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Online Business Voucher Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 February 2018

Tuesday, 6 February 2018

Ceisteanna (521)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

521. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount that is spent online each hour by persons; if he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on measures to assist businesses to compete in this market and the way in which VAT and duties applicable to such purchases can be collected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5992/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A report by Indecon Consultants, commissioned by my Department in 2016 to assess the impact of digital on the Irish economy found that the estimated online shopping expenditure in Ireland amounted to €6.4 billion annually in 2015 which equates to approximately €735,000 spent by Irish citizens per hour.  This report 'Assessment of the Macro Impacts of Internet-Digital March 2016'  is published on my Department’s website at  www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/publications/Pages/Assessment-of-Macro-Impacts-of-Internet-Digital-March-2016.aspx.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is funded by my Department and provides support to businesses who are not yet trading online or doing so in a very limited way. The demand-led scheme delivers training paired with a financial incentive of up to €2,500 to support small businesses to develop their online trading capability. The scheme is delivered in every county by the Local Enterprise Office network, supported by Enterprise Ireland. It has already exceeded its target by helping over 4,000 small businesses to trade online and over 10,600 businesses in total have benefited through participation in training sessions delivered by the Local Enterprise Offices under the scheme. A review of the impacts of the Scheme in 2016 indicates that:

- Businesses grow on average by 21%

- The average number of new jobs created was 1.4 per business

- 59% of businesses begin to export for the first time

I have no role in the collection of VAT and customs duties which is the responsibility of the Revenue Commissioners.

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