Written Answers Nos. 1220-1239
1220. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason figures for IDA Ireland visits can only be provided by county as opposed to by town; and the number of IDA Ireland visits made to Mullingar in the past seven years. [34570/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to say that foreign direct investment (FDI) has performed well in County Westmeath. There are currently 17 FDI companies in the County, employing 2,794 people. Three of these companies are located in Mullingar, employing approximately 150 people. Westmeath has also seen an 8.5% increase in FDI employment from 2016 to 2017.
Data on IDA Ireland site visits is collated on a county-by-county basis only. Site visits by IDA clients are commercially sensitive and are undertaken in advance of investment. A single company may make multiple visits to regional locations before deciding on investing. Given the relatively small size of many regional locations, releasing data on site visits to particular areas in a county could reveal the identity of prospective investors and have a negative impact on investment decisions.
Collating site visit data by county is also consistent with the IDA’s regional marketing strategy and is in line with how FDI is recorded internationally. Given the intense international competition in attracting mobile FDI, the concept of scale is crucial. The IDA therefore prioritises the marketing of urban locations within each region as they can address a number of requirements from prospective investors including the need for a talented and educated workforce, access to business support services and high quality infrastructure.
The following table outlines the number of site visits by IDA client companies to County Westmeath from 2011 to Q1 2018:
|
County |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
Q1 2018 |
|
Westmeath |
15 |
7 |
9 |
12 |
28 |
36 |
42 |
3 |
1221. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when she will amend migration policy to allow industries that are experiencing serious staff shortages to hire persons outside the current available pool. [34627/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccess to a high quality, innovative and adaptable talent pool is critical for the sustainable growth of the Irish economy and keeping Ireland competitive.
Employment permits are part of the response to addressing skills needs likely to continue into the medium term. Employment permit policy has focussed on facilitating the recruitment of highly skilled personnel from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) where skills needs cannot be met by normal recruitment or training.
The system for determining eligibility for employment permits is flexible and responsive to change with the list of eligible occupations reviewed on a bi-annual basis. However, it is not intended as a long-term substitute for upskilling the State’s resident workforce or sourcing skills from within the EEA. In undertaking any adjustment in the orientation of the system, the interests of the some 219,000 people on the Live Register in Ireland and the 17.5 million unemployed in the EU 28 must be remembered.
In recognition of the changing labour market, I requested that a review of economic migration policies underpinning the current employment permits system be undertaken, to ensure that our policies are fully supportive of Ireland’s emerging labour market needs, be they skills or labour shortages in certain sectors. A full report of the review will be presented shortly, and will provide recommendations on a framework for the future operation of the employment permits regime.
1222. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the expenditure incurred by her Department in respect of legal fees in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32519/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Legal Costs incurred by my Department are set out in the annual appropriation account. The costs for the past three years are set out in the following table.
|
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
|
€411k |
€241k |
€211k |
1223. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will report on the meeting of the EU's regulatory co-operation forum under CETA in mid-April 2018; the way in which Ireland was represented at that meeting; the progress made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32579/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force provisionally on the 21st September 2017 and both the EU and Canada are currently working to establish its Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF).
The RCF will discuss regulatory policy issues of mutual interest and develop bilateral cooperation activities. By fostering cooperation earlier in the regulatory process, the RCF is expected to enhance information sharing between Canadian and EU regulators, facilitate the development of more compatible regulatory measures, resulting in fewer non-tariff barriers to trade, and making it easier for the EU, including, of course, Irish-based companies, to do business in Canada. The RCF is a voluntary cooperation mechanism and any initiative entailing a change in EU regulations can only be introduced and pursued outside CETA, in compliance with the ordinary legislative procedure, including scrutiny by Member States.
Chapter 21 of CETA defines a broad scope for such activities under the RCF, such as regulatory measures related to technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary (animal and plant health) aspects, trade in services, trade and sustainable development, trade and labour, trade and environment, with the objectives of contributing to the protection of human life, health or safety, animal or plant life or health and the environment; avoiding and reducing unnecessary regulatory differences; or reduce administrative burden and unnecessary duplication.
To prepare the first meeting of the RCF, the EU Commission published a call for proposals to develop a list of potential topics where EU and Canadian regulators can meaningfully cooperate in the future. The Commission invited input from all stakeholders and interested parties, including representatives from academia, think-tanks, civil society, non-governmental organisations, trade unions, businesses, consumer and other organisations in identifying sectors/issues where there is a high interest for regulatory cooperation with Canada, such as for instance in relation to new technological developments. The closing date was the 16th February 2018 and the responses received are available on the Commission’s website at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/consultations/index.cfm?consul_id=248. The EU Commission is now analysing these proposals to determine the list of the topics that the EU will propose to Canada to be discussed at the RCF. The Government of Canada issued a similar call for proposals and the closing date was the 11th April 2018.
The RCF will be a "government to government" meeting and, in accordance with the Treaty on Functioning of the European Union, the EU will be represented by the EU Commission. The EU Commission will consult Member States in relation to the work of the Forum and will engage with civil society stakeholders in relation to activities carried out under the RCF.
The EU Commission publishes a timetable of the CETA committee meetings and their agendas (when available), reports and other documents in order to inform about the different steps of the CETA implementation process. Once the agenda is agreed between the EU and Canada it will be published on the EU Commission’s website at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=1811.
A date for the first meeting of the RCF has yet to be confirmed.
1224. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department has contracted the legal services of a company (details supplied) at any point over each of the past six years; if so, the costs involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32634/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not had any contracts with the company in question in the last six years.
1225. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if changes to the approach in calculating the Book of Quantum using the cap and concept of proportionality already established by the Court of Appeal will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32679/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is an independent statutory agency and I, as Minister, am not permitted in my executive function to interfere in any way with the day to day operations and functions of PIAB.
Section 54 of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 sets out the principal functions of the Board. Section 54(1)(b) states: ‘to prepare and publish a document (which shall be known as the ‘‘Book of Quantum’’) containing general guidelines as to the amounts that may be awarded or assessed in respect of specified types of injury’.
The Book of Quantum, originally produced in 2004, was revised in October 2016. The publication was compiled by independent consultants and commissioned by PIAB. This revised Book of Quantum is based on a detailed analysis of 51,000 closed personal injury claims from 2013 and 2014 and includes compensation awards from Court cases, insurance company settlements, State Claims Agency cases and data relating to awards of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. It also contains more granular detail on injuries and new injury types and more narrowly defined compensation bands.
The figures contained in the Book of Quantum are not binding on Judges, however under the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, the Judiciary are required to have regard to the Book of Quantum in assessing damages.
1226. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans for a trade mission to Australia before the end of 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32856/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2018, Enterprise Ireland announced that it is set to undertake over 200 international and domestic trade events in 2018 to accelerate the number of Enterprise Ireland clients diversifying into new markets. The number of trade events being undertaken represents a 50% increase on 2017, reflecting the challenge that Brexit poses for Irish businesses. 70 of these export focused trade events are being led by Government Ministers.
Enterprise Ireland’s Trade Missions and Events promote the capabilities of client companies to potential business partners and customers in international markets; a central element of the agency’s strategy for 2017 -2020: Build Scale, Expand Reach. In 2017 Enterprise Ireland ran 57 ministerial-led international trade events.
In October 2017, during the Presidential visit to Australia, the then Tánaiste and Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation, Ms Frances Fitzgerald TD led a large mission of 55 companies to Australia across numerous sectors and there have been a number of Ministerial visits to the market in 2018, including those of Minister Flanagan and Minister Daly. Each of these visits included a strong trade and business agenda.
At present there are no plans for a further trade mission to Australia before the end of 2018. Later in the year, officials from the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation will begin discussions with Enterprise Ireland with regard to the proposed ministerial trade mission list for 2019 and consideration will be given to scheduling a Trade Mission to the region at that time, in light of demand from the business community.
Finally, I might note that both my colleague, Minister Breen, and I met separately with Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Steven Ciobo MP, last week, during his Trade and Investment Mission to Ireland where we discussed growing opportunities for increased trade and investment between Ireland and Australia, as well as the opening of negotiations between the EU and Australia on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), among other issues.
1227. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the financial help or support available to a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33183/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised that the Local Enterprise Office Limerick received a call from the company concerned on Monday 9th of July informing the LEO that their rented premises had burned down over the previous weekend and enquiring if there were any supports that the company could avail of.
The LEO supplied the company with contact details for Shannon Properties who have empty units in Kilmallock and Innovate Limerick who could provide accommodation quickly to the company concerned should they wish to relocate, either temporarily or permanently to Rathkeale Enterprise Centre.
LEO Limerick will support the company concerned in any way that it can to get up and running again. However, there is no scheme of financial aid available in this situation through Enterprise Ireland or the LEO Limerick.
1228. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the removal of home care workers from the ineligible categories of employment listing will be considered in view of the staffing shortfall and expected growth in the industry as a result of demographic changes and to improve employment conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33524/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recognising the changing labour market situation, I requested that a review of economic migration policies underpinning the current employment permits system be undertaken, to ensure that our policies are fully supportive of Ireland’s emerging labour market needs, be they skills or labour shortages in certain sectors. A full report of the review will be presented shortly, to provide recommendations on a framework for the future operation of the employment permits regime. Following on from that report, it is expected that a review of the lists of occupations for employment permits will be conducted in the second half of this year.
Care workers and home carers are currently included on the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL). In order to consider removing an occupation from the ICEL, there would need to be a clear demonstration that recruitment difficulties are solely due to shortages across the EEA and not to other factors such as salary and/or employment conditions. Organisations in the sector would need to provide the necessary data to substantiate their claims. A detailed evidence-based case for removal of care workers from the ineligible list, based on this detailed data would then need to be put forward by the Department of Health, as the lead Department for the sector, to my Department for review and consideration.
I am aware that our colleague, Minister of State Daly, with special responsibility for Older People, has had various meetings with the nursing home sector and this matter has been discussed. I understand Minister Daly is willing to work with the industry on this important issue to ensure continuity of service in the best interests of residents. Engagement between my officials, officials of the Department of Health, and representatives of the sector is also ongoing.
1229. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA Ireland site visits with international companies based in the United Kingdom that have taken place to Cork city and county in the past six months. [33552/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraData on IDA Ireland site visits is collated on a county-by-county basis. Information on site visits to particular locations in County Cork is therefore unavailable. There were 10 site visits by IDA client companies to County Cork in the first quarter of this year. Figures for the second quarter of 2018 will be available after the end of July.
On account of client confidentiality and commercial sensitivity, IDA Ireland does not disclose data on the geographic origin of overseas companies who undertake site visits.
1230. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will address a matter regarding an application by a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33559/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the project referred to by the Deputy in the question relates to an application submitted under the Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Development Fund 2017-2020 (REDF).
The €60m REDF is aimed at accelerating economic recovery in every part of the country by delivering on the potential of local and regional enterprise strengths.
The first call, launched in 2017, funded projects with a total of €30.5m in grant support. The second competitive call, launched in April, closed on 28 June this year will allocate the remainder of the €60m, subject to eligibility and assessment. Full details on how applications are assessed have been published on Enterprise Ireland’s website.
I expect the decisions on the applications received arising from the competitive process to be announced later this year and since the process is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the process or in respect of any individual application at this time.
1231. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of cases waiting for a hearing and waiting for a decision by number of months waiting at the Workplace Relations Commission in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33590/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) was established on 1 October 2015 and is, inter alia, the body with statutory responsibility for investigation and adjudication of complaints at first instance under a wide range of employment rights, equality and industrial relations legislation. Cases are heard by Adjudication Officers who are independent in the discharge of their statutory functions. Decisions of Adjudication Officers can be appealed to the Labour Court except for cases under the Equal Status Acts which are appealable to the Circuit Court.
The WRC currently has 3,140 live complaint applications in the process of either being registered, scheduled for a hearing or where parties have accepted a date for hearing, as follows:
|
Months |
Number of Complaint Applications |
|
<3 months |
1048 |
|
3-6 months |
382 |
|
6-9 months |
180 |
|
12 months + |
1530 |
|
Total |
3140 |
The WRC is in a position to offer dates for a hearing for all complaints within 7-8 weeks, once the registration process is completed. However, requests for postponements are received in one fifth of all complaints scheduled for hearing due to the unavailability of one, or both, parties.
Nonetheless, in the 2017 Annual Report, the WRC reported that, over 90% of cases are processed from receipt to hearing and decision in less than six months where no requests for postponements are received, where all parties are available, and where submissions are received in a timely manner.
There are 1,530 cases awaiting hearing for more than twelve months. These cases are “on hold” for a number of reasons and cannot be progressed further by the WRC.
Currently there are 1,473 Adjudication Files which have been heard and a decision is pending as follows:
|
Months |
Number of Decisions Awaited |
|
<3 months |
864 |
|
3-6 months |
419 |
|
6-9 months |
129 |
|
12 months + |
61 |
|
Total |
1473 |
It should be noted that following a hearing an Adjudication Officer may often require a party to submit additional information. Fair procedures dictate that the other side is afforded the opportunity to provide observations on this material. When this happens delays in completing decisions arise.
The WRC medium-term goal, as expressed in their 2017 Work Programme, is to process the majority of complaints in less than six months and, absent particular reasons, all complaints in less than nine months.
1232. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of cases waiting for a hearing and waiting for a decision by number of months waiting at the Labour Court in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33591/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Labour Court is an independent statutory office under the aegis of my Department. While the Court was established under the Industrial Relations Act, 1946, its functions have been altered and extended by subsequent legislation, including, most recently, the Workplace Relations Act 2015. Under the 2015 Act, the Labour Court assumed the role of sole appellate body in disputes under employment rights legislation.
In total, the Court currently has 180 cases waiting for a hearing date. The longest time lag between any current case being ready for scheduling* and being scheduled is currently 10 weeks. There are currently 12 cases ready for scheduling and awaiting a hearing date in the Dublin region and 13 cases outside of Dublin.
For operational reasons the Court will usually have a small number of cases to be scheduled at any given time. In assigning hearing dates the Court usually programmes two months ahead in order to ensure maximum flexibility in responding to postponements, withdrawals, urgent requests for hearings and in order to make best planned use of the resources available to the Court.
In some instances cases are placed on hold by the Court in the interest of resolution of the matter in dispute. There are 25 such cases currently.
The following table provides the information sought by the deputy:
|
- |
Amount |
|
Ready for scheduling and awaiting a hearing date |
25 |
|
Cases received by Labour Court but submissions and/or other documentation awaited from the parties before a hearing can be scheduled |
130 |
|
Cases on hold by reason of a decision of the Court |
25 |
|
Number of cases where hearings have been held and where decisions are awaited** |
5 |
*Ready for scheduling means that all appropriate submissions and other documents have been received from the parties such that a hearing can be arranged for the case in question.
** No case is awaiting decision after hearing longer than 9 weeks currently.
1233. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Science Foundation Ireland research centres; the estimated cost of establishing each centre; the cost per year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33592/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraScience Foundation Ireland has an established network of 16 world-leading Research Centres, four of which were announced in 2017. The 16 centres represent a total commitment of €428 million from Science Foundation Ireland over their six year award duration and an industry commitment of €228 million. Furthermore, Budget provision was provided for one additional centre in 2018.
- Seven centres were launched in 2013, representing a six year commitment of €203.1 million from SFI.
- Five centres were launched in 2015, representing a six year commitment of €156.7 million from SFI.
- Four centres were launched in 2017, representing a six year commitment of €73.2 million from SFI.
The following table sets out in greater detail the committed funding for each of the 16 Research Centres:
|
Centre |
Year |
|||||||
|
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
Total |
|
|
Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research Centre (AMBER) |
€1,869,855 |
€6,218,554 |
€6,558,088 |
€7,637,120 |
€6,333,342 |
€5,409,048 |
€1,145,599 |
€35,171,606 |
|
Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) - Interfacing Food & Medicine |
€1,032,074 |
€5,238,405 |
€6,852,003 |
€7,283,063 |
€6,917,067 |
€6,191,656 |
€2,371,164 |
€35,885,432 |
|
Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT) |
€178,823 |
€891,674 |
€1,192,153 |
€1,472,396 |
€1,556,337 |
€1,585,607 |
€771,788 |
€7,648,778 |
|
INSIGHT - Irelands Big Data and Analytics Research Centre |
€2,459,848 |
€8,383,956 |
€9,804,496 |
€10,425,884 |
€11,592,167 |
€9,034,656 |
€5,994,406 |
€57,695,413 |
|
I-PIC Irish Photonic Integration Research Centre |
€357,054 |
€853,083 |
€4,272,022 |
€3,887,286 |
€4,144,227 |
€4,166,819 |
€1,938,878 |
€19,619,369 |
|
Marine Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI) - The SFI Centre for Marine Renewable Energy Research |
€1,463,357 |
€3,476,169 |
€3,389,288 |
€3,255,257 |
€3,123,644 |
€3,025,732 |
€1,173,466 |
€18,906,913 |
|
Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC) |
€2,666,492 |
€4,561,910 |
€4,824,881 |
€4,958,138 |
€4,780,168 |
€4,675,258 |
€1,664,772 |
€28,131,618 |
|
Centre |
Year |
|||||||
|
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Total |
||
|
ADAPT: Centre for Digital Content Platform Research |
€3,268,974 |
€6,269,640 |
€6,430,321 |
€6,068,572 |
€5,157,714 |
€3,518,504 |
€30,713,725 |
|
|
CONNECT: The Centre for Future Networks and Communications |
€1,413,168 |
€4,626,873 |
€6,837,294 |
€6,459,299 |
€6,261,952 |
€5,787,089 |
€31,385,675 |
|
|
CÚRAM - Centre for Research in Medical Devices |
€6,333,988 |
€6,285,655 |
€6,291,249 |
€6,447,146 |
€6,171,335 |
€5,563,528 |
€37,092,901 |
|
|
Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences (iCRAG) |
€3,425,302 |
€4,809,400 |
€5,417,161 |
€5,195,376 |
€3,956,832 |
€2,084,483 |
€24,888,554 |
|
|
Lero - the Irish Software Research Centre |
€4,705,199 |
€6,548,857 |
€6,865,567 |
€6,627,784 |
€4,884,481 |
€2,972,799 |
€32,604,686 |
|
|
Centre |
Year |
|||||||
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Total |
|
|
Bioeconomy Research Centre (BEACON) |
€1,516,246 |
€3,228,550 |
€3,493,667 |
€3,237,706 |
€2,168,191 |
€1,034,682 |
€342,661 |
€15,021,703 |
|
Confirm Centre for Smart Manufacturing |
€386,124 |
€4,997,966 |
€5,985,254 |
€6,645,330 |
€6,127,277 |
€4,680,939 |
€3,348,441 |
€32,171,331 |
|
FutureNeuro |
€476,699 |
€1,888,903 |
€1,810,993 |
€1,769,721 |
€1,648,641 |
€1,556,927 |
€1,185,401 |
€10,337,285 |
|
I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre |
€441,840 |
€2,813,503 |
€2,833,820 |
€3,600,271 |
€2,645,949 |
€2,089,160 |
€1,284,908 |
€15,709,451 |
These major funding awards link scientists and engineers in partnerships across 19 research bodies, including all seven universities, and 328 companies in Ireland. They act as magnets, attracting, retaining and forming industry that make important contributions to Ireland’s economy, and expanding education and career opportunities in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Research excellence and global thought leadership are at the core of the SFI Research Centres. They are meeting global challenges and excel at winning international funding. In 2017, the first 12 Research Centres had won over €30 million in non-exchequer, non-commercial funding, creating jobs, and intellectual/commercial outcomes.
1234. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have availed of the Brexit scorecard to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33593/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland has introduced a number of Brexit specific programmes to help Irish companies remain resilient in the face of uncertainty. One of these measures is an online “Brexit SME Scorecard” to help all Irish businesses self-assess their exposure to Brexit. The Scorecard generates a report on weak areas with suggested actions and resources, and information on events for companies to attend, to prepare for Brexit. To date 2,351 companies have availed of the Scorecard.
While the Brexit Scorecard is available to all companies, Enterprise Ireland client exporting companies that utilise the Scorecard will then be able to engage with the agency’s experts both domestically and through the overseas offices in global markets for support in devising a strategy.
1235. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have availed of the Be Prepared grant to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33594/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrexit presents the most significant economic challenge of the past 50 years, and it is important that we prepare for any long-term structural and disruptive change that may emerge. Being prepared is crucial to ensure resilience to emerging challenges.
To promote awareness, and supported by a national Prepare For Brexit campaign, Enterprise Ireland designed and launched a €5k Be Prepared Grant that supports the costs of SME clients in preparing a plan to mitigate risks and optimise opportunities arising from Brexit. To date, 122 Be Prepared Grants have been approved to Enterprise Ireland client companies.
Enterprise Ireland provides a range of other financial and non-financial supports to companies to prepare for Brexit. These include:
- The Brexit SME Scorecard, an interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars.
- The Act On Programme which provides an independent consultant to companies for a course of two half day to assist them decide on specific actions to address some of the risks and opportunities from Brexit.
- The Strategic Consultancy Grant supports the hiring of a strategic consultant typically to assist the company in the development and/or the implementation of strategic initiatives. It is designed to facilitate business growth as the consultants can act as coach, mentor, facilitator, analyst for the company.
- The Market Discovery Fund specifically supports companies in their market diversification plans. The grant aims to incentivise companies to research viable and sustainable market entry strategies.
- The Agile Innovation Fund has been developed to support product, service and process innovation to build competitive advantage.
- Regional Brexit Roadshows to increase the awareness of Brexit amongst companies.
A major initiative which my Department recently introduced for all Brexit impacted firms is the €300 million Brexit Working Capital Loan Scheme, under which accessible finance is made available to businesses at favourable terms. So far, 132 companies have been approved for eligibility under this scheme.
The 31 Local Enterprise Offices nationwide have organised a range of events and initiatives to assist their client companies navigate the challenges presented by Brexit. These include:
- Technical assistance support to help micro enterprises source new markets;
- Rolling out a national Lean for Micro initiative to drive firm level competitiveness through targeted business improvement measures tailored to suit their situation;
- Brexit-focused mentoring and training initiatives;
- Local level awareness raising and information sharing seminars and workshops about Brexit, including Regional Market Diversification Seminars, and cross-border business networking;
- The provision of tailored mentoring by specialised mentor panels.
Finally, InterTradeIreland are rolling out a €2,000 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.
1236. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have availed of the market discovery fund to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33595/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key strategy for Irish companies to withstand current global economic challenges is to diversify their export footprint. Enterprise Ireland launched the Market Discovery Fund in January 2018 with the aim of encouraging 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 has now been open for applications for a number of months and to date, fifty nine Market Discovery Grants have been approved.
1237. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have availed of the Brexit loan scheme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33596/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1296. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of firms that have applied for working capital under the Brexit loan scheme. [35129/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1237 and 1296 together.
The Brexit Loan Scheme provides affordable working capital to eligible businesses with up to 499 employees that are or will be Brexit impacted and meet the scheme criteria. The €23 million exchequer funding announced in the 2018 Budget (€14 million from my Department and €9 million from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) has been leveraged to provide a fund of up to €300 million.
The scheme features a two-stage application process. First, businesses must apply to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to confirm their eligibility for the scheme. Businesses can use guidelines provided on the SBCI website to determine if they are eligible, and if so, to complete the eligibility form. As part of the process, businesses must submit a business plan, demonstrating the means by which they intend to innovate, change or adapt to meet their Brexit challenges. The SBCI assess the applications and successful applicants receive an eligibility reference number.
Successful applicants can then apply for a loan under the scheme with one of the participating finance providers using their eligibility reference number. Participating finance providers are the Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and Allied Irish Bank. Approval of loans is subject to the finance providers' own credit policies and procedures.
The maximum interest rate under the scheme is 4%. This represents a significant saving compared with the prevailing rates that are otherwise being offered for similar loans on the market.
From the launch of the scheme on 28 March 2018 to the end of June 2018, the SBCI have received 151 applications. Of these, 132 have been deemed eligible and can proceed to one of the participating finance providers for a loan under the scheme. 10 SMEs have progressed to sanction at finance provider level to a total value of €2.49 million.
The Department will receive a report each quarter from the SBCI on the uptake of the scheme. The next report will be due in early October 2018.
1238. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have availed of the Brexit Start to Plan vouchers to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33597/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of its Brexit Advisory Service, InterTrade Ireland offers vouchers which enable companies to get professional advice in relation to Brexit matters. This support can help businesses obtain advice on specific issues such as tariffs, currency management, regulatory and customs issues and movement of labour, good and services. InterTrade Ireland offers 100% financial support up to £2000/€2000 (inclusive of VAT) towards this professional advice in relation to Brexit matters. To date, 160 vouchers have been approved for companies in Ireland, with 45 vouchers pending approval.
Enterprise Ireland also issue Brexit support in the form of 'Be Prepared' Grants. This scheme was introduced in June 2017, and offers grant support of up to €5,000 for SME clients to assist them to prepare to mitigate risks and optimise opportunities arising from Brexit. To date, 122 Be Prepared Grants have been approved to Enterprise Ireland client companies.
1239. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the budget allocation for the local enterprise offices in each of the years 2015 to 2018. [33598/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice, guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. The LEOs offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, the LEOs provide financial assistance within three main categories, i.e., Feasibility, Priming and Business Development grants for existing businesses that want to expand. Soft supports in the form of training and mentoring can also be provided to anyone wishing to expand their business.
A capital allocation of €18.5m was made available to the LEOs in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, the LEOs received an additional allocation of €4m. The capital allocation provided to the LEOs in 2017 was maintained in 2018.
