Clare Daly
Ceist:374. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the INIS website has ever been subject to a user experience, UX, audit; and if so, the results of the audit. [12930/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish Naturalisation and Immigration Service Administration
Ceisteanna (374)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department, that no official User Experience audit has been conducted of the INIS website.
The INIS website is subject to ongoing review with the aim of better meeting the needs of the variety of customers who use the website. Feedback is regularly received from users, and is monitored to assess how usability of the site can be improved.
Significant work was carried out during 2017 to improve the readability and usability of the site, and this work continues as part of the functions of a small dedicated website team. Projects planned for 2018 include an upgrade to the website as well as moves towards service delivery through the website.
The website upgrade will be carried out as part of an upgrade to all Department of Justice and Equality websites, and will further improve both the content and usability of the site across a range of devices.
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service Administration
Ceisteanna (375)
Clare Daly
Ceist:375. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the automated visa application and tracking system, AVATS, online application form for a join family visa on the INIS website asks applicants to enter a reference number issued by his Department in view of the fact that such numbers are no longer issued. [12931/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that AVATS (Automated Visa Application and Tracking System) is an example of the successful use of information technology in assisting the making of visa applications and the processing of those applications.
Over 125,000 visa applications were made using AVATS in 2017. The system requires applicants to provide certain information to enable a visa officer to make decisions on applications. While some of the information is mandatory, other information is non-mandatory and this is indicated on the online form.
In relation to the use of reference numbers, the format of the number requested on the online form is still in use for older files. This information is non-mandatory and the applicant does not need to provide any response to that question if the information is not applicable to them. INIS also provides a dedicated email address (avatsqueries@justice.ie) to assist with any queries on completing the online application form.
INIS reviews online application procedures on a regular basis and the continued inclusion of this field will be considered in this context.
National Development Plan Data
Ceisteanna (376)
Niall Collins
Ceist:376. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the projects mentioned in the National Development Plan 2018 to 2027 that come under his Department's remit or bodies under its aegis; and the estimated completion dates for each project in tabular form. [12994/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Insofar as the Justice Sector is concerned, the National Development Plan incorporates extensive investment across a series of programmes, including modernisation of Information and Communication Technology, continuing investment in the Garda Transport Fleet, as well as in prisons and courthouse buildings, and investment in the Garda Station Refurbishment Programme.
These large programmes of investment are composed of multiple individual projects which will be implemented over the ten year period of the National Development Plan and these components will be completed and reported on in stages over the next number of years, commencing in 2018.
The NDP also identifies a number of large specific projects in the Justice sector, where in some cases specification of the completion dates are dependent on detailed planning and procurement and, on finalisation of these phases, there will be more certainty regarding completion dates. This applies in the case of the new Forensic Science Laboratory, for example. In other instances, completion dates can now be advised, as in the case of the Garda Divisional Headquarters in Kevin Street (Dublin) and Galway, which will be completed this year, with substantial work having been carried out in 2017 and in the year to date.
In the case all activity under the NDP in the Justice Sector, projects will be progressed in a timely manner and reported on regularly, as part of overall implementation arrangements for the Plan.
Industrial Relations
Ceisteanna (377)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:377. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason an association (details supplied) would not be afforded protections under the Industrial Relations Act 1990 if it engaged in withdrawal of services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12171/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the deputy that the position under Irish industrial relations legislation is that the law does not confer a positive right to strike, picket or engage in other industrial action. Instead the law confers immunity from civil suits on those that participate in lawful industrial action. Industrial action includes pickets at employer’s premises, secondary picketing, a strike or work to rule.
These protections are provided for in the Industrial Relations Act 1990 and apply to members of a trade union who participate in lawfully balloted strike action, provided certain conditions are met. Individuals who do not belong to an authorised trade union that holds a negotiation licence, do not enjoy immunity from suit.
I understand that the Branch Officers Association to which the deputy's inquiry relates is not an authorised trade union and does not hold a negotiation licence. Therefore, its members are not covered by the protections from tort that are provided for in the Industrial Relations Act 1990.
Trade Missions Data
Ceisteanna (378, 379, 380, 381)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:378. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the destinations of each trade mission undertaken in each of the years 2014 to 2017; the Ministers who travelled on each trade mission; and the cost of each trade mission, in tabular form. [12337/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaurice Quinlivan
Ceist:379. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the companies that travelled on each separate trade mission in 2017, in tabular form. [12338/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaurice Quinlivan
Ceist:380. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which companies are chosen to participate in trade missions abroad. [12339/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaurice Quinlivan
Ceist:381. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of departmental and governmental officials that travelled on each trade mission in 2017. [12340/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 to 381, inclusive, together.
Enterprise Ireland is the state agency under my aegis with responsibility for helping Irish companies to internationalise and scale. The 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 and are spread across a wide range of sectors.
Enterprise Ireland’s Trade Missions and Events promote the capabilities of client companies to potential business partners and customers in international markets; a central element of the agency’s strategy for 2017 -2020: Build Scale, Expand Reach. In 2017 Enterprise Ireland ran 57 Ministerial-led international trade events, including trade missions to Canada, China and Oman.
On an annual basis, Enterprise Ireland publishes its schedule for Trade Missions and Events. This schedule is comprised of:
- Trade Mission / Outward Mission: Enterprise Ireland Trade Missions open doors for client companies seeking to meet potential buyers and access new markets. Clients are also afforded the opportunity to leverage the presence of a Government Minister to build relationships with key commercial contacts during the Trade Mission.
- Trade Visit / Fair: Enterprise Ireland organises group exhibition stands at many of the most important trade fairs around the world. Clients may take space on these group stands to showcase their products/services, meet new buyers/partners and gain market intelligence.
- Client Knowledge Forum: These events, which take place in Ireland, give clients insights on new markets and sectors, market trends and how to develop new skills in exporting.
- Inward Mission Events: in Ireland to which groups of overseas decision-makers are invited by Enterprise Ireland to meet prospective Irish suppliers. These missions are targeted at specific sectors.
- Market Study Visits: A market study visit is a once-off event with a group of three or more clients designed to educate clients on how a market or sector operates, and on the activities of their competitors.
This list of Trade Missions and Events is communicated to all client companies and is publicly available. Working with Enterprise Ireland’s Development Advisers and Market Advisers, client companies with ambition to enter new markets and grow business in existing international markets discuss their participation on the various trade missions and events as part of their overall business developmental plan.
On 12 March, Enterprise Ireland announced that it is set to undertake over 200 international and domestic trade events in 2018 to accelerate the number of Enterprise Ireland clients diversifying into new markets, beyond the UK and into the Eurozone and global markets. The number of trade events being undertaken represents a 50% increase on 2017, reflecting the challenge that Brexit poses for Irish businesses. 70 of these export focused trade events will be led by Government Ministers.
Due to the amount of analysis required to provide the detailed information requested in the Deputy’s questions, it has not been possible to provide the data in the time available for reply. Work has commenced to compile the information, which will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (382)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:382. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the cost to her Department of negative interest rates on deposits held; the details of same for agencies under her aegis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11730/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department holds a number of public bank accounts for operational purposes, none of which incur bank interest or charges.
The operation of bank accounts by agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day-to-day matter for the agencies in question, and not one in which I have a direct function.
The Personal Injuries Assessment Board has informed me that it has incurred a charge of €4,738 in respect of a negative interest rate relating to a demand deposit account. The negative rate was introduced in April 2017 and the charge relates to the period from that date to February 2018.
No other agency of my Department has incurred costs as a result of negative interest rates.
Departmental Advertising Expenditure
Ceisteanna (383)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:383. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent by her Department on third party public relations advice, communications advice, online advertising and public awareness campaigns from January 2017 to date in 2018, by year, month and company engaged in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11760/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of expenditure incurred by my Department and its Offices on third party public relations advice, communications advice, online advertising and public awareness campaigns from January 2017 to date in 2018 are set out in the following table.
My Department uses external service providers having regard to its business needs for such services. In engaging such providers, the Department is mindful of the need to secure value for money and, accordingly, strives to keep costs to the minimum.
Expenditure incurred by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and its Offices on Public Relations Advice, Communications Advice, Online Advertising and Public Awareness Campaigns from 1 January, 2017 to date
|
Name of Company |
Service Provided |
Cost Incurred in 2017 € |
|
Strategem b.t.l. Ltd. |
To provide the Department with a six month public campaign to raise awareness of the Prompt Payment Code. (This amount relates to work carried out in 2016.) |
25,155 |
|
Drury Porter Novelli |
PR and event support for information campaigns; encouraging and informing companies on how to prepare their business for Brexit |
15,238 |
|
Fuzion Communications |
Provision of Communications Services to the Workplace Relations Commission |
6,753 |
|
Fuzion Communications |
Development of Communications Strategy for Workplace Relations Commission to enhance Activity Impact and its 2017 roll out |
4,404 |
|
Mediavest Limited |
Various newspaper advertisements relating to Department’s business |
19,192 |
|
Iris Oifigiúil |
Various Official Notices in Government Publication, Iris Oifigiúil |
5,108 |
|
Mediavest Limited |
Advertising in daily newspapers in relation to Joint Labour Committees |
13,656 |
|
Iris Oifigiúil |
Official Notices in Iris Oifigiúil in relation to Joint Labour Committees |
31 |
|
Mediavest Limited |
Advertisements - Accountancy Ireland |
10,203 |
|
Mediavest Limited |
Advertisements placed by Companies Registration Office in newspapers and accountancy publications regarding mandatory electronic filing now required for companies filing their annual returns |
97,952 |
|
Mediavest Limited |
Radio advertisements by Companies Registration Office regarding mandatory electronic filing now required for companies filing their annual returns |
49,993 |
|
Mediavest Limited |
Advertisements placed by Companies Registration Office in website editions of newspapers regarding mandatory electronic filing now required for companies filing their annual returns |
6,158 |
|
Mediavest Limited |
Advertisements placed by Companies Registration Office in newspapers regarding change of Public Office address |
7,145 |
|
Advertising in relation to the opening of the Workplace Relations Commission Sligo Office |
Fuzion Communications |
3,198 |
|
Name of Company |
Service Provided |
Cost Incurred in 2018 € |
|
Communications Advice to Workplace Relations Commission |
Fuzion Communications |
221 |
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement Investigations
Ceisteanna (384)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:384. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the account of the investigative failures will be identified in an investigation (details supplied) by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, ODCE, will be published. [11837/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An account of the investigative failures identified by Judge Aylmer is currently being finalised. The purpose of publishing this account is to understand the factors that led to such mistakes being made and to take appropriate steps to address these shortcomings.
Earlier this month, Judge Aylmer granted approval to publish some of the transcripts of the trial, limited to the rulings of the Court concerning investigative failures made on specific dates. The account is now being finalised on this basis.
It is intended that the account will be published as soon as possible.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (385)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:385. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons holding Civil Service positions above clerical officer grade in her Department that entered the Civil Service via a route other than through an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service or its predecessors; the grades of each; and the basis for the non-standard recruitment. [11851/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Public Appointments Service (PAS), acts as the centralised recruitment, assessment and selection body for the Civil Service. My Department recruits the majority of our staff through PAS. There are however a small number of exceptions to this which are set out below.
Redeployment
On the dissolution of FORFÁS under The Industrial Development (Forfás Dissolution) Act 2014, 54 FORFÁS staff were appointed to the Department on an unestablished basis along with the transfer of certain functions. FORFÁS staff were not originally recruited by PAS but the Department applied to the Commission for Public Service Appointments for a specific purpose recruitment licence to appoint these transferred staff on an established basis in compliance with the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. The number of staff currently holding positions above clerical officer grade in this respect are set out in the following table:
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
|
Principal Officer |
5 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
14 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
10 |
|
Executive Officer |
3 |
|
Total |
33 |
Ministerial Staff
Members of the Dáil, appointed as Ministers and Ministers of State, may make a number of personal appointments to support them with their enhanced workload. The main posts to which such appointments are made are those of Special Adviser and Civilian Driver. Ministerial appointment of Special Advisers are made on foot of Government decision in accordance with section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 and approval of the Taoiseach if appointed from outside the Civil Service. Civilian driver ministerial appointments are made on foot of an excluding order obtained from the Commission for Public Service appointments. Contracts for these posts are prepared in line with the guidelines contained in the 'Instructions to Personnel Officers' as provided by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The staff currently holding such positions are set out as follows:
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Special Adviser to the Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation |
2 |
|
Civilian Drivers to the Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation |
2 |
|
Civilian Drivers to the Minister of State* for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection |
2 |
|
Total |
6 |
*The remit for the Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development is cross Departmental (Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation). Ministerial staff appointments fall under the remit of the Department of Education and Skills.
Public Sector Staff Remuneration
Ceisteanna (386)
David Cullinane
Ceist:386. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the directions provided to the payment of staff in the public sector and Civil Service that fall under the direction of her Department for the days during Storm Emma when staff were directed to stay at home; if deductions in pay and annual leave were made to staff in the public sector or Civil Service as a result of days lost during the storm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11868/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On foot of the Met Éireann "Status Red" snow and ice warning initially for much of the East coast and subsequently for all counties, staff of my Department were directed to stay safely at home until the warning was lifted. In the communication to all staff, they were also advised to work from home where possible.
No deductions in pay or annual leave were made to staff in my Department for the days the Offices remained closed. Applications for paid or unpaid leave made in advance of the weather warning and office closures, where processed and availed of in the usual manner.
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement
Ceisteanna (387)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:387. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the effectiveness of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. [11903/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The ODCE has played and continues to play an important role in facilitating compliance and enforcement of company law.
There have been a number of successful high profile prosecutions over the past two years, on foot of investigations undertaken by the ODCE and the subsequent directing of charges on indictment by the DPP:
- on 21 December 2016, a former Director of Anglo Irish Bank Corporation plc entered a plea of guilty before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of fraudulent trading contrary to section 297 of the Companies Act 1963 (as amended);
- on 21 December 2016, a former Director of Anglo Irish Bank Corporation plc entered a plea of guilty before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of failing to maintain a register of certain transactions involving directors and others contrary to section 44 of the Companies Act 1990 (as amended); and
- on 27 July 2017, a person entered a plea of guilty before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to one count of fraudulent trading contrary to section 297 of the Companies Act 1963 (as amended).
The ODCE Annual Report for 2016 points to a number of key successes during the year, as follows:
- Following the examination of reports submitted to the Office by liquidators of insolvent companies, 90 company directors were restricted and 11 disqualified by the High Court;
- 93 Restriction Undertakings were obtained from directors of insolvent companies;
- As an alternative to formal enforcement actions, cautions issued to a total of 61 companies;
- The securing of the rectification on a non-statutory basis, of suspected infringements of the Companies Act 2014, in relation to Directors’ loans in 60 cases, to an aggregate value of €17m approximately;
- 108 directions were issued to relevant parties requiring them to comply with their statutory obligations under company law;
- The submission of 5 investigation files to the DPP for consideration, with recommendations including charges under both company law and the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
Figures in respect of the 2017 ODCE Annual Report are being compiled at present and the report will be laid before the Houses before 30th June.
Since his appointment in 2012, the Director of Corporate Enforcement has demonstrated his commitment to reforming the Office, to enhancing the capability of the Office to investigate increasingly complex breaches of company law and to amending the investigative procedures used by the Office. These reforms include:
- Reorganising the structures of the Office;
- Recruiting additional expertise, including six forensic accountants, a digital forensic specialist and 2 Enforcement Portfolio Managers;
- As senior-level vacancies have arisen, reconfiguration of the skill sets, competencies, roles and responsibilities associated with those posts in order to better reflect the organisation’s needs;
- Fundamentally amending the investigative procedures used by the Office so that members of an Garda Síochana take the lead in all criminal investigations; and
- Fostering a greater culture of risk management.
To build on reforms already achieved, ongoing reform continues within the ODCE, including the ongoing recruitment of professional expertise – the recruitment of 2 Forensic Accountants and 2 Enforcement Lawyers is underway - and the establishment, as announced by Government last November, of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement as an agency, to provide it with greater autonomy and ensure it is better equipped to investigate increasingly complex breaches of company law.
Employment Rights
Ceisteanna (388)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:388. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there is a scheme that provides assistance to employers who must pay their employees when absent from work when there is a red alert climate warning in place. [11965/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
During the course of the recent extreme weather event a status red alert warning was issued by Met Éireann covering a number of counties, mainly in the Leinster and Munster areas.
Under Irish employment law there is no statutory obligation for an employer to pay an employee where that employee cannot attend for work. Payment of wages in situations where an employee is unable to attend work due to severe weather conditions is primarily a contractual matter between employers and employees. Many employers will have absence management policies in place to deal with such circumstances.
Employers and employees are encouraged to seek to resolve any issues in this regard at the level of the employment. Where issues cannot be resolved locally, the employee may make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) under either the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 or the Payment of Wages Act 1991.
This is no scheme under the remit of my Department to compensate employers for payment of wages under the circumstances outlined.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (389)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:389. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the publication of the Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11998/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am happy to inform the Deputy that the Copyright and Other Intellectual Property Law Provisions Bill 2018 was published on Tuesday 13 March.
The Bill is now available on both the Oireachtas and my Department’s websites.
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (390)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:390. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has engaged or had correspondence with a person (details supplied) in her preparation of her report into the investigative failures in relation to an investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12046/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An account of the investigative failures identified by Judge Aylmer is currently being finalised. The purpose of publishing this account is to understand the factors that led to such mistakes being made and to take appropriate steps to address these shortcomings.
Earlier this month, Judge Aylmer granted approval to publish some of the transcripts of the trial, limited to the rulings of the Court concerning investigative failures made on specific dates. The account is now being finalised on this basis.
As the account has not yet been finalised, it would not be appropriate to comment on engagement or correspondence with any persons in the preparation of the report until the report is published.
Work Permits Data
Ceisteanna (391)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:391. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications for employment permits from asylum seekers that have been made in the past month; and the number of successful applications. [12065/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
From 9th February 2018 International Protection applicants have the right to apply for an employment permit. This is an interim measure until Ireland opts into the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive.
To date no applications for an employment permit have been received from International Protection applicants by my Department.
The Department of Justice and Equality inform me that on 9th February 2018 it established a self-employment scheme for those who have sought International Protection in Ireland that are waiting more than nine months for a first instance decision on their application.
As of the morning of 8 March, the Department of Justice and Equality had received 251 applications for self-employment and 172 of those applications had been granted.
Casual Trading Regulations
Ceisteanna (392)
Robert Troy
Ceist:392. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures she will take to regulate car boot sales; the licensing of traders at such sales; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12287/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is no specific legislation under my area of responsibility which specifically refers to car boot sales. However, depending on the actual format and nature of such sales, they may come under two existing pieces of legislation.
Under the Casual Trading Act 1995, “casual trading” means selling goods at a place (including a public road) to which the public have access as of right or at any other place that is a casual trading area. The actual designation of casual trading areas and the issuing of such licences is statutorily devolved to the relevant local authorities for their relevant areas of jurisdiction. Thus, I, as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, have no direct function in these matters.
Under the Occasional Trading Act 1997, "occasional trading" means selling goods by retail at a premises or place (not being a public place) of which the person so selling has been in occupation for a continuous period of less than three months ending on the date of such selling. Permits to engage in such occasional trading are issued by my Department on application in advance for a fee. Car boot sales are unlikely to come under such legislation.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (393, 394, 395)
Niall Collins
Ceist:393. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the detail of each specific EU Competitiveness Council ministers' meeting in which she or her predecessors made the case for the need of a revision of state aid rules to protect Irish enterprises and related jobs during the UK’s two year exit phase from the EU and subsequent transition phase; the date of each meeting in which this was raised in tabular form; the progress made at EU level to increase state aid thresholds to support Irish enterprises in a hard Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12295/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiall Collins
Ceist:394. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she instructed her officials to submit proposals for changing the current state aid thresholds at EU level ahead of the next state aid modernisation working group meeting which takes place here on 27 April 2018; and her plans on same in advance order to protect Irish enterprises, exporting companies and related jobs from a hard Brexit World Trade Organization, WTO, scenario and other negative trading scenarios as outlined in the recent Copenhagen economics report. [12296/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiall Collins
Ceist:395. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will request at European level changes to state aid thresholds at EU level in order to protect Irish enterprises, exporting companies and related jobs from a hard Brexit World Trade Organization, WTO, scenario following the EU Council's draft guidelines published on 7 March 2018 in which it confirmed that due to the UK’s position of refusing customs union and Single Market solutions the UK is hurtling towards third country status. [12297/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 to 395, inclusive, together.
Since the Brexit Referendum, my predecessor, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, attended meetings of the Competitiveness Council on 29th September 2016, 28th November 2016 and 20th February 2017. My colleague, Minister Breen, attended the most recent meetings of the Council on 30th November 2017 and 12th March 2018. State Aid rules did not feature on the agenda of these meetings. The Competitiveness Council is a consultative committee and is not a forum for direct representations from Member States. Nor does the Committee propose changes to State Aid rules.
Brexit was a central part of the discussions at meetings my predecessor, the then Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, had with both EU Commissioners and Ministers from other Member States. This included a meeting with the EU’s Chief Brexit Negotiator, Michel Barnier, in July 2017, where the difficulties Ireland was facing as a result of Brexit were discussed.
In November 2017, the then Tánaiste met with Commissioner Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition who has responsibility for EU State aid policy to discuss, amongst other things, the impact of Brexit on Irish businesses. An outcome from this meeting was the establishment of a Working Group comprising representatives from DG Competition, the Department of Business, Enterprise& Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules. The Working Group has met three times and in between these meetings, there has been engagement on specific issues in order to continue to progress matters. The next meeting of the Group is due to take place within the next month. Should issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State Aid rules, this will be raised as part of the Working Group discussions. It will not, however, be an item for discussion at the State Aid Working Group meeting on 27th April 2018 as the mandate of the Group is to discuss best practice, share information and knowledge etc. It is not a policy forum.
My Department is carrying out extensive work to prepare for all Brexit eventualities. Informed by detailed research, my Department is putting in place a package of measures that will allow us to respond to the needs of businesses including the Brexit Loan Scheme which was announced in Budget 2018 which will provide affordable working capital financing to eligible businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or will be in the future.
The recent signing of the counter guarantee from the EIB group (through its InnovFin Guarantee) means that the €24 million exchequer funding announced in the 2018 Budget (€14 million from my Department and €9 million from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) can be leveraged to provide a fund of €300 million. The Brexit Loan Scheme, which will be launched in the 28th of March, will be open to businesses of fewer than 500 employees which can 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 demonstrating that they plan to innovate or adapt in response to Brexit. This scheme will be operated within De Minimis State Aid Regulation.
My officials are also examining policy proposals for a new longer-term Business Investment Loan Scheme to support businesses to invest strategically for a post-Brexit environment and a new Business Finance Advisory Hub service which would focus on business development.
The Agencies of my Department are at the forefront in working with firms to ensure they are equipped to deal with Brexit and to enhance their performances in an increasingly competitive global trading environment through lean programmes, skills development and reducing business costs.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) has launched the 'Brexit SME Scorecard', an interactive online tool which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit. EI is also offering a 'Be Prepared Grant' of up to €5,000 to support clients to develop a Brexit Action Plan and it continues to support clients to improve their competitiveness, acquire new markets and enhance management skills.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are organising workshops, seminars and training to assist companies to better understand the challenges of Brexit and have a range of supports to help clients to respond to those challenges, to become more competitive and to source new markets.
InterTrade Ireland is also working to minimise the impact of Brexit on north-south trade.