Written Answers Nos. 273-290
273. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the extension of the bail laws has affected the degree to which An Garda Síochána can effectively deal with criminal gangs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6022/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that tackling organised crime activity is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána.
Recent changes to the bail laws, including the Criminal Justice Act 2017, have made the bail system far stronger and have made the law as effective as possible in protecting the public against crimes committed by persons on bail. The court has the power to refuse bail where there are reasonable grounds to believe the person is likely to commit a serious offence. In assessing this likelihood, the court must take into account the nature and seriousness of the offence, the accused person’s previous offending and may also take into account the danger he or she poses to the public if bail is granted. The Criminal Justice Act 2017 also strengthened Garda powers to deal with breaches of bail providing a power of arrest without warrant, and made provisions to increase the use of curfews and to facilitate the introduction of electronic tagging for those on bail in certain circumstances.
An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan sets out the priorities of An Garda Síochána in tackling organised crime activity including its continued commitment to proactively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including organised criminal activities. A member of the Garda Síochána not below the rank of chief superintendent may give evidence to the Court seeking refusal of an application for bail if the member believes that it is reasonably necessary to prevent a serious crime being committed by the applicant.
275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented persons that have been here for more than seven years; the extent to which consideration might be given to examining their cases with a view to offering stamp 4 status as a path to naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6024/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented persons currently here for more than ten years that have for one reason or another been refused long term residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6025/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 276 together.
Can I say at the outset, that my Department has no information regarding the number of undocumented persons that are in the State as this category of persons choose to come and remain illegally in the State. In relation to persons granted refugee status, under the International Protection Act 2015 they are given permission to reside in the State for a period of three years and are eligible to apply for citizenship after 3 years. All those with refugee status are granted a Stamp 4 immigration permission which includes full access to the labour market and State services.
At the end of January 2018 there was a total of 248 persons pending in the protection system for more than seven years at either first or appeal stage, including failed asylum seekers awaiting a consideration of an intention to deport or a grant of leave to remain. To put this figure in context, nearly 22,000 persons have applied for asylum over the past 10 years. These cases tend to be complex in nature and are often the subject of multiple appeals including judicial reviews. There can also be complex family situations where one family member may be preventing the finalising of the applications for the entire family.
Figures of asylum applications that are over 10 years old and yet to reach a final determination are not readily available and it would require staff resources to be diverted from processing of cases which must take priority. However, it can be assumed that the figure is significantly less than the number in the system for 7 years or more.
Successive Ministers have informed the House that there are no plans to introduce a general regularisation scheme for those who are currently illegally resident in the State. I have outlined the rationale for this in response to PQ Number 44241/17 of 17th October last. With regard to International Protection applications, the aim of the single procedure introduced in the International Protection Act 2015 is to speed up the processing of cases. This will be the focus of the International Protection bodies in the coming period.
277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications for residency status by persons living here for more than ten years which have been refused in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6026/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that persons seeking permission to remain in the State may do so for a number of reasons to various Divisions of the INIS under both statutory and non-statutory provisions. As a result, as the Deputy would expect, every case is considered on its own merits in conjunction with the legislation, criteria or guidelines which are directly applicable to the individual case type.
Refusal of residence status in certain instances may have been overturned on appeal or the persons may have been granted a permission on an alternative basis after a refusal. As a result, it is not possible to quantify the precise numbers of such cases as to do so would require the deployment of a disproportionate level of limited resources to the task taking them away from case processing which is the key priority.
278. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí available for duty throughout the country in each of the past ten years to date; the extent by which it is expected to augment these numbers in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6027/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra283. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which he expects to be in a position to deploy extra gardaí to the various stations throughout the country including County Kildare, with particular reference to the area of the obvious need for extra policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6032/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra285. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which he anticipates to be in a position to increase the strength of An Garda Síochána at all ranks over the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6034/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 283 and 285 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of the Kildare Division on 31 December 2017 was 360, an increase of 48 since 31 December 2015, with 20 Garda Reserves and 30 Garda civilian staff also attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 by 2021 will require some 1,600 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next two years in addition to the 2,800 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 80 have been assigned to the Kildare Division. I am pleased to say that Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
As the strength of the sworn members increases to 15,000 it will be important to ensure that there appropriate levels of support and supervision are maintained. I am engaging with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to increasing the employment control frameworks applying to the ranks of sergeant and inspector on a pro rata basis. The filling of vacancies in these supervisory ranks is, of course, a matter for the Commissioner under the Garda Síochána (Promotion) Regulations 2006 (as amended). I am advised by the Commissioner that competitions for promotion to the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector are currently in train and that the requirements of each Garda Division will be considered by the Commissioner when assigning successful candidates from these competitions
In 2018, funding has also been provided for a further 500 civilians to be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training in 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Kildare Division in the coming years.
I have set out in the following table the information requested by the Deputy for each of the past ten years to 31 December 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available from the Commissioner.
|
TOTAL STRENGTH OF FORCE 2008 - 2017 |
|
|
YEAR |
TOTAL |
|
2008 |
14,412 |
|
2009 |
14,547 |
|
2010 |
14,377 |
|
2011 |
13,894 |
|
2012 |
13,424 |
|
2013 |
13,093 |
|
2014 |
12,799 |
|
2015 |
12,816 |
|
2016 |
12,943 |
|
2017 |
13,551 |
279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which garda training here remains on par with best international practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6028/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who has statutory responsibility for arranging for the training of personnel and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am advised by the Commissioner that An Garda Síochána provides foundation training for new recruits and an extensive range of training and development courses for members and civilian staff.
In June 2009, An Garda Síochána's Training and Development Review Group presented its comprehensive findings on training in An Garda Síochána to the Commissioner. The Review Group was assembled to review all training in An Garda Síochána and included leading members of public and private sector organisations. It was tasked with recommending ways to improve and reinvigorate Garda training to align to best practice and meet the new challenges of a changing society.
The Review Group conducted best practice site visits at nine international police training facilities. During these site visits particular attention was given to the training and development of new entrants. The various models of foundation police training observed internationally were considered in the analysis of the previous training programme, the B.A in Police Studies. The analysis identified areas for development of that programme and also established methods of enhancing the preparation of Student/Probationer Gardaí for core operational Garda duties. It was recommended that the development of a new training programme for student/probationers be structured over three phases of training. This modularised programme aims to address core policing skills through blended learning, increased use of scenario-based practical training and drawing on problem based learning (PBL) methodologies. The current foundation training programme was developed and was first delivered to new entrants in September 2014. This new training programme is known as the B.A in Applied Policing programme. It is accredited by the University of Limerick, which oversees the delivery and quality assurance of the training programme in line with the requirements of Quality and Qualifications Ireland. I am informed that on four occasions each year a Board of Examiners meeting is convened by the University of Limerick to review and ratify results for the B.A in Applied Policing Programme. At these Board of Examiners meeting, the University of Limerick tasks external examiners, who have international police expertise, to review and make recommendations regarding best practice in relation to the B.A in Applied Policing programme.
In respect of leadership and management, the Leadership Management & Professional Development (LMPD) Training Section attached to the Garda College is responsible for developing, delivering and facilitating the leadership and development training for newly promoted personnel. All programmes delivered underpin the philosophies of the Training Review Report 2009 to achieve a commitment to lifelong learning within the organisation. To ensure up to date development, substantial elements of the programmes which specifically deal with supervision, leadership and management are put out to tender to ensure the organisation gets the best available and up to date external training in this field. I am advised that all Garda personnel who deliver the LMPD programme have level 9 NFQ qualifications in the area of leadership, organisation behaviour, executive coaching, and level 8 NFQ in leadership and governance. They are also professionally qualified at international level in the area of emotional intelligence and psychometrics, and hold practitioner’s qualifications in “Leadership GRID”, an international leadership development programme. In line with Garda Inspectorate reports, LMPD has incorporated coaching and mentoring in all programmes and has external executive coaches as part of senior management development and 360 feedbacks.
I am further advised that each year members of An Garda Síochána attend international training programmes under the auspices of CEPOL, the European Agency for Law Enforcement Training. These programmes take place in EU Member States and include a broad range of policing related programmes.
To support continuous professional development each Garda Division has a Continuous Professional Development School, which provides training on a variety of topics and issues ranging from procedural to legislative changes and the implementation of new initiatives.
The Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 which is under way recognises that it is critical that all personnel are kept up to date on relevant policies and changes in the law and that continuous professional development must be a constant within An Garda Síochána. I have been informed by the Commissioner that, as part of this programme, investment in learning and development in An Garda Síochána will be enhanced so that all personnel will receive the training, mentoring and leadership development that they require to continue to develop their skills so that they can perform more effectively in their roles and progress their careers.
There is, of course, always benefit in taking stock to see whether things can be done better or in a different way. The Commission on the Future of Policing is examining all aspects of policing in the State including training. I understand that Commission members have met with those in the University of Limerick and have also visited the Garda College as part of their work. The Commission is due to report in September 2018 and I look forward to its recommendations.
280. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate provision continues to be made to ensure the availability of the most sophisticated technology to assist gardaí in the course of their duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6029/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that Gardaí must have the modern technology and resources necessary to detect and investigate crimes, and to prevent loss and harm to citizens and their property on a 24/7 basis. Accordingly, the Garda Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016 to 2021 sets out a series of initiatives which will enable An Garda Síochána deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime.
In support of this plan, some €342 million, including €217 million under the Capital Plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in delivering professional policing and security services for the community. In parallel with this, a new ICT Strategy document is being developed that will align with the vision of the organisation to be a beacon of 21st century policing; it is expected that this ICT strategy will be finalised in Q1 2018 and will cover the period 2018-2021.
Garda ICT infrastructure is currently supporting a number of initiatives that are already under way as part of the Modernisation and Renewal Programme. It also continues to support and develop existing systems and infrastructures, ensuring that current systems support the ongoing business requirements of An Garda Síochána and that its datacentres and communications infrastructures can meet the demands of the organisation.
The ICT strategy will examine how each business unit within ICT can support the current and future needs of the organisation, leveraging new technologies (e.g. cloud computing) and aligning with Government strategies. A redevelopment of the PULSE system is also envisaged to ensure that the user interface, system architecture and support processes can support the future needs of the organisation. Furthermore, a new ICT HR plan will be developed to ensure that the appropriate skills and resources are available to deliver on ICT commitments.
281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which Interpol or Europol continue to be utilised in the context of combatting serious organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6030/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that tackling organised crime activity is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan sets out the priorities of An Garda Síochána in tackling organised crime activity including its continued commitment to proactively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including organised criminal activities.
In tackling such activity, An Garda Síochána continues to develop and implement operations and strategies aimed at targeting, dismantling and disrupting criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies. Multidisciplinary approaches are also utilised to ensure the activities of individuals and groups involved in criminal enterprise are effectively targeted, including through the use of the proceeds of crimes legislation, money-laundering legislation, the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 relating to organised crime and the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau.
An Garda Síochána targets organised criminal groupings with all available resources. This includes operating at local and community level as well as national and international level in partnership with other policing agencies.
At international level An Garda Síochána utilises the available international mechanisms for police co-operation and training including CEPOL, Interpol, and Europol. Garda Liaison Officers are based, on a full-time basis, in other EU Member States, including the Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. Garda Liaison Officers are also based at Europol.
An Garda Síochána also continues to participate in joint and multidisciplinary and multi-jurisdictional investigations within the European Union and worldwide. Successful investigations, prosecutions and disruptions of criminal activities have been and continue to be achieved through these parallel investigations.
282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of occasions on which crimes have been committed by prisoners while on early release, day release and compassionate release in each of the past ten years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6031/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that they do not collate information in the format requested by the Deputy.
Any offender who breaches his or her conditions, including committing a criminal offence, may be arrested and returned to prison immediately by the Gardaí or may be refused another period of reviewable temporary release. If an individual reoffends on temporary release, the matter of their prosecution is a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider.
If the person is returned to prison to serve the remaining part of their sentence as a result of breaching their temporary release conditions, this information is kept on file and is taken into consideration by the Irish Prison Service for any future temporary release decisions that are taken in respect of that offender. The Irish Prison Service work closely with An Garda Síochána and the Probation Service in respect of the monitoring, supervision and compliance of those on temporary release.
The legislative basis for making decisions on temporary release is fully set out in the Criminal Justice Act 1960, as amended by the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003. Each application is considered on its individual merits and the safety of the public is paramount when decisions are made. Temporary release is an important vehicle for reintegrating an offender into the community in a planned way.
The Irish Prison Service Three Year Strategic Plan 2016-2018 and the Joint Prison Service/Probation Service Strategic Plan 2015-2017 includes working towards the objective of ensuring that all prisoners released early from custody are placed on appropriate structured programme of temporary release.
The Community Return Scheme is an initiative whereby carefully selected prisoners, serving sentences between 1 year and 8 years, can be granted reviewable temporary release coupled with a requirement to do community service work such as painting, gardening or graffiti removal in a supervised group setting. The type of work involved is intended to assist the community and the scheme is involved with a large number of charitable organisations and local community groups.
In addition to Community Return, a Community Support Scheme was introduced to reduce recidivism rates of short-term prisoners by arranging for additional support structures post release and by providing for a more structured form of temporary release.
284. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps taken to ensure first-time offenders in prison are segregated during recreation or rehabilitative training from members of criminal gangs seeking to recruit new membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6033/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that there is a standard operational procedure in place to ensure that upon committal, all offenders are assessed and accommodated appropriately according to their needs and specific security status. Dedicated committal units have been established in all committal prisons for this purpose.
The Irish Prison Service provides a wide range of rehabilitative programmes that include education, vocational training, health care, psychiatric, psychological, counselling, welfare and spiritual services. Every effort is taken to ensure that prisoners are accommodated appropriately to ensure that they can avail of as many rehabilitative programmes and services as possible.
286. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of site visits the IDA Ireland has made to counties Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Carlow in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5348/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra295. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the IDA Ireland site visits for quarter 4 of 2017, by county, in tabular form. [5585/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 295 together.
Under 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. Site visits remain an important tool to help encourage further such FDI and the IDA does its utmost to draw the attention of potential investors to suitable locations outside of our main urban areas.
We should always remember, however, that the decision a company makes on where to locate can be influenced by an array of factors. These include local infrastructure, availability of property and proximity to transport hubs. While the IDA encourages firms to locate in regional areas that may suit their business, the final decision always rests with the company itself.
The following table sets out the number of site visits to each County in 2017:
Site Visits by County 2017
|
County |
2017 |
|
Carlow |
8 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
|
Clare |
22 |
|
Cork |
51 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
|
Dublin |
327 |
|
Galway |
62 |
|
Kerry |
9 |
|
Kildare |
10 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
|
Laois |
4 |
|
Leitrim |
5 |
|
Limerick |
42 |
|
Longford |
7 |
|
Louth |
22 |
|
Mayo |
7 |
|
Meath |
3 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
|
Offaly |
5 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
|
Sligo |
18 |
|
Tipperary |
8 |
|
Waterford |
11 |
|
Westmeath |
42 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
Note: Potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. These figures represent individual visits and are therefore not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.
287. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to minimise the impact of Brexit in County Donegal; the engagement she has had with IDA Ireland to ensure it secures new investment in County Donegal in view of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5434/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully appreciate the importance of ensuring that Irish businesses, including those located in Donegal, are best able to withstand the pressures that Brexit may exert. That is why, for example, additional financial resources have been secured to support the strategic response to Brexit by our enterprise agencies including IDA Ireland.
Brexit, or more particularly the response to the challenges it presents, is a key factor in shaping IDA Ireland's strategy and operations. This includes the Agency's approach to regional development, finance, planning, marketing and promotional activities. IDA Ireland has also established a specific Brexit Committee to oversee its response to the opportunities and challenges arising from the UK’s exit from the EU. The Agency also has a clear Brexit Plan, which includes one-to-one investor engagements and public relations and media campaigns.
I am very much conscious of the particular trade implications that Brexit may have for Border counties, such as Donegal, where 12 IDA Ireland client companies are based. These companies employ 3,389 people in the County. I am pleased that the level of employment by multinationals in the County has increased by 52% since 2012. The Agency has assured me that it maintains constant engagement with clients across its portfolio in Donegal to encourage them to grow jobs and investments in the County even further.
288. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the ratification procedure at EU and member state level for ratification of European trade agreements relating to market access and quotas; and the elements that fall under exclusive EU level competence and areas that require national level approval, respectively. [5435/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU’s suite of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) has evolved over time, from the ‘First Generation’ FTAs dating back to the 1970s which focused on tariffs for goods, to the current ‘New Generation’ of FTAs which go beyond the reduction or elimination of conventional tariff barriers to include; non-tariff and regulatory barriers, services, investment, recognition of professional qualifications, intellectual property rights, access to public procurement, regulatory cooperation, sustainable development, labour and environment.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Common Commercial Policy is an exclusive competence of the European Union under the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union. The Lisbon Treaty extended this competence to cover foreign direct investment, as well as making the European Parliament a co-legislator alongside the Council on trade matters. The European Commission acts as lead negotiator on behalf of all EU countries regarding trade agreements with non-EU countries. Member States (in Council) approve negotiating directives (or mandates) before negotiations begin, are kept informed of developments as the negotiations proceed and have final approval at Council.
The European Commission sought the opinion of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in relation to the competence of the European Union to sign and conclude the EU Singapore Free Trade Agreement. The CJEU’s Opinion issued on the 16th of May 2017, and found that the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Singapore (EUSFTA) cannot be signed and concluded by the EU alone: it has to be signed and concluded both by the EU and by each of its Member States, i.e. that it is a ‘Mixed Agreement’. The Opinion found that some aspects the agreement fall within the EU’s exclusive competence while other aspects will require additional approval from national and regional legislatures. These are referred to as ‘shared competences’. The competences shared between the EU and the Member States are provisions on investment protection in so far as they relate to non-direct foreign investment (i.e., portfolio investments); and provisions on Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS). The implications of the Opinion therefore are that areas relating to market access and quotas, as raised by the Deputy, fall within the exclusive competence of the European Commission. The Opinion means that those aspects of a trade agreement in respect of which the EU does not have exclusive competence, cannot be applied until ratified by all Member States, including Ireland, according to the requirements of their national law.
Therefore, the ratification process regarding individual trade agreements must be taken on a case-by-case basis depending on the issues comprehended by the agreement. Where appropriate, my Department seeks legal advice on the appropriate ratification process to follow in each case.
289. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Enterprise Ireland exporting client companies that have availed of be prepared grants up to 31 January 2017, by county, in tabular form. [5436/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland’s 2017 results reported the highest employment in the history of the agency, the highest net job creation in the history of the agency and also the lowest number of job losses since 1998. In 2017, 209,338 people were employed at Enterprise Ireland supported companies and 19,332 jobs were created with 10,309 net new jobs when losses are taken into account.
Underpinning Enterprise Ireland’s 2017 employment results are a range of activities and supports supporting companies throughout the country to innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. As part of this, the agency is working with client companies to ensure they are resilient to economic shocks, such as Brexit.
Enterprise Ireland’s Be Prepared Grant offers SMEs a grant of up to €5,000 to assist them in preparing an action plan for economic shocks, such as Brexit. The grant can be used to help cover consultancy, travel and travel expenses associated with researching the direction of their action plan. Enterprise Ireland is committed to processing all applications for the grant within eighteen days.
The number of Be Prepared Grants approved by Enterprise Ireland by county is set out in the following table:
|
Approved Be Prepared Grants |
|
|
County |
Number |
|
Carlow |
<5 |
|
Cavan |
<5 |
|
Clare |
<5 |
|
Cork |
6 |
|
Dublin |
41 |
|
Galway |
7 |
|
Kerry |
<5 |
|
Kildare |
<5 |
|
Kilkenny |
<5 |
|
Laois |
<5 |
|
Limerick |
<5 |
|
Louth |
<5 |
|
Mayo |
<5 |
|
Monaghan |
<5 |
|
Sligo |
<5 |
|
Tipperary South |
<5 |
|
Westmeath |
<5 |
|
Wicklow |
<5 |
|
Grand Total |
80 |
Please note numbers for counties with less than 5 Be Prepared Grants cannot be provided to protect the identity of client companies.
290. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Brexit readiness vouchers from InterTradeIreland that have been availed of up to 31 January 2017, by county; and the value of such vouchers, in tabular form. [5437/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUp to 31st January 2018, a total of 43 Brexit Readiness Vouchers have been approved by InterTrade Ireland, with a further 11 cases being processed at present. These vouchers are valued at €2,000 each, so the total expenditure to date is €86,000. Details by county are given in the following table:
|
County |
Approved |
Pending |
Total per County |
|
Cavan |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
Donegal |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
|
3 |
|
Galway |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
|
1 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
|
1 |
|
Dublin |
11 |
4 |
15 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Louth |
4 |
3 |
7 |
|
Meath |
4 |
|
4 |
|
Wexford |
|
1 |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Clare |
1 |
|
1 |
|
Cork |
|
1 |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
3 |
|
3 |
|
Totals |
43 |
11 |
54 |
