviser fulfils the full duties of the role which includes access to confidential material and Cabinet papers, and is subject to the Official Secrets Act 1963 as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2014.
|
Special Adviser to the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation |
Marion Mannion |
Matthew Lynch |
|
The annual salary of each adviser |
€96,267 PO Higher scale (non-ppc) |
€85,091 PO Standard scale |
|
If these persons were special advisers immediately prior to taking up their current role or immediately prior to the June 2017 Cabinet reshuffle, and if so, the minister to which they were appointed to |
Yes. Tánaiste and Minister for Justice & Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, TD |
Yes. Tánaiste and Minister for Justice & Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, TD |
|
The date each special adviser was appointed with effect as stated in the Government order |
14/6/17 |
14/6/17 |
|
The date of the Government order |
18/7/17 |
18/7/17 |
162. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the funding the Government contributes to medicines research and development annually; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46481/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, 13 of the world’s top 15 medical technology companies have invested in Ireland, with a significant number of innovative, research-based, indigenous companies competing internationally. Ireland’s MedTech industry has world-class capabilities in research, a flourishing indigenous base and the presence of world’s leading MNCs and specialised clinical capabilities.
Medical Technology (Medtech) encompasses a wide range of healthcare products that are used to diagnose, monitor and or intervene to treat diseases or medical conditions. Such products are intended to improve the quality of healthcare delivered through earlier diagnosis, less invasive surgical or non-surgical intervention options and reductions in hospital stays and rehabilitation times. Recent advances in medical technology have also focused on cost reduction. The MedTech industry in Ireland employs 38,000 people in this sector, making Ireland – per capita- the largest Medtech employer in the EU. There are over 348 medical technology companies in Ireland of which 234 are indigenous.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) has only a very small number of companies in the Drug/Medicines sector and these companies have not sought support under its RD&I schemes to date. EI does provide support to the broader Medical Technology sector (Medical Devices, Diagnostics, Medical Sub Supply and Healthcare) through a number of its RD&I Schemes e.g. In Company RD&I, Commercialisation Fund, Innovation Vouchers, Innovation Partnerships, Technology Gateways, Technology Centres etc.
Specifically related to the research prioritisation area of Medical Devices in 2016, Enterprise Ireland paid just over €2m under Commercialisation Fund to fund research this area. In addition, Enterprise Ireland funded almost €1.4m under the In-Company RD&I Fund for R&D projects in the Medical Technology sectors in client companies. Also, over €870k was paid under the Innovation Partnerships Programme to the Medical Technology sectors for collaborative projects where industry engage in research with Irish universities and Institutes of Technology to develop new products and services.
In 2016, Science Foundation Ireland invested €27.2 million in 152 awards related to medicines research and development. This investment includes €9.1 million in 22 new awards commencing in 2016. The awards cover areas directly and more remotely relevant to medicines research including drug/medicines discovery, but mostly synthesis, formulation, processing technologies, delivery. Significant awards in the medicine research and development areas include the SFI Research Centres, Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC), Cúram and the Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT).
In 2016, IDA Ireland paid a total of €44,765,000, in R&D grants to its clients to undertake R&D across a variety of sectors, including Technology, Life Sciences, Medical Technologies, Engineering. IDA Ireland 2016 R&D payments to Pharma companies only total approximately €11,790,000. Whilst some of this funding may be for drug research it is not possible to confirm that all the funding is used exclusively for that purpose.
In addition, companies that receive R&D grant support from IDA Ireland generate intellectual property and technical knowhow in Ireland. As the Deputy will be aware, many of these R&D projects lead to manufacturing of new products which further embed the Company and increases the strategic importance of the Irish facility within the Global entity, which in turn contributes to the potential to increase employment in Ireland.
163. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of site visits the IDA has made to counties Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Carlow in 2017, in view of the fact that the unemployment figures in the south east are still 2.5% above the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46528/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is strongly committed to regional development and my Department and its agencies are working towards ambitious targets to ensure that employment and investment is evenly distributed across the country. IDA Ireland's strategy for 2015-2019, for example, includes a commitment to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) in every region outside Dublin by 30% to 40% by 2019. The Agency’s results from last year - with 52% of all new jobs created by its clients being located outside Dublin - indicate that progress continues to be made in improving the regional spread of FDI.
IDA Ireland markets Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford and Wexford as part of the South East region. The Agency markets Tipperary North, Clare and Limerick as part of the Mid West region.
Both these regions have performed strongly in recent years in terms of employment growth. In the South East, an additional 33,600 people were in employment by the end of quarter 2 of this year compared to the end of quarter 1 in 2012. The Mid West, meanwhile, was the third fastest growing region in the country in job creation terms from quarter 2 of 2016 to quarter 2 of this year.
While significant progress has been made in reducing unemployment in both regions, more work remains to be done. That is why IDA Ireland continues, on a daily basis, to highlight the benefits of expanding or locating in these regions to its client base in order to boost job creation further.
The following table outlines the number of IDA Ireland sponsored site visits to the aforementioned counties in the first nine months of 2017:
|
County |
Site visits 2017 (January - September) |
|
Carlow |
7 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
7 |
|
Waterford |
9 |
|
Wexford |
2 |
164. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the cost of photography in her Department since January 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46535/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total photography costs incurred by my Department and its Offices since January 2017 are €3,476. The list of occasions for which photographers were booked, the photographers used and the breakdown of costs are detailed in the following table:
Photography Costs Incurred by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and its Offices from January 2017 to date
|
Year
|
Name and Address of Service Provider |
Details of Service Supplied |
Cost - € |
|
2017 |
Fennell Photography |
Photographic services - launch of APJ 2017 |
549 |
|
|
Fennell Photography |
Photographic services - launch of Prompt Payments Code/Portal |
291 |
|
|
Fennell Photography |
Stock shots Minister Breen |
46 |
|
|
Fennell Photography |
Photographic services - WRC Annual Report Launch |
275 |
|
|
Fennell Photography |
Photographic services - EAT 50th Anniversary |
275 |
|
|
Fennell Photography |
Brexit SME Scorecard |
321 |
|
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography services Future of Work Conference Dublin Castle |
396 |
|
|
Fennell Photography |
Photographic Services Launch of Irelands Second Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility |
398 |
|
|
Fennell Photography |
Photographic Services at the switching on of ILOFAR telescope, Birr |
514 |
|
|
Fennell Photography |
Photographic Services for Launch of Taking Care of Business |
275 |
|
|
Charlie Brady Photography |
Official opening of WRC Sligo Office |
136 |
My Department uses external service providers having regard to its business needs for such services. In engaging such providers, the Department is mindful of the need to secure value for money and, accordingly, strives to keep costs to the minimum.
165. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the details of IDA visits to counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath and throughout the country in 2015, 2016, and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46653/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland remains committed to increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) in every region of Ireland by 30% to 40% by the end of the Agency's current strategy in 2019. The Agency continues to highlight the benefits of expanding or locating in the regions - including in Counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath - to its client base and it makes every effort to ensure that FDI is spread as widely as possible across the country.
The following table outlines the number of IDA Ireland sponsored site visits to each county in Ireland for the period from 2015 to Q3 of 2017:
|
County |
2015 |
2016 |
Q3 2017 |
|
Dublin |
242 |
284 |
247 |
|
Kildare |
7 |
8 |
5 |
|
Meath |
7 |
8 |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
7 |
5 |
2 |
|
Laois |
4 |
6 |
2 |
|
Longford |
2 |
6 |
6 |
|
Offaly |
8 |
4 |
5 |
|
Westmeath |
28 |
36 |
34 |
|
Clare |
12 |
18 |
20 |
|
Limerick |
40 |
49 |
27 |
|
Tipperary |
12 |
8 |
7 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Louth |
20 |
24 |
14 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Donegal |
5 |
7 |
2 |
|
Leitrim |
8 |
8 |
3 |
|
Sligo |
15 |
20 |
12 |
|
Carlow |
1 |
9 |
7 |
|
Kilkenny |
10 |
10 |
6 |
|
Waterford |
31 |
17 |
9 |
|
Wexford |
4 |
7 |
2 |
|
Cork |
48 |
49 |
38 |
|
Kerry |
6 |
3 |
6 |
|
Galway |
41 |
42 |
43 |
|
Mayo |
3 |
5 |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Total |
565 |
638 |
507 |
166. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to entice foreign direct investment to the south eastern region especially County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46710/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of its current strategy, IDA Ireland is targeting an increase of foreign direct investment in the South East region of 30% to 40% by 2019. The Agency remains committed to achieving this goal.
The IDA's staff continue to draw the attention of potential investors - including those already located in Ireland and companies considering situating here - to the region's particular strengths. These include the South East's accessibility, its ports and its existing cluster of medical technology firms. Like other parts of Ireland, the region's talented and flexible workforce is another significant selling point. In addition to seeking out new investment for the area, the Agency is also working closely with its existing clients in the South East to help strengthen and potentially grow their respective workforces there.
While more remains to be done in Wexford, the County has seen steady improvement in the terms of employment. For example, IDA client company job numbers there increased by 6% between 2015 and 2016. Moreover, since 2009 there has been a 22% increase in the total number employed in IDA companies in the County. As it currently stands, there are 17 IDA Ireland clients based in Wexford, employing over 2,600 people. We want to see these numbers increase further and I will be working with the IDA in the time ahead to help grow FDI in the County and the surrounding area.
