Niamh Smyth
Ceist:158. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to protect SMEs along the Border region as they are most exposed to the impact of Brexit. [5763/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrexit Supports
Ceisteanna (158)
Freagraí scríofa
I am very conscious of the challenges as a result of Brexit faced by SMEs operating in close proximity to the border. My Department has been working with the Department of Finance, Enterprise Ireland (EI) and Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and others to develop potential supports to respond to the needs of businesses impacted by Brexit. The Brexit Loan Scheme, announced during Budget 2018, will provide affordable working capital financing to eligible Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit, or which will be in the future. The Scheme will be delivered by the SBCI through commercial lenders to get much needed working capital into Irish businesses. The Scheme aims to make up to €300 million available to SMEs and Small Mid Caps Funds. The Scheme will be open to businesses of up to 499 employees, which can also demonstrate that they are significantly exposed to the impact (or potential impact) of Brexit. They must be a viable business, doing business in Ireland, and they must have a business development strategy. The Scheme is expected to open for applications in late March 2018, and will run until 31 March 2020.
EI offers a range of activities and supports to companies, including along the Border Region, to innovate and remain competitive in international markets. Activities currently being undertaken by EI to ensure that client companies are resilient and agile include the following:
- EI is actively working with companies with global ambition to internationalise, and in doing so, diversify their global footprint. To support this, on 1 February Enterprise Ireland launched a new Market Discovery Fund to incentivise companies to research viable and sustainable market entry strategies in new geographic markets. This fund provides support towards internal and external costs incurred when researching new markets for products and services.
- EI is working with its clients in the Border Region to drive innovation activity via supports that enable companies to diagnose their innovation readiness, provides financial support for in-house R&D projects and fosters collaborations.
- EI is working with companies to identify competitiveness issues and to support companies by providing access to a range of competitiveness building tools, including the Company Competitiveness Health Check, the Lean Offer and Green Offer.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland provides supports to assist companies, such as those located in the Border Region, to be aware and to for prepare for Brexit, for example:
- Launched a ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’, a new interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars.
- Launched a Be Prepared Grant that supports the costs of SME clients in preparing a plan to mitigate risks and optimise opportunities arising from Brexit. This grant can be used to help cover consultancy, travel and out of pocket expenses associated with researching the direction of their Brexit action plan.
- Ran a national Prepare for Brexit Breakfast Roadshows and is currently engaging with companies throughout the country on preparing for Brexit.
- Launched the in-market Irish Advantage campaign promoting Irish companies to buyers in key markets and sectors.
An extra €4 million in funding for the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in 2017 was allocated to fund a range of initiatives including Brexit supports across the country. These supports are aimed at strengthening the capacity of micro and small businesses to cope with the changing external environment, especially the impacts arising from Brexit. The supports include grants to assist LEO clients in diversifying their markets, targeted training and mentoring to address Brexit-related challenges and opportunities, as well as a Lean for Micro programme to help micro-enterprises to address competitive issues within their businesses by building the capability of their employees to identify problems and improve operations. The six LEOs in the Border region are also working together with their Northern Ireland counterparts under the EU Co-Innovate Programme.
I am conscious that further efforts are needed to ensure that companies in the Border Region are resilient to economic shocks, such as Brexit. To this end, I am committed to ensuring that Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs will continue to work with companies from the region to drive their innovation, competitiveness, internationalisation and Brexit preparedness.
Work Permits Applications
Ceisteanna (159)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:159. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied) regarding a work permit application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6118/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for a General Employment Permit for the person concerned was received on 23 November 2017.
A decision was made to refuse the granting of the application on 18 January 2018, and the applicant has been notified of this decision in writing and of their right to request a review of this decision in line with the provisions of the Employment Permits Acts within 28 days.
This application was refused on the basis that it appears that the occupation in question was an ineligible occupation for the purposes of obtaining an employment permit based on information provided by the applicant including the description of the employment to be undertaken and the job specifications.
A refusal to grant an employment permit does not preclude an applicant from submitting another application for an employment permit. Such an application should comply with all of the legislative requirements pertaining to the particular employment permit type.
Work Permits Applications
Ceisteanna (160)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:160. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a general employment permit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6184/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for a General Employment Permit for the person concerned was received on 11 January, 2018. The Employment Permits section of my Department is currently processing standard applications received on 27 December 2017 and this application should be processed within the next 5 weeks.
Brexit Data
Ceisteanna (161)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:161. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department has commissioned an economic or regulatory impact assessment of the risks to sectors under the purview of her Department, following the decision by the UK to exit the EU and the various types of future relationships that might result; if she will provide a copy of such studies; the persons or body commissioned to conduct the research; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6298/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Contingency planning at both a domestic and an EU level is focused on three areas: preparing for a no-deal scenario or so-called “disorderly Brexit”; preparing for a transition period based on the “status quo”; and preparing for the future EU-UK relationship.
While the outcome of the December European Council and the move on to Phase 2 has lessened the likelihood of a disorderly Brexit, very detailed work on a no-deal or worst-case-scenario is advancing intensively through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade. This work is also informed by ongoing stakeholder engagement. Separately, a new preparedness unit in the Commission is considering EU-level responses.
All this work provides a baseline scenario for the policies and sectors impacted, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations. In this regard, it is welcome that the direction of travel is now firmly towards achieving a “status quo” transition period. Agreement on a “status quo” transition will provide certainty to individuals and businesses while also aiming to avoid any cliff edge effects between the UK leaving the EU and a future relationship agreement coming into force. The period will provide time for businesses and citizenship to prepare for the UK's withdrawal from the EU based on the outcome of the negotiations on the framework for the EU's future relationship with the UK. In this respect, the expectation is that the European Council will adopt additional Guidelines at its meeting on 22-23 March 2018 on the framework for the future EU-UK relationship. These guidelines - as well as further clarity on the UK position, which has been sought by the European Council - will provide a clearer picture of the direction of travel in the negotiations.
The Government’s contingency planning continues to be firmly grounded in the extensive work and outreach that has already been undertaken by individual Departments and agencies, as well as by stakeholder organisations, academics and others. Much of this is in the public domain.
My Department is conducting a number of research projects to build an understanding of the possible implications of Brexit on Ireland for enterprise and our 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 and further inform our domestic policy response to Brexit. The details of the Brexit related research undertaken by my Department are as follows:
|
Title |
Summary |
Cost |
Researcher |
Publication |
|
Strategic Implications for Ireland arising from changing EU-UK Trading patterns. |
Profile trade and investment to highlight dependence at sectoral level; Quantify impact of various scenarios on trade and investment; Develop policy options for Ireland – negotiations and enterprise (mitigation) policies. |
€174,000 (Ex. VAT) |
Copenhagen Economics |
Due Q1 2018 |
|
Sectoral implications arising from Brexit: Most exposed sectors |
This research examines the firm level implications of the UK being outside of the European Single Market and Customs Union for Ireland’s most exposed enterprise sectors. (Note: confidential firm level detail will not be published, an aggregate synopsis is being prepared). |
€69,950 (Ex. VAT) |
DBEI research and Deloitte |
Due Q2 2018 |
|
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. |
€40,000 (Ex. VAT) |
ESRI |
Due Q2 2018 |
|
The Potential Impact of WTO Tariffs and other key relevant issues on Cross-Border Trade |
Phase (1) Effect of WTO-level tariffs and other non-tariff barriers on cross-border trade in manufactured products. Phase (2) Cross-border trade at firm level and integration of supply chains. Phase (3) Wider trade issues including trends and developments relevant to trade in Services. |
€90,000* (Inc. VAT) |
ESRI |
Phase 1 published June, 2017Phase 2 due Q1 2018Phase 3 due Q 3 2018 |
|
Brexit -the View of Irish SMEs (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 May. |
€25,000 (Ex. VAT) |
Behaviours and Attitudes |
Published 22 January 2018 |
|
Brexit -the View of Irish SMEs (Survey) |
This project consists of a survey of over 1,000 SME business owners and structured engagement. |
€52,250 (Ex. VAT) |
Behaviours and Attitudes |
Published 8 May 2017 |
*The project is managed by InterTrade Ireland and co-funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy. Figure shown represents the full amount.
Brexit Data
Ceisteanna (162)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:162. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the additional budget for 2018 or other years provided to her Department and all agencies and bodies within her remit to plan or prepare for Brexit; the number of additional staff who have been recruited to work on this policy area in each body, agency and her Department; the number of dedicated staff planning and working on Brexit matters in each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6315/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An additional €163m in funding for the Department’s Vote has been secured since the UK Vote on Brexit in June, 2016.
The additional funding is broken down between €157m in capital funding and €6m in Brexit specific Pay allocation. The additional capital for use by the Enterprise Agencies (includes. IDA, EI, the LEOs and SFI) will support our regional jobs plans, our proactive response to “Brexit” and our innovation system.
Separately, in late 2017 the Department also provided €14m in support of the new Brexit Loan Scheme as announced on Budget Day 2018. This funding is being complemented by a further €9m from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to support access to finance issues for companies directly impacted by Brexit. This Government contribution of €23 million is leveraging private funding to bring the total Brexit Loan Fund available to such firms to €300m, and this fund will be managed by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland.
Additional Pay Allocation
The €6m in Pay mentioned above, was allocated through the 2017 and 2018 Budgets. Such Pay monies are managed within the overall Pay budget for the Department, its Offices and Agencies.
In “Budget 2017” an additional €3m in Pay allocation was provided to support the recruitment of c. 50+ staff across the Department, Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Science Foundation Ireland and the Health and Safety Authority to assist in Brexit response. This 2017 extra €3m in Pay was distributed as follows:
- Department +€250k
- Enterprise Ireland +€1.7m
- IDA Ireland +€750k
- Science Foundation Ireland +€150k
- Health and Safety Authority +€150k
In Budget 2018 a further additional €3m in Pay was provided to the same bodies to support recruitment and assist in the Brexit response, and will bring the total of additional “Brexit” specific staff to c. 100 extra. The allocation was distributed as follows:
- Department +€200k
- Enterprise Ireland +€1.3m
- IDA Ireland +€700k
- Science Foundation Ireland +€400k
- Health and Safety Authority +€400k.
In respect of specific numbers of additional staff that have been recruited specifically for the purpose of responding to Brexit, I have set out this information below in respect of each of the bodies mentioned above that have received additional pay allocation. It is important to note however that the work of very many Business Units within my Department and its Agencies are impacted by Brexit and are working on responding to it despite not being recruited specifically for this purpose.
Department
The dedicated Brexit Unit which was established in 2016 is led at Assistant Secretary level within the EU Affairs and Trade Policy Division, to co-ordinate and represent the Departmental and Agencies response to Brexit and to support me in my position at the Cabinet Committee dealing with Brexit. The designated official, at Assistant Secretary level, is now supported by a staff compliment of seven (one Principal Officer, three Assistant Principals, two Higher Executive Officers and one Clerical Officer).
Staff across all relevant Units are examining the Brexit implications and impacts for their policy areas as well as working with the Brexit Unit and the agencies in developing appropriate domestic responses and helping to inform the approach to the negotiations. We are prioritising the Brexit challenges and will actively keep the staffing requirements under review through workforce planning.
Enterprise Ireland
The additional €1.7 million allocated to Enterprise Ireland in 2017 assisted in the recruitment of an additional 39 Brexit specific posts. 36 of these posts have been filled to date and 3 are currently under active recruitment.
The €1.3 million allocated to Enterprise Ireland in Budget 2018 is being allocated to recruit additional Brexit related staff. This will enable EI to recruit approximately 20 additional staff during 2018.
IDA Ireland
In 2017 the IDA were allocated €750,000 for an additional ten posts as a result of Brexit; and after a rigorous recruitment process have filled all of these. The Agency has been allocated an additional €700,000 for 2018 to further reinforce its staffing levels and response to Brexit.
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
SFI were allocated an additional €150,000 in 2017 and have filled three posts which have Brexit related activities attached to their roles. These successful applicants commenced their positions in November and December (2017) and in January (2018). SFI have been allocated an additional €400,000 for 2018 to recruit additional resources, and are currently in the process of recruiting for the position of Head of International and this individual will be leading SFI's many Brexit related activities.
Health and Safety Authority
My Department provided an additional €150,000 to the HSA in respect of Brexit related pay funding in 2017. A recruitment campaign is ongoing to fill three posts (Grade III Inspector, Socio-Economist and Grade II Brexit related Accreditation Officer).
My Department has provided a further €400,000 to the HSA for the recruitment of additional staff in Brexit related posts in 2018. While a number of HSA staff currently carry out Brexit-related tasks in addition to their other roles, further staff will be allocated to Brexit related duties in 2018 as such staff are recruited.
Departmental Contracts Data
Ceisteanna (163)
Joan Burton
Ceist:163. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the involvement her Department has had in respect of contracts with a company (details supplied) that provides public private partnership contracts; the nature of the contract; if it was for capital construction or service supply; the duration of each contract; the value of fee commitments; the alternative arrangements she has made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6332/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not have any contracts with the company in question.
Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 51.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (165)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she and her Department have identified issues arising in the post-Brexit era to which remedial action at this stage can now be identified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6351/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The UK's decision to leave the EU will have a profound effect on Ireland - their stated intention to leave the Single Market and the Customs Union undoubtedly poses a range of challenges for all firms, both those that are internationally trading, and those focused on the domestic market. The challenges will impact upon firms across a range of time horizons - from the immediate to the long-term.
Work is underway across government to identify and address the issues arising as a result of Brexit. Contingency planning at both a domestic and an EU level is focused on three areas: preparing for a no-deal scenario or so-called “disorderly Brexit”; preparing for a transition period based on the “status quo”; and preparing for the future EU-UK relationship. DBEI is a significant contributor to this process, given the wide range of Brexit impacts across the Department's remit.
While the outcome of the December European Council and the move on to Phase 2 has lessened the likelihood of a disorderly Brexit, very detailed work on a no-deal or worst-case-scenario is advancing intensively through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This work is progressing and is focusing on possible mitigating measures. This work is also informed by ongoing stakeholder engagement.
My own Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) plays a key role in implementing the Government’s policies to stimulate the productive capacity of the economy and create an environment which supports job-creation and jobs maintenance. Brexit impacts upon all of these areas, and on many others within the Department's remit.
My Department recently published “Building Stronger Business” which summarises the issues facing enterprise, the policy measures my Department has already taken, those we plan to take, our research programme designed to inform these policies, and the Departmental structural reforms put in place to ensure that we can work as efficiently and effectively as possible to support our companies.
In relation to Brexit, our objective is to support firms to adapt to the challenges and opportunities Brexit presents by ensuring we have fit for purpose policies. Our strategy is to minimise risks and maximise opportunities by ensuring the growth and resilience of Irish enterprise post-Brexit working across four pillars which are:
- Helping Firms to Compete;
- Enabling Firms to Innovate;
- Supporting Firms to Trade; and
- Negotiating for the Best Possible Outcome;
Several important steps have already been taken to prepare our economy, including through a range of measures announced in Budgets 2017 and 2018, the commitments included in APJ 2017, and the targets included in the Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy.
From my Department’s perspective, we are leveraging the expertise and enhancing the capacity of our Agencies to ensure that they are in the best possible position to address the needs of their clients in relation to competitiveness, innovation and trade diversification. This is being achieved through the provision of information, advice, training and other supports.
Specific DBEI actions to date include:
- The roll-out of the Brexit Loan Scheme to provide affordable financing to Irish firms impacted by Brexit. The scheme aims to make up to €300 million available to business with less than 500 employees.
- We are developing proposals for a Longer-Term Loan Scheme together with a new Business Advisory Hub service which would focus on business development to allow enterprises to position themselves for a post-Brexit environment.
- The EU Commission has approved a ‘rescue and restructuring’ scheme. The scheme can be drawn on in exceptional circumstance for a company severely affected by Brexit.
Looking forward, Action Plan for Jobs 2018 will continue to act as an effective lever for driving reforms that enhance the competitiveness of Irish firms, increase jobs and grow the resilience of our economy in the context of Brexit, while we are also finalising a review of Enterprise 2025 to take account of Brexit and other global challenges over the longer term.
Question No. 166 answered with Question No. 51.
Job Creation
Ceisteanna (167)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which she and her Department continue to support and drive the creation of new enterprises in the indigenous sector throughout the country with particular reference on the need to encourage the generation of employment in the regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6353/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Driving more job creation at a regional level by supporting the indigenous sector is a key focus of mine and I am working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices and with Enterprise Ireland to achieve this. The first year of the Enterprise Ireland (EI) 2017-2020 Strategy was a very strong year for job creation among EI clients with over 19,300 new jobs created in 2017, resulting in a net gain of 10,309 jobs across the country. In 2017 EI supported companies employed 209,338 people. 65 % of client employment is outside of Dublin.
We are seeing growth in traditional industry sectors such as construction and manufacturing as well as in the Digital technology and LifeSciences sectors.
The Local Enterprise Offices’ (LEOs) annual results for 2017 are expected to be available in early March. The 31 LEOs are supporting their clients by providing information, training and mentoring on various issues as well as advice on other sources of support. Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur initiative rolled out by the LEOs has gone from strength to strength since 2014. In 2017 we have had an amazing response nationally with almost 1,500 entries from young people up and down the country. The national final will be held in March. Start-ups and early stage entrepreneurs are a crucial part of a growing economy and the Government will continue to support and help them scale faster through the work of the LEOs and EI.
The eight Regional Action Plans for Jobs are now embedded across the country and are good examples of local authorities, the Local Enterprise Offices and businesses working together to tackle regional issues. To support the eight Regional Action Plans, and as part of the Government’s strategic response to Brexit, additional funding of up to €60m is being rolled out by EI over the next 4 years. The Regional Enterprise Development Fund will support the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects that can sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level. This Funding will strengthen the enterprise capability and economic development potential within the regions. Twenty-one successful applicants representing all regions of the country have secured up to €30.5m for their projects in the first competitive call. The second call is planned to be launched by EI in March 2018.
A key priority of mine is to ensure that this Government remains true to our export led growth policies. We will continue to support start-ups and ambitious companies across the country and help them scale faster through the work of the LEOs and EI. I will keep a focus on regional initiatives, on building strength and resilience among existing exporting companies and also on broadening the exporting base by doing all we can to get Irish companies the supports they need to get exporting and thereby create sustainable quality jobs.
Economic Competitiveness
Ceisteanna (168)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which her Department can improve the efficiency and efficacy of workplace issues, including health and safety, to give the workforce an edge in an increasingly competitive marketplace; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6354/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My view is that competitiveness continues to be an important issue for business in Ireland, just as it is for all firms operating in a global marketplace. Improving competitiveness is a multi-faceted process that involves efforts from both the private and public sector. Firms must ensure that they are operating in the most efficient manner possible, adopting the newest approaches and technologies, training staff, reviewing processes, seeking out the competitive edge in their chosen market. However, they must also ensure that their workplaces are safe, and provide an appropriate environment for staff.
In Ireland, as in all European Member States, regulation should be put in place in ways that achieve desired policy goals both efficiently and effectively. The interaction between business and Government should be smooth and efficient, with clear communication from both sides. Where this is not the case, we must strive to improve it. Unnecessary burdens should always be avoided, but some costs are to be expected when we are aiming for the highest standards of protection for our workers and the environment, for example.
Ireland is already known to have a low burden of regulation, across the board, when benchmarked internationally. Individual departments and agencies across the system seek the most efficient and effective ways to implement standards wherever they are necessary. However, risks must be planned for, and the appropriate steps taken to ensure that workplaces remain safe for employees.
While there has been a welcome increase in economic activity and employment in Ireland, rising employment, can, however, bring with it an increase in the number and rate of workplace injuries unless businesses invest in appropriate occupational safety and health measures.
Poor safety and health workplace practices ultimately cost not just the individuals directly affected by a workplace accident but negatively impact on a business in terms of key staff absences, lost productivity, damage to stock and equipment and diversion of management time to coping with the outcome of the incident. There is a cost too to the State. The State Claims Agency estimates that the true costs of injuries to the State are approximately three times the claims cost. According to CSO data, 1.72 million work days were lost due to work related injury and illness in 2016.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA), which operates under the auspices of my Department, works to improve the management of safety, health and welfare in the workplace through a combination of promotional activity, workplace inspection activity and enforcement action. The HSA enables employers and employees to improve safety and health in their workplaces with the provision of information and advice through helplines and the HSA website. The HSA also provides specific tools to employers and employees to assist them in managing safety and health. These tools include the BeSmart risk assessment tool and the e-learning portal HsaLearning.
BeSmart.ie is the HSA’s free online tool designed to help small business owners/managers to prepare risk assessments and safety statements for their own workplace. The tool, now available to over 270 business types, aids compliance and saves time and money for businesses in meeting their legal obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
The e-learning portal, hsalearning.ie, provides free to access short online courses which serve to upskill those entering the workforce and those at work. Online courses are provided for employers and employees to enhance workplace learning in sectors such as farming, construction, healthcare, education and small business. Other courses are available on a range of topics and will assist employers to manage safety including: Preventing slips, trips and falls, Managing chemicals safely, Managing Bullying Complaints, and, Safety representatives. The elearning portal also contains a group manager function which allows managers/supervisors to register groups of employees to take online courses and monitor their completion rates. By downloading certificates of completion on passing the course assessment, employees can add to their training records.
In addition the HSA has a comprehensive programme of work planned for 2018 involving activities relating to farm safety, occupational health, vehicles and work at a height. The HSA will also be carrying out in excess of 10,000 inspections across a range of sectors and will publish and disseminate information and advice on workplace safety and the safe use of chemicals.
Through this programme of work the HSA aims to prevent workplace injury and ill-health and so reduce the high costs of safety and health failures. Good workplace health and safety practices make good economic sense.
Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 51.
Economic Competitiveness
Ceisteanna (170)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which her office engages with stakeholders in the manufacturing and services sectors with a view to improving competitiveness, identifying likely obstacles and the utilisation of modern methods to promote trade and Irish manufactured goods north or south of the border; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6356/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Competitiveness is key to success in international markets, jobs growth and as a means of achieving sustainable improvements in living standards. Improving competitiveness performance is a core focus of the work of the Government, and as part of this work my Department, its agencies and the National Competitiveness Council are continually engaged with relevant stakeholders on the particular policy needs required to support competitiveness. The National Competitiveness Council, an independent advisory body, tasked with reporting through me to the Taoiseach and the Government on key competitiveness issues facing the Irish economy, is composed, amongst others, of business representatives’ bodies and companies from the manufacturing and services sectors.
In its 2017 Competitiveness Challenge Report, the Council has identified a range of threats to Ireland’s competitiveness, including the potential impact of Brexit, our cost base, the shortage and cost of residential property, the concentration of our export markets and the range of products and services exported. I share the Council’s view that Ireland must address barriers to investment and growth, drive productivity performance and be responsive to competitiveness challenges and opportunities that are emerging.
A more diverse export base can reduce exposure to external demand shocks, exchange rate fluctuations and instability in export earnings and enhance growth and jobs. Irish-based exporters, particularly in exposed sectors such as traditional manufacturing and agrifood, must continue to be supported to scale and diversify sustainably and strategically to reduce the market exposure which Brexit has highlighted. Enterprise Ireland is actively supporting firms develop new products, services for new and existing markets. A range of supports and programmes for Product, Process or Services Development are available for established SMEs in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors.
My Department is also working on developing markets beyond Ireland’s traditional trading partners by doubling the number of trade missions and placing extra staff in overseas markets. Consistent, sustained in-market presence by IDA Ireland is necessary to take advantage of emerging FDI growth opportunities across the globe.
Following extensive engagement with Irish SMEs, we have developed the Brexit Loan Scheme which will be launched at the end of March 2018. The scheme will provide short-term credit to businesses coping with working capital challenges. Officials in my Department are exploring the development of a longer-term Development Loan Scheme which would assist firms in long-term investing for a post-Brexit environment and increase their competitiveness.
To future proof the competitiveness of our economy, policy must support Ireland moving to the forefront of digital and innovative activity. Irish business must therefore make greater use of the opportunities offered by online commerce, including cross-border trade. In this regard, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme administered by the Local Enterprise Offices assists small businesses to trade online by developing their e-commerce capability.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (171)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she can envisage opportunities in international markets for goods and services throughout the island of Ireland with a view to maximising the impact on world markets in view of the likely challenges in the aftermath of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6357/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The companies that will be affected by Brexit are economy wide, all sizes of business and across all sectors and regions. Traditional sectors with low margins, which provide large scale employment throughout the regions, are particularly vulnerable. To mitigate these vulnerabilities, the Enterprise Ireland strategy 2017-20 “Build Scale-Expand Reach” looks to increase the reach of its client company exports, with two-thirds of exports going beyond the UK.
This strategy takes account of Brexit and other global challenges that might emerge. Sustaining and growing jobs and diversifying the export base is a challenge when aligned with the key objective of reducing the overall dependence on the UK market as a percentage of overall exports. Therefore, my Department has allocated additional funding in both 2017 and 2018 to enable EI achieve its objectives.
To broaden the export footprint across the globe, the EI Strategy focuses on:
- Training and supports to enhance management capability, leadership and productivity;
- Marketing/sales skills;
- Innovation and R&D; and
- Access to funding to help companies to build market share and create new market opportunities.
Extra staff has been placed in EI’s overseas offices with sectoral knowledge and expertise such as in engineering, food, life sciences and construction. This will drive export growth to other international markets where there are known opportunities and reduce reliance on the UK.
2017 export results are not yet available. 2016 saw a steady increase in EI client exports globally and sales grew across most territories with the USA and Canada increasing fastest by 19% to €3.7bn, Latin America up 17% to €.23bn, followed by exports to the Asia Pacific region, up 16% to €1.8bn. The Government will continue to support Enterprise Ireland to drive this growth across international markets.
There is now a major focus on directing resources and expertise to the Eurozone markets where EI sees opportunities, targeting a 50% increase in exports by 2020. A new ‘Irish Advantage’ communications campaign is targeting Eurozone buyers to buy Irish innovation in key Brexit impacted sectors.
There are significant opportunities in various international markets for quality Irish goods and services. The future relative importance and forecasted growth rates of China, India, Asean countries, the Gulf, Latin America and Africa combined with the scale of these markets means we will support Irish companies to continue to work to build exports in these markets. In recent weeks, EI launched its new Market Discovery Fund to help more Irish companies accelerate their market diversification efforts.
Economic Competitiveness
Ceisteanna (172)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures she continues to take to develop and improve the competitiveness of Irish goods and services on world markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6358/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Competitiveness is key to success in international markets, jobs growth and as a means of achieving sustainable improvements in living standards. Improving competitiveness performance is a core focus of the work of the Government, and as part of this work my Department, its agencies and the National Competitiveness Council are continually engaged with relevant stakeholders on the particular policy needs required to support competitiveness.
In its 2017 Competitiveness Challenge Report, the Council has identified a range of threats to Ireland’s competitiveness, including the potential impact of Brexit, the concentration of our export markets and the range of products and services exported.
Enterprise Ireland is actively supporting firms developing new products and services for new and existing markets. To assist competitiveness, the Enterprise Ireland strategy 2017-20 “Build Scale-Expand Reach” looks to increase the reach of its client company exports, with two-thirds of exports going beyond the UK. Sustaining and growing jobs and diversifying the export base is a challenge when aligned with the key objective of reducing the overall dependence on the UK market as a percentage of overall exports. Therefore, my Department has allocated additional funding in both 2017 and 2018 to enable EI achieve its objectives.
To broaden the export footprint across the globe, the EI Strategy focuses on training and supports to enhance management capability, leadership and productivity, marketing/sales skills, innovation and R&D, access to funding to help companies to build market share and create new market opportunities.
Extra staff has been placed in EI’s overseas offices with sectoral knowledge and expertise such as in engineering, food, life sciences and construction. This will drive export growth to international markets where there are known opportunities and reduce reliance on the UK.
There is now a major focus on directing resources and expertise to the Eurozone markets where EI sees opportunities, targeting a 50% increase in exports by 2020. A new ‘Irish Advantage’ communications campaign is targeting Eurozone buyers to buy Irish innovation in key Brexit impacted sectors.
There are significant opportunities in various international markets for quality Irish goods and services. The future relative importance and forecasted growth rates of China, India, Asean countries, the Gulf, Latin America and Africa combined with the scale of these markets means we will support Irish companies to continue to work to build exports in these markets. In recent weeks, EI launched its new Market Discovery Fund to help more Irish companies accelerate their market diversification efforts.
A more diverse export base can reduce exposure to external demand shocks, exchange rate fluctuations and instability in export earnings and enhance growth and jobs. I will continue to work with my Department and Enterprise Ireland to ensure Irish-based exporters, particularly in exposed sectors such as traditional manufacturing and agrifood, will continue to be supported to scale and diversify sustainably and strategically.
IDA Ireland Supports
Ceisteanna (173)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which IDA Ireland's development programme continues to develop to maximise advantages for job creation and economic competitiveness on international markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6359/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Competition for foreign direct investment (FDI) remains intense. Nevertheless, multinational companies continue to invest and re-invest here with leading global firms from many sectors - including life sciences, ICT, engineering and digital media - all based in Ireland. The contribution that these investments make to our wider economy remains highly significant.
Ireland has many strengths when it comes to attracting FDI. This includes, for example, our international competitiveness ranking, where we are rated as the 6th most competitive country by the Institute for Management Development (IMD). Ireland also scores very highly in terms of key criteria for FDI including investment incentives, labour productivity and the adaptability and retention of talent. As recognised by the IMD, many of Ireland’s traditional assets including our education system, highly skilled workforce and pro-enterprise business environment add to our competitive advantage and are extremely attractive to inward investors.
The IDA's 2017 Annual Results show that the Agency has performed very strongly over the last 12 months with total employment by overseas companies in Ireland now standing at a landmark 210,000 people. This means that roughly one-in-five private sector jobs in our country result either directly or indirectly from FDI.
The IDA’s clients also created over 19,000 new jobs on the ground during 2017. The net number of new jobs – meaning the total amount of positions created after allowing for job losses in other FDI firms – was roughly 10,500. I am especially pleased as well that the benefit of all these jobs will be felt all across Ireland with every region posting net gains in jobs.
Rural Development Policy
Ceisteanna (174)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which her Department can encourage investment and job creation throughout rural Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6360/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Regional Action Plans for Jobs is a central pillar of the Government’s ambition to create an additional 200,000 jobs, of which 135,000 are outside the Dublin region, by 2020. A key objective of each of the plans is to have a further 10 to 15 per cent at work in each region by 2020, with the unemployment rate of each region not more than one percentage point greater than the national average
Data from the CSO (to Q2 2017) shows an increase of 53,500 people in employment across the State since Q2 2016: 84% of this increase is in numbers employed outside Dublin. All regions have seen increases in numbers employed in the year to Q2 2017; all regions also saw a decrease in numbers unemployed.
While overall results are strong, it is clear that not all regions are improving at the same rate, and there is no room for complacency. The unemployment rate in three of the regions (Midlands: 9.3%, Mid West: 8.4% and South East: 8%) is at Q3 2017 at least 1 percentage point above the State average of 6.9%. A continued focus on these regions is required to ensure they are being supported to achieve their economic potential
In December last year I announced an allocation of €30.5 million in funding to support enterprise capability in the regions, with 21 projects from all over the country receiving funding. This Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) totalling €60 million is being rolled out by Enterprise Ireland over the next 4 years to support the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects that can sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level. The Fund supports the ambition, goals and implementation of the Regional Action Plans for Jobs.
I look forward to supporting more regional initiatives through a second competitive call, which will be launched in March of this year. I also look forward to working closely with the Regional Action Plan Implementation Committees, to continue to build on the excellent work they have carried out to date, with a focus on delivering on the employment targets set out for 2020.
The Enterprise Agencies continue to work to contribute to employment and economic growth throughout all regions. All regions saw increases in IDA employment over 2017, with 52% of new jobs supported by IDA Ireland located outside of Dublin.
In addition, two-thirds (64%) of new Enterprise Ireland jobs created in 2017 were outside of Dublin. The West, Mid-West and North West saw the largest level of increases at 7%.
Enterprise Ireland’s strategy for 2017-2020 aims to create a further 60,000 jobs, while sustaining existing ones, which will make an important contribution to jobs and economic growth across all regions. IDA meanwhile will continue to target a minimum increase in investment of 30% to 40% in each region outside Dublin to 2019. Additional funding of €150m is being made available to the IDA to support its Regional Property Programme and drive job creation in the multi-national sector.
The Local Enterprise Offices operating under the auspices of the Local Authorities and Enterprise Ireland in every county continue to play a vital role in providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own businesses. Results for 2017 are expected to be published shortly. The 2016 Local Enterprise Office (LEO) annual jobs survey results highlighted three consecutive years of local jobs growth in small and micro-businesses throughout the country: in 2016 there was a net increase of 3,679 jobs and total direct employment among LEO client companies stood at 34,634.
I want to also draw your attention to the ongoing implementation of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development – ‘Realising our Rural Potential’. Launched in January 2017, the Plan contains over 270 actions to be delivered by a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other bodies to support the economic and social development of rural Ireland.
The Action Plan includes commitments from a number of Departments and State agencies, including the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, which will support employment and improve the quality of life for people living in rural areas. A key component of the Plan is to support the creation of jobs throughout the regions to ensure that people who live in rural areas have increased opportunities for employment locally. The Plan aims to deliver 135,000 extra jobs outside of Dublin by 2020.
The first 6 monthly progress support showed good progress in the implementation of the Action Plan; with delays to only 7 actions. A second 6 monthly progress report for the Action Plan for Rural Development is currently in preparation and will be published in February 2018.
Finally, my Department is also working closely with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in relation to the enterprise development aspect of the National Planning Framework and development of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, which will have a strong relevance for the future of rural Ireland.
Enterprise Support Services Provision
Ceisteanna (175)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which her Department continues to liaise with the business sector throughout the regions with a view to the maximisation of investment in such a way as to enhance the opportunities for expansion in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6361/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enterprise development and job creation in the regions of Ireland is a key policy priority of this Government and my Department has been actively engaged in the regional jobs agenda through the Regional Action Plan for Jobs (RAPJ) initiative for the past two years, involving public and private stakeholders collectively driving a range of innovative and practical actions to support enterprise development as set out in the Plans. The Regional Action Plan for Jobs initiative is a central pillar of the Government’s ambition to create 200,000 new jobs by 2020, 135,000 of which are outside of Dublin.
In addition, in December last year I announced an allocation of €30.5 million in funding to support enterprise capability in the regions, with 21 projects from all over the country receiving funding. This Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) totalling €60 million is being rolled out by Enterprise Ireland over the next 4 years to support the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects that can sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level. The Fund supports the ambition, goals and implementation of the Regional Action Plans for Jobs. I look forward to supporting more regional initiatives through a second competitive call, which will be launched in March of this year.
My Department continues to liaise with businesses in the regions primarily through the work of the Enterprise Agencies in carrying out their regional strategies.
IDA Ireland is focused on achieving the key development goals set out in its current strategy "Winning: Foreign Direct Investment 2015-2019 ”, including increasing investment by 30% to 40% in every region. Real progress has been made towards that target over the first three years of this strategy with half of all jobs created by IDA client companies since 2015 based outside Dublin. Just under 30,000 jobs have been created in the regions in three years, a positive trend towards increasing the regional spread of FDI all over our country.
A key component of attracting potential multinational investors is the availability of IDA properties across all counties of Ireland. The IDA is directly investing in such sites and facilities to increase the attractiveness of regional locations for FDI. The Agency’s Regional Property Programme (RPP), as announced in 2015, committed €150 million in Exchequer funding over five years to drive the growth of regional FDI by providing property solutions outside Dublin.
Enterprise Ireland supports companies in urban and rural areas to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. At the centre of the agency's strategy, Build Scale, Expand Reach 2017 - 2020, are strategic targets focused on:
- Assisting clients to create 60,000 new jobs by 2020 while sustaining the existing record level of jobs;
- Growing the annual exports of client companies by €5bn to €26bn per annum;
- Increasing the level of spend made by client companies in the Irish economy by €4bn to €27bn per annum by 2020; and
- Inspiring more Irish owned companies to have global ambition.
The 5,000 manufacturing and internationally traded services companies that Enterprise Ireland works with are a critical source of existing employment and job creation in every county in Ireland. In 2017 209,338 people were employed at Enterprise Ireland supported companies which includes the creation of 10,309 net new jobs. In 2017 65% of employment in Enterprise Ireland supported companies was outside of Dublin. Employment growth was recorded across all counties.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland has invested in infrastructure to support building research and innovation capabilities within regions such as the national network of Technology located in Institutes of Technology through the country. The Agency has also launched four accelerators outside of Dublin to enhance the high potential start-up ecosystem. Located in Galway, Clare and Waterford, these accelerators build on regional sectoral strengths.
The recently published Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) Jobs Results show that 3,700 new jobs were delivered in 2017 by start-ups and small businesses from across the country that have been supported by the LEOs. This brings the total number of new jobs created by LEO-backed companies to 15,000 since the LEOs were set up in 2014. The 31 LEOs located in every county in Ireland continue to play a vital role in providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own businesses.
I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Implementation Committees of the eight Regional Action Plans for Jobs, and the enterprise agencies to continue to build on the excellent work they have carried out to date, with a focus on delivering on the employment targets set out for 2020.
Appointments to State Boards Data
Ceisteanna (176)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:176. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the persons on State boards under the aegis of her Department that are also serving on other State boards; the persons on State boards under the aegis of her Department that have served previously on other State boards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6456/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that in 2014 the Government agreed new arrangements for appointments to State Boards (Government Decision S180/20/10/1617). The Government Decision requires that all appointments (with some limited exceptions) are to be advertised through the State Boards portal, stateboards.ie. The process of advertising and selection of suitable potential candidates for appointment to the State Boards under the aegis of my Department is managed by the Public Appointment Service (PAS). Appointees must meet specific and detailed criteria, set out in each case, as necessary for the effective performance of the relevant role(s). This is to ensure that the Board has an appropriate mix of the experience, knowledge and skills to successfully oversee the performance of the Board’s functions.
All appointments to State Boards are published on www.Stateboards.ie.
Details of previously held positions on other State Boards are not held by my Department.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Ceisteanna (177)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:177. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the maximum compensation that can be paid in respect of a person with a disability who has died as a result of negligence of the State; if this ceiling applies to persons who did not have lifelong enduring disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6216/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Claims Agency manages personal injury claims, including fatality claims, on behalf of 146 State Authorities, as delegated to it by the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act 2000 and subsequent delegation orders.
I have been informed by the Agency that in fatal injuries cases damages may be awarded under 3 headings:
1. loss of pecuniary benefits which could have been reasonably expected but for the wrongful act of the defendant;
2. reasonable compensation for mental distress to the dependents of someone who has been fatally injured; and
3. funeral and other expenses actually incurred by reason of the death.
Whether a person has a disability or not has no bearing on the amount of compensation payable under (1), which is determined by multiple factors including whether a person leaves dependants, whether they were working or contributing to the family in some way. Each case is decided on its own facts.
In relation to (2) above, the damages paid to the statutory dependants of a deceased person in a wrongful death case is known as solatium. Since January 2014, the maximum amount that can be awarded is set by statute in the sum of €35,000. Prior to this, the figure was capped at €25,394.76. This limit applies to the statutory dependants of all deceased persons, regardless of the deceased’s ability/disability.
In determining the amount of compensation under (3), ability/disability is not considered and has no relevance.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Ceisteanna (178)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:178. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a new health care facility (details supplied); when this project will proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6386/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Administration
Ceisteanna (179)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:179. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for treatment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [6117/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.