Tuesday, 23 Jan 2018

Written Answers Nos. 110-129

Tourism Employment Data

Ceisteanna (110, 111)

John Lahart

Ceist:

110. Deputy John Lahart asked the Taoiseach the categories of those employed in tourism directly and indirectly here, in tabular form. [2918/18]

John Lahart

Ceist:

111. Deputy John Lahart asked the Taoiseach the number of persons employed directly and indirectly in tourism here in each of the years 2011 to 2017, in tabular form. [2920/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.

The CSO’s Labour Force Survey (LFS), formerly the QNHS, is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. In line with EU requirements the LFS collects sector of employment data according to the standard EU classification (NACE Rev. 2).

The information requested by the Deputy cannot be specifically identified within this classification as tourism industries and related employment are spread across a number of NACE sectors (primarily wholesale and retail trade, accommodation and food service activities, transportation and storage and arts, entertainment, recreation and other services activities).

The table below shows the number of persons aged 15 and over in employment classified by NACE Rev. 2 Economic Sector for the years 2011 to 2017.

Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NACE Rev. 2 Economic Sector, 2011-2017

‘000

Economic sector	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017
A Agriculture, forestry and fishing	112.2	113.1	112.1	108.5	111.9	117.0	111.5
B-E Industry	239.1	232.2	244.4	245.6	259.6	273.0	279.2
F Construction	86.8	81.3	86.1	90.8	109.2	119.7	127.8
G Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles	276.8	271.3	281.1	283.6	288.8	294.2	300.6
H Transportation & storage	88.5	83.7	80.8	86.2	89.8	92.6	92.9
I Accommodation & food service activities	116.7	123.7	136.3	143.8	148.3	156.0	160.2
J Information & communication	90.9	94.8	96.0	98.5	100.6	104.9	114.3
K-L Financial, insurance and real estate activities	106.4	100.2	101.8	101.4	107.8	108.3	106.8
M Professional, scientific and technical activities	110.1	108.7	116.8	124.9	128.2	128.5	133.8
N Administrative & support service activities	82.5	75.6	70.4	79.3	78.3	89.1	94.0
O Public Administration and defence; compulsory social security	88.6	88.8	86.2	88.6	93.2	97.4	98.9
P Education	138.9	139.3	145.3	147.0	148.4	149.7	157.0
Q Human health and social work activities	256.4	256.8	258.3	262.3	266.7	270.9	280.5
R-U Arts, entertainment, recreation and other services activities	101.8	106.4	109.3	107.8	112.1	119.3	116.9
Not Stated	4.3	*	*	*	7.2	7.1	6.9
Total persons	1,900.1	1,877.8	1,926.2	1,970.2	2,050.1	2,127.7	2,181.2

* 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.

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.

Quarter 2 of each year is the reference quarter for annual estimates.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Ceisteanna (112)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

112. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee E, health, last met; and when it is scheduled to meet again. [3006/18]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

Cabinet Committee E last met on 23 November and will meet again in the coming weeks.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (113)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

113. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to Prime Minister May since the appointment of a new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. [3008/18]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I last spoke to Prime Minister May on Thursday 7 December as I reported to the House on 12 December.

There is regular ongoing contact between my Department and the British Government at official level about Brexit and the situation in Northern Ireland. There has also been extensive contact between the Tánaiste and the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley and between their officials.

The Tánaiste met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in London soon after her appointment and again in Belfast on Thursday 18 January where they discussed the political situation in Northern Ireland.

The Tánaiste is scheduled to meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland later this week.

Exports Data

Ceisteanna (114, 115, 116)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

114. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the volume and value of exports in euro terms based on the most recent data on a percentage basis in each of the years 2015 to 2017, by county, in tabular form. [2751/18]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

115. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the volume and value of imports in euro terms based on the most recent data on a percentage basis in each of the years 2015 to 2017, by county, in tabular form. [2752/18]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

116. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the amount in euro in value of goods only exported from Irish based firms by country in 2016 and 2017, in tabular form; and the percentage share of such exports to each country in this period as a proportion of the total share. [2753/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 to 116, inclusive, together.

The information on the value of Exports and Imports by county or the value of goods exported from Irish based firms as requested by the Deputy is not available. The total value of Exports and Imports is contained in the table below. Please note the 2017 data is from January to November.

Table A : Goods Exports and Imports 2015 to November 2017

	Jan - Dec 2015	Jan - Dec 2015	Jan - Dec 2016	Jan - Dec 2016	Jan - Nov 2017	Jan - Nov 2017
Sector	Exports €M	Imports €M	Exports €M	Imports €M	Exports €M	Imports €M
Food and live animals	9,878	6,687	10,096	6,689	10,390	6,510
Beverages and tobacco	1,287	876	1,333	914	1,246	831
Crude materials, inedible, except fuels	1,771	855	1,529	824	1,636	829
Mineral fuels, lubricants and related products	773	5,104	691	3,776	937	4,250
Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes	57	245	78	245	87	245
Chemicals and related products n.e.s.	64,224	13,978	66,385	14,963	62,352	16,042
Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material	2,105	4,698	2,144	4,751	2,098	4,662
Machinery and transport equipment	16,808	27,891	21,420	31,581	17,793	26,141
Miscellaneous manufactured articles	14,299	8,166	14,645	8,253	13,708	7,534
Commodities and transactions not classified elsewhere	1,205	1,612	969	2,135	999	2,022
Total	112,407	70,111	119,292	74,131	111,246	69,067

Small and Medium Enterprises Data

Ceisteanna (117)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

117. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of SMEs that account for total exports of goods and services on a percentage basis by country in 2016 and 2017; and the number of persons employed in such SMEs. [2754/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The data requested by the deputy is currently not available. The CSO is preparing a statistical publication which will give data on the number of SMEs exporting and importing goods, and the value of such trade for the years 2013 to 2016. This publication will deal solely with trade in goods, and will not include services. It is expected that this publication will be available in the coming weeks. The data requested on number of people employed in such SMEs, or a breakdown by country is not available.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (118)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

118. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Taoiseach if he met non-governmental organisations or members of civil society on his recent trip to Hungary; if so, the names of each; the issues he discussed; and if not, the reason therefor. [2756/18]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I travelled to Budapest on 4 January for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Orbán. My itinerary in Hungary did not include other meetings or official engagements.

Strategic Communications Unit

Ceisteanna (119, 120)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

119. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if there is a campaign manager employed in the strategic communications unit within his Department; and if so, the responsibilities for same. [2847/18]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

120. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of campaigns the strategic communications unit is planning for 2018. [2848/18]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.

Staff in the Strategic Communications Unit in my Department work on information campaigns on a rotational basis. This involves liaising with their communications colleagues in the relevant Departments and other stakeholders to plan and develop campaigns that make it easier for citizens to understand the work of Government.

The Unit's work on campaigns is informed by major Government initiatives that impact on the lives of our citizens, its focus is to streamline communications by working with other departments to deliver on these major cross Government campaigns. It will help to ensure clear simple citizen centred communications, so that it is evident when the Government of Ireland is communicating or delivering a service. This will lead to more coordinated and cost effective communications that will generate efficiencies and increased value for money.

The Strategic Communications Unit will work in partnership with Government Departments on priority campaigns for 2018. These campaigns have been agreed through a series of bilateral meetings between the Minister and Secretary General in each Government Department and the SCU. The list may evolve through the year.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (121, 122)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

121. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in his Department in each division in the past three years. [2849/18]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

122. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in the EU division within his Department since January 2016. [2850/18]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.

The role of my Department is to support my work as Taoiseach and to co-ordinate the work of the Government and Cabinet. In order to provide this service, the staffing and structure of my Department is reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Details of the number of staff employed in my Department over the past three years are as follows:

- 31 December 2015 - 196.1 (whole-time equivalent)

- 31 December 2016 - 188.2 (whole-time equivalent)

- 23 January 2018 - 205.1 (whole-time equivalent)

Currently, my Department is structured around seven work areas. The breakdown of staff assigned to each of these areas is as follows:

Division/Unit Title	Whole-time Equivalent
International, EU and Northern Ireland Division	24.3
Economic Division	24
Government Secretariat, Protocol and General Division and the Parliamentary Liaison Unit	24.2
Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division	13
Strategic Communications Unit	15
Corporate Affairs Division	28.4
Information and Records Management Unit	7.1

The remainder of staff in my Department include services staff and those assigned to Private Offices, Constituency Offices, the Government Press Office and Internal Audit.

Due to changes in the structure of my Department over the past three years, it is not possible to provide an accurate comparison of staff numbers by Division for that period.

My Department's International, EU and Northern Ireland Division is headed by a Second Secretary General, who also acts as the Irish Sherpa for EU business, including Brexit issues. The staffing resources of the Division currently amount to a whole-time equivalent of 24.3 staff across the full range of policy areas. The work of this Division includes supporting the work of Cabinet Committee C, which deals with EU affairs, including Brexit, and supports me in my role as a member of the European Council.

In particular, this Cabinet Committee assists the Government in its ongoing consideration of Brexit issues including input to the negotiation process, both on the issues that are of unique or particular concern to Ireland, and more generally.

The Division prepares me for engagement on a wide range of EU issues, as well as the debate on the future of Europe, and supports efforts to develop our strategic alliances in a post-Brexit scenario.

The Division also supports me in my International role and in all of my international engagements ensuring that they are strategically aligned with, and effectively advance, the Government's priorities, with a particular focus on driving job creation, sustainable economic development, trade, tourism and investment and on protecting and promoting our strategic interests internationally.

The Division also provides advice and support to me in relation to Northern Ireland Affairs and British Irish relations, and Brexit issues in that context. Staff in other divisions also contribute to the work on Brexit. For example, the Economic Division advises me on economic policy aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth, with a particular focus on jobs and competitiveness including possible economic impacts of Brexit.

In all of its work across international, EU and British and Northern Ireland issues, my Department works closely with other relevant Departments including, in particular, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which has lead responsibility for most policy matters in these areas, including Brexit.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (123)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

123. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has written or spoken to President Macron regarding his proposals on the digital economy. [2114/18]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

My meeting with President Macron in Paris on 24 October last included discussions on the digital economy. President Macron and I agreed on the enormous potential of the digital economy and the need to ensure Europe provides the right economic environment for it to flourish. The March European Council is expected to include a Leaders' Agenda discussion on digital issues.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (124)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

124. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach if there have been bullying or sexual harassment claims lodged within his Department in each year since 2011; if so, the number of either complaints on an annual basis, in tabular form; if these complaints have been investigated; the outcome of each investigation; and the policies in place within his Department to combat bullying and sexual harassment. [2323/18]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

No bullying or sexual harassment cases have been lodged within my Department since 2011.

My Department is committed to maintaining a positive working environment for all its employees. My Department has the same duty of care obligations under the Safety Health and Welfare Act 2005 as other employers in the state. Bullying, discrimination and harassment can negatively affect an employee’s psychological as well as physical wellbeing.

My Department ensures that all employees read and sign circular 26/2004 – The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. Section 12 of circular 26/2004 outlines the standard expected of all employees in regard to relations with their colleagues. This includes the legal duty on Civil Servants not to discriminate against their colleagues on the grounds outlined in the Employment Equality Acts 1998 - 2015.

All employees are also asked to read ‘Dignity at Work - An anti bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy for the Irish Civil Service’ as part of my Department’s induction process. This document was developed in partnership between the Civil Service management and the staff panel of unions. It prescribes the complaint and investigation process for bullying and harassment in the Civil Service.

My Department complies strictly with Circular 19/2016 - Civil Service Disciplinary Code which prescribes the procedure for investigating and disciplining where there is a failure to adhere to the required standards of conduct for a Civil Servant.

In order to promote dignity and equality in the workplace, my Department regularly runs training on related topics, for example Unconscious Bias in the Workplace Training. Unconscious Bias is also a module in training given to interview board participants in my Department.

Employment Data

Ceisteanna (125)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

125. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the number of persons employed in the retail industry nationally by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2423/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of labour force (ILO) in the State.

The LFS replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.

The most recent LFS figures available are for Q3 2017.

In line with EU requirements the LFS collects sector of employment according to the standard EU classification (NACE Rev.2).

Due to methodology and sample size it is not possible to produce reliable county estimates from the LFS. Estimates of employment for economic sector (NACE Rev. 2 economic sector G) Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles are available by NUTS 3 regions.

The two digit NACE Rev.2 classification (47) Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles is part of the overall sector Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles economic sector (NACE Rev. 2 economic sector G). The two digit NACE Rev.2 classification is available at State level only.

According to the LFS there were 210,600 persons employed in two digit NACE Rev.2 classification (47) Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles in Quarter 3 2017.

The table below shows the number of persons aged 15 years and over in employment in the Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles economic sector (NACE Rev. 2 economic sector G) and classified by NUTS3 region in Q3 201 7

Persons aged 15 years and over in employment classified by NACE Rev.2 economic sector G - (Wholesale and retail trade ; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles economic sector) and NUTS3 Region, Q3 2017

'000

NUTS3 Region	Q3 17
Border	33.5
Midland	17.4
West	28.7
Dublin	86.7
Mid-East	36.1
Mid-West	25.1
South-East	32.5
South-West	44.3
State	304.3

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: q3 = July - September.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Employment Data

Ceisteanna (126)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

126. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of employees in the labour force who have constantly variable hours (details supplied); the corresponding figure in percentage terms; and the breakdown by sector. [2719/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The CSO Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of Labour Market statistics in the State.

The LFS replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from the beginning of Q3 2017.

The most recent figures available are for Q3 2017.

The LFS publishes estimates of the usual hours of work for persons in employment.

The table shows the number of employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by usual hours (variable hours only) worked and full/time part employment in Q3 2017 and these persons as a percentage of the total labour force.

Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with variable usual hours worked per week and these persons as a percentage of the total labour force 1 in Q3 2017

	Q3 17
	'000
Usual hours worked per week are variable (employees only)
Full-time employment	22.2
Part-time employment	13.5
Total employment (employees only) where usual hours worked per week are variable	35.8
Total Labour Force	2,370.4
Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over in full-time employment with variable usual hours worked per week as a percentage of total labour force	0.9%
Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over in part-time employment with variable usual hours worked per week as a percentage of total labour force	0.6%

1 Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: q3 = July - September.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Employment Data

Ceisteanna (127)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

127. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of employees in the labour force who regularly work one to eight and nine to 18 hours respectively per week; and the corresponding figure in percentage terms. [2720/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of labour force (ILO) in the State.

The LFS replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.

The most recent LFS figures available are for Q3 2017.

The LFS publishes estimates of the usual hours of work for persons in employment.

The table below shows the number of employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by usual hours worked per week and these persons as a percentage of the total labour force.

Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by usual hours worked per week and these persons as a percentage of the total labour force 1 in Q3 2017

	Q3 17
	'000
Usual hours worked per week 1-8 hours (employees only)	33.2
Usual hours worked per week 9-19 hours (employees only)	99.6
Total Labour Force	2,370.4
Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 1-8 hours as a percentage of total labour force	1.4%
Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 9-18 hours as a percentage of total labour force	4.2%

1 Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

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: q3 = July - September.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Employment Data

Ceisteanna (128)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

128. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of employees in the labour force who regularly work hours per week (details supplied); and the corresponding figure in percentage terms. [2722/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of labour force (ILO) in the State.

The LFS replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.

The most recent LFS figures available are for Q3 2017.

The LFS publishes estimates of the usual hours of work for persons in employment.

Usual hours worked are available from the LFS in one hour segments only.

The table shows the number of employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by usual hours worked per week* and these persons as a percentage of the labour force.

* Bands (other than 11-14 hours) sourced from the 2016 Hours Contract Bill.

Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by usual hours worked per week and these persons as a percentage of the labour force* in Q3 2017

	Q3 17 '000
Usual hours worked per week 11-14 hours (employees only)	23.7
Usual hours worked per week 15-19 hours (employees only)	76.2
Usual hours worked per week 20-24 hours (employees only)	175.2
Usual hours worked per week 25-29 hours (employees only)	75.9
Usual hours worked per week 30-34 hours (employees only)	113.5
Usual hours worked per week 35-36 hours (employees only)	107.5
Usual hours worked per week 37 hours or more (employees only)	1,190.5
Total Labour Force	2,370.4
Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 11-14 hours as a percentage of the labour force	1.0%
Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 15-19 hours as a percentage of the labour force	3.2%
Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 20-24 hours as a percentage of the labour force	7.4%
Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 25-29 hours as a percentage of the labour force	3.2%
Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 30-34 hours as a percentage of the labour force	4.8%
Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 35-36 hours as a percentage of the labour force	4.5%
Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 37 and over hours as a percentage of the labour force	50.2%

*Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

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: q3 = July - September.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Capital Expenditure Programme Review

Ceisteanna (129)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

129. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach the key priorities of his Department in terms of the forthcoming capital review; the projects it has submitted for priority inclusion in the review; and the status of his Department's negotiations with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the review. [2297/18]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The Review of the Capital Plan has been completed. It was published in August 2017 and it is available at the following link: http://www.per.gov.ie/en/review-of-the-capital-plan-2016-2021/

The Review informed final decision making by Government on the allocation of increased public capital resources in Estimates 2018. It also provided a significant input into the development of the new Ten Year National Development Plan.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will shortly bring proposals for the Ten Year National Development Plan to Government, with a view to publication alongside the new National Planning Framework.

Given its size and role, my Department does not have any capital expenditure allocation. However, as with other national strategies, my Department does contribute to the overall approach and priorities which will be contained in the forthcoming Plan.