Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 1 Dec 2020

Written Answers Nos. 110-136

Judicial Appointments

Ceisteanna (110)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

110. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if copies of all correspondence to or from him, his advisers or his Department relating to the filling of the Supreme Court vacancy occasioned by the retirement of a person (details supplied) will be provided. [39260/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The only correspondence my Department has in relation to this matter is the necessary administrative correspondence associated with the Government's meeting and decision. In accordance with the constitutional arrangements regarding Cabinet confidentiality and the Government's relationship with the President, I do not propose to release this correspondence.

National Economic and Social Council

Ceisteanna (111)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

111. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach if reports of the National Economic and Social Council are Government policy; and if not, the status of same. [39563/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Economic and Social Council is an independent statutory agency operating under the aegis of my Department.

The Terms of Reference and composition of the NESC are set out in legislation - the National Economic and Social Development Act, 2006, and in the National Economic and Social Council (Alteration of Composition) Order, 2010.

The role of the Council is to analyse and report to the Taoiseach on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social and environmental development in Ireland.

The Council can consider these matters either on its own initiative or at the request of the Taoiseach. The Council’s reports are submitted to the Government prior to publication. As the reports are independent, they are not Government policy but they do, of course, help inform Government policy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (112)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

112. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 31 of 11 November 2020, if he will publish the circular or detailed official guidance setting out the arrangements governing travel for officeholders and officials who travel overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39787/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Further to my answer provided on 11 November 2020, the Government’s travel advice and approach to implementation of the EU ‘traffic light’ system is published on the Government website www.gov.ie. (see https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/75d92-covid-19-travel-advice/)

This approach includes office holders and officials who undertake essential travel to represent Ireland.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (113)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

113. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a schedule of all consultancy firms, accountancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and IT firms his Department has engaged to carry out work on its behalf in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; if he will summarise the work they were engaged to do and the full costs of the engagements; if disputes over costs ensued; if they were resolved with or without sanctions, financial penalties and-or withholding of funds; and if contracts are subject to legal challenge or mediation. [40219/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A schedule of all consultancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and IT firms my Department has engaged to carry out work on its behalf in 2018, 2019, and to date in 2020 has been extracted from my Department’s financial management system and is set out in the tables below. My Department has not engaged any accountancy firms in the period in question. No disputes over costs nor contracts subject to legal challenge or mediation pertain to the companies identified.

2018

ANDREW DOYLE SAFETY CONSULTS

Safety consultation on fire safety

€799.50

ACTION POINT TECHNOLOGY LTD

Installation of servers and 3 year warranty

€12,854

CONFERENCE ORGANISERS LTD

Professional Management Services to manage Data Summit 2018, 19th September, Croke Park

€67,909.21

CW SYSTEMS INTEGRATION LTD

4 days Professional services -Windows 10/Android/Test IOS Policy

€4,674

DECLAN CREGAN

AMS software installation, testing, maintenance for May 2017 to May 2018

€4,000

EAMON O'BOYLE & ASSOCIATES

Event Security & Safety Officer for Presidential Inauguration, Dublin Castle, 11 November 2018

€4,575.60

ECOM SOLUTIONS LTD

Installation, Commission and Training for IT Security Appliance

€12,989

MICHAEL COLLINS S.C.

Independent review of response of Department of Justice re Documents from Charleton Tribunal - Tribunal of Inquiry into Protected Disclosures

€19,596.36

MJ FLOOD TECHNOLOGY

Design, implementation and commissioning of Microsoft Exchange environment including migration of data from IBM Lotus Systems

€122,957

PETER SMYTH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY LTD

Independent Review of National Broadband Plan Procurement Process

€36,706.78

WARD SOLUTIONS LTD

IT Security Risk Assessment Review and Support

€6,911

WILLIAM ABRAHAMSON

Assistance to Michael Collins S.C. in carrying out independent review of response of Department of Justice re Documents from Charleton Tribunal- Tribunal of Inquiry into Protected Disclosures

€12,546

2019

BRIAN HUNT

Seanad Reform Implementation Group - Legislative Drafting for Seanad Reform Bill

€25,000

ACTION POINT TECHNOLOGY LTD

Action Point Managed Services - Enterprise Service Desk Advisory Services - 5 Days

€5,004

CW SYSTEMS INTEGRATION LTD

Professional IT services days - Device Enrolment Programme Set up, access to shared calendars, update certs

€4,169

HAKATA HOLDINGS LTD

Expert advisory services to the Implementation Group on Policing Reform

€25,830

KENNETH MCALLISTER

Broadcast planning and Media management services at Dublin Castle for the Presidential Inauguration, 2018

€1,400

MHL EVENT MANAGEMENT LTD

Reception marking the 100th anniversary of the first Dáil, Mansion House, 21 January, 2019

€71,789.79

PTOOLS SOFTWARE

Purchase of professional service days & 1 year SSL Certificate

€492

REIDYBROPHY LTD

Contingency management workshops for Brexit Preparedness

€11,900

WARD SOLUTIONS LTD

Penetration Test – IT Security Risk Assessment Review and Support

€6,911

2020

APOGEE IRELAND LTD

Printer software upgrade and installation

€1,902

BEBHINN MURPHY BL

Record review

€5,078.37

CW SYSTEMS INTEGRATION LTD

Mobileiron Upgrade - 3 days technical support

€3,506

ECOM SOLUTIONS LTD

Delivery and installation of Cisco ESA C190 e-mail security device

€5,502

HAKATA HOLDINGS LTD

Expert advisory services to the Implementation Group on Policing Reform

€10,763

MJ FLOOD TECHNOLOGY

Infrastructure Management Works - Exchange and VmWare health check and patching

€59,000

WARD SOLUTIONS LTD

e-Cabinet Security Risk assessment review and penetration testing.

€7,557

Work Permits

Ceisteanna (114)

Richard O'Donoghue

Ceist:

114. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review a critical skills employment permit for a person (details supplied) which, due to Covid-19, no longer meets the original criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39620/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

All applications for employment permits are processed in line with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations which lay down in legislation the criteria in relation to the application, grant and refusal of an employment permit.  All employment permits are employer and location specific.  Any new employment requires a new employment permit.  

Generally where an employment permit holder has been made redundant he/she must notify the Employment Permits section of my Department when the employment ceases on the prescribed Redundancy Notification form.  An employment permit holder then has up to six months from the date on which their employment ceases to find another job.  My officials inform me that they have not as yet received this notification. 

If the named individual (details supplied) wishes to change employer, he must submit an application for a new employment permit in line with the eligibility criteria for that permit type, particular attention should be paid to the minimum remuneration criteria.  To date no further application for an employment permit has been received. 

It should be noted that the Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract highly skilled individuals into the State to fill high-demand vacancies where the required skills are not readily available in the Irish/EEA labour market.  For this employment type, the duration of employment must be at least two years and the non-EEA national must be the holder of a degree level qualification or higher in the relevant field if the remuneration on offer is between €32,000 and €64,000 per annum.  After 21 months of continuous employment on a Critical Skills Employment Permit, a permit holder may apply to my Department for a Stamp 4 Letter of Support.

Therefore if the remuneration in respect of this new employment is between €32,000 and €64,000 and the occupation is on the critical skills occupation list, the person concerned and his prospective new employer can apply for a new critical skills employment permit. Alternatively for a General Employment Permit to issue, the minimum required remuneration for this occupation would be €30,000 per annum and a labour market needs test would have to be undertaken. 

In March 2020, my Department implemented a contingency plan to ensure that the employment permit regime could continue to operate throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The Department is committed to flexibly dealing with employment permit issues that arise for both employers and employees as a result of the pandemic. Full details in relation to the contingency arrangements introduced by the Employment Permits Section in response to the pandemic can be accessed on my Department's website through the following link: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/COVID-19-Employment-Permits-System-Contingency-Arrangements.html 

It is not possible to advise the Deputy fully on this individual case as not enough information has been provided.  I have requested that one of my officials contact the Deputy to seek more information so that my Department can advise properly.

Redundancy Payments

Ceisteanna (115)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

115. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if State redundancies will be available from 1 December 2020 when the bar on redundancies expires for workers particularly in the bar trade who do not have the prospect of returning to their previous jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39657/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In March 2020 the Government introduced an emergency amendment to the Redundancy Payments Act 1967 which effectively suspends an employee’s entitlement to claim redundancy from their employer following certain periods of lay-off or short-time work due to Covid-19. The Government was concerned that the financial impact of significant redundancy claims at this time would have a serious impact on the potential for businesses, and the economy as a whole, to recover which in turn could result in significant insolvency and bankruptcy situations, with further permanent job losses.

The suspension of these redundancy provisions has been extended to 31st March 2021. This was a difficult decision for the Government to make and I know it will be disappointing for those employees who are experiencing uncertainty and who were hoping to claim redundancy from their employers before the end of the year. But in making this decision, we had to consider the need to ensure businesses survive and that permanent job losses are avoided as much as possible.

It is also considered that an extension of the end-date continues to be important for employees to ensure that they have a continued link to their job and a pathway to return. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment will remain open until the end of March 2021 in order to support affected employees as will the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme.

All other redundancy provisions remain unchanged and in force. If an employer is going to make an employee redundant, protections such as notice periods for redundancy and the payment of a redundancy lump-sum to the affected employee still apply and the existing suite of employment rights legislation remains in place.

There is no provision to limit the application of the emergency measure to specific business sectors.

A Vision for Change

Ceisteanna (116)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

116. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on measures to implement the Duffy-Cahill report on collective redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29993/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Responsibility for employment rights, redundancy and insolvency recently transferred to my Department from the Department of Social Protection, and the recommendations made in the Duffy-Cahill report, the Terms of reference of which were quite narrow and specific, are currently being revisited.

I have also asked the Company Law Review Group, as per the Programme for Government, to look again at aspects of Company Law in this area.

Ministers of State Damien English and Robert Troy jointly met with employer and union representative bodies on the 4th of November to begin a discussion on the various legislative provisions that deal with redundancy and insolvency from both a company law and employment law perspective.

I am informed it was a positive and constructive meeting with the stakeholders, where the discussion focused on identifying whether there are gaps or weaknesses in either body of legislation.

I understand that consultations and discussions are ongoing.

A Vision for Change

Ceisteanna (117)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

117. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the recommendations contained in the Duffy-Cahill report will be implemented; the reason the recommendations have not been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25979/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Responsibility for employment rights, redundancy and insolvency recently transferred to my Department from the Department of Social Protection, and the recommendations made in the Duffy-Cahill report, the Terms of reference of which were quite narrow and specific, are currently being revisited.

I have also asked the Company Law Review Group, as per the Programme for Government, to look again at aspects of Company Law in this area.

Ministers of State Damien English and Robert Troy jointly met with employer and union representative bodies on the 4th of November to begin a discussion on the various legislative provisions that deal with redundancy and insolvency from both a company law and employment law perspective.

I am informed it was a positive and constructive meeting with the stakeholders, where the discussion focused on identifying whether there are gaps or weaknesses in either body of legislation.

I understand that consultations and discussions are ongoing.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (118)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

118. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of the €2 billion Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme that has been approved and drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40393/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme was launched by Government in September to support those businesses that have been negatively impacted as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19. It is the biggest ever state-backed loan guarantee Scheme in Ireland.

The Scheme was originally scheduled to run until 31 December 2020 in line with the requirements of the Temporary Framework on State Aid. Following the extension of the terms of the Temporary Framework, Government approved on 24 November, the extension of the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to run until 30 June 2021.

The Scheme provides an 80% State guarantee on lending for terms between 3 months and five and a half years and offers a range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million including working capital and term loan facilities. Loans up to €250,000 are unsecured. It is available to SMEs, small Mid-Caps and primary producers.

As a result of the high level of the State guarantee, loans are being provided at interest rates lower than the current market rate for similar loans. This low-cost funding along with other grants which are available provides ready access to funding for businesses during this unprecedented time.

As at 20 November, 2,301 applications were received for a value of €135m and 1,140 loans with a value of €54m were approved and drawn as at 19 November.

These loans are being drawn from all over the country, with businesses which have been deeply hit by the effects of the virus leading the way. The wholesale and retail sector accounted for 20% of loans drawn by value, the accommodation and food services sector accounted for 13% of loans drawn by value, and the primary agriculture and fisheries sector accounted for 12% of loans drawn by value, demonstrating that funding is getting to where it is most needed.

The Scheme is currently available through Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank Ireland. In recognition of the need to make this Scheme as widely available as possible an open-call for new on-lenders has been completed and proposals are being reviewed by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland in respect of potential new lenders. I therefore expect to confirm a number of new lenders will be joining the Scheme in the coming weeks which will increase access to the Scheme and make a wider range of products available to businesses.

Job Losses

Ceisteanna (119)

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

119. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancies registered in each month between October 2019 and October 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40509/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Section 12 of the Protection of Employment Act 1977 provides that employers proposing a collective redundancy must notify the Minister of the proposed collective redundancy.  The Department monitors that the legislative requirements for consultation and notification of potential redundancies to the Minister are complied with.

Information on collective redundancy notifications does not reflect the total number of actual redundancies that take place across the workforce.  Collective redundancies arise where, during any period of 30 consecutive days, the employees being made redundant are:

- 5 employees where 21-49  are employed,

- 10 employees where 50-99  are employed,

- 10% of the employees where 100-299 are employed,

- 30 employees where 300 or more are employed.

Other redundancies outside of these parameters are not required to be notified to the Minister. Also, not all proposed redundancies result in actual redundancies, as employers negotiate with their work force to restructure the business and find alternative solutions during the 30-day consultation period.

The data in relation to collective redundancy notifications from October 2019 to October 2020 as requested, is set out in the following table.

Collective Redundancies Notified 

Number of Notifications Received

Number of Potential Redundancies Advised

October 19

12

1122

November 19

7

542

December 19

4

241

January 20

9

391

February 20

10

379

March 20

16

1195

April 20

17

1960

May 20

28

2159

June 20

37

1464

July 20

30

1504

August 20

24

700

September 20

16

708

October 20

13

781

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (120)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

120. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) regarding Covid-19 restrictions will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39539/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government agreed, on Friday 27th November, the approach for easing restrictions, including a phased move to Level 3 nationally, with a number of exceptions in place for the Christmas period.

From 1 December, under Level 3, as set out in the Plan for Living with COVID-19 non-essential retail may reopen.

Under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19, only essential retail outlets remained open.

S.I. No. 448 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 8) Regulations 2020 clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5 of the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/ and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/

The Government takes a range of considerations into account when making decisions on public health measures. This includes the latest epidemiological and other health service data and modelling projections. The scale of measures necessary is dependent on a number of factors including the overall volume of disease and the growth rate. In relation to the most recent set of Level 5 measures, in its advice to Government, the NPHET advised that a R value well below 1 was necessary to achieve the levels of suppression required to bring the disease back under control and they further advised that the application of Level 5 measures was necessary to achieve this reduction in R.

Level 5 restricted people from physically going into non-essential stores in order to stop people congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus. All retailers – essential and non-essential – could however continue to trade via ‘remote ordering’ and fulfil orders for all products including non-essential items, by online or by phone, for home delivery and for collection.

Retailers in Ireland are key partners in the effort to suppress the virus and are playing a critical role in the national response during level 5 trading restrictions. Government is fully engaged with the sector and aware of retailers' efforts to serve their customers and adhere to public health guidelines. I and my colleague Minister of State Damien English TD met with the Retail Forum members on 21 October to remind those in the retail sector, of the need for strict adherence to the public health guidelines during Level 5. Minister English has convened regular retail meetings since entering Level 5. I also met with business and employee representative organisations on Friday 27th to brief them and explain the rationale for the new COVID-19 restrictions.

Company Liquidations

Ceisteanna (121)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

121. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a State body is investigating the issues related to the liquidation of a company (details supplied) such as the treatment of workers, the structures of the group of companies, the intragroup transactions and related accounting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39572/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Debenhams Retail (Ireland) Limited is a court-supervised liquidation and subject to oversight of the High Court.  This Court process remains ongoing and accordingly is sub judice. 

Under section 624 of the Companies Act 2014, it is the statutory duty of a liquidator to administer the property of the company; this includes ascertaining the extent of the property and collecting, realising and distributing such property in accordance with law.  In doing so there is a duty on the liquidator to report to the Court.

The Companies Act 2014 provides safeguards to ensure that a liquidation process complies with the relevant statutory requirements and provides provisions which may be utilised by liquidators or creditors (including employees) of an insolvent company in appropriate cases. For example: 

- Section 631 provides a power for any creditor (including employees) of the company to apply to the court for a determination on any question arising in the winding up of a company. 

- Safeguards also include section 608 regarding the power of the court to order the return of assets which have been improperly transferred and section 599 where a related company may be required to contribute to the debts of a company being wound up. 

It remains necessary to wait for confirmation of the position from the liquidator and ultimately the conclusion of the High Court on the liquidation. Only then will a clearer picture emerge on matters arising and if any further action is required.

The liquidator of an insolvent company must report to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) on its demise and must also apply to the High Court for the restriction of each of the directors of the company, unless they are relieved of that obligation by the ODCE.

All companies, regardless of size, are required to comply with the extensive provisions of the Companies Act 2014.  Alongside company law, companies must comply with other legal requirements such as the treatment of employees and creditors and disclosure to Revenue.

The ODCE will examine all complaints it receives about suspected breaches of the Companies Act by a company or one of its directors/agents. Where a breach of company law has been clearly established, the ODCE will take action as appropriate.

Ireland has a comprehensive body of employment legislation that protects all employees who are legally employed on a contract of service basis. Where an individual believes they are being deprived of employment rights applicable to employees they may refer a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) where the matter can be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication leading to a decision that is enforceable through the District Court.  WRC inspectors can also be asked to investigate certain breaches. 

The Labour Court deals with appeals of decisions made by WRC adjudication officers under employment rights legislation as the “court of last resort” in industrial relations disputes.

In so far as any additional terms over and above statutory redundancy payments may apply, this is a matter for negotiation between the parties. The State’s dispute resolution bodies, independent in their functions, are available to assist with industrial relations disputes. The current chair of the Labour Court, Kevin Foley, has agreed to mediate in the dispute involving the company and its employees.  While the resolution of the dispute ultimately rests with the parties, the Government welcomes the Labour Court and Mr. Foley’s role in mediation of this matter and hopes that a resolution which satisfies all sides can be found.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (122)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

122. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the packages of support available to taxi drivers to assist and support them during Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39594/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As part of Budget 2021, my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, and Transport Eamon Ryan TD is introducing specific measures for taxi and hackney businesses. The Minister is providing funding to the National Transport Authority to enable it to waive annual vehicle licence renewal fees for 2021.

In addition, Minister Ryan is allocating €15 million to support up to 750 taxi and hackney drivers in scrapping older vehicles and replacing them with zero-emission capable electric alternatives. Up to €20,000 will be made available for eligible drivers switching to a new all-electric vehicle and up to €32,500 for those moving to a wheel chair accessible full electric vehicle.

Budget 2021 also provides a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help self-employed and vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. We are providing for an extension of the tax warehousing scheme to include repayments of Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme funds owed by employers and preliminary tax obligations for the adversely affected self-employed.

So as to ensure that all self-employed taxpayers can benefit from the losses provision introduced in the July Stimulus, we are also providing that debt warehousing provisions be extended to include the 2019 balance and 2020 preliminary tax to allow such taxpayers to defer payment for a period of a year with no interest applying.

The Minister for Finance is also delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to equalise the Earned Income Credit with the PAYE credit by raising it by €150 to €1,650.

These measures are in addition to the July Stimulus €7bn package of enterprise measures, which includes the Wage Subsidy Scheme extended through 2021, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst self-employed.

COVID-19 Business Loans up to €25,000 are available through Microfinance Ireland. The loans can range from €5,000 to €25,000.

My colleague, Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Social Protection, recently opened applications for the newly revamped Enterprise Support Grant of up to €1,000 for self-employed recipients exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, as they get back on their feet following COVID-19. This grant is aimed at sole traders such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, taxi drivers and so on, who do not pay commercial rates.

IDA Ireland

Ceisteanna (123)

Johnny Guirke

Ceist:

123. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of new investment arising from IDA-sponsored enterprises in County Westmeath in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39635/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The primary responsibility of IDA Ireland is to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Ireland and to retain, transform and expand the existing base of FDI companies that have already invested and located here. IDA Ireland’s strategy, Winning Foreign Direct Investment 2015 - 2019, set out challenging targets in respect of the FDI sector for the period. These targets included amongst others, the creation of 80,000 direct jobs in 900 investment projects over the period, bringing total FDI employment to 209,000 by the end of the period. Under the program, IDA targeted a minimum increase in investment of 30% to 40% in each region outside Dublin. All targets from that strategy were achieved, with 1,209 investments creating 112,373 jobs achieved over the 5 years.

A new IDA strategy covering the period 2021 to 2024 will be launched shortly. Regional development will remain at the core of IDA’s strategy for the next 4 years. Maintaining competitiveness and improving the carrying capacity of the economy will be critical to delivering FDI over the next period .

The Midlands Region (Westmeath, Longford, Laois, and Offaly) has 43 multinational companies who collectively employ 6,209 people. The Region has been successful over several years in mobilising inward FDI, with employment levels in IDA client companies increasing every year since 2012. The Midlands offers an attractive cluster of LifeSciences and Global Business Services companies, excellent connectivity to major cities and Dublin airport and world class collaboration between academia and industry.

Employment developments in IDA companies in Westmeath are outlined in the table below. (Update from Employment Survey 2019)

Employment Data

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

No of Companies

18

16

21

22

22

Total Jobs

2,723

2,783

3,012

3,451

3,686

Gross Gain

213

221

245

469

255

Gross Losses

-84

-161

-16

-30

-20

Net Change

129

60

229

439

235

To support the delivery of IDA’s previous strategy, a €150m property investment plan was announced. This investment focused on the building of Advance Building Solutions (ABS’s) and Advance Office Buildings (AOBs), infrastructure investment in several Utility Intensive Strategic site solutions and the upgrade of Business and Technology Parks within IDA’s national portfolio. IDA’s property investment programme for the Midlands included the construction of an Advance Building Solution (ABS) in the Athlone Business & Technology Park, which facilitated Aerie Pharmaceutical in establishing a new ophthalmic production facility and the creation of 50 high value jobs. More recently, IDA has funded the development of property and infrastructure in the region which can support the requirements of mobile FDI. As part of this initiative, IDA recently purchased c.22.74 hectares of undeveloped lands in Athlone, Co Westmeath. The lands are located in the northern environs of Athlone Town off the N55 Ballymahon Road approximately 2km from the Town Centre and have the benefit of adjacent services and access to the N55 and M6. This acquisition represents a competitive, high profile and future focused solution for the region.

Grant Payments to IDA Clients in County Westmeath for the period 2015 – 2019 are set out below:

Year

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Grant Payments

€2,513,508

€1,768,687

€2,078,588

€3,146,661

€4,557,617

The IDA works closely with a wide network of stakeholders across the Midlands to advance the positioning of the region for FDI. This includes working with Westmeath-based EI-supported enterprises such as Mergon, Robotics & Drives, Trend, Sidero and Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR).

In addition, the following IDA Ireland approved projects were publicly announced during this time Aerie Pharmaceuticals (2016); Signature Orthopaedics (2017) and Neueda Technologies (2018).

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (124)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

124. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he remains satisfied that the Covid-19-related supports provided are adequately addressing the negative effects of Covid-19 on the economy and its ability to recover in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39654/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The pandemic has caused untold damage to people's lives and livelihoods. I know that too many businesses and workers have been severely impacted by the restrictions needed to ensure public health safety during the pandemic. Our response to COVID-19 will continue to assist those businesses affected.

Budget 2021 provides a significant additional package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors.

These measures are in addition to the July Stimulus, which was a substantial financial package to stimulate our economy worth more than €5 billion, including €2 billion in loan guarantees for the new Credit Guarantee Scheme which has now been extended for new applications until 30 June 2021.

Budget 2021 is unprecedented in terms of its scale at almost €90 billion. Its purpose is to protect lives and livelihoods of everyone in the state.

In 2021, workers will see:

1. No increases to income tax, USC or PRSI.

2. A modest increase in the minimum wage.

3. A reduction from 6 to 3 in waiting days for Illness Benefit (to be paid on day 4), which will help when it comes to introducing statutory sick pay next year.

4. An extension of Parent’s Benefit by a further three weeks to 5 weeks, building on the work of the last government.

5. An increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit for the self-employed from €1,500 to €1,650. This will equalise it with the employee tax credit from this year. They will be able to warehouse their 2020 preliminary tax liability, which will help bring immediate relief.

6. For the self-employed workers in receipt of PUP, they will now also be able earn up to €480 per month – or €120 a week - without losing access to the payment.

For Businesses, we have announced:

1. A new COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS).

2. The extension of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) well into 2021.

3. The extension of the commercial rates holiday to the end of this year will help reduce the fixed cost of doing business.

4. A reduced VAT rate from 13.5% to 9% for the hospitality and tourism sector to help hotels, pubs, restaurants and other businesses in the entertainment, tourism and hospitality sectors.

5. A €3.4bn Recovery Fund to provide additional firepower and flexibility to respond to and invest in job creation opportunities, business grants, infrastructure, reskilling and upskilling.

Unlike the previous recession, the Government is in a position to borrow and to increase capital budgets spending on public infrastructures in the coming years under Project Ireland 2040. This did not happen by accident. Ireland is also now benefitting from low interest rates for borrowing and for central bank monetary policy.

We are also progressing the Government's significant capital investment programme of €10.1bn, which is the largest capital budget ever as part of our implementation of the the National Development Plan. This investment will add further stimulus to the economy and help create and sustain jobs in the construction sector in particular.

I am working with my colleagues across Government to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 and we will continue to work to address suitable enterprise measures in the context of the evolving COVID-19 and Brexit challenges to our economy and our people.

Work Permits

Ceisteanna (125)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

125. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the work permit process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39672/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

All applications for employment permits are processed in line with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations which lay down in legislation the criteria in relation to the application, grant and refusal of an employment permit. All employment permits are employer and location specific and any new employment requires a new employment permit.

Generally where an employment permit holder has been made redundant he/she must notify the Employment Permits section of my Department when the employment ceases on the prescribed Redundancy Notification form. An employment permit holder then has up to six months from the date on which their employment ceases to find another job.

If a permit holder wishes to change employer, he must submit an application for a new employment permit in line with the eligibility criteria for that permit type, particular attention should be paid to the minimum remuneration criteria.

In March 2020, my Department implemented a contingency plan to ensure that the employment permit regime could continue to operate throughout the COVID-19 crises. The Department is committed to flexibly dealing with employment permit issues that arise for both employers and employees as a result of the pandemic. Full details in relation to the contingency arrangements introduced by the Employment Permits Section in response to the pandemic can be accessed on my Department's website through the following link: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/COVID-19-Employment-Permits-System-Contingency-Arrangements.html.

It is not possible to advise the Deputy on this individual case as not enough information has been provided. I have requested that one of my officials contact the Deputy to seek more information so that my Department can advise properly.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (126)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

126. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applicants for the restart grant plus who pay commercial rates in shared commercial spaces and who had their application approved but who were later informed by their local authority that there had been a misinterpretation of qualifying criteria and who had their offer rescinded; the number of applicants who had their application approved, received payment and were then informed the grant had to be paid back afterwards due to the same circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39687/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Restart Grant Plus was introduced as part of the response to the effects on business of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The Scheme has been operated by the 31 Local Authorities on behalf of my Department, and closed to new applications on 31 October 2020. It was replaced as part of Budget 2021 with the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners.

As of week ending 27 November 2020, the Restart Grant Plus had received 63,324 applications, of which 56,398 have to date been approved for grants, to a value of €414,394,078. Of those grants approved, 53,301 have been paid, with a further 3,097 in progress. A total of 5,962 have been rejected, and 964 applications were received but not yet approved.

My Department does not have a role in individual applications and therefore, does not collate or hold information relating to individual cases. In response to the Deputy’s question, within the timescale and resources available to the Local Authorities, the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) who coordinate and oversee the Local Authority Restart activity, have advised a number of Local Authorities have reported having sought/received return of Grants. However, as appeals are ongoing by the Local Authority network and in some cases grants are being returned voluntarily by businesses, for example in the case where a business failed to reopen or moved to an alternative building, we do not as yet have final figures as to amounts returned.

The Restart Grant Plus Scheme has been made available to a wide range of businesses and delivered in exceptionally challenging circumstances. All applications have been considered in line with clearly established eligibility criteria by the relevant officials, aiming to put this enterprise measure in place for as many eligible businesses as possible, and an appeals mechanism is in place with each Local Authority on foot of decisions made in processing and finalising grants.

Trade Agreements

Ceisteanna (127)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

127. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39729/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) has provisionally applied since 21st September 2017, meaning that duties on 98% of products (tariff lines) that the EU trades with Canada have been removed. The reduced trade barriers, tariff elimination, simplified customs procedures and more compatible technical requirements all make it easier and cheaper for Irish companies of all sizes to export to Canada and vice versa.

CETA covers virtually every aspect of economic activity and will provide new market opportunities in many sectors for Irish firms. In addition to savings on duty costs, Irish firms should also benefit from the recognition of product standards and certification, thus saving on ‘double testing’ on both sides of the Atlantic. Increased trade facilitation will reduce processing times at the border and make the movement of goods cheaper, faster, more predictable and efficient. Irish companies will also be able to bid for Canadian public procurement contracts, as limitations to these end under CETA. Furthermore, almost half of the benefits anticipated from CETA are expected in the services sector, including financial software, telecoms, digital media, content and gaming, education and e-learning, agritech/engineering, life sciences and digital health as well as consumer retail.

On agriculture, Ireland secured strong protections for our beef industry through restricted quotas for Canadian beef entering the EU, while CETA also provides significant opportunities for the Irish dairy industry.

For SMEs, the benefits and opportunities to business in the agreement are especially valuable given that trade barriers tend to disproportionately burden smaller firms, which have fewer resources to overcome them than larger firms.

For the consumer, CETA has the potential to lower prices and give consumers a wider choice of products and services. At the same time, imports from Canada will still have to satisfy all EU product rules including social and environmental standards.

Bilaterally, business links between Ireland and Canada are deep and extensive. Outside of Europe, the US and China, Canada is our largest indigenous export market. More than 400 Enterprise Ireland clients are doing business in the Canadian market with over 6,000 people in Canada employed by Enterprise Ireland clients. When we compare the last full year of bilateral trade with Canada prior to the provisional application of CETA (2016), against the most recent full year of provisional application (2019), Irish exports of Goods and Services to Canada have grown by approximately 35%.

Finally, Ireland, like many EU Member States, was awaiting the opinion of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in a case concerning the compatibility of CETA with EU law prior to considering the commencement of our ratification process. Therefore, CETA could only be provisionally applied by the EU and Canada since September 2017 and only insofar as the trade elements were concerned where the EU Commission has competence under the EU Treaties. The Opinion of the CJEU in this case issued on 30th April 2019 finding that there were no issues regarding the compatibility of the Agreement with EU law and that no changes to the text of CETA were required. On foot of this decision of the court, Government has now agreed to the moving of a Motion in Dáil Éireann seeking the House's approval for Ireland to formally ratify CETA. The Dáil Business Committee will arrange the timing for the taking of the Motion in due course and I look forward to securing the approval of the House for ratification in the near future. Ireland will then be able to notify the EU Council Secretariat of the completion of our ratification procedures as some 14 other Member States have so far done.

Job Creation

Ceisteanna (128)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

128. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a full sectoral breakdown of new jobs announcements supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39730/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Investment to support a significant number of jobs was approved by Enterprise Ireland in 2020 across a range of sectors and the full amount of jobs created in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in 2020 will be included in the agency's Annual Business Review, which will be published in 2021.

The list below refers solely to job announcements by Enterprise Ireland supported client companies and this information is listed on the Enterprise Ireland website. It does not include funding for jobs created by Enterprise Ireland client companies where a client company chose not to publicise the announcement or cases where the number of jobs created, while significant to the company, were not at a level to warrant an official public announcement.

Furthermore a significant amount of Enterprise Ireland’s funding was directed towards sustaining employment in COVID-19 impacted companies by helping them stabilise, reset and recover, so as to ensure the companies will emerge from the pandemic crisis and continue to grow and create high-quality jobs throughout Ireland into the future.

Date

Company

County

Sector

No. of Jobs announced

30-Sep-20

CitySwift

Galway

Travel Technology

50

25-Sep-20

Workvivo

Cork

Employee engagement technology

100

11-Sep-20

Global Shares

Cork

Employee reward technology

150

05-Feb-20

Fexco

Kerry

Fintech

305

24-Jan-20

HR Duo

Meath

Human resources technology

13

16-Jan-20

Odyssey VC

Kildare

Life sciences technology

100

14-Jan-20

Robotic & Drive Services

Westmeath

Robotic technology

35

Job Creation

Ceisteanna (129)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

129. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a full sectoral breakdown of new jobs announcements supported by IDA Ireland in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39731/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The full sectoral breakdown on new jobs announcements supported by the Industrial Development Authority in 2020 is set out at:

Sectoral Breakdown 2020

There have been opportunities for growth right across the IDA Ireland portfolio as new business models have emerged from disruptive technology developments, the rapid adoption of social media, Brexit and new regulations around the management of data.

The global explosion of the Business Services sector has been empowered by rapid technological developments, which have allowed traditional services, such as financial and globally traded business, to be dispersed worldwide and new categories of service activities to develop.         

In relation to Manufacturing, high levels of productivity and a deep talent base have endowed Ireland with major strengths in this sector.  IDA Ireland has a deep relationship with its manufacturing clients and continues to support the training and upskilling of staff; incentivise research and development in both product and process; and assist Irish sites in winning new expansion investments from their parent companies. IDA Ireland also continues to work with stakeholders across the government system to ensure the ecosystem is supportive of manufacturing in areas such as infrastructure and energy.

Brexit Preparations

Ceisteanna (130)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

130. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider appointing a liaison person in the north west to act as a single contact for potential inward investment post Brexit in assisting with information and guidance on business support services with specific agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39765/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The North West Region is serviced by IDA Ireland offices in Sligo and Donegal supporting a base of 44 client companies who collectively employ 6,992 people in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.  These companies represent high value manufacturing in sectors such as Pharmaceutical, Medical Technology, Engineering and International Financial Services.

The region is also well serviced with a range of Business and Technology Parks offering various infrastructure and property solutions to ensure that the region remains an attractive proposition for existing clients and potential new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).  The IDA and Enterprise Ireland work with other stakeholders in the region on novel clustering initiatives such as the Atlantic MedTech Cluster, TechNorthWest, ICT Fintech Cluster and Cyber Ireland North West Chapter.

The Regional Enterprise Actions Plans for the North West and North East Regions as well as the Regional Skills Forums work to ensure that the Border region is well placed to support existing and to attract new investors.  IDA Ireland also works closely with the Northern Western Regional Assembly and local authorities on ‘Placemaking’, Infrastructure and Property initiatives, all with a view to make the ‘receiving environment' of the region attractive as a possible location for talent and investors.

Remote working continues to be an opportunity in the future and will be considered as part of IDA Ireland’s new strategy 2021-2024. There will also be an increase in remote working opportunities offered by FDI particularly as the Covid-19 environment has accelerated this trend and provides further opportunity for client and stakeholder engagement (between Investment Agencies, Local Authorities, Education Training Boards, etc.).

The North West Regional Steering Committee includes the enterprise agencies and other local and regional actors and oversees implementation of the Regional Enterprise Plan for the North-West.  I am pleased to report that a Programme Manager has recently been appointed by the Local Authorities in the region to drive coordinated action and support implementation of the Regional Enterprise Plan.  The role for the Programme Manager is to support the Chairperson and the Steering Committee in the coordination and delivery of the Plan at an operational level.

Ministerial Correspondence

Ceisteanna (131, 137, 139)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

131. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his office received correspondence (details supplied); and when a reply will issue. [39838/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

137. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he personally received the registered post sent to him directly by persons (details supplied); if he plans to respond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40230/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

139. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received correspondence from persons (details supplied) dated 13 November 2020; and if so, when his Department will be replying to same. [40274/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 137 and 139 together.

The correspondence referred to was received in the Office of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 20th November 2020 and the matter is receiving attention.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (132)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

132. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average interest rates across lenders providing loans to qualifying borrowers through the Covid-19 credit guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39868/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme was launched by Government on the 7th September and is the biggest ever state-backed loan guarantee Scheme in Ireland.

The Scheme provides an 80% State guarantee on lending until the end of this year, for terms between 3 months and five and a half years and offers a range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million including working capital and term loan facilities. Loans up to €250,000 are unsecured.

This Scheme provides support to those businesses that have been negatively impacted as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19. It provides critical support to ensure businesses are facilitated in having access to credit facilities to assist in their trading needs. It is available to SMEs, small Mid-Caps and primary producers.

As a result of the high level of the State guarantee, loans are being provided at interest rates lower than the current market rate for similar loans. Interest rates can vary across lenders and also vary depending on the size and term of the loan. The latest data available in respect of interest rates charged on drawn loans shows that interest rates range from 2.75% to 3.95% with mode and median rates of 2.75% and a mean rate weighted on the basis of the number of loans drawn of 2.78%. These are significantly reduced rates on commercial loans rates of the same term and size.

Officials from my Department will continue to monitor interest rates charged to ensure they are within the terms agreed under the guarantee agreements with the individual lenders.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (133)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

133. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason wet pubs are one of the last remaining industries to be allowed to reopen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39912/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am keenly aware that publicans are making a massive sacrifice to protect their communities and I am committed to ensuring that the Government offers as much assistance and support as possible.

On Friday I met with business and employer representative organisations, including publicans, to brief them and explain the new COVID-19 measures.

The Government’s ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’ is the Framework for the Restrictive Measures developed to help us to go about our daily lives as much as possible, while managing the virus.

That Framework sets out the five levels which are activated accordingly to the incidence of the disease and seeks to balance continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. Details of the Plan are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/.

It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions will be guided by advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team.

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 levels in line with evolving response to the pandemic.

At all times the priority guiding the plan will be to keep our schools open, while keeping people safe and protecting the resilience of our economy and communities. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.

These decisions are not taken lightly, and I am acutely conscious of the impact COVID-19 restrictions are having on businesses. That is why since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government has worked to support businesses through this difficult time with a comprehensive range of measures for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. For a full list of supports for business please see https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (134)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

134. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports available to sole traders who are also PAYE employees and who have not lost employment due to Covid-19 but who find themselves still covering the costs related to their self-employment and have lost all income related to that self-employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39953/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am keenly aware that businesses are making a massive sacrifice to protect their communities and I am committed to ensuring that the Government will offer as much assistance and support as possible. My Department has worked to ensure that appropriate supports are in place for businesses that require finance as they develop their response to their exposure to impacts arising from COVID-19. The uptake of these supports has been robust and indicates that businesses are taking action in response to this period of disruption.

Budget 2021 also provides a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help self-employed and vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. We are providing for an extension of the tax warehousing scheme to include repayments of Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme funds owed by employers and preliminary tax obligations for the adversely affected self-employed.

So as to ensure that all self-employed taxpayers can benefit from the losses provision introduced in the July Stimulus, we are also providing that debt warehousing provisions be extended to include the 2019 balance and 2020 preliminary tax to allow such taxpayers to defer payment for a period of a year with no interest applying.

The Minister for Finance is also delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to equalise the Earned Income Credit with the PAYE credit by raising it by €150 to €1,650.

These measures are in addition to the €7 billion July Stimulus, which includes the Wage Subsidy Scheme extended through 2021, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst self-employed.

COVID-19 Business Loans up to €25,000 are available through Microfinance Ireland. The loans can range from €5,000 to €25,000.

My colleague, Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Social Protection, recently opened applications for the newly revamped Enterprise Support Grant of up to €1,000 for self-employed recipients exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, as they get back on their feet following COVID-19. This grant is aimed at sole traders such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, taxi drivers and so on, who do not pay commercial rates.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (135)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

135. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports in place to support second line supply businesses such as fish suppliers, florists and other food producers whose businesses have been decimated by level 5 closures and do not qualify for the CRSS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40174/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am keenly aware that businesses are making a massive sacrifice to protect their communities and I am committed to ensuring that the Government will offer as much assistance and support as possible. My Department has worked to ensure that appropriate supports are in place for businesses that require finance as they develop their response to their exposure to impacts arising from COVID-19. The uptake of these supports has been robust and indicates that businesses are taking action in response to this period of disruption.

Budget 2021 also provides a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help self-employed and vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors, including second line supply businesses. We are providing for an extension of the tax warehousing scheme to include repayments of Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme funds owed by employers and preliminary tax obligations for adversely affected businesses.

To ensure that all self-employed taxpayers can benefit from the losses provision introduced in the July Stimulus, we are also providing that debt warehousing provisions be extended to include the 2019 balance and 2020 preliminary tax to allow such taxpayers to defer payment for a period of a year with no interest applying.

The Minister for Finance is also delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to equalise the Earned Income Credit with the PAYE credit by raising it by €150 to €1,650.

These measures are in addition to the July Stimulus €7bn package of enterprise measures, which includes the Wage Subsidy Scheme extended through 2021, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst second line support businesses. COVID-19 Business Loans up to €25,000 are available through Microfinance Ireland. The loans can range from €5,000 to €25,000.

The newly revamped Enterprise Support Grant has reopened applications of up to €1,000 for self-employed recipients exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, as they get back on their feet following COVID-19. This grant is aimed at sole traders who do not pay commercial rates.

Bord Bia is providing a range of supports for impacted food business, including an information hub; training supports; and the introduction of the €1m Covid 19 Response Marketing Package for businesses to accelerate eCommerce and expand marketing activities in the context of rapidly changing trading conditions. Bord Bia continues to support quality assured Irish produce through promotion campaigns and is also supporting food companies to re-orient their produce to meet the needs of retail customers, and to explore any import substitution opportunities. My colleague, Charlie McConalogue, TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, may be able to provide more specific guidance on supports for the second line food supply businesses.

I share the Deputy’s concern about businesses that might not be eligible for the CRSS or other measures announced in the budget, such as the €50 million fund for live entertainment. I have asked my officials to conduct work along with officials from the Department of Finance and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, regarding how many businesses might be in this position and to report back to me with proposals.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (136)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

136. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a schedule of all consultancy firms, accountancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and IT firms his Department has engaged to carry out work on its behalf in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; if he will summarise the work they were engaged to do and the full costs of the engagements; if disputes over costs ensued; if they were resolved with or without sanctions, financial penalties and-or withholding of funds; and if contracts are subject to legal challenge or mediation. [40208/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The table below sets out a schedule of all consultancy firms, accountancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and ICT firms that my Department has contracted in the period in question and describes the services that each firm was contracted to provide.

The full cost for this broad range of services that the Deputy sought information on during the period in question was €13,098,207, broken down by year as follows:

2018: €5,846,383

2019: €3,742,105

2020 (to date): €3,509,719

Consultancy Firms

Barr
Roinn