Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding being provided under the Digital Transition Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52658/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmbracing digital technologies is crucial for our post pandemic economic recovery.
A competitive, innovative and resilient enterprise base is essential to provide high-quality jobs and employment opportunities for people to live and prosper in all regions. Businesses can harness digital technology in many ways – to understand their customers better, to reduce their costs and to improve their products.
To boost the uptake of digital technology in enterprises, we have set up the Digital Transition Fund as part of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan. This is an €85 million multi-annual fund which will run until 2026. Under Budget 2022, we allocated €10 million to the Digital Transition Fund. Through the Digital Transition Fund, we will increase digitalisation of all businesses across products, processes, supply chains and business models. This will bring about productivity gains, access to new markets, increased innovation and improved competitiveness.
The Funding will be used to help companies at all stages of their digital journey – from the early days of simply going online to digitalisation of products and business processes, to facilitating exporting and to using digital technologies to develop new markets and business models.
Officials in my Department are currently developing the funding scheme along with Enterprise Ireland and I anticipate that the first call will be announced by mid-2022.
22. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the proposed universal basic income project that will be under the remit of the Low Pay Commission; if this is an additional project to the basic income guarantee scheme for artists announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; and the relevant responsibilities of his Department for any such projects. [53108/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to ‘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’. Earlier this year, I formally requested the Low Pay Commission to examine this issue.
In response to my request, the Low Pay Commission finalised terms of reference for background technical research on this issue. The Commission has asked ESRI to conduct this research, under the terms of the Low Pay Commission/ESRI Research Partnership Agreement.
The study will examine universal basic income pilots that have taken place in other countries to identify what was learnt and that could be relevant to a pilot in Ireland. It will also seek to identify what policy objectives a universal basic income pilot could address and its associated risks and fiscal implications.
It will conclude with recommendations on how a universal basic income pilot in Ireland could be designed.
The Low Pay Commission intends to provide a report to me on this research and their recommendations later this year.
I will then work with my officials to examine the Low Pay Commission’s findings and recommendations.
The idea of a universal basic income is that it is universal and not sectoral (e.g. for artists). The commitment in the Programme for Government will be informed by the recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission as well as the response to the €25 million basic income guarantee scheme for artists being piloted by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in 2022, if results of this pilot scheme are available within the set timeframe. It is however being considered as a separate initiative.
23. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will introduce legislation to regulate and protect the rights of workers to receive tips and gratuities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53175/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 27th October last, Government approved the drafting of a Bill that will prohibit the use of tips and gratuities to ‘make up’ contractual rates of pay and to require employers to clearly display their policy on how tips, gratuities and service charges are distributed. This will ensure that tips and gratuities are additional to a worker’s wage and are not subsumed by employers into the wage.
The aim of the Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Bill is to:
- Provide clarity on the meaning of tips, gratuities and service charges;
- Place tips and gratuities, but not service charges, outside the scope of a person’s contractual wages;
- Oblige employers to display prominently their policy on the distribution of both cash and card tips;
- Oblige employers to distribute fairly, equitably and in a transparent manner, tips that are received in electronic form i.e. through debit or credit cards or smart phones.
A key element of the Bill will provide a legal entitlement for workers to receive tips and gratuities paid in electronic form (i.e., by debit or credit card) with a provision that these tips and gratuities should be paid out to workers in a fair, transparent and equitable manner. A fair and equitable distribution will be context specific and is likely to take into account matters such as staff hours, busy and quiet periods, a worker’s role in service delivery, customs and practice etc.
24. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way that Budget 2022 will encourage regional enterprise investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52577/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2022 recognises that a strong, resilient SME sector is key to rebuilding the economy. As part of Budget 2022, my Department has increased its allocation to its enterprise agencies who are continuing to deal with the impacts of Covid and Brexit.
My Department is overseeing the development of nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024. The Plans aim to identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and in response, strengthen the regional enterprise ecosystem to enable job creation in the regions.
Through Enterprise Ireland, my Department has made available to date over €126 million in regional enterprise funding to assist locally-led regional enterprise development projects. I can advise the Deputy that I have secured an additional €5 million in regional funding as part of the Budget package to continue to support regional enterprise projects in the regions into 2022.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) will receive an additional €2m under Budget 2022, which represents an almost 5% increase in funding. This investment will allow each of the 31 LEOs to enhance the role they play in supporting local and regional development through the Regional Enterprise Plans and the continued support for existing LEO programmes. The ongoing success of the Trading Online Vouchers Scheme will be built upon by developing further awareness and training programmes to encourage Micro-enterprises to think digital first and continuing to assist enterprises on their digital journey through mentoring supports and networking opportunities with likeminded indigenous companies.
IDA Ireland has been approved additional budget of €26.5m for 2022, €10m for the Regional Property Programme which constructs state of the art facilities throughout the country to attract investors to establish and create jobs, IDA Ireland has in place an agreed building programme which spans the lifetime of the IDA Strategy 2021-2024.
€7m is for the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) who provide research programmes and training for the life sciences sector. €4m is for the Advanced Manufacturing Centre, which will provide a state-of-the-art facility in Limerick for both indigenous and multinational companies to develop new digitisation, innovations and technologies across the manufacturing sector.
€5.5m is for FDI grant activity. These monies are in addition to the regular grant payment budget of approximately €100m that IDA Ireland expends each year to its clients who are undertaking investment and transformation programmes. In addition, IDA Ireland will continue to process the various grant programmes introduced to alleviate the effects of Covid-19 within its client base. These programmes include the Business Continuity Scheme and the continuation of the Covid Medicinal Products Scheme, which have been approved for Clients to fund testing and fast-track production of products, which in turn will help in the fight against COVID-19.
I remain committed to driving economic recovery and sustainable growth in regional locations in the coming years.
25. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new jobs that have been created in Cork city and county by IDA supported companies to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52707/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland Jobs created in 2021 will not be available until the Annual Employment Survey results are published in January 2022. However, as is evidenced with IDA Ireland investment announcements in 2021, set out in the table below, a significant number of companies have located or expanded in Cork with new jobs and it is reasonable to expect that this trend will continue into the future.
|
DATE |
COMPANY |
ORIGIN |
JOBS |
|
05.01.2021 |
Logitech |
US |
50 |
|
20.01.2021 |
C.H. Robinson |
US |
30 |
|
27.01.2021 |
Alter Domus |
Ireland |
100 |
|
01.02.2021 |
Huawei |
US |
110 Dublin, Cork & Athlone |
|
23.02.2021 |
Microchip Technology |
US |
260 |
|
26.04.2021 |
Innowatts |
US |
40 |
|
04.05.2021 |
Ellab |
Denmark |
20 |
|
12.05.2021 |
Kubernetes |
US |
35 |
|
08.06.2021 |
Varonis Systems |
US |
60 |
|
23.06.2021 |
Accenture |
US |
500 over 3 years |
|
28.06.2021 |
Qorvo |
US |
100 Cork & Dublin |
|
26.07.2021 |
Eli Lilly Kinsale Ltd. |
US |
|
|
15.09.2021 |
Zazzle |
US |
50 |
|
29.09.2021 |
Boston Scientific |
US |
c. 70 |
|
14.10.2021 |
Alter Domus |
US |
80 |
Jobs announced are typically created over a period of between 3 and 5 years depending on the company’s business plan. IDA Ireland does not track how many of the announced jobs are filled. However, a more accurate measure of how many jobs are filled in the period in question can be ascertained by the information published in the Annual Employment survey each year.
As per the Annual Employment Survey 2020, there are 211 IDA client companies in the South West Region, employing 46,009 people with 194 of these companies, employing 43,856 people located in Cork.
The South-West has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. It has also won significant investment across all of these sectors over a sustained period which has contributed significantly to employment growth and positive economic impacts on other sectors of the economy.
26. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the proposed industrial park for Ballina, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52614/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland actively promotes available buildings and land in IDA Business Parks and high-quality buildings in private ownership through their network of overseas offices. The IDA owns approximately 10.6 hectares of industrial zoned land on the Sligo Road in Quignashee, Ballina.
Planning permission was previously obtained for infrastructural development, although this has since expired. IDA Ireland continues to market the site to existing and prospective investors that may be interested in expanding or locating in County Mayo. The Agency is working in collaboration with Mayo County Council to review the best potential for the IDA Ballina lands to further support the objectives of IDA’s new strategy 2021-2024.
I am advised that IDA Ireland is at the final stages of completing its new planning application. A number of external factors delayed the Q3 submission objective, namely covid-19 restrictions for geotechnical site surveys and data analysis required to finalise the planning application details. IDA Ireland awaits a final confirmation of feasibility response from key stakeholders to include in the planning application and it is IDA's intention to lodge the planning application on receipt of same.
IDA Ireland will work with Mayo County Council to ensure the infrastructure development will be complementary to the wider development plans for Ballina and that the site, once developed will be positioned and marketed as a suitable location for indigenous and FDI developments.
27. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the development of the South-West Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024; when the plan will be completed and published; and the analysis his Department carried out in the preparation of the plan into the potential of community-focused, indigenous industries in providing sustainable employment opportunities in the future particularly in view of job losses due to Covid-19. [53172/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation is a key policy priority of mine and this Government.
My Department is currently overseeing the development of nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024, including for the South-West region. I am working on the delivery of the new Plan in the South-West in conjunction with the dedicated team of regional stakeholders.
These are ‘bottom-up’ plans, developed by regional stakeholders who are working together to identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and to address ecosystem gaps, to enable sustainable job creation in businesses, including indigenous businesses, across the regions, through collaborative actions.
The new South-West Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 which covers Cork and Kerry is being driven by a Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee, chaired by Patricia Quane, retired VP & General Manager of Astellas Ireland, and which includes Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, LEO’s, Local Authorities, Higher Education bodies, and others, all of whom are focused on creating and sustaining employment opportunities in the region.
The new South-West Plan to 2024 will complement and build on the core activities of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs and the wider range of State Bodies involved in enterprise development in the region.
As an important part of developing the new South-West Plan, a facilitated virtual consultation event was held for regional stakeholders in the South-West in June, which has contributed to the focus of the new South-West Plan.
With guidance from my Department, the stakeholders considered a number of themes including: resilience and recovery in a post-Brexit, post-Covid-19 environment, including reskilling/upskilling needs; helping SMEs in the transition to low carbon and digitalisation; the development of key and emerging sectors; and finally Placemaking, including how to ensure the Region is equipped to take advantage of flexible work patterns. These topics are of particular relevance to considerations about creation of sustainable employment opportunities in the South-West region.
The regional stakeholders in the South-West region are currently finalising focused Strategic Objectives for their region with actions to deliver on these objectives. Once this is complete it is my expectation that the South-West Regional Enterprise Plan along with all the new Plans will be published and launched before the end of this year.
28. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action his Department is taking to help businesses decarbonise and prepare for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52654/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is actively pursuing opportunities for decarbonisation across enterprise and is integrating climate action into all aspects of the Department and its agencies’ activities. This approach recognises that those enterprises that make the move early to reduce their carbon footprint will be resilient to the impacts of climate change. The enterprise agencies will be aligning their programmes towards achieving the carbon abatement targets for enterprise, ensuring resilience in the transition to a low carbon economy.
Under its new strategy for the period 2021-2024, the IDA set a target of assisting their clients to develop 20 Corporate Climate Action Plans and to win 10 sustainability investments. These plans will set a baseline carbon footprint, an annual abatement target, and an outline of activities to drive abatement at a company level and the sustainability investments will embed sustainability among IDA client’s activities. The IDA will also seek to attract multinational corporations based overseas to invest in the green economy in Ireland, targeting those active in developing decarbonisation infrastructure and technologies.
Enterprise Ireland launched the Climate Enterprise Action Fund in 2021 to assist Irish companies to build the capabilities required to deliver sustainable products, services and business models. Furthermore, Enterprise Ireland is currently developing their corporate strategy for 2022 and will include a focus on climate action and sustainability.
My Department received approval from the EU for funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Fund to launch a programme to accelerate the decarbonisation of the enterprise sector. The programme consists of the Climate Enterprise Action Fund and the Carbon Reduction Fund . These funds, to be run in conjunction with EI and IDA Ireland, will address the imperative for decarbonisation across all businesses, particularly those that are unaware of their carbon footprint and get accelerated action on potential cost savings and abatement by incentivising the installation of Energy Metering and Monitoring Control Systems and increase the uptake of carbon neutral fuels in low/medium temperature heating in industry.
I expect to shortly launch an online Climate Toolkit 4 Business to assist all businesses, and small and micro enterprises, in particular, to make a good start in understanding and adapting their activities to assist in climate mitigation. The kit will include a simple carbon calculator and generate a tailored company climate action plan for each business.
My Department is fully committed to facilitating the transition to the low carbon economy and is encouraging enterprises to make the move early to avail of the opportunities lower carbon will have to offer. New jobs will emerge in the green economy in sectors such as renewable energies, environmental consultancy services, residential and commercial retrofitting and low carbon technology installation and electric vehicle infrastructure.
29. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the €22 million budget allocation designed to assist local businesses modernise practices (details supplied); the details of same; the timeframe on the way this funding will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53123/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices will receive an additional €2m under Budget 2022 which represents an almost 5% increase in funding. This additional investment will allow each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices to enhance the role they already play in assisting local and regional development including the launching of the Regional Enterprise Plans.
The additional funding provided will be focused on the dual challenges of digitalisation of micro and small companies and addressing the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a low carbon and sustainable economy. Initiatives such as Green for Micro and LEAN for Micro benefit businesses by increasing cost savings, improving resource efficiency, reducing environmental impacts and enhancing competitiveness and productivity.
The ongoing success of the Trading Online Vouchers Scheme will be built upon by continuing to assist enterprises on their digital journey as well as developing further awareness and training programmes to encourage Micro-enterprises to think digital first.
To boost the uptake of digital technology in enterprises, provision has been made in Budget 2022 for a Digital Transition Fund as part of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan. This is an €85 million multi-annual fund which will run until 2026. Under Budget 2022, my Department has been allocated €10 million to the Digital Transition Fund.
The Funding will be used to help companies at all stages of their digital journey – from the early days of simply going online to digitalisation of products and business processes, to facilitating exporting and to using digital technologies to develop new markets and business models. My department is currently developing the funding scheme along with our agency Enterprise Ireland and I anticipate that the first call will be announced by mid-2022.
Provision has also been made in Budget 2022 for establishing a Scheme as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Fund to assist in carbon abatement in the enterprise sector and building further capacity to address emerging climate change issues. Over the period 2022-2026 a total amount of €55 million has been allocated to this fund including a €10 million allocation for 2022.
30. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the implementation of the Duffy-Cahill report. [53166/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 9 June, I along with my colleague Minster Robert Troy TD, published the 'Plan for Action on Collective Redundancies following Insolvency' which sets out Government’s work to enhance protections and ensure transparency for employees in insolvency situations.The Plan follows the commitment in the Programme for Government to review whether the legal provisions surrounding collective redundancies and the liquidation of companies effectively protect the rights of workers. It outlines short-term and medium-term measures that will further enhance the protection of employees in a way that does not overly impede businesses and their operations.Arising from the Plan, Government will amend a range of legislation in areas of employment law and company law dealing with matters relating to collective redundancies following company insolvency. We will also issue a Guidance Document to provide clear and accessible information in relation to the rights and remedies available to employees facing a collective redundancy situation following a company insolvency. The Guidance document is well advanced and will be published over the coming months. Separately, in the area of employment law more broadly, my Department will establish an independent Employment Law Review Group (ELRG), comprising expert stakeholders. The new Group will help shape the formulation of policy and legislation to ensure that Ireland’s employment law framework remains fit for purpose and adapts to the evolving modern workplace. The plan is to place it on a statutory footing, but the Group will be established initially on an administrative basis. Officials are progressing arrangements for the appropriate membership, the Terms of Reference and a workplan for the Group.
31. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the sectors within the agri-food industry that have reported worker shortages; his proposals to address these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52448/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe employment permits system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages, in circumstances where there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is a genuine one.
The system is managed through the use of lists designating highly skilled and ineligible occupations. The lists are reviewed twice a year to ensure their ongoing relevance to the State’s human capital requirements. Consideration is also taken of the views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by my Department and of the relevant policy Departments including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The reviews involve a public consultation with submissions invited from sectors.
In the most recent review ten submissions were received from the Agri-Food sector referring to occupations in the horticulture, dairy, pig and poultry industries and meat processing.
The outcome of the most recent review was announced on 28 October. A press release is available on my Department’s website.
As a result of the review and in light of the continued labour shortages in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector, I decided to extend previous quotas to release 1000 general employment permits for horticulture operatives, 500 for meat deboners, 1500 for meat processing operatives and 100 for dairy farm assistants, with a strategic review of labour attraction and retention to follow.
The pig and poultry sector sought additional quotas for Farm Operatives. The review concluded that the submission did not contain sufficient evidence to merit the removal of that occupation from the list and an associated quota of permits at this time.
Changes to the labour market as the economy continues to reopen over the next few months will also help alleviate current shortages with an expected increase of people back into the workforce.
32. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the revision of the Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Policy; the engagement his Department has had with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications with regard to the revision of the statement; when the revised statement will be finalised and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52893/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government will shortly publish a new Climate Action Plan that will address our objective to decarbonise our economy and society.
The Plan will be transformative in nature aiming, inter alia, to decarbonise our electricity system requiring innovative and world leading solutions on both the supply and demand sides of that market. We will need to ensure that new electricity demands, and the growth of existing demand, are sustainable and use our infrastructure efficiently. We will simultaneously pursue the electrification of sectors such as transport and heating and, crucially, preserve our security of supply and the reliability of our grid.
My officials have had detailed, ongoing and productive engagement with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on our shared ambition to decarbonise our electricity system, and the implications and role for enterprise policy in achieving it. Officials in both Departments meet regularly on this topic and this engagement has been intensified in recent times in light of recent security of supply concerns, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities' (CRU) proposed decision on data centre connection policy and, of course, in drafting the Climate Action Plan 2021.
As part of the range of measures to be included in the Climate Action Plan, I expect that the ‘Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy’ will need to be revised to reflect new electricity targets, policy and regulatory developments. This will be part of a suite of actions to ensure that Ireland is planning appropriately for new energy demand in the context of our electrification and decarbonisation ambitions, facilitating growth in digitalisation and our technology sector, while ensuring that we are cultivating energy markets and infrastructure that deliver smart and competitively priced services to all electricity customers. In revising the 'Government Statement', my Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and stakeholders such as Eirgrid, the CRU and IDA Ireland, to set out the additional measures required to ensure that the existing demand for data centre development can be managed to drive the decarbonisation of our electricity system and deliver regional economic opportunities.
I expect that an appropriate grid connection policy and electricity market design, alongside research, development and innovation in the sector, can facilitate increasingly efficient, flexible and future-proofed infrastructure for Ireland’s digital, knowledge-based economy.
33. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has estimated the number and employment profile of indigenous Irish businesses that are at risk of closure due to exclusion from support by the Covid restrictions support scheme while being unable to trade due to Covid-19 restrictions; if there are self-reporting mechanisms for such firms to make themselves known to his Department; if alternative support mechanisms for appeals or other pathways to support are provided through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53107/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Government have provided a significant package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic. Under the new Economic Recovery Plan, a stimulus to fuel the economy of €4 billion was announced, this is intended to aid businesses and the economy to recover and rebuild.
Budget 2022 outlined changes to several of the current financial supports, the EWSS is extended until the end of April 2022, the commercial rates waiver for hospitality, arts, and certain tourism sectors has been extended until end of 2021, the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector was extended until the end August 2022.
The Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC), administered by the 31 local authorities in every county, gave grants to businesses who were not eligible for the Government’s COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), the Fáilte Ireland Business Continuity grant or other direct sectoral grant schemes. This scheme helped businesses with their fixed costs, for example, rent, utility bills, security. This scheme closed on 21st July 2021.
On 6th September, The Minister for Finance announced the Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS), to support businesses which were substantially impacted during the pandemic even during periods when restrictions were eased. This support is available to businesses that can demonstrate a significant reduction in trade. The scheme is administered by Revenue with eligible businesses making a claim for an Advance Credit for Trading Expense (ACTE). The BRSS is now open for registration on the Revenue Online Service (ROS). I would urge businesses to ensure that they are aware of what supports are available to them.
The Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) was administered by Revenue and therefore any mechanisms for appeals or requests for information on the scheme applications should be directed to my colleague, Paschal Donohoe T.D., Minister for Finance.
I remain committed to working with my colleagues across Government to assist businesses and to address suitable enterprise measures in the context of the challenges presented by COVID-19 to our economy and our people.
I would also urge businesses to contact their Local Enterprise Offices for advice on other services that may be available to them.
34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the new Brexit impact loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52552/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Brexit Impact Loan Scheme makes up to €330m in lending available to eligible SMEs and small mid-caps seeking access to appropriate financing as they respond to the dual impacts of the pandemic and the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The Brexit Impact Loan Scheme is a successor to the original Brexit Loan Scheme. However, following consultation with stakeholders, this new scheme reflects a number of fundamental changes to the scheme design and loan features.
The new scheme does not require businesses to meet innovation criteria, which was a key issue raised for the former scheme. The new scheme is also open to businesses in the farming and fishing sectors and the maximum loan term has been extended from three to six years. The loan purpose has been broadened to include lending for investment purposes as well as for working capital and liquidity. This scheme also provides for some elements of refinancing.
Loans under the scheme will range from €25,000 to €1.5m and loans of up to €500,000 will continue to be available unsecured and offered at competitive interest rates, with the exact rate dependent on the participating lender.
Like its predecessor, the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme has been developed in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. The scheme is supported by a counter-guarantee from the European Guarantee Fund [EGF] which is implemented by the European Investment Fund (EIF) on behalf of the European Commission.
The Brexit Impact Loan Scheme launched on 15 October, with 37 applications to SBCI for eligibility codes by October 21. Successful applicants can use their codes to apply for lending under the scheme with a participating lender.
The first lender to make the scheme available is Bank of Ireland, with other lenders expected to follow in the coming weeks, and the scheme will operate until the end of 2022.
35. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to implement the Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48275/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra69. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions his officials have had with IDA Ireland with regard to the development of data centres in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48276/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 69 together.
My officials and I work closely with IDA Ireland on a range of policy matters related to its mandate, including, actions relating to data centres under consideration for the forthcoming Climate Action Plan, the potential role of Power Purchase Agreements, the contribution of data centres to economic development especially to job creation and maintenance, grid connection policy and the implementation of the Government Statement on the role of data centres in Ireland's enterprise strategy.
The 'Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' was published in 2018 and since then, the Department and IDA Ireland have been working on implementing a number of recommendations, including the prioritisation of regional locations for new data centre developments, and engaging with the electricity grid operators to assess grid capacity constraints and opportunities. Progress has also been made on researching the potential for Corporate Power Purchase Agreements and making the planning process more predictable.
My Department will commit in the forthcoming Climate Action Plan 2021 to review the 'Government Statement on the role of Data Centres in Enterprise Strategy' in light of more recent policy and market developments, and our more ambitious renewable electricity targets and emissions ceilings. The Climate Action Plan will also commit to an assessment of further regulatory measures to meet our commitments in that regard.
In revising the 'Government Statement', my Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and stakeholders such as Eirgrid, the CRU and IDA Ireland, to set out the additional measures required to ensure that the existing demand for data centre development can be managed to drive the decarbonisation of our electricity system and deliver regional economic opportunities.
36. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of his engagement at EU and WTO level with regard to the waiving of intellectual property rights in respect of Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52890/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra45. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that Covid-19 vaccine trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights waiver is addressed through the WTO TRIPS Agreement. [53171/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra71. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there has been movement in regard to Ireland calling on the European Union to support a temporary TRIPS waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, medicines and diagnostics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53074/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 45 and 71 together.
Universal and equitable access to safe, effective and affordable vaccines, diagnostics and treatments is crucial in the global fight against COVID-19.
International Trade is a competence of the EU under the Treaties and in exercising that competence, the European Commission engages fully with the Member States, including Ireland, through a variety of Committees and Working Parties/Groups, including on Intellectual Property.
As regards the broad waiver proposed by a number of WTO Members, on 4 June, the EU submitted a proposal to the WTO General Council, which proposed that WTO Members could agree on a global trade initiative for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics encompassing the three components of (i) trade facilitation and disciplines on export restrictions; (ii) concrete actions to expand production and ensure supply of vaccines at affordable prices to low and middle income countries during the pandemic and (iii) clarification and facilitation of TRIPS Agreement flexibilities relating to compulsory licences.
The EU has also submitted a Declaration to the WTO TRIPS Council to assist the next phase of discussions with a view to trying to reach agreement with all Members of the WTO on how to achieve the shared goal of expanding production and facilitating equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics for all.
The EU continues to be committed to an open and comprehensive dialogue with all WTO members to explore how the multilateral rules-based trading system can best support universal and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, and to continue ramping up production, to share COVID-19 vaccines and medicines more widely and faster and to ensure equitable access to these products for low and middle-income countries.
Ireland will engage with the European Commission and other member states on the EU position for the WTO discussions including discussions on how the flexibilities within the TRIPS Agreement can contribute towards increasing the manufacturing capacity and the equitable access to vaccines around the world.The EU considers that the COVAX Facility, the international initiative to ensure global access to COVID vaccines, is the mechanism that is best placed to ensure that high-income countries finance the vaccines and support the developing countries to secure their share of global supply. The EU with its Member States has been the leading donor to the COVAX facility with €3.2 billion committed to support equitable distribution of vaccines. Team Europe has committed 200 million doses to reach low and middle-income countries by the end of this year, mainly through the COVAX initiative and is investing €1 billion to ramp up mRNA production capacity in Africa.
The Irish Government announced that it plans to donate one million of its surplus vaccines to low-income countries as part of the Covax global vaccine initiative. This brings Ireland’s total contribution to COVAX to €7 million in 2021.
The global production of vaccines is increasing rapidly, and it is estimated that 12 billion doses of COVID vaccines will be produced by the end of 2021. The EU has been the leading exporter of vaccines, exporting over 730 million doses, around half of its vaccine production, to more than 130 countries by mid-September 2021.
Reports from the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) suggest that by January 2022, there will be sufficient vaccines produced for every adult on every continent.
Ireland has consistently championed collaborative responses to the pandemic, with a focus on ensuring that the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable are served by our collective effort. As a member of the global health community, Ireland continues to play an active role in ensuring fair and equitable access to vaccines for all. This includes supporting the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Vaccine Alliance and the Global Fund, to develop, produce and equitably distribute effective technologies in the COVID-19 global response.
37. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new jobs that have been created in Cork city and county by Enterprise Ireland supported companies to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52708/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland (EI) monitors the employment performance of its clients annually and is currently in the process of completing its Annual Employment Survey for 2021 which will be completed in January 2022.
Whilst some companies choose not to make public announcements or may have ongoing recruitment processes in place, EI client companies based in Cork City have announced 140 jobs and clients based in Cork County have announced 75 jobs to date in 2021.
Irish-owned international consulting and technology firm Aspira has announced its intention to create 40 new roles at its Cork operations over the next 18 months.
SL Controls, the specialist software integration firm, is to create 50 new jobs over the next 18 months. The highly skilled positions are in the engineering field and will bring the total workforce to 140.
Cork-based SimoTech is to create 70 jobs over the next two years as the process automation services and manufacturing IT systems company for the pharma and biotech sector continues its international expansion.
Enterprise Ireland has also funded infrastructural projects under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) in Co Cork. To date, €9.9 million has been approved for projects in Cork to assist new collaborative and innovative initiatives that can make a significant impact on enterprise development in the region.
The table below lists all jobs publicly announced during the period January – October 2021.
|
Date |
Company |
County |
Jobs |
|
|
17-Oct-21 |
Aspira |
Cork |
40 jobs |
Cork City |
|
29-Sep-21 |
Altada |
Cork |
100+ jobs |
Cork City/globally |
|
22-Jun-21 |
SimoTech |
Cork |
50 jobs |
Cork County (Carrigaline) |
|
01-Mar-21 |
SL Controls |
Cork |
25 jobs |
Cork County |
|
TOTAL |
215+ jobs |
38. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason Ireland is not a signatory to the Employer Sanctions Directive; and the other EU employment directives that Ireland has yet to transpose and is late in transposing. [53105/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the relevant time in 2011, neither Ireland nor the UK opted into the Directive, under the provisions of the protocol to the Treaties on the special position of Ireland and the UK. The Employer Sanctions Directive falls within the area of freedom, security and justice and Ireland availed of its right not to participate primarily because of its unique relationship with the UK.
The Department of Justice is responsible for any review of this position and queries regarding its transposition should be directed to the Minister for Justice.
In terms of my Department's responsibilities, work is well advanced on the transposition of the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive, EU Directive 2019/1152, which has a transposition deadline of 1st August 2022. A public consultation was held on this Directive inviting submissions from interested parties and this recently closed on 25th October. Work will continue on the drafting of relevant legislation to transpose the Directive to meet the deadline.
All other directives in the area of Employment Rights under my policy remit at this time have been transposed.
39. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will indicate whether there has been a falloff in new enterprises established with Local Enterprise Office or with Enterprise Ireland support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53162/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020 the LEOs approved 180 clients to a value of €1,318,719 to businesses to assist with research and development costs through its grant programme. Thus far in 2021 the LEOs have approved 162 clients to a value of €1,189,230.00. In 2020, the LEOs assisted 328 Start-ups with €4,949,183 in priming grant funding. The LEOs have assisted 290 start-ups with €3,775,897 in funding so far in 2021.
The Start Your Own Business programme guides clients through the various aspects of business and business planning. In 2020 the LEOs approved 342 start your own business courses to 5,150 Participants. In 2021 the LEOs approved 302 courses to 4,603 participants.
Evidence suggests that while there is a slight fall off this was to be expected given that some entrepreneurs were not as confident in taking the risks during the COVID-19 pandemic as they otherwise would normally be. It is anticipated that there will be an increase year on year given the economy is opening back up and I am encouraged that there still exists a healthy entrepreneurial appetite within the Micro-enterprise sector.
Scaling and growing the export and start-up base continues to be a key priority for Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland provides assistance to entrepreneurs and start-up companies to help with business planning, mentoring and development advice, feasibility funding and finance.
Enterprise Ireland supports new enterprises through its High Potential Start Up division. In 2020, Enterprise Ireland supported 80 HPSUs with equity investment. To date in 2021, there have been 42 HPSUs approved. This compares with 49 at the same time in 2020. While there is a slight decline in this figure at this stage, there is a strong pipeline of HPSU companies and it is envisaged that the outturn in 2021 will be similar to that seen in 2020.
40. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that workers are concerned that the information sent to those seeking help and guidance from the Workplace Relations Commission in relation to unfair dismissal is too complex and confusing for ordinary workers to understand; and his views on whether the Workplace Relations Commission should provide information in a more straightforward, simple and understandable manner. [53073/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is the State body charged with the provision of information to both employers and employees on certain employment law statutes of the State as well as equality and industrial relations matters. The WRC does this through a variety of means such as the WRC website, (www.workplacerelations.ie), informational booklets, leaflets and other literature, and through the provision of information by means of a telephone call-in service manned by experienced Information officers. This service, (available on 1890 80 80 90), operates 5 days a week from 09.30 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 17.00. In more recent years, the WRC is also engaging in the provision of information to both employers and employees through social media.
In relation to the specific query, I am informed that the WRC website content is currently under review and that material provided, and the associated publications, are being examined and updated at this time. In relation to unfair dismissal information specifically, I am further informed that this information will be reviewed and that the associated guide will also be updated and uploaded to the WRC website shortly.
