Paul Murphy
Ceist:77. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work being conducted by a company (details supplied) for his Department. [41723/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCovid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (77, 78, 80)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:78. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach the breakdown of his Department’s spend on consultancy firms advising on Covid-19-related matters. [41724/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:80. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Taoiseach the costs incurred by his Department in the commissioning and production including professional fees of advice from a company (details supplied) on Covid-19 restrictions published online on 27 October 2020; and if further expenditure was incurred on external services or consultants for advice on Covid-19 restrictions for the period since 17 October 2020. [41176/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 78 and 80 together.
My Department has not engaged any consultancy firms or other external service providers for advice on COVID-19 restrictions and there is no spend on consultancy firms advising on COVID-19-related matters.
My Department, working with the HSE and their contractors EY, the CSO, and a number of other Departments, have been drawing together existing data outputs to maximise the insights that can be gained.
This builds on the existing strong work being carried out across Government Departments to integrate data and insights relevant to management of the Covid-19 pandemic since it began.
The HPSC, HSE, and Department of Health, have been providing a great deal of epidemiological data and data on disease progression. In addition to health data, economic and other data are very relevant to understanding the impacts of restrictions, where supports are needed, and whether those supports are effective.
Data Protection
Ceisteanna (79)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:79. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if his Department has been the subject of an investigation by the Data Protection Commission from 2016 to date; the number of specific investigations underway or completed; the dates on which his Department was first notified of the investigation; the details of the investigation; and the nature of the complaints. [40819/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has been subject to one investigation by the Data Protection Commission since 2016, which was on foot of a complaint by an individual.
On 20 June 2017, the DPC informed the Department of the complaint and the commencement of an investigation. The complaint concerned an allegation that a breach of the Acts had occurred by way of the unauthorised disclosure by the Department to two organisations of a letter incorporating personal information.
The complainant declined the offer of an amicable resolution, including an apology, and so the DPC issued a formal statutory Decision earlier this year.
While the DPC acknowledged that the letter was forwarded to the organisations in an attempt to provide assistance and to be helpful, she found that the Department did not have a valid legal basis to disclose the personal data.
Question No. 80 answered with Question No. 77.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (81)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:81. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Taoiseach the percentage or number of staff working with a disability within his Department and the agencies under his aegis in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and the actions being undertaken by his Department to actively recruit and retain persons with disabilities. [42152/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The percentage of staff working with a disability within my Department and the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) in 2018 and 2019 is as follows:
|
- |
Department of the Taoiseach |
NESDO |
|
2018 |
5.36% |
5.88% |
|
2019 |
4.33% |
6.25% |
Returns for 2020 under the Disability Act are due to be reported to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform by 31 March 2021 and to the National Disability Authority (NDA) by 30 June 2021.
My Department, in line with the rest of the Civil Service, actively supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff. Recruitment to my Department is, in the main, undertaken through the Public Appointments Service. For the last number of years my Department has actively participated in the Willing, Able, Mentoring Programme, a graduate internship opportunity for persons with a disability.
My Department has a designated Disability Liaison Officer with a specific brief to provide training, support and guidance to managers and staff for the provision of reasonable accommodations. New staff are made aware of the existence and the role of the DLO at induction. My Department follows the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service in relation to raising disability awareness, providing workplace supports, the provision of training and career progression.
To coincide with International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day, last week, my Department invited the National Disability Authority to deliver a presentation to staff to help to promote disability awareness.
Regional Development
Ceisteanna (82)
Niall Collins
Ceist:82. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a commitment in the Programme for Government in relation to the Shannon Estuary (details supplied); when the strategy will be developed; and the person or body that will develop it. [41932/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Project Ireland 2040 places a particular focus on investment in our rural towns and villages and in ensuring that Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, grow at twice the pace of Dublin. The National Development Plan (NDP) sets out the medium-term investment priorities that will underpin the successful implementation of the National Planning Framework. The review of the NDP, which commenced recently, will allow for an alignment of investment with economic recovery, strategic areas of importance outlined in the Programme for Government and preparation for the post-crisis economy. The NDP Review will seek to deliver a competitive, resilient and regionally balanced recovery.
Detailed and ambitious Regional, Economic and Spatial Strategies were developed by Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies under Project Ireland 2040. The Southern Region’s strategy includes a Metropolitan Spatial Area Plan for the Limerick-Shannon region and provides a comprehensive assessment of opportunities available to guide future development, and clear set of policy and quality-of-life objectives for regional, local and national bodies to jointly pursue for the Limerick and Shannon area. These strategies for our regions set out to align economic, transport, planning and ecological objectives in a way that is place specific, and informed by local stakeholders.
In addition, my Department’s nine Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020 play a central role in supporting the delivery of balanced regional development, including for the Mid-West region. The Mid-West Plan is focused on a number of objectives aimed at developing the region’s capacity to deliver economic growth and is being implemented by a Steering Committee involving the enterprise agencies, local enterprise offices, local authorities, higher and further education bodies, private sector and others.
I am considering the Programme for Government commitment in relation to the Shannon Estuary and how Government can best deliver this.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (83)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:83. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Covid-19 will be recognised as an occupational illness in view of the fact that healthcare workers make up almost one fifth of Covid-19 cases in Ireland; the analysis his Department has carried out into the impact of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41936/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are already established reporting mechanisms in place for COVID-19 infections in Ireland. All COVID-19 infections are firstly reported to Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and to Health Protection Surveillance Centre/Health Service Executive, as with other public health infectious diseases.
The current reporting obligation on employers under occupational safety and health legislation is such that employers are required to report to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) all workplace accidents that result in more than 3 days' absence. This requirement to report does not apply to infectious disease, other illnesses or mental health impairment as it is not always possible to directly attribute these health conditions to that workplace. As COVID-19 is an infectious disease which can be caught in any location, it cannot always be reliably associated with a work activity.
Reporting mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that the HSA is made aware of workplace clusters of COVID-19 through an agreement with the HSE to share information on COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces especially in high-risk sectors. The HSA also participates on national and local outbreak teams which enables it to respond to particular workplace clusters.
Importantly , the Biological Agents regulations have now been updated to specifically include SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. This creates a strict reporting obligation on employers to report the infection of workers exposed to the virus as part of certain work activities. We have all made huge sacrifices to limit the spread of the virus, but none so much as our healthcare workers and those that work in our labs, processing tests and researching the virus. These new regulations are designed to put in place even more protections for workers who are employed in those settings to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep them safe.
The HSA is currently preparing a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on the matter of making COVID-19 a reportable illness to the authority. The RIA will assess the feasibility and impact of introducing a statutory requirement for employers to report to the HSA, infections of COVID-19 that are attributable to work activity.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (84)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:84. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with his counterpart in Northern Ireland in relation to cross-Border shopping trips in view of the respective Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41147/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise; Trade and Employment, I have engaged with my counterparts in Northern Ireland at meetings of the North South Ministerial Council in July and November. We discussed measures in place to support communities and businesses on both sides of the border but did not specifically discuss cross-border shopping trips.
Retailers in Ireland are key partners in the effort to suppress the virus and are playing a critical role in the national response to COVID-19. Government are fully engaged with the sector and aware of their 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 continued to convene regular retail meetings.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) ‘The National Return to Work Safely Protocol’ provides a guidance for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available on www.gov.ie. The HSA is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie
In addition, the National Safety Authority of Ireland have also produced two guidance documents, one for the retail Sector ‘COVID-19 Retail Protection and Improvement Guide’ and one for Shopping Centres ‘COVID-19 Shopping Centre Recovery and Protection Guide’. Both documents can be found on nsai.ie.
Government Departments, local authorities and agencies were firmly focused on ensuring a smooth, safe and enjoyable reopening of non-essential retail on the 1st December. In tandem with this my Department held extensive and constructive engagement with retailers and shopping centres in developing and promoting the governments shop safely message.
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (85)
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:85. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider increasing the awareness campaign for persons to buy Irish goods in advance of Christmas given the challenges businesses are facing. [41223/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the EU's Single Market rules Member States are prohibited from discriminating between the purchase of each others' products. Nevertheless, Governments can advocate for buy local campaigns. Buying locally sustains local economies and the growth of jobs and vibrant communities throughout Ireland.
In November, I launched the "Look For Local" campaign which is a new national, local and digital campaign to highlight local businesses in every county and encourage spend in the local economy by asking consumers and businesses to simply ‘look for local’ when buying goods and services. The ‘Look for Local’ campaign from the Local Enterprise Offices is run in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities.
The first phase of the campaign used local radio advertising to create awareness regionally. The second phase of the campaign supplemented this with national advertising, local print advertising and a sustained social media and online marketing campaign all asking consumers and businesses to simply ‘Look for Local’ when buying goods and services this winter, to help support jobs in local communities.
On the campaign website, https://www.localenterprise.ie/lookforlocal there are now more than 4,200 local businesses listed, with a wide range of sectors represented across every county for consumers and businesses to search for what they are looking for in their locality.
The "Look for Local" campaign will continue to run right up until Christmas on national and local radio stations, in local newspapers and across social media and digital platforms under the "Look For Local" hashtag.
Another buy local campaign was launched earlier this year by the Design and Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) called ‘Made Local’ aimed at sustaining Ireland’s design and craft sector during this recovery phase. It celebrated Irish creativity and aimed to inspire consumers, makers, shops and media. The "Made Local" campaign ran throughout the summer with 100 retailers involved in the campaign, supporting the work of DCCI’s 3,000 registered clients.
Recently, DCCI ran the Irish Business Design Challenge competition with a prize fund of €50,000. The prize fund was distributed to micro, small and medium Irish businesses, which have designed solutions to the various business and health and safety problems associated with the challenges of dealing with COVID 19, providing great marketing opportunities for these businesses.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (86)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:86. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will permit local authorities to accept late applications for the restart grant and restart plus grant scheme for some who have missed out on same. [41330/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Restart Grant Plus was just one part of the wider range of schemes available to firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.
The Restart Grant Plus scheme, which replaced the original Restart Grant scheme, closed to new applications on 31 October and has been superseded as part of Budget 2021 measures by the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners. The CRSS offers a targeted, timely and temporary sector-specific support to businesses forced to close or trade at significantly reduced levels due to COVID- 19 of up to €5,000 per week.
Accordingly, there are currently no plans to reopen the Restart Grant Plus Scheme to further applications.
Enterprise Ireland
Ceisteanna (87)
Malcolm Noonan
Ceist:87. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the policy of Enterprise Ireland that companies producing hemp-based products cannot be supported by grants; if he will request Enterprise Ireland to review this policy given the Programme for Government commitment to fully explore the potential for growing fibre crops such as hemp, considering whether these crops have a viable market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41332/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enterprise Ireland is currently not in a position to support companies active in the area of cannabis-based products. Enterprise Ireland’s position is based on the fact that, while EU regulations permit a threshold of 0.2% of THC in hemp products, products containing any trace of THC are considered as a controlled drug in Ireland under the Misuse of Drugs Orders. In other words, there is no lower limit of THC permissible under national legislation.
Therefore, products which can contain even minimal levels of THC pose reputational risk to Enterprise Ireland as the agency is not in a position to verify which companies, products and extraction methods meet the legal requirement in Ireland to contain 0.00% levels of THC.
Enterprise Ireland
Ceisteanna (88)
Malcolm Noonan
Ceist:88. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a company (details supplied) did not receive a grant from Enterprise Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41333/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
AgriBioTech Partners trading as Floreo Botanicals have been engaging with their Local Enterprise Office in Offaly. I also understand that Floreo Botanicals is a Botanicals Company and they use many plants in their products including Flax, Nettle, German Chamomile and Hemp.
Hemp is a cannabis-based product and for the purposes of Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Office support, companies using cannabis-based products cannot be approved for grants to businesses.
The policy is based on legislation, that products containing any trace of THC are considered as a controlled drug in Ireland under the Misuse of Drugs Orders. Currently there is no lower limit of THC permissible under national legislation. The Local Enterprise Offices are not in a position to verify which companies, products and extraction methods meet the legal requirements in Ireland to contain 0.00% and this poses a reputational risk to Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices.
Employment Rights
Ceisteanna (89)
Joe Carey
Ceist:89. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in relation to updating national remote working policy following the recent public consultation with employees and employers on remote working guidelines; the type of incentives that will be required; when these incentives will be in place to underpin blended work in a post-Covid Ireland (details supplied); the role planned for large companies and public bodies to facilitate remote working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41381/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As our country continues to navigate Covid-19, remote working has become more important than ever before.
In December 2019, my Department published the Remote Work in Ireland report which outlined the prevalence and types of remote working arrangements in Ireland as well as the factors influencing its adoption. This year, as a response to COVID-19, my Department launched a new webpage dedicated to providing guidance for remote working for both employers and employees.
In July, my Department launched a Public Consultation on Remote Work. We received 522 submissions from employers, employees, representative bodies and special interest groups. Based on the insights garnered from the consultation, my Department has recently updated its guidance webpage to include new information. The guidance webpage now also includes a checklist for employers considering adopting remote working arrangements in the longer term. The guidance webpage will continue to be updated regularly to act as a live resource for employers and employees.
Building on this work, my Department is currently developing a national Remote Work Strategy. An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was formed to steer the delivery of the Strategy. This Group has broad representation across government departments and state agencies. The Strategy will consider what changes are needed to develop an environment that encourages remote working solutions. The Strategy will include a suite of actions to be delivered and an Implementation Group will monitor the progress of these actions.
It is expected that the Strategy will be published shortly.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (90)
James Lawless
Ceist:90. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a business (details supplied) usually categorised the same as cinemas which has three parts, two of which satisfy guidelines, can reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41462/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following the ending of the 6-week period of Level 5 restrictions, the Government made the decision to move the entire country to Level 3 of the Framework for Living with COVID-19.
The first phase of the gradual reopening coming into effect on Tuesday the 1 December. Further information on the measures in place from 1st Dec can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad569-level-3/#measures-in-place-from-1-december.
Businesses should carefully review measures above and determine whether they can operate or not under the current restrictions. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation.
As we move from the short-term emergency response approach to a medium-term approach to managing risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society it will be possible for different regions and counties to be at a different level to the national level, depending on the incidence of the virus in that particular region or county.
The Government will continue to support businesses through this difficult time with a comprehensive range of measures for firms of all sizes.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (91)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:91. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the guidelines and measures in place for the operation of outdoor markets under the level 3 guidelines of the Living with Covid Plan [41478/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Outdoor markets are permitted under the current restrictions, and fall under the responsibility of the Local Authorities, who must be satisfied that they can be run safely and in line with local authority planning, retail guidance and, in particular their plans to manage public areas in busy town centre areas.
In line with updated Government Health measures, available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cf9b0d-new-public-health-measures-effective-now-to-prevent-further-spread-o/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ea1c30-updated-measures-in-response-to-covid-19-coronavirus/, businesses must implement the required measures in relation to capacity management. Retailers, including market managers / operators / organisers and individual stall holders, must develop plans for the safe operation and protection of staff and customers, including appropriate social distancing, hygiene and cleaning. A designated person(s) with overall responsibility for the safe operations of the market is required. Further information on all requirements are available here: https://www.fsai.ie/food_businesses/reopening_covid19.html.
A new section of guidance for seasonal experiences has been added to the tourism sectoral guidelines for Visitor Attractions and for Activity Providers, which are published on the Fáilte Ireland website, further information available on https://failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Visitor-Attractions.pdf. these includes suggestions and recommendations to be borne in mind for stalls, displays, merchandise, equipment, etc, in an outdoor setting. Although targeted at visitor attractions and activities, this section of the guidance may also be appropriate to outdoor markets.
Businesses are advised to consult the Government Public health advice and the measures outlined in the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (92)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:92. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address the holiday pay liabilities currently faced by businesses that were closed due to Covid-19 considering that businesses that could not open and operate during Covid restrictions had their staff in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment and did not have revenues coming in given that small and medium enterprises in particular are already facing enough financial challenges this year without being unfairly forced to face large holiday and bank holiday pay liabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41564/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 sets out the key parameters around the taking of annual leave and payment of same. The terms and conditions of individual employment contracts may provide for extra days' leave above what is statutorily required by the Act.
Section 19 of the Act provides that an employee shall be entitled to paid annual leave equal to:
(a) 4 working weeks in a leave year in which he or she works at least 1,365 hours (unless it is a leave year in which he or she changes employment),
(b) One third of a working week for each month in the leave year in which he or she works at least 177 hours, or
(c) 8 per cent of the hours he or she works in a leave year (but subject to a maximum of 4 weeks).
If an employee has lost all of their employment due to the current crisis and are in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, they are not in a position to accrue annual leave.
In respect of public holidays, this is also governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. For each of the nine public holidays in a year, an employee is entitled to either a paid day off on the holiday, a paid day off within a month of the holiday, an extra day’s annual leave, or an extra day’s pay. If a person is on temporary lay-off they are entitled to benefit for the public holidays that fall within the first thirteen weeks of lay-off.
This Government is providing unprecedented amounts of funding to help businesses through Covid-19. The €3.4bn Recovery Fund includes the Covid Restriction Support Scheme (CRSS) which provides for cash payments of up to €5,000 per week for businesses that have been forced to temporarily close or have only been able to trade at significantly reduced levels as a result of restrictions.
This is in addition to a range of other measures including rates waivers, VAT rate reductions, the employer wage subsidy scheme (EWSS), and various liquidity supports such as low cost microfinance loans and an extension of the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) for new applications until 30 June 2021.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (93)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:93. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the rationale for the decision taken regarding the operation of bowling alleys under level 3 of the Living with Covid Plan. [41581/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out the five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. 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 (NPHET).
I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amends its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. 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 it is 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
Ceisteanna (94)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:94. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the rationale for the decision taken regarding the operating of children’s indoor play areas under level 3 of the Living with Covid Plan. [41582/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out the five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. 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 (NPHET).
I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amends its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. 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 it is 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/.
IDA Ireland
Ceisteanna (95, 96)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:95. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA site visits organised in County Donegal in each of the years 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [41584/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:96. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new companies that have located in County Donegal with IDA assistance in each of the years 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [41585/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
Attracting investment and creating new jobs in regional locations, including County Donegal, is a major priority for both myself and my Department. The IDA has a significant role to play in helping us achieve that objective. The Agency has been working hard, through its staff both here and abroad, to encourage overseas investors to locate or expand in Ireland’s regions. The Agency’s performance in recent years demonstrates that these efforts are producing results. For example, 54,868 jobs were created outside of Dublin over the past five years leading to 33,118 additional direct jobs (net) on the ground in regions at the end of the IDA’s 5-year strategy.
Between 2010 and 2019 there were two new name investments located in County Donegal, one each in 2011 and 2012.
These statistics reflect one element of FDI performance, which is not accurately measured by the number of new-name investors. A more accurate reflection of FDI performance is demonstrated in the Annual Employment Survey which demonstrates a strong performance in Co Donegal over the last decade.
|
Year |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
|
No.of Companies |
12 |
12 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
|
Total Jobs |
1,847 |
2,101 |
2,223 |
2,382 |
2,607 |
2,925 |
3,048 |
3,400 |
3,506 |
3,776 |
The table above details how Donegal, along with many other parts of the country, has benefitted from this strong regional focus. The County has experienced a significant increase in FDI-driven employment since 2010, with job numbers in IDA client firms there increasing from 1,847 in 2010 to 3,776 at the end of 2019. The County is now home to 13 IDA companies including Abbott, Optum and Pramerica.
The IDA’s experience, over many decades, has shown that the growth of existing overseas firms here can produce as many jobs, if not more, than new name investors. That is why the IDA focuses on both supporting the growth and expansion of its current clients here as well as securing new investors to locate for the first time in locations like Donegal. Pursuing that twin-track strategy has helped produce record FDI results in recent years and should lead to further investment and job creation in the years ahead.
While clear progress has been made in creating new jobs and economic opportunity in Donegal, the Government is determined to achieve more. Efforts will continue in 2020 and beyond, whether in support of indigenous or overseas enterprise, to help create more employment and economic opportunities in the County.
In November 2020, Údarás na Gaeltachta has announced that Swiss Consultancy firm, Pangea is to establish its operational hub for Finance, Human Resources and Operations in the Donegal Gaeltacht in Gweedore. IDA worked in partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta to deliver this project.
The number of Site Visits to County Donegal for the period 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020 are shown below:
|
County |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 to date |
|
Donegal |
4 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
7 |
2 |
8 |
12 |
1 E-Site Visit to Q3 |
Last year there were a total 12 site visits to Donegal. The introduction of international travel restrictions related to Covid-19 has, amongst other things, led to the cancellation or postponement of scheduled IDA site visits and client meetings in every region of the country, including Donegal.
As an alternative to site visits, the IDA has migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities to digital platforms. The Agency has developed new digital content and has also put in place an E-Site Visit experience for potential investors. There have been a total of 131 in-person site visits and 101 E-visits nationally as of the third quarter and this is the latest data available.
It should be noted that site visits are one measure only in a company’s interest in a particular location and may not necessarily be a true measure of the overall level of foreign direct investment (FDI) activity in a region or county. Potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. These figures represent individual visits and are therefore not indicative of the number of companies that have visited. The final decision on where to locate an investment is always decided by the client and not by IDA Ireland. Regular engagement and collaboration with stakeholders are important in positioning any regional location to attract FDI and in this respect IDA Ireland continues to engage with Stakeholders as well as working with existing clients in all regional locations to generate additional jobs.