Mattie McGrath
Ceist:134. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the reason the timeframe for the NAMA Commission of Investigation was extended until 30 September 2021. [18717/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommissions of Investigation
Ceisteanna (134)
Freagraí scríofa
The NAMA Commission of Investigation, whose sole member is Judge John Cooke, was established in June 2017 following consultations by the then Government with Opposition parties to investigate the sale by NAMA of its Northern Ireland portfolio, known as Project Eagle.
The Commission’s original deadline for reporting was 31 June 2018 but following several requests from the Commission, its timeframe for reporting has been extended. Most recently, in March 2021, I granted a request made by the Commission in its Tenth Interim Report for an extension of its timeframe for reporting until the end of September 2021.
The Commission's Tenth Interim Report set out the reasons that led it to request a further extension. Firstly, it stated the effect of the pandemic restrictions were far greater than anticipated and the impact of the restrictions on the members of the Commission team significantly slowed the Commission’s progress in the collaborative work of drafting its final report.
Secondly, it stated that an individual outside the jurisdiction of the State who had previously declined to provide evidence to the Commission has agreed to provide a statement to assist the investigation. After some difficulty due to the pandemic restrictions in the State and the location of the witness, the individual concerned provided sworn evidence to the Commission in early February 2021 and was due to finish giving evidence to the Commission. The Commission's Interim Report also stated that preparations for the first draft of its final report were well advanced and that once the hearing of the witness concluded it would amend the draft text of the report to incorporate where necessary the newly received evidence.
The Interim Report also noted that outstanding tasks then to be completed by the Commission include distribution of its draft final report under section 34 of the Act to people identified or identifiable in it and consideration of any applications or submissions received as well as dealing with any applications for third party costs under section 24 of the Act.
Having considered the matter, I was of the view that given the reasons outlined in the Interim Report and the advanced stage of the Commission’s investigation, there was little option but to grant the Commission’s request. I therefore decided to grant the extension as provided for under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 and arranged for the Interim Report to be published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Commission is fully independent in its investigations and other than what is published in its Interim Reports I have no information on how its investigations are proceeding.
Shared Island Unit
Ceisteanna (135)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:135. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach the details of the work of the shared island unit with the Economic Social Research Institute; if the shared island unit has commissioned research to be undertaken by the ESRI; and if he will provide a copy of the terms of reference of this research and for the publication schedule of same. [18803/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the Shared Island initiative, the Shared Island unit in my Department is progressing a comprehensive research programme, working with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) and the Irish Research Council (IRC).
Strengthening social, economic and political links on the island and the promotion of all-island approaches to the strategic challenges facing Ireland, North and South are key objectives, and North/South and East/West collaboration is a feature of the research work.
The research programme with the ESRI is on ‘the Economic and Social Opportunities from Increased Cooperation on the Shared Island’. The purpose of the programme is to produce research outputs which will add to understanding of current and potential linkages across the island of Ireland in a range of economic, social and environmental domains. Research outputs will be published in 2021 and subsequent years.
2021 work under the programme is focusing on aspects of health, education, enterprise and the all-island economy.
Scoping papers including terms of reference for each of the ESRI research topics for 2021 will be published in the coming weeks and made available at gov.ie/sharedisland/research.
Timber Supply
Ceisteanna (136)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:136. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Taoiseach if wood chip is being transported out of Ireland; and if so, the location it is being transported to. [18822/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The data requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
Table A : Exports of Woodchip by Country 2019-2020.
|
Country |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
Exports |
|
2019 |
2019 |
2020 |
2020 |
|
|
€000’s |
Tonnes |
€000’s |
Tonnes |
|
|
Belgium |
899 |
12,972 |
||
|
Germany |
156 |
3 |
||
|
Great Britain |
1,166 |
15,044 |
815 |
23,378 |
|
Netherlands |
5 |
15 |
17 |
53 |
|
Northern Ireland |
255 |
8,828 |
240 |
7,453 |
|
United Arab Emirates |
9 |
47 |
7 |
31 |
|
Total |
2,490 |
36,909 |
1,078 |
30,914 |
Undocumented Irish in the USA
Ceisteanna (137)
Joe McHugh
Ceist:137. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the discussion he had with the President of the United States of America with regard to the undocumented Irish in America during his phone call on St. Patrick’s Day. [19148/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As a consequence of the Covid19 pandemic, this year’s programme of events to mark St. Patrick’s Day took place online.
On 17 March, I had meetings with President Biden, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, and with members of the Friends of Ireland caucus.
My discussions with President Biden, covered a broad range of issues including: Covid-19; the Ireland-US bilateral relationship; Northern Ireland; Brexit; the importance of multilateral engagement, including the Paris Climate Accord, the WHO, and the UN Human Rights Council; and the relationship between the USA and the EU.
We also discussed immigration reform. I expressed my support for President Biden’s proposed approach to immigration reform, and my hope that reform would provide the undocumented Irish with a pathway to regularise their status. As the Deputy will be aware, this is a complex and politically challenging issue that affects people from a wide range of countries to which President Biden has proposed a comprehensive response.
In addition, I thanked the President for his continuing support for the E-3 Visa Bill, which I hope to see reintroduced in the Senate. Following our meeting, President Biden and I issued a Joint Statement in which we expressed our shared support for an earned path to citizenship for immigrants in the United States.
Immigration issues also arose in my discussions with Vice President Harris and with Speaker Pelosi.
Mortality Rates
Ceisteanna (138)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:138. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the reason Ireland has failed to submit excess mortality figures from 2020 to Eurostat; and if the excess mortality rates for 2020 are available and will be published. [19354/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The timeliness of mortality data in Ireland means that the CSO is not currently in a position to produce excess mortality figures for Ireland for 2020 using official data. Following a death in Ireland, a registered medical practitioner who attended the deceased will complete and sign Part 1 of a Death Notification Form (DNF). This forms includes information on the cause of death and this form is then given to the spouse/partner or another relative of the deceased who are then the qualified informant for the death. If the deceased has no spouse/partner or other relative, then the form will be provided to another qualified informant.
Deaths must then be registered with the General Registration Office (GRO) no later than three months from the date of death. The registration of a death may be delayed where the death has been referred to a Coroner for investigation or inquiry. In such cases, the Coroner may issue a temporary certification to allow the death to be registered pending final determination of any investigation or inquiry. The registrations submitted to the GRO are then transmitted electronically to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on a weekly basis and the CSO assigns an Underlying Cause of Death (UCOD) to each record.
The CSO then publishes provisional quarterly data based on the date the death was registered within 5 months of the end of the reference period. Final data, based on the date the death occurred, is published within 22 months of the end of the reference period. The most recent final mortality data published was for 2018 which was disseminated at the end of October 2020. This time lag is to allow for as many records as possible that had been referred to the Coroner to be included in the data and thus the inability to calculate official estimates for Ireland for 2020.
Additional information on the processing of death certificates and the impact of COVID-19 is available from:
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/in/vs/informationnoteontheimplicationsofcovid-19ontheprocessingofdeathcertificates/
However, recognising the importance of using other sources to provide more timely information to users, the CSO worked with data from RIP.ie to support the calculation of an estimated figure for excess mortality in Ireland. Two experimental Frontier Series releases have been issued by the CSO, on 3 July 2020 and 2 November 2020, and the CSO is currently working on this data to issue an updated release. There are a number of limitations in using this data however, but based on the analysis of death notices, excess mortality for the period March to September 2020 is estimated to be between 876 and 1,192. These releases, and details on the limitations of using such data, are available from:
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-covid19/covid-19informationhub/health/measuringmortalityusingpublicdatasources/
In addition, the Department of Health and the General Registration Office are finalising proposals to change the death registration process in Ireland. These proposals include a requirement that deaths would be notified to the GRO in a much more timely fashion and this would allow for the more timely publication of summary mortality statistics and also allow for the more timely calculation of excess mortality statistics using official data.
Appointments to State Boards
Ceisteanna (139, 140, 141)
Michael Ring
Ceist:139. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach if all vacancies (details supplied) are advertised. [19823/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Ring
Ceist:140. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach if any person can apply for a position (details supplied). [19878/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
John McGuinness
Ceist:141. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Taoiseach the efforts his Department is making to achieve gender balance on all State boards and agencies under the remit of his Department; if he will set out the changes achieved to date on each; and if 50% of the membership of all boards, policy groups or agencies that provide advice to Government on matters of policy will be reserved for appropriately qualified individuals from the private sector in order to achieve a balance between the public and private sectors. [20734/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139, 140 and 141 together.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is an independent Office under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach. The National Statistics Board (NSB) was established under the National Statistics Act 1993 to guide the strategic direction of the Central Statistics Office.
The National Statistics Board, as mandated under Section 18 of the National Statistics Act 1993, has eight members - two are nominees of the Taoiseach, three are nominations by organisations representative of users of national statistics, two are Assistant Secretary grade or higher in the Department of the Taoiseach and Department of Finance, and the Director General of the CSO is a member in an ex officio capacity. Three board members of the NSB are female.
In the case of those members who are nominees of the Taoiseach or of organisations representative of users of national statistics, all vacancies are publicly advertised through PAS and stateboards.ie
All appointments are made in line with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.
In addition, although not a Board, four independent members of the National Economic and Social Council were appointed following an assessment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service in line with the Guidelines for appointments to State Boards.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (142, 152, 162)
Seán Canney
Ceist:142. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the immediate reintroduction of click and collect services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18174/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraClaire Kerrane
Ceist:152. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration has been given to enabling click and collect services to support customers and businesses during current public health guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18432/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Johnny Mythen
Ceist:162. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is a plan or timeframe for a safe return to click and collect retail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18580/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 142, 152 and 162 together.
I understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for businesses and their customers across the country and would like to thank them for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.
Under Level 5, in line with public health guidelines, only essential retail outlets will remain open and the current temporary restrictions in Level 5 will stay in place until at least 4 May 2021. Further information can be found on gov.ie
The decision to move to full scale Level 5 was not taken lightly and all factors were considered.
S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/)
clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/
Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential stores. This is to stop people making unnecessary journeys, congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus.
Under the current temporary restrictions while click and collect of non-essential retail items is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.
Under consideration from 4th May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead which can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/,
sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation.
All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.
I meet regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to discuss and assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
The Government has introduced a wide range of supports to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and they can be found on the Department’s website
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (143)
Seán Canney
Ceist:143. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the need for a defined plan for reopening retail business; his views on whether there is a need for a reopening plan as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18175/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for businesses and their customers across the country and would like to thank them for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.
Under Level 5, in line with public health guidelines, only essential retail outlets will remain open and the current temporary restrictions in Level 5 will stay in place until at least 4th May 2021. Further information can be found on gov.ie
The decision to move to full scale Level 5 was not taken lightly and all factors were considered.
S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/)
clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/
Under consideration from 4th May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead which can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/,
sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation.
In preparing for reopening, we are asking businesses, including non-essential retailers, to revisit their work safely protocols and their compliance with national health guidelines.
- The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) ‘The Work Safely Protocol’ incorporates the current advice on the Public Health measures needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and workplaces. 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.
- The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) have produced two guidance documents, one for the retail Sector and one for Shopping Centres. Both documents can be found on www.nsai.ie
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
The Government has introduced a wide range of supports to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and they can be found on the Department’s website https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
Rent Increases
Ceisteanna (144)
Seán Canney
Ceist:144. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the need for an urgent arbitration plan to address the looming rent crisis for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18176/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
These are difficult times and many companies have had to temporarily close their businesses and / or premises, curtail their activities or make alternative work arrangements due to COVID-19 restrictions. I am aware that some businesses are concerned that some landlords are continuing to insist on the payment of rents and leases as normal despite their premises being closed.
The issue of commercial rents is primarily a contractual matter for the parties involved, and arrangements will be in place in commercial lease agreements to deal with disputes (alternative dispute resolution mechanisms) . However, the Government has urged landlords and tenants to talk to one another and come to some arrangement, as it is in everybody’s interest that terms are amicably agreed. With this in mind, on 1st October 2020, the Code of Conduct between landlords and tenants for commercial rents was published. The aim of the voluntary Code is to facilitate discussions between landlords and tenants impacted by COVID-19. It sets out a structured approach for engagement between both commercial landlords and tenants, based on their mutual interest in continuing to work together.
However, this Code should not be seen in isolation. To date, a range of supports have been developed for businesses, including the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID, the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme, wage subsidies, a commercial rates holiday, low-cost loans, and a VAT reduction. The Code of Conduct and the full list of supports is available on my Department’s website.
The Government is committed to ensuring as many businesses as possible survive this challenging period, and it will continue to look at how we can help businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (145)
Seán Canney
Ceist:145. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the financial supports available to businesses will be extended to enable those businesses that were viable prior to the pandemic to trade effectively once restrictions are lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18177/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
From the start of this Pandemic, a wide range of aid for businesses and employees have been introduced right across Government. These have included income based schemes such as the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme which are payable regardless of sector and are available to employees, sole traders and proprietary directors.
In line with the practice in other jurisdictions, the Government introduced schemes aimed at helping businesses with unavoidable fixed costs such as the Restart Grants, the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme and more recently the scheme introduced by my own Department, Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid.
The supports above are in addition to the arrangements for tax deferrals introduced by the Minister for Finance, low cost and accessible loan schemes offered by my Department and other financial assistance supports provided to businesses via Enterprise Ireland, InterTrade Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices.
The amount allocated for COVID-19-related supports across 2020 and 2021 is in excess of €28 billion. This extraordinary level of fiscal support has been and remains necessary to help our people manage the impacts of the pandemic.
I and my colleagues across Government will continue to keep the range of measures under review that are helping business and employees with the goal of setting our country towards economic recovery. The Government is determined to ensure there will be no cliff-edge scenario and businesses and employees will continue to be supported as much as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (146)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:146. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to any Minister or Minister of State or adviser to a Minister or Minister of State who requested or suggested to the HSE or any Department that a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin be used as a vaccination site for Covid-19. [18272/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am not aware of any such requests.
Foreign Direct Investment
Ceisteanna (147)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:147. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the announcement by the IDA that it plans to appoint a consultant in Israel to present Ireland as an investment location; if his views were sought in advance of this announcement; the systems that will be in place to ensure that businesses connected to illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory including but not limited to those listed in the UN database will not be engaged by the IDA or benefit in any way from the proposed new arrangement; if he is in agreement with this decision of the IDA in view of UN CERD January 2020 recommendations which demand Israel ceases its policies of racial discrimination and apartheid and the 2017 Report by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia accusing Israel of imposing an apartheid regime of racial discrimination on the Palestinian people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18277/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
IDA Ireland’s overseas teams and office network are vital to support the agency’s efforts in winning new Foreign Direct Investment across the world. From time-to-time IDA seeks to expand its global network of offices and teams. Many firms are looking to expand into new markets and Ireland is a proven location for global companies to grow and serve their customer base in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
IDA Ireland has decided to tender for a part-time Israel based Business Development Consultant. This person will represent IDA to support its efforts to win new investment. This is a model used across many territories. The Business Development Consultant will be expected to identify Israeli-headquartered target companies with potential for investing in Ireland, engage with senior decision-makers in these companies and present Ireland’s value proposition as an investment location.
IDA Ireland has advised my Department that as part of its normal evaluation and due diligence process across all geographies, it considers many factors including societal and reputational risk, that could be associated with investment activities prior to accepting a client into its portfolio.
My views were not sought in advance of the announcement by the IDA of its plans to tender for a part-time Israel based Business Development Consultant. I expect IDA Ireland to align with Ireland's well-known position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory, which informs our engagement with the State of Israel across a range of bilateral issues, including trade. Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967.
The EU and its Member States, including Ireland, are wholly opposed to Israeli settlements, which are contrary to international law, and are damaging to the prospects of peace.
UN Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted on 23 December 2016, calls on all States to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. This Resolution reflected the position already held by Ireland, the EU and the UN for many years.
Ireland consistently raises human rights issues in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory at the highest international levels, including most recently at the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Ireland remains steadfast in its support for a comprehensive two state solution which protects the future of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (148)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:148. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will explore the merits and the way in which it can be permitted to allow some retail outlets to provide a limited call-in service for the fitting of essential clothing items and-or services such as bra fitting and foot measuring for children’s shoes in view of the fact that without access to these services a person's physical health is being put at risk. [18316/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand this is an incredibly difficult time for businesses and their customers across the country and I would like to thank them for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.
S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2021
(https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/)
clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/
The list of essential retail outlets has been updated and now includes retail outlets that sell shoes for children, provide shoe fitting services to children, and sell such products and provide such services on the basis of individual one-to-one appointments made on behalf of a child in advance of the child’s attendance at the outlet.
In line with public health guidelines Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential stores. This is to stop people making unnecessary journeys, congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus.
Under the current temporary restrictions while click and collect of non-essential retail items is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.
Under consideration from 4th May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.
Retailers can and have made arrangements, on compassionate grounds, for individual customers to urgently purchase a non-essential item in store. This is only in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to plan ahead and avail of remote ordering services such as in emergencies.
We are also asking retailers to exercise their best judgement and common sense on a case by case basis, to ensure those requiring urgent access to a non-essential item are accommodated.
As Chair of the Retail Forum, I meet regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to discuss and assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead which can be found on
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/,
sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation.
All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
Industrial Relations
Ceisteanna (149)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:149. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to approve pay rises for an industry (details supplied). [18326/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Chairman of the Labour Court wrote to me on the 19th February 2021 confirming that the Court has adopted proposals for an employment regulation order ('ERO') in the security industry and the matter is receiving due consideration.If the proposal is approved, it will increase minimum rates of pay from 1 June 2021 or, if approved thereafter, from the date that the Order is commenced. Under Statute, the Houses of the Oireachtas can pass a resolution to annul the ERO within the period specified, however any increases that had been applied under the ERO in advance of this annulment would remain unaffected.The draft proposal is available to view on the Labour Court’s website.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (150)
Seán Canney
Ceist:150. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are many businesses that do not have rateable business premises and do not qualify for supports; if a support scheme for such businesses will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18370/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am acutely aware of the difficulties that these necessary ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are putting on all businesses right across the country. Business owners are making sacrifices in order to protect their communities.
As you are aware, the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
You will also know that Budget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. The level of Government supports is unprecedented.
Some schemes do have an eligibility requirement of a business operating from a premises on which rates are payable. The reason for this provision is to assist businesses operating from fixed premises to meet some of the ongoing fixed costs of maintaining those premises.
The Government business fixed cost support schemes are there to help meet costs that cannot be avoided and to provide basic weekly income support up to maximum of €350 per week. They are not created to provide compensation for loss of personal income above this level or compensation for loss of profits for any sector.
Full details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes are available on my Department’s website at https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
I want to assure you, however, the Government is consulting with business sectors and I am aware of their concerns and I and my colleagues across Government are continuing to keep the range of measures under review.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (151)
Sean Fleming
Ceist:151. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding requests for appeals in respect of the restart grant scheme that was introduced for Covid-19 when the closing date was brought in abruptly without giving proper notice to potential applicants; the funding that has been provided by his Department to local authorities in respect of appeals; the amount paid by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18410/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Restart grant scheme was launched in May 2020 and was live on all local authority websites. It was advertised extensively both nationally and locally as well as across social media. The Scheme was initially intended to provide grants in tandem with the phased re-opening of the economy as per the Government’s Roadmap. As the Roadmap was accelerated, so too was the scheme available to all eligible businesses and sectors.
The numbers of applications nationally had begun to taper off as we considered introducing an expanded Restart Scheme with higher grant levels. As the Government decided to introduce the higher grant levels, to the benefit of a much larger group of businesses, it was decided to end the original scheme. The Restart Grant Plus Scheme was launched in August 2020, with increased minimum and maximum grants available to a larger cohort of businesses.
Businesses, for whichever reason, that were unable to apply for the original Restart Grant scheme were entitled to submit an appeal to their Local Authority. In this context it is important to note that for the purposes of the Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus schemes, each Local Authority was the decision-making body and the appeals body, so individual appeals were directed in the first instance to their respective Local Authority, noting the circumstances/reasons for the particular appeal.
I have outlined in the table below the specific information requested by the Deputy, as at 9 April 2021:
|
Local Authority |
Appeals Total € |
|
Carlow |
€0 |
|
Cavan |
€16,722 |
|
Clare |
€332,285 |
|
Cork City |
€4,150,702 |
|
Cork County |
€0 |
|
Donegal |
€1,279,241 |
|
Dublin City |
€3,019,326 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
€723,941 |
|
Fingal |
€400,000 |
|
Galway City |
€1,000,000 |
|
Galway County |
€1,180,744 |
|
Kerry |
€500,000 |
|
Kildare |
€2,001,820 |
|
Kilkenny |
€0 |
|
Laois |
€0 |
|
Leitrim |
€0 |
|
Limerick |
€54,692 |
|
Longford |
€400,000 |
|
Louth |
€1,298,948 |
|
Mayo |
€477,033 |
|
Meath |
€562,413 |
|
Monaghan |
€0 |
|
Offaly |
€613,344 |
|
Roscommon |
€505,110 |
|
Sligo |
€566,816 |
|
South Dublin |
€500,000 |
|
Tipperary |
€0 |
|
Waterford |
€454,509 |
|
Westmeath |
€61,185 |
|
Wexford |
€1,532,492 |
|
Wicklow |
€591,793 |
|
GRAND TOTALS |
€22,223,116 |
Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 142.