Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 19 May 2022

Written Answers Nos. 81-100

Industrial Development

Ceisteanna (81)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

81. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the up-to-date position regarding a new IDA advance technology building for Kerry Technology Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25235/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

IDA Ireland is committed to building a new (second) Advanced Technology Building in Tralee. I am advised that the site selection process for this proposed building is still underway. Securing planning permission and the construction of the building will take time, but it is intended that the building will be delivered during the life of the current IDA Strategy to 2024. The advanced technology building, once completed may support either a new office or industrial investment given their flexible nature.

The 2021-2024 Strategy also states that IDA will continue to work closely with the private sector to secure the provision of appropriate and cost-effective building and property solutions for client companies and also that additional upgrade works and investment are planned for IDA Parks in the region.

IDA Ireland continues to engage with new companies on promoting Ireland as a location for their business and the Agency will continue to position County Kerry for virtual and in-person site visits over 2022 and beyond.

Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 74.

Regional Development

Ceisteanna (83)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

83. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the progress made to date in the implementation in the West region of the IDA Strategy - Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021 – 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24972/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Regional development is at the centre of IDA Ireland's current strategy “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024”. Of the target 800 investments in the Strategy, half are targeted at regional locations.

As the Deputy may be aware, IDA Ireland announces mid and end year results. The latest results, released in December last year, show a very strong first year of this Strategy. Highlights of IDA Ireland’s performance throughout 2021 include the creation of over 29,000 new jobs in IDA supported client companies, bringing the numbers directly employed in the multinational sector in Ireland to 275,384.

The net number of jobs created in 2021 was 16,826 demonstrating the continued resilience of the existing FDI base. In total 249 investments were won, 104 of these being new name investments.

More than half (53%) of investments won during 2021 went to regional locations with every region experiencing growth.

IDA Ireland employment in the West region grew by 6% over the period. There are now 120 IDA supported companies in the West Region, employing 29,419 people in total. An additional 23,535 jobs are supported indirectly by Foreign Direct Investment in the West region with a payroll of €1,521m.

The FDI performance in the Region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 32%. There is a significant ecosystem of well-established Life Sciences companies, which has helped drive strong cluster development. The number of people employed in software engineering, technical support, global business services and R&D in the Region has also grown considerably in recent years.

IDA Ireland completed an Advanced Building Solution in Galway in 2020 which is currently being marketed to potential investors. As part of the current Strategy IDA will deliver a second Advance Building Solution in Galway Business & Technology Park, Parkmore and one in Mayo. Ongoing site infrastructure upgrade works are progressing on IDA Parks in the region. IDA continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply of competitive property solutions in regional locations.

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. I expect the IDA's 2022 Mid-Year results to be announced in June.

Industrial Development

Ceisteanna (84)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

84. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will liaise with the IDA regarding further development of a site in Ballinasloe, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25099/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

IDA Ireland markets Ballinasloe as part of the West Region. There are 120 IDA supported companies in the Region employing 27,695 people in total. Between Galway City and County, there are 93 IDA supported companies employing 21,428 people, which represents an increase of 3% on the 2020 figures. Marketing Ballinasloe as part of the West Region provides scale and scope, giving confidence to potential investors that they will be able to establish themselves outside of a main city area and be able to secure talent and services to make their business work.

IDA positions the West Region as home to the leading cluster of Life Sciences industries employing the highest per capita of Medical Technology staff in Europe; Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Hollister and Baxter are some examples and of course Surmodics in Ballinasloe. These international brands are an attraction for additional companies to potentially locate to the West Region and Ballinasloe.

The provision of property solutions is an important element in IDA’s marketing of Galway and the West Region. IDA actively promotes available buildings and land in IDA Business Parks and high-quality buildings in private ownership through their network of overseas offices. In Galway IDA has invested significantly in the provision of world-class property solutions.

Following the decision by Aptar to cease manufacturing operations in Ballinasloe in 2020, IDA Ireland worked to market the vacated facility to potential client companies of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. In May 2021, Enterprise Ireland client company Chanelle Pharma announced plans for 60 jobs in Ballinasloe and a €5m investment.

I am advised that the IDA continues to market the available lands (c.21.94 acres) on the IDA business & technology park in Ballinasloe to potential investors, including the advanced planning permission for an Advanced Technology Unit on these lands. IDA Ireland and Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD) completed a joint venture to secure planning for an Advance Technology Unit (ATU), with the availability of the ATU planning permission being marketed by IDA as a planning de-risked and flexible potential property solution.

Regional Development

Ceisteanna (85)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

85. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the progress made to date in the implementation in the Midlands region of the IDA Strategy - Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021 – 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24976/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Regional development is at the centre of IDA Ireland's current strategy “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024”. Of the target 800 investments in the Strategy, half are targeted at regional locations.

As the Deputy may be aware, IDA Ireland announces mid and end year results. The latest results, released last December, show a very strong first year of this Strategy. Highlights of IDA Ireland’s performance throughout 2021 include the creation of over 29,000 new jobs in IDA supported client companies, bringing the numbers directly employed in the multinational sector in Ireland to 275,384.

The net number of jobs created in 2021 was 16,826 demonstrating the continued resilience of the existing FDI base. In total 249 investments were won, 104 of these being new name investments.

There are now close to 1,700 multinational operations supported by IDA in Ireland accounting directly for 11% of the Irish workforce. Their impact nationally and regionally to public finances, regional development, global value chain integration, spin-off indigenous enterprise, innovation can be seen in their expenditure in the Irish economy.

More than half (53%) of investments won during 2021 went to regional locations with every region experiencing growth.

The Midland Region covers counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. There are 49 IDA client companies in the Midlands region supporting 6,868 jobs directly and 5,494 jobs indirectly. Employment in IDA client companies grew by 10% growth in the region in 2021. The Midlands was the best performing region in 2021 in terms of percentage jobs growth across IDA companies.

FDI performance and growth in the region has been consistent over the past five years, with employment among IDA clients increasing by 43% over that time. The Midlands has an impressive range of companies across all industry sectors, with strengths in Life Sciences, Technology, Global Business Services, International Financial Services, and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. This portfolio of multinational companies is hugely significant to the region and today the Midlands has become a key strategic base for global companies of scale

From an economic impact perspective, it is estimated that IDA Client companies spent €402 million on payroll during 2020 with €126 million spent on Services and Materials and €92 million spent on in-house R&D (2020 ABSEI).

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. I expect the IDA's 2022 mid-year results to be announced in June.

Energy Prices

Ceisteanna (86)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

86. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration will be given for supports for businesses to assist with their rising energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25214/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated the inflationary pressures that Ireland and other economies were already experiencing in the wake of the supply chain disruptions brought by the pandemic. The war, and the necessary introduction of sanctions against Russia, is also disrupting supply chains and leading to large rises in international prices for energy, food and other commodities. The Government recognises the additional challenge these rising prices are bringing for households and businesses, as many are still trying to recover from the effects of COVID-19.

Ireland imports over 70 per cent of our energy use and the Government cannot fully insulate individuals and businesses from developments in international energy markets that are outside of our control. However, the Government has already implemented several measures to help ease the impact on enterprises and households of energy price increases including:

- a temporary reduction in the excise duties charged, by 20 cent per litre of petrol, 15 cent per litre of diesel, and 2 cent in the excise duty charged on marked gas oil, at an estimated cost of €320 million in 2022.

- For hauliers, a temporary grant scheme will provide a payment of €100 per week to help mitigate the rising price of fuel. The scheme will operate for a period of eight weeks and is valued at €18 million.

- A temporary, targeted intervention package for the tillage sector to the value of €12.2 million in response to the impact on farming.

My Department is supporting the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications in leading consultations with industry to learn about the specific impacts of higher energy costs on Irish businesses, and to hear their concerns and perspectives on the appropriate and most effective tools for policy action.

This follows on from a meeting of the Enterprise Forum which I convened to hear first-hand how the war in Ukraine is affecting businesses in Ireland. The three main issues raised at that meeting were difficulties in supply chains in Europe and around the world, recent increases in the cost of raw materials and foodstuffs, and energy security and prices.

The European Commission recently launched its Temporary State Aid Crisis Framework for businesses affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This opens the way for Member States to consider if specific instruments might be needed in the near term, in order to help vulnerable but viable businesses to overcome the acute impacts of the current crisis. As part of the Framework, access to low-cost loans and grants may be made available in order to meet liquidity needs and facilitate necessary investment.

In terms of short-term temporary supports, there are already effective schemes in place, in response to Brexit and Covid-19. The Government will consider whether, and to what degree, such schemes might be pivoted to firms impacted by the Ukraine crisis in particular.

I would also encourage firms to take this opportunity to achieve greater energy efficiency and to begin their decarbonisation transition. Last month, utilising funds available under the EU’s National Recovery and Resilience fund, I launched the Climate Enterprise Action Fund with an initial allocation of €10m. This will fund up to 850 companies at an early stage of exploring climate and sustainability to develop a high-level company action plan, and up to 100 more-advanced companies to develop comprehensive multi-annual business plans. A second fund, the Carbon Reduction Fund, will launch later this year.

Labour Market

Ceisteanna (87)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

87. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has carried out research on the impact on the labour market if stamp two visa holders whose visas expire on 31 May 2022 were forced to leave the country; his views that the best solution for the workers, the employers and the industry is for those visas to be extended until September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25357/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland has a clear division between economic migration and general immigration policies. My Department administers the employment permits legislation and criteria for the granting of employment permit permissions to work in the State. Under the Employment Permits Acts (as amended), in order to work in the State, all non-EEA nationals require a valid employment permit or relevant immigration permission from the Minister for Justice allowing them to reside and work in the State without the requirement for an employment permit.

While research as outlined has not been carried out, my Department has been in contact with the Department of Justice in relation to student visas and work rights.

As the Deputy is aware, immigration policy and permission fall under the remit of the Department of Justice and are beyond the scope of this Department. Therefore, the granting of an extension to immigration permissions is at the discretion of the Minister for Justice and the relevant conditions attached to permissions is a matter for the office of Immigration Service Delivery in the Department of Justice.

Regional Development

Ceisteanna (88)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

88. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a report on the new Regional Enterprise Plan for counties Cork and Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25015/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Regional enterprise development is a key policy priority of mine and this Government. Throughout 2021, my Department oversaw the development of nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024, including for the South-West which covers counties Cork and Kerry.

A key feature and strength of the Regional Enterprise Plans is that they are developed using a ‘bottom-up’ approach, developed by regional stakeholders who are keenly aware of the growth opportunities and vulnerabilities in their region, and of the benefits of working collaboratively.

I was pleased to officially launch the South-West Regional Enterprise Plan on the 26th April in Killorglin, Co Kerry. The new Plan contains six strategic objectives and related actions to be delivered by end 2024, which are:

1. Enhance the enterprise eco-system across the region

2. Maximise the potential of digital enterprise and innovation hubs to support digitalisation, business growth, climate action and smart working

3. Support cluster organisations in driving the development and growth of enterprise

4. Bolster the South-West as a leader in sustainable food production and agri-tech

5. Embrace the opportunities of climate action in the marine, circular bioeconomy, tourism and energy sectors

6. Ensure a pipeline of talent in the region, focusing on sustainable high-quality jobs

Department officials are engaging with the regional Programme Managers as implementation of the Plan commences. The South-West Steering Committee is chaired by Patricia Quane and members include the Local Authorities, the Enterprise Agencies, LEOs, Regional Assemblies, Higher Education bodies and others, all of whom are focused on creating and sustaining employment opportunities for the region.

I have been determined to ensure that funding is available to support these Plans. The Deputy will be aware that up to €180 million is being made available for the nine regional plans to develop and implement collaborative and innovative enterprise projects – projects that will not just sustain but add to employment at county, regional and national level.

The South-West has performed particularly well under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme, securing over €19.3 million for 15 innovative enterprise strengthening projects.

By focusing on the strengths of the region and by taking advantage of collaborative funding opportunities I am certain the South-West region can build on their previous successes.

Industrial Development

Ceisteanna (89)

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

89. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the IDA commitment to deliver an Advanced Building Solution in Longford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24959/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The timely provision of appropriate, innovative, and cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions that meet the needs of Multi-National Companies remains essential to winning Foreign Direct Investment. In a competitive and uncertain global environment IDA’s regional property programme, supported by my Department, ensures the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations as required by current and prospective clients of both IDA and EI.

Over the course of IDA Ireland’s current strategy, the Agency will deliver 19 Advanced Building Solutions across the country, including in Athlone, Longford, and Mullingar. The planned building solutions have a geographical spread in line with the National Planning Framework, and a particular emphasis on the Border and Midlands regions, reflecting IDA's strategic focus on supporting the necessary conditions to attract Foreign Direct Investment into regions of significant economic need.

In respect of the building in Longford, IDA Ireland is continuing to liaise with Longford County Council and with wider stakeholders to seek a suitable site for the proposed Advance Building Solution (ABS). The site selection process is on-going.

Data Centres

Ceisteanna (90)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

90. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 7 April 2022, the status of the work to revise the Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy; the number of times the working group has met to date; if minutes are taken at the meetings of the working group; if so, his plans to publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25366/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There has been ongoing and regular engagement with many stakeholders including the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), Department of An Taoiseach, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Eirgrid, ESB Networks, Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, as we revise the Government’s statement on the role of data centres in our overall enterprise strategy. In addition, a working group has been established to help draft the final document, which met for the first time in March and will continue to meet over the coming weeks.

Minutes are taken at meetings of the working group.

This was one of my Department’s actions under the Climate Action Plan 2021 as part of our commitment to reach a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. I intend to publish the revised statement by the end of Q2 this year.

Job Creation

Ceisteanna (91)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

91. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will discuss the engagements his Department has had with the offshore wind sector and the potential for job creation identified particularly in Cork; the initiatives proposed to ensure adequate supply of staff for the offshore wind sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25294/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland’s coast has considerable offshore renewable energy potential. A cross-Departmental/agency Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, chaired by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, has recently been established to drive delivery and capture wider and longer term economic and business opportunities in the sector. My Department is participating on that Taskforce to ensure that the regional development, investment, and employment opportunities of the sector are capitalised on.

My Department is already actively engaging with the renewable energy sector, both directly and through our agencies, to develop the sector in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland continues to identify and work with those Irish companies with the capability to support the industry’s growth through its Offshore Wind Industry Cluster (The Gael Offshore Network) with 65+ Irish companies. These companies provide a range of products, services and skillsets appropriate to the offshore wind Industry sector.

Just last month Enterprise Ireland ran a Marine Ireland Industry Network event in the National Maritime College of Ireland in Cork and showcased the capability of Cork in Offshore Wind at that event. Next month Enterprise Ireland will also hold the Offshore Wind Showcase Event convening delegates from across the Irish and UK offshore wind industry.

My Department and its agencies also recognise the significant job opportunities associated with the offshore renewable energy sector. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the secretariat for which is based in my Department, undertook a study on the nature and quantity of skills required between now and 2030 to deliver on some of the enabling measures in the Climate Action Plan. Demand for labour associated with offshore wind development is forecast to increase from a minimal 2020 baseline level of employment to around 2,500 mid-decade.

My department is working with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to follow through on these opportunities to educate and attract the required workforce for the offshore and renewable energy sector in our regions with significant offshore potential, including Cork.

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (92)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

92. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the mechanisms that exist to co-ordinate and support Irish businesses to help contribute to national climate emissions reductions targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25097/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is determined that Irish businesses can receive the assistance they need to reduce their emissions and transition to a new, low carbon future. To this end, my Department is integrating climate action into all aspects of the Department enterprise policy and the mandates of its enterprise development agencies.

Under the National Recovery and Resilience Fund (NRRF), my Department is developing two programmes which will make €55 million available over the next five years to help clients of Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to tackle their emissions, particularly in our manufacturing sectors. These include incentives for the early stages of the carbon transition pathway for clients of Enterprise Ireland through the continuation of the Enterprise Ireland’s Climate Enterprise Action Fund. A new Carbon Reduction Fund will facilitate investment in carbon measurement and abatement technologies, green research, development and innovation; as well as specific types of capital investment with a focus on abating manufacturing sector emissions.

My department, in conjunction with Minister Ryan's department, have also built and launched the Climate Toolkit 4 Business. This online carbon calculator aims to encourage all SMEs to start their zero-carbon journey. The Toolkit provides an estimate of the carbon footprint of the business based on some simple information input and generates a tailored action plan and highlights relevant state programmes and funding that can assist in implementing the recommended actions.

My Department's agencies are assisting businesses of all sizes, across many sectors, to start their low carbon transition. Many businesses are seeking to educate themselves, and build capability in this area before they make key investment decisions.

In 2021, Enterprise Ireland launched the Climate Enterprise Action Fund, with three initiatives designed to help SMEs start on their sustainability journey:

- Climate Action Voucher – a €1,800 grant to engage consultants to develop plans in areas such as resource efficiency and renewable energy.

- GreenStart grant – up to €5,000 to measure carbon footprint and identify actions to reduce emissions and operate more sustainably.

- GreenPlus – grant funding of up to 50% to develop a multi-annual climate change plan aligned to international standards and frameworks.

Since the Climate Enterprise Action Fund was launched in 2021, over 150 projects have been approved, including: 84 Climate Action Vouchers, 52 GreenStarts and 14 GreenPlus projects.

IDA Ireland offers external advice and feasibility assessments for foreign-owned manufacturing companies operating in Ireland. This includes the Go Green Offer that is designed to encourage IDA clients to adopt green business principles in their organisation to increase competitiveness and achieve international environmental best practices.

Since March 2021, Local Enterprise Offices have run their Green for Micro programme. This programme offers green transition advice and technical support to micro-enterprises. Qualifying SMEs receive two days of intensive mentoring, including a sustainability audit, and design an action plan to reduce their carbon footprint. Local Enterprise Offices approved 269 Green for Micro projects in 2021, helping to prepare micro-enterprises for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future.

Further assistance is available through SEAI for suitable activities and investments. For example, a new microgeneration scheme to be available soon will provide enterprises incentives for investment in on-premises renewable energy.

EU Directives

Ceisteanna (93)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

93. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views that the scope of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive should be widened, given that under the current proposal 99% of companies would be exempt. [25230/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A proposal for a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD) was published by the European Commission on 23rd February 2022. The proposal aims to address the adverse environmental and human rights impacts arising from the operations of companies and those of their subsidiaries and value chains.

The proposal will apply to large companies, both EU and non-EU. SMEs are not directly within scope but may be indirectly impacted under the proposal – for example, if they are part of a large company’s supply chain.

Ireland is supportive of the objective of the proposed Directive which should promote responsible business conduct and we will seek to ensure that the proposals strike the right balance by providing effective protections whilst ensuring that the measures to be implemented by companies are clear, proportionate, and enforceable.

Consideration of the proposals is at an early stage and is ongoing across EU Member States. My Department is engaging at EU working party level to clarify the practical implications for stakeholders.

I look forward to hearing the views of all those with an interest in the proposal. In this regard, I have recently met with the Irish Coalition for Business and Human Rights and my officials have also met with key stakeholders including representatives of business and civil society organisations. I intend to have further engagement with stakeholders over the coming months and will also launch a public consultation to help inform our position on the proposal.

Living Wage

Ceisteanna (94)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

94. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress of the Programme for Government commitment to progress to a living wage over the lifetime of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25363/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have spoken previously about how the pandemic has caused many of us to reconsider and re-evaluate what an essential worker is. We now understand it is a much broader group of workers than people would have originally described, many of whom are on low pay and in the private sector.

The Government has been clear that a legacy of the pandemic should be better pay, terms and conditions for everyone, but particularly those currently on low pay. We are committed, therefore, to honouring the programme for Government commitment to progressing a living wage over the lifetime of this Government.

In 2021, I asked the Low Pay Commission to examine the programme for Government commitment to progress a living wage over the lifetime of the Government and to make recommendations to me on how best we can achieve this commitment. Following this request, the Low Pay Commission commissioned a team of researchers in the National University of Ireland, NUI, Maynooth, to conduct research on the living wage. This research was to consider the policy, social and economic implications of a move to a living wage and the process by which Ireland could achieve it. The research was to also examine international evidence on living wages, different calculation methods available, the policy implications of moving to a living wage and ultimately outline options for moving to a living wage in Ireland. In January of this year, the Low Pay Commission received the living wage supporting research report from the researchers at NUI Maynooth.

The Low Pay Commission submitted its Living Wage Report to me at the end of March 2022, along with the accompanying research report from NUI Maynooth. Along with my officials, I am currently reviewing the Commission’s report and recommendations. I am considering the next steps required in the progression to a living wage and intend to bring proposals to Government shortly, including the publication of the Commission’s report and the accompanying research report.

I am committed to progressing to a living wage over the lifetime of this Government. In doing so, we need to recognise that many businesses have been badly affected by the pandemic and are also facing rising costs. We need to make sure that we proceed in a way that does not adversely affect inflation or cause jobs to be lost, either in terms of the numbers of people employed, or the numbers of hours worked. To do so would be counterproductive.

While the living wage initiative is being considered, the Government will continue to be guided by the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission with regard to any future changes in the minimum wage. The Low Pay Commission is required to submit its annual recommendation on the National Minimum Wage to me on or before the third Tuesday in July.

Questions Nos. 95 to 100, inclusive, answered orally.

Barr
Roinn