Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Michael Moynihan 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 South-West region of the IDA Strategy - Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021 – 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24974/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional 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. The South-West region covers counties Cork and Kerry. There are 218 IDA supported companies in the West Region, employing 47,572 jobs directly and 38,058 jobs indirectly. In 2021, the Southwest region had employment growth of 3% across its client companies with 1,497 net jobs created.
The FDI performance in the Region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 32%. The region has a broad range of industry sectors with established clusters across Life Sciences, technology, Content Consumer and Business services, Engineering and Industrial technologies and International Financial Services.
From an economic impact perspective, €2,650 million was spent by IDA client companies on payroll during 2020; €1,474 million was spent on Services and Materials; and €294 million was spent on in-house R&D (2020 ABSEI).
Ongoing site infrastructure upgrade works are progressing on IDA Parks and Strategic sites in the region. The Agency also 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.
42. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the report received by the Low Wage Commission. [25371/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
43. Deputy James Lawless 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 mid-east region of the IDA Strategy - Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021 – 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24985/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional 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.
The Mid East Region includes counties Meath, Kildare, Wicklow and Louth. There are 103 IDA client companies in the Mid-East Region employing 18,894 people directly and an additional 15,115 Indirect jobs supported.
IDA Ireland client employment in the region grew by 5% in 2021 with an additional 933 net jobs created.
FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 8%. Counties in the Mid-East also benefit hugely from the direct and indirect employment generated by IDA client companies located in Dublin. The Mid-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. It has also won significant investment in the Food and the Film sub-sectors.
From an economic impact perspective, it is estimated that IDA Client companies spent €1,201 million on payroll during 2020 with €840 million spent on Services and Materials and €121 million spent on in-house R&D (2020 ABSEI).
IDA Property developments in the Region include the delivery of an Advanced Office Building in Dundalk during the last IDA strategy and infrastructure upgrade work on Dundalk Business & Technology Park with significant work also completed on the Mullagharlin Strategic Site. IDA also acquired 200 acres of land in Newbridge in November 2019.
The 2021 figures show a pattern of sustained, robust growth in FDI investment and employment over a continuous period of more than ten years. IDA Ireland is targeting 40 investments for the Mid-East region in the period 2021 to 2024.
I expect the IDA’s 2022 Mid-Year results to be announced in June.
44. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the main location for Irish trading destinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25202/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2021, Ireland’s global trade reached its highest ever value of €842 billion, comprising €451 billion in total Exports (Goods and Services) and €391 billion in total Imports (Goods and Services). In 2021, Ireland’s total Services trade was valued at €575 billion and our total Goods trade reached a value of €268 billion.
In 2021, the main destinations for Irish Goods Exports were the United States (€52 billion), United Kingdom (€18 billion), Germany (€18 billion), Belgium (€14 billion) and China, incl. Hong Kong and Macao (€12 billion). The EU as a bloc was the destination for €61 billion or 37% of Ireland’s total Goods Exports in 2021.
The main locations from which Ireland imported Goods in 2021 were the United Kingdom (€19 billion), United States (€18 billion), France (€10 billion), China, incl. Hong Kong and Macao (€9 billion) and Germany (€7 billion).
Services are an increasingly important component of trade and in 2021 accounted for 68% of total trade. Services data for 2021 is not yet disaggregated at individual country level.
In 2020, the main destinations for Irish Services Exports were the United Kingdom (€35 billion), United States (€33 billion), Germany (€17 billion), Netherlands (€11 billion) and Japan (€10 billion). The United States and United Kingdom each accounted for 14% of Services Exports from Ireland, but the EU as a bloc was the destination for 31% of our Services Exports.
The main locations from which Ireland imported Services in 2020 were the United States (€107 billion), United Kingdom (€20 billion), Singapore (€10 billion), Netherlands (€9 billion) and Germany (€6 billion).
45. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that he is taking to assist private sector employers to support employees working from home and digital co-working hubs in local towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23491/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published the National Remote Work Strategy on January 15th, 2021. The Strategy identified 15 actions to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature in the Irish workplace in a way that maximises its economic, social and environmental benefits.
My Department led the implementation of the Strategy’s actions through an Interdepartmental Group. There has been significant progress in implementing these actions which will facilitate remote working for employers and employees both now and into the future. I would highlight the following:
- On 25th January, the Government approved the priority drafting of the Right to Request Remote Working Bill 2022. Pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment commenced on 9th of February, with three meetings having been held to date. Officials in my Department attended a further meeting on 18 May. The intention remains that the Bill will be progressed through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible. Following publication of the Joint Oireachtas Committee’s Report on pre-legislative scrutiny, any recommendations made will be reviewed and considered. I want to emphasise once more that I am happy to listen to proposed amendments to the Bill.
- The publication of the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect in April 2021 by the Workplace Relations Commission.
- In Budget 2022, an enhanced income tax deduction for people working from home was announced. It amounts to 30 percent of the cost of vouched expenses for heat, electricity and broadband.
- ConnectedHubs.ie- Ireland’s first national digital hub network- was launched by the Department of Rural and Community Development in May 2021. ConnectedHubs.ie will ultimately link over 400 hubs throughout our country. The development of the National Hub Network has been underpinned by significant investment in remote work infrastructure.
- The Connected Hubs Fund has awarded funding of €8.9m to 117 remote working hub projects in July 2021 to upgrade Ireland’s remote work infrastructure. An additional €5m in funding has been made available under the 2022 Connected Hubs Call.
- To date, a total of approximately €100m has been provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development through its various funding streams to support the development of remote working infrastructure across the country. This includes €76 million in funding for projects under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), many of which involved the regeneration of historic town centre buildings as enterprise centres and co-working hubs.
- In October 2021, over €9.3 million in funding was awarded to projects around the country through Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme, with successful applicants including hubs and enterprise centres throughout the country.
- While National Broadband Plan has been impacted negatively by COVID-19, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications is continuing to engage with National Broadband Ireland to address the delays that have arisen to ensure that the programme gets back on track and is building momentum month on month.
- Ongoing remote work promotion and guidance including advice for employers and employees on best practice, health and safety, equality and skills by a range of agencies including the Health and Safety Authority, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Western Development Commission, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Skillnet Ireland and local Education and Training Boards.
- My Department is continuing to develop and promote its Guidance for Working Remotely webpage. This webpage acts as a central access point for employers and employees and brings together the existing State guidance, legislation and advice on remote work into one place. The webpage is a live resource and is updated regularly. The webpage includes an Employer Checklist to provide employers with a quick way to successfully navigate the adoption of remote working arrangements.
46. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor 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 south-east region of the IDA Strategy - Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021 – 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24970/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is at the centre of IDA Ireland's current strategy “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024”. Under this Strategy, which seeks to further enhance FDI’s place at the centre of a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive Irish economy, the IDA is targeting half of all investments to 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. In 2021, the South-East Region was one of the best performing regions with employment growth of 8%. There are now 79 IDA client companies in the South-East region, employing 14,932 people. The FDI performance in the region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 25%. The main clusters in the Region are in high value manufacturing with over 10,000 jobs within the Life Science’s cluster of companies spread right across the region. The region also has important clusters in Technology, Engineering & Industrial Technologies, and International Financial Services.
From an economic impact perspective, €846 million was spent by IDA client companies on payroll during 2020; €362 million was spent on Services and Materials; and €88 million was spent on in-house R&D (2020 ABSEI).
Under their Regional Property Programme IDA delivered an advanced building solution in Waterford over the last strategy, which is now occupied. IDA committed, As part the current Strategy, to deliver an Advanced Building Solution in Waterford and complete the construction of an Advanced Building Solution in Carlow, both of these projects are currently at construction stage.
The IDA is also currently working with Wexford County Council with a view to seeking advance planning permission for an Advanced Technology Building in Wexford to advance the location from an attractiveness perspective.
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.
47. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress his Department has made in transposing EU legislation, such as Council Directive 2019/2161, in the area of consumer protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24958/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMost of the provisions of Directive (EU) 2019/2161 on better enforcement and modernisation of Union consumer protection rules are being transposed, along with Directives (EU) 2019/770 and 2019/771 on contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services and contracts for the sale of goods respectively, in the consolidated Consumer Rights Bill 2022.
The Bill represents the biggest reform of consumer law in more than 40 years. It consolidates and updates existing legislation on the sale of goods and supply of services to ensure it is fit for the modern digital age. A core focus of my work is to ensure we have a fair and effective market that works for both businesses and consumers. This Bill does that by strengthening protections for consumers while also creating clearer rules for business. The Bill passed Second Stage in the Dáil on 11 May last and Committee Stage is scheduled for 1 June.
Directive (EU) 2019/2161 amends four Directives, including Directive 98/6/EC on consumer protection in the indication of the prices of products offered to consumers. Directive 98/6/EC, which does not relate to contracts and falls outside the scope of the Consumer Rights Bill, is being amended by means of a statutory instrument which is currently being drafted and is expected to finalised in the near future.
48. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on Government support for sectors of the economy impacted by the war in the Ukraine. [25244/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Government have responded with up to €2.1 billion in measures to date to mitigate the rising cost of living including a personal income tax package worth €520 million, a social welfare package is €550 million and we have reduced VAT from 13.5% to 9% on gas and electricity bills from the start of the month until the end of October.
The Government has already implemented several measures to help ease the impact on enterprises of energy price increases including reductions in VAT and excise on some fuels, as well as a temporary grant scheme to hauliers.
Last week the Government announced the extension of the 9% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate for the tourism and hospitality industry for a further six months; at an estimated cost to the exchequer of €250 million for this measure which will derive value for the sector.
My Department’s Enterprise Forum met most recently on 16th March 2022 and was convened at my request to hear first-hand how the war in Ukraine is affecting businesses in Ireland. One of the main issues raised at that meeting was concern over energy security and rising prices.
The agencies under my Department’s remit also continue to implement a range of programmes open to SMEs to increase their energy and other efficiencies thereby reducing costs with a view to maintaining and improving their competitiveness.
Enterprise Ireland also regularly survey impacted clients which helps to inform our thinking on how best to help these companies remain resilient to current and future shocks and disruptions. Enterprise Ireland continues to examine any necessary measures to help companies respond to the current business pressures. In particular, they are considering how the EU's temporary state aid crisis framework could be used to assist companies which are vulnerable but viable.
The Climate Enterprise Action Fund currently being administered by Enterprise Ireland which helps firms to plan climate action will be further built upon with additional funding for a range of initiatives launching later this year. These will fund investment in carbon measurement and abatement technologies for manufacturing enterprises and will be open to clients, or potential clients, of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The LEOs also support clients to reduce costs with initiatives such as Green for Micro, Lean for Micro and the Trading On-Line Voucher programmes.
The recently launched Climate Toolkit for Business also provides a useful resource to firms seeking to better understand their carbon footprint and plan.
As part of the overall Government response, my Department has established the Business Energy Users Sub-Group to lead on consultations to learn about the specific impacts on Irish businesses, and to hear their concerns and perspectives on the appropriate and most effective tools for policy action. The work of this sub-group, as part of the wider Energy Supply Emergency Group has informed the National Energy Security Framework which was launched by the Government on 13th April 2022.
The Government has provided clear and practical guidance to business users on ways of maximising their energy efficiency and thus helping to manage overall levels of demand across our energy networks. This guidance is available on gov.ie - Reduce Your Use (www.gov.ie).
In the long term the Government are working towards having up to 80% of our electricity from renewables by 2030, which will make a significant difference in protecting Ireland from similar energy price shocks in future.
We are encouraging and supporting firms to make investments in increased energy efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint, for example, SEAI, provide direct grants such as the support scheme for renewable heat, project assistance grants, the EXEED grant scheme, tax incentives available through the Accelerated Capital Allowance, and funding for energy audits. Please refer to my Department’s website for further information on energy supports for business: Energy supports for business - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).
49. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of existing strategies and plans in his Department or connected state and semi-state agencies to attract investment into Ireland for renewable projects, particularly offshore wind; if his Department or agencies propose to develop new strategies to this effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25358/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnvironmental sustainability is a strategic imperative for IDA Ireland and the agency has set several sustainability objectives, which include promoting a sustainable approach to all investment, supporting decarbonisation and responsible production, and winning sustainability investments to drive a green recovery.
To enable the achievement of these objectives IDA Ireland has established a new Green Economy department which consists of executives based in Dublin and overseas. A priority of this new department’s strategy is to attract MNC investment in renewable energy infrastructure such as wind and solar, renewable energy technologies and services. In addition, the enterprise potential of offshore wind energy is a common theme in the Regional Enterprise Plans launched earlier this year.
Ireland’s increased climate ambitions will entail investment of tens of billions of euro in offshore renewable energy (ORE). This investment will deliver high-value indigenous jobs relating to the installation and maintenance of generation assets and associated infrastructure and services, and development of indigenous supply chains, and port infrastructure.
The significant role for ports, and need for associated infrastructure development, in Irish ORE development is recognised. A cross-departmental Offshore Renewable Energy Top Team, chaired by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, is being established to capture wider economic and business opportunities associated with development of ORE in Ireland. This will include the identification of supporting infrastructure development and supply chain opportunities as Ireland’s offshore wind industry is developed.
Additionally, the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, which was enacted in December 2021, includes provisions to establish a new agency, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). The establishment of MARA comes about as part of the biggest reform of marine governance in Ireland in almost a century and the new agency will have a key role to play in the transformation of our marine planning system.
MARA will be a key enabler in respect of Ireland’s ambitions for the ORE sector, providing certainty to project promoters and delivering a pathway to realising the necessary investment. The new regulatory regime, with MARA at its centre, will also support delivery of other projects of strategic importance facilitating the State to harness significant benefits from realising a low-carbon economy, ensuring energy security, and presenting new opportunities for economic growth.
50. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA offices worldwide; if the number and location are reviewed in order as to identify and fill gaps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25227/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Ireland, the IDA has 10 offices in Dublin, Dundalk, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Athlone, Waterford, Letterkenny and Cavan.
IDA Ireland has 20 overseas offices. In Europe IDA has offices in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In North America, IDA has offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York, Northern California, Seattle, Southern California, Texas, and Toronto. In Asia Pacific, IDA has offices in Australia, China - Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, India - Mumbai, Bangalore, Japan and Singapore.
IDA Ireland also has a pathfinder/ consultancy presence in several locations including South Africa, UAE, Turkey, Israel and Brazil.
IDA has increased its international presence in recent years through the expansion of existing offices in the US and the development of new offices/representatives in Asia Pacific, Africa and North America as part of a significant redeployment of personnel to their overseas activities.
The objective of the Agency is to demonstrate a ‘competitive, client-focused culture’ in order to optimise its business practices and to actively develop new business opportunities. In this regard, IDA is always working to ensure it is ready to secure investments in an increasingly competitive global environment.
51. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will request that his Department place speech and language therapists on the critical skills list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24867/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s employment permit system is designed to supplement the State’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 deemed to be critically important to growing Ireland’s economy, are highly demanded and highly skilled professional roles and in significant shortage of supply in our labour market and the ineligible occupations lists for which a ready source of labour is available from within Ireland and the EEA.
In order to maintain the relevance of these lists of occupations to the needs of the economy and to ensure the employment permits system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, these lists undergo regular, evidence-based reviews which are guided by research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU), SOLAS and involves public/stakeholder consultation. Consideration is also taken of the views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by my Department and of the relevant policy Departments, in this case the Department of Health.
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 lists are subject to bi-annual review to ensure their ongoing relevance to the State’s human capital requirements. As part of this review process, the Department invites submissions from industry representatives and stakeholders. The submission process is an opportunity for stakeholders to provide evidence, additional information and potentially different perspectives on the nature and extent of skill shortages. Stakeholder submissions are a vital source of information, helping inform the Department’s final assessment of the status of occupations.
Speech and Language Therapists were removed from the Ineligible Occupations List as part of the outcome of the then review process finalised in June 2021, thereby providing access to General Employment Permits for non-EEA nationals wishing to take up employment in the State.
The General Employment Permit is the primary vehicle used by the State to attract third country nationals in occupations with remuneration thresholds of generally €30,000. 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 (GEP) can be issued to a non-EEA national. This policy fulfils our obligations under the Community Preference principles of membership of the EU.
Department officials are actively engaged with the Department of Health in relation to recruitment challenges for the occupation of Speech and Language Therapist and the Department continues to review the employment permits system in light of changing labour market circumstances.
The next review of the occupations lists is expected to commence with a public consultation in Q2 2022. When open, submissions will be invited from sector representative bodies and interested parties via the Public Consultation Form which will be accessible on the Department’s website.
53. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he had concluded his consideration of the report on the living wage from the Low Pay Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24914/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
54. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the operation of the Small Company Administrative Rescue Process since its introduction. [24955/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to say that the Small Company Administrative Rescue Process has been very well received since its commencement on 7 December 2021. Officials from my Department worked closely with stakeholders, via the Company Law Review Group, in developing the legislation to ensure that the process reflected a fair balance of the sometimes, competing interests of parties affected by corporate rescue. Therefore, I am not surprised that industry practitioners, small business representatives and experts in the field of insolvency have welcomed the legislation.
The Process is a much-needed addition to our corporate insolvency toolkit and highlights my ongoing commitment to deliver for our small company sector. The sector is crucial to our country’s ongoing recovery from the economic impacts of the pandemic, accounting for over 98% of companies and employing in the region of 788,000 people.
My Department is closely monitoring the uptake and operation of the Process and to date, two companies have formally engaged with it.
My Department is also currently reviewing the implementation of the Act and a post-enactment report will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and brought to the attention of Deputies in late summer .
55. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 26 April 2022, the status of the consideration by his Department of the report and recommendations of the Low Pay Commission on the progression to a living wage; when he expects to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25370/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
56. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline when the IDA intends to visit County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25292/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland has frequent engagement with client companies and stakeholders in County Mayo, with regular interaction, including in person when beneficial. IDA Ireland continues to market Mayo as part of the West Region for investment from both the existing base of client companies and potential new name investments.
In the West Region there are 120 IDA supported companies, employing 29,419 people in total. There are 16 IDA supported companies in Mayo employing 5,145 in total.
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.
While at the moment there are no planned visits to Mayo in 2022, IDA Ireland continues to market Mayo and the West through its overseas offices to target mobile FDI opportunities, and will arrange corresponding site visits as required. IDA positions the West Region as home to the leading cluster of Life Sciences industries and a growing technology cluster, and will be targeting Lifesciences, Medical Devices, Financial Services and Technology sectors for investment opportunities in RD&I, advanced manufacturing, global business services and technology development.
57. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when improved financial supports will be introduced to assist in the development of enterprise centres in view of their importance in the creation of employment opportunities in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25362/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date my Department has provided funding of €250 million administered by Enterprise Ireland to support the establishment of some 270 Enterprise Centres throughout Ireland, of which approximately 40 of these Centres originated from the Regional Enterprise Plans, including from Cavan and Monaghan.
Such centres provide space and training for entrepreneurs, allowing them to work remotely, access training and network with other business leaders, helping them to scale internationally and attract small scale FDI.
Since 2017, Enterprise Ireland has administered Departmental funding to 91 projects totalling €16.4 million under both the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Community Enterprise Centres Schemes.
On 20 November 2020, €8.24 million in grants was administered through Enterprise Ireland, for 95 Enterprise Centres many of which had been negatively impacted by COVID-19, to sustain their businesses, pivot and further develop their services, and continue to assist the development of our start-up companies.
In relation to the regions, a further €12 million has been sanctioned in funding to assist with the completion of projects under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and Border Enterprise Development Fund grant Schemes that have been delayed or interrupted due to increased construction and construction-related costs. This fund is also being administered through Enterprise Ireland.
Under Project Ireland 2040, co-working spaces, or eHubs, are envisaged as part of an ongoing suite of measures to encourage greater levels of collaboration between entrepreneurs.
Countrywide there is a broad range of other hub-type facilities, both publicly and privately funded, including Community Enterprise Centres and incubator/accelerators that are being considered by the National Hub Network Working Group in their mapping of a national network of remote working facilities. The Department of Rural and Community Development, which leads on this mapping initiative, has invested significantly in remote working infrastructure & connectivity through the Broadband Connection Point Network initiative including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Leader Programme.
In addition, the first allocation of €3 million in Budget 2022 was announced for the European Digital Innovation Hubs as part of the EU Digital Europe Programme which will provide over time a total of €13.4 million in funding to Ireland focused on bringing digital technology to businesses, SMEs, citizens and the public sector.
60. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects the online retail scheme funding of €9.3 million to be allocated in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24910/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA new round of the Online Retail Scheme was opened for applications on 05 May and closes on 01 June 2022. I expect that the successful applicants for this Call of the Online Retail Scheme with a total fund size of €9.3m will be announced by early Q3 2022.
In 2020, my Department launched the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme in response to the COVID-19 crisis and the urgent need for retail companies to increase their online capability.
The COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme helped companies in the indigenous retail sector who had already started an online journey, to enhance and strengthen their existing online presence. Under the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme €18.2m in funding was provided to over 500 projects.
Prior to the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme, 40 retailers across Ireland were provided €894,634 in funding over two calls of the Online Retail Pilot Scheme. The Pilot Scheme was introduced to enable retailers to increase their customer base and build a more resilient business.
The success of the Online Retail Scheme is evident from the broad spectrum of retailers right across the country who have received funding to date to make the digital transition. Successful applicants in the past include retailers in jewellery, fashion, sports, homeware, furniture, healthcare, hardware, electrical goods and equipment. Case studies from previous recipients of the Online Retail Scheme can be found on Enterprise Ireland’s website.
I urge all eligible retailers to apply for this scheme.
To support retailers applying for the Online Retail Scheme, Enterprise Ireland held a webinar on the 06 May outlining the application and evaluation process of the Scheme. There was good attendance at the webinar, indicating a strong appetite for the Scheme and included both repeat applicants and first-time attendees. Enterprise Ireland are due to hold a final webinar on the 24 May at 11am.
Further information about the scheme, webinars and Enterprise Ireland’s Starter Guide to building a successful digital strategy and omnichannel presence can be found on www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/funding-supports/Online-Retail/Online-Retail-Scheme/.
