Written Answers Nos. 52-72
52. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the controls in place to ensure that the commission of investigation into the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation will achieve its objective in a timely and cost-effective manner. [14716/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe IBRC Commission is fully independent and it is solely a matter for the Commission to carry out its investigation in a timely and cost effective manner. Neither I or my Department have any input or role in the operations of the Commission.
The IBRC Commission was established in June 2015 by a Government Order which was approved in draft by the Dail and Seanad, with terms of reference set following consultations with Opposition representatives. Judge Brian Cregan is the Commission’s Sole Member.
As required under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, at the time of the Commission’s establishment my Department published in Iris Oifigiúil a Statement of Costs and Timeframe in relation to the Commission. The Statement of Costs and Timeframe indicated that it was expected the Commission would report by the end of 2015, subject to section 6 (6) of the Act, and that the estimated salary costs, legal fees and administrative costs for the Commission in 2015 was €4 million.
The Statement of Costs and Timeframe also made it clear that third party costs might arise and that guidelines concerning third party costs would be prepared. In this regard the Commission’s Legal Costs Guidelines were subsequently agreed and have also been published.
Since the Commission was established, Judge Cregan has requested multiple extensions to its deadline for reporting on the Siteserv transaction in the Interim Reports he has provided my predecessors as Taoiseach under section 33 (3) of the Act.
On each of these occasions, consultations took place between my predecessors and Opposition representatives to discuss the issues arising in the Commission’s Interim Reports, including the request for extensions by the Commission and the estimated increase in costs, before such extensions were granted.
Most recently, in February 2020 Judge Cregan requested a further extension of the Commission’s deadline for reporting in relation to the Siteserv transaction until the end of 2020. In view of the pressures arising in relation to Covid-19 and talks on the formation of a new Government, the Commission’s timeframe for reporting was extended until end-June and then end-September 2020 pending consultation with Oireachtas representatives, which I hope to arrange shortly.
From the date of its establishment to 8th July 2020, the IBRC Commission spent a total of €7,990,162, excluding third party legal costs that have been incurred but not yet paid. The Commission has estimated that the final cost of the completion of the first module of its investigation, will be from €11 - €14 million. However, this estimate assumes the investigation is completed in accordance with the timetable stated by the Commission and excludes costs or delays associated with judicial review hearings. The Commission also acknowledges that it involves a substantial degree of uncertainty regarding the amount of costs actually recoverable by parties before the Commission, and it assumes the Commission’s Legal Costs Guidelines are not successfully challenged. My Department has given its view on many occasions, including in briefings with Oireachtas representatives, that the final cost is likely to significantly exceed the Commission’s estimate, and could exceed €30m.
53. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Taoiseach when updated data will be released by electoral division further to the release of Covid-19 cases up to 12 June 2020 by electoral division by the Central Statistics Office. [14815/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID-19 deaths and cases series published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) aims to provide insights on those who have either died or contracted COVID-19, by using data from the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting (CIDR) provided to the CSO by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
The Electoral Division map published in bulletin 5 on 19 June 2020 detailed the geographic distribution of cases up to 12 June 2020.
Under the Statistics Act 1993 the CSO is obliged to ensure individuals are not directly or indirectly identifiable in data published by the Office. While the number of weekly cases remains low the CSO has no plans to update this map.
54. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a copy of the departmental briefings received by him and each Minister of State in his Department upon taking up each individual role. [14853/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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. Any statutory functions to be carried out by the Ministers of State in my Department will be delegated to them by way of Government Order.
55. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the super junior Minister of State who will not be receiving the extra supplementary payment for sitting at the Cabinet table. [14898/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis matter is under review and a decision has not yet been made.
56. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the details of his advisers; and the salaries and remuneration they will each receive. [14922/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHaving appointed Ministers and Ministers of State to their various portfolios across Government, I am also considering the advisory supports that I might need in my role as Taoiseach and Head of Government. While I have not as yet fully finalised the make-up of my team, it currently consists of a Chief of Staff at Deputy Secretary level, a Deputy Chief of Staff at Assistant Secretary level and 3 Special Advisers at Principal Officer level. It is also my intention to shortly appoint an adviser with relevant expertise on economic policy.
It should be noted that all of the above appointments are subject to Government approval and relevant contracts will be laid before the Oireachtas in due course.
57. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the additional roles and changes being put in place in the offices of An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport that were not in place previously; and the amount the roles and changes will cost in each area in tabular form. [14984/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the Programme for Government, a number of reforms will be implemented in order to ensure openness and constructive co-operation within government. These include the establishment of an Office of the Tánaiste and an Office of the Leader of the Green Party within the Department of the Taoiseach, located in Government Buildings. The purpose of these offices is to support both the Tánaiste and the Leader of the Green Party in the coordination and implementation of policy within Government. While the details of the roles and staffing of these offices have not been finalised, it is anticipated that, in addition to civil service support, the Office of the Tánaiste will consist of approximately 5 or 6 Special Advisers and the Office of the Leader of the Green Party will consist of approximately 4 or 5 Special Advisers. Appointments to these offices will be made in line with the Public Service Management Act, 1997.
58. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken with the President of the United States of America since his appointment as Taoiseach. [15061/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach the Heads of Government in the European Union he has spoken with since his appointment; and the nature of those discussions. [15062/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra60. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach his counterparts he has spoken to since his appointment as Taoiseach. [15269/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 58 to 60, inclusive, together.
Since taking office I have spoken with a number of EU leaders including: President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Portuguese Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, and President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda.
I also spoke with the EU’s Chief Negotiator on Brexit, Michel Barnier and with Commission Vice President, Maros Sefcovic.
Discussions covered current EU issues including: developments in relation to Covid19; the proposed ‘Next Generation EU’ recovery fund; the Union’s budget for 2021-27, the MFF; Brexit, including negotiations of the EU’s future relationship with the UK and implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
I also spoke with UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, including on Covid19 and respective plans to ensure economic and social recovery; Brexit; and our shared commitment to the Good Friday Agreement.
I have also spoken with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, and the first and Deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill.
I have not spoken with the President of the United States of America since my appointment as Taoiseach.
61. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the number of tribunals, public investigations and commissions of investigations in process; the length of time each has been under way; when each will conclude; the cost to date of each; and the estimated cost of each at completion. [15534/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe two Commissions of Investigation for which I am the specified Minister under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 are the NAMA Commission of Investigation, for which Judge John Cooke is the Sole Member, and the IBRC Commission of Investigation, for which Judge Brian Cregan is the Sole Member. Both Commissions are fully independent in their investigations.
The NAMA Commission of investigation was established by Government Order on 13 June 2017 following consultation with Oireachtas parties. In June 2020 the Commission was granted an extension of its deadline for reporting on the initial phase of its work until the end of September 2020. From the date of its establishment to 8 July 2020, the NAMA Commission has spent a total of €2,592,934. My Department originally estimated that the final cost of the Commission, including third party legal costs was likely to be approximately €10m.
The IBRC Commission of investigation was established by Government Order on 16 June 2015, following consultation with Oireachtas parties. Its timeframe was subsequently extended on a number of occasions following consultation with Oireachtas parties. In February 2020 Judge Cregan requested an extension of the Commission’s deadline for reporting in relation to the Siteserv transaction until the end of 2020. In view of the pressures arising in relation to Covid-19 and talks on the formation of a new Government, the Commission’s timeframe for reporting was extended until end-June and then end-September 2020 pending consultation with Oireachtas representatives.
From the date of its establishment to 8th July 2020, the IBRC Commission spent a total of €7,990,162, excluding third party legal costs that have been incurred but not yet paid. The Commission has estimated that the final cost of the completion of the first module of its investigation, will be from €11 - €14 million. However, this estimate assumes the investigation is completed in accordance with the timetable stated by the Commission and excludes costs or delays associated with judicial review hearings. The Commission also acknowledges that it involves a substantial degree of uncertainty regarding the amount of costs actually recoverable by parties before the Commission, and it assumes the Commission’s Legal Costs Guidelines are not successfully challenged. My Department has given its view on many occasions, including in briefings with Oireachtas representatives, that the final cost is likely to significantly exceed the Commission’s estimate, and could exceed €30m.
The Deputy will also wish to note that the Moriarty Tribunal was established in 1997 and published its Final Report in March 2011.
Following publication of that Report, the Tribunal remains in place with a reduced legal and administrative staff to deal with outstanding legal matters and wind it down to a conclusion.
Total expenditure by my Department from the establishment of the Moriarty Tribunal in 1997 to date is €65.509 million.
62. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach if planning for phase 4 of the revised Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business retains social distancing measures; if further detail will be provided on planning for phase 4; and when the general public will be advised of the measures that will follow phase 4. [15875/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out a framework and processes for assessing how we can keep the level of transmission of the virus as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions proportionately with the positive social and economic benefits which can accrue from the lifting of restrictions.
Phase 4 is due to commence on July 20th, subject to Government approval. Government will meet this week to consider phase 4 measures and will advise the public of any decisions thereafter.
It is necessary to adapt to the reality of living for the foreseeable future in the context of this prevailing global pandemic, living our lives in new and different ways. Personal behaviour changes such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, physical distancing, appropriate use of face coverings, avoiding crowds and knowing the symptoms are even more important now and into the future, not only to guard against the spread of the COVID-19 virus as the restrictive measures are eased, but also to protect against the spread of respiratory and many other infectious diseases. Limiting our social interactions is crucial to preventing the spread of the virus. Personal responsibility and judgement are more important than ever.
It is also important that there is a continued commitment from across society - from all arms of the State, organisations, employers, businesses and individuals - to work together to collectively promote and adhere to the core public health principles.
Beyond phase four, Government will continue to focus on a clear consistent sustained accessible risk communication strategy with the public and other key groups, to continually re-emphasise collective behaviours and solidarity in limiting the spread of infection for the foreseeable future and support the desired behavioural change through ongoing communication and education initiatives.
The Department of Health will continue to closely monitor the epidemiology of the disease and advise Government accordingly.
63. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to improve farm safety nationally. [14909/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe agriculture sector, unfortunately, remains one of the most high-risk sectors in terms of workplace fatalities and injuries. So far this year, of the twenty-nine workplace fatalities reported to the Health and Safety Authority fourteen have been in that sector and tragically, three of these involved young children.
The agriculture sector is different to other sectors in a number of aspects. Farms as well as being workplaces are usually homes with children and the elderly also living on the farm. Many farmers are part time or have employment off the farm.
The Health and Safety Authority has an extensive agriculture health and safety programme which focusses on the provision of advice, guidance, e-tools and educational supports as well as inspections and investigations. This programme is completed in a collaborative manner with key farming stakeholder groups and relevant Government Departments and State Agencies. The focus of these efforts is to put measures in place that can prevent the high levels of injuries and fatalities in the agriculture sector.
In the past few weeks, the Health and Safety Authority ran a Farm Safety Media Campaign, designed to promote the farm safety message, particularly regarding tractor safety, through TV, Radio, Farming Press and social media platforms. The Health and Safety Authority also participated in TV interviews focusing firstly on child safety on farms during the COVID lockdown and, secondly, in response to examples of poor behaviour by young farmers featuring on social media. It also conducted a specific Livestock Safety Campaign in the first quarter 2020 during which 340 Livestock Safety inspections were carried out in addition to routine inspections.
With the announcement of Government restrictions due to COVID-19, the Health and Safety Authority continued to investigate farm fatalities, but proactive farm safety inspections were suspended. In recent weeks, the inspectors of the Health and Safety Authority have focussed inspections on sectors and businesses reopening post-lockdown with a particular emphasis on compliance issues relating to the Return to Work Safely Protocol.
However, the Health and Safety Authority are now resuming routine inspections across all sectors, including agriculture, and in that regard, are running a farm safety campaign from 13 July for two weeks focusing on tractor and machinery safety. Many other major stakeholders are also involved in Farm Safety Week which is industry led and will run from Monday 20 July. This 2-week campaign will be supported by media advertising including social media.
The Health and Safety Authority and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will co-fund a farm safety media campaign involving TV, Radio and print media on farm safety later this year. In addition, the Health and Safety Authority will work in close co-operation with Minister Heydon and colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in order to continue efforts to improve safety on farms.
The Health and Safety Authority is also finalising a New Farm Safety Strategy (2021-2023). This strategy will focus on developing a “safety culture” within the agriculture sector by establishing safety norms through education and awareness raising.
64. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a report on Irish involvement in the Horizon 2020 programme has been commissioned; if so, when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15119/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorizon 2020 is the EU Programme to support Research and Innovation. It is one of seven flagship initiatives in Europe 2020, the European Union’s ten-year jobs and growth strategy. Horizon 2020 is the eighth Framework Programme (FP8) developed by the European Commission. The Programme has a budget of €75 billion and runs from 2014 to 2020.
An interim evaluation of Ireland's participation in Horizon 2020, along with an ex-post evaluation of Ireland's participation in the 7th Framework Programme was published by my Department in July 2016, and is available on my Department's website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Evaluations-of-Irelands-participation-in-FP7-and-Horizon-2020.html.
It is planned to commission an ex-post review of Ireland's participation in Horizon 2020 once the programme has concluded, likely in 2021. Ireland continues to perform strongly in the programme, with more than €950 million awarded to researchers and companies based in Ireland to date.
65. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of establishments investigated by the HSA for breaches of guidelines on return to work since 29 June 2020 by county and business activity in tabular form. [15132/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, there is a whole of Government approach to monitoring compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol. The Health and Safety Authority inspectorate has been supplemented by approximately 500 other inspectors from across the system to monitor the application of the Return to Work Safely Protocol. These additional inspectors are drawn from the Workplace Relations Commission, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Environmental Health Officers employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and they are checking compliance with the Protocol as part of their normal inspection duties.
Since the start of Phase 3, which included the reopening of the hospitality and tourism sectors, the Environment Health Officers have been particularly active checking businesses in these sectors. I am pleased that a high level of compliance has been reported. In total up to the 8th of July, which is the latest information available, over 6,500 Return to Work Safely inspections were completed by the combined inspectorate. Over 1,400 of these were completed between 29th of June and the 8th of July and many of these inspections focused on the food and tourism sector. Inspection figures are provided at aggregate level on a weekly basis.
In terms of the HSA specifically, overall since the economy reopened to the 8th of July the Authority has carried out 2,236 Return to Work Safely inspections. A sectoral breakdown for the HSA COVID19 inspections for the period in question is attached.
Details of HSA inspections and investigations per economic sector between the week of 29 th of June and the 8 th of July is set out below;
|
SECTOR |
NUMBER |
|
Construction |
101 |
|
Retail and Wholesale etc. |
48 |
|
Manufacturing |
36 |
|
Transport and Storage |
19 |
|
Agriculture |
12 |
|
Healthcare and Social care |
4 |
|
Professional and technical services |
4 |
|
Accommodation and Food |
3 |
|
Other Business sectors |
22 |
|
Total |
249 |
66. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the support for the Mercosur trade deal. [15566/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June 2019, the EU reached political agreement in their trade negotiations with the Mercosur region (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay). The EU-Mercosur Agreement is the EU’s largest trade deal to date. The Agreement covers a population of over 770 million with trade in goods and services valued at €122 billion. It aims to reduce and, in some areas, eliminate trade tariffs between the EU and the Mercosur region. In 2019, Ireland exported approximately €0.5 billion worth of goods to the Mercosur region. In 2018 – the latest year for which data is available – services exports to Mercosur totalled almost €1.3 billion. Irish goods exports to Mercosur have grown on average by 2% annually and Mercosur accounts for 0.3% of total Irish goods exports in 2019.
It is anticipated that the EU-Mercosur Agreement will allow Irish exporters to expand faster and will open opportunities across a wide range of sectors – in business services, chemicals, machinery, medical devices and processed food and dairy. The Agreement once ratified, will see a significant reduction or elimination of tariffs and barriers to trade that will allow a cross flow of trading and investment between Ireland and the rest of the EU, and the Mercosur region. The EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement will make exports from Ireland more attractive and potentially increase the demand for Irish products.
The Programme for Government Our Shared Future committed the Government to an Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment of the EU-Mercosur trade deal. That Impact Assessment will produce both a robust analysis of the potential economic impacts as well as the social, human rights and environmental impacts that the trade agreement offers. It will also include a wide-ranging consultation process and engagement with relevant stakeholders and is being produced by an independent economic consultancy firm with the aim of helping to inform future decisions by Government on the Agreement.
I might add that European Trade Commissioner, Phil Hogan, recently reported to the European Parliament's "INTA" International Trade Committee that the final legal texts of the Agreement have been reviewed by lawyers from both parties, a process called “legal scrubbing”, and that the final document will now be translated into the various EU and Mercosur languages, a process that is estimated will be completed by October. After this, the Agreement will be submitted by the Commission to the EU Council for the approval of EU Member States and to the European Parliament. My Department's intention, working in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, is for Government to have the aforementioned Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment available to us to assist our decision-making on the Agreement in the Autumn.
67. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he is taking to support remote working within his Department, its agencies and through the funding supports provided to business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15636/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs our country enters a new normal, remote working is now more important than ever. Last December my Department published the Remote Work in Ireland report. This outlined the prevalence and types of remote working in existence in Ireland. It also identified influencing factors on the part of both employers and employees.
One of the findings of the report was the need for further guidance for employers and employees. My Department is now working to deliver guidance that will fill that need. An Interdepartmental Group, consisting of relevant departments and agencies, has been formed to steer the delivery of this guidance.
The ‘Guidance for Working Remotely during COVID-19' webpage is a central access point for all of the Government guidance currently available on remote working. It allows employers and employees to navigate the existing guidance easily and helps to inform those working from home during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week we launched a public consultation on remote working guidance. This consultation will help us to understand what remote working issues are most pressing for employers and employees. The submissions that we receive will allow us to identify areas where further guidance can be provided and will also shape future remote working policy. I encourage all interested parties to take part in this consultation, the full details of which can be found on my Department’s website. It is open until August 7th.
Following the results of the consultation, we will work to further refine the current remote working guidance. This work will be completed later this year.
Remote working is also an important part of the work of the enterprise agencies. For example, Enterprise Ireland’s regional plan, ‘Powering the Regions’ emphasises the importance of smart working and commits to the creation of co-working spaces. To date, Enterprise Ireland has invested over €180 million in Enterprise Centres, Incubator Hubs and shared office space.
IDA Ireland are also aware of the potential business benefits of remote working. In collaboration with Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (ETB), SOLAS and Grow Remote, the IDA have recently launched two new online national training programmes in response to COVID-19. These courses aim to develop the capability and capacity of current remote workers, future remote workers and line managers nationally.
Through all of these initiatives, my Department aims to facilitate the further development of remote working in our country.
68. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the restart grant will be extended to sole traders who do not pay local authority rates in view of the fact that they could not and did not trade due to the effect of the Covid-19 crisis on their business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14736/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart Grant is just one part of a wider assistance package for business and 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. Within the funding available, the priority has been to assist those who have suffered most, including closure of the business, but whom will still have incurred ongoing costs.
All COVID-19 Business 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 how best to further assist businesses impacted by Covid-19 as part of the forthcoming Jobs Recovery Plan.
Full details on all COVID19 measures for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
My former colleague, the then Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty announced on 25 June 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. 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 COVID19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.
Currently, any business (Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company) with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m may apply to Microfinance Ireland for funding from €5,000 – €50,000 where the business is not in a position to avail of finance from Banks and other commercial lending providers. The loan incurs 0% interest for the first six months and Zero repayments. Thereafter a reduced interest rate of 4.5% APR applies to loans applied for through the Local Enterprise Office.
69. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a copy of the departmental briefings received by him and each Minister of State in his Department upon taking up the role of Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14796/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe briefing for the new Minister prepared by my Department will be published on my Department's website in the coming days.
70. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the financial supports available for self-employed persons, including taxi drivers, to assist them getting back to work post Covid-19. [14834/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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/
Any eligible business, including the self-employed, can apply for the following supports:
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.
My former colleague, the then Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty announced on 25 June 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. 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 COVID19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.
I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine further assistance to the self-employed, including taxis, impacted by COVID 19 and we will be bringing forward an ambitious July stimulus package shortly.
My colleague, Minister Eamon Ryan T.D., Minister for Transport may be able to provide more specific guidance on supports designed to assist the transport sector, including taxi providers.
71. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the delegated functions assigned to the Minister of State with responsibility for trade promotion; and the date those delegated functions come into effect. [15052/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra72. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the delegated functions assigned to the Minister of State with responsibility for employment affairs and retail businesses; and the date those delegated functions come into effect. [15053/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 72 together.
My Department is working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to agree the details of functions to be transferred to my Department, in line with the Taoiseach’s announcement of changes to Department structures.
This will inform the delegation of functions to the Ministers of State in my Department.
I will request the Government to approve orders delegating functions to the Ministers of State shortly, once the details are finalised.
