Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 7 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1-20

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (1)

Réada Cronin

Ceist:

1. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Taoiseach the number of deaths for March, April and May 2020 compared to the same three months over the past five years; and if there is national collection or classification of data of patients dying with Covid-19 versus of Covid-19 in the same months. [14508/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The data requested by the Deputy is not yet available.All deaths that occur in the State must be registered within 3 months from the date of death; for example, a death that occurred in May 2020 may not be registered until the end of August 2020. Therefore, the information requested is not yet available for comparison purposes to the same periods in the last five years. Furthermore, all deaths involving COVID-19 are reportable to the Coroner's office and are registered on receipt of the Coroner's certificate.

Mortality data is encrypted and received electronically on a weekly basis from the General Registration Office (GRO). Mortality coders in the Central Statistics Office (CSO) then assign an Underlying Cause Of Death (UCOD) code to each mortality record. The UCOD is based on the medical condition(s)/disease(s) reported on the death certificate and this is coded to the WHO International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10. In the case of an unnatural death, the UCOD is based on the verdict of the Coroner and, in some instances, the information returned to the CSO on a Form 104 (i.e. a form completed by a member of An Garda Síochána that attended the death scene). There is, therefore, a time lag between the receipt of the raw data from the GRO and completion of all coding by the CSO and as a result, the publication of quarterly data based on the date of registration of a death is generally 5 months after the end of a given reference period.

The CSO is scheduled to publish Quarter 1 (Q1) 2020 data in August 2020, allowing time for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 deaths to be registered for that quarter, while Quarter 2 (Q2) 2020 data are scheduled for publication in November 2020.An additional information note was also published on the CSO website on the implications of COVID-19 on the processing of death certificates and is available at the following link:

https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/in/vs/informationnoteontheimplicationsofcovid-19ontheprocessingofdeathcertificates/

Consultancy Contracts

Ceisteanna (2)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

2. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the external consultancy organisation or provider which delivered diversity and inclusion training within his Department from 2018 to date; and the costs associated with such services. [14062/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department, in line with the rest of the Civil Service, actively supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In addition to arranging to training on diversity and inclusion related topics, my Department also supports staff attendance at relevant conferences and staff participation in mentoring programmes that promote diversity and inclusion. Diversity and inclusion considerations are also incorporated into other training and development opportunities available to staff including the Department’s Leadership Development Programme for Senior Management, and the suite of training courses available to all staff through OneLearning.

Details of the training courses, conferences and programmes on diversity and inclusion related topics are detailed in the following tables.

2018

Training

Provider

Cost

Unconscious Bias Training for Departmental Staff

CMC Business Psychology Ltd

£973.35

Interview Board Training (including unconscious bias training) - HEO

Carr Communications

€650

Interview Board Training (including unconscious bias training) - EO

Carr Communications

€650

Harmony at Work (Lunch and Learn Session)

Civil Service Employee Assistance Service

0

IMI/30% Cross-Company Mentoring Programme

Irish Management Institute

€2,500

WAM Pre-Placement Training

Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD)

0

2019

Training

Provider

Cost

Interview Board Training (including unconscious bias training) - PO

Carr Communications

€650

Interview Board Training (including unconscious bias training) - AP

Carr Communications

€650

Interview Board Training (including unconscious bias training) - Service Officer

Carr Communications

€650

Interview Board Training (including unconscious bias training) - Press Officer

Carr Communications

€650

IMI/30% Cross-Company Mentoring Programme

Irish Management Institute

€2,000

Conference: Achieving Equality at Work: Reasonable Accommodation in Practice

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

0

Conference: Building inclusive healthy workplace cultures – the power of wellbeing and diversity

Public Affairs Ireland

€325

2020

Training

Provider

Cost

WAM Pre-Placement Training

Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD

0

Departmental Legal Costs

Ceisteanna (3)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

3. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the expenditure his Department incurred in respect of external legal fees in each of the years from 2016 to date in tabular form. [14079/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department incurred no expenditure in respect of external legal fees in the years 2016 to date in 2020

The Moriarty Tribunal of Inquiry and the Commissions of Investigation, which are independent of my Department, have sanction to engage legal counsel, as required, to assist them in their work. All legal services fees are paid at rates approved by the Government.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (4)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

4. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the details of his most recent discussions and engagement with the UK Prime Minister. [14436/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I spoke with Prime Minister Boris Johnson by phone on Tuesday, 30 June. The Prime Minister congratulated me on my appointment and we both looked forward to working together.

We had a constructive discussion that covered the current Covid-19 situation and our respective plans to deal with its impact on the economy, employment and society. We also discussed Brexit, and the negotiations currently taking place between the UK and the EU. We agreed to work closely on Northern Ireland, and on strengthening bilateral relations, especially in the post Brexit era.

We looked forward to meeting in the near future.

Departmental Programmes

Ceisteanna (5)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

5. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach when a unit within his Department will be established to work towards a consensus on a shared island; and the overall remit of the unit. [14497/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As set out in the Programme for Government, a new Shared Island Unit will be established within the Department of the Taoiseach which will use the potential of the Good Friday Agreement to deliver sustained progress for all communities.

This unit will work towards a consensus on a shared island and will examine the political, social, economic and cultural considerations underpinning a future in which all traditions are mutually respected.

Work on its structure, staffing and work programme is underway and I hope that the unit will start its work by the end of the month.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Ceisteanna (6)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

6. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach if he will publish the Departmental briefing paper on his roles, remits and powers afforded to him upon his appointment. [14532/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the role of the Taoiseach is set out in the Constitution, the Ministers and Secretaries Acts and other statutes, no specific briefing paper was prepared on my appointment.

Business Regulation

Ceisteanna (7)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

7. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the potential supports available for a person (details supplied); his views on whether the EU definition of undertaking in difficulty is prohibitive for many businesses such as this one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13724/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The challenges that many businesses face in accessing State supports due to the EU definition of 'Undertakings in Difficulty' is a matter the Department is very much aware. Over the last 2 months, the Department has made a number of formal written submissions to the Commission in relation to the difficulties that arise for enterprises, particularly those high growth/high performance start-ups which technically, under the EU definition, could have been deemed undertakings in difficulty under state aid rules, but are in fact viable going concerns. The State Aid Unit of my Department has raised this issue directly with the EU Commission during recent conference calls and my predecessor, Minister Humphreys, raised it with Commissioner Hogan during a recent conversation.

I therefore very much welcome the announcement by the Commission on 29th June 2020 of its adoption of the 3rd amendment to the Temporary Framework. This amendment allows for support to be granted under the Temporary Framework to micro and small enterprises (up to 50 employees with less than EUR 10M annual turnover and/or annual balance sheet), even if they fall under the category of an undertaking in difficulty on 31 December 2019 provided that they are not subject to collective insolvency procedure under national law and have not received rescue or restructuring aid which has not yet been repaid). Such aid is also intended to increase support possibilities to innovative start-ups in the high growth phase which are micro or small in size.

This amendment will apply retrospectively to schemes already developed under the Temporary Framework, including the EI Sustaining Enterprise Fund.

Employment Rights

Ceisteanna (8, 9, 10, 11, 20, 29, 30)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

8. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the action he plans to take in view of the High Court ruling on sectoral employment orders, SEOs, recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13727/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

9. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will introduce emergency legislation to ameliorate the impact from the recent High Court ruling on the SEO regarding electrician workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13728/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

10. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the action he plans to take in view of the High Court ruling on SEOs recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13729/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

11. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will introduce emergency legislation to ameliorate the impact from the recent High Court ruling on the SEO regarding electrician workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13730/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

20. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to appeal the High Court decision on the electrical contractor's sectoral employment order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13910/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

David Cullinane

Ceist:

29. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to respond to the High Court judicial review ruling on the electrical contractors' SEO and Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015; if a stay on the order will be sought; if an appeal will be sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14126/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

David Cullinane

Ceist:

30. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to amend the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015 in view of the recent High Court judicial review to rectify the deficiencies in the Act as identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14127/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 11, inclusive, 20, 29 and 30 together.

The High Court has ruled that the Sectoral Employment Order (electrical contracting sector) Order (SI 251 of 2019), providing minimum rates of remuneration and other matters for workers in the electrical contracting sector was made ultra vires, that is, outside the powers of the parent legislation. Accordingly, the judge is proposing to set aside the impugned order.

Furthermore, the judge is proposing to make a Declaration that Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Industrial Relations Act 2015 is unconstitutional with regards Article 15.2.1. The High Court found that the construction of the Chapter is too vague to provide appropriate guidance for the circumstances required before the Labour Court can lawfully reach a decision to make a recommendation and its subsequent approval by the Minister and the Houses of Oireachtas. This means that the High Court is of the view that the Chapter in the 2015 Act, which governs the making of a SEO, unlawfully delegates law making powers to authorities outside the Oireachtas.

It is important to note that the ruling does not have legal effect until an Order giving it effect has been made. The parties have 21 days, that is, up to 14 July, to make their replies to the Court. My officials, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, are giving the ruling careful consideration and what the appropriate next steps are.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (12)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

12. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will address a matter raised in correspondence from a person (details supplied) on guidelines for reopening business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13758/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On June 19th the Government, having considered the expert public health advice provided by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), approved the rephasing of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. Apart from some exceptions, most sectors have been brought forward to Phase 3, which began on Monday 29th June. Under the rephased Roadmap, all indoor and outdoor amenities for children can now reopen, subject to the limits on the number of attendees at indoor and outdoor gatherings. Full details are available at www.gov.ie

It is recommended that those organising children's parties of the type referred to carry out a risk assessment before reopening to manage the public health risk for their customers, attendees, participants and staff. The HPSC Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for these sectors can assist with this.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is the primary guide for businesses in 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, an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol in the workplace. If further guidance is needed on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (13)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

13. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the restart grant will be extended to sole traders and other businesses that do not pay commercial rates (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13792/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Restart Grant support is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for commercial firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help those businesses to continue trading and to maintain employment.

This package is a significant step-up in the supports available for all businesses in all sectors at this very difficult time and the measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise. They are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need and are targeted at vulnerable but viable companies.

The former Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty on 25 June announced that the Department’s Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. A fund of €12m has been allocated for the extension of this grant.

The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.

All Covid 19 business supports and Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate, including adaptations to the phased opening of our economy. In that regard, I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19. Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable under the EU’s state aid framework and this analysis will be a key input to our consideration of additional measures that may be warranted as part of the Government's July Recovery Plan.

Full details on all COVID19 supports for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (14)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

14. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports available to sole traders affected by Covid-19, in particular those that do not pay rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13800/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Restart Grant support is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for commercial firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help those businesses to continue trading and to maintain employment.

This package is a significant step-up in the supports available for all businesses in all sectors at this very difficult time and the measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise. They are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need and are targeted at vulnerable but viable companies.

On 25 June it was announced that the Department of Social Protection’s Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. A fund of €12m has been allocated for the extension of this grant.

The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.

Any eligible business, including the self-employed, can apply for the following supports. The most appropriate support will depend on the characteristics of the business.

MicroFinance Ireland can provide loans of up to €50,000 as an immediate measure to specifically deal with exceptional circumstances that micro-enterprises – (any business -Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m)- are facing.

Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. Training programmes are free of charge and places can be booked online, through your Local Enterprise Office.

For existing companies and potential start-ups that meet eligibility criteria (such as employing 10 or fewer people with the potential for growth and job creation), Local Enterprise Offices can also offer financial supports to help manage current market challenges such as Business Priming Grants, Business Expansion Grants, Feasibility Study Grants and Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters Grant.

All Covid 19 business supports and Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate, including adaptations to the phased opening of our economy. The Government is examining further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19 as we prepare the forthcoming Recovery Plan and any suggestions the Deputy has in this regard would be most welcome.

Full details on all COVID19 supports for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (15)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

15. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the specific supports, including financial supports and guidelines or advice provided to those working as taxi drivers or chauffeurs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13801/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government has introduced a €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs. Full details on all COVID19 supports for business are available at:

https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

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.

There are a number of loan schemes which have been put in place to assist businesses. Any eligible business, including the self-employed, can apply for the following supports. The most appropriate support will depend on the characteristics of the business.

MicroFinance Ireland can provide loans of up to €50,000 as an immediate measure to specifically deal with exceptional circumstances that micro-enterprises (any business, Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m) are facing.

The Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme is open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees) and is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is supported by the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility.

The Future Growth Loan Scheme open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps currently makes loans available with a term of 8-10 years and is operated by (SBCI) through participating lenders.

The new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to aid SMEs is a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available. The Scheme will be available to all SME sectors. The implementation of this Scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.

Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. Training programmes are free of charge and places can be booked online, through your Local Enterprise Office.

On June 25th it was announced that the Department of Social Protection’s Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. This will provide business owners with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. A fund of €12m has been allocated for the extension of this grant. The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.

The National Transport Authority, as taxi industry regulator, has updates on the latest industry news and advice

https://www.nationaltransport.ie/taxi/publications-and-regulations/latest-news-and-industry-updates/.

The Government is examining all appropriate business supports to assist enterprises, including self-employed service providers, impacted by Covid-19, as we prepare the forthcoming Recovery Plan.

My colleague, Minister Eamon Ryan T.D., Minister for Transport may be able to provide more specific guidance on supports for the transport sector, and in particular taxi and private chauffeur providers.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (16)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

16. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the precise amount distributed to each local authority for the restart grant by local authority in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13828/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government has allocated €250m for the Restart Grant Scheme.

A funding tranche of €200m was made immediately to the 31 local authorities, collectively, to meet the initial applications from qualifying businesses associated with Phases 1 and 2 of the Government’s Roadmap for the re-opening of the business sector .

The Scheme is subject to ongoing review and oversight by my Department in the context of potential further grant aid and the liquidity challenges faced by microenterprises and SMEs.

I have set out in the following table the amounts advanced to each Local Authority:

Breakdown of €200m advance on Restart Grant by Local Authority

LOCAL AUTHORITY

ALLOCATION

Carlow

€2,669,080

Cavan

€3,251,425

Clare

€5,638,513

Cork City

€12,014,139

Cork County

€15,885,944

Donegal

€7,402,598

Dublin City

€26,681,619

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

€7,679,343

Fingal

€8,043,964

Galway City

€4,984,031

Galway County

€6,559,248

Kerry

€7,483,917

Kildare

€6,678,602

Kilkenny

€3,757,697

Laois

€2,510,378

Leitrim

€1,429,630

Limerick

€8,756,156

Longford

€1,884,751

Louth

€5,902,142

Mayo

€5,601,789

Meath

€6,201,184

Monaghan

€3,251,425

Offaly

€3,357,663

Roscommon

€2,759,580

Sligo

€3,007,469

South Dublin

€9,095,857

Tipperary

€7,114,049

Waterford

€5,314,551

Westmeath

€4,135,434

Wexford

€5,974,280

Wicklow

€4,973,539

Total

€200,000,000

Work Permits

Ceisteanna (17)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

17. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if consideration will be given to an application for a work permit in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13844/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that there is no current application for an employment permit for the named person (details supplied) or that person's spouse.

In order to apply for an employment permit a non-EEA national must have secured a job offer for an eligible occupation from an Irish registered employer. An application for an employment permit by the named person (or spouse) will be considered should such an application be made, subject to the application fulfilling all relevant criteria.

Details on how to apply for an employment permit are available on my Department's website at the following link - https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/

In order to assist with the application process, my Department has produced a suite of information including various checklist documents, a ‘User Guide' to our online application system and a comprehensive FAQ Document which answers the most common queries received regarding employment permits. All this information can be found in the Employment Permit section of my Department’s website at www.dbei.gov.ie.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (18)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

18. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the business supports available that are specific to the taxi and small private bus hire sector in the context of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13849/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government has introduced a €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs. Full details on all COVID19 supports for business are available at:

https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

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.

There are a number of loan schemes which have been put in place to assist businesses. Any eligible business, including the self-employed, can apply for the following supports. The most appropriate support will depend on the characteristics of the business.

MicroFinance Ireland can provide loans of up to €50,000 as an immediate measure to specifically deal with exceptional circumstances that micro-enterprises – (any business -Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m)- are facing.

The Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme open to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps (businesses of up to 499 employees) is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is supported by the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility.

The new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to aid SMEs is a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme already available. The Scheme will be available to all SME sectors. The implementation of this Scheme will require primary legislation, the drafting of which has commenced.

Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. Training programmes are free of charge and places can be booked online, through your Local Enterprise Office.

On June 25th it was announced that the Department of Social Protection's Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. This will provide business owners with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. A fund of €12m has been allocated for the extension of this grant. The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.

The Government is examining all such appropriate business supports to assist enterprises, including self-employed service providers, impacted by Covid-19, as we develop the forthcoming Recovery Plan.

My colleague, Minister Eamon Ryan T.D., Minister for Transport may be able to provide more specific guidance on supports for the transport sector, and in particular taxi and private bus operators.

Employment Rights

Ceisteanna (19)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

19. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the removal of a sectoral employment order setting out pay rates, pension and sick pay entitlements in the electrical industry will have consequences for the rest of the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13864/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The High Court has ruled that the Sectoral Employment Order (electrical contracting sector) Order (SI 251 of 2019), providing minimum rates of remuneration and other matters for workers in the electrical contracting sector was made ultra vires, that is, outside the powers of the parent legislation. Accordingly, the judge is proposing to set aside the impugned order.

Furthermore, the judge is proposing to make a Declaration that Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Industrial Relations Act 2015 is unconstitutional with regards Article 15.2.1. The High Court found that the construction of the Chapter is too vague to provide appropriate guidance for the circumstances required before the Labour Court can lawfully reach a decision to make a Recommendation and its subsequent approval by the Minister and the Houses of Oireachtas. This means that the High Court is of the view that the Chapter in the 2015 Act, which governs the making of a SEO, unlawfully delegates law making powers to authorities outside the Oireachtas.

It should be noted however, that the operation of other employment rights frameworks protect existing wages and other terms and conditions of existing workers.

It is also important to note that the ruling does not have legal effect until an Order giving it effect has been made. The parties have 21 days, that is, up to 14 July, to make their replies to the Court. My officials, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, are giving the ruling careful consideration and the appropriate next steps.

Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 8.
Barr
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