Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:490. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the Gambling Control Bill 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1665/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraGambling Legislation
Ceisteanna (490)
Freagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that the Government granted permission to review the 2013 General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill by way of Decision of 10 January 2018.
To advance this review, I chaired an Inter-Departmental Working Group on Gambling, comprising all stakeholder Departments and the Office of the Attorney General. The Group met on 5 occasions between February and June of 2018 and reviewed all of the provisions of the 2013 Scheme. The Group and officials in my Department continue to study developments.
The Group is currently finalising its Report, with a final meeting scheduled for late January 2019. I hope to bring the Group's report to Government for consideration as soon as possible after this meeting.
The Group in its deliberations had particular regard to the Government's preference for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority as set out in its Decision of 10 January 2018.
Question No. 491 answered with Question No. 465.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (492)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:492. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the customer complaints received by his Department in each of the years since 2016; if the complaints are grouped into categories; the nature of the complaints; the resolution of these; and the number progressed to the relevant ombudsman in each of the years since 2016. [1876/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Justice and Equality is committed to delivering high quality customer service. My Department aims to provide its customers with a complaints procedure that is accessible, efficient, effective, standardised and fair. The Customer Service Charter and our Customer Service Action Plan 2016 – 2018 set out the commitments and standards of service that customers can expect in their dealing with the Department. A new Customer Service Charter and Customer Service Action Plan for 2019 – 2021 is currently being finalised.
The Department defines a customer service complaint as an expression of dissatisfaction concerning the provision of a service or services. This does not cover requests for reviews or appeals against decisions taken in the operation of a scheme or service.
If a customer is not happy with the standard of service received, they are advised to contact the Division of the Department that they were dealing with to have the matter resolved in the first instance. If this does not resolve the issue customers may contact the Department’s Customer Service Officer directly who will investigate the complaint. If the complaint is concerning the standard of service provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), customers are advised to contact the Quality Customer Service Officer for that area.
In the event that a customer is not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation, he/she has the right to pursue the matter further with the Office of the Ombudsman. In some circumstances people contact the Ombudsman directly with their complaint, who if deemed appropriate may then refer the matter back to my Department. It should be noted that in accordance with the provisions of Section 5 of the Ombudsman Act, 1980 the remit of the Ombudsman’s Office does not extend to naturalisation or immigration matters. However, INIS do engage with the Ombudsman’s’ Office on matters raised with that Office.
Figures shown in the table below reflect the number of complaints received by the Customer Service Officer since 2016. This does not include any complaints that have been resolved by a Division directly . The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) have provided figures in relation to complaints received by email to the INIS customer service mailbox.
This Department does not categorise complaints or record the other information sought by the Deputy, but this matter will be reviewed in the context of the forthcoming Customer Service Action Plan. Once the Customer Service Officer has investigated a complaint and the customer has been advised of the outcome the matter is recorded as closed.
|
Complaints received by the Customer Service Officer |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
1 |
4 |
2 |
|
Complaints received by email to INIS Customer Services |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
29 |
170 |
298 |
Work Permits Eligibility
Ceisteanna (493)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:493. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54219/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The employment permits system is managed through the operation of the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List (HSEOL) and the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL). These occupations lists are reviewed twice yearly to keep pace with rapid labour market changes and to be proactively identifying and addressing shortages as they arise.
Ireland is a leader EU -wide in linking labour market intelligence to economic migration policy and is guided by research undertaken by Solas, the Expert group of Future Skills Needs, Government Strategies as well as through a public consultation process.
The occupation of Civil Engineer is not on the ICEL and is therefore currently eligible for a General Employment Permit. CAD Technicians are currently ineligible for an Employment permit.
A review of these lists is underway at present and is expected to be finalised before the end of January 2019. The review commenced with a public call for submissions from stakeholders and interest groups requesting changes to the lists. Submissions have been received in respect of a range of occupations including many from the construction sector, and those submissions and other relevant research and data are now being examined.
Changes to the occupation lists are made following a clear demonstration that recruitment difficulties within Ireland and across the EEA are not as a result of factors such as salary, employment conditions or lack of upskilling opportunities but that genuine skills and labour shortages exist for the specific occupations in question.
Any proposed changes to the Highly Skilled and Ineligible lists will be submitted to me for approval following their consideration by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration. Changes to the lists are made by way of amending Regulations under the Employment Permit Acts and it is expected that the process will be completed as soon as possible in early February. The outcome of the review of occupations lists will then be made available on the Department’s website.
Work Permits Eligibility
Ceisteanna (494)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:494. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the consultation process regarding eligible occupation lists for employment permits; if this consultation will only examine the construction sector; the timeframe for the completion of the consultation and report of the outcome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54504/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The employment permits system is managed through the operation of the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List (HSEOL) and the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL). These occupations lists are reviewed twice yearly to keep pace with rapid labour market changes and to be proactively identifying and addressing shortages as they arise.
Ireland is a leader EU -wide in linking labour market intelligence to economic migration policy and is guided by research undertaken by Solas, the Expert group of Future Skills Needs, Government Strategies as well as through a public consultation process
A Review of these lists is underway at present and is expected to be finalised before the end of January 2019. The review commenced with a public call for submissions from stakeholders and interest groups requesting changes to the lists. Submissions have been received in respect of a range of occupations including many from the construction sector, and those submissions and other relevant research and data are now being examined.
Changes to the occupation lists are made following a clear demonstration that recruitment difficulties within Ireland and across the EEA are not as a result of factors such as salary, employment conditions or lack of upskilling opportunities but that genuine skills and labour shortages exist for the specific occupations in question.
Any proposed changes to the Highly Skilled and Ineligible lists will be submitted to me for approval following their consideration by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration. Changes to the lists are made by way of amending Regulations under the Employment Permit Acts and it is expected that the process will be completed as soon as possible in early February. The outcome of the review of occupations lists will then be made available on the Department’s website.
Foreign Direct Investment
Ceisteanna (495)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:495. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to provide funding for advance factories in 2019 for potential foreign direct investment in the regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54040/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The first phase of the IDA’s €150m Regional Property Programme (RPP) is scheduled to conclude this year. The final advance buildings planned in the initial programme are currently under construction in Dundalk, Galway, Waterford and Limerick and are on track for completion by the end of 2019.
As part of Budget 2019, an additional €10m of funding was allocated to the IDA to increase its property budget to €47m. This budgetary increase will allow the Agency to begin a second phase of the RPP this year, which will see work begin on new buildings in Carlow, Athlone, Dundalk and Monaghan.
More broadly, the RPP remains an important tool through which we can help encourage further investment from overseas firms into regional Ireland. As the IDA's record 2018 results demonstrated, significant progress has already been made in terms of generating new FDI-driven employment opportunities outside of Dublin. 58% of all IDA client-supported employment, in fact, is now located outside the capital. I am confident that the next phase of the RPP will help us increase, in due course, that percentage even further.
IDA Ireland Site Visits
Ceisteanna (496)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:496. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when sites will be identified as suitable for the location of large-scale data centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54103/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2017 IDA Ireland appointed Jacobs Engineering, supported by AOS Planning, to identify potential strategic land banks in Ireland that would be particularly suitable for the sustainable development of data centre projects. The study was commissioned to understand what locations in Ireland are best placed to win and sustain this type of investment. The evaluation process, which has since been completed by Jacobs, focused on evaluating all potentially viable land options that would be compatible with the complex and evolving needs of data centre investments.
As indicated previously, the study is for internal IDA Ireland purposes only and is not intended for publication due to its commercial sensitivity.
Over recent years, leading international technology and computing companies have announced several significant data centre investments for Ireland and the goal is to ensure that this trend continues. In that context, IDA Ireland, supported by the relevant key stakeholders, will continue to highlight credible and flexible property solutions that form part of the competitive value proposition for this sector.
Foreign Direct Investment
Ceisteanna (497)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:497. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 140 of 21 June 2018, if there have been developments in relation to the possible location of an inward investment project at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54104/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The IDA Ireland business and technology park in Killygarry, County Cavan covers approximately 17 hectares. The main tenant on the park at present is ATA Group, an Enterprise Ireland (EI) client. IDA Ireland has completed a sale, in the past number of months, of other land at the park to a separate EI client company. It is hoped that this recent investment will generate new employment opportunities for the area. The IDA will continue as well to seek new investment for the Park and the wider region from overseas firms.
With respect to Cavan more generally, IDA Ireland markets the County as part of its North-East region, together with Louth and Monaghan. The Agency has a dedicated regional manager for the area and has an office in the Cavan Innovation and Technology Centre. As part of its strategy to encourage investment to the area the Agency is focusing on sectors including agri-food, manufacturing, tourism and internationally traded services. The IDA also regularly engages with key stakeholders on the ground in Cavan including local authorities, the education sector and both overseas and indigenous companies with a view to generating new employment opportunities.
Brexit Supports
Ceisteanna (498)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:498. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a specific funding programme will be introduced to assist small and medium enterprises in the Border region that are totally or heavily dependent on the Northern Ireland or British market due to the difficulties that will arise from Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54111/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department and its agencies are providing extensive supports, schemes and advice to ensure that businesses are prepared for Brexit. These measures aim to assist businesses in identifying key risk areas and the practical preparatory actions to be taken over the coming weeks.
My Department and I have been very active in the 'Getting Ireland Brexit Ready' public information campaign. This campaign includes workshop events throughout the country aimed primarily at business and people most impacted by Brexit. A ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready’ event was recently held in Monaghan in October and I was delighted to welcome many businesses from the Border Region. Officials from my Department and agencies also participated in the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready event in Letterkenny in Donegal on Friday 30 November last, which included Enterprise Ireland, IDA, the LEOs, NSAI and the HSA.
As part of Budget 2019, I allocated an additional €1million to InterTradeIreland (ITI). ITI works with SMEs on an all-Ireland basis and is particularly well-placed, given its remit to develop cross-border trade, to help SMEs prepare for the particular North-South challenges associated with Brexit.
The ITI Brexit Advisory Service provides a focal point for SMEs working to navigate any changes in cross-border trading relationships arising as a result of Brexit. As part of the service, ITI has organised a series of awareness events focused on improving knowledge of customs processes and procedures and identifying actions that can be taken in areas such as logistics and supply chain management.
ITI also offers a Brexit Start to Plan voucher scheme, which enables businesses to get professional advice on how best to plan and prepare for the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. This support helps businesses obtain advice on specific areas such as tariffs, currency management, regulatory and customs issues and movement of labour, goods and services. ITI vouchers are worth up to €2,250 (inclusive of VAT) each. Companies are finding the vouchers very useful and there has been strong demand which can be attributed to the media campaign conducted by ITI across a range of platforms.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in the Border Regions are the first-stop-shop for anyone seeking guidance and support on starting or growing their business. The LEOs have organised various events to enable companies to learn about the potential impacts and opportunities of Brexit. In addition, 402 LEO clients have received one-to-one mentoring solely focused on Brexit.
The LEOs engage in a number of other schemes to help companies prepare for Brexit. Technical Assistance Grants for Micro Export are offered as an incentive for LEO clients to explore and develop new market opportunities. Also, additional capital funding of €5 million was announced in Budget 2019 for local enterprise development.
In addition, the six LEOs in the Border region are working together with their Northern Ireland counterparts under the EU Co-Innovate Programme. The aim of Co-Innovate is to give SMEs from the manufacturing and tradable services sectors in the eligible regions the tools and tailored support to help them to innovate, differentiate and compete successfully.
In December, I announced a further €30 million in funding for successful projects under Call 2 of the competitive Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF). Taking the first and second calls of the REDF together, the Border Region had seven successful projects with a total funding allocation of more than €10.6 million. This funding will drive enterprise development and job creation in the Border Region.
In April 2017, I asked all the Regional Action Plan for Jobs Implementation Committees to start a process to refresh and refocus all Regional Plans to ensure their relevance and impact out to 2020. This will ensure that the Plans remain effective and that they continue to deliver jobs across the country, in all regions, and can be robust in addressing the challenges we face, including Brexit. As a result, both the North-West and the North-East will both have their own plans in the new iteration and Brexit will be an ongoing priority area for both Committees. These plans are being finalised and will be published in February.
The €300 million Brexit Loan Scheme provides relatively short term working capital, 1-3 years, to eligible businesses with up to 499 employees to help them innovate, change or adapt to mitigate their Brexit challenges. The scheme is open to eligible businesses from all regions of the country, including those in the Border counties. Businesses can confirm their eligibility with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and if deemed eligible, can apply to one of the participating finance providers for a loan under the scheme.
The Future Growth Loan Scheme was announced in Budget 2019. The scheme will provide a longer-term facility, 8 to 10 years, of up to €300m to support strategic capital investment for a post-Brexit environment by business at competitive rates. This is jointly funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Loans of €50,000 to €3m will be available, with loans of under €500,000 being provided on an unsecured basis. The scheme will be available to eligible Irish businesses, including those in the primary agriculture and seafood sectors, to support strategic, long-term investment in a post-Brexit environment. The SBCI has issued an “Open Call” for financial institutions to apply by 11 February 2019 for designation as a lending partner under the Scheme. It is expected that this Scheme will be operational in early 2019.
Last week I announced the Enterprise Ireland (EI) Annual Results where every region in Ireland recorded increases in employment, including a 9% increase in the North West and a 3% increase in the North East. Nationally, a record 215,207 people are now employed in EI supported companies. Over 23,700 of these jobs are in the Border region. Some of the recent EI jobs announcements for the region have included 90 new jobs in E & I Engineering in Donegal, 80 new jobs in Crust & Crumb in Co. Cavan and 200 new jobs in Combilift in Co. Monaghan.
EI also recently launched a new Customs Insights Online course which is a new online training support to help all businesses understand how customs work including the documentation and process required to operate and succeed post Brexit. The Customs Insights course explains in clear and simple terms the main customs rules and included the key actions companies can take to prepare for customs after Brexit and the options from Revenue that are available to make the customs process more efficient. This will be available for any company to use whether they are importers or exporters and also whether they are agency clients or not.
In order to help build the enterprise capability in this region, under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) EI invested in seven successful projects in the Border region with a total funding allocation of more than €10.6 million. This funding will drive enterprise development and job creation in the Border Region.
Enterprise Ireland will continue to engage with its clients including those in the Border region to ensure they have the supports required to prepare for any kind of Brexit.
While I have seen a very positive uptake of the supports available, not everyone is engaging. With Brexit around the corner, I want businesses, particularly those around the Border counties to know my Department and agencies are here to help. My Department and its agencies are providing extensive supports, schemes and advice to ensure that businesses are prepared for Brexit.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (499)
Niall Collins
Ceist:499. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the cost incurred by her Department in 2018 for the use of taxi services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54203/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department incurred taxi costs totalling €39,771.36 during 2018.
The Department’s Travel and Subsistence policy requires that taxis should only be used where no other form of suitable public transport is available, or where there is a justifiable reason to use a taxi.
The 2018 costs cover taxi services availed of by staff of the Department and its Offices undertaking official business across the country and whilst representing Ireland at various meetings abroad.
Staff of the Offices are directly employed by the Department and they include the Companies Registration Office, the Labour Court, the Patents Office, the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Workplace Relations Commission.
For domestic taxi usage the Department avails of taxi services on account and as provided for under the shared services framework operated by the Office of Government Procurement.
The total costs are based on information provided to the Department by the Payroll Shared Services Centre who process travel and subsistence claims on behalf of the Department and its Offices.
Work Permits Applications
Ceisteanna (500)
Niall Collins
Ceist:500. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a work permit will be granted for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54303/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that it has not received an application for an Employment Permit in respect of the named person (details supplied).
National Standards Authority of Ireland
Ceisteanna (501)
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:501. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 259 of 11 December 2018, if she will address matters (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54311/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of carbon monoxide alarms is a policy matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD. The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), an agency under my remit, carries out national standardisation activity in support of policy makers and regulators in their functions.
As I advised in my reply to you of 11 December last, the NSAI Gas Technical Standards Committee agreed in November 2018 that NSAI would undertake a scoping exercise to assess the feasibility of producing a standard for the installation of carbon monoxide monitors in commercial buildings. This work will commence by the end of Q1 2019.
NSAI will consult with relevant Government Departments and agencies to determine the levels of interest, policy support and availability of guidance for the development of such a standard. It will also engage with a wide range of other stakeholders, including fuel suppliers/distributors, trades groups, device manufacturers, interested societal stakeholders and other public bodies, whose expertise and technical knowledge would be essential for the elaboration of a national standard, with a view to establishing a working group as appropriate.
While it is not usual to solicit submissions by the public during the development stage of a standard, once the work is underway members of the public may submit views directly to the working group or through any of the members of the group, particularly the relevant public bodies.
Following its elaboration, the draft document will be made available through the NSAI website for public comment during which time any interested party, including members of the public, may submit their observations. All comments received will be reviewed by the committee members who will decide the final text by consensus.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (502)
Joan Burton
Ceist:502. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the budget and expenditure in her Department for marketing, media and social media in each of the years 2016 to 2018; the projected expenditure for 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54457/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The table below provides details of expenditure incurred by my Department and its Offices on marketing and media, including advertising campaigns, over the period 2016 to 2018.
It is not possible at this stage to provide details of the projected spend by my Department in 2019 on marketing and media initiatives as projects which are considered beneficial will only be identified over the course of the year.
With regard to the Offices under the aegis of my Department, the Companies Registration Office estimates that it will spend €103,000 on business awareness campaigns in 2019. Due to the change of name of the Patents Office to the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, it is estimated that expenditure of €30,000 will be incurred by that Office on marketing and media in this regard in 2019.
My Department and its Offices use external service providers having regard to the business needs for such services. In engaging such providers, the Department and its Offices are mindful of the need to secure value for money while achieving desired outcomes.
Expenditure incurred by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and its Offices over the period 2016 to 2018 on Marketing, Media and Advertising Campaigns
|
Description of Marketing/Media Initiative and Advertising Campaign |
Service Provider |
Expenditure Incurred in 2016 |
|
Advertising campaign to raise awareness of the Prompt Payment Code |
Strategem b.t.l. Ltd. |
€36,232 |
|
Information campaign for the implementation of the Construction Contracts Act, 2013 |
Mediavest Ltd |
€19,523 |
|
Newspaper advertising regarding mandatory e-filing campaign. Companies obliged to file annual returns with CRO electronically in 2017. |
Mediavest Ltd |
€40,617 |
|
Web development and creative video and radio production costs associated with the actionplanforjobs.ie awareness campaign to promote business supports for SMEs. |
Atomic Advertising Ltd |
€12,054 |
|
Communications Services for WRC including PR, media monitoring, advising on design, content and production of reports and brochures. |
Barberry Ltd |
€4,982 |
|
Design of Digital distribution of DBEI Business Bulletin |
Acton BV |
€1,623 |
|
WRC Magazine Advert |
TFS Media Agency T/A 256 Media |
€677 |
|
Communication Services for WRC, including media Monitoring |
Fuzion Communications |
€443 |
|
WRC branded promotional pens |
National Pen Ltd |
€996 |
|
WRC Exhibition space |
National Ploughing Association of Ireland |
€2,394 |
|
WRC at SFA Annual Conference 2016 |
IBEC-Small Firms Association |
€2,399 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at TY Expo 2016 |
Transition Year Ireland |
€517 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at ISME 2016 National Conference |
Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association |
€1,599 |
|
Total Expenditure Incurred in 2016 |
€124,056 |
|
|
Description of Marketing/Media Initiative and Advertising Campaign |
Service Provider |
Expenditure Incurred in 2017 |
|
Advertising campaign to raise awareness of the Prompt Payment Code |
Strategem b.t.l. Ltd. |
€25,165 |
|
Information campaign for the implementation of the Construction Contracts Act, 2013 |
Mediavest Ltd |
€1,765 |
|
Workplace Relations Commission advert in National Ploughing Championship catalogue |
Guerin Media Ltd |
€1,230 |
|
Radio and newspaper advertising relating to the Workplace Relations Commission’s “Walk Through Working Life” campaign launched at the 2017 Ploughing Championships |
Fuzion Communications |
€4,404 |
|
Advertising in relation to the opening of the Workplace Relations Commission Sligo Office |
Fuzion Communications |
€3,198 |
|
Design of advertisements for WRC |
Fuzion Communications |
€5,899 |
|
Production/design of artwork for WRC |
Paul Martin Communications Ltd |
€148 |
|
Design and production of pull up banners for WRC |
Hudson Print Room Ltd |
€1,107 |
|
Artwork for WRC work programme |
Print Stations |
€117 |
|
Provision of Communication services to the Workplace Relations Commission |
Fuzion Communications |
€12,122 |
|
WRC Jobs Expo Stand |
Careers Unlimited |
€3,690 |
|
WRC Jobs Expo Stand |
Careers Unlimited |
€2,592 |
|
Supply and set up WRC Marquee at National Ploughing Championships |
All in One Event Hire |
€4,898 |
|
WRC Exhibition space, admission tickets |
National Ploughing Association of Ireland |
€4,902 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at TY Expo 2017 |
Transition Year Ireland |
€517 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at Zeminar 2017 |
Zeminar |
€2,454 |
|
WRC at SFA Annual Conference 2017 |
IBEC-Small Firms Association |
€2,460 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand |
ICTU |
€450 |
|
Design, production, delivery and erection of WRC Serpentine Exhibition stands and banners |
Applied Signs and Display Ltd |
€34,409 |
|
Newspaper and radio advertising regarding mandatory e-filing campaign. Companies now obliged to file annual returns with CRO electronically. |
Mediavest Ltd |
€161,249 |
|
Design of Digital distribution of DBEI Business Bulletin |
Acton BV |
€1,623 |
|
Total Expenditure Incurred in 2017 |
€274,399 |
|
|
Description of Marketing/Media Initiative and Advertising Campaign |
Service Provider |
Expenditure Incurred in 2018 |
|
Advertisement in the August 2018 edition of the Accountancy Ireland magazine to create awareness of the supportingsmes.ie online tool |
Chartered Accountants Ireland |
€3,247 |
|
Advertising Location Signs for WRC at the Tullamore Show |
Tullamore & County Offaly Show |
€100 |
|
Advertising costs relating to the recruitment of external adjudicators |
Public Appointments Commission |
€3,424 |
|
Adverts costs in Agriland (On Line advertising) |
Fuzion Communications |
€1,476 |
|
Newspaper advertisements seeking written submissions in respect of the Labour Court review of Joint Labour Committees 2018 |
Media Vest Limited |
€7,169 |
|
Design of advertising for Workplace Relations Commission stand at National Ploughing Championships |
Fuzion Communications |
€2,287 |
|
Workplace Relations Commission seminar - The World of Work – A shifting landscape – design of brochures and PR |
Fuzion Communications |
€3,266 |
|
Workplace Relations Commission employment rights public awareness campaign – Market Garden |
Irish Farmers Journal |
€8,467 |
|
Advertisement promoting Workplace Relations Commission stand at the National Ploughing Championships |
Irish Farmers Journal |
€3,764 |
|
Advertisement promoting Workplace Relations Commission stand at the National Ploughing Championships |
Westmeath/Offaly Independent Print Co Ltd |
€708 |
|
Radio advertisement promoting Workplace Relations Commission stand at the National Ploughing Championships |
Midlands 103 |
€5,910 |
|
Advertisement promoting Workplace Relations Commission stand at the National Ploughing Championships |
Guerin Media Ltd |
€431 |
|
Newspaper advertising to promote awareness of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and the launch of the first call for funding |
Mediavest Ltd |
€10,677 |
|
Targeted LinkedIn campaign to promote awareness of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and the launch of the first call for funding |
Spark Foundry |
€2,742 |
|
Printing of Trade Licensing information leaflets |
Print Depot |
€215 |
|
Communication services for WRC including PR, Advising on the design, content and production of reports, brochures, documents and audio-visual concepts and productions, media monitoring |
Fuzion Communications |
€8,961 |
|
Print and supply for Ploughing |
Vestigo Logistics Ltd |
€7,770 |
|
Design and Print for Ploughing Marquee |
Vestigo Logistics Ltd |
€1,769 |
|
WRC branded promotional pens |
National Pen Company |
€2,810 |
|
Promotional merchandise, mugs, bags, highlighters, bottles and WRC branded Jackets and Polo shirts |
Zip Office Solutions |
€12,528 |
|
WRC Exhibition space |
National Ploughing Association of Ireland |
€4,953 |
|
WRC at Taking care of Business exhibition |
Health & Safety Authority |
€727 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand School Summit |
Bell Media Ltd |
€2,706 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at ITBA Expo 18 |
Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association |
€1,230 |
|
WRC Jobs Expo Stand |
Careers Unlimited |
€9,840 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at Retail Retreat 2018 |
Retail Excellence Services Ltd |
€3,075 |
|
WRC Stand at GradIreland Live |
GTI Media Ltd |
€2,429 |
|
WRC HR Leadership Summit 2018 Sponsorship |
IBEC-Small Firms Association |
€6,150 |
|
WRC Trade Stands advertising and Entrance Tickets |
Tullamore and County Offaly Agricultural Show |
€819 |
|
WRC Conference Stand and Media Advertising |
Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland |
€500 |
|
WRC Marquee set up National Ploughing Championships |
All in One Event Hire |
€4,971 |
|
WRC Stand at ISME Annual Conference 2018 |
Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association |
€2,768 |
|
WRC Chair and Table Rental for Exhibition |
Exhibition and Conference Services Ltd |
€160 |
|
WRC Chair and Table Rental for Exhibition |
Total Event Rental |
€268 |
|
Design of Digital distribution of DBEI Business Bulletin |
Acton BV |
€1,623 |
|
Print and delivery of 6,000 Brexit Ready leaflets |
Fine Print Ltd |
€610 |
|
Print and delivery of 3,000 Brexit Ready leaflets |
Impress Printing Works Ltd |
€330 |
|
Printing of 6 DBEI and GOI branding pull ups (inc. provision of poles and carry cases) |
Power Design |
€1,205 |
|
Design and print of Brexit leaflets for the National Ploughing Championships |
Wilson Creative |
€861 |
|
Nomadic Stand |
Wilson Creative |
€470 |
|
Nomadic Stand |
Wilson Creative |
€1,180 |
|
Total Expenditure Incurred in 2018 |
€134,596 |
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (503)
Joan Burton
Ceist:503. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff in her Department employed to work on marketing, media and social media in 2018. [54474/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In my Department, the Communications Unit coordinates and deals with all queries from the media. This Unit also informs the public via traditional and social media about policies, functions and activities of the Department.
This Unit is currently led by the Head of Communications - Principal Officer level – who was appointed on 17 July 2017. The Department made this appointment as part of a wider drive to strengthen professional expertise within its corporate functions, which is a key objective of the Civil Service Renewal Plan.
The Press function within the Communications Unit is supported by a staff complement of five (one Assistant Principal Officer, one Administrative Officer, one Executive Officer and two Clerical Officers). The Communications Unit also leads on engagement with a broad range of stakeholders and with the Agencies under the remit of the Department, to inform the media and the general public on policy matters across the wide mission of my Department, its Offices and Agencies.
The Department is committed to ensuring effective communication with all of our customers, both internal and external and we endeavour to ensure that all possible assistance is given to all of our customers in accessing information on the wide range of services that we provide.
In addition to the Press function, the Communications Unit is further supported by a staff complement of five (one Assistant Principal Officer, one Higher Executive Officer, two Executive Officers and one Clerical Officer).
During 2018, my Department recruited two Communications and Media Assistants at Executive Officer grade, one of whom was appointed to the Companies Registration Office and the second to the Workplace Relations Commission. These roles support both these Offices in the effective use of social media, preparation of media content for their respective websites, and assisting with event planning management.
My Department is continuously committed to maintaining and improving its commitment to, and delivery of, the highest standards of quality customer service. As a result. the staffing complement in the Communication Unit has increased in an effort to engage with and respond to the growing demands from the media and the general public on the wide range of Departmental policies, functions and activities.
Enterprise Ireland Investments
Ceisteanna (504)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:504. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of cumulative redeemable convertible preference shares Enterprise Ireland holds; the value of the investments; the number of companies that are supported in this way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54505/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enterprise Ireland provides financial and non-financial supports to clients. Support to client companies is tailored to the company’s stage of development, its business plan and level of ambition. In 2017 Enterprise Ireland provided €203,276,000 in financial support to industry (figures for 2018 will not be available until Enterprise Ireland’s 2018 Annual Report is published later this year). This financial support was administered to clients via equity investments such as Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preference Shares (CCRP) Shares and Ordinary Shares and grant aid.
In 2017 Enterprise Ireland made 388 equity investments in 319 companies totalling €36.9m. These investments were matched by domestic and international investors. At the end of 2017 Enterprise Ireland’s Direct Equity Portfolio held equity investments in 1,526 client companies. This portfolio generated income of €26.8m from share sales, share redemptions and dividends.
The table below details the level of investment by Enterprise Ireland in companies using CCPR Shares as of September 2018 (figures for year end are not available).
EI CCRP Portfolio at (as of the September 2018)
|
Cost €’m |
Number of investments |
Number of companies |
|
|
Total CCRPs |
€134.4 |
830 |
571 |
Industrial Disputes
Ceisteanna (505)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:505. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the joint labour committee Sunday rates for security workers; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many security staff are of the view that the Sunday rate should be increased to double pay in line with many other workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54530/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) are provided for under the Industrial Relations Act 1946 and were reformed by the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act, 2012. A JLC is comprised of equal numbers of representatives of employers and workers in a sector.
The JLC for the Security Industry was established by SI. 377 of 1998, as amended by SI. 30 of 2014, which remains in force.
JLCs meet under an independent Chairperson to discuss proposals for terms and conditions to apply to specified grades or categories of workers in the relevant sector. If agreement is reached, the JLC publishes details and invites submissions from interested parties.
If, after consideration of any submissions received, the Committee adopts the proposals it will submit them to the Labour Court for consideration. The Labour Court will in turn consider the matter, and if appropriate, will then make a recommendation on the adoption of the proposals. My role as Minister, provided that I am satisfied that the Labour Court has followed due process, is to approve an Order giving effect to the recommendation. The current Employment Regulation Order for the Security Industry came into effect on 1st June 2017 (S.I. No. 231 of 2017).
The constitution and proceedings of JLCs is set out in the Fifth Schedule to the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. As Minister, I have no function in the determination of the terms of Employment Regulation Orders which under legislation is a matter solely for the relevant JLC and the Labour Court.
IDA Ireland Jobs Data
Ceisteanna (506)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:506. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA Ireland-supported jobs created in each county in 2018, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1039/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
IDA Ireland's performance in 2018 resulted in the sixth consecutive year of strong growth under the Agency's current strategy. By the end of last year, total employment in the Agency's client companies stood at 229,057. Every region in Ireland has seen foreign direct investment-driven employment gains and there are now over 132,000 people employed across 681 firms in IDA client companies located outside of Dublin. 58% of all IDA client-supported jobs, in fact, are now located outside the capital. I am determined, together with the IDA, to see this trend continue and we will be doing everything possible in 2019 to encourage more firms to invest further in the regions.
The table below provides a breakdown of jobs created by IDA supported companies in each county for 2018.
|
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
Additional Jobs Created (Net Change) |
Total Jobs |
|
|
Carlow |
275 |
275 |
1150 |
|
Cavan |
15 |
-59 |
1096 |
|
Clare |
494 |
-58 |
6948 |
|
Cork |
3177 |
2087 |
38867 |
|
Donegal |
212 |
172 |
3564 |
|
Dublin |
11039 |
6231 |
96760 |
|
Galway |
1971 |
1466 |
19969 |
|
Kerry |
122 |
54 |
2241 |
|
Kildare |
639 |
386 |
8838 |
|
Kilkenny |
36 |
-5 |
711 |
|
Laois |
4 |
-12 |
122 |
|
Leitrim |
26 |
25 |
909 |
|
Limerick |
1458 |
1189 |
11796 |
|
Longford |
171 |
155 |
900 |
|
Louth |
349 |
139 |
3903 |
|
Mayo |
426 |
344 |
4828 |
|
Meath |
122 |
67 |
1632 |
|
Monaghan |
13 |
12 |
162 |
|
Offaly |
78 |
65 |
1232 |
|
Roscommon |
123 |
32 |
1171 |
|
Sligo |
184 |
13 |
2251 |
|
Tipperary |
296 |
55 |
3720 |
|
Waterford |
471 |
374 |
7064 |
|
Westmeath |
502 |
493 |
3466 |
|
Wexford |
171 |
152 |
3139 |
|
Wicklow |
411 |
388 |
2618 |
|
Grand Total |
22,785 |
14,040 |
229,057 |
IDA Ireland Funding
Ceisteanna (507, 520)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:507. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the funding awarded to companies by IDA Ireland in 2018, by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1040/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaurice Quinlivan
Ceist:520. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the companies that received in excess of €500,000 in grants from the IDA in 2018, in tabular form; the grant amount for each of these companies in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1574/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 507 and 520 together.
IDA Ireland is authorised by my Department to provide a range of financial supports to companies in the form of employment, capital, research and development, environmental and training grants. These grants remain an important means of encouraging firms to invest in Ireland, particularly in regional locations.
I am informed by the IDA that information on the total of grants paid to client companies in 2018 will be made available once they have been audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. This audit should be completed by mid-2019.
IDA Ireland Supports
Ceisteanna (508)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:508. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will liaise with IDA Ireland to ensure that Drogheda is front and fore on its website in the Border area, including setting up an invest in Drogheda section which will highlight the many positive aspects in setting up business in Drogheda (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1090/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The content of IDA Ireland's website is an operational matter for the Agency. However, the IDA has confirmed that the “Invest in" initiative will be reviewed as part of their communications plan which will be implemented when the Agency publishes their new five-year strategy in 2020.
This Government is fully committed to the creation of high-quality and sustainable employment across Ireland, including in County Louth. There are now 3,903 people employed in IDA client companies in Louth with 139 net new jobs added in 2018. The new National Development Plan recognises the importance of Dundalk and Drogheda as key centres in the context of the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor. Both towns have a strong track record in attracting multinational companies due to the quality of the local infrastructure as well as their proximity to Dublin's transport hubs. I am therefore confident that we will be able to sustain and grow investment levels in County Louth, including in Drogheda.