Written Answers Nos. 400-426
400. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to the community relations unit in the DMR northern division in each of the years 2009 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [9407/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra405. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of dedicated community gardaí attached to the DMR northern division and each district within it. [9412/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 405 together.
The Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.
General information on the Garda workforce is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
I will write directly to the Deputy with more specific information on the query raised concerning community relations resources between the years 2009 and 2020.
The following was received from the Department on 29 April 2021.
401. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of member training hours per annum that are allocated to core gardaí attached to the DMR northern division in each of the years 2009 to date in 2020, in tabular form. [9408/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.
I have requested information from An Garda Síochána on the matter requested by the Deputy and will write directly to the Deputy when it is received.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
|
Year |
Course |
Personnel Numbers Trained |
Total Hours |
|
2014 |
CORE CPD Programme |
270 |
3240 |
|
2015 |
CORE CPD Programme |
121 |
1452 |
|
2017 |
Performance and Accountability Framework |
111 |
666 |
|
2018 |
Performance and Accountability Framework |
125 |
750 |
|
2018 |
Code of ethics Training |
791 |
3164 |
|
2019 |
Performance and Accountability Framework |
236 |
1416 |
|
2019 |
Enterprise Contact Management |
699 |
4194 |
|
2020 |
No training held due to Covid |
0 |
0 |
402. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to the specialist units in the DMR northern division. [9409/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra403. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to specialist units in Coolock Garda station. [9410/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra404. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to specialist units in Raheny Garda station. [9411/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 402 to 404, inclusive, together.
The Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
The resources provided to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. There are now over 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow. Taken together, this increase in the number of Garda members and staff is delivering a significant increase in operational policing hours nationwide.
It is important to note that many of the specialist Garda Units are national units. These include the Criminal Assets Bureau, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Immigration Bureau, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. These national units support the work of all Garda Divisions nationwide, where necessary and appropriate.
Divisional specialist units include Drugs, Roads and Community Policing. I am informed by the Commissioner that members of these units are assigned on a Divisional basis and that a breakdown by Garda District or Station is not readily available.
I am informed that as at 30 April 2020, there were 27 members attached to the DMR North Drugs Unit. Information about the allocation of Community and Roads Policing Gardaí by Division is available on my Department's website through the following links:
http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Community_Policing
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Roads_Policing_Unit
Additional information on Garda Resources can be found at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
407. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 961 and 962 of 20 May 2020, the number of passengers who arrived here since the passenger locator forms were rolled out; the number of persons who filled them in; the number of persons who were followed up by telephone call; the number who refused to fill them in; and the number exempt in tabular form. [9619/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBorder Management Unit Immigration Officers at Dublin Airport, on behalf of the Health Authorities, commenced recording Passenger Locator Forms on 28 April 2020. These contacts were made as part of public health passenger checks under measures related to the Covid-19 pandemic. BMU currently only collect the Passenger Locator forms for Dublin Airport. The Garda National Immigration (GNIB) manage the compliance for the other ports after which the Passenger Locator forms are forwarded to the BMU in Dublin Airport, who also carry out the follow-up calls for those ports.
Dublin Airport:
Although not all of the following information was requested it is important to provide all of the information in order that the full picture is provided in terms of the forms completed/not completed/language barrier etc. and therefore the number of calls that are required to be made. In almost all instances 100% of the calls required were made. However in the early days of the introduction of the required follow-up analysis the BMU did not reach 100% due to training of staff and implementing the new process and recording tools to support it.
|
Dublin Airport |
28/04/2020 - 27/05/2020 |
|
Arrivals (Expected Forms) |
12,972 |
|
Completed Forms Received |
9,500 |
|
Passenger Declared No Form Provided by Airline |
3,187 |
|
No Completed Form due to Language Barrier |
42 |
|
Refused to Complete Form |
243 |
|
Number of Passengers Exempt of the Completed Forms & Therefore no Call required |
3073 (32%) |
|
Calls Made |
6,395 |
Other Ports:
Forms for Other Ports are delivered to BMU at Dublin Airport for follow up action. As mentioned, BMU hold no records of the numbers of arrivals (expected forms) nor the number who refused to complete the forms for other ports. The following data includes numbers of forms received by BMU for follow-up action and of them the number who were exempt (therefore no follow-up action was required) and the number of calls made. The returns from other Ports are often inconsistent and therefore we are unable to provide data for Shannon Airport. In addition the period for each Port differs due to the logistics of the forms arriving from each location.
|
Dublin Port |
28/04/2020 - 26/05/2020 |
|
Total Forms Received |
7,347 |
|
Exempt |
6,167 |
|
Percentage Exempt |
84% |
|
Calls Made |
1,180 |
|
Rosslare Port |
01/05/2020 - 21/05/2020 |
|
Total Forms Received |
1,770 |
|
Exempt |
1,429 |
|
Percentage Exempt |
81% |
|
Calls Made |
341 |
|
Cork Airport |
29/04/2020 - 22/05/2020 |
|
Total Forms Received |
510 |
|
Exempt |
144 |
|
Percentage Exempt |
28% |
|
Calls Made |
366 |
The passenger numbers for arrivals into Irish Airports and Seaports for May 2020, which were received from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, were provided to the Deputy in the course of my reply to Dáil Question No. 377 on 27 May 2020.
408. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount that has been spent on advertising in 2020 by his Department and its agencies on social media platforms (details supplied) in tabular form; and the name of each campaign advertised. [9842/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department engages in advertising on social media platforms, where appropriate, in order to connect with a wider public audience to important issues in the Justice and Equality sector.
These platforms can be more cost effective and efficient channels than traditional media. They give a greater opportunity to reach individuals as they use multiple devices – desktops, phones and tablets for example. Social media platforms also allow my staff to measure the interest and traffic towards a particular campaign.
To date in 2020, my Department has spent a total of €4,082 on social media advertising on a significant public awareness campaign called ‘No Excuses’. The No Excuses Campaign was launched in 2019, it is a three-year national awareness ad campaign calling on the public to stop making excuses for sexual harassment and violence. The aim of this campaign is to make the public question our responses to a range of sexual harassment and potential sexual violence scenarios.
I have provided a breakdown of this spend in the following table:
Social Media Spend 2020 - No Excuses Campaign
|
Company |
Amount |
|
|
€300 |
|
Google adwords |
€3,782 |
|
Total |
€4,082 |
I have requested that relevant Agencies under the remit of my Department respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
409. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on public country by country reporting for corporation tax purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8356/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland supports transparency and welcomes the proposal for a Directive to amend Directive 2013/34/EU (the Accounting Directive) as regards disclosure of income tax information by certain undertakings and branches (country by country reporting). However, we consider that this measure should have the benefit of tax expertise to ensure that it is consistent with existing reporting requirements and, importantly, with the international cooperation and exchange of information arrangements, which are based on confidentiality. Tax experts are best placed to ensure that international efforts to collect income tax from multinational corporations will not be undermined by new measures.
Ireland supported a joint statement to the Competitiveness Council which agreed with the Council Legal Service that the legal base for this proposal should be a tax base (Article 115 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), and therefore, should be considered by ECOFIN Council.
410. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of public country by country reporting for corporation tax purposes in the EU; if a decision on the matter requires unanimous consent from all member states; if not, if qualified majority voting is to be used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8357/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposal for a Directive to amend Directive 2013/34/EU (the Accounting Directive) as regards disclosure of income tax information by certain undertakings and branches (country by country reporting) was made by the European Commission in April 2016. The proposal was on the Competitiveness Council Agenda on 28 November 2019 for general approach. In the absence of sufficient support for the presidency's proposal, the presidency announced that it would continue work on this file and that it would reflect on the best way for taking this forward. The Proposal was discussed separately at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council in December 2019.
A decision on the proposal will be made by qualified majority voting.
Ireland supports transparency and good governance. However, we continue to be of the opinion that this Proposal should be considered by tax experts in order to ensure that it is consistent with international cooperation and exchange of information arrangements, which are based on confidentiality. Ireland supported a joint statement to the Competitiveness Council which agreed with the Council Legal Service that the legal base for this proposal should be a tax base (Article 115 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), and therefore, should be considered by the Economic and Financial Affairs Council.
411. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if guidance on the use of physical barriers in lieu of physical distancing will be published on appropriate public health measures to allow hairdressers operate safely ahead of the estimated opening on 20 July 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8870/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to their request, I met recently with members of the hairdressing and beauty industry via teleconference and understand that preparatory work is being undertaken by the hairdressing sector and others in developing guidelines and safety protocols, with reference to the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol. I requested that, where sectors are developing such protocols or guides, they should work together to align this work. For example, barbers' representative bodies should collaborate with hairdressers representative bodies on a single aligned protocol for their sector. I am keen to support sectors on their safe reopening on this aligned and collaborative basis and should the hairdressing sector wish to send me details of their sectoral protocol, I will be happy to convey these to the Minister for Health.
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening.
On 15 May the Government announced that we would move to Phase 1 of the Roadmap from 18 May. This decision was taken having regard to the advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) at the time. The categories of workers, list of retailers and other facilities that can reopen under Phase 1 are available on the Government’s website gov.ie.
Businesses should review the Roadmap carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Businesses should, based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and employees the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html
The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
412. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if legislation prepared by her Department will be required to implement the new measures announced recently to help businesses recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; the progress made to date in drafting this legislation; when it is hoped to publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8939/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has introduced a range of new measures to assist businesses to reopen or change their business models in response to the Covid-19 health crisis. Some of those measures within my Department’s remit will require changes to legislation to come into effect or to allow the expansion of existing schemes to meet the increased demand as a result of Covid-19. These will require amendments to 3 existing Acts:
1. The Microfinance Loan Fund Act 2012;
2. The European Investment Fund Agreement Act 2018; and
3. The Credit Guarantee Act 2012 (as amended).
The Government approved the necessary amendments to all 3 Acts on 1st May 2020, and officials in my Department have been working urgently with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on priority drafting of these amendments since then.
Amendments are needed to the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012 to facilitate Microfinance Ireland (MFI) to be able to borrow moneys from bodies other than its parent body, the Social Finance Foundation, and to raise the ceiling on the amount of Exchequer grant that can be provided to Microfinance Ireland. This is intended to allow MFI to have access to greater sources of funding, to enhance its ability to provide more microenterprise loans to those qualifying enterprises in need of additional finance options.
I am working with the EIB Group on a €500 million expansion to the Future Growth Loan Scheme to support businesses recover from COVID-19 impacts. The FGLS is underpinned by a 64% counter-guarantee from the European Investment Fund. This counter-guarantee provides significant risk protection to the Exchequer against potential losses from the loan guarantee scheme. The FGLS was established using the European Investment Fund Agreement Act 2018. This Act allows for the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to enter into agreements with the European Investment Fund (EIF) to facilitate access to finance for qualifying enterprises. The amendment to the European Investment Fund Agreement Act 2018 is needed in order to finalise these negotitations with the EIB Group.
The Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2020, which will amend the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012 (as amended) and the European Investment Fund Act 2018, was approved for publication at Cabinet on Friday 29 May last.
Separately, the implementation of the new Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme requires amendments to the Credit Guarantee Act 2012 (as amended). Since the Government approved the scheme, officials in my Department have been working urgently alongside the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on the priority drafting of the necessary legislation and are also continuing to work with the steering group to design and operationalise the scheme as soon as possible.
My priority is to ensure that this legislation can be progressed through the Oireachtas as a matter of urgency following the formation of a new Government. I am very aware of the pressure for enterprise to access these supports in order to be able to resume economic activity and hope that all Parliamentarians will facilitate its urgent commencement.
413. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the details of the restart fund for micro and small business of €250 million will be available; the reason the scheme was announced before application forms and details were available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8951/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday, 15 May, 2020, the Government decided to establish a new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening following COVID-19 closures.
The Restart Grant support is one part of the Government's wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.
The grant is being administered by the local authorities. The online Application Form and Frequently Asked Questions Document went live from Friday 22 May.
Eligible businesses who have stayed open throughout the crisis, as well as those who are reopening under Phase 1 (from 18 May) and Phase 2 (8 June) of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, are encouraged to apply first for the Restart Grant. These applications will be prioritised for payment by the local authorities.
To avail of the Restart Grant, applicants must be a commercial business and be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and:
1. have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ 50 people or less;
2. have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover between 1 April and end June 2020;
3. commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed;
4. declare the intention to retain employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme
For any further queries, local businesses can contact the Business Support Unit in each local authority.
414. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the criteria for the business restart scheme will be amended to include charity shops which are precluded (details supplied). [9133/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart Grant is aimed at commercial business. We have sought to prioritise commercial entities that are totally dependent on their trading income which in turn creates paid employment locally and will drive economic activity and get money circulating. Within our limited funding, the aim is to get these businesses back up and running, trading as normally as possible so that they can retain employees who will no longer need a temporary wage subsidy or be able to take back workers who are on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
The €250m Restart Grant is just one of a range of supports provided by the Government to support businesses, employers and employees on foot of the crisis.
My colleagues Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and Seán Canney TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, on Friday, 8th May announced the launch of a €40 million package of supports specifically for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Social Enterprises. The package consists of:
- A €35 million ‘COVID-19 Stability Fund’ which will provide a level of support to qualifying organisations who are most in need and have seen their trading and/or fundraising income drop significantly during the crisis; and
- A €5m Government commitment to a Philanthropy Fund, (Innovate Together) which will focus on supporting responses to the COVID-19 crisis that require innovative and adaptive solutions to existing and emerging challenges.
The Stability Fund is being administered by Pobal. The Government will continue to support the needs of different sectors with well tailored and targeted initiatives.
415. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures she has introduced to promote and increase safety on farms in view of the Covid-19 situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9143/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health and Safety Authority is providing advice and support to employers and workers across all sectors of the economy, including farming, on how to implement the COVID-19 measures set out in the national Return to Work Safely Protocol through its helpline, website and during site inspections. The Health and Safety Authority has also developed a range of checklists and templates which are available free to download from its website and further material will be developed and revised as the public health situation and knowledge develops.
With the restrictions on general movement and the closure of many workplaces and schools during the COVID-19 pandemic there are many more people, especially children, spending more time around the family farm. There is an increased level of risk in this regard and the Health and Safety Authority has engaged with key stakeholders through a range of initiatives to urge farm families to be extra vigilant.
Since the commencement of Phase 1 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, almost 1,000 onsite inspections have been undertaken by the Authority (as of Friday 29 May 2020) across a range of sectors, including farming, to oversee compliance with the national Return to Work Safely Protocol.
416. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will place a cap on the amount of funding provided to local authorities to administer the SME restart grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9431/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday, 15 May 2020, the Government decided to establish a new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.
The grant is being administered by the local authorities. The online Application Form and Frequently Asked Questions went live from Friday 22 May 2020.
Eligible businesses who have stayed open throughout the crisis, as well as those who are reopening under Phase 1 (from 18 May) and Phase 2 (8 June) of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, are encouraged to apply first for the Restart Grant. These applications will be prioritised for payment by the local authorities.
To avail of the Restart Grant, applicants must be a commercial business, be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System, and:
1. have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ 50 people or less;
2. have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover between 1 April and end June 2020;
3. commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed; and,
4. declare the intention to retain employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
The grant will be the amount of the rates demand in respect of calendar year 2019 only, subject to a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.
The Restart Grant support is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.
This package is a significant step-up in the supports available for all businesses in all sectors at this very difficult time. The measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise and they are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need and are targeted at vulnerable but viable companies.
The unprecedented circumstances of the COVID19 global pandemic has resulted in a swiftly evolving landscape for enterprises. The Government will continue to use all available tools at its disposal to support businesses and ensure their survival. In that context, I will keep the supports provided under review and continue to support enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them.
417. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the guidelines given to supermarkets in cases in which members of their staff have been diagnosed with Covid-19 but have recently been carrying out their duties on the premises. [9516/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national Return to Work Safely Protocol is designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol should be used by all workplaces to adapt their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures identified as necessary by the HSE and the Department of Health. It is operating in parallel with existing workplace health and safety statutory requirements.
I would emphasise that, in the first instance, employers and workers have a responsibility to actively and jointly take responsibility for applying, and adhering to, the procedures and practices set out in the Protocol designed to protect the health and safety of all concerned.
As a first step the Protocol states that all employers should develop a COVID-19 Response Plan and it also specifically sets out the steps that all workplaces, which would of course include supermarkets, should take when dealing with a suspected case of COVID-19 in the workplace. I would also point out that the Protocol makes it clear that workers themselves have a responsibility to monitor their own well-being in relation to COVID-19 and to self-isolate at home and contact their GP for further advice if they display any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
Separately, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has produced a COVID-19 Retail Protection and Improvement Guide which provides practical guidance on how staff diagnosed with Covid-19 should respond but also how other members of staff should be monitored and advised on what is expected of them. This guidance, along with other sector specific material is available to download free of charge from the NSAI website www.nsia.ie.
418. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason for the prohibition on refinancing existing loans under the new €2 billion credit guarantee scheme particularly since many businesses will have to restructure their loans in the coming months as a consequence of the Covid-19 crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8285/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government on 2 May announced a new €2 billion Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme as a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) already available from AIB, BOI and Ulster Bank.
This Scheme forms a major component of the government’s strategy to aid SMEs in these difficult times by providing critical support to ensure businesses are facilitated in having access to credit facilities to assist a return to a more regular trading environment. It will provide an 80% guarantee on lending to SMEs until the end of this year. The guarantee can be used for a wide range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million that have a maximum term of 6 years or less.
The Scheme will be available to all SME sectors, including primary producers and will have interest rates below current market rates. The implementation of this Scheme will require legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.
Refinancing of existing debts are excluded from the current Credit Guarantee Scheme as the purpose of this Scheme is to facilitate additional lending into the economy. Such arrangements continue to be dealt with by banks under their current lending arrangements.
The new Scheme is expected to include overdrafts and short-term re-financing facilities, the terms of which are currently under discussion with the financial providers.
I can assure the Deputy that I continue to work with my colleagues across Government to examine further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19.
419. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason capital and interest is payable under the new €2 billion credit guarantee scheme from the start in view of the fact that the UK scheme allows for a window of 12 months for interest and capital repayments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8286/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the Covid-19 crisis began, Government has worked to put in place a suite of supports to ensure appropriate financing is available to businesses that have been impacted by the outbreak or by the restrictions that have been put in place to mitigate the spread of the disease.
The Government on 2 May announced a new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme as a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) already available from AIB, BOI and Ulster Bank.
This Scheme forms a major component of the government’s strategy to aid SMEs in these difficult times by providing critical support to ensure businesses are facilitated in having access to credit facilities to assist a return to a more regular trading environment. It will provide an 80% guarantee on lending to SMEs until the end of this year, for terms between 3 months and 6 years. The guarantee can be used for a wide range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million that have a maximum term of 6 years or less.
The implementation of this Scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has been approved by Government, and my officials are working with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on this drafting.
There are significant advantages to operating loan guarantee schemes through participating financial providers. This allows the Government to leverage existing commercial lending infrastructure to provide an efficient mechanism for making competitive lending products available to Covid-19-impacted businesses. The guarantee structure ensures that eligible applicants to the schemes represent a reduced risk to the participating lender, which in turn ensures access to appropriate financing for more businesses.
However, the operation of these loan schemes through the financial providers also means that interest is a feature of the loans, as some interest must be charged by the lenders to cover overheads and capital costs if they are to continue to work with Government. The new Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme will however, have interest rates below current market rates.
My officials are currently working through the operational aspects of the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme with various stakeholders and this includes the details of the loans which will be covered by the Scheme. I assure the Deputy that I continue to work with my colleagues across Government to examine necessary supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19.
420. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the guarantee charge being applied by the State under the new €2 billion credit guarantee scheme; the reason for such a fee in view of the fact that in the UK no such charge exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8287/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I announced on Saturday 2 May, Government has agreed a new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme as a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available from AIB, BOI and Ulster Bank. This Scheme forms a major component of the government’s strategy to aid SMEs in these difficult times by providing critical support to ensure businesses are facilitated in having access to credit facilities to assist a return to a more regular trading environment. It will provide an 80% guarantee on lending to SMEs until the end of this year. The guarantee can be used for a wide range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million that have a maximum term of 6 years or less.
The Scheme will be available to all SME sectors, including primary producers and will have interest rates below current market rates. The implementation of this Scheme will require legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.
The borrower also pays a premium which partially covers the cost of providing the guarantee. State Aid rules for Government credit guarantees require that a premium be charged and makes no provision for a zero-value premium. This Scheme will require approval from the European Commission under the ‘Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak’. My officials are working closely with DG Competition to ensure that this approval can be secured in a timely fashion.
I can assure the Deputy that I continue to work with my colleagues across Government to examine further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19.
421. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the rules for the current working capital scheme; the reason loans under the scheme are to be up to only three years; if she is considering increasing same; if so, if it will require primary legislation for the change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8288/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme was announced on 11 March and opened for eligibility applications on 23 March. The Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme is offered in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The scheme is operated by the SBCI and is supported by the European Investment Fund's InnovFin SME Guarantee facility.
It currently makes available a fund of up to €200m to eligible businesses that have been negatively affected by impacts arising from the outbreak of Covid-19 to enable those businesses to innovate, change or adapt in response to the current business environment. Following a further announcement on April 8 this Scheme is now being expanded to make available an additional €250 million in lending, which will bring the total amount of lending available under this scheme to €450 million.
The scheme is open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees) negatively impacted by Covid-19. Loans under the scheme range from €25,000 to €1.5m and are for periods of up to three years. The maximum interest rate under the scheme is 4% and loans of up to €500,000 are available unsecured.
Full information on the terms and structure of the scheme is available through the SBCI’s Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme webpage.
The three-year term for loans under the scheme was determined by the scheme’s objectives as a working capital loan scheme to facilitate businesses as they seek to innovate, change or adapt in response to a changing business environment. Three years is typically the outside limit for what is considered “working capital.” Any proposed change to the scheme would require renegotiation between Government Departments, the SBCI, the European Investment Bank and the participating lenders, would take time to implement and would incur additional Exchequer costs.
Furthermore, loan approvals at bank level are subject to the bank's own credit policies and procedures, and longer loan terms for working capital would attract higher risk ratings, resulting in less businesses being approved for loans through the scheme.
Funding for terms of longer than three years is available through a number of other Government schemes, including from MicroFinance Ireland, the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Future Growth Loan Scheme.
422. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the rules for the current working capital scheme; the reason for the innovation test; if she is considering changing same; if so, if it will require primary legislation for the change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8292/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Government has worked rapidly to ensure that appropriate supports are in place to help businesses address issues arising from the outbreak or the measures put in place to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
The SBCI Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme was announced on 11 March and opened for eligibility applications on 23 March. This scheme is offered in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The scheme is operated by the SBCI and is supported by the European Investment Fund's InnovFin SME Guarantee facility.
It currently makes available a fund of up to €200m to eligible businesses that have been negatively affected by impacts arising from the outbreak of Covid-19 to enable those businesses to innovate, change or adapt in response to the current business environment. Following a further announcement on April 8 this Scheme is now being expanded to make available an additional €250 million in lending, which will bring the total amount of lending available under this scheme to €450 million.
The scheme is open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees) negatively impacted by Covid-19. Loans under the scheme range from €25,000 to €1.5m and are for periods of up to three years. The maximum interest rate under the scheme is 4% and loans of up to €500,000 are available unsecured.
More detailed information on the rules of the scheme are available through the SBCI’s Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme webpage.
As is noted above, the scheme is supported by the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility; the innovation criteria under the scheme are a prerequisite of this guarantee facility. However, I would emphasise that the innovation requirement under the scheme is not an onerous one. As of the most recent reports on the scheme's uptake, less than 0.5% of applicants for eligibility under the scheme have been deemed ineligible.
I am conscious that some applicants may find the innovation criteria intimidating, and so officials of my Department and the SBCI are engaging with the EIF on the potential to simplify these requirements. I would also note that there is support in place to help businesses through their application. The SBCI maintains a phone and email helpdesk that can assist businesses as they apply, including with any questions around the innovation criteria.
423. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to extend the powers of the Health and Safety Authority to facilitate it to immediately shut down businesses or work sites that are found to be in breach of safety measures relating to Covid-19 that could put workers at risk or are in breach of the Return to Work Safely Protocol; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8293/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra424. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to address concerns regarding the ability of the Health and Safety Authority to visit sites unannounced due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8294/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 423 and 424 together.
The national Return to Work Safely Protocol is designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol should be used by all workplaces to adapt their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures identified as necessary by the HSE and the Department of Health. It is operating in parallel with existing workplace health and safety statutory requirements.
I would emphasise that, in the first instance, employers and workers have a responsibility to actively and jointly take responsibility for applying, and adhering to, the procedures and practices set out in the Protocol designed to protect the health and safety of all concerned.
The Health and Safety Authority is the lead Agency in relation to oversight and compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol. Under the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, the Health and Safety Authority has full powers to oversee compliance with the health, safety and wellbeing of workers in their place of work, which includes the closure of a workplace. While COVID-19 is a public health issue, the infectious nature of the virus and the way in which it is easily transmitted through humancontact, makes it a workplace health and safety issue as well as a general health matter. Neither health, safety nor welfare are narrowly defined in the 2005 Act, so the HSA has all of the powers that it needs at this time.
Since 18 May 2020, in line with Phase 1 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, the Health and Safety Authority launched a national programme of inspections to check compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol. The majority of HSA inspections are unannounced however due to the fact that workplaces may have different working arrangements in place to protect against COVID-19, the Health and Safety Authority may need in a number of cases to arrange a suitable time to visit to ensure the availability of key personnel. Once on site, the inspector will check for compliance against the Protocol and where there is a breach of a statutory obligation, the inspector based on the evidence and their expert opinion will determine what enforcement action may be needed. Where relevant, the public health authorities will be involved.
425. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports available for businesses which set up in 2020 and did not receive a commercial rates invoice from the local authority in respect of the restart grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8295/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday, 15 May 2020 the Government announced details of the new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures; with the grant being administered by local authorities from Friday 22 May 2020.
Eligible businesses who have stayed open throughout the crisis, as well as those who are reopening under Phase 1 (from 18 May) and Phase 2 (8 June) of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, are encouraged to apply first for the Restart Grant. These applications will be prioritised for payment by the local authorities.
To avail of the Restart Grant, applicants must be a commercial business and be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and:
1. have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ between 1 to 50 people;
2. have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020;
3. commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed;
4. declare the intention to retain employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Subject to the qualifying criteria outlined above, any business that has a commercially rateable premises including those businesses with outstanding rates bills are eligible to make an application if they meet the criteria. The grant will be the amount of the rates demand in respect of calendar year 2019 only, subject to a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.
A recently established company that has moved into a rateable premises, or any company that is currently in a rateable premises but was not rate-assessed in 2019, is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities and further information is available on the application form. If there are queries that are not addressed on the application form, businesses can contact the Business Support Unit in each local authority.
426. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to meet with an association (details supplied) to discuss measures to maintain public health compliance; her plans to reopen the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8348/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening.
I met with the organisation referred to last week via a conference call. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the re-opening of their sector within the context of the Roadmap.
Pending further announcements on the individual stages of the Roadmap, the Government continues to direct business to the National Return to Work Safely Protocol, which is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html.
The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors under Phase 1 of the Roadmap and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses, such as the organisation referred to, as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.
