Written Answers Nos. 103-122
103. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applicants that received funding under Enterprise Ireland’s agile innovation fund in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018 by county; the number that received funding by firm size of less than ten, 11 to 49, 50 to 249 and more than 250 employees; and the amount paid out by county and by firm size in tabular form. [22976/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland supports companies across Ireland to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. Enterprise Ireland’s focus for 2018 is to help clients build on the strength of their 2017 performance by supporting them to innovate, be competitive and to diversify their global footprint - key attributes required to be resilient to economic shocks, such as Brexit.
Innovation is at the centre of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy, Build Scale, Expand Reach 2017 – 2020. Innovation enables companies to develop tailored products and services for global customers. It also enables companies to develop efficient processes to support their competitive offering. This support includes grant funding for companies.
Enterprise Ireland provides grant support for companies to carry out in-house research and development, and also to harness the knowledge and expertise of the Higher Education Sector.
In November 2017, Enterprise Ireland launched a new fast-track Agile Innovation Fund to give companies rapid access to innovation funding. This fund supports companies in sectors with rapid design cycles to maintain their technology position. The benefits of this grant are that it allows for a very simple application process and delivers a very fast response from application to approval. This fund allows companies to access up to 50% in support for product, process or service development projects up to a total cost of €300,000.
The Agile Innovation Fund has recently opened for applications for funding, which are currently being processed. To date nine companies have been approved funding under this initiative, although no payments have been made as yet. It is envisaged that grant approvals under this initiative will come online over the coming weeks.
104. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applicants that received funding under Enterprise Ireland’s in-house research, development and innovation fund in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018 by county; the number that received funding by firm size of less than ten, 11 to 49, 50 to 249 and more than 250 employees; and the amount paid out by county and by firm size in tabular form. [22977/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland supports companies across Ireland to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. Enterprise Ireland’s focus for 2018 is to help clients build on the strength of their 2017 performance by supporting them to innovate, be competitive and to diversify their global footprint - key attributes required to be resilient to economic shocks, such as Brexit.
Innovation is at the centre of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy, Build Scale, Expand Reach 2017 – 2020. Innovation enables companies to develop tailored products and services for global customers. It also enables companies to develop efficient processes to support their competitive positioning in global markets.
The number of companies by county and size in receipt of payments under Enterprise Ireland’s R&D fund is presented as follows:
Number of companies in receipt of Payments under Enterprise Ireland’s in-house R&D Fund by County/Year
|
County |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
2014 - 21.05.18 Total |
|
Carlow |
|
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
5 |
|
Cavan |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
6 |
4 |
13 |
|
Clare |
<5 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
8 |
16 |
|
Cork |
7 |
17 |
19 |
16 |
20 |
45 |
|
Donegal |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
6 |
|
Dublin |
19 |
54 |
61 |
68 |
81 |
168 |
|
Galway |
<5 |
9 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
22 |
|
Kerry |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
7 |
|
Kildare |
<5 |
<5 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
17 |
|
Kilkenny |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
6 |
|
Laois |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
5 |
|
Leitrim |
|
|
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
Limerick |
<5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
6 |
15 |
|
Longford |
|
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Louth |
<5 |
13 |
9 |
8 |
7 |
22 |
|
Mayo |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
6 |
|
Meath |
|
<5 |
<5 |
6 |
9 |
12 |
|
Monaghan |
<5 |
5 |
<5 |
5 |
<5 |
8 |
|
Offaly |
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Overseas |
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Roscommon |
|
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Sligo |
|
<5 |
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
Tipperary North |
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Tipperary South |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Waterford |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Westmeath |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
5 |
|
Wexford |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
8 |
|
Wicklow |
<5 |
9 |
7 |
<5 |
6 |
17 |
|
Grand Total |
52 |
157 |
151 |
175 |
189 |
425 |
Number of companies in receipt of payments under Enterprise Ireland’s in-house R&D Fund by size (2014 - 21.05.18)
|
Payments by company size |
All counties Total |
|
Over 250 |
22 |
|
50 -249 |
136 |
|
Between 11-49 |
221 |
|
Less than 11 |
46 |
|
Grand Total |
425 |
105. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applicants that received funding under Enterprise Ireland’s strategic consultancy grant in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018 by county; the number that received funding by firm size of less than ten, 11 to 49, 50 to 249 and more than 250 employees; and the amount paid out by county and by firm size in tabular form. [22978/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland offers a range of financial and non-financial supports to client companies to enable them to withstand the challenges and avail of the opportunities presented by the current economic climate. One of these supports is the Strategic Consultancy Grant, which is only available to SMEs, in line with EU State Aid guidelines. The Grant supports the hiring of a strategic consultant to help the company develop and/or implement strategic initiatives which will help them to compete in international markets.
The following tables present an overview of (1) the number of strategic consultancy (assignments) over the period on question; (2) the number of companies in receipt of payments by company size; and (3) the number of companies in receipt of payments by company size broken down by county.
Table 1: Number of Strategic Consultancy (Assignments) Over the Period on Question
Strategic Consultancy (Assignment) No. of Company in receipt of Payments by County/Year*
|
County |
2018 (21.05.18) |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
2014 - 2018 (21.05.18) Total |
|
Carlow |
|
<5 |
|
<5 |
|
<5 |
|
Cavan |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
Clare |
|
<5 |
|
<5 |
<5 |
6 |
|
Cork |
<5 |
5 |
9 |
<5 |
<5 |
20 |
|
Donegal |
<5 |
|
<5 |
|
|
<5 |
|
Dublin |
5 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
15 |
50 |
|
Galway |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
7 |
|
Kerry |
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Kildare |
|
<5 |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Kilkenny |
|
<5 |
|
|
|
<5 |
|
Laois |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
|
Leitrim |
|
|
|
<5 |
|
<5 |
|
Limerick |
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
<5 |
9 |
|
Louth |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
8 |
|
Mayo |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
6 |
|
Meath |
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
5 |
|
Monaghan |
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
<5 |
6 |
|
Offaly |
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
|
Sligo |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Tipperary North |
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
|
Tipperary South |
|
|
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
Waterford |
|
|
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
Westmeath |
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
Wexford |
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
|
<5 |
|
Wicklow |
|
6 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
9 |
|
Grand Total |
15 |
46 |
43 |
43 |
38 |
162 |
* In order to protect client confidentiality, exact numbers are not released for counties that have less than five approvals.
Table 2: Number of Companies in Receipt Of Payments By Company Size
Strategic Consultancy (Assignment) 2014 - 21.05.18 No. of Company in receipt of Payments by company employment (All counties)
|
Company size |
Total |
|
over 50 |
54 |
|
less than 11 |
4 |
|
Between 11-49 |
104 |
|
Grand Total |
162 |
Table 3: Number of Companies In Receipt Of Payments By Company Size Broken Down By County
Value of payments by County/Firm Size
|
Client County |
company size |
Total |
|
Carlow |
Over 50 |
€19,500 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€11,650 |
|
Carlow Total |
|
€31,150 |
|
Cavan |
Over 50 |
€29,250 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€17,000 |
|
Cavan Total |
|
€46,250 |
|
Clare |
Between 50 - 249 |
€58,831 |
|
Clare Total |
|
€58,831 |
|
Cork |
Over 50 |
€54,975 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€109,436 |
|
Cork Total |
|
€164,411 |
|
Donegal |
Over 50 |
€12,500 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€5,142 |
|
Donegal Total |
|
€17,642 |
|
Dublin |
Over 50 |
€151,013 |
|
|
less than 11 |
€19,000 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€364,092 |
|
Dublin total |
|
€534,105 |
|
Galway |
Over 50 |
€12,125 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€66,313 |
|
Galway Total |
|
€78,438 |
|
Kerry |
Over 50 |
€15,425 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€1,972 |
|
Kerry Total |
|
€17,397 |
|
Kildare |
Between 50 - 249 |
€13,791 |
|
Kildare Total |
|
€13,791 |
|
Kilkenny |
Between 50 - 249 |
€7,423 |
|
Kilkenny Total |
|
€7,423 |
|
Laois |
Between 50 - 249 |
€41,975 |
|
Laois Total |
|
€41,975 |
|
Leitrim |
Between 50 - 249 |
€12,875 |
|
Leitrim Total |
|
€12,875 |
|
Limerick |
Over 50 |
€16,450 |
|
|
less than 11 |
€15,000 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€49,100 |
|
Limerick Total |
|
€80,550 |
|
Louth |
Over 50 |
€37,204 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€49,675 |
|
Louth Total |
|
€86,879 |
|
Mayo |
Over 50 |
€47,050 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€19,610 |
|
Mayo Total |
|
€66,660 |
|
Meath |
Over 50 |
€9,000 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€42,401 |
|
Meath Total |
|
€51,401 |
|
Monaghan |
Over 50 |
€47,425 |
|
|
less than 11 |
€2,925 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€35,950 |
|
Monaghan Total |
|
€86,300 |
|
Offaly |
Between 50 - 249 |
€14,350 |
|
Offaly Total |
|
€14,350 |
|
Sligo |
Over 50 |
€12,386 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€21,672 |
|
Sligo Total |
|
€34,058 |
|
Tipperary North |
Over 50 |
€39,650 |
|
Tipperary North Total |
|
€39,650 |
|
Tipperary South |
Between 50 - 249 |
€12,500 |
|
Tipperary South Total |
|
€12,500 |
|
Waterford |
Between 50 - 249 |
€10,328 |
|
Waterford Total |
|
€10,328 |
|
Westmeath |
Over 50 |
€17,399 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€12,771 |
|
Westmeath Total |
|
€30,170 |
|
Wexford |
Between 50 - 249 |
€17,400 |
|
Wexford Total |
|
€17,400 |
|
Wicklow |
Over 50 |
€28,950 |
|
|
Between 50 - 249 |
€72,359 |
|
Wicklow Total |
|
€101,309 |
|
Grand Total |
|
€1,655,843 |
106. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applicants that received funding under Enterprise Ireland’s market discovery fund in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018 by county; the number that received funding by firm size of less than ten, 11 to 49, 50 to 249 and more than 250 employees; and the amount paid out by county and by firm size in tabular form. [22979/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe best way for Irish companies to withstand current global economic challenges is by diversifying their export footprint. One of the new supports that Enterprise Ireland has introduced to encourage companies to enter new markets is the Market Discovery Fund.
Launched in January 2018, the Market Discovery Fund aims to encourage companies to expand into new markets by helping with the costs of researching viable and sustainable market entry strategies.
The Fund provides support towards both internal and external costs incurred by companies when researching new markets for products and services. Eligible companies can receive support when they are looking at a new geographic market for an existing product/service, or when looking at exporting a new product/service to a market that they already do business in.
The Market Discovery Fund is available across three levels:
- Level 1: Grant up to €35K
- Level 2: Grant greater than €35K but less than €75K
- Level 3: Grant greater than €75K but less than €150K
The maximum funding is 50% of eligible expenditure up to a maximum grant of €150,000. Eligible expenditure includes, but is not limited to, salary support, consultancy costs, trade fair costs and foreign travel.
The Market Discovery Fund was launched in 2018, and has only been open for applications for a number of weeks. It is not possible, therefore, to provide data prior to this year. To date, fifteen Market Discovery Grants have been approved. As the fund is at such a nascent stage it is not yet possible to report on the geographic spread or take-up among different sized companies.
107. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the timeframe for holding a referendum on the implementation of the unified patent court; the impact Brexit will have on its implementation; if the agreement will require renegotiation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23051/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe timing of any referendum is a matter for Government and no date has been set for a referendum on Ireland's participation in the international Agreement on a Unified Patent Court, which has yet to come into force. To come into force the Agreement must be ratified by at least 13 contracting Member States, including France, the United Kingdom and Germany. To date 16 contracting Member States, including France and the UK, have ratified the Agreement but the German ratification process is delayed pending the outcome of a constitutional challenge there. While the issue of the UK's continued participation in the UPC post Brexit remains to be determined, the priority is to bring the UPC into force. Any discussion of a renegotiation of the Agreement at this stage is premature.
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which her Department has made alternative proposals in anticipation of Brexit with particular reference to the need to establish contact with new trading partners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23073/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of countries with particular reference to new markets with which she continues to be in contact in order to generate new business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23075/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 110 together.
Promoting diversified export markets in light of the potential impacts of Brexit is a key priority for my Department. This includes markets that are growing and have scale as well as markets where we are already well established but with potential for further growth.
Through the Government’s Trade Strategy, ‘Ireland Connected: Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World’, we aim by 2020 to increase indigenous exports by Enterprise Ireland supported companies, including food, to reach €26 billion and secure 900 new foreign direct investments. Specifically, in relation to Brexit, there is a clear priority to intensify and diversify the export base with a target of 80% of indigenous export growth to 2020 to be outside of the UK market and maintain exports of at least €7.5 billion to the UK. More recently, Government’s Enterprise 2025 Renewed strategy published in March 2018 sets out targets for export growth and diversification within the indigenous exporting base, with ambitions to increase exports as a percentage of total sales of Irish owned companies from 52 percent to between 55 and 60 percent by 2020 and increase Enterprise Ireland client exports beyond UK markets from €14.1 billion to €17.4 billion by 2020. The strategy also targets a 50 percent increase in the number of FDI investments from non-US markets by 2020.
In 2017, Enterprise Ireland launched its Eurozone Strategy as a key element of its supports to help companies diversify their export markets. In particular, it aims to increase exports to the Eurozone by €2bn per annum by 2020, equivalent to 50 percent increase. This would represent one of the most significant shifts in Enterprise Ireland supported client exports into the Eurozone and is particularly important in the context of Brexit.
The Government’s Trade Strategy supports an extensive programme of Ministerial-led trade missions, as part of a major drive towards market diversification. Enterprise Ireland delivered an impressive programme of international trade events in 2017, giving Irish companies the opportunity to meet with potential buyers and network with key influencers in countries around the world. In total, 57 internationally focused trade events were organised by Enterprise Ireland in 2017 including ministerial-led trade missions to Canada, Singapore, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and a major trade programme as part of the State visit to Australia and New Zealand.
In relation to 2018, the programme of ministerial-led trade missions and events has been finalised and published by Enterprise Ireland, with 70 Ministerial-led trade visits planned to 33 different markets. Several events have already taken place, including ministerial-led missions to the USA in January, and Mexico and Russia in February. Missions to EU markets will be a priority focus for the 2018 programme, together with missions to key markets where the EU has or is negotiating free trade agreements. As part of the St. Patrick’s Day “Promote Ireland” Programmes, Ministerial visits around the world were organised to ensure that we use this exposure to maximise the promotion of Ireland's trade, tourism and investment interests. The Government has signalled its ambition to further enhance its overseas networks through the Global Footprint 2025 initiative, which aims to double the impact of our overseas presence through an increase in our enterprise agency global footprint and Embassy network.
As well as the global efforts supported by our agencies, key to our success has been our commitment to trade liberalisation in order to open new markets for our indigenous sectors. The EU has successfully concluded a number of important trade agreements with trading partners and is in the process of negotiating or upgrading its agreements with many more. These existing EU Agreements and new trade deals will continue to be very important for Ireland. With a small domestic market, further expansion in other markets is essential to our continued economic growth. In this regard Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new Free Trade Agreements, opening new markets for Irish companies and increasing export and investment opportunities.
Most recently, the EU–Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force provisionally from the 21st September 2017. Irish companies may now take advantage of the all-important provisions of CETA including the elimination of tariffs on almost all key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, the easing of regulatory barriers and more transparent rules for market access. CETA presents new opportunities for Irish business and professionals to work and provide services in Canada.
On the 21st April 2018, the EU and Mexico reached an agreement in principle on a new trade agreement that will be part of the broader Global Agreement. The Agreement will provide a platform to increase Irish exports to Mexico, the current total value is just over €2 billion per year with total imports of nearly half a billion euros per year. It will further remove industrial tariffs and important agricultural tariffs. This will be significant for Ireland’s important Agri-food sector especially for dairy, pork and poultry products. Ireland is a significant exporter to Mexico of powdered milk and milk derivatives but there are currently significant barriers both to increasing powdered milk exports and to commencing exports of fresh dairy produce. There are many exciting opportunities in Mexico for Irish businesses including manufacturing, automotive, engineering, telecommunications, ICT, aerospace, software and service and manufacturing technology. The Agreement will also open up public procurement markets to Irish businesses and remove technical barriers to trade which will reduce the costs of entry to the Mexican market.
The EU is continuing its negotiations with Mercosur and recently announced the successful conclusion of negotiations of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. The agri-food sector, in particular will see benefits from access to Japan’s highly valuable export market, with improved access for beef, pork, cheese and processed agricultural products. In addition the EU’s trade deal with Singapore is hoped to come into force by the end of the year.
During his September 2017 State of the Union address, the President of the European Parliament, Jean-Claude Juncker, proposed opening trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. This month, the Trade Council of Ministers adopted a decision authorising the opening of negotiations on free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand, as well as adoption of the respective negotiating directives for the Commission.
Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new FTA’s giving Irish firms expanded market access and a predictable trading environment in third countries. My Department has recently commissioned a study to examine the economic opportunities and impacts for Ireland arising from FTAs, both currently in place and in negotiation. The objective is to deepen our understanding of how Ireland can best take advantage of these opportunities, and ensure that our businesses are prepared to access new markets.
109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of new enterprises seeking and obtaining the support of her Department both in the manufacturing and services sectors; the extent to which she expects these contacts to mature into the creation of new jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23074/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through its enterprise agencies is committed to supporting companies in urban and rural areas to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. Reflecting the strength of the Irish economy and of global markets in 2017, Enterprise Ireland client companies reported strong employment performance. Enterprise Ireland’s 2017 employment survey reported:
- the highest employment in the history of the agency with 209,338 people employed in Enterprise Ireland supported companies;
- the highest net job creation in the history of the agency which saw 10,309 new jobs created after loses are taken into account;
- the lowest number of job losses since 1998; and
- employment growth across all regions, counties and sectors.
Enterprise Ireland supports companies in both the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. In 2017 Enterprise Ireland supported 90 High Potential Start Ups and 91 new start-ups under the Competitive Start Fund. 374 entrepreneurs also participated on entrepreneurship programmes. As this cohort of entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses, new jobs will be created that will assist in contributing to the agency’s 2020 strategic ambition of creating 60,000 new jobs.
In the period from 1st January 2017 to 30th April 2018 the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) approved 360 Priming projects. The number of priming grants is representative of the number of new enterprises established. These projects have the potential to create just over 1,400 jobs over the next three years.
111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which her Department remains in contact with second and third level educational institutions with a view to ensuring an adequate supply of suitably qualified staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23076/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), continuously monitors and advises the Government on future skills requirements and associated labour market issues that impact on the national potential for employment growth.
The EGFSN is an independent, non-statutory body, which includes representatives from the business community, trade unions, and a small number of Government Departments and agencies. My Department provides the Group with research and Secretariat support.
The education and training sector is represented on the EGFSN through the membership of the Department of Education and Skills, the Higher Education Authority, and SOLAS, Ireland's Further Education and Training Authority.
As required, the group also engages with education and training providers, in the context of individual projects analysing the skills needs of particular sectors or occupations, and in the development of associated measures to address identified needs. On completion of individual projects, the Group also liaises with the education and training sector on its findings and recommendations.
Furthermore, my Department, through the EGFSN Secretariat, also meets periodically with education and training providers, either through bilateral meetings or in the context of wider sector specific meetings, to discuss skills development issues, initiatives, as well as the progress of actions or initiatives recommended by the EGFSN.
112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which innovation remains a feature in the generation of business and new enterprise at home and abroad with particular reference to access to new markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23077/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which innovation remains part of her programme to assist business and new enterprises seeking to establish themselves in EU or non-EU markets; if particular issues have arisen in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23079/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 114 together.
Enterprise Ireland, an Agency of my Department, supports companies in urban and rural areas to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. Enterprise Ireland’s focus for 2018 is to help clients with global ambition to build on the strength of their 2017 performance by supporting them to innovate, be competitive and to diversify their global footprint. Innovation is at the centre of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy, Build Scale, Expand Reach 2017 – 2020 and is critical for companies seeking to diversify their global footprint, both within and outside of the EU market.
Innovation is essential for all companies, irrespective of their stage of development. It enables companies to improve their competitiveness both at home and internationally, to develop tailored products and services for global customers and to win market share.
Enterprise Ireland is working with its clients to drive innovation activity via a number of supports that enable companies to:
- Diagnose their innovation readiness;
- Finance in-house R and D projects;
- Finance collaboration with research expertise within the Higher Education Sector and with companies; and
- Maximise the funding they can receive from the European Union.
To support these activities, in 2017 Enterprise Ireland:
- Approved 99 R and D projects to clients over €100,000;
- Approved funding for 436 industry innovation projects at Technology Gateways throughout the country; and
- Provided financial support for 1,065 collaborative innovations between industry and higher education institutes across the country.
Innovation is a key attribute required to be resilient to economic shocks, such as Brexit.
To drive the building of resilience to such shocks, Enterprise Ireland has put an increased emphasis on market diversification - driving innovation and competitiveness, which are key areas for companies with global ambition. In delivering on this, new supports have been introduced, others streamlined, and a Global Ambition campaign featuring the importance of innovation was launched. Enterprise Ireland has also recently launched a new fast-track Agile Innovation Fund which gives companies rapid access to innovation funding to enhance processes and adapt products for new markets.
Enterprise Ireland will continue to work with companies with global ambition, both within and outside the EU to communicate the importance of innovation, ensure that companies are aware of the available RDI supports and that available supports are streamlined and meeting the needs of companies. Among the core objectives of Enterprise Ireland is to help companies increase sales and exports. In 2016 exports by Enterprise Ireland clients had a total value of €21.6 billion, up 6% on 2015 levels. In terms of research and innovation, Enterprise Ireland’s key measure of success is investment by companies in R and D. Enterprise Ireland Clients invested €916 million in R and D in 2016 and EI’s goal is to raise this to €1.25 billion per annum by 2020.
113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she remains satisfied with the availability of grant aid or other supports to assist business and enterprise here facing the threat arising from Brexit; if further innovation is needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23078/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is carrying out extensive work to prepare for all Brexit eventualities. Informed by detailed research, my Department has been 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 launched in April 2018 and which will provide affordable working capital financing to eligible businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or will be in the future.
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.
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 Technical Working Group comprising representatives from DG Competition, the Department of Business, Enterprise and 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. An outcome of the Technical Working Group discussions has been the extension of the Irish Rescue and Restructuring (R and R) scheme to include temporary restructuring aid for enterprises facing acute liquid needs. This provides a further 10 million euro of State support to those companies experiencing acute liquidity needs and is in addition to the original 10m euro announced in November 2017 under the R and R scheme. Under R and R guidelines, the temporary restructuring element is in the form of loans repayable over a maximum period of 18 month. However, restructuring aid under this scheme is in the form of direct grants or equity support.
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.
In addition, EI has a number of other grants in place to support business. The Strategic Consultancy Grant supports the hiring of an outside consultant to assist the company in devising and/or implementing strategic initiatives aimed at improving business function and resilience. It is designed to facilitate business growth as the consultants can act as coach, mentor, facilitator, analyst, negotiator and/or operator for the company. Up to 50% of the costs incurred in hiring a consultant are available up to a maximum grant amount of €35,000.
The Market Discovery Fund provides support to companies to assist them in researching the viability of exporting an existing product/service into a new geographic market, or introducing a new product/service into an existing market. The maximum funding is 50% of eligible expenditure up to a maximum grant of €150,000.
The Agile Innovation Fund is an RD and I grant aimed at clients in sectors with rapid design cycles. It has been developed to support product, service and process innovation to enhance the competitive advantage of Irish companies. The application process is simple and quick, with a short timeframe between application and approval.
Enterprise Ireland is continuing to work with companies to help them to become more innovative. It has rolled out a number of Brexit Advisory Clinics across the country which helps companies to examine their exposure to Brexit and develop effective strategies to mitigate against that exposure. These Clinics are open to both EI clients and non-clients and are delivered free of charge. The next Clinic will take place in Dublin on June 21st at the Aviva Stadium. Topics to be covered include Financial and Currency Management, Strategic Sourcing and Customs, Transport and Logistics, Intellectual Property, Movement of People and Markets.
Enterprise Ireland has also introduced the Brexit: Act On initiative. Under the initiative an independent consultant will come to a company for two half day sessions. The consultant helps companies to decide on specific actions that they can implement over a short period to enable them to address the risks and avail of the opportunities caused by Brexit.
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.
Given its experience in promoting and strengthening North-South trade, InterTrade Ireland (ITI), is especially well-positioned to assist businesses in Ireland address the particular commercial challenges that Brexit may present for future cross-border commerce. That is why my Department has provided additional funding to ITI both last year and also this year, to allow it to undertake a range of initiatives aimed at better preparing Irish SMEs for the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. This work includes the provision of factual advice, information materials and supports for capability building and the provision of other specialist expertise for companies. Major flagship awareness events were held last year in both Belfast and Dublin, attracting several hundred companies each. In addition, an extensive series of information events have been held in smaller centres on both sides of the border. Such events have been organised by ITI in Lisburn. Mullingar, Duleek and Cootehill, and this month alone there have been events in Cork and Sligo.
A key part of InterTrade Ireland’s Brexit work is the provision for SMEs of a Brexit ‘Start to Plan’ readiness voucher scheme, which enables companies to purchase specialist advice in areas such as customs, tax, tariff and non-tariff barriers, legal and labour mobility issues. These are worth €2,000 to each to the companies.
In addition, my Department is funding a research project being undertaken for InterTrade Ireland by the ESRI. The first phase of this research was aimed at improving our understanding of the impact of different trade and tariff regimes which might be imposed following Brexit. The second phase focused on the patterns of cross-border trade on the island of Ireland, and on the role of supply chain links. The next phase of ITI’s research will consist of two further topics being worked on simultaneously: Cross-border trade in service and the capacity of businesses to absorb the costs of Brexit.
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she remains satisfied that the growth of business and enterprise here continues to be soundly based in the face of threats in the aftermath of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23080/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the first publication of the Action Plan for Jobs in 2012, Ireland's economy has performed stronger than would have been thought possible at that time. The unemployment rate has reduced from a high of almost 16 percent to 5.9 percent in April 2018. Our total exports are at an all time high. The performance of our indigenous exports remains robust and on target to achieve €26 billion by 2020 with increased diversification across markets. Nevertheless, we cannot assume that past performance will continue - particularly as we face a changed environment in the aftermath of Brexit.
My Department recently published Enterprise 2025 Renewed. This involved reviewing our enterprise policies to ensure that our policy priorities remain robust in today's uncertain environment. Enterprise 2025 Renewed reaffirms our policy focus on export-led growth, underpinned by innovation, talent and investments in place-making.
In the face of global challenges, Enterprise 2025 Renewed places a greater emphasis on five main areas:
- supporting the development of Irish owned enterprises so that they are a driver of growth over the period to 2025;
- placing a spotlight on innovation, skills and on leveraging Ireland’s strengths in technologies - the fundamentals that underpin competitiveness and enhanced productivity;
- stimulating greater levels of clustering that takes advantage of the distinctive enterprise mix we have here in Ireland including foreign and Irish owned and optimises spillovers;
- developing Ireland’s relationships with new like-minded members within the EU, managing our reputation in the US in particular, as well as more widely; and raising Ireland’s visibility in overseas markets where we are less well known; and
- realising the potential of all of our regions.
While we cannot predict the impact of Brexit with any certainty, my Department and enterprise development agencies are focused on deepening the resilience of the enterprise base. We are building from a position of strength, notwithstanding the fact that there may be some vulnerabilities in our enterprise base.
I am ensuring that my Department and its agencies continue to work relentlessly with enterprises, to strengthen sectoral and firm level resilience as a sound basis for future growth. Building Stronger Business – responding to Brexit by competing, innovating and trading, published in November 2017, sets out work underway and planned, in response to Brexit, including supports available to companies to help them prepare for Brexit. Furthermore, the Action Plan for Jobs 2018 sets out actions aimed at solidifying progress made since the APJ was originally published in 2012, and at deepening resilience. A key focus in Action Plan for Jobs 2018 is to support businesses in accessing the finance needed to grow their businesses and address the challenges caused by Brexit.
I am confident that we have a strong basis from which to grow. While we cannot influence what happens externally, we can ensure that Ireland's future prospects are strengthened by taking the right actions now across Government to ensure that: Ireland remains internationally competitive; that our enterprises deepen resilience through investments in skills and innovation; and that we continue to create an environment that is supportive of business investment and growth.
116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which she remains satisfied that adequate incentives, supports, modern technology and innovative services remain available to the indigenous business sector here having regard to increased competition in the market place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23081/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through its enterprise agencies is committed to supporting business to understand and respond to technological change and to incentivising indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future.
Enterprise Ireland’s focus for 2018 is to help clients build on the strength of their 2017 performance by supporting them to innovate, be competitive and to diversify their global footprint - key attributes required to be resilient to economic shocks, such as those emerging from any kind of Brexit.
To build resilience, Enterprise Ireland has put an increased emphasis on market diversification, driving innovation and competitiveness. In delivering on this, new supports have been introduced, others streamlined, and a Global Ambition campaign launched, for example:
Market Diversification: Enterprise Ireland is actively working with companies with global ambition to internationalise, and in doing so, diversify their global footprint. This is critical for long term business growth. To support this, Enterprise Ireland recently launched a new Market Discovery Fund to incentivise companies to research viable and sustainable market entry strategies in new geographic markets. The agency is also increasing its trade mission programme in 2018.
Innovation is essential for companies to be competitive internationally and to win market share. Enterprise Ireland is working with its clients to drive innovation activity via a number of supports that enable companies to:
- Diagnose their innovation readiness;
- Finance in-house R&D projects; and
- Finance collaboration with research expertise within the Higher Education Sector and with companies.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland recently launched a new fast-track Agile Innovation Fund which gives companies rapid access to innovation funding to enhance processes and adapt products for new markets.
Competitiveness is critical for companies to scale and internationalise. Enterprise Ireland is working with companies to identify their competitiveness challenges 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. Later in 2018, Enterprise Ireland will be announcing a new enhanced offering in this space.
117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which she remains satisfied that Ireland remains an attractive location to do business; her views on whether streamlining of the planning service is required in the aftermath of the loss of a major enterprise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23082/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates in an intensely competitive global environment for the attraction of business investment and talent. Our Irish owned enterprises compete on the international stage and face unprecedented challenges as they face the implications of Brexit and need to diversify to other export markets. In this context it is crucially important that we, as a Government, continue to focus on improving Ireland’s relative competitiveness and attractiveness as a location in which to do business – both for foreign and Irish owned enterprises.
Ireland has many strengths when it comes to attracting business investment, including our membership of the EU and the fact that we are an English-speaking nation. For all enterprises, access to a highly skilled workforce, our supportive regulatory environment and an eco-system that stimulates and supports innovation are critical elements of an attractive location; as is access to world class infrastructures and services. Enterprise 2025 Renewed places a strong emphasis on driving export-led growth, underpinned by innovation, talent and placemaking. As Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, my objective is to create the best possible environment for enterprise, entrepreneurship, innovation and investment across all regions.
In today’s ever changing global environment, we cannot afford to be complacent. We need to anticipate and respond to circumstances that may impact negatively on our competitiveness or on how we may be perceived internationally. In relation to the Deputy’s query, it is important first of all to note that Ireland has a robust set of laws and regulations which govern planning and environmental considerations, encourages consultation and allows for appeal. A planning system that balances the ambitions of development against the valid interests and concerns of local populations is an appropriate and necessary structure which we should maintain and be confident in. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement in relation to streamlining the planning service - particularly in regard to the speed at which planning decisions are taken.
The Government is currently considering a package of measures to streamline the judicial review of strategic infrastructure projects in order to provide greater certainty on the timeframe for decisions on planning and other consent processes. The measures will build on the accelerated, one-stage planning process for strategic infrastructure projects which is already operated by An Bord Pleanála.
Providing certainty to potential investors as to the timeframe within which they can expect a decision should ensure that Ireland's planning system remains a key part of our overall attractiveness as a good place in which to do business.
Furthermore, Project Ireland 2040 and the development of the associated Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, should provide a more coherent and joined-up policy context for planning decisions. This should better facilitate both developers and planning authorities to make consistent and appropriate planning decisions which are aligned with our national and regional policy objectives.
118. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the amount of funds estimated to be required to settle cases (details supplied); if the Health Service Executive is required to make further contributions greater than 1% of costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23057/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Claims Agency has a statutory responsibility to manage claims under the Clinical Indemnity Scheme and to ensure that the State’s liability and associated legal and other expenses are contained at the lowest achievable level.
There has only been one case settled by the State Claims Agency to date relating to the issue. In that case liability rested with and settlement costs were made by a third party, with a contribution by the State Claims Agency.
The State Claims Agency has advised my Department that given the small number of other cases involved that the Agency is unable to supply the information requested concerning the monetary contributions that may be made to settle these cases.
119. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused Versatis patches in view of the person's exceptional medical conditions; the eligibility criteria in order to be prescribed same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22893/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedicines play a vital role in improving the health of Irish patients. Securing access to existing and new and innovative medicines is a key health service objective. However, the challenge is to do this in a safe and sustainable manner. Treatment must be appropriate and proportionate and clinical decision-making, such as prescribing, should be based on both patient needs and sound medical evidence.
Lidocaine 5% medicated plasters are licensed for localised relief of post-shingles pain in adults. This is the patch's only licensed use in Ireland. It has been reimbursed in the community drugs schemes since 2010.
Clinical concern arose when, from 2012 on, usage increased significantly, to the point where more plasters were being used in Ireland than in the entire UK National Health Service. In such situations, it is important and appropriate for clinicians to review usage and, in 2016, the HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) reviewed the use of the plasters. The review estimated that only 5-10% of prescribing was for the licensed indication.
From September 2017, following the clinical review, the HSE introduced a new reimbursement approval system for the patches, to support appropriate use and patient care. Under these arrangements, the patient's GP or consultant applies to the MMP for reimbursement approval on behalf of the patient. If an application is refused, the clinician may submit an appeal, making a clear clinical case for the patient, to the MMP. Information for patients and practitioners is on the HSE MMP website at www.hse.ie/yourmedicines.
The outcome of an application or an appeal for reimbursment of lidocaine patches is a matter between the MMP and the treating clinician. The Deputy will appreciate that, as Minister for Health, I cannot intervene in individual cases.
The decision to introduce a new reimbursement approval process is a matter for the HSE. However, I fully support the objectives of the HSE Medicines Management Programme.
120. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22895/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
121. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will qualify for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22904/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. I am informed by the HSE that they have not received an application from the person concerned and I would advise that one should be submitted in order for the persons eligibility to be assessed.
It should be noted that the HSE's Expert Group on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility examined the issue of awarding medical cards on the basis of illness and concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. The Expert Group also concluded that a person’s means should remain the main qualifier for a medical card. This position remains unchanged.
Therefore, medical card provision is based on financial assessment. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure and every application must be assessed on that basis. Where the applicant's income is within the income guidelines, a medical card or GP visit card will be awarded.
Nevertheless, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services. The HSE affords applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting information documentation to fully take account of all the relevant circumstances that may benefit them in the assessment, including medical evidence of cost and necessary expenses.
122. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if there are planned changes to the fair deal scheme; if so, the details of same; if the case of a person (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22907/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) was published in July 2015. Arising out of the review, a recommendation was made to examine the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the scheme. The Programme for a Partnership Government also committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small businesses and family farms.
At present, the capital value of an individual's principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the three year cap. This cap does not apply to productive assets such as farms and businesses except in cases of sudden illness or disability where specific conditions are met.
It is proposed to amend the scheme to treat farm and business assets in the same manner as the principal private residence where a family successor commits to working the farm or business, i.e. to cap contributions at three years.
The Department of Health has been examining the potential for changes to the treatment of business and farm assets under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. Any changes to the scheme, if approved by Government, will require amendment of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009.
A Memorandum for Government setting out the details of the proposed policy change and seeking Government approval to draft the General Scheme of a bill to amend the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 has been prepared and will shortly be circulated to other Government Departments for observations.
