Written Answers Nos. 85-104
85. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 125 of 16 November 2021, the number of skilled retrofitting workers that will be needed to deliver on retrofitting targets; the number of each category of tradesperson or specifically qualified retrofitting construction workers in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63605/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the deputy to my response to their follow up parliamentary question on this subject, no. 34 of 8th December 2021. The text of this response is replicated below. As that previous response notes, the details sought by the deputy are in chapter six of the recently published Expert Group on Future Skills Needs report, Skills for Zero Carbon- The Demand for Renewable Energy, Residential Retrofit and Electric Vehicle Deployment Skills to 2030- in particular pages 87 to 91. This report is available on the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs website, www.egfsn.ie.
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) is the independent body tasked with advising the Government on the current and future skills needs of the Irish economy. Its Secretariat is based in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
As part of its 2021 work programme, the EGFSN undertook a study on the nature and quantity of skills required between now and 2030 to deliver on some of the key enabling measures in the Climate Action Plan.
These are the targeting of 5GW of offshore renewable wind energy, an increase in onshore wind energy of up to 8.2GW, and the generation of up to 1.5GW of grid scale solar energy; the energy efficient retrofit of 500,000 residential homes to a minimum B2 Building Energy Rating; and the target of having 840,000 electric cars, as well as 95,000 commercial vehicles, on Irish roads.
The resulting study, Skills for Zero Carbon: The Demand for Renewable Energy, Residential Retrofit and Electric Vehicle Deployment Skills to 2030, was published by the EGFSN on 24th November, and the Government has committed to acting on its findings in both Housing for All- A New Housing Plan for Ireland and Climate Action Plan 2021- Securing our Future, through a range of upskilling, reskilling and apprenticeship supports.
According to the EGFSN's analysis, in order to deliver on the Climate Action Plan's 2030 targets, employment in wind and solar energy generation will have to quickly increase to 8,000, from a 3,000 baseline in 2020, within a number of years, and ultimately stand at 9,000 by 2030. This will mainly consist of workers in roles including Construction and Installation, Technicians and Technical Professionals, Engineering, Transport and Logistics, and Legal and Professional Services.
The workforce engaged in residential retrofit and heat pump installation will similarly have to ramp up quickly and increase more than fourfold (from c.4,000), to stand at over 17,000 for the remainder of the decade. These roles will mainly be concentrated in Insulation and Airtightness, Cosmetic and Repair, Lighting and Electrics, Engineering and Support, and Heating.
The existing motor mechanic workforce of c.15,000 will meanwhile need to be transitioned to work on Electric Vehicles as EV uptake increases.
The full details of these forecasts, including the occupational breakdowns, can be read in chapter 6 of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs report, which is available on www.egfsn.ie.
86. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will engage with a company (details supplied) regarding a Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland future growth loan, given the company refuse to engage with the business making the loan application. [1133/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Future Growth Loan Scheme (FGLS) first launched in 2019 to provide an option for SMEs and small mid-caps to access appropriate finance for investment purposes. The scheme has seen a rapid uptake and as of January 10th, 2022, there has been 3,480 loans sanctioned to a total value of over €748 million.
The scheme features a two-stage application process, whereby businesses must first apply to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to confirm their eligibility under the scheme. Successful applicants are issued an eligibility reference number, which they can then use to make a loan application to a participating finance provider.
The information provided with this parliamentary question confirms that the business secured an eligibility reference number from SBCI for the FGLS.
The SBCI administer the FGLS on behalf of my department and were requested to look into the matter raised by the business in relation to the FGLS participating finance provider's engagement with them regarding a loan application through the FGLS.
SBCI contacted the business and participating finance provider for details of this matter. The participating finance provider is in the process of reviewing the business plan underpinning the loan application by the business.
The business has also been provided with contact details for a lending manager within SBCI in case of the need for further follow up.
The decision on any loan application by the business will be made by the participating finance provider in line with their own credit policies and procedures. However, if the business is not successful in their loan application, there is an option for them to avail of the internal appeals process within the finance provider.
87. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Covid-19 business supports that are available to those in the dry-cleaning industry whose businesses are heavily reliant on the normal functioning of the hospitality, trade and business sectors; if he will consider extending the business supports available to the hospitality industry to those employed in the dry cleaning business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1148/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has worked to support businesses through these challenging times with a wide range of measures for firms of all sizes, which included the wage subsidy scheme, business continuity and trading online grants, COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, the Future Growth Loan Scheme, commercial rates waivers and warehousing of tax liabilities. Details of the supports can be found on my Department’s website: Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) provides a subsidy to qualifying employers based on the numbers of paid and eligible employees on the employer’s payroll and charges a reduced rate of employer PRSI of 0.5% on wages paid which are eligible for the subsidy payment.
The EWSS has been a key element of the Government’s response to the continued Covid-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment and it is widely recognised that the EWSS has played an essential role in supporting businesses, encouraging employment and helping to maintain the link between employers and employees during this pandemic.
Government policy has been that there will be no cliff edge to the support, at the same time, it is necessary to unwind and phase out this temporary, emergency support measure. On Budget Day of last year, an extension of EWSS in a graduated form until 30 April 2022 was announced, ensuring there will be no sudden end to the EWSS.
It is important to note that all business supports are being kept under review to ensure that they are timely and target those that need them the most. I would urge businesses to make sure that they are aware of what is available to them and apply for the appropriate schemes.
88. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants available from his Department or other State agencies to persons interested in advancing a proposal to recycle spent coffee grounds rather than sending the waste to landfill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1172/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs alluded to by the Deputy, as an organic waste, coffee grinds should not be sent to landfill. At a minimum the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations must be complied with. These require many types of businesses to separate and appropriately disposal of organic wastes. The 'My Waste for Business' resource (www.mywaste.ie/business) provides more information on managing waste responsibly.
My Department's enterprise development agencies - Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices - provide advice and supports to businesses of different sizes, sectors and ambitions. These can include resources to assist with implementing circular economy initiatives such as the GreenStart, GreenPlus and Green for Micro programmes; however the appropriate support will depend on the nature of the entity looking for assistance. Talking to a Local Enterprise Office is always a useful starting point for new entities or small businesses.
If the entity is a Social Enterprises may be able to access different supports or grants, and the Department of Rural and Community Development publishes a useful supports and resources table for Social Enterprises on their website.
Circuléire is a cross-sectoral industry-led innovation network dedicated to accelerating the net-zero carbon circular economy in Ireland and aims to source, test, finance, and scale, circular manufacturing systems, supply chains and circular business models to deliver significant reductions in both CO2 emissions and waste across their membership. It may be able to provide useful information or advice regarding the proposal.
I would encourage businesses interested in circular economy practices to engage with Climate Toolkit for Business (climatetoolkit4business.gov.ie) which was recently I launched recently with Minister Ryan. The Toolkit provides an estimate of a user's carbon footprint based on some simple information input by them, then generates a tailored action plan and points to relevant state supports that can assist in implementing its recommended actions - including in the area of materials and waste management.
89. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is clear from the information provided that an Antigen test was carried out and not a PCR test.
Under the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980,?a service that is sought and paid for is expected to be provided with proper due care and diligence. The business involved should have the appropriate skills to do the job and the materials used should be sound and fit for purpose. Also, any goods supplied by the business as part of the service should be of acceptable quality.?
Where such standards are not adhered to and the service was not carried out, for example, with due care and attention, the person concerned is entitled to seek either a full or partial refund from the business or seek that the wrong is put right.
It is advisable, where a person believes their rights have been infringed,?that they send a formal written complaint outlining their case and stating how they would like the matter to be resolved.? Details of the original booking for a PCR test and a copy of the correspondence received confirming the results of an Antigen test should be included.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission provide details on how to make an effective complaint to a business, including template letters, which can be sourced through the following link – www.ccpc.ie/consumers/how-to-complain/
In instances where a satisfactory response is not received from a business, there is the option of applying to the Small Claims Process (SCP). The SCP can accept cases up to the value of €2,000, with a current non-refundable fee of €25 to submit a claim.
90. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him in tabular form; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [1550/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of reviews, research and studies currently ongoing in my Department are set out in the table below.
|
Title of review, research or study currently underway |
Expected date of completion |
|
Process Review of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) |
Q1 2022 |
|
Retail Sector Study into key factors that have impacted the retail sector in recent years and the likely future trends, opportunities and challenges facing the retail sector |
Q1 2022 |
|
The provision of research, analysis, facilitation, stakeholder engagement and related policy options for consideration to support the development of a National Clustering Policy and Framework. |
End of Q1 2022 |
|
Independent audit of Restart Grant Scheme, to provide reasonable assurance as to the implementation, monitoring and control of the Restart Grant schemes and reasonable assurance as to the appropriate administration, disbursement and reconciliation of the funding provided by the Exchequer |
Mid-2022 |
|
Annual Employment Survey 2022 |
December 2022 |
|
Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact 2021/2022 |
December 2022 |
|
Joint DETE ESRI Research Programme - The Productivity Challenge and Its interaction with Climate, Digitalisation and Human Capital |
September 2023 |
91. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount spent on social media by his Department and agencies under his remit in 2021; and the platforms the monies were spent on in tabular form. [1697/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of awareness raising campaigns around a range of policy initiatives including Brexit, the National Minimum Wage and Covid 19, my Department spent €62,373.83 on social media advertising in 2021. The campaigns were conducted across a number of social media platforms, the breakdown of which is provided below.
|
Social Media Channel |
Cost 2021 (incl. VAT) |
|
|
€17,185.31 |
|
|
€14,680.61 |
|
|
€16,156.84 |
|
|
€14,351.07 |
|
Total |
€62,373.83 |
Separately, I have requested that the state agencies under the aegis of my Department provide the information requested and I will forward this to the Deputy once received.
92. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount spent on consultancy services by his Department in 2021; the reason for each consultancy; and the name of the consultancy in tabular form. [1715/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department considers hiring external consultants in cases where there is not the necessary expertise to deliver the project in-house, in cases where an external assessment is deemed essential, or in cases where a project must be completed within a short time scale, and although the expertise or experience may be available in-house, performing the task would involve a prohibitive opportunity cost.
My Department complies with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's guidelines for engagements of consultants by the civil service, having regard to public procurement guidelines.
Details of my Department's expenditure on external consultancy projects in 2021 are set out in the attached table.
|
Consultancy Project |
Company/Researcher |
Expenditure in 2021 € |
|
Legal advice on the drafting of Competition Amendment Bill |
Nathan Dunleavy |
9,255 |
|
Peer review of Ireland’s National Contact Point for OECD guidelines for multinational enterprise |
OECD |
35,000 |
|
Safeguarding of DETE Audit Capacity |
Ernst and Young/Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors |
37,722 |
|
Legal research on EU Directive on Consumers Interests 2020 |
Peter Stafford |
14,600 |
|
Contracting of legal adviser for DETE |
Chris O’Toole |
25,160 |
|
Report on skills needs to enable the carbon economy |
AECOM |
93,661 |
|
Development of an online Climate Action Hub for Business |
Matrix Internet |
81,677 |
|
Examination of the Economic Impact of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement |
Implement Consulting |
61,346 |
|
Review of Remuneration Levels for Employment Permits |
Economic and Social Research Institute |
17,427 |
|
Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact |
Insight Consulting |
49,444 |
|
Annual Employment Survey |
Insight Consulting |
19,161 |
|
Geocoding for Annual Surveys |
Autoaddress |
7,355 |
|
Review of the Grocery Goods Legislation |
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors |
4,000 |
|
Legal Research to assist in transposition of EU Directive on Consumers Interests |
Caroline McGrath |
12,200 |
|
Legal Research on to inform the development of company law policy and legislation |
Katie Nagle/Chris Mills |
33,131 |
|
National Competitiveness Council productivity and competitiveness research |
Economic and Social Research Institute |
34,553 |
|
Development of a National Clustering Policy |
Grant Thornton |
48,737 |
|
Preparation of Regional Enterprise Plans |
Verve Marketing Performance Solutions Grooveyard Padraic O’Maille |
45,624 |
|
Retail Sector Study |
KPMG |
39,311 |
|
Review of Export Supports and Export Credit Insurance Supports for SMEs |
Melyn Consulting |
21,525 |
|
Review of Long Term Lending needs of Irish businesses |
SQW |
38,111 |
|
Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund Review |
Grant Thornton |
34,120 |
|
Review of Casual Trading Legislation |
Peter Stafford |
2,200 |
|
Economic Impact of Four EU Free Trade Agreements |
Copenhagen Economics |
15,547 |
|
Redrawing of Regional Aid Map |
University of Strathclyde |
5,520 |
|
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Labour Market |
OECD |
100,000 |
|
Total |
886,387 |
93. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA site visits in counties Clare, Galway, Limerick and Tipperary in 2020 and 2021, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1730/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland reported a record-breaking year for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) employment in 2021, with total employment in IDA client companies now standing at 275,384, up from 258,558 last year. Growth in the regions was particularly buoyant with 53% - 133 projects of the 249 investments won going to regional locations and employment growth recorded in every region of the country.
Job losses remained at a relatively modest level relative to the size of the overall portfolio resulting in an extremely strong net employment growth, with a 16,826 net increase.
The strong growth in regional investment was supported by IDA Ireland’s property programme. A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning FDI projects, as evidenced by the record regional results achieved under IDA’s Winning 2015-2019 strategy.
The 2021 figures show a pattern of sustained, robust growth in FDI investment and FDI-related employment over a continuous period of more than ten-years. The results in 2021 represent a strong start to IDA’s new 2021-2024 strategy, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, which seeks to further enhance FDI’s place at the centre of a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive Irish economy.
As the Deputy is aware, in response to COVID, the IDA migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities to digital platforms. The Agency has put in place an E-Site Visit experience for potential investors. Site visits to end Q3 2021 are shown below:
|
County |
In person & E-visits To end 2020 |
In person & E-visits To end Q3 2021 |
|
Clare |
16 |
15 |
|
Galway |
21 |
24 |
|
Limerick |
26 |
26 |
|
Tipperary |
12 |
9 |
94. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the call for legal aid to be provided for workers going to the Workplace Relations Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1735/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLegal Aid policy is a policy matter solely for my colleague, the Minister for Justice. I understand that legal aid is not currently available for employment rights disputes.
The employment rights enforcement frameworks have been designed to deliver a fair, simple, cost effective and user-friendly service for employers and employees in the State. Parties availing of the adjudication services of the WRC are not subject to cost orders and proceedings are designed to be inclusive of lay litigants.
However, in accordance with section 40 of The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, there are circumstances in which the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) can give legal assistance to a person who wishes to bring or has, a matter before the Workplace Relations Commission or the Courts.
95. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a schedule of all client and or customer-facing and or orientated services that his Department provide via a contracted service provider; the contractor that provides the service; and the cost of same for the past five years to date in 2022. [1797/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its Offices have entered into twenty customer facing and/or orientated services via a contracted service provider over the past five years and to date in 2022.
For the vast majority of its procurements, my Department and its Offices, which includes the Companies Registrations Office, the Intellectual Property of Ireland, the Labour Court, the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Workplace Relations Commission, try to use available centralised procurement frameworks put in place by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), as well as utilising the e-Tenders website and advertising in the EU Journal, where applicable.
Details on the various customer facing and/or orientated services that my Department and its Offices have in place via a contracted service provider and the cost of same for the past five years and to-date in 2022 (where applicable) are set out at Appendix I and Appendix II below.
APPENDIX I - Details on the various customer facing and or orientated services that my Department has in place via a contracted service provider and the cost of same for the past five years (where applicable).
EDI Factory Limited Trading as Celtrino provide eInvoicing services to my Department as it relates to PEPPOL (Pan-European Public Procurement On Line), an Infrastructure where buyers and sellers can exchange electronic documents for the provision of services.
Celtrino
2019 - €4,120
2020 - €3,997
2021 - €3,997
In 2021, my Department contracted Matrix Internet Ltd, to design, build and host a climate action hub to assist businesses take steps towards Climate Action. This project is part funded by the Public Service Innovation Fund and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. To date the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s portion of spend has been:
Matrix Internet Ltd
2021 - €81,677
2022 - €1,999
My Department held a stakeholder engagement event held virtually in October 2020 in relation to the National Economic Plan. The Department procured an event management company, Real Nation Management Ltd. to support the organisation and logistics associated with the event, including an digital platform, AV equipment and event management services
Real Nation Management Ltd. 2020 - €25,262
There was also a contract entered into with Compass Catering for the provision of a venue to host a stakeholder engagement summit relating to the Future Jobs Ireland Summit in the Aviva Stadium. This was organised jointly by my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach and took place in November 2018.
Compass Catering Services Ireland 2018 - €4,879
APPENDIX II - Details on the various customer facing and or orientated services that the Offices of my Department has in place via a contracted service provider and the cost of same for the past five years (where applicable).
Intellectual Property Office of Ireland (IPOI)
GlobalPay provide payment technology to the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland (IPOI) for online Credit Card terminals. GlobalPay process all customer specific payments to the IPOI that can be made online or over the phone. These include renewal fees, as well as a range of other payments for the Office which are made by card (Credit and Debit). These fees below are in respect of transaction charges.
GlobalPay
2017 - €822
2018 - €725
2019 - €703
2020 - €696
2021 –€546
2022 - €45
Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)
Interpretation services are generally utilised by the WRC to provide interpretation to parties during hearings who have very limited or no proficiency in the English language.
Accent Solutions- Reception Service for Lansdowne House, Dublin 4
2019 - €49,379
2020 - €37,150
2021 - €25,929
EIR - Reception/ Telephonist Services for Lansdowne House, Dublin 4
2017 - €43,897
2018 - €53,119
Word Perfect - Interpretation Services
2017 - €58,071
2018 - €69,760
2019 - €72,905
2020 - €38,855
2021 - €8,658
Translation.ie - Interpretation Services
2019 - €5,316
2020 - €117
2021 - €20,258
EU Translations - Interpretation Services
2018 - €443
2019 - €2,742
Cormac Leonard- Sign Language Interpretation 2019 - €394
Commercial Translation Centre- Interpretation Services 2021 - €260
Beatrice Translations- Interpretation Services
2019 - €1,242
2020 - €662
2021 - €677
2022 - €369
Bridge Interpretation- Interpretation Services
2018 -€677
2019 -€1,876
2020 -€2,011
2021 -€2,104
2022 - €545
Gwen Malone Stenography- Interpretation Services 2021 - €301
Europus Language- Interpretation Services 2019 - €138
Irish Sign Language- Interpretation Services 2018 - €730
Aisling Glover- Interpretation Services 2017 - €516
Amanda Mohan Sign Language- Interpretation Services 2017 - €280
Context Interpretation Services- Interpretation Services
2017 - €1,493
2018 - €517
2019 - €949
2020 - €135
96. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1840/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that a Critical Skills Employment Permit application was received for the person concerned (details supplied) on 13th December 2021.
Applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. The Employment Permits Section of my Department are currently processing standard applications received on 3rd September 2021.
Applicants can keep track of Employment Permit applications current processing dates at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/Current-Processing-Dates-for-Employment-Permits.html.
If a permit is urgently required, an applicant may request to have an application expedited. A request to have an application expedited will only be considered in exceptional cases. Such a request, which must be accompanied by a compelling business case, should be sent to dermot.kavanagh@enterprise.gov.ie .
97. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost in 2022 of doubling the number of full-time inspectors for the Workplace Relations Commission. [1910/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body under the aegis of my Department, established on 1st October 2015 under the Workplace Relations Act 2015. The Commission’s core services include the inspection of employment rights compliance, the provision of information, the processing of employment agency and protection of young persons (employment) licenses and the provision of mediation, conciliation, facilitation, and advisory services.
The WRC is staffed by approximately 200 civil servants from my Department. This number includes a sanction for 60 WRC inspectors. In the main, WRC inspectors rank at Executive Officer (EO) grade with Higher Executive Officers (HEO) grade, acting as Team Managers.
In Budget 2022, an additional €500,000 was allocated to the WRC pay budget to allow for additional inspectors to be hired. Accordingly, the total number of WRC inspectors is expected to increase to 70 over the coming year. The total funding allocation for the WRC in 2022 to €15,696,000.
The full year cost of recruiting an executive officer inspector for the WRC would be approximately €62,092. This is based on the calculation of staff costs as set out in the Public Spending Code. The code sets out that the cost should be based on the midpoint of the salary scale and include employer’s salary related PRSI, imputed pension costs and overheads e.g., ICT equipment, legal costs, travel and subsistence. Using the same methodology, the cost of sixty additional inspectors at EO level would be approximately €3,725,520.
My Department fully supports and continues to work closely with the WRC in monitoring its staffing and budgetary requirements. This includes anticipating future resource requirements to ensure that it is supported and adequately resourced to carry out its important work. It is proposed to review inspector capacity again in the context of the 2023 REV allocation, engaging with the WRC to assess the impact of the 2022 increase and to evaluate if there is a need to further increase this cohort.
98. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if supports will be put in place for hospitality businesses who were forced to close at 8 pm but did not qualify for the Covid restriction support scheme and wage subsidy scheme over the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2026/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has worked to support businesses through these challenging times with a wide range of measures for firms of all sizes, which included the wage subsidy scheme, business continuity and trading online grants, COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, the Future Growth Loan Scheme, commercial rates waivers and warehousing of tax liabilities. Details of the supports can be found on my Department’s website: Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).
It is important to note that all business supports are being kept under review to ensure that they are timely and target those that need them the most. I would urge businesses to make sure that they are aware of what is available to them and apply for the appropriate schemes.
In relation to specific supports for the hospitality sector this would be a matter for my colleague, Minister Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
99. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will add physiotherapists and occupational therapists to the critical skills occupations list to meet the present staffing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2201/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra100. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider adding physiotherapy and occupational therapy to the critical skills occupation list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2288/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.
The State's employment permit system is designed to supplement Ireland's skills and labour supply over the short to medium term by allowing enterprises to recruit nationals from outside the EEA, where such skills or expertise cannot be sourced from within the EEA at that time.
The system is, by design, vacancy led and managed through the operation of the occupation lists: the critical skills list in respect of skills that are in critical shortage in the labour market and the ineligible occupations lists for which a ready source of labour is available from within Ireland and the EEA.
Changes to the employment permit occupations lists are made where there are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available, development opportunities are not undermined, genuine skills shortage exists rather than a recruitment or retention problem and Government education, training and economic development policies are supported.
The occupations lists are subject to twice yearly evidence-based review and take account of research undertaken by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SOLAS) and the Expert Group of Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), a public consultation process, input from the relevant policy Departments and the Economic Migration Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by the Department. Account is also taken of contextual factors such as Brexit and, in the current context, COVID 19.
Changes which were announced in June 2021 removed a number of Health Care occupations from the Ineligible Occupations List including Chartered Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist. This provides access to the General Employment Permit for non-EEA nationals wishing to take up employment in the State as a Chartered Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist. In accordance with Employment Permit legislation, in order to ensure that job opportunities are made available to Irish and EEA nationals, employers must satisfy a Labour Market Needs Test before a General Employment Permit can be issued to a non-EEA national. This policy fulfils our obligations under the Community Preference principles of membership of the EU.
The next review of the Occupations Lists will open in the coming weeks by Public Consultation.
101. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address the delays in processing applications for general employment permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2289/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The employment permits regime is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages in the State, required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy. However, this objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is a genuine one.
The employment permits system is managed through the operation of the critical skills and ineligible occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit and these lists are subject to twice-yearly evidenced based review.
Since March 2020, my Department has implemented Covid-19 contingency arrangements moving employment permit operations seamlessly to a totally remote working environment. Feedback received from enterprise across the board has been universally positive. In fact, Ireland was one of the few countries that has managed to keep their employment permit system fully operational throughout the crisis.
From the outset of the crisis, in order to assist the HSE and all other medical providers in the State to respond to, and to assist with, the public health response to the threat of Covid-19, all medical employment permits are expedited with immediate effect.
My Department experienced a significant increase in applications for employment permits in the past year. Applications for Employment Permits increased significantly over the course of 2021, impacting on processing times. From the start of January to the end of December 2021, some 27,666 applications were received, representing a 69% increase over the same period in 2020 (16,293) and a 47% increase on 2019 (18,811), which itself represented an 11 year high in applications. My Department has issued 16,275 employment permits in 2021, and processed a total of 17,968 applications which represents a significant volume of activity. The impact of this has resulted in a significant backlog, which has increased from 1,000 in April 2021 to approximately c. 10,500 by mid January 2022, which is now stabilising.
In addition, the extension of categories of employment permits following the latest Review of the Occupational Lists has increased the availability of employment permits for these roles.
Processing times have been impacted by this increase in demand but also because of the HSE cyber-attack. As a result, employment permit applications associated with the July Doctors rotation (which occurs twice yearly in January and July) had to be submitted either manually or through other nonstandard methods. This resulted in a significant additional administrative burden in dealing with these applications, requiring staff to be temporarily reassigned to assist in the process and had a direct impact on wider processing times for other permit applications.
An Action Plan has been developed and is being implemented to tackle the backlog, with both human resource interventions and systemic changes. The staffing actions being taken include:
- Recruitment of additional permanent and temporary staff. This is an increase of 69% on our permanent capacity and 125% to include temporary staff to deal with the backlog.
- Temporary reassignment of staff from other areas of the Department with relevant skills.
- Increased overtime.
As the Plan is implemented and begins to take effect, we expect to see rapid improvements from end-January, with the backlog considerably reduced by the end of Q1 and substantially reduced by the end of Q2 2022.
In addition, further systemic changes have also been introduced. My Department has worked with the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Justice to streamline and extend the time period for General Employment Permits (GEP) issued to doctors. A new two-year multi-site GEP for Medical Doctors in Public hospitals and Public health facilities was introduced in respect of the January 2022 Doctors rotation. This will result in significant benefits for applicants, as well as major efficiencies for the Employment Permits Section, by eliminating the necessity to apply for additional employment permits when moving to a different Public hospital or Public health facility within this two year period.
The Department provides regular updates on its website in relation to processing times and engages directly with key stakeholders including the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, AmCham, IBEC, representative groups and individual companies, as required.
The Management Board of my Department is overseeing the implementation of the Action Plan and its impact on the backlog and waiting times.
102. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of public sector workers under his remit by sectors (details supplied) in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2345/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2360/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2383/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 103 and 104 together.
In relation to public sector staff under the remit of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise. Trade and Employment, there are a number of Civil Service (Workplace Relations Commission) and State Agency (Enterprise Ireland) staff based in offices in Co. Clare.
The information requested by the Deputies is listed below in tabular form.
|
Enterprise Ireland – Shannon-based Staff |
|
|
Year |
Number of Staff |
|
2016 |
50 |
|
2017 |
48 |
|
2018 |
46 |
|
2019 |
48 |
|
2020 |
47 |
|
2021 |
46 |
|
Workplace Relation Commission – Shannon/Ennis-based Staff |
|
|
Year |
Number of Staff |
|
2016 |
10 |
|
2017 |
9 |
|
2018 |
11 |
|
2019 |
11 |
|
2020 |
10 |
|
2021 |
11 |
