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Tuesday, 2 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 61-77

Trade Agreements

Ceisteanna (61)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

61. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the interactions he has had with his EU counterparts regarding the EU-Mercosur trade agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52449/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, the 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. The Agreement is designed to cement the close political and economic relations between the EU and Mercosur countries and represents a clear commitment from both regions to rules-based international trade.

In 2020, Ireland exported over €400 million worth of goods to Mercosur and, in 2019, the most recent year for which figures on services exports are available, some €700 million worth of services exports to Mercosur. An independent impact assessment commissioned by my Department and published in July this year concluded that Irish exports to the Mercosur market are expected to be 17% higher in 2035, with particular increases forecast in pharmaceuticals, computer and electronic products, electrical equipment and machinery, processed foods and beverages under the terms of the Agreement. Overall, the impact assessment projects that Ireland’s global exports will increase by 0.24% - or €1.1 billion - in 2035 under the Agreement, supporting the attendant jobs here in Ireland in the various sectors and individual companies that should benefit from the Agreement's improved market access terms.

However, we also have some well-known concerns regarding climate change and the environmental impact of the extensive forest fires we have seen in the Amazon Region. These concerns have been raised at all political levels, through my engagement with the Commission and Trade Minister colleagues in Council and bilaterally. Specifically, at a meeting of the EU’s Trade Council in Berlin in September 2020, 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 when it is formally presented for decision. Furthermore, as recently as June this year, I again wrote to the EU's Trade Commissioner to restate our position here, as well as address other Trade Policy matters.

On the basis of these concerns by Ireland and other EU Member States the EU's Trade Commissioner is engaged with the Mercosur countries on negotiating additional enforceable commitments on climate and deforestation.

Finally, 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.

Employment Rights

Ceisteanna (62)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

62. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will introduce measures to improve the rights of workers to avail of sick leave and paid sick leave in all sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53176/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This Government is committed to introducing a statutory sick pay scheme and work is well underway in this regard. Any move to introduce a statutory sick pay scheme must be balanced with the need to support the viability of the business and enterprise sector, thereby protecting jobs. Therefore, appropriate examination of all implications and consultation with stakeholders is essential to the development of the scheme. We do not want to jeopardise jobs by placing a cost and/or admin burden on business without working through all of the implications and potential solutions. This is why my Department undertook a full public consultation, reviewed international best practice, and formed an interdepartmental group – to ensure that all views and issues were properly considered in the development of the scheme. Department officials are currently finalising the draft Heads of Bill in conjunction with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. It will also be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny which is to be carried out by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, following which the Bill will need to pass through both houses of the Oireachtas.

I have asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee to proceed with their pre-legislative scrutiny as quickly as possible. Once this is complete, I will be in a position to seek Government approval to present the Bill to the Houses.

This new law builds on the suite of legal rights that the Government is introducing to protect workers, which includes the right to tips and gratuities, the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive and the right to request remote work.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (63)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

63. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the Covid credit guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52617/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme is the largest scheme of its type in the history of the State and provides for up to €2 billion in lending. It is just over one year since the Guarantee Scheme was launched in September 2020. As of the 13th of October this year, the scheme has provided vital access to loans for seven thousand, nine hundred and twenty-three SME businesses in all parts of the country. The Scheme has provided loans of over €551 million to these businesses, many of which are those sectors most impacted by the pandemic such as the wholesale and retail sector, accommodation and food services, and construction. These three sectors alone, account for forty-six percent of the value of loans drawn. Fifty-five thousand jobs have been maintained as a result of the Covid Credit Guarantee Scheme.

Loans of up to €1 million are available for up to 5.5 years. Loans under €250,000 do not require any personal guarantees or collateral. The Scheme has an 80 percent guarantee and is based on contingent liability. What this means is that there is no cost to the State unless a participating enterprise is unable to pay back the loan for more than 90 days, whereupon the loan enters a default stage. The finance provider can then call on the guarantee for 80 percent of the outstanding balance.

The Scheme is currently available through three commercial banks, six non-bank lenders and nineteen credit unions thus providing competition in the market and a number of loan products. This long-term policy goal of diversification adds competition in the market and ensures a wide range of loan products are available throughout the regions.

Foreign Direct Investment

Ceisteanna (64)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

64. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new jobs that have been created or supported in County Mayo by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to date in 2021. [52615/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Regional development is at the centre of IDA’s new strategy, “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024”. IDA Ireland is committed to the pursuit of balanced, compact regional development which can deliver complementary efficiency and equity gains, with the overall impact of helping to advance national development. The IDA will target half of all investments (400) from 2021-2024 to regional locations. FDI cannot be the sole contributor in addressing the challenges facing Ireland’s regions but it can have a significant impact in propelling economic recovery and realising more balanced growth.

According to the 2020 Annual Employment Survey, there are 120 IDA supported companies in the West Region, employing 27,695 people in total. The Survey indicates that there are 17 IDA supported companies in Mayo employing 4,955 people in the same period. IDA positions the West Region as home to the leading cluster of Life Sciences industries and a growing technology cluster. IDA Ireland carries out an employment survey of our client companies annually. The 2021 IDA client survey results will be available in Q1 2022.

During 2020 and 2021, there were several significant announcements in County Mayo:

- In October 2021, TELUS International AI Data Solutions announced that it has begun hiring up to 30 new roles in Ballina.

- In July 2021, contract research organisation Charles River Laboratories International Inc. announced plans for an €8M expansion of its testing capabilities at its Ballina, Co. Mayo site creating up to 90 new skilled roles over the next three years.

- In May 2020, Meissner Filtration Products announced that their new manufacturing facility in Co. Mayo is now operational. In 2019 Meissner announced the establishment of the manufacturing facility in Mayo with the creation of 150 jobs over 5 years.

- In January 2020, Allergan plc, marked the opening of its €160m facility at its Westport Campus in Co. Mayo. The new facility will create 63 jobs and enhance Ireland’s position as a strategic global hub for Allergans’ products.

IDA Ireland continues to work to fully support client companies to help retain, transform and position them for future growth.

Likewise, Enterprise Ireland assists companies in every county of Ireland to start and scale, innovate, and remain competitive in international markets, now and in the future. The contribution of Enterprise Ireland client companies to the Irish economy is very important, particularly from a regional and county perspective.

In 2020, 124 Enterprise Ireland client companies in Mayo employed 4,888 people. Payments to client companies in Co. Mayo from 2018-2020 were €4,343,897. This funding assists companies to innovate, be competitive and grow exports.

To date in 2021, client companies based in County Mayo have announced 150 jobs. Enterprise Ireland’s Annual Employment Survey is currently being undertaken, and employment figures by county will be made available in January 2022.

Enterprise Ireland has funded infrastructural projects under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund to support enterprise in County Mayo. To date, €1.9 million has been approved to one project in County Mayo to support new collaborative and innovative initiatives that can make a significant impact on enterprise development in the region/across regions or nationally. A short description of this project can be found below.

In response to Covid-19 the Enterprise Centres Scheme was launched in August 2020 for both profit and not for profit Enterprise Centres to provide them with financial support for the implementation of a 6-to-12-month recovery plan and allow the centre to continue to deliver value added supports to their client companies. Three enterprise centres in Mayo (GMIT Innovation Hub, Moy Valley Resources and Leeson Enterprise Centre) were approved €160,628 under this scheme.

InterTradeIreland

Ceisteanna (65)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the increased supports being provided for InterTradeIreland to respond to the increased complexity of cross-Border trade post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52553/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

InterTradeIreland is playing an important role as part of the Government’s wider Brexit response. ITI’s Brexit Advisory Service, which provides a range of advice and supports to eligible businesses, has this year alone engaged with almost 1,400 SMEs, out of a total of 15,000 businesses since its establishment.

ITI’s Brexit Planning Voucher scheme is a particularly important form of assistance for Irish SMEs. These vouchers enable businesses to get professional advice on the new trading environment following the UK's withdrawal from the EU. The Planning Vouchers are worth up to €2,250 (inclusive of VAT) each. This funding supports firms to access professional advice in relation to Brexit matters. To date, there has been over 3,300 approvals for Vouchers to a total value of over €7.5m.

The Government has been increasing ITI’s budget steadily in recent years. My Department provided additional funding for the body each year from 2017 to allow it to undertake a range of initiatives aimed at assisting SMEs to respond to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

In 2022 an additional €1.225m will be allocated to ITI, bringing its total funding from Ireland to €11.586m. This will allow ITI to continue its existing programmes and expand its services.

The funding will further enhance ITI’s capacity and expand its Brexit Advisory Service into a new, technology-enabled cross-border Trade Information Service. This dedicated service aims to address the range of queries that are anticipated to arise in the cross-border trade of goods and services under the new trading environment for both the thousands of businesses that are already trading on a cross-border basis and those considering it for the first time.

It is envisaged that the proposed service will also consider supply chain issues that might be encountered by firms with supply chains, increase SMEs’ knowledge in multiple trade areas and update and digitalise ITI’s guides to cross border trade. The service will provide information and advice in many areas including customs, VAT, regulatory change, data, procurement, employment etc.

Joint Labour Committees

Ceisteanna (66)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

66. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the Joint Labour Committee examination of the pay and working conditions of childcare professionals; and when he expects the steering group to publish its report. [48273/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In June of this year I made an Order establishing the Early Years’ Service Joint Labour Committee Establishment Order 2021. Following the making of the Order, I appointed a Chair and Deputy Chair to the JLC. This was done on the 8 July 2021.

In accordance with the Fifth Schedule to the Industrial Relations Act 1990, the Court is required to appoint such number of employer representatives as it thinks fit to the Joint Labour Committee who in the opinion of the Court represent employers in relation to whom the committee is to operate. The Court is further empowered to appoint an equal number of worker members who in the opinion of the Court represent workers in relation to whom the committee is to operate.

A Division of the Court is currently in the process of doing this.

The Steering Group comes under the remit of my colleague Minister Roderic O’Gorman and is chaired by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Food Industry

Ceisteanna (67)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

67. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the support his Department is providing for the food transformation fund scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52655/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has been working with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine since 2018 to secure state aid approval for a capital investment grant scheme for the food processing industry. State aid for such a scheme was approved by the European Commission in February 2020.

The Scheme agreed by Government at the end of 2020, has been established in recognition of the sector’s unique exposure to the impact of Brexit and is assisting companies in introducing either new products and/or new market diversification strategies.

The scheme has been designed to ensure that environmental impacts, at primary as well as at processing level, has been fully taken into account in assessing the applications for funding.

This joint funding Scheme, which is administered by Enterprise Ireland, provides for total additional funding of €100 million (€50 million allocated to my Department and €50 million allocated to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) over the period to 2025. Up to €70 million is available under the first call, which was launched on 3rd February 2021 and closed on 15th April 2021.

The processing of applications is nearing completion and the successful applicants will be announced shortly.

Industrial Development

Ceisteanna (68)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

68. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount being provided for an advanced manufacturing centre in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52769/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

IDA Ireland continues to make good progress on the delivery of the National Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC), which will be launched on the National Technology Park in Limerick in Q1 2022. This new manufacturing centre of excellence, aligned with Government’s Industry 4.0 Strategy (2020-2025) and IDA Ireland’s Strategy, will enable Irish based discrete manufacturers (MNCs and SMEs) access, adopt and accelerate digital technologies at scale. It will help solve real world industry challenges and enhance the competitiveness and resilience of those companies. AMC support of industry will contribute to positioning the Irish discrete manufacturing base at the forefront of digital transformation which will ensure that Ireland is recognised internationally as having a vibrant, collaborative, competitive and digitally enabled industry base, ideally suited to delivering the next generation of manufacturing investments and commercialisation of research.

To support the delivery of the Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC), the Government has to date committed €10.6m in exchequer funding for the project for 2021 and 2022 (€6.6m in 2021 and €4m in 2022). IDA Ireland has also committed a total of €12.4m to the AMC project to the end of 2022. This funding has enabled progress against the delivery of the AMC Building, purchase of essential equipment and technologies, recruitment of key personnel and overall operationalisation of the centre. Further exchequer funding may be required over the period 2023-2025.

Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 35.

Insurance Industry

Ceisteanna (70)

John Lahart

Ceist:

70. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the implementation of the insurance reform measures under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52618/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Insurance reform is one of my top priorities as Minister of State in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform, of which I am a member, published the Action Plan for Insurance Reform in December 2020. This is one of the most important programmes of reform that this Government will undertake.

Regarding actions under the aegis of my Department, I am developing proposals to enhance and reform the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. Heads of a Bill have been developed in consultation with PIAB, which I am considering in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office. I expect to bring proposals for legislative reform to Government shortly.

I am also progressing legislation to strengthen competition law in Ireland. The legislation will break new ground in this area, giving competition authorities, such as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), enhanced powers including administrative sanctions and other tools in dealing with anti-competitive practices.

An Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market has been established within the Department of Finance, supported by my Department which is chaired by Minister Fleming. The work of the Office includes engaging with sectoral stakeholders to understand gaps in the insurance market, with a view to expanding the risk appetite of existing insurers. It is also working with IDA Ireland to explore opportunities for new entrants to increase the availability of insurance.

Early implementation of these actions will remain a priority issue for my Department in the coming months.

Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 36.

Low Pay Commission

Ceisteanna (72)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

72. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on his recent appointments to the Low Pay Commission; and his plans for further changes to the make-up or remit of the commission. [53138/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 20 October 2021 I appointed six new members to the Low Pay Commission for a period of three years, including a new Chairperson. The six new members are as follows: Ultan Courtney (Chair); Tim Callan (advisory representative); Eugene McMahon (employer representative); Fionnuala Ní Bhrógáin (employee representative); Michael Taft (employee representative); Dawn Wynne (employer representative).

These six new members will serve alongside the three existing members of the Low Pay Commission: Caroline Fahey (employee representative); Sinead Mullins (employer representative), and Frank Walsh (advisory representative), who were originally appointed in 2018. This commission has an equal number of employer representatives, employee representatives and independent members. Together these members will continue to build on the work of the Low Pay Commission since its establishment in 2015 by submitting reports and recommendations to Government on issues concerning low pay in Ireland, including in relation to the Programme for Government commitments on Universal Basic Income and the progression to a living wage.

There are no current plans for changes to the make-up or remit of this Commission.

Low Pay Commission Members October 2021

Ultan Courtney

Chair

Caroline Fahey

Employee Representative

Fionnuala Ni Bhrógáin

Employee Representative

Michael Taft

Employee Representative

Sinead Mullins

Employer Representative

Dawn Wynne

Employer Representative

Eugene McMahon

Employer Representative

Frank Walsh

Advisory Representative

Tim Callan

Advisory Representative

Enterprise Support Services

Ceisteanna (73)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

73. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the new IDA building in County Carlow will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52991/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

IDA Ireland will deliver 19 Advanced Building Solutions (ABS) in 15 regional locations over the lifetime of its new strategy Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024. These locations were chosen based on extensive analysis, engagement, review and consultation as well as macroeconomic considerations, existing clusters and available resources.

The IDA’s Regional Property Programme, supported by my Department, will provide property and strategic site solutions to address market failures in regional locations.

The timely provision of appropriate and cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of MNCs remains essential to winning FDI. Over the last 5 years, the IDA’s Regional Property Programme enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations.

The national capital investment plans outlined in the new strategy, subject to planning permission and public procurement process, are expected to commence and be delivered within the term of the new strategy at all identified locations. In respect of the building in Carlow, the Advanced Building Solution commenced construction on site in Q2 2021 and is currently scheduled for completion in Q2 2022.

The property will be included as part of IDA marketing material for FDI & Enterprise Ireland clients.

Enterprise Policy

Ceisteanna (74)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

74. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of times it is anticipated that the Shannon Estuary Task Force will meet before the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52996/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to establishing the Shannon Estuary Taskforce to consider the regional economic development potential of the Shannon Estuary and proposals will be brought to Government on this shortly. Once the Taskforce is established, engagement with the designated Chairperson of the Taskforce inviting them to map out a series of meetings to inform its work will take place . It is envisaged that the work of the Taskforce will be finalised in the first half of 2022.

Officials from my Department have already hosted two inter-departmental meetings with relevant Government Departments, State Agencies and Local Government to explore areas of economic potential across transport and logistics, manufacturing, tourism and renewable energy in the Shannon Estuary. The group most recently met on Friday October 22nd. This preliminary engagement will serve as preparatory analysis which can feed into the considerations of the Taskforce.

Joint Labour Committees

Ceisteanna (75)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

75. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress by the Joint Labour Committee on pay and conditions in the early years sector; when the process will conclude; the way the Government will act thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48679/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In June of this year I made an Order establishing the Early Years’ Service Joint Labour Committee 2021. Following the making of the Order, a Chair and Deputy Chair to the JLC was appointed. This was done on the 8 July 2021.

In accordance with the Fifth Schedule to the Industrial Relations Act 1990, the Court is required to appoint such number of employer representatives as it thinks fit to the Joint Labour Committee who in the opinion of the Court represent employers in relation to whom the committee is to operate. The Court is further empowered to appoint an equal number of worker members who in the opinion of the Court represent workers in relation to whom the committee is to operate.

A Division of the Court is currently in the process of doing this.

Proposals for an ERO are formulated in the first instance by a JLC where it is satisfied that such proposals would promote harmonious relations between workers and employees.

The Labour Court then considers whether or not to adopt the proposals of a JLC. If the Labour Court is satisfied that the proposals are in a suitable form for adoption, the Labour Court adopts the proposals and submits to me. If I am satisfied that the relevant legislative requirements have been met; and it is appropriate to make an Order, I will then give effect to the proposals through the making of an Employment Regulation Order.

Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 46.
Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 51.
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