Written Answers Nos. 151-175
151. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding made available from his Department in 2020 to Údarás na Gaeltachta; the programmes involved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43081/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not provide any money directly to Udaras na Gaeltachta. However, Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta have an agreed Memorandum of Understanding to enable Údarás to optimise the resources available to its indigenous client companies through supports and programmes administered by EI.
The Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta Memorandum of Understanding is built on the principles of client equality, clear communication and management of agency relationship, good co-operation between agency staff, clear dissemination of information of client supports, avoidance of duplication of client supports and cooperation on client transfer.
Údarás na Gaeltachta markets EI’s enterprise offers to clients based in the Gaeltacht. Access to EI’s administered programmes is available to eligible clients of Údarás na Gaeltachta under the broad headings of Market Research & Internationalisation Supports; Supports for Product, Process or Services Development including RD&I Funding; Supports to Enhance & Develop your Management Team; and Productivity and Business Process Improvement Supports, in addition to all existing and subsequent National and Regional Competitive Calls.
A protocol has also been developed to cover the 8 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) that operate in counties where Gaeltacht areas exist. The rationale for the development of the protocol is to ensure that all client enterprises (of Údarás na Gaeltachta and LEOs) have equal access to services and funded programmes and will benefit from enhanced collaboration and information sharing between the organisations.
Údarás na Gaeltachta will continue to manage its client base in the Gaeltacht and will use its core funding (exchequer and own resources) to service existing commitments and Údarás led schemes (grant-based supports for employment and capital projects). LEOS in the eight Local Authority areas comprising of Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht areas will continue to operate in the county and city areas outside of the Gaeltacht and Údarás na Gaeltachta will continue to deliver enterprise support within the Gaeltacht. This protocol mirrors the existing MOU (& Addendum) operating between Enterprise Ireland & Údarás na Gaeltachta.
152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he remains in contact with his EU colleagues in an effort to ensure the coordination of trans-EU efforts to cater for any aftershock of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43836/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that I, and my Government colleagues, continue to engage actively with our EU counterparts across a number of different fora. I very much welcome the solidarity and strong support shown by EU colleagues throughout the period since the UK decided to leave the EU.
Following engagement between my predecessors and Executive Vice President Vestager it was agreed that Irish officials would continue to work closely with the Commissioner’s team in addressing any State aid issues that may arise to ensure a rapid and appropriate response as the ultimate shape of Brexit became known. Commissioner Vestager emphasised the Commission's readiness to act urgently to mitigate against the worst impacts of Brexit on Irish firms.
While the COVID-19 response has, over the last 10 months, been the key focus of the DG Competition State aid team, my officials have, at every meeting with the Commission on the COVID-19 response, highlighted that Ireland is also working in tandem on its Brexit response. I met with Commissioner Vestager at the beginning of October 2020. While the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the COVID-19 State Aid Temporary Framework, I took the opportunity to highlight the twin challenges of COVID-19 and Brexit. I reiterated that underlying the economic impact of the pandemic was the ever present threat of Brexit which will significantly increase the economic shock to the EU economy and that the implications for Ireland are very significant.
I recently wrote to Commissioner Vestager in follow up to a number of issues raised at our October meeting and will be seeking a further meeting with her early in the new year. A key issue on our agenda will be Ireland’s combined response to COVID-19 and Brexit.
Last week, my colleague Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Finance, met with the EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn in Brussels. He took the opportunity to impress on the Commissioner the significant impact of Brexit on Ireland and pointed out the need for additional supports for Irish businesses to cushion the worst impacts of Brexit. I understand that the Commissioner was sympathetic to Ireland's position and they discussed the €5 billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve which has been provided for in the MFF budget.
The Commission proposal for the Brexit Adjustment Reserve which has yet to be published is aimed at providing assistance for the Member States most impacted by Brexit and on this account Ireland will expect to benefit from a significant share of the fund.
Of course, this fund will be in addition to the recovery fund of €3.4 billion that Government has provided for in Budget 2021 to cater for COVID-19 and Brexit.
153. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Longford and Westmeath that have received support under the restart grant and the restart grant plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43805/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus schemes were designed to help small and medium sized businesses get back on their feet after what has been an exceptionally difficult time. The Restart Grant scheme was launched on 15 May with a budget of €250 million. The Restart Grant Plus scheme was launched on 10 August with an additional budget of €300m from the Government’s July Jobs Stimulus as a result of the increasing demand for the scheme.
The purpose of the schemes was to help with the cost of reopening or adapting business premises so that normal business could resume. Grant payments were administered by the Local Authorities via the commercial rates system as this was considered the most effective means to get urgent financial assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The Restart Grant Plus scheme closed to new applications on 31 October and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners is now in place.
In response to the Deputy’s specific question and as at 11 December 2020, Longford County Council has awarded Restart Grant payments to 664 businesses. 671 businesses have benefitted from grant payments under the Restart Grant Plus Scheme.
Westmeath County Council has awarded Restart Grant payments to 1,123 businesses, with 1,168 businesses benefiting from payments under the Restart Grant Plus Scheme.
In total, over 118,600 applications have been managed under both Restart schemes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 31 local authorities and the Local Government Management Agency for the efficiency with which they have managed applications under both schemes.
154. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has considered additional grant aid support for the wet pub sector since it has been under enforced closure for nine months and has had to remain closed during the sectors busiest period of the year. [43824/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am keenly aware that publicans are making a massive sacrifice to protect their communities. I am committed to ensuring that the Government offers as much assistance as possible. A comprehensive range of measures is in place for firms of all sizes, including the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities and is available on my Department’s website.
The Revenue Commissioners' COVID Restrictions Support Scheme offers a temporary sector-specific support to businesses forced to close or trade at significantly reduced levels by up to €5,000 per week. For those that unfortunately have had to stay closed, including wet pubs, three double weeks of the CRSS will be paid, as December is normally the busiest time of the year for these businesses.
The Employment Wage Support Scheme was announced as part of Budget 2021. Changes were also made to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the EWSS, increasing the top rate to €350 for those who were earning in excess of €400 per week.
My colleague, Minister Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Social Protection, recently announced the doubling of the PUP threshold to €960 over an eight-week period. This will help people to restart their businesses and allow self-employed people to take on intermittent jobs.
Budget 2021 overall provides a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build resilience and help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. We are providing more and cheaper loan finance through MicroFinance Ireland, SBCI and the Credit Guarantee Scheme.
A six-month reduction in VAT rates down from 23% to 21%, and from 13.5% to 9% will benefit the hospitality sector, as well as a range of additional public capital investment measures to support the domestic economy.
I will continue to work with my colleagues to identify practical actions to help businesses.
155. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the universal basic income pilot promised in the programme for Government; the timeline on the proposed pilot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43943/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out a number of inter-related commitments under the “A New Social Contract” Mission.
This Mission includes the following initiatives that pertain to the work of the Low Pay Commission:
- Progress to a living wage over the lifetime of the Government
- Request the Low Pay Commission to examine Universal Basic Income, informed by a review of previous international pilots, and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government.
Consideration is now being given to how best to progress the living wage and universal basic income initiatives. I recently met with the Low Pay Commission to discuss options for progressing these commitments including, as a first step, an examination and analysis of universal basic income pilots in other countries. When this examination is completed by the Commission, consideration will be given to how best we can develop and implement a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government.
156. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Laois and Offaly that have received support under the restart grant and the restart grant plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43799/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus schemes were designed to help small and medium sized businesses get back on their feet after what has been an exceptionally difficult time. The Restart Grant scheme was launched on 15 May with a budget of €250 million. The Restart Grant Plus scheme was launched on 10 August with an additional budget of €300m from the Government’s July Jobs Stimulus as a result of the increasing demand for the scheme.
The purpose of the schemes was to help with the cost of reopening or adapting business premises so that normal business could resume. Grant payments were administered by the Local Authorities via the commercial rates system as this was considered the most effective means to get urgent financial assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The Restart Grant Plus scheme closed to new applications on 31 October and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners is now in place.
In response to the Deputy’s specific question and as at 11 December 2020, Laois County Council has awarded Restart Grant payments to 456 businesses. 706 businesses benefitted from grant payments under the Restart Grant Plus Scheme.
Offaly County Council has awarded Restart Grant payments to 864 businesses. 896 businesses benefitted from grant payments under the Restart Grant Plus Scheme.
In total, over 118,600 applications have been managed under both Restart schemes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 31 local authorities and the Local Government Management Agency for the efficiency with which they have managed applications under both schemes.
157. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the workings of the Workplace Relations Commission. [43851/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) plays a key role in Irish society and the Irish economy. Its services help to maintain industrial relations stability, mediate and adjudicate in individual disputes, raise awareness of and improve industrial and employment relations generally, promote, monitor and enforce compliance with employment standards and provides recourse for people who feel they have been discriminated against in the delivery of services and in work.
It has an annual budget of €14.9M and has an internal structure that comprises five distinct Divisions.
The Conciliation, Facilitation and Mediation Division plays a key role in the voluntary resolution of collective and individual industrial relations and employment rights disputes in Ireland.
The Advisory Division provides advice and assistance to employees, employers, and trade unions in situations where there is no trade dispute. It helps employers and employees to develop positive working relationships and mechanisms to solve problems.
The Adjudication Division deals with complaints which are submitted for adjudication under a range of legislation.
The Inspection and Enforcement Division monitors employment conditions to ensure compliance with and, where necessary the enforcement of employment rights legislation.
The Information and Customer Service area provides information on rights and entitlements under employment legislation and registers complaints submitted for adjudication.
Notwithstanding the impact of Covid19, significant progress has been made by the WRC during 2020, including;
- Expanding in-person delivery of WRC services to its offices in Ennis and Carlow, with significant progress also made in the development of the WRC’s new Cork premises.
- 6,875 site visits which combined Covid-19 and employments rights monitoring, with €1,588,000 unpaid wages recovered.
- Dealing with over 51,000 calls via the WRC Information Service.
- Setting up remote hearings, where appropriate, and adapting physical hearings to accommodate social distancing requirements.
158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which his Department is continuing to support the development of new markets for Irish exports in the current Covid-19 and Brexit environment; his plans for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43848/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s budget allocation for 2021 has been increased by €154 million or 15.9% on the 2020 allocation in addition to €100 million earmarked from the Recovery Fund for Brexit. This is a record allocation and will significantly bolster the capability of our enterprise and regulatory agencies to help businesses examine their Brexit exposure, seek advice, avail of customs training and make plans to protect their business.
Ireland's overall export performance over the last 10 years has been marked by year-on-year growth with total exports of goods and services reaching further record levels of €374 bn in 2019.
While the UK is and will remain a major market for Irish companies, expanding the Irish export footprint in markets beyond the UK is a key priority. In that context, Enterprise Ireland’s strategy is to support Irish exporters to be more innovative, competitive and market diversified.
The Irish exporting landscape has been strong and companies in Ireland have been succeeding in winning business worldwide for their products and services. Enterprise Ireland client companies achieved record levels of exports in 2019 of €25.6bn, against the backdrop of Brexit uncertainty. In 2019, the Eurozone region, which is a key focus of Enterprise Ireland’s diversification strategy, saw growth of 15% to €5.65bn, with Germany, France and the Netherlands each exceeding €1bn in exports. Exports to North America increased from €4.08bn in 2018 to €4.72bn, an increase of 16%. Our Enterprise agencies are now opening new offices around the world to support our companies in competing and thriving in global markets.
Ministerial-led Trade Missions have supported the Government's major drive towards market diversification. The majority of trade missions in recent years have taken place to the Eurozone, North America and Asia Pacific, which represented the strongest growth opportunities for Irish companies. These trade missions focused on promoting the innovative capabilities and competitive offerings of Irish companies to international buyers in sectors including internationally traded services, fintech, high-tech construction, engineering, ICT and lifesciences.
While it has not been possible to lead Trade Missions in 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, promotion of our companies abroad continued through the work of our State agencies, and, in particular, their offices located on the ground internationally.
My Department is currently in contact with Enterprise Ireland with a view to developing a Ministerial led Trade Mission Programme for 2021. At this stage, it is envisaged that such a programme will contain a mix of virtual and actual trade missions. At the same time, Enterprise Ireland will continue to support companies to sustain their existing export sales and to increasingly diversify their export markets. This will include strengthening sales and marketing capability of companies, with a particular focus on remote/virtual channels and providing targeted financial and advisory supports to companies adversely impacted upon by COVID-19 and Brexit to support their adaptation to the challenging market environment.
As well as the global efforts supported by our agencies, key to our success has been our commitment to trade liberalisation in order to open new markets for our indigenous sectors. The EU has successfully concluded a number of important trade agreements with trading partners and is in the process of negotiating or upgrading its agreements with many more. The existing suite of EU Free Trade Agreements and new trade deals will continue to be very important for Ireland. With a small domestic market, further expansion in other markets is essential to our continued economic growth and, in this regard, Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new Free Trade Agreements, opening new markets for Irish companies and increasing export and investment opportunities.
159. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the implementation of the Duffy-Cahill report and on efforts to resolve a dispute at a company (details supplied). [37038/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility 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 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.
I extend my sympathies to the workers in Debenhams who have lost their jobs. I fully appreciate how difficult the situation is for those involved and their families.
The talks facilitated by the Chair of the Labour Court, Kevin Foley have now concluded and he has issued a report reflecting the outcome of that process. I want to thank Kevin Foley for his efforts and encourage all sides to consider his findings carefully.
Negotiations on enhanced redundancy are a voluntary matter between the liquidator and former employees. The Government has been supportive of the best outcome that is possible for the workers, within the legal framework available. There is no legal scope for the Social Insurance Fund to supplement or ‘top-up’ redundancy payments.
While the Government cannot interfere with the High Court-overseen liquidation process, it has always sought to ensure that the concerns of workers are heard, and that the State’s employment and training services are responding to the needs of the ex-Debenhams workers.
Therefore, in recognition of the exceptional circumstances of this case, as reflected in Kevin Foley’s report, the Government is willing to allocate a fund of €3 million to support career guidance, training, education and business start-ups for the former Debenham workers.
This special Fund will be administered by SOLAS on behalf of the Government. Detailed criteria for draw-down from the Fund will be developed over the coming days in consultation with their trade union representatives.
160. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Sligo and Leitrim that have received support under the restart grant and the restart grant plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43803/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus schemes were designed to help small and medium sized businesses get back on their feet after what has been an exceptionally difficult time. The Restart Grant scheme was launched on 15 May with a budget of €250 million. The Restart Grant Plus scheme was launched on 10 August with an additional budget of €300m from the Government’s July Jobs Stimulus as a result of the increasing demand for the scheme.
The purpose of the schemes was to help with the cost of reopening or adapting business premises so that normal business could resume. Grant payments were administered by the Local Authorities via the commercial rates system as this was considered the most effective means to get urgent financial assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The Restart Grant Plus scheme closed to new applications on 31 October and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners is now in place.
In response to the Deputy’s specific question and as at 11 December 2020, Sligo County Council has awarded Restart Grant payments to 641 businesses. 981 businesses benefitted from grant payments under the Restart Grant Plus Scheme.
Leitrim County Council has awarded Restart Grant payments to 345 businesses, with 467 businesses benefiting from payments under the Restart Grant Plus Scheme.
In total, over 118,600 applications have been managed under both Restart schemes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 31 local authorities and the Local Government Management Agency for the efficiency with which they have managed applications under both schemes.
161. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the rationale following reports of the Low Pay Commission’s commitment to only a 1% increase in the national minimum wage for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26803/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is now a well-established method for determining the National Minimum Wage.
The Low Pay Commission was established under the National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Act 2015. The primary remit of the Commission is to make annual recommendations to Government on the appropriate rate of the National Minimum Wage using an evidence-based approach.
In every year since its founding in 2015, the Low Pay Commission has recommended an increase in the minimum wage and this recommendation has always been accepted and implemented by the Government. This has resulted in an increase in the minimum wage of €1.45 over five years.
Given the difficult and uncertain position currently facing many minimum wage employers, the Low Pay Commission recommended a 10c increase in the minimum wage for 2021. This recommendation was accepted and approved by the Government. A Statutory Order has been signed to bring the increase into effect from January 1st, 2021, when the national minimum wage will rise to €10.20 per hour. This will bring the increase in the minimum wage to €1.55 over six years.
It should be noted that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to progress to a living wage over the lifetime of the Government. I recently met with the Low Pay Commission to discuss options for taking forward the commitment to progress to a living wage and the role the Commission can play in meeting this commitment.
The Programme for Government recognises the importance of the Low Pay Commission in ensuring that those who are in low-paid employment are valued. While the living wage initiative is being developed, the Government will continue to be guided by the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission with regard to any future changes in the minimum wage.
162. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the economic and sustainability impact assessment of the EU-Mercosur agreement commissioned by his Department in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in January 2020; when the report will be published; the cost of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43942/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2020, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, commissioned independent consultancy firm, Implement Consulting, to undertake an Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment of the EU-Mercosur Agreement.
The Impact Assessment will consist of two equally important and complementary components, namely a comprehensive analysis of the potential economic benefits as well as a robust sustainability impact assessment including social, human rights and environmental impacts that the trade Agreement could have in Ireland and the Mercosur countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Wide-ranging stakeholder engagement has been undertaken by the Consultants as part of the Impact Assessment.
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, the Impact is designed to assist assist our decision-making on the Agreement ahead of the European Commission presenting the Member States with the legally-proofed texts of the Agreement.
Work by the Consultants on the Impact Assessment is well advanced with my Department informed that the bulk of the research has been completed. The Report will be published once it has been received and considered by the Government, which is likely to be in the first quarter of 2021.
Finally, Implement Consulting were commissioned following a competitive tender process advertised through the e-tenders and the Official Journal of the European Union websites. Five bids were received. The value of the contract with Implement Consulting is for €199,500 excluding VAT.
163. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in County Cork that have availed of the Microfinance Ireland Brexit business loan. [43808/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo enhance the suite of loans products available to Irish businesses who will be impacted by Brexit, Microfinance Ireland (MFI) launched their Brexit Business Loan on the 23rd of November this year. MFI and officials in my Department have developed this loan product to operate under MFI’s remit which means the loans are available to micro businesses, eg, businesses with less than 10 employees and €2 million turnover.
For these businesses the impact of Brexit is more likely to be felt in imports and supply chains rather than exports. They will need to source new supply chains resulting in the need for cash payments for new stock. It is expected that many of these loans will be short term; less than 12 months. Hence the flexibility of the term of the loan from 6 months to 3 years.
The loan range of €5,000 to €25,000 is the requisite size for these smaller companies. It will assist them counter the initial disruption of Brexit and give them breathing space to normalise any import of supply chain changes going into the future.
To date, there have been no draw downs under the MFI Brexit Business Loan in Cork or elsewhere. However, many businesses, especially micro businesses, are still assessing the impact that Brexit will have on them and are awaiting the outcome of the negotiations of the UKs departure from the European Union. When there is certainty on the outcome of the negotiations, MFI expect to see increased demand for these loans.
MFI are ready to deliver these loans. For the size of these loans, they have favourable interest rates of 4.5% APR if submitted through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network or other referral partners or 5.5% APR if applied directly. This is to encourage these businesses to contact their LEO so as to avail of any other relevant training or potential for grant aid. There are no fees or charges or any hidden costs and there is no penalty for early repayment.
165. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department and agencies under his aegis will provide a dedicated service to answer questions from SMEs with Brexit queries in advance of and after 1 January 2021. [43667/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a consequence of the UK leaving the EU customs union and the Single Market on 1 January, significant changes will come into effect from that date.
Substantial advice and resources on a range of issues across Government Departments/agencies, including extensive webinar content, is available on the Government Brexit portal at www.Gov.ie/Brexit. This covers issues such as customs procedures, phytosanitary and sanitary checks and, in the case of my own Department and agencies, advice ranging from enterprise supports for businesses for Brexit to regulatory issues such as product certification/product standards and obligations for importers of chemicals.
A number of Government Departments and agencies, such as Revenue and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, that will play a key role in operating the new checks and controls on 1 January for goods moving to, from or through the UK (excluding Northern Ireland), already operate customer helplines.
Later this month, a list of relevant Government services and contact details for key services for businesses that will be in place for 1 January will be published in the print media, on social media and made available on www.gov.ie/brexit. My Department already operates a dedicated Enterprise Information Centre and this will be operative on 1 January to direct businesses to relevant Brexit related enterprise supports and to the regulatory services that fall within the remit of my Department and its Agencies.
In respect of the Agencies under my remit, they are putting in place relevant arrangements, including key contact details, to respond to Brexit related queries from 1 January 2021 both by phone and email.
167. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in County Tipperary that have received support under the restart grant and the restart grant plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43801/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus schemes were designed to help small and medium sized businesses get back on their feet after what has been an exceptionally difficult time. The Restart Grant scheme was launched on 15 May with a budget of €250 million. The Restart Grant Plus scheme was launched on 10 August with an additional budget of €300m from the Government’s July Jobs Stimulus as a result of the increasing demand for the scheme.
The purpose of the schemes was to help with the cost of reopening or adapting business premises so that normal business could resume. Grant payments were administered by the Local Authorities via the commercial rates system as this was considered the most effective means to get urgent financial assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The Restart Grant Plus scheme closed to new applications on 31 October and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners is now in place.
In response to the Deputy’s specific question and as at 11 December 2020, Tipperary County Council has awarded Restart Grant payments to 2105 businesses. 2,163 businesses have benefitted from grant payments under the Restart Grant Plus Scheme.
In total, over 118,600 applications have been managed under both Restart schemes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 31 local authorities and the Local Government Management Agency for the efficiency with which they have managed applications under both schemes.
168. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the interactions he has had with his EU counterparts in respect of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. [42651/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU reached political agreement in their trade negotiations with the Mercosur region in June 2019. The resultant EU-Mercosur Agreement is the EU’s largest trade deal to date and covers a population of over 770 million with trade in goods and services valued at €122 billion. Irish exporters have been subject to trade tariffs, barriers and restrictions when exporting to Mercosur and the Agreement aims to reduce, and in some areas, eliminate trade tariffs between the EU and Mercosur, which will make exports from Ireland more attractive, and potentially increase the demand for Irish products.
In that regard, Ireland exported approximately €0.5 billion worth of goods and €0.7 billion worth of services to the Mercosur region in 2019, with Irish goods exports to Mercosur growing on average by 2% annually and Mercosur accounting for 0.3% of total Irish good exports in 2019.
Since taking up office as the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I have had several bilateral meetings with my EU counterparts where I reiterated the challenges that remain for Ireland in relation to the Agreement. In addition to the beef "TRQ" concessions, there is the need to ensure that the commitments made within the Agreement regarding environmental protections and to uphold the Paris Climate Agreement are fully enforceable. More particularly, at a meeting of the EU’s Trade Council in Berlin in September, I took the opportunity to remind both the Commission, and my counterparts, that such enforceable guarantees which strengthen environmental protections, particularly with regard to the Amazon rainforest and climate action, are a priority for this Government in terms of our assessment of the benefits of the Agreement.
In response to these Member State and European Parliament concerns, Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, has confirmed that the Commission is engaging with Mercosur countries to negotiate additional pre-commitments on climate and deforestation as there must be lasting solutions for the Amazon region before the Agreement is ratified. In addition, officials from my Department and across Government have continued to articulate the Government’s clear position regarding the Agreement at the highest level in the EU.
Finally, as you know, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine commissioned independent consultancy firm to undertake an Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the EU-Mercosur Agreement. The impact assessment will consist of two components, namely a comprehensive analysis of the potential economic benefits as well as a robust sustainability impact assessment including; social, human rights and environmental impacts of the Agreement. This Impact Assessment, along with additional commitments on the issue of strengthening climate and deforestation provisions within the Agreement, will assist the Government’s decision-making on the Agreement ahead of the European Commission presenting EU Member States with the final text of the Agreement which we anticipate will be in Spring 2021.
169. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider extending the supports that are in place for employers to employ and retain persons with disabilities to also include persons with disabilities who choose to become self-employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43944/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a member of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities Implementation Group, my Department has committed to highlight the supports that are available to facilitate the employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market, or to retain in the workforce employees who acquire a disability.
The Department of Social Protection offers a number of workplace supports schemes for people with disabilities and their employers or prospective employers.
The EmployAbility Service is an employment and recruitment service that helps people who have a disability, an injury or and an illness to get and keep a job.
This service works through sponsor organisations in local communities on behalf of the DEASP and it is free of charge. It provides ongoing support for both the employer and employee throughout employment.
The EmployAbility Service’s supports for employers include, free recruitment and employment service, access to a dedicated workforce, a database of skilled jobseekers, ongoing professional support and advice on grants and supports.
Further information may be viewed through www.gov.ie at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/8578c4-access-the-employability-service/
My colleague Minister Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Social Protection would be best placed to advise further on any extension to existing supports for employers.
My colleague, Minister Roderic O’Gorman, T.D, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth may also be of assistance in relation to disability policy development.
170. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the review by the company law review group on the legal provisions surrounding collective redundancies and the liquidation of companies to ensure that the rights of workers are effectively protected; when he will publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43939/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Company Law Review Group is a statutory advisory body charged with advising me on matters pertaining to company law. Its membership is broad and representative of key stakeholders who have expertise and interest in the area, such as employee and employer representative groups, the Revenue Commissioners, insolvency and legal practitioners and regulators.
It is important to note that membership of the CLRG is voluntary and members give their time freely outside of their day to day jobs and I am grateful for the Group's continued effort.
The CLRG has worked intensively with my Department since March 2020 to examine issues arising in company law as a result of COVID-19. In addition to this work, I wrote to the CLRG on 31st July setting out its work programme for 2020 - 2022. As part of this work programme, I requested that the CLRG consider whether the legal provisions surrounding collective redundancies and the liquidation of companies effectively protect the rights of workers, as a matter of priority. I have asked that they report to me by 31st December 2020.
The CLRG is actively considering the matter referred to by the Deputy and is engaging with stakeholders such as ICTU, IBEC, ISME and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement to address specific issues identified pertaining to the Companies Act 2014. This is a considerable and complex body of work being undertaken and I am conscious of the timeframe set. I look forward to receiving their report and its publishing on the CLRG's website shortly thereafter.
Issues surrounding workers' rights when a company goes into liquidation have come to the fore especially in light of the impact of COVID-19 on businesses. Government will be ready to act on the CLRG's findings and propose legislation where this can achieve results.
171. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures being undertaken to ensure that there is no difficulties receiving essential imported goods into Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43922/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrexit, in whatever shape it finally takes, will have a significant impact on the Irish economy, fundamentally changing the trading environment for businesses, including importers trading with the UK, excluding Northern Ireland. With just two weeks until the UK leaves the Single Market and the Customs Union, work to ensure Government, business and citizens are getting Brexit ready is of paramount importance, because change will happen from 1 January 2021.
Since the outcome of the UK referendum on Brexit in 2016, Government has had in place a rolling work programme across all Departments to bring about the necessary changes for Brexit. The central objective has been to provide, as far as possible, for the continuity of the free flow of trade with the UK (excluding Northern Ireland).
An important aspect of the Government response has been infrastructural work necessitated at our ports and airports and in particular, at Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort and Dublin Airport. This is essential in maintaining the flow of trade in and out of the country to the greatest extent possible, including essential imported goods.
Since 2018, work has been undertaken across Government to invest in the infrastructure, systems, and staffing required for the additional customs checks and other regulatory controls required at Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort and Dublin Airport to allow for continuity of trade with Great Britain.
As well as building the necessary infrastructure, Budget 2021 also provides for additional resourcing for Departments, Offices and Agencies, including the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and the HSE, to support and carry out customs, SPS and food safety checks and controls.
The Department of Transport has also been working with shipping companies, hauliers and port operators in terms of the provision of alternative direct shipping routes to Europe instead of using the UK Landbridge given likely delays using that route to get to and from European markets. Direct routes will avoid the uncertainty of delays and disruption from 1 January 2021 and the need for customs notifications, documentation and financial guarantees. A number of the ferry operators have announced the provision of additional capacity on direct routes to Europe from January next and recently, a new operator to the Irish market announced a regular ferry services from Rosslare to Dunkirk.
In addition, Government has made available to businesses a range of advisory services, financial incentives such as Brexit planning vouchers, as well as financial grant aid to help businesses get ready for Brexit. These are all provided through agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and InterTradeIreland. In particular, Enterprise Ireland provides a Ready for Customs grant of up to €9k per employee to assist companies to take on staff to assist with customs declarations and formalities.
I would encourage importers to avail of these supports as for many, trading with the UK from 1 January with new customs and SPS controls and checks will be a major change and a significant overhead for which they need to be prepared. Despite all of the work that has been completed across Government to help businesses get Brexit ready, undoubtedly the new checks and controls that will apply to trade with the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) from 1 January will give rise to initial delays in the movement of goods through the ports.
172. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Cavan and Monaghan that have availed of the Brexit loan scheme. [43721/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Brexit Loan Scheme makes available working capital lending to eligible businesses that are or will be exposed to impacts arising from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Loans under the scheme range from €25,000 to €1.5m for terms of up to three years and are offered at favourable terms compared to otherwise similar lending in the market. For example, there is no security required on loans of up to €500,000 and loans under the scheme are offered at a maximum interest rate of 4%, which represents a significant savings compared to other similar lending available in the market.
The Brexit Loan Scheme features a two-stage application process, whereby businesses must first apply to the SBCI to confirm their eligibility under the scheme. Successful applicants are issued an eligibility code, which they can then use to make a loan application to a participating finance provider.
To date there has been modest uptake of the Brexit Loan Scheme. While there had been 1,018 eligibility codes approved by the end of September 2020, this translated to €56.4 million in loans drawn by 279 businesses by the end of September 2020. There has been little further activity on the scheme since then as businesses continue to deal with COVID-19 impacts.
Specifically for County Cavan, 23 eligibility codes were approved, and 5 loans were drawn to a value of €650,000 by the end of September 2020.
Businesses in County Monaghan were approved for 27 eligibility codes and 3 loans were drawn to a value of €233,000 by the end of September 2020.
I am very conscious that the delays to the Brexit process may have caused businesses to defer their Brexit preparations, and that the added disruption of the pandemic has meant that many businesses have had to focus their efforts through much of 2020 on successfully navigating an unforeseeable crisis.
However, Brexit will mean change for Irish businesses and the availability of the Brexit Loan Scheme has been extended so that it will remain in place through 2021, thus providing an option for businesses to access competitive finance for working capital should they need it to respond to Brexit. I am encouraging businesses to carefully consider their exposure to Brexit-related impacts, to take the necessary steps to insulate themselves from those impacts, and to ensure they continue to trade after 1 January.
173. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures he is taking to promote the all-island economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43168/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe economies of Ireland and Northern Ireland are closely connected. Cross-border collaboration has and continues to be of great benefit for both jurisdictions, and the Government is committed to working, through the North South Ministerial Council and InterTradeIreland, to strengthen North-South co-operation and to promote trade and business on an all-island and cross-border basis.
ITI is one of the six North/South Implementation Bodies established under the Good Friday Agreement. The body is jointly funded by my Department and its Northern Ireland counterpart, the Department for the Economy. ITI’s objective is to support businesses, through innovation and trade initiatives, to take advantage of North South co-operative opportunities, driving competitiveness, jobs and growth. ITI helps small businesses explore new cross-border markets, develop new products and services and become investor ready.
ITI marked its 20th anniversary last year. During that time, the body has assisted over 39,000 businesses, supported the creation of 14,800 jobs and has generated more than £1bn/€1.2billion in business development value through its programmes and initiatives. Cross border trade now stands at an all-time high. We are now facing new challenges and a different trading landscape, but the promotion and development of cross border trade will continue to be a priority in the period ahead.
ITI has an important role to play in protecting North-South trade in the context of Brexit, as the body is uniquely well-positioned when it comes to understanding the needs of businesses on both sides of the border. We are determined to ensure that ITI is equipped with the funding it requires to continue this important work. My Department has been steadily increasing the funding for ITI over recent years, and their budget allocation for 2021 is over €11million. This will enable the body to assist SMEs as they adjust to the new trading landscape following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
The development of the all-island economy is a priority right across Government. One of the aims of the new shared island unit, established in the Department of the Taoiseach, is further developing our shared island economy. This involves working to deepen our cooperation in areas such as health and education; and investing together for the benefit of the North West and border regions. As part of Budget 2021, the Government announced the Shared Island Fund, with €500m to be made available over the next 5 years to 2025, ring-fenced for Shared Island projects.
The resumption of the North South Ministerial Council this year has provided the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive with the opportunity to meet formally and ensure mutually beneficial cooperation continues across a range of sectoral areas, which will strengthen the all-island economy.
174. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the restart grant and restart grant plus; if all funding has at this point been paid out; the details of same by county in tabular form; his plans to launch a similar scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43955/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus schemes were designed to help small and medium sized businesses get back on their feet after what has been an exceptionally difficult time.
The purpose of the schemes was to help with the cost of reopening or adapting business premises so that normal business could resume. Grant payments were administered by the Local Authorities via the commercial rates system as this was considered the most effective means to get urgent financial assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. All necessary funding has been disbursed to the Local Authorities who continue to process outstanding applications.
The Restart Grant Plus scheme closed to new applications on 31 October and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners is now in place. Accordingly, there are currently no plans to introduce a similar scheme.
In total, over 118,600 applications have been managed under both Restart schemes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 31 local authorities and the Local Government Management Agency for the efficiency with which they have managed applications under both schemes.
I have set out separately in tabular form the information requested by the Deputy as at 11 December 2020.
175. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide extra supports to SMEs for whom Christmas normally represents their peak trade time. [43952/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pandemic has caused untold damage to people's lives and livelihoods. I know that many SMEs have been severely impacted by the restrictions needed to ensure public health safety during the pandemic.
The Government has provided a comprehensive range of enterprise measures to support businesses at this difficult time. These include the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. A full list of supports are on the Department of Enterprise website.
The Employment Wage Support Scheme was announced as part of Budget 2021 and is an economy wide support that provides a flat-rate subsidy to qualifying employers. Changes have also been made to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the EWSS, increasing the top rate to €350 for those who were earning in excess of €400 per week.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys T.D., recently announced the doubling of the PUP threshold from the current €480 over four weeks to €960 over an eight-week period effective immediately. This will help people to restart their businesses and allow self-employed people to take on intermittent jobs without losing their entitlement.
The COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, operated by the Revenue Commission, was introduced in Budget 2021. It 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.
I will continue to work with my colleagues to identify practical actions to help businesses build resilience and live with the virus over the coming year.
