Written Answers Nos. 83-102
83. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when additional personnel and resources will be allocated to counties Cavan and Monaghan Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23021/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the strength of Cavan/Monaghan Division on 30 April 2018, the latest date for which information is readily available, was 344. There are also 11 Garda Reserves and 38 Garda civilian staff attached to the Cavan/Monaghan Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
The Deputy will also be aware that there is close and ongoing cooperation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI on all aspects of policing, with a particular focus on combatting security threats and cross-border crime. The Commissioner and the Chief Constable of the PSNI, who are responsible for operational policing cooperation, have repeatedly emphasised the scope and the value of the close and high quality cooperation between the two police services in combating crime, protecting community safety and saving lives. The two police services operate a joint Cross-Border Policing Strategy which has as its aims to improve public safety throughout Ireland, to disrupt criminal activity and to enhance the policing capability of both police services on the island.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide including 53 to the Cavan/Monaghan Division, 13 of whom were allocated from the most recent attestation of new Gardaí in March. Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 – a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College, some 400 of whom have already done so. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of this year.
In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training in 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána and its legacy is still having an impact. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Division, including the Cavan/Monaghan Division.
The investment in personnel I have outlined is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides for an investment of €46 million the Garda fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015.
In the period 2013 to end of 2017 almost €44 million will have been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.
This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I expect that the Cavan/Monaghan, like all other Garda Divisions will benefit from these new resources becoming available.
84. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to amend the Sex Offenders Act 2001 to ensure that victims are informed when a sex offender is appealing to be removed from the sex offenders register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23036/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been a number of developments over recent years which allow for information to be passed to victims of crime by the Garda Síochána's Victims Services Offices, in particular the coming into force of the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017. That Act provides that victims of crime can receive information from the relevant criminal justice agency at all stages of criminal proceedings up to and including the offender's release from custody.
Upon their release from custody sex offenders are required to register with An Garda Síochána for a set period up to life, depending on the sentence that they received at trial. The Sex Offenders Act 2001 contains a provision at section 10 that allows a registered sex offender to apply to the courts to have their name removed from the Register once a period of at least ten years has elapsed since their release. Prior to any such application they must first inform An Garda Síochána of their intention to do so.
I will shortly bring to Government a General Scheme of a Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill. The Bill will update the law as it relates to sexual offenders following a comprehensive review of current legislative and administrative provisions. Among the provisions proposed in the Scheme are:
- Changes to the notification requirements for sex offenders;
- Risk assessment of convicted persons;
- Disclosure of information by an Garda Síochána, relating to persons on the sex offender register, in extenuating circumstances;
- Electronic monitoring of sex offenders;
- Amendment and variation of a sex offender order (including the addition of electronic monitoring to an order); and
- Provisions whereby a court can prohibit a sex offender from working with children.
The Oireachtas will, of course, have the opportunity to consider this Bill once it is published. I am happy to consider further proposals regarding this issue.
85. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of the roll-out of body cameras for all gardaí; if he has received such a request from the Garda Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23054/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the provision of equipment for An Garda Síochána including specialist equipment such as body worn cameras and that I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a working group is currently researching and exploring options for the potential use of body worn cameras in An Garda Síochána. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that this working group is examining issues including current legislation, the procurement process, storage of data and solutions in other jurisdictions.
I understand that the Garda authorities are not yet in a position to estimate the overall cost of a potential rollout of body cameras.
86. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status and eligibility for upgrade or naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23061/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person has remained in the State without appropriate permission.
Given that the person concerned has failed to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau, the person should write to the Department immediately outlining their position in the State.
As INIS hold no records of the person, a representative of the Department can only consider the options available to the applicant from the correspondence received.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
87. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when a person (details supplied) might qualify for stamp 4 eligibility for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23062/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
88. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when stamp 4 will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23063/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned has not submitted written representations.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation. If any representations are submitted, they will be considered before a final decision is made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) can be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23066/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was refused for reasons provided to the person concerned in a letter issued on 28 March 2018 advising of the decision.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The fact that a person may have had an application refused does not preclude or disqualify them from submitting a fresh application in the future. Indeed, the letter advising an applicant of a negative decision also informs them that they may re-apply for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation at any time. The letter advises that, when considering making such a re-application, they should give due regard to the reasons for the refusal which were contained in the submission attached to the refusal letter and that any further application will be considered taking into account all statutory and administrative conditions applicable at the time of application.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) is eligible to apply for long-term residency or naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23069/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy. This person currently has permission to reside in the State until 28 July 2019. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received. In order to make an application for Long Term Residency in the State the person concerned must have been legally resident in the State for a minimum of 5 years (i.e. 60 months) on work permit/work authorisation/working visa conditions.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, which governs the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation.
Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation, as well as the relevant application forms, is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie. The website also contains guidance on the completion of an application for naturalisation and an on-line naturalisation residency calculator which individuals may find of assistance in establishing if the statutory residency requirements are met.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
91. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to regularise residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23072/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, if an application for asylum or subsidiary protection has been made in the State, for confidentiality reasons it is not the practice to comment on such applications and the applicant or their legal representative should contact the International Protection Office directly either by email to info@ipo.gov.ie, by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028008 or in writing to Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.
Following the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015 on 31 December 2016, new arrangements for the investigation and determination of applications for international protection (refugee status and subsidiary protection) and cases involving permission to remain in the State have been introduced. Such applications are now processed, as part of a single application procedure, by a the International Protection Office (IPO) which has replaced the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) from that date. The staff of that Office (the Chief International Protection Officer and International Protection Officers) are independent in the performance of their protection functions.
For your information, on 27 February 2017, the Chief International Protection Officer, following consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), published a statement on the Prioritisation of Applications under the International Protection Act 2015 which is available on the website of the International Protection Office (www.ipo.gov.ie).
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
92. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the number of Garda sergeants in a station (details supplied) has been halved since 2010; the steps he is taking to address this situation in view of the ongoing gangland feud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23083/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
As the Deputy will be aware the Ballymun Garda Station forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that on 30 April 2018, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of the DMR North Division was 678, of whom 120 were assigned to Ballymun Garda Station including 12 sergeants. There are also 42 Garda Reserves and 40 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. More than 120 extra Garda were assigned to the specialist units within Special Crime Operations since 2017. In addition, a dedicated Armed Support Unit for the DMR was established at the end of 2016 in order to enhance armed support capability in Dublin.
I am also advised that a number of measures have been put in place to address the difficulties experienced in Ballymun. These measures include additional high-visibility patrols, support from the regional public order unit and operations by the local drug unit and will continue into the future.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide of whom 140 have been assigned to the DMR North Division. Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 – a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College; some 400 of whom have already done so. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, some 200 of whom attested in March. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of this year.
In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training in 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Division, including the DMR North Division.
Appointments to the ranks of sergeant are a matter for the Commissioner under section 14 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
I am advised by the Commissioner that the overall strength of the sergeant rank was 1,852 as of 30 April 2018, the latest date for which figures are available. I am further advised by the Commissioner that there is a competition in train for promotion to the rank of sergeant with the aim of bringing the strength to 2,000, as agreed under the Employment Control Framework. I am assured by the Commissioner that following completion of these competitions the needs of all Garda Divisions including the DMR North Division will be fully considered when determining the allocation of Sergeants.
93. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the further steps that can be taken to protect families and communities from intimidation by drug dealers. [23096/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDrug related intimidation within communities, which are often our most vulnerable communities, is a serious issue that must be addressed by our criminal justice system. Community Policing initiatives and building trust with communities are integral to successfully tackling this issue. An Garda Síochána remains resolute in its determination to act against those within society who pose a significant threat to the welfare and well-being of our citizens and the communities that they serve. The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for all agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard.
The Deputy may be aware that An Garda Síochána and the National Family Support Network (NFSN) developed "the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme" to respond to the needs of drug users and family members experiencing drug related intimidation. One of the actions being taken forward in 2018 under "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - A health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017 - 2025", relates to strengthening the effectiveness of the Reporting Programme. An Garda Síochána and the NFSN will each carry out their own evaluation of the Reporting Programme with a view to informing its further development.
There is growing evidence, both internationally and in Ireland, that partnership approaches involving local communities, state agencies and other stakeholders offer the mosteffective method of responding to many drug problems, including illicit drug markets. Any proposals for more innovative approaches to the problem, whether adopted from international experience or building on the current approach under Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, and which offer further value in tackling the problem as it occurs in this jurisdiction will be given due consideration.
Under the Reporting Programme, a Garda Inspector has been selected in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug related intimidation. These Inspectors are at management level within An Garda Síochána and liaise directly with their local Superintendent in relation to each individual case. Persons seeking the assistance of the Inspector in their area may contact them to arrange to meet either formally or informally. It is also possible for a person to ask a local family support worker or drugs worker to contact the Garda Inspector for their area or to ask the National Family Support Network to contact the relevant Inspector. The contact details for the nominated Garda Inspectors are available on the Garda website.
An Garda Síochána is currently delivering seminars and briefings to local Garda management on the Reporting Programme and gathering feedback as to its performance.
In dealing with any reports of drug related intimidation, or advice sought in relation to this issue, I am informed that An Garda Síochána do so with the utmost regard to the safety of the person making a report and the most effective means available to afford persons subject to a threat, the best level of security, advice and support that can be offered. Most importantly, all reports are handled with the utmost regard to confidentiality.
At the heart of the concerns expressed by the Deputy, is the relationship between communities and their local Gardaí. It is worth recalling that the Programme for a Partnership Government underlines the importance of community policing in responding to the concerns and expectations of both urban and rural communities. I would like to re-affirm that the Government remains committed to supporting An Garda Síochána to make communities safer. The Government has allocated very significant resources to policing in recent years, and this will continue, in particular through the accelerated programme of Garda recruitment. This undoubtedly will enhance policing services for all communities across the country.
An Garda Síochána is involved in a variety of activities, including Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, Garda Youth Diversion Projects which support the operation of the statutory Diversion Programme, the Garda Schools Programme and proactive operations designed to address drug supply in communities. I would also like to emphasise in particular, that where communities experience intimidation, Joint Policing Committees have a very important role in facilitating consultation, cooperation and synergy on policing and crime issues between An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities and elected local representatives. Active engagement by elected members is very important.
94. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she is satisfied that all contracts a company (details supplied) holds with her Department and State agencies under her aegis have been tendered for; if her attention has been drawn to contracts awarded to the company that have not been tendered for; if her attention has been further drawn to contracts awarded to the company that have rolled over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21667/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, and the agencies under its aegis, comply with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's guidelines for awarding public procurement contracts. Contracts are awarded based on the most economically advantageous tender (specifying, in addition to price, various other criteria including running costs, servicing costs, level of after sales service, and technical merit).
My Department does not have any contracts currently in place with Capita.
I am informed that the agencies under the aegis of my Department have a number of contracts in place with Capita, all of which were awarded following tendering processes and in compliance with public procurement guidelines.
- The Personal Injuries Assessment Board signed a contract in 2014 for business process support services with Southwestern Business Process Services Limited (subsequently acquired by Capita) for an initial period of three years, with the contract providing an option to extend by two periods of 12 months. These options are being exercised and that total value of the contract will be circa €9 million, excluding VAT.
- IDA Ireland signed a four year contract with Capita in 2017 for the provision, implementation and support of a financial management system. The total value of the contract is €154,000, excluding VAT, and it was not rolled over from previous years.
- The National Standards Authority of Ireland currently has three contracts in place with Capita for the provision of IT solutions. The total value of these contracts is €71,000 and two of these contracts were rolled over form previous years, on the basis that the software products being used can only be supported by Capita, as the developer of these products.
95. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of hectares of land in the ownership of the Industrial Development Authority that are idle. [22896/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of hectares of idle land in the ownership of the Industrial Development Authority that are suitable for use for residential development. [22897/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
As of May 2018, the IDA currently owns 1197 hectares that is available for marketing. In addition, IDA also owns circa 135 hectares in estate roads and a further 122 hectares in residual undevelopable land on various industrial estates and business parks. This land is generally held in small tracts which is undevelopable.
IDA land is typically zoned for industrial purposes and I am not aware of any land that is zoned for residential development.
97. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if land use efficiency targets are set for foreign multinational corporations occupying IDA-procured land; and if not, the reason. [22898/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA does not set specific land use efficiency targets. However, when IDA leases land to an overseas client for the purposes of industrial development, the conditions of the lease state that any development, or buildings erected, must be completed in accordance with plans and specifications that are first approved in writing by IDA. Each lease also outlines a timescale by which the completion of any construction must take place.
98. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if land procured by the IDA for use by foreign multinational corporations is retained in ownership by the State or the IDA and leased to those corporations on a leasehold basis; and if not, if the land is transferred into the ownership of foreign industry following its procurement by the IDA. [22899/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA properties are made available to the Agency's clients by way of long term leasehold agreements. These leases carry certain use restrictions, such as stipulations that the property can only be used for industrial use or services ancillary to such use.
99. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to order a break up of the big four accounting and auditing firms as is being discussed in the United Kingdom; the research or discussions that have taken place in her Department on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22951/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory independent body responsible for the enforcement of domestic and EU competition law in the State. Section 9 (5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 provides that the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions, including carrying out investigations of alleged anti-competitive practices or abuses of dominance. As investigations and enforcement matters generally are part of the day-to-day operational work of the Commission, I, as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, have no direct function in the matter.
100. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there is a record of the outcome of an appeal by a person (details supplied) to the Employment Appeals Tribunal relative to a bank; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22971/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EAT is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function and I have no direct involvement in its day to day operations.
I should point out to that since 1 October 2015, the functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) have been subsumed into the Workplace Relations Commission which now deals with all employment rights claims at first instance, and the Labour Court which is now the sole appellate body.
In advance of the dissolution of the EAT and in accordance with the provisions of the Workplace Relations Act 2015, the EAT is continuing to work through its legacy caseload.
It is my understanding that the EAT has no record of an appeal in the case referred to by the deputy.
101. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applicants that received funding under Enterprise Ireland’s high potential start-up feasibility 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. [22974/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHPSUs are companies which have the potential to develop an innovative product or service suitable for export, and which have the potential to create 10 jobs and €1m in sales within 3 to 4 years of establishment. In 2017 Enterprise Ireland supported 90 HPSUs with an equity investment.
Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU Team works with start-up companies to ensure that they can avail of suitable supports to enable them to realise their potential. One of the financial supports that is available to companies is the HPSU Feasibility Grant.
The HPSU Feasibility Grant assists a new start-up company or individual entrepreneur to examine the viability of a new export oriented business or proposition. The objective of the study is to provide the necessary information to enable the promoter to reach firm conclusions regarding the project's viability, and set out investor ready plans associated with developing and commercialising the product or service.
The following tables present an overview of (1) the number of companies in receipt of payments 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 Companies In Receipt Of Payments 2014-21.05.2018
HPSU Feasibility Grant: Number of Enterprise Ireland supported companies in receipt of payments under this grant by County/Year*
|
Client County |
2018 (21.05.18) |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
2014- 21.05.18 Total |
|
Carlow |
|
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Cavan |
|
|
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
Clare |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
7 |
|
Cork |
<5 |
7 |
11 |
19 |
16 |
41 |
|
Donegal |
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
|
<5 |
|
Dublin |
15 |
51 |
88 |
80 |
116 |
272 |
|
Galway |
|
<5 |
8 |
13 |
12 |
26 |
|
Kerry |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
10 |
|
Kildare |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
8 |
14 |
|
Kilkenny |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
5 |
|
Laois |
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
<5 |
6 |
|
Leitrim |
|
|
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
Limerick |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
12 |
|
Longford |
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Louth |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
10 |
|
Mayo |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
9 |
10 |
|
Meath |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
7 |
|
Monaghan |
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Offaly |
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
|
<5 |
|
Roscommon |
<5 |
|
|
|
|
<5 |
|
Sligo |
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
5 |
|
Tipperary North |
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Tipperary South |
<5 |
|
|
|
|
<5 |
|
Waterford |
<5 |
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
6 |
|
Westmeath |
|
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
6 |
|
Wexford |
|
|
|
|
<5 |
<5 |
|
Wicklow |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
12 |
|
Grand Total |
31 |
86 |
137 |
153 |
202 |
473 |
* In order to protect client confidentiality, exact numbers are not released for counties that have less than five approvals.
Table 2: The Number of Companies In Receipt Of Payments By Company Size
HPSU Feasibility Grant (2014- 21.05.18): Number of Enterprise Ireland supported Companies in receipt of Payments by company size (All counties)
|
Company Size |
Total |
|
over 50 |
7 |
|
Less than 11 |
391 |
|
Between 11-49 |
75 |
|
Grand Total |
473 |
Table 3: Number of Companies in Receipt Of Payments By Company Size Broken Down By County
HPSU Feasibility Grant (2014- 21.05.18): Number of Enterprise Ireland supported companies in receipt of payments under this grant by company size and county
|
Client County |
Company Size |
Total |
|
Carlow |
Less than 11 |
€17,665 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€1,350 |
|
Carlow Total |
|
€19,015 |
|
Cavan |
Less than 11 |
€6,331 |
|
Cavan Total |
|
€6,331 |
|
Clare |
Between 11-49 |
€24,846 |
|
|
Less than 11 |
€71,765 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€10,750 |
|
Clare Total |
|
€107,361 |
|
Cork |
Over 250 |
€3,000 |
|
|
Less than 11 |
€336,583 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€162,790 |
|
Cork Total |
|
€502,373 |
|
Donegal |
Less than 11 |
€33,268 |
|
Donegal Total |
|
€33,268 |
|
Dublin |
Over 250 |
€9,735 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€18,386 |
|
|
Less than 11 |
€2,476,406 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€593,319 |
|
Dublin Total |
|
€3,097,845 |
|
Galway |
Less than 11 |
€281,423 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€60,301 |
|
Galway Total |
|
€341,724 |
|
Kerry |
Less than 11 |
€128,749 |
|
Kerry Total |
|
€128,749 |
|
Kildare |
Between 11-49 |
€3,467 |
|
|
Less than 11 |
€130,825 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€34,078 |
|
Kildare Total |
|
€168,371 |
|
Kilkenny |
Less than 11 |
€28,641 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€15,000 |
|
Kilkenny Total |
|
€43,641 |
|
Laois |
Less than 11 |
€58,660 |
|
Laois Total |
|
€58,660 |
|
Leitrim |
Less than 11 |
€13,665 |
|
Leitrim Total |
|
€13,665 |
|
Limerick |
Less than 11 |
€85,246 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€31,882 |
|
Limerick Total |
|
€117,129 |
|
Longford |
Less than 11 |
€19,450 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€13,367 |
|
Longford Total |
|
€32,817 |
|
Louth |
Less than 11 |
€129,333 |
|
Louth Total |
|
€129,333 |
|
Mayo |
Less than 11 |
€158,262 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€29,800 |
|
Mayo Total |
|
€188,063 |
|
Meath |
Less than 11 |
€60,926 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€6,799 |
|
Meath Total |
|
€67,725 |
|
Monaghan |
Less than 11 |
€24,536 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€7,492 |
|
Monaghan Total |
|
€32,028 |
|
Offaly |
Less than 11 |
€13,296 |
|
Offaly Total |
|
€13,296 |
|
Roscommon |
Less than 11 |
€7,974 |
|
Roscommon Total |
|
€7,974 |
|
Sligo |
Less than 11 |
€35,523 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€9,031 |
|
Sligo Total |
|
€44,554 |
|
Tipperary North |
Less than 11 |
€27,174 |
|
Tipperary North Total |
|
€27,174 |
|
Tipperary South |
Less than 11 |
€10,317 |
|
Tipperary South Total |
|
€10,317 |
|
Waterford |
Less than 11 |
€43,259 |
|
|
Between 11-49 |
€15,000 |
|
Waterford Total |
|
€58,259 |
|
Westmeath |
Less than 11 |
€46,536 |
|
Westmeath Total |
|
€46,536 |
|
Wexford |
Less than 11 |
€1,862 |
|
Wexford Total |
|
€1,862 |
|
Wicklow |
Between 11-49 |
€15,000 |
|
|
Less than 11 |
€115,847 |
|
Wicklow Total |
|
€130,847 |
|
Grand Total |
|
€5,428,916 |
102. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applicants that received funding under Enterprise Ireland’s commercial case feasibility support 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 10, 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. [22975/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the Commercialisation Fund is to improve the competitiveness of Irish industry. This is achieved through both the creation of technology based companies and through the development of licenses. The programme funds researchers in the higher education system to develop innovations at all stages of the commercial pipeline, to the point where they can be commercialised as new products, services and companies.
The Fund is available for projects that address a gap or need in the market by developing innovations that will ideally be ready for licensing to Irish industry, or may form the basis of a new start-within 5 years. Licenses developed may be accessed by companies in order to develop products, processes and services, in order to bring them to a point where they are ready for new domestic and international markets.
The Commercial Case Feasibility Support is a funding support which can be obtained by researchers, in partnership with their Technology Transfer or equivalent office, for a short Feasibility Project (up to 3 months) to scope and develop the commercial case for their innovation. Support is provided to assist the project team to:
- Perform Market analysis and validation
- Profile the competitor landscape
- Perform Patent landscaping and develop an IP strategy
- Investigate potential routes to exploitation to the economic benefit of Ireland
- Understand relevant regulatory issues or other barriers/hurdles to commercialisation
- Create a small demonstration or early prototype
The following table outlines the number of projects that received funding under the Commercial Case Feasibility Support in each year by Institute and the associated payments in that year for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018:
|
Institute |
No. of Projects 2014 |
€ Paid 2014 |
No. of Projects 2015 |
€ Paid 2015 |
No. of Projects 2016 |
€ Paid 2016 |
No. of Projects 2017 |
€ Paid 2017 |
No. of projects 2018 |
€ Paid 2018 |
|
Dublin City University [DCU] |
9 |
61,110 |
8 |
120,081 |
9 |
123,502 |
10 |
91,996 |
2 |
23,043 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
5 |
63,929 |
4 |
72,844 |
7 |
52,649 |
5 |
48,609 |
3 |
34,585 |
|
I.T. - Blanchardstown |
0 |
9,665 |
1 |
3,935 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Institute of Technology Athlone |
6 |
24,624 |
2 |
35,958 |
2 |
52,170 |
3 |
21,456 |
3 |
16,650 |
|
Institute of Technology Carlow |
0 |
9,192 |
1 |
12,541 |
1 |
29,964 |
3 |
776 |
|
|
|
Institute of Technology Cork |
7 |
65,270 |
10 |
119,595 |
8 |
68,075 |
5 |
20,489 |
2 |
14,062 |
|
Institute of Technology Dundalk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
10,500 |
|
Institute of Technology Galway-Mayo |
2 |
32,024 |
2 |
14,979 |
0 |
18,911 |
2 |
6,920 |
|
|
|
Institute of Technology Letterkenny |
|
|
|
|
1 |
10,500 |
|
|
2 |
21,000 |
|
Institute of Technology Limerick |
1 |
12,948 |
1 |
13,740 |
3 |
28,149 |
1 |
10,465 |
|
|
|
Institute of Technology Sligo |
|
|
|
|
1 |
13,263 |
1 |
10,500 |
|
|
|
Institute of Technology Tallaght |
1 |
10,950 |
0 |
10,080 |
2 |
27,720 |
1 |
4,444 |
|
|
|
Institute of Technology Tralee |
1 |
9,940 |
1 |
14,689 |
2 |
30,775 |
|
|
|
|
|
Institute of Technology Waterford |
14 |
99,184 |
4 |
43,110 |
1 |
2,392 |
1 |
20,522 |
3 |
24,973 |
|
National College of Art and Design |
2 |
19,137 |
0 |
20,578 |
6 |
63,289 |
4 |
59,898 |
|
|
|
National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training |
|
|
|
|
1 |
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Royal College of Surgeons Ireland |
5 |
49,546 |
2 |
25,278 |
1 |
3,873 |
1 |
10,241 |
1 |
9,450 |
|
Teagasc |
0 |
8,651 |
1 |
3,707 |
|
|
1 |
10,350 |
|
|
|
The National University of Ireland, Galway [NUIG] |
13 |
66,190 |
7 |
107,390 |
6 |
161,114 |
14 |
56,547 |
3 |
24,538 |
|
The National University of Ireland, Maynooth [Maynooth University] |
7 |
71,079 |
3 |
16,979 |
1 |
49,326 |
6 |
38,513 |
1 |
14,599 |
|
The University of Dublin, Trinity College [TCD] |
11 |
89,895 |
6 |
80,162 |
2 |
15,000 |
7 |
112,855 |
7 |
49,255 |
|
Tyndall National Institute |
2 |
23,923 |
0 |
4,140 |
1 |
19,950 |
1 |
8,494 |
2 |
17,675 |
|
University College Cork [UCC] |
6 |
46,225 |
7 |
79,572 |
6 |
83,375 |
7 |
60,397 |
1 |
2,244 |
|
University College Dublin [UCD] |
5 |
60,673 |
10 |
141,518 |
9 |
131,694 |
13 |
108,437 |
4 |
38,435 |
|
University of Limerick |
12 |
126,536 |
3 |
37,468 |
5 |
82,665 |
11 |
118,032 |
1 |
1,850 |
*relates to payments from 01/01/2018-21/05/2018
