Tuesday, 14 May 2019

Written Answers Nos. 65-88

Economic Policy

Ceisteanna (65, 87)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

65. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the launch of Future Jobs Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20600/19]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

87. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the launch of Future Jobs Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20582/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 87 together.

On 10 March 2019, I, along with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, launched Future Jobs Ireland 2019: Preparing Now for Tomorrow's Economy.

The launch included an exhibition of technologies developed in Ireland that have the potential to have significant impact on work in the future. These included:

- The ADAPT Centre, an SFI-funded centre for excellence in digital technology, which focuses on how to get the most from digital content through extracting meaning from global content streams, personalising content delivery and improving user interaction with the data stream.

- ESB’s X-Site Innovation Hub, which hosts the ESB Innovation ecosystem, where cross functional teams explore disruptive ideas, pilot new concepts and collaborate with start-ups and customers focusing on projects that help unlock new growth opportunities.

- CoderDojo - a global movement of free, volunteer-led, community-based programming clubs for young people aged seven to 17 where they can learn to code, build a website, create an app or a game and explore technology in an informal creative and social environment.

- WIA who help developers and companies build Internet of Things devices and have developed a platform that is now being used to create everything from thermostats to facial recognition cameras in over 100 countries.

Future Jobs Ireland focuses on five key Pillars, namely:

1. embracing Innovation and technological change;

2. improving SME productivity;

3. enhancing skills and developing and attracting talent;

4. increasing participation in the labour force; and

5. transitioning to a low carbon economy.

Future Jobs Ireland 2019 is the first in a series of annual reports as part of a new multi-annual framework to ensure our enterprises and workers are resilient and prepared for future challenges and opportunities. This is a whole of Government approach, which will form a key part of Ireland’s economic agenda over the medium term.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (66)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

66. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there has been an increase in entrepreneurial activity in the Border counties in view of Brexit; if the LEOs have seen an increase in applications for funding and-or support since June 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20357/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in Border counties are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for anyone intending to start or grow their own business. In 2019, additional capital funding of €5m for local enterprise development was allocated as part of the Budget 2019.

The LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant State supports available through agencies such as Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, Education and Training Boards, the Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland. The LEOs can also offer advice and guidance in areas such as Local Authority rates, Public Procurement and other regulations affecting business.

There are a number of supports which are aimed at strengthening the capacity of micro and small businesses to better cope with the changing external environment, especially Brexit, these measures include;

- Access to the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ online tool where micro and smaller businesses can self-diagnose their readiness for Brexit;

- A ‘Technical Assistance for Micro-enterprises’ grant designed to support qualifying businesses to diversify into new markets, enabling companies to explore and develop new market opportunities;

- A ‘Lean for Micro’ programme available nationwide to help small businesses become more efficient and competitive;

- A ‘LEO Innovation and Investment Fund’ programme to support innovation in micro-enterprises and to help them become investor ready so that they can scale their businesses;

- Tailored mentoring to address Brexit-related business challenges;

- Targeted training on specific Brexit challenges, including financial aspects and capability building in innovation, competitiveness and opportunity diagnosis

- Customs Interactive Workshops - open to all business sectors to help business understand the administrative process around import and export procedures, customs formalities at borders and cost implication of tariffs.

As the Deputy is aware, with the support of my Department, Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, this is the fifth time we are running the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) programme with over 1,600 applications received this year and with over 43% female participation with 82% of applications in the Best Business/Best Start Up category.

In respect to applications for funding and or support since June 2016, in respect to the following counties, Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo there has been a notable increase in entrepreneurial activity. The number of LEO client approvals in the six counties combined increased from 126 in 2016, to 159 in 2017 and to 144 in 2018, equating to a 14% increase over two years. Similarly, LEO approved funding in the six counties increased from €2.35m in 2016 to €2.83m in 2017 and was €2.67m in 2018, an increase of 14% in 2018 over 2016.

More generally, over the past 5 years, 17,587 potential entrepreneurs took part in a Start Your Own Business programmes run by the LEOs nationally and I am confident that the Border county LEOs will continue to build on the positive momentum to date and further foster entrepreneurial activity in the Border regions in the years ahead.

Export Controls

Ceisteanna (67)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

67. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if applications for the export of arms or dual-use items to Saudi Arabia were refused between 2011 and 2017 on the basis of criterion No. 2 of Council common position 2008/944/CFSP; and if so, the number. [20564/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

My Department is responsible for administering controls on the export of Military equipment and Dual-Use items from Ireland. Military equipment is defined in the EU Common Military List. Dual-Use items are defined in Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items.

All applications for export licences, for Military equipment and Dual-Use items, are subject to rigorous scrutiny by my officials on a case-by-case basis. Each application is reviewed against the eight risk assessment criteria set out in Article 2 of the European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment.

The application is also reviewed against any EU Restrictive Measures (sanctions) that may be in place in respect of the destination country; for example, an arms embargo. Saudi Arabia is not currently subject to any EU sanctions.

My officials also seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on any foreign policy concerns, including human rights considerations, that may arise with the proposed export; on the country of destination; and on the end user.

No applications to export Military equipment to Saudi Arabia were refused by my Department during the period 2011-2013. No applications to export Military equipment to Saudi Arabia have been received since August 2013.

No applications to export Dual-Use items to Saudi Arabia were refused by my Department during the period 2011-2017. My Department refused 16 licence applications for Dual-Use exports to Saudi Arabia from January 2018 to date in 2019. Eleven of these refusals were based on Criterion 2 the Council Common Position, in addition to other considerations.

Regional Enterprise Development Fund

Ceisteanna (68)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

68. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the next round of the regional enterprise development fund will open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20607/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) is a competitive fund introduced by my Department in 2017 and administered by Enterprise Ireland. It is aimed at supporting collaborative and innovative projects that can help to sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level.

To date, 42 projects have been awarded funding over two completed Calls worth a total of almost €60m, with collaborative projects supported in every region.

The Government has made a significant commitment under Project Ireland 2040 to target €4 billion to support the key priorities of rural renewal, urban regeneration, the achievement of climate action objectives, and the development and adoption of new disruptive technologies. Complementary to the REDF, these funds also act as key enablers for regional economic growth over the coming years.

With two REDF rounds complete, I have been reviewing the REDF in the context of the full range of funds now available under Project Ireland 2040 and new policy developments such as Future Jobs Ireland, with a view to identifying where there may be remaining gaps in funding provision in support of regional enterprise development, and how best to focus further REDF calls. It is my intention to announce a new REDF competitive call in the coming months.

Proposed Legislation

Ceisteanna (69)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

69. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when legislation to provide for a minimum five-year expiry date on gift vouchers will be enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20584/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

My Department is working with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on the preparation of amendments to the Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Bill 2018 which provides, among other things, for a minimum five-year term for gift vouchers. While I am not in a position to provide a precise time frame for the enactment of the Bill, I hope to ensure that it can be enacted before the summer recess.

Trade Agreements

Ceisteanna (70)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

70. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the process for ratifying CETA here and the recent European Court of Justice ruling on the compatibility of the investment court system. [20591/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

As the Deputy will be aware, on 30th October 2016, the EU and Canada signed a free trade agreement - the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

CETA has provisionally applied since 21st September 2017 meaning that duties on 98% of products (tariff lines) that the EU trades with Canada have been removed. The reduced trade barriers, tariff elimination, simplified customs procedures and more compatible technical requirements all make it easier and cheaper for Irish companies of all sizes to export to Canada. However, the Agreement includes provision for a mechanism for the settlement of disputes between investors and the EU or Canada, concerning the interpretation and application of the agreement, the Investment Court System (ICS) which had been excluded from provisional application as the CJEU was being asked to give its views on the compatibility of this element of CETA with EU law.

Specifically, on 7th September 2017, the Kingdom of Belgium requested the opinion of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) regarding the compatibility of the ICS with EU law. The Opinion of the Court in Case 1/17 was issued on 30th April 2019 and is in line with the earlier Opinion of Advocate General Yves Bot. The Court decision held that the dispute settlement mechanism in CETA is compatible with EU law and complies with (i) the principle of autonomy of EU law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the CJEU for the interpretation of EU law, (ii) the principle of autonomy of EU law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the CJEU for the interpretation of EU law, and (iii) the Charter of Fundamental Rights, in particular of the right of access to a court and right to an independent and impartial tribunal under the Charter.

This very recent decision of the Court means that no changes are required to be made to the text of the CETA, and EU Member States can proceed with ratification of CETA, according to the requirements of their national law.

While CETA has provisionally been applied since 21st September 2017 in respect of the trade elements, however, in order for all aspects of CETA to come into force, including the Investment Court System, the agreement must be ratified by all EU Member States. To date, 12 Member States have ratified CETA, while Ireland, along with several other Member States, chose to await the outcome of the CJEU opinion prior to considering the commencement of the ratification process at national level.

In light of the very recent opinion of the CJEU, my Department will be seeking to progress the necessary steps for Ireland’s ratification of CETA, including consultation with the Office of the Attorney General as well as submitting a Memorandum to Government requesting the Government to authorise the moving of a motion in Dáil Éireann (in accordance with Article 29.5.2 of the Constitution), seeking approval on the terms of the Agreement. If Dáil Éireann votes in favour of the Agreement Ireland will notify the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union that we have completed our respective internal requirements and procedures concerning the ratification of CETA. While I cannot provide a precise timeframe for this ratification process, my Department is prioritising the matter.

State Aid

Ceisteanna (71)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

71. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of negotiations with the European Commission or other European Union bodies in respect of the relaxation of state aid rules in which it is appropriate for particular sectors that may require additional funding in the context of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18018/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

My Department and I are engaged in ongoing dialogue with colleagues in the European Commission DG Competition in relation to the issues arising for Ireland in the context of various Brexit scenarios and the potential severe impacts on the Irish enterprise base, jobs and regional economies.

Specifically, on 24th January 2019 I met with Commissioner Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition who has responsibility for EU State aid policy, at my Department. The focus of this meeting centred around the severe challenges that Irish businesses, especially SMEs, will face when the UK leaves the European Union and the need for appropriate and timely State supports. It was agreed that Irish officials will continue to work closely with the Commissioner’s team in addressing any State aid issues that may arise to ensure a rapid and appropriate response as the ultimate shape of Brexit and its firm-level implications become known. The Commissioner emphasised that the Commission stands ready to act urgently in mitigation against the impacts of Brexit on Irish firms.

My officials have ongoing engagement with senior officials in DG Competition. In November 2017, my predecessor met with Commissioner Vestager to discuss, amongst other things, the impact of Brexit on Irish businesses. An outcome from this meeting was the establishment of a Technical Working Group comprising representatives from DG Competition, the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprises across all sectors impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules.

Much has been achieved by this Working Group. It has examined and explored a range of opportunities within State Aid rules including the development of the Future Growth Loan Scheme , which I announced on the 17th April. This Scheme is a €300m loan scheme for SMEs and farmers, to support their strategic long-term investment plans post Brexit. Ireland's Rescue and Restructuring scheme has also been expanded to include Temporary liquidity and had it's budget increased to €200m. Through the mechanism of the Technical Working Group Ireland has fully utilised the provisions of the State aid framework to enable the investment by Enterprise Ireland of €74 million in Brexit impacted businesses in 2018.

The Group is currently working closely with DG Agriculture to explore the range of opportunities under the Agriculture and Forestry State aid guidelines, and as part of this, State Aid approval was received in February for capital investment by Enterprise Ireland in an Irish cheese producing company, Carbery Food Ingredients Ltd, to help the company towards financing a diversification project to mitigate the impacts of Brexit.

European Financial Forum

Ceisteanna (72)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

72. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will report on her address to the European Financial Forum recently; and if the International Financial Services Centre, IFSC, will increase in numbers as a result of Brexit. [14017/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The European Financial Forum took place at Dublin Castle on the 13th of February. This was the fourth year of the Forum and it represented a valuable opportunity to showcase to international financial services providers the benefits of doing business in Ireland.

The Forum brings together international and Irish industry executives, policy makers, regulators and thought leaders to provide cutting edge analysis on the main business and regulatory issues that the financial services industry should consider in 2019 and beyond. I did not attend the Forum this year due to other commitments, however the event was extremely successful and attended by An Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance.

Securing new investment requires hard work, patience and extensive consultation with the businesses concerned. In that context, the Forum also provides an opportunity for IDA Ireland to engage with potential and existing clients in the international financial services sector. This work is bearing fruit. To date, IDA Ireland has approved approximately 70 Brexit-related investments with an associated jobs content of over 5,000. Almost two-thirds of these are from the financial services sector.

This work is on-going and IDA will continue work to achieve positive results in the time ahead.

Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement

Ceisteanna (73)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

73. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has provided the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement with additional resources to account for the two new high-profile investigations the office is now conducting; if she will publish the report on the failings of the ODCE investigation into a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20601/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

Since the appointment of the current Director, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) has been engaged in a process of organisational reform to ensure that the organisation is suitably equipped to discharge its mandate in an effective manner. Steps taken in that regard over recent years have included the recruitment of a number of specialist staff to enhance key skills and organisational capability. Such recruitment has included Forensic Accountants; a Digital Forensic Specialist; 2 Enforcement Lawyers and 2 Enforcement Portfolio Managers. The provision of additional resources has included the establishment of an in-house digital forensics laboratory, including an on-site digital forensics capability whereby data retrieved from digital devices can be relayed to investigators in real time.

An additional €1m was provided for the ODCE in 2019 to reflect the likely costs associated with the transition of the ODCE into a stand-alone Agency and to meet the costs of the INM investigation. A funding allocation of €6.057m has been provided for the ODCE for 2019.

The issue of resourcing of the ODCE is kept under review on a regular basis between my officials and the ODCE as part of the ongoing work in operationalising the transition of the ODCE to a stand-alone agency and also as part of the normal day-to-day interaction to discuss operational matters relating to the Office.

On the question of the publication of the report, the advice of the Attorney General was sought on the publication of the Report of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) prepared under section 955(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2014.

Because of section 956 of the Companies Act 2014 the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation is prohibited from publishing reports prepared pursuant to Section 955 of the Act.

The Companies Act 2014 contains strict confidentiality obligations on information in the possession of the Director. This is because there is a public interest in ensuring that ongoing and future investigations are not compromised by the disclosure of details of an individual investigation and the investigative process itself.

However, while it is not possible to publish the report itself, an account of the investigative shortcomings identified by Judge Aylmer, in so far as they relate directly to the role of the ODCE, was published on 4 December 2018 on the website of my Department. The account sets out the factors which led to the investigative shortcomings, including the need for a broader skills base, a greater range and depth of knowledge and experience of criminal prosecutions within the Office and a greater appreciation of the necessity to employ appropriate procedures and manage risk.

Since the time of the investigation, the Director has implemented multiple reforms within the ODCE, including staffing and procedural reforms that address many of the issues that led to the investigative shortcomings outlined by Judge Aylmer. Further measures to be taken include the establishment, as announced by Government in November 2017, of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement as an agency, to provide it with greater autonomy in relation to staffing resources and ensure it is better equipped to investigate increasingly complex breaches of company law.

The General Scheme of a Bill to establish the ODCE as an Agency was published on my Department’s website on 4 December 2018. The General Scheme is currently subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (74)

Tom Neville

Ceist:

74. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the impact the national broadband plan will have in implementing strategies such as Future Jobs Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20596/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The National Broadband Plan is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and is a core component of Project Ireland 2040 which is the overarching vision for the National Development Plan 2018-2027 and the National Planning Framework. The National Broadband Plan will be vital for the delivery of strategies such as Future Jobs Ireland as we prepare for the next stage of our economic development.

Future Jobs Ireland is a new medium-term economic pathway that will build and improve upon our already globally connected economy to make it more resilient, innovative and adaptable to future challenges. The National Broadband Plan will support the ambitions in Future Jobs Ireland that aim to enable people and businesses throughout Ireland to seize the opportunities arising from technological advances and the transition to a digital economy. These opportunities will arise across multiple sectors including Education, Health, Enterprise, Environment, Smart Farming, Social Inclusion & Rural/Regional Development, Tourism and Transportation. The National Broadband Plan will support Future Jobs Ireland in helping our workers and businesses succeed in the digital, low carbon economy of the future, ensuring a country in which every citizen and business, no matter where they are based, can progress together.

Access to world-class, high-speed connectivity is core to Ireland’s competitiveness and key to establishing Ireland as a world leader in this transformational digital age – one of the ambitions in Future Jobs Ireland 2019. The National Broadband Plan will foster innovation and employment growth by ensuring that our workforce is connected through world class broadband.

Digitalisation can drive substantial increases in productivity, innovation, social improvements and connections, and economic growth and jobs. To maximise the benefits from digitalisation we will need a strategic approach. Future Jobs Ireland 2019 sets out how we will begin to implement this strategic approach through the development of a National Digital Strategy, an Industry 4.0 Strategy and a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy. The roll out of the National Broadband Plan is critical for the use of advanced digital technologies, core to these strategies, such as the Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems, and cloud and cognitive computing.

Fundamentally, a driving goal of Government policy is to increase the living standards of our people. Increasing productivity levels is a key enabler of achieving this goal. Through Future Jobs we hope to adopt measures to increase the productivity of indigenous SMEs over time. Therefore, I welcome the potential for significant productivity benefits for the almost 44,000 small and micro businesses in the areas where high speed broadband will operate and the potential for them to link to new markets and develop a global footprint. Future Jobs Ireland 2019 includes the ambition of encouraging enterprises to exploit technology and business process improvements to increase productivity. High-quality broadband provision will be vital in this regard.

Investment now in a future-proofed network will also allow for much wider activities in the future – for homes, schools, farms and businesses. Technology is completely transforming our lives and will continue to do so. Future Jobs Ireland recognises that automation, AI and other forms of technology are expected to radically change many jobs, many businesses, and entire industries. A future-proofed network will enable advances in virtual reality, cloud computing, distance learning, precision farming, artificial intelligence, connected devices and the Internet of Things. The National Broadband Plan will allow Ireland to take full advantage of the opportunities in this digital economy which is conservatively expected to expand to more than €21 billion or 6% of GDP, by 2020.

High speed broadband will help diversify the rural economy and will offer further options for intelligent working arrangements, particularly remote working. Future Jobs Ireland 2019 aims to foster participation in the labour market through flexible working solutions. In a tightening labour market such as that in Ireland, offering flexible working options can benefit employers, workers and wider society. We already have a number of companies in Ireland who offer remote working to their employees and this trend is only going to increase in the future. The ability to work in regional locations can help to take the pressure off our cities. It can mean substantial savings for employees in terms of rents and property costs while also reducing the need to commute leading to a better work-life balance, not to mention a more motivated workforce, fewer sick days and greater productivity.

The roll out of the National Broadband Plan will also have a critical role in driving our research and innovation agenda – a key component of Future Jobs Ireland. In this regard the important research work that Science Foundation Ireland funds in terms of developing innovative new technologies in areas such as eHealth, Smart Farming and Drone Technology, all of which will benefit strongly from the implementation of the plan.

The pace of technological change means that workers across skill levels must be prepared to reskill and upskill throughout their working careers, or they face the possibility of being left behind. With this in mind, Enhancing Skills and Developing and Attracting Talent is one of the five Pillars in Future Jobs Ireland. We need to enable enterprises, and SMEs in particular, to invest in upskilling their workforce, including their managerial capacity, to enhance and maintain productivity; to adapt to technological disruption; and to identify and exploit opportunities from the digital and green economies as they emerge. High-speed, high-quality broadband provision across the country will allow more workers to engage in lifelong learning through accessible and flexible training solutions including online courses, webinars etc. Through commitments in Future Jobs Ireland 2019, training providers will be encouraged to increase the provision of flexible training options to ensure that the courses suit the needs of those in employment.

In line with Future Jobs Ireland aspirations, and complementing several Government strategies, delivery of the National Broadband Plan will help enhance the potential of the regions in terms of economic development by progressing the building of regional economic drivers and reinforcing opportunities to diversify and strengthen the rural economy, to leverage the potential of regional locations and communities. The National Broadband Plan will be a key enabler as officials in my Department work with colleagues in the Department of the Taoiseach, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, on the development of new and additional ambitions and deliverables for inclusion in Future Jobs Ireland 2020 and beyond.

State Aid

Ceisteanna (75)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

75. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has formally submitted a request or is preparing to submit a request at EU level to revise state aid rules as set out in Regulation (EU) No. 1407/2013 to protect exposed Irish enterprises and exporters from Brexit. [20592/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

My Department has been working closely with the EU Commission and DG Competition since November 2017 through the Irish/EU Technical Working Group on State Aid. The Group comprises representatives from DG Comp, my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Farming and the Marine and Enterprise Ireland. Its objective has been to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules. Much has been achieved by this Working Group. It has examined and explored a range of opportunities within State Aid rules including the development of the Future Growth Loan Scheme under GBER rules, the expansion of Ireland’s Rescue and Restructuring Scheme to include Temporary liquidity aid and the Group is currently working closely with DG Agri to explore the range of opportunities under the Agriculture and Forestry State aid guidelines. It has looked at regionally important, exposed clients and their building resilience in their response to Brexit by using environmental and innovation aid.

Earlier this year I met with the European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager. The focus of the meeting centred around the severe challenges that Irish businesses will face when the UK leaves the EU and the need for appropriate and timely State supports. It was agreed that Irish officials will continue to work closely with the Commissioner's team in addressing any State aid issues that may arise to ensure a rapid and appropriate response as the ultimate shape of Brexit and its firm-level implication become known. The Commissioner emphasised that the Commission stands ready to act urgently in mitigation against the impacts of Brexit on Irish firms.

IDA Ireland

Ceisteanna (76)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

76. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the performance of the IDA in attracting investment and creating jobs both nationally and in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20598/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

IDA Ireland is clearly performing strongly. Total employment in the Agency's client companies now stands at over 230,000 with 2018 representing a record year in terms of employment growth and new investment projects. Moreover, real progress is being made in deepening and growing regional investment. For example, 58% of all IDA-supported jobs are outside of Dublin. This represents the highest number of people employed by the Agency's clients outside the capital in its history. The IDA is focused on building on progress made in recent years and continuing to attract jobs and create economic opportunities all over Ireland.

With regard to Louth in particular, foreign direct investment (FDI) levels in the County are trending in the right direction. Louth experienced a 3.5% increase in FDI employment in 2018, with 28 IDA-supported client companies now based there. Those same firms employ over 3,900 people, with 139 net new jobs added in 2018.

IDA client firms in Louth are continuing to grow and develop. Last year, for example, PCI Pharma announced that 70 new jobs will be created at their facility in Drogheda. In April 2018, Wuxi Biologics also announced a sizeable new investment and the creation of 400 new jobs in a biologics drug substance manufacturing facility in Dundalk. These investments represent a vote of confidence in Louth and reflect the County's investment and economic potential.

The IDA continues to draw the attention of investors to Louth and the Border region. The Agency's Regional Property Programme (RPP) is important in that context by helping provide property solutions for overseas companies considering locating in the area. Construction is progressing, for example, on an office building in County Louth which will be completed this year. The RPP also includes plans for an advanced technology building in Dundalk. The wider Border region will benefit as well from the RPP, with new buildings planned for Sligo and Monaghan. I am confident that these will help attract further investment and generate new employment opportunities to the Counties concerned.

Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation

Ceisteanna (77)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

77. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the progress to date in the Action Plan for Rural Development to increase the spread of jobs in all regions. [15474/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The Action Plan for Rural Development comes under the remit of Minister Michael Ring and has the stated target to support the creation of 135,000 new jobs in rural Ireland by 2020.

During February and March this year, I launched nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020, which build on the very strong progress made on employment creation under the Regional Action Plan for Jobs 2015-2017 and take into account today’s new and emerging opportunities and challenges, including Brexit. The new Plans are complementary to the Action Plan for Rural Development and I am pleased to say that implementation has commenced in all regions.

Shaped from the ‘bottom-up’ by regional stakeholders, and overseen by my Department, the new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020 complement national level policies and programmes emanating from the ‘top-down’ and, there is strong alignment with Ireland’s national enterprise policy, Enterprise 2025 Renewed and the Future Jobs Ireland initiative.

The principle behind the Regional Enterprise Plans is collaboration between regional stakeholders on initiatives that can help to realise each region’s enterprise development potential. These stakeholders include: the Local Authorities, the LEOs, the enterprise agencies, the Regional Skills Forum, higher and further education institutes, tourism bodies, private sector ‘enterprise champions’, and others.

The Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020 and the Action Plan for Rural Development are central pillars of the Government’s ambition to create an additional 200,000 jobs, of which 135,000 are outside the Dublin region by 2020 and the Government's commitment to prioritise balanced regional development.

There has been strong progress to date in delivering to these targets. According to the most recent CSO quarterly Labour Force Survey (seasonally unadjusted at regional level), the national employment target for 2020 has already been exceeded, with 2,281,300 in employment as of Q4 2018, which is the highest number at work ever recorded. With nearly 133,000 jobs created outside of Co. Dublin since Q1 2016, the Government is well positioned to meet the regional employment growth target by the end of 2020.

Through the new Regional Enterprise Plans and the ongoing work of the enterprise agencies and the LEOs, the Government remains committed to achieving an overall jobs uplift of between 10 and 15 per cent in each region by 2020 and to bring and/or maintain unemployment levels in each region to within at least one percentage point of the State average.

Unemployment has fallen in every region since the launch of the Regional Action Plan for Jobs initiative in 2015. Only two regions, the Midlands and South-East, are currently outside the unemployment target set for 2020.

In February I announced very good results from the Local Enterprise Offices around the country. Overall, they supported the creation of 3,656 new jobs (net) in 2018.

All regions saw increases in IDA employment over 2018, with the Midlands region experiencing the highest growth at 14 percent.

Also, two-thirds (64 percent) of new Enterprise Ireland jobs created in 2018 were outside of Dublin. The North West saw the largest level of increases at 9 percent.

It is also important to note that as well as meeting the numerical targets, it is also about creating jobs that are of good quality and sustainable over the longer term. The Government is focused on this agenda at the national level through the Future Jobs Ireland initiative, and we are focused on this agenda through the Regional Enterprise Plans.

Finally, a number of funding streams have been made available to drive further progress on employment growth in regional and rural Ireland, such as my Department's Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF), and those under Project Ireland 2040 including the Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds.

Brexit Preparations

Ceisteanna (78)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

78. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she is taking to assist companies in the Border counties to prepare for Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20605/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

My Department and its agencies have put in place a full range of supports, schemes and advice to ensure that businesses across the country are prepared for the UK’s exit from the EU. These measures aim to assist businesses in identifying the key risk areas and practical preparatory actions to be taken over the coming weeks and months.

An additional €5 million capital funding has been allocated to the Local Enterprise Offices, which represents an increase of 22%, and a further €1 million allocated to InterTradeIreland to help SMEs prepare for the particular North-South challenges associated with Brexit. I have also allocated an additional €3m to Enterprise Ireland and €2m to IDA Ireland to expand their global footprints and drive the diversification of trade and investment. Additional resources have also been distributed across Science Foundation Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority and the NSAI for 2019 to support enterprises as they adjust to the new relationship with the UK and pursue new opportunities.

InterTradeIreland [ITI] works with SMEs on an all-island 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 this service, ITI has organised a series of awareness-raising 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. To date, more than 7,000 SMEs have directly engaged with the Brexit Advisory Service.

ITI also offers a Brexit Planning Voucher scheme, which enables businesses to seek 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. Brexit Planning Vouchers are worth up to €2,250 (inclusive of VAT) each. Businesses 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. As of its most recent report, 1,476 businesses have applied for a Brexit Start to Plan voucher, of which 1,310 have been approved.

In March, ITI launched a further financial support in the form of the Brexit: Implementation voucher, which offers 50% financial support up to £5,000 towards implementing critical changes in relation to Brexit matters.

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) 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, 593 LEO clients have received one-to-one mentoring solely focused on Brexit. As of February 2019, the LEOs are also offering customs training workshops to support in businesses trading with third countries in advance of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

The LEOs engage in a number of other schemes to help businesses prepare for Brexit. Technical Assistance Grants for Micro Export are offered as an incentive for LEO clients to explore and develop new market opportunities, as of April 2019, 651 LEO clients were approved assistance under the grant.

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 tradeable services sectors in the eligible regions the tools and tailored support to help them to innovate, differentiate and compete successfully.

The 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. Dublin aside, the most recent quarterly report shows that the border region is the most active region in terms of eligibility applications for the scheme.

The scheme was launched in March 2018 and, as at close of business on 3rd May, there have been 608 eligibility applications received, of which 550 have been approved and 124 loans progressed to sanction at bank level to a value of €27.76m.

The Future Growth Loan Scheme was launched in April 2019. The scheme provides 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 scheme has been jointly funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make available loans of €50,000 to €3m, with loans of under €500,000 being provided on an unsecured basis. The scheme is open to eligible Irish businesses, including those in the primary agriculture and seafood sectors, to support strategic, long-term investment in a post-Brexit environment.

Enterprise Ireland has established a Prepare for Brexit online portal and communications campaign, as well as an online “Brexit SME Scorecard” to help Irish businesses self-assess their exposure to Brexit and a “Be Prepared Grant” to support SME clients in planning to mitigate risks arising from Brexit. It has also launched a new Eurozone Strategy to help SMEs broaden their export footprint beyond the UK.

Over 5,000 businesses have used Enterprise Ireland’s Brexit Scorecard to date and 85% of EI client firms are now taking actions, while 194 applications for the Be Prepared grant have been approved. 233 EI clients have received funding under its “Act On” programme, which supports the engagement of a consultant to help clients identify weaknesses and improve resilience.

Enterprise Ireland’s Customs Insights course helps businesses looking at customs for the first time to understand the key customs concepts, documentation and processes. The course advises on the key actions companies can take to prepare for Brexit and highlights the various supports available. 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 December 2018, I announced a further €30 million in funding for successful projects under Call 2 of the competitive Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF).

In order to help build the enterprise capability, 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 to ensure they have the supports required to prepare for any kind of Brexit.

My Department and I have participated 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 and have included events in Monaghan and Donegal. In addition to these events, Enterprise Ireland has rolled out a series of Brexit Advisory Clinics to help businesses across the country, including events in Dundalk, Letterkenny and Cootehill.

While I have seen a very positive uptake of the supports available, I am conscious that the continuing uncertainty around the withdrawal process may have led businesses to defer their Brexit preparations. The UK’s exit from the EU will bring change for Irish businesses. I want businesses, particularly those around the Border counties to know my Department and agencies are here to help.

Brexit Supports

Ceisteanna (79)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

79. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if further supports are available to businesses that are affected by the uncertainty surrounding the decision of the United Kingdom to exit the European Union; if and when this will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20508/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

My Department and its agencies have put in place a full range of supports, schemes and advice to ensure that businesses across the country are prepared for the UK’s exit from the EU. These measures aim to assist businesses in identifying the key risk areas and practical preparatory actions to be taken over the coming weeks and months.

An additional €5 million capital funding has been allocated to the Local Enterprise Offices, which represents an increase of 22%, and a further €1 million allocated to InterTradeIreland to help SMEs prepare for the challenges associated with Brexit.

The Local Enterprise Offices [LEOs] 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, 593 LEO clients have received one-to-one mentoring solely focused on Brexit. As of February 2019, the LEOs are also offering customs training workshops to support in businesses trading with third countries in advance of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

The LEOs engage in a number of other schemes to help businesses prepare for Brexit. Technical Assistance Grants for Micro Export are offered as an incentive for LEO clients to explore and develop new market opportunities, as of April 2019, 651 LEO clients were approved assistance under the grant.

InterTradeIreland [ITI] works with SMEs on an all-island basis and is particularly well-placed, given its remit to develop cross-border trade, to help SMEs prepare for the 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 this service, ITI has organised a series of awareness-raising 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. To date, more than 7,000 SMEs have directly engaged with the Brexit Advisory Service.

ITI also offers a Brexit Planning Voucher scheme, which enables businesses to seek 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. Brexit Planning Vouchers are worth up to €2,250 (inclusive of VAT) each. Businesses 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. As of its most recent report, 1,476 businesses have applied for a Brexit Start to Plan voucher, of which 1,310 have been approved.

In March, ITI launched a further financial support in the form of the Brexit Implementation Voucher, which offers 50% financial support up to £5,000 towards implementing critical changes in relation to Brexit matters.

The 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 was launched in March 2018 and, as at close of business on 10th May, there have been 614 eligibility applications received, of which 557 have been approved and 124 loans progressed to sanction at bank level to a value of €27.77m.

The Future Growth Loan Scheme was launched in April 2019. The scheme provides 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 scheme has been jointly funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make available loans of €50,000 to €3m, with loans of under €500,000 being provided on an unsecured basis. The scheme is open to eligible Irish businesses, including those in the primary agriculture and seafood sectors, to support strategic, long-term investment in a post-Brexit environment.

Enterprise Ireland has established a Prepare for Brexit online portal and communications campaign, as well as an online “Brexit SME Scorecard” to help Irish businesses self-assess their exposure to Brexit and a “Be Prepared Grant” to support SME clients in planning to mitigate risks arising from Brexit. It has also launched a new Eurozone Strategy to help SMEs broaden their export footprint beyond the UK.

Over 5,000 businesses have used Enterprise Ireland’s Brexit Scorecard to date and 85% of EI client firms are now taking actions, while 194 applications for the Be Prepared grant have been approved. 233 EI clients have received funding under its “Act On” programme, which supports the engagement of a consultant to help clients identify weaknesses and improve resilience.

Enterprise Ireland’s Customs Insights course helps businesses looking at customs for the first time to understand the key customs concepts, documentation and processes. The course advises on the key actions companies can take to prepare for Brexit and highlights the various supports available. This is available for any company to use whether they are importers or exporters and also whether they are agency clients or not.

My Department has also been working closely with the EU Commission and DG Competition since November 2017 through the Irish/EU Technical Working Group on State Aid. The Group comprises representatives from DG Comp, my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Enterprise Ireland. Its objective has been to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules. Much has been achieved by this Working Group. It has examined and explored a range of opportunities within State Aid rules including the development of the Future Growth Loan Scheme under GBER rules, the expansion of Ireland’s Rescue and Restructuring Scheme to include Temporary liquidity aid and the Group is currently working closely with DG Agri to explore the range of opportunities under the Agriculture and Forestry State aid guidelines. It has looked at regionally important, exposed clients and their building resilience in their response to Brexit by using environmental and innovation aid.

Earlier this year I met with the European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager. The focus of the meeting centred around the severe challenges that Irish businesses will face when the UK leaves the EU and the need for appropriate and timely State supports. It was agreed that Irish officials will continue to work closely with the Commissioner's team in addressing any State aid issues that may arise to ensure a rapid and appropriate response as the ultimate shape of Brexit and its firm-level implication become known. The Commissioner emphasised that the Commission stands ready to act urgently in mitigation against the impacts of Brexit on Irish firms.

IDA Ireland Site Visits

Ceisteanna (80)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

80. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of regional IDA site visits by county; the number and status of vacant IDA properties nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20588/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

Regional development remains a key priority for myself and my Department. We understand the importance of achieving the best possible spread of employment and investment across the country and my Department and its Agencies have been working hard towards that goal. Significant progress has already been made, with 58% of all IDA client-supported employment, for example, now located outside Dublin. This figure represents the highest such figure in the history of the Agency. Last year the Agency also delivered 113 regional investments. Our aim is to increase these numbers further in 2019 and create more jobs and economic opportunities across regional Ireland.

As I have previously made clear, the availability of marketable serviced land and buildings in advance of demand is a key element in the IDA's ability to compete for mobile foreign direct investment. Not only does such a supply of properties help the Agency to secure high quality jobs but it also allows projects to begin at an earlier date by diminishing difficulties associated with land acquisition, planning and construction. It therefore remains an important means by which the IDA can encourage and attract new investors to Ireland. The IDA currently owns 29 properties across Ireland. Of these, 14 are occupied by IDA clients with the remainder available for prospective or existing investors.

As regards site visits, they are important in helping the IDA showcase regional locations to prospective investors. The Agency and its staff continue to do their utmost, including through site visits, to encourage overseas companies to locate in regional areas. At the same time, we must recognise that the final decision as to where to invest always rests with the firm concerned. It is also the case, no matter what efforts we make to underline the undoubted benefits of regional locations, that certain overseas companies will only consider investing in large urban areas for various commercial or operational reasons.

Table A below outlines the number and status of IDA owned properties by County. Table B details the number of IDA site visits to each county in 2018 and the first quarter of 2019.

Table A

County	Occupied	Marketable	Total
Cork	0	3	3
Dublin	3	0	3
Galway	3	2	5
Kerry	3	3	6
Mayo	1	0	1
Offaly	1	0	1
Sligo	1	1	2
Tipperary	1	0	1
Waterford	0	3	3
Westmeath	1	1	2
Wicklow	0	2	2
Total	14	15	29

Table B

County	2018	Q1 2019
Carlow	8	3
Cavan	2	1
Clare	13	5
Cork	61	17
Donegal	8	1
Dublin	269	56
Galway	54	9
Kerry	10	0
Kildare	8	3
Kilkenny	5	5
Laois	10	2
Leitrim	6	0
Limerick	35	12
Longford	5	0
Louth	20	10
Mayo	10	2
Meath	6	1
Monaghan	3	1
Offaly	5	1
Roscommon	3	0
Sligo	15	8
Tipperary	5	3
Waterford	21	8
Westmeath	22	6
Wexford	3	1
Wicklow	1	4
Total	607	159

Work Permits Eligibility

Ceisteanna (81)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

81. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to include jockeys and skilled work riders for employment in horse training yards on the critical skills list and other employment permit categories due to chronic shortages in the labour market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20359/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The State's general policy is to promote the sourcing of labour and skills needs from within the workforce of the State and other EEA states. Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the State and EEA, the employment permits system offers a conduit into the Irish labour market for non-EEA nationals with in-demand skills and is operated as a vacancy led system.

The system is managed through the operation of Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible Occupations List for the purpose of granting an employment permit. The Lists are subject to twice-yearly review predicated on a formalised and evidence-based process and involves consideration of the research and analysis undertaken by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (Solas), the Expert Group of Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the National Skills Council, and input by relevant Government Departments in addition to a public consultation phase. Submissions to the review process are also considered by the Economic Migration Policy Interdepartmental Group chaired by DBEI with membership drawn from senior officials of key Government Departments including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Jockeys/skilled work riders are currently included on the Ineligible Occupations List. In order to make changes to the ineligible list, 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 evidence to substantiate their claims.

The horseracing industry is recognised as a significant economic sporting sector and evidence suggests there are some efforts to provide training and career progression opportunities plus it is acknowledged the unique physical criteria applying to individuals in this role may be challenging to source within the EEA. However, there is currently insufficient data available on this occupation to suggest shortages. The views of the lead policy Government Department for the sector, in this case, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, are an important part of the decision-making process.

Following completion of the most recent review, which included consideration of a submission from the horse racing industry, based on the evidence available this occupation was not proposed for amendment at this time. However, it is proposed that the sector provide more information, in particular detailed evidence of efforts to recruit from within the EEA for consideration during the next review. In particular the sector should engage with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social protection who have responsibility for EURES the (European Employment Services), and who are well positioned to help sectors to recruit from within the EEA

The next review process is scheduled to commence with a public consultation phase before the end of the month.

Export Controls

Ceisteanna (82)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

82. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason Ireland put its name to a working paper opposing the strengthening of dual-use export controls on cybersurveillance software from the EU (details supplied) in view of the fact that the proposals were aimed at preventing human rights abuses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20565/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The EU operates an export control regime designed to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, to support regional stability and to protect human rights. The principal EU legal instrument underpinning these controls is Council Regulation 4028/2009 setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of Dual-use items. My Department is the national competent authority with responsibility for implementing this Regulation. Dual-use items are goods and technology that have both civil and military applications.

In September 2016 the European Commission published its proposal to recast (i.e. update and modernise) the Dual-Use Regulation of 2009. The Commission proposed extensive changes to the Dual-use Regulation in order to enhance EU controls in support of global non-proliferation efforts. These changes reflect advances in technology, new business practices and operational experience over the past decade.

The complexity of the Commission’s proposal is illustrated by the 98 amendments put forward by the European Parliament in January 2018.

The Commission's proposal is currently the subject of a detailed, line-by-line examination by Member States’ technical experts in the Council's Working Party on Dual-use Goods. The experts are working to enhance the Commission’s proposal and to address the issues raised by the European Parliament in its 98 amendments. This close scrutiny by the Working Party experts is a key step in the EU’s legislative process to ensure that new legislation is robust, proportionate and workable. My officials are contributing actively and constructively to this process.

My officials are strongly supportive of the recast of the Regulation and welcome many elements of the Commission’s proposal.

My officials, and those from several other Member States, have concerns about certain provisions in the Commission’s proposal related to cybersurveillance technologies. While they fully support efforts to ensure that cybersurveillance technologies are not used to commit human rights violations, they have serious concerns about the effectiveness, proportionality, and unintended consequences of these provisions.

My officials, in conjunction with their colleagues from a number of Member States, have put forward concrete alternative ideas for strengthening EU controls in this area. Principal among them is the suggestion that the EU should develop smarter and more effective sanctions specifically for countering violations of human rights around the world.

Accordingly, Ireland is not opposed to strengthening EU export controls on cybersurveillance software. Ireland is strongly committed to the protection of human rights; it is a cornerstone of our Foreign Policy. Ireland has long been at the forefront of global efforts to promote Human Rights. Ireland is strongly committed to the universality, indivisibility and inter-relatedness of all Human Rights, as set out in the corpus of UN and EU treaties, covenants and protocols. Ireland is actively working with the UN, NGOs and through its overseas development programme, Irish Aid, to promote and protect human rights.

The EU currently has significant controls in place in respect of cybersurveillance technologies and human rights. A broad range of cybersurveillance technologies fall within the scope of the current Dual-use Regulation, including Internet Protocol (IP) network communications surveillance systems or equipment; Telecommunications interception and monitoring equipment; and Intrusion Software. Consequently, a licence is required to export these items outside of the EU.

All applications for export licences are subject to rigorous scrutiny by my officials on a case-by-case basis. Each application is reviewed against the eight risk assessment criteria set out in Article 2 of the European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment. Criterion 2 specially addresses respect for human rights in the country of final destination.

My officials also seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on any foreign policy concerns, including human rights considerations.

Applications are also reviewed against any EU sanctions that may be in place in respect of the destination country. The EU implements over thirty sanctions regimes targeting specific countries and entities as part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. A key objective of EU sanctions regimes is to support democracy and human rights around the world. EU restrictive measures regimes can, and do, include provisions to prevent exports of cybersurveillance items that could be used to commit human rights violations.

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (83)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

83. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will introduce legislation or guidelines to regulate remote working to protect both the rights of workers and interests of business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20604/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

Increasing participation in the labour force is a Government priority as evidenced by its inclusion as one of the five Pillars in Future Jobs Ireland 2019, launched on 10 March last.

Future Jobs Ireland focuses on five Pillars namely:

1. Embracing Innovation and Technological Change;

2. Improving SME Productivity;

3. Enhancing Skills and Developing and Attracting Talent;

4. Increasing Participation in the Labour Force; and

5. Transitioning to a Low Carbon Economy.

While the first two Pillars focus on building economic resilience through greater productivity and innovation, the remaining Pillars emphasise the role that wider social policies have in shaping how Ireland’s managers and workers must adapt for the changes ahead and how we can move towards decarbonisation.

Future Jobs Ireland addresses challenges to participation in the labour force by developing and implementing a range of new initiatives aimed at easing barriers to entry into the workforce including investment in Early Learning and Care, providing tailored activation and training supports and generating attractive employment opportunities including intelligent working arrangements.

Future Jobs Ireland sets out a number of medium-term Ambitions concerning Increasing Participation in the Labour Force as follows:

4.1 Encourage participation in the labour force through high-quality Early Learning and Care

4.2 Foster participation in the labour force through flexible working solutions

4.3 Improve incentives to participate in the labour force

4.4 Encourage adult dependants and beneficiaries of other full-time welfare payments to engage in activation, enter and/or stay in the workforce

4.5 Undertake promotional campaigns to encourage greater levels of participation in the labour force

As the nature of work and society changes, the way we organise work must also. As noted above, one of the Ambitions in Future Jobs Ireland 2019 is to foster participation in the labour market through flexible working solutions. Flexible working solutions, including part-time, remote working, compressed hours, home-working and job sharing, could improve labour market participation, particularly amongst women with young children, as well as those with caring responsibilities, older people and people with disabilities. Flexible working can also provide solutions for those who would otherwise take unpaid parental leave but cannot afford to do so.

Flexible work can assist in the development of an inclusive society. In a tightening labour market, such as that in Ireland, offering flexible working options can benefit employers, workers and wider society. We already have many companies in Ireland who offer remote working to their employees and this trend is only going to increase in the future. For workers, flexible work solutions such as remote working can mean substantial savings in terms of rents and property costs while also reducing the need to commute leading to a better work-life balance. For businesses, intelligent working arrangements can support staff retention, a more motivated workforce with fewer sick days and greater productivity as well as the opportunity to draw workers from a larger pool of talent.

Future Jobs Ireland 2019 assigns my Department to conduct research on the prevalence and types of remote working arrangements within the Irish workforce, and the attitudes towards such working arrangements, as well as the factors which inhibit employers and employees to partake in such arrangements. Under Future Jobs Ireland 2019, the Department of Justice and Equality will develop guidance to support employers in offering more family-friendly working options and promoting the adoption of flexible and or remote working solutions and structures for parents. In addition to this, the Department of Justice and Equality will commence a national consultation on the extension of flexible working options to all employees. The findings of the research and the outcome of the national consultation may lead to the development of further, new deliverables for inclusion in the next stage, Future Jobs Ireland 2020.

My colleague, the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty T.D., is responsible for employment legislation. I understand that in view of the legislation already in place, it is not clear at this juncture what specific additional legislative provisions would be required to regulate remote working. However, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection continuously monitors existing employment rights legislation to ensure that it continues to be relevant and fit for purpose and is updated to reflect international developments at European Union, Court of Justice and International Labour Organisation level. Where any new legislation is proposed, that Department engages in extensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders, to ensure that an appropriate balance is struck between the rights of workers and the interests of business.

Job Initiatives

Ceisteanna (84)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

84. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the progress that has been made by her Department and agencies under her remit in driving job creation in the mid-west region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20534/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

A total of 14,700 more people are in employment in the Mid-West at the end of 2018 than in 2015 when the Regional Action Plan for Jobs initiative was first launched. Unemployment in the region has reduced from 12 percent to 5.6 percent in the same period.

While we have had great success through the Action Plan for Jobs in reducing unemployment, in the context of Brexit and other global challenges it is important that we move our focus beyond numbers of jobs created to quality and sustainable jobs. Future Jobs Ireland is our plan to meet these challenges. I launched Future Jobs Ireland with the Taoiseach on 10 March 2019 and it includes ambitious targets and actions to drive this transformation of our economy.

At the same time, Government remains committed to achieving an overall jobs uplift of between 10 and 15 per cent in each region by 2020 and to bring and/or maintain unemployment levels in each region to within at least one percentage point of the State average. It is important that unemployment in the Mid-West remains within the 2020 target and enterprise potential is nurtured so that we can build on the significant employment growth achieved in recent years with the creation of sustainable, quality jobs, taking account of new and emerging opportunities and challenges, including Brexit.

To that end, during February and March this year, I launched nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020, including for the Mid-West, which build on the very strong progress made on employment creation under the Regional Action Plan for Jobs 2015-2017. I am pleased to say that implementation has commenced in all regions.

Shaped from the ‘bottom-up’ by regional stakeholders, and overseen by my Department, the new Plans complement national level policies and programmes from the ‘top-down’ with strong alignment to Ireland’s national enterprise policy, Enterprise 2025 Renewed and the Future Jobs Ireland initiative.

The principle behind the Regional Enterprise Plans is collaboration between regional stakeholders on initiatives that can help to realise the region’s enterprise development potential. The stakeholders include: Local Authorities, the LEOs, the enterprise agencies, the Regional Skills Forum, tourism boards, private sector ‘enterprise champions’, higher and further education institutions, business representative bodies, and others.

I launched the new Regional Enterprise Plan for the Mid-West region, which covers Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, on the 20th February at the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation site at Lisheen, Co. Tipperary. The Steering Committee for the Plan, chaired by Barry O'Sullivan (Johnson & Johnson) will drive its implementation.

The Plan for the Mid-West is focused around five ‘Strategic Objectives’ focused on: the digital and innovation economy; progressing towards a low carbon economy; developing workforce skills; developing the capacity for economic growth; and building a coordinated regional brand.

The Strategic Objectives and actions in the Mid-West Plan are set out alongside, and add value to, the Enterprise Agencies’ (Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland) and the LEOs’ core activities in the region.

The Government has put several funding streams in place to support regional development, and the Mid-West has seen a number of successes through these. They include my Department’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund; and the Rural and Urban Regeneration and Development Funds under Project Ireland 2040.

Under the €60 million competitive Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF), the Mid-West region has secured total funding of over €9.5 million to date under the two completed Calls.

Guided by this new Regional Enterprise Plan, the Mid-West region is well positioned to realise its enterprise potential.

Regional Enterprise Plans

Ceisteanna (85)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

85. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the regional enterprise plans; the benefits for County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20533/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

During February and March this year, I launched nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020, which build on the very strong progress made on employment creation under the Regional Action Plan for Jobs 2015-2017 and take into account today’s new and emerging opportunities and challenges, including Brexit. I am pleased to say that implementation has commenced in all regions.

Shaped from the ‘bottom-up’ by regional stakeholders, and overseen by my Department, the new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020 complement national level policies and programmes emanating from the ‘top-down’ and, there is strong alignment with Ireland’s national enterprise policy, Enterprise 2025 Renewed and the Future Jobs Ireland initiative.

I launched the new Regional Enterprise Plan for the Mid-West region, which covers Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, on the 20th February last at the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation site at Lisheen, Co. Tipperary.

The principle behind the Regional Enterprise Plans is collaboration between regional stakeholders on initiatives that can help to realise the region’s enterprise development potential. These stakeholders include: Local Authorities, the LEOs, the enterprise agencies, the Regional Skills Forum, higher and further education institutes, tourism bodies, private sector ‘enterprise champions’, and others.

The Plan for the Mid-West is focused around five ‘Strategic Objectives’ focused on: developing the digital and innovation economy; progressing towards a low carbon economy; developing workforce skills; developing the capacity for economic growth; and, building a coordinated regional brand. Each of the five Objectives involves a focus on Co. Clare as part of the Mid-West region

The Strategic Objectives and actions in the Mid-West Plan are set out alongside, and add value to, the Enterprise Agencies’ (Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland) and the LEOs’ core activities in Co. Clare and the wider Mid-West region.

Actions to be pursued under the Plan's Objectives of particular significance for enterprise development in Co. Clare include; the development of an Autonomous Mobility Testbed; the positioning of the Mid-West as a national centre for advanced manufacturing; and the development of a suite of regional ‘Smart E-Hubs’, which Clare County Council and Limerick Clare Education Training Boards are involved in progressing.

It is encouraging that the unemployment rate in the Mid-West region, which includes Co. Clare (along with Limerick and Tipperary) has reduced from 12 percent in Q1 2015 to 5.6 percent in Q4 2018, just above the unemployment rate for the State as a whole.

The focus for Co. Clare and the Mid-West over the period to 2020 under the new Regional Enterprise Plan will be to maintain an emphasis on employment growth, aiming to out-perform the rate of growth achieved since 2015 to date and to ensure that sustainable, quality jobs are created and maintained the region. The strategic objectives and collaborative actions in this Plan, along with the core activities of the various Agencies and Bodies involved in supporting enterprise development over the coming two-year period will support this.

Finally, it is important to note that the Government has put several funding streams in place to support regional development, and the Mid-West has seen many successes through my Department’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund securing funding of over €9.5 million across 5 projects, which include the Emerald Aerocluster and Clare Martime Economic Zone projects based in Co. Clare. Additional funding under the Project Ireland 2040 Rural and Urban Regeneration and Development Funds has also been secured by the region.

Guided by this new Regional Enterprise Plan, Co. Clare and the Mid-West region as a whole is well positioned to realise its enterprise potential.

Regional Enterprise Plans

Ceisteanna (86)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

86. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the regional enterprise plans; the benefits for counties Longford and Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20531/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

During February and March this year, I launched nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020, which build on the very strong progress made on employment creation under the Regional Action Plan for Jobs 2015-2017 and take into account today’s new and emerging opportunities and challenges, including Brexit. I am pleased to say that implementation has commenced in all regions.

I launched the new Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan on the 6th February last in Mountmellick, Co. Laois.

Shaped from the ‘bottom-up’ by regional stakeholders, and overseen by my Department, the new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020 complement national level policies and programmes emanating from the ‘top-down’ and, there is strong alignment with Ireland’s national enterprise policy, Enterprise 2025 Renewed and the Future Jobs Ireland initiative.

The principle behind the Regional Enterprise Plans is collaboration between regional stakeholders on initiatives that can help to realise the region’s enterprise development potential. These stakeholders include: the Local Authorities, the LEOs, the enterprise agencies, the Regional Skills Forum, tourism bodies, private sector ‘enterprise champions’, and others.

The Midlands Plan sets out seven Strategic Objectives for enterprise growth that span areas such as: addressing the challenges posed by the transition to a low carbon economy; exploiting big data opportunities; building on strengths in advanced manufacturing; place-making and regional marketing; tourism; food; and skills development. Each of the seven objectives involves a focus on counties Longford and Westmeath as part of the Midlands region.

The Strategic Objectives and actions in the Midlands Plan are set out alongside, and add value to, the core activities of the enterprise agencies of my Department, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland and the LEOs in Longford and Westmeath and the wider region.

The focus for Co. Longford and Co. Westmeath and the Midlands over the period to 2020 under the new Regional Enterprise Plan will be to maintain an emphasis on sustainable job creation, aiming to out-perform the rate of employment growth achieved since 2015 to date and reduce and maintain unemployment in the region to within one percentage point of the national average.

The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2020 is strongly aligned with and supports the work of the Midlands Regional Transition Team formed by Offaly County Council following the announcement by Bord Na Móna of strand one of its "Brown to Green" strategy, by encouraging collaboration to develop employment opportunities in the region and in the context of the transition to a low carbon economy as it affects the peat sector in the Midlands.

Finally, it is important to note that the Government has put several funding streams in place to support regional development. They include my Department’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund, securing funding of over €3.4 million across four projects in the Midlands. Two of these projects are of direct relevance to Longford and Westmeath. The Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) facility located in Mullingar was awarded over €2.1 million and will support significant growth and job creation in the manufacturing sector. Co. Longford is involved in a collaborative initiative which received over €1.2 million to develop a network of three Digital and Innovation Hubs one of which will be located in Co. Longford.

Guided by this new Regional Enterprise Plan, and the various funding streams available, Co. Longford and Co. Westmeath and the broader Midlands region are well positioned to realise their enterprise development potential.

Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 65.

State Aid

Ceisteanna (88)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

88. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions she has had with the European Commission or other European bodies on the possibility of additional funding as a consequence of Brexit; if she has had discussions with the European Union on relaxing of state aid rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18073/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

My Department and I are engaged in ongoing dialogue with colleagues in the European Commission DG Competition in relation to the issues arising for Ireland in the context of various Brexit scenarios and the potential severe impacts on the Irish enterprise base, jobs and regional economies.

Specifically, on 24th January 2019 I met with Commissioner Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition who has responsibility for EU State aid policy, at my Department. The focus of this meeting centred around the severe challenges that Irish businesses, especially SMEs, will face when the UK leaves the European Union and the need for appropriate and timely State supports. It was agreed that Irish officials will continue to work closely with the Commissioner’s team in addressing any State aid issues that may arise to ensure a rapid and appropriate response as the ultimate shape of Brexit and its firm-level implications become known. The Commissioner emphasised that the Commission stands ready to act urgently in mitigation against the impacts of Brexit on Irish firms.

My officials have ongoing engagement with senior officials in DG Competition. In November 2017, my predecessor met with Commissioner Vestager to discuss, amongst other things, the impact of Brexit on Irish businesses. An outcome from this meeting was the establishment of a Technical Working Group comprising representatives from DG Competition, the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules.

Much has been achieved by this Working Group. It has examined and explored a range of opportunities within State Aid rules including the development of the Future Growth Loan Scheme , which I announced on the 17th April. This Scheme is a €300m loan scheme for SMEs and farmers, to support their strategic long-term investment plans post Brexit. Ireland's Rescue and Restructuring scheme has also been expanded to include Temporary liquidity and had it's budget increased to €200m. Through the mechanism of the Technical Working Group Ireland has fully utilised the provisions of the State aid framework to enable the investment by Enterprise Ireland of €74 million in Brexit impacted businesses in 2018.

The Group is currently working closely with DG Agriculture to explore the range of opportunities under the Agriculture and Forestry State aid guidelines, and as part of this, State Aid approval was received in February for capital investment by Enterprise Ireland in an Irish cheese producing company, Carbery Food Ingredients Ltd, to help the company towards financing a diversification project to mitigate the impacts of Brexit.