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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 15 Oct 2019

Written Answers Nos. 302-326

State Aid

Ceisteanna (302)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

302. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if state aid approval has been sought for the €1.2 billion Brexit fund announced in budget 2020; if state aid approval has been given; if state aid rules will be relaxed in the event of a no-deal Brexit; if state aid approval will be fast-tracked in the event of a no-deal Brexit; the length of time it is anticipated to take for state aid approval to be given; if consultation has taken place with the European Commission with regard to state aid rules and the Brexit funding set aside for a no-deal Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42051/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As announced by my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, as part of Budget 2020 Government Departments will have access to the €1.2 billion Brexit fund to provide supports in the event of a no deal scenario. 

From this, a contingency fund of €650m has been put in place to support the enterprise, agriculture and tourism sectors.  This will be activated in tranches.  On day one of a no deal Brexit, €110m will be made available to my Department to provide targeted interventions to help vulnerable but viable firms impacted by Brexit.  All supports developed by my Department and its Agencies are in accordance with  State Aid Rules.

My Department and its Agencies are providing extensive supports, schemes and advice to ensure that businesses are prepared for Brexit.  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 senior 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. 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 2018 in Brexit impacted businesses.   Earlier this year, following intense engagement by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, approval was received to provide capital support to Carbery Food Ingredients based in Cork towards financing a large diversification project to mitigate the impacts of Brexit, and further options are being developed to support large food companies.  The work of this Group is ongoing.

Earlier this year I met with Commissioner Vestager in my Department.  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.  Should issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State aid rules, this will be raised as part of these Working Group discussions. 

I have received assurances from the Commissioner that the Commission stands ready to act urgently in mitigation against the impacts of Brexit on Irish firms. 

Brexit Preparations

Ceisteanna (303)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

303. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a social partnership proposal by an organisation (details supplied); and her further views on the joint proposal by employee and employer representatives for a scheme for preservation of viable employment in the context of a disorderly Brexit. [41628/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Social Partnership, in various forms, has been a central facet of Irish society for over three decades. Since 2016, the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) has brought together representatives of employers, trade unions and Government to discuss economic, employment and labour market issues.

The Forum, which is chaired by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Minister Paschal Donohoe TD, meets approximately 4 times a year. The Forum provides a consultative informal structure for an exchange of views and dialogue on economic and social policies insofar as they affect employment and the workplace.

The Government is making €1.2 billion available in Budget 2020 to be spent in the event of a No Deal Brexit. The funding will be used to protect Ireland from the worst effects of a No Deal, so we can help the people and businesses most affected, if they need it. A key priority for Government is to ensure that we can sustain as many viable businesses and the maximum number of jobs during the potential disruption of a disorderly Brexit.

I am satisfied that my Department, with its enterprise agencies, has a full suite of business supports in place to assist businesses through Brexit. I have met with ICTU and Ibec and with Minister Doherty, Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, on the issue of sustaining employment in vulnerable but viable businesses and I understand that Minister Doherty will have further meetings on this with stakeholders over the coming days.

Consideration of any proposals to change the nature of social partnership is beyond the remit of my Department.

Brexit Preparations

Ceisteanna (304)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

304. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a proposal by an organisation (details supplied) to mitigate a hard Brexit. [41663/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department, through the SBCI, is working to increase the availability and use of the Credit Guarantee Scheme with the main banks. The SBCI is currently working with the banks to increase the availability and use of the Credit Guarantee Scheme in the context of Brexit. Specifically, the banks are promoting the CGS to underpin transit guarantees required for use of the UK Landbridge in a no-deal scenario. My Department has also raised the benefits for businesses of the banks using the CGS for invoice discounting, which is allowable under the current statutory framework.

Following a review by my Department, the Credit Guarantee Scheme was amended in 2017 by S.I. No. 70 of 2017. Changes made by that S.I. allowed for additional products or “finance agreements” to be offered under the Scheme. These include invoice discounting and factoring arrangements.  Participating lenders have not utilised this capacity for invoice discounting to date.  Invoice discounting is a niche credit segment which by its nature has a strong element of self-securitisation. Credit decisions for invoice discount facilities are heavily reliant on the quality of the trade debtors in question.

Brexit Preparations

Ceisteanna (305)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

305. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a proposal by an organisation (details supplied) to mitigate a hard Brexit. [41664/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Export credit insurance is a complex area that is subject to State Aid constraints. There are existing facilities in the market which may be accessed by exporters immediately to mitigate the impact of Brexit on their businesses. These include the Brexit Loan Scheme and Future Growth Loan Scheme. 

The Brexit Loan Scheme provides affordable financing to businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or will be in the future. The Scheme is delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and AIB and makes €300 million available to eligible businesses with up to 499 employees at an interest rate of 4% or less.

Loans can be used for future working capital requirements, or to fund innovation, change or adaption of a business to mitigate the impact of Brexit.

Brexit Loan features include:

- Loan amount from €25,000 up to a maximum of €1,500,000

- Loan term of up to 3 years

- Loans less than €500,000 will be unsecured

- Interest rate of 4% or less.

The Future Growth Loan Scheme provides affordable financing to Irish businesses and the primary agriculture and seafood sectors to support strategic long-term investment in a post Brexit environment. The Scheme, which is delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank, KBC and AIB makes €300 million available to eligible businesses with up to 249 employees at an interest rate of 4.5% or less for loans up to €249,999 and 3.5% and less for loans greater than or equal to €250,000.

Loans can be used for investment in tangible or intangible assets for the purpose of process and organisational innovation or investment in tangible and intangible assets on agricultural holdings linked to primary agricultural production.

Future Growth Loan features include:

- Loan amount from €100,000 (€50,000 for primary agriculture) up to a maximum of €3,000,000

- Loan term from a minimum of 8 years to a maximum of 10 years

- Loans less than €500,000 will be unsecured

- Interest rate of 4.5% for loans up to €249,999 and 3.5% and less for loans greater than or equal to €250,000.

Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices also provide supports specifically to help companies to diversify. These supports include the Local Enterprise Offices Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters (TAME) Grant. This grant supports clients to explore and develop new export market opportunities. With a focus on helping companies to diversify, this scheme is a matched-funding opportunity with up to €2,500 available. 

The Enterprise Ireland Market Discovery Fund incentivises companies to undertake market research and develop viable and sustainable market entry strategies in new geographic markets. The Market Discovery Fund provides support towards internal and external costs incurred when researching new markets for products and services. Support can be provided over an 18 month period from project start date to project end date. Support for Market Discovery Fund applies when eligible companies are either looking at a new geographic market for an existing product/service or an existing geographic market for a new product/service.

Brexit Preparations

Ceisteanna (306)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

306. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a proposal by an organisation (details supplied) to mitigate a hard Brexit. [41665/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Brexit Loan Scheme provides affordable working capital to eligible businesses with up to 499 employees that are or will be Brexit-impacted and which meet the scheme criteria. The scheme leverages €23 million exchequer funding to provide a fund of up to €300 million over its lifetime.

Under the first stage of the scheme’s application process, businesses apply to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to confirm their eligibility for the scheme. Businesses can use guidelines provided on the SBCI website to determine if they are eligible, and if so, to complete the eligibility form. As part of the process, businesses submit a business plan, demonstrating the means by which they intend to innovate, change or adapt to meet their Brexit challenges. The SBCI assesses the applications and successful applicants receive an eligibility reference number.

The scheme is offered by the Government of Ireland through my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is operated by the SBCI. It is supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group’s InnovFin SME Guarantee Facility. In order to qualify for eligibility under the scheme, businesses need only satisfy one of eleven InnovFin criteria. These criteria are established under the InnovFin facility itself, and were not put in place by Government.

However, the innovation activities supported by the scheme are not limited to technological innovation. Rather, recognised innovations are relatively broad ranging and supported activities include development of new products/services and entry to new markets, as well as changes to production methods and supply chains. The hurdle rate as to whether an activity is innovative is not onerous, and, as at 25 September 2019, just 15 applicants to the scheme have failed to meet the innovation criterion. I am aware that many firms that may met the eligibility criteria and have received approval from SBCI have not yet proceeded to sanction with their bank, and as the SBCI approval previously was valid for only four months, I have agreed with SBCI that they will extend the validity period for their eligibility to six months so as to reduce the administrative requirement on firms to reapply. 

Full information on the innovation criteria is available through the Brexit Loan Scheme Information Pack, available through my Department’s website. Some case studies illustrating what qualifies as innovation are included in the information pack. I have also attached a copy to this response.

Brexit Loan Scheme

Brexit Preparations

Ceisteanna (307, 308, 309)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

307. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a proposal by an organisation (details supplied) to mitigate a hard Brexit. [41666/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Robert Troy

Ceist:

308. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a proposal by an organisation (details supplied) to mitigate a hard Brexit. [41667/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Robert Troy

Ceist:

309. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a proposal by an organisation (details supplied) to mitigate a hard Brexit. [41668/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 to 309, inclusive, together.

As part of Budget 2020 I announced a range of targeted measures that can be effectively deployed to meet the specific requirements of individual firms that may experience liquidity or transformative investment challenges in a no-deal Brexit scenario. These measures will be rolled out as part of the initial €110m Brexit contingency fund that will be available to my Department as part of the Government's €650m Brexit contingency Fund announced by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform last week in Budget 2020. This funding and other measures are being deployed based on our ongoing engagement with the European Commission on the State aid framework and my Department continues to explore, through the Irish/EU State aid Technical Group, all opportunities within existing State aid rules. 

Much has been achieved by this Group to date including the Brexit Loan Scheme, the Future Growth Loan Scheme, the expansion of the Rescue and Restructuring Scheme to include Temporary Restructuring Aid and the subsequent increase in state aid flexibilities in relation to these Schemes.  Through the Working Group, approval was received, for example, to provide support to Carbery Food Ingredients towards financing a large diversification project to mitigate the impacts of Brexit and further options, through the Agriculture state aid Guidelines, are being developed to support large food companies.  The work of this Group is ongoing.

Should issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State Aid rules, this will be raised as part of the Technical Working Group discussions.  I have received assurances from Commissioner Vestager, Commissioner for Competition, that the Commission stands ready to act urgently in mitigation against the impacts on Brexit on Irish firms.

In relation to the potential for introducing an employment subsidy scheme, while this is primarily a matter for my Ministerial colleagues, in the Departments of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and Education and Skills, I know that the existing system of systematic short-time working arrangements remains in place and are being utilised by the Intreo offices countrywide.

Furthermore, a group comprising officials from those Departments and my own Department continue to meet and are examining policy options in this space in event of a hard Brexit and an early-warning coordination process has been established for firms experiencing difficulty.  Intreo offices (under the auspices of Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection) stand ready to work with employers experiencing short term difficulties in all sectors, with the objective of keeping workers close to the labour market as viable firms adjust. In addition, there has been strong engagement between relevant Departments regarding responses for the tourism/hospitality and freight sectors.  

 The suite of additional supports for business announced in the Budget of up to €110 million for a combination of lending and repayable grants to be available for deployment in a No Deal scenario are all designed as targeted and temporary, supporting viable but vulnerable businesses and with built in assurances to safeguard the State’s investment. These supports will be critical particularly in the highly vulnerable border areas and in supporting exporters who are heavily exposed to the UK market in sectors such as construction, engineering and food.

The introduction of an enterprise stabilisation fund in 2009 required a significant change to State Aid rules, which was subject to the approval of all 28 Member States. In accordance with EU rules, it was also required that the fund be made available to all Member States. However, following a review of the approach in 2009 it was subsequently found that the greater benefits accrued to the larger EU economies.

Brexit Preparations

Ceisteanna (310)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

310. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a proposal by an organisation (details supplied) to introduce a compatible limited amount of aid scheme for investment or working capital for exposed businesses to mitigate a hard Brexit; and if costings have been carried out in this regard of such a scheme. [41669/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Rescue and Restructuring scheme, with a State aid approved ceiling of €200 million, was put in place to allow us to respond rapidly to provide support for "Undertakings in Difficulty" and enterprises experiencing acute liquidity needs.  This scheme was developed as it was considered prudent to have contingency measures in place so that my Department can respond swiftly to changing circumstances, as necessary.

However, the Scheme is not the first port of call for enterprises seeking support for investment and working capital.  Over the last two years, a suite of supports, including this scheme have been put in place by my Department.

The Brexit Loan Scheme was launched in March of 2018.  The Scheme, using a combination of Irish Exchequer and EU guarantees, leveraged up to €300 million of lending, at a maximum interest rate 4% and at a cost to the Exchequer of €23 million, €14 million of which was provided by my Department and €9 million provided by Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The Scheme provides short-term working capital for 1 to  3 years to eligible businesses with up to 499 employees to help them to innovate, change or adapt to mitigate their Brexit challenges.  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 launched in March of this year. The scheme provides a longer-term facility, 8 to 10 years, of up to €300m to support strategic capital investment at competitive rates with minimum loan amount of €100,000 for SMEs (€50,000 for primary agriculture) and maximum loan amount of €3,000,000.  Loans of under €500,000 are being made on an unsecured basis.

This scheme is jointly funded by my Department (€37.2 million) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (€24.8 million) at a total cost to the Exchequer of €62 million.  This scheme is available to eligible businesses in Ireland and the primary agriculture (farmers) and seafood sectors to support strategic long-term investment. 

My colleague, the Minister for Finance, in his Budget 2020 speech on Tuesday, 8th October 2019, announced a contingency fund of €650m, across a number of Government Departments, in the event of a no deal Brexit.  On day one of a no deal Brexit, €110m will be made available to my Department for the following:

- €42m for Rescue and Restructuring

- €45m for a new Transition Fund 

- €8m Transformation Fund for Food and Non Food businesses 

- €5m additional support to Microfinance Ireland, and 

- €5m Micro-Enterprise Emergency Brexit Fund. 

In addition, I will provide €2m extra to InterTrade Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit to support cross-border firms North and South and an extra €3m to Regulatory Bodies of my Department for additional demands in market surveillance, accreditation and conformity.

This is in addition to the funding available under the Brexit Loan Scheme and the Future Growth Loan Scheme and the full range of grant supports available to firms through Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices to prepare now for Brexit through improving their competitiveness and innovation and diversifying markets.

In terms of State Aid, 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, Food and the Marine and Enterprise Ireland.  The objective of the Group has been to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules.  This includes exploring all opportunities under EU Regulation No. 1407/2013 (de Minimis Regulation).

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.  Options available through the Agriculture Guidelines are also being developed to support large food companies.

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 €65m diversification project to mitigate the impacts of Brexit. 

On 24th January 2019, I met with the European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager.  The meeting focused on the severe challenges that Irish businesses will face as a result of Brexit 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 firm-level implications of Brexit become known.  The Commissioner has emphasised that the Commission stands ready to act urgently in mitigation against the impacts of Brexit on Irish firms, and my officials continue to work with DG Competition, as part of the Technical Working Group.

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Staff

Ceisteanna (311)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

311. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the estimated full year cost in 2020 of recruiting three extra digital investigation specialists at HEO level for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. [41693/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

If the Competition and Protection Commission (CCPC) were to recruit three extra digital investigation specialist at HEO level in 2020, the pay cost of this would be €243,550 (€81,183 per position) based on the midpoint of the most recent pay circular 17/ 2019, employers PRSI, pension costs and overheads accrued.

This figure would need to be adjusted accordingly should further changes in rates of pay, pension, employers PRSI and overheads be introduced.

Work Permits Applications

Ceisteanna (312)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

312. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to an issue regarding a stamp 4 application by a person (details supplied). [41726/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that on 11th September 2019, the permit holder (details supplied) was refused a Stamp 4 Support Letter because information provided by the permit holder indicated that he had not been employed by the employer stated on his Critical Skills Employment Permit, contrary to the terms and conditions of his Critical Skills Employment Permit. 

Stamp 4 support letters can only be granted where it is established that the permit holder has complied with the terms and conditions of their Critical Skills Employment Permit.

On 11th October 2019, my officials expedited a new application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit for this individual; this permit has now issued.  The permit holder will be able to submit a new request for a Stamp 4 Support Letter once he has been in continuous employment for 21 months in the State in accordance with the provisions of his Critical Skills Employment Permit.

Local Enterprise Offices

Ceisteanna (313)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

313. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to expand the LEOs in the Border region with a possibility of a hard Brexit; if a LEO for Drogheda and east County Meath to assist the largest town here deal with the effects of a possible Brexit scenario will be funded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41776/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for anyone intending to start or grow a business.

The Local Enterprise Offices are the primary providers of supports to assist micro-enterprises within the indigenous sector that are facing challenges arising from Brexit. My Department, through the LEOs, has continued to promote the importance of local businesses preparing for Brexit, and has developed a range of supports to help them do so. The LEOs are working vigorously to enable companies to consolidate market share within the UK and to become more resilient by broadening their sales to other international markets.

LEO clients based in the Drogheda area can access LEO grants and supports in the same manner and subject to the same decision criteria as applicants in the rest of the county. This applies equally to clients for East Meath relative to other areas of County Meath.

I can assure the Deputy that LEO Louth is deeply committed to ensuring they grow a strong spirit of enterprise in Drogheda, and that businesses there are supported fully and on the same basis as firms throughout Louth and the rest of the country. Notwithstanding that the offices of LEO Louth are located in the County Council Offices in Dundalk, the full range of programmes and activities that it delivers are dispersed evenly throughout the county. Similarly, LEO Meath provides the same offerings throughout the County including the Laytown/Bettystown Municipal District having numerous mentor assignments and training programmes for LEO clients based in East Meath.

Furthermore, I was pleased to announce as part of Budget 2020 that in the event of a hard Brexit I will launch a number of new Brexit supports to further strengthen the capacity of our microenterprise sector. Specifically, I announced two related measures to support vulnerable but viable business in the face of Brexit by way of increasing the cap on lending from MicroFinance Ireland to €50,000 and the provision of repayable grants through the Local Enterprise Offices.

In addition, the Minister for Finance announced in Budget 2020 improvements to the Research and Development Tax credit for small and micro firms, which will enable them to claim a higher rate of credit of 30% and they will have improved options with regards to claiming the payable credit. These firms will also be able to claim the credit for expenditure incurred in advance of commencing to trade

This improved support should be considered in the context of existing LEO supports which include the following. 

- The Brexit Mentor Programme was developed for businesses to work with an experienced mentor on a one-to-one basis to identify key areas of exposure within their business.  With advice and guidance from their mentor, businesses develop strategies that are more robust, which address issues and maximise potential opportunities around Brexit. 

- Prepare Your Business for Customs is a one-day interactive workshop, run regionally by Local Enterprise Offices, which provides businesses with a better understanding of the potential impacts, formalities and procedures to be adopted when trading with a country which is outside the Single Market and Custom Unions. Open to all businesses, these workshops cover areas such as what export and import procedures apply, how tariffs work and how to correctly classify goods.

- LEAN for Micro is a targeted programme for Local Enterprise Office clients to help small businesses boost competitiveness, increase performance and profitability as well as building resilience within their companies.

- The Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters (TAME) Grant supports clients to explore and develop new export market opportunities, such as participation in international trade fairs and development of export related marketing and websites. With a focus on helping companies to diversify, this scheme is a match-funding opportunity with up to €2,500 available.

I note that you have enquired about funding for a new LEO to cover the Drogheda and East Meath region. You will be aware that when the LEO network was established in 2014, there was a LEO in each of the 31 Local Authorities and this has been the model used ever since. This model, in operation for over 5 years, has been the platform for ongoing and incremental success in terms of engagement with client companies and strong jobs growth. I am pleased to say that in general there has been strong and meaningful engagement throughout 2019 from the microenterprise sector with the LEO network and in particular the LEO Brexit offering.

I am confident therefore that in the days and weeks ahead, the LEO network will continue its robust and meaningful engagement with its many clients and will remain an integral component in this Government’s toolkit to prepare our microenterprise sector to face any challenge that comes its way as a result of Brexit, whatever form that may take.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (314)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

314. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of full-time and part-time civil servants her Department has recruited by grade in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of full-time and part-time civil servants her Department has lost due to retirement by grade in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41811/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Staffing resources are an ongoing priority to ensure my Department’s continued ability to facilitate the wide mission and volume of work in a range of challenging policy areas. This will continue with ongoing day-to-day review of the appropriate staffing mix across the Department in response to known and probable priority areas. My Department is cognisant of upcoming challenges in terms of the Department’s demographics with 35% of senior management (AP and above) and 26% of middle management (AO/HEO) reaching over 60 in the next five years.

In 2014 there was a transfer of functions whereby ForFás integrated into the department bringing in 55 Officers across grades from Deputy Secretary through to Clerical Officer.

My Department proactively carries out strategic workforce planning (SWFP) to manage our talent, reshape our workforce, develop our teams, and recruit new skills. Through targeted HR data analytics, the SWFP also provides opportunities to mitigate workforce risks, including the looming retirement cliff. 

In addition, predictions on the changes to our workforce over the short -medium term are submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER).  These predictions inform central planning on recruitment and learning and development.

Furthermore, the Department regularly liaises directly with the Public Appointments Service and Top-Level Appointments Committee for the filling of posts to address new demands and vacancies. 

I have provided the numbers requested in tabular form. I have also provided the numbers serving in the Department and the number of leavers (including retirements) at the end of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019 for your information.  

New Recruits by Grade 2014 - 2018 & to date 2019: Including New Hires, Forfás Integration (2014) and recruitment from other external sources.

Grade

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

TOTAL

Sec Gen

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

Director of WRC

 

 

1

 

 

1

2

 Dep Sec

 1

 

 

 

 

 

1

ASEC

 1

 

 

 1

1

 

3

Chair of Labour Court

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

Deputy Chair of Labour Court

 

1

 

 

1

 

2

Member of Labour Court

 

2

 

1

 

 

3

PO

7

 

3

9

 

3

22

Registrar of WRC

 

 

 

 

 

1

1

Registrar of Labour Court

 

 

 

 

1

 

1

Enforcement Lawyer

 

 

 

 

2

 

2

Enforcement Portfolio Manager

 

 

 

1

 

 

1

AP

20

1

3

5

20

5

54

Prof Acct

 

 

6

2

2

 

10

AP Equiv

 

 

 

 

1

 

1

HEO

17

 

 

11

2

1

31

AO

 

8

4

9

6

12

39

EO

7

2

4

9

9

8

39

CO

4

8

33

37

39

25

146

TCO

 

8

7

19

20

15

69

Services Staff

 

 

11

3

7

3

24

Total

57

30

74

107

111

74

453

Retirements from the Department by Grade 2014 - 2018 & To date 2019.

Grade

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

TOTAL

Sec Gen

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

DSEC

1

 

1

 

 

 

2

Director of WRC

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

ASEC

 

 

 

1

 

 

1

Chair of Labour Court

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

Deputy Chair of Labour Court

 

 

 

 

1

 

1

Member of Labour Court

1

 

1

1

 

 

3

PO

1

5

 

2

2

3

13

Registrar of WRC

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

Registrar of Labour Court

 

 

 

1

 

 

1

Enforcement Lawyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

Enforcement Portfolio Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

AP

3

5

1

1

4

5

19

Prof Acct

 

 

 

1

 

 

1

AP Equiv

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

HEO

2

7

5

4

5

6

29

AO

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

EO

2

3

2

7

9

5

28

CO

9

3

3

7

5

3

30

TCO

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

Services Staff

3

4

2

 

1

 

10

Total

22

27

18

25

27

22

141

Total number of staff in the Department, total number of exits (including retirements) and total of retirements.

Year

Number of Staff Service (FTE)

Headcount

Total number of exits (including retirements)

Total number of retirements

2014 (year-end)

798.07

854

55

22

2015 (year-end)

795.67

848

45

27

2016 (year-end)

808.47

856

47

18

2017 (year-end)

824.83

869

104

25

2018 (year-end)

859.12

903

74

27

2019 (to date)

872.24

919

67

22

Enterprise Ireland Data

Ceisteanna (315)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

315. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the persons or bodies that are active Enterprise Ireland clients employed in County Roscommon; and the persons or bodies that are non-active EI clients in County Roscommon. [42056/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Enterprise Ireland (EI) supports companies in urban and rural areas to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. EI’s focus for 2019 is to help clients in all regions to build on the strength of their 2018 performance by supporting them to innovate, be competitive and to diversify their global footprint - key attributes required to be resilient to economic shocks, such as those emerging from any kind of Brexit.

In 2018, EI supported companies in Roscommon employed 1,971 people, a 4 per cent increase on 2017. In the period 2015 – 2018, EI paid €2.5 million to client companies based in Roscommon. With regard to the Annual Employment Survey, which captures data about client companies and jobs, it does not report employment figure by company status such as active and non-active. Therefore, it is not possible to break down client companies in Roscommon into either active or inactive.

Co-operative Sector

Ceisteanna (316)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

316. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the State financial and technical supports available to start-up co-operatives and existing co-operatives. [42230/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department supports co-operatives in the same way as it supports other enterprises. My Department provides a range of grants and funding streams for ambitious start-ups, principally through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).  The 31 LEOs are located throughout the country and provide a range of supports for the micro and small business sector. As the “first-stop-shop” for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business, the LEOs:

- provide a sign-posting service to all relevant State supports;

- offer direct grant aid to micro-enterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities;

- offer “soft” supports in the form of training and mentoring; and,

- assist with loan applications to Micro Finance Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland have a number of targeted supports for start-ups, including co-operative start-ups, that have global ambition, the potential to scale and meet Enterprise Ireland’s eligibility criteria. The agency supports enterprises in regional and rural areas to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. Supports include competitive start funding, mentoring grants and innovation vouchers.

During the period 2015 to 2018, Enterprise Ireland paid approximately €16.1m in funding to 7 co-operatives.  Regarding the Local Enterprise Offices, they approved €28,550 in funding to 4 co-operatives during the same period.

Thalidomide Victims Compensation

Ceisteanna (317, 318, 360)

John Brassil

Ceist:

317. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if an acknowledgement will be provided of the wrongdoing by the State in the non-withdrawal and recall of thalidomide; if a full apology will be given for all wrongdoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41737/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brassil

Ceist:

318. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if a fair and equitable compensation package will be considered for all thalidomide survivors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41768/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brassil

Ceist:

360. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if proper provision of healthcare entitlements to address specific and unique health issues of thalidomide survivors will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41766/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 317, 318 and 360 together.

The Deputy will appreciate that there are a number of cases concerning thalidomide before the High Court at present and it is not possible to comment on matters that are sub judice.

Following an Irish Government Decision in January 1975, the Government granted an ex-gratia sum equivalent to 4 times the German lump-sum and an ex-gratia monthly allowance for life equal to the German monthly allowance, to each of the Irish children found to have thalidomide related injuries. There are currently 29 Irish people in receipt of ex-gratia monthly payments from my Department.

The German monthly payments are made by the Contergan Foundation, which is established under German legislation. From 01 August 2013, the Foundation substantially increased its monthly payments to thalidomide survivors, including Irish survivors. Both the German payments and the Irish ex-gratia payments made to the survivors are exempt from tax, including DIRT and are not reckonable as means for the purpose of Social Welfare payments. The rate of payment is related to the survivors' level of thalidomide related injury.

In addition to the initial lump sum and the monthly payments for life, the supports provided to each Irish survivor include a medical card on an administrative basis regardless of means, provision of appliances, artificial limbs, equipment, housing adaptations, and access to a full range of primary care, hospital and personal social services. There is a designated senior manager in the Health Service Executive who liaises with Irish thalidomide survivors in relation to meeting their ongoing health and personal social service needs.

It is important to note that the German Contergan Foundation, which is established under German legislation, has confirmed that since 2013 it is accepting applications from individuals for compensation for thalidomide related injury. It is open to any Irish person to apply to the Foundation for assessment of their disability as being attributable to thalidomide. Any Irish person who establishes that their injury is attributable to thalidomide will be offered appropriate supports by the Irish Government, commensurate with those currently provided to Irish thalidomide survivors.

Work is underway in the Department to bring forward Heads of a Bill to provide on a statutory basis for health and personal social services for the Irish survivors of thalidomide.

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (319, 418, 419, 420)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

319. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €50 million re-profiling of capital expenditure in the health capital expenditure allocation for 2020; the purpose of the re-profiling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41999/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

418. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €102 million allocation to the building, equipping and furnishing of health facilities; the amount of same going to the national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42028/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

419. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €10 million allocation to the information services and related services for health agencies; the amount of same going to the national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42029/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

420. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the capital appropriations-in-aid for health in 2019 and 2020; the reason it has dropped by €10 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42030/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 319, 418, 419 and 420 together.

The total capital funding allocation for the public Health Services in 2020 is €854m, an increase of €112m (15%) over the capital funding allocation for 2019. The breakdown of the capital allocation for 2020 is:

- €744m (€741.461m+€2.539m) is available to the Health Service Executive for building, equipping and furnishing of health facilities, including the new children's hospital;

- €95m is available to the Health Service Executive for Information Communication Technology (ICT);

- €15m is available for my Department (€0.473m - ICT and office equipment) and for directly funded agencies (€14.527m - Health Research, ICT and office equipment) under the aegis of my Department.

The capital funding allocations for 2020-2022 have been revised to achieve a more balanced profile, taking into account the requirements of the new children's hospital, while at the same time having regard to the capacity of the construction sector to deliver new projects.

The revised capital allocation for 2019 included €10m appropriation-in-aid representing a payment from Department of Education and Skills in respect of educational facilities at the new children's hospital.

The Health Service Executive will develop a Capital Plan for 2020 having regard to the available funding, the number of large national capital projects currently underway, including the new children's hospital, and the cashflow requirements and priorities attaching to each project. Once the HSE has finalised its Capital Plan for 2020, it will then be submitted to me for consideration.

Food Labelling

Ceisteanna (320)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

320. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if producers and retailers are required to indicate the country of origin and the country of packaging on products in supermarkets and shops; and if his Department checks such regulations are being observed. [42340/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2011, Regulation (EU) No.1169/2011 relating to Food Information for Consumers (FIC) came into effect.  This sets down mandatory information to be declared on the label of prepacked food sold in supermarkets, shops or elsewhere.  Country of origin labelling (COOL) or place of provenance are among the mandatory information to be provided.

In relation to COOL, the origin of a food is only required on food labels where its absence might mislead the consumer.  A consumer could be misled by symbols, graphics, flags or other wording declared on the label, suggesting that the food originates in one country when in fact it does not.

The FIC regulation also provided for the introduction of implementing legislation on the origin of meat.  This came into effect in April 2015 in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 1337/2013, which makes it mandatory to provide the country of origin or place of provenance on the labelling of fresh, chilled and frozen meat of pigs, sheep, goats and poultry.  The Member State or third country of rearing and slaughter of these meats must be provided.

Article 26(3) of Regulation (EU) No.1169/2011 also provides that where the country of origin or the place of provenance of a food is given and where it is not the same as that of its primary ingredient:

(a) The country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient shall also be given; or

(b) The country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient shall be indicated as being different to that of the food.

Additional rules to implement this measure were introduced in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/775, which comes into effect from 1 April 2020.

This new legislation means that any food label that currently refers to the origin of the final food, through words such as ‘Produce of Ireland’, or by graphical representation, e.g. flags or colour schemes on the label, will also have to give the origin of the primary ingredient, if it is of a different origin.  Primary ingredient is defined in the Regulation in Article 2(2)(q) as an ingredient or ingredients of a food that represents more than 50% of that food or which are usually associated with the name of the food by the consumer and for which in most cases a quantitative indication is required.

As regards fish, other specific rules are in place where information on the catchment area and species must be provided.  Additional rules cover the labelling origin of beef.

Furthermore, certain marketing standards are in place that require the origin of certain fruit, such as grapes and strawberries and certain vegetables, such as peppers and tomatoes to be declared on the label.  A full list of these fruit and vegetables requiring a country of origin declaration is available at: https://www.fsai.ie/legislation/food_legislation/fruit_veg/specific_marketing_standards.html.

The FSAI has produced a range of guidance material to help support the food industry in meeting its legal obligations regarding the labelling of food.  This information is available at: www.fsai.ie/resources_publications.html by searching “labelling”.

Since 1999, responsibility for the enforcement of food legislation is vested in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).  Enforcement is contracted out to official agencies with which FSAI has service contracts, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, the Health Service Executive’s Environmental Health Service, Local Authorities and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority.  These service contracts specify the food sectors to be supervised, the types of controls to be provided, including inspections and laboratory analysis.  The contracted agencies have responsibility for the implementation of labelling rules in the sectors and businesses which they supervise.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (321)

Tom Neville

Ceist:

321. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health if a position (details supplied) has now been filled; if so, if the new appointee has taken up the position; if not, the date from which the appointee will be taking up the position; and the name of the new medical officer for the Kilmallock Hospital area. [41608/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (322, 323)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

322. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding to be made available to County Louth in view of recent announcements of a €2 billion investment over the next three years as phase one of the ten year plan of investment in healthcare infrastructure and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41610/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

323. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the stages of development for projects (details supplied) in County Louth under the HSE ten year capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41611/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 323 together.

The Health Service Executive recently published its Capital Plan for 2019-2021. The capital plan outlines projects to be progressed over the three-year period and also sets out the current status of all projects within the programme, including a number of projects in Co. Louth.

The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects and has advised the current stage of development of the projects as follows:

- Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda: construction has been completed and is currently at the equipping and commissioning stage. Some of the wards and the ED are already operational while the five new theatres and remaining wards are expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

- St Mary's Hospital, Drogheda: the phased development is at planning and design stage. A planning application was submitted to Louth County Council earlier this year. Further information was requested by the local authority and this has recently been submitted by the HSE.

- Ardee Community Nursing Unit: to be delivered as part of a bundle of facilities by Public Private Partnership (PPP). A design team has been appointed and a planning application has recently been lodged in respect of this project.

- Ardee ambulance base: currently at design stage.

It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.

The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.

The HSE actively manages the capital programme in order to ensure it has flexibility to progress as many projects as possible within the available funding, particularly in the event of any project not progressing as anticipated.

Hospital Consultant Recruitment

Ceisteanna (324, 332)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

324. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the position relating to the appointment of a sarcoma specialist (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41612/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

James Browne

Ceist:

332. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of a full-time sarcoma specialist in St. Vincent's University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41656/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 324 and 332 together.

St. Vincent’s University Hospital informed the Department on 25 September that the person recruited to fill a permanent post of Consultant Medical Oncologist with a special interest in sarcoma has advised the hospital that they would not be taking up the post.

St. Vincent’s University Hospital advised the Department that the recruitment process has recommenced and that the post was re-advertised on 6th October.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Data

Ceisteanna (325)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

325. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of registered beds, including high observation beds, available for CAMHS inpatient treatment in CHO areas 8 and 9; the location of the beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41617/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Data

Ceisteanna (326)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

326. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Louth awaiting CAMHS outpatient and inpatient appointments; the number of persons waiting three to six, six to 12, 12 to 18 and 18 to 24 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41618/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

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