Written Answers Nos. 181-201
181. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff members posted at the Irish Permanent Representation to the European Union, including all counsellors and attachés, in each of the past seven years 2016 to 2022; the functions of each staff member; the new posts that have been created or discontinued, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30047/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tables below set out the number of Departmental staff employed at the Irish Permanent Representation to the European Union, including all counsellors and attachés, in each of the past seven years 2016 to 2022. The tables also set out the function of each of the posts and information on new and discontinued posts.
2016:
|
Grade / Post |
Number |
Function / Role |
|
PO Counsellor, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland's position on Competitiveness, Industry, SMEs, State Aid and EU Industrial Policy |
|
PO Counsellor, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Competition, Single Market, Better Regulation, Standardisation, Intellectual Property, Digital |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Consumer, Company Law, Chemicals, Workplace Health & Safety |
|
AP Attaché, Research and Innovation |
1 |
Furtherance of the Department’s Research and Innovation agenda |
2017:
|
Grade / Post |
Number |
Function / Role |
|
PO Counsellor, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland's position on Competitiveness, Industry, SMEs, State Aid and EU Industrial Policy |
|
PO Counsellor, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Competition, Single Market, Better Regulation, Standardisation, Intellectual Property, Digital |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Consumer, Company Law, Chemicals, Workplace Health & Safety |
|
AP Attaché, Research and Innovation |
1 |
Furtherance of the Department’s Research and Innovation agenda |
|
AO Attaché, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade. * This post was created in 2017 |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
2018:
|
Grade / Post |
Number |
Function / Role |
|
PO Counsellor, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland's position on Competitiveness, Industry, SMEs, State Aid and EU Industrial Policy |
|
PO Counsellor, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Competition, Single Market, Better Regulation, Standardisation, Intellectual Property, Digital |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Consumer, Company Law, Chemicals, Workplace Health & Safety |
|
AP Attaché, Research and Innovation |
1 |
Furtherance of the Department’s Research and Innovation agenda |
|
AO Attaché, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
2019:
|
Grade / Post |
Number |
Function / Role |
|
PO Counsellor, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland's position on Competitiveness, Industry, SMEs, State Aid and EU Industrial Policy |
|
PO Counsellor, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Competition, Single Market, Better Regulation, Standardisation, Intellectual Property, Digital |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Consumer, Company Law, Chemicals, Workplace Health & Safety |
|
AP Attaché, Research and Innovation |
1 |
Furtherance of the Department’s Research and Innovation agenda |
|
AO Attaché, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
2020:
|
Grade / Post |
Number |
Function / Role |
|
PO Counsellor, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland's position on Competitiveness, Industry, SMEs, State Aid and EU Industrial Policy |
|
PO Counsellor, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Competition, Single Market, Better Regulation, Standardisation, Intellectual Property, Digital |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Consumer, Company Law, Chemicals, Workplace Health & Safety |
|
AP Attaché, Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO). * This post was created in 2020 |
1 |
Furtherance of the Department’s Employment / Labour Affairs agenda |
|
AP Attaché, Research and Innovation |
1 |
Furtherance of the Department’s Research and Innovation agenda |
|
AO Attaché, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
2021:
|
Grade / Post |
Number |
Function / Role |
|
PO Counsellor, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland's position on Competitiveness, Industry, SMEs, State Aid and EU Industrial Policy |
|
PO Counsellor, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Competition, Single Market, Better Regulation, Standardisation, Intellectual Property, Digital |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Consumer, Company Law, Chemicals, Workplace Health & Safety |
|
AP Attaché, Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) |
1 |
Furtherance of the Department’s Employment / Labour Affairs agenda |
|
AP Attaché, Research and Innovation. * This post transferred to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research and Science as part of the transfer of functions in 2021. |
0 |
Furtherance of the Department’s Research and Innovation agenda |
|
AO Attaché, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
2022:
|
Grade / Post |
Number |
Function / Role |
|
PO Counsellor, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland's position on Competitiveness, Industry, SMEs, State Aid and EU Industrial Policy |
|
PO Counsellor, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Competition, Single Market, Better Regulation, Standardisation, Intellectual Property, Digital |
|
AP Attaché, Competitiveness Council |
1 |
Consumer, Company Law, Chemicals, Workplace Health & Safety |
|
AP Attaché, Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) |
1 |
Furtherance of the Department’s Employment / Labour Affairs agenda |
|
AO Attaché, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
1 |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured and protected. |
182. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports that are available for retail businesses that require financial support and assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30110/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith over 300,000 people employed in the sector, retail is the largest private sector employer in the country supporting jobs in every city, town, and village.
My Department provides a range of tailored supports for businesses of all sizes including retail businesses.
Digitalisation is no longer an option, or solely a route to innovation but an essential business step for future proofing businesses and building resilience. Retail, like all businesses must adapt to the drive for digitalisation.
The Online Retail Scheme, introduced by my Department was established to assist companies in the indigenous retail sector who have already started an online journey, to enhance and strengthen their existing online presence. The Scheme, administered by Enterprise Ireland, provides direct financial support to retail companies with more than 10 employees to develop a more competitive online business offering to complement their in-store offering.
A new Call of the Online Retail Scheme, with a total available fund of €9.3m, was announced on 5th May and closed at midday on 1st June.
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. Under the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme €18.2m in funding was provided to over 500 retailers from all across the country in the categories of jewellery, fashion, sports, homeware, furniture, healthcare, hardware, electrical goods and equipment.
Prior to the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme, 40 retailers across Ireland were provided €894,634 in funding over two calls of the pilot Online Retail Scheme. The pilot Online Scheme was introduced to enable retailers to increase their customer base and build a more resilient business.
The Online Retail Scheme is complementary to the €2,500 Trading Online Voucher scheme, provided through the Local Enterprise Offices for companies with up to 10 employees. While this scheme is not solely for the retail sector it assists retailers to begin their online trading journey.
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVs) administered by the Local Enterprise Offices offers a voucher of up to €2,500 (50% co- funded by the applicant) to help businesses develop their online trading capability and includes training sessions that cover various topics, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation. The Scheme is open to a broad base of businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
From the 1st of January to the 9th of June 2022, the LEOs have approved 801 Trading Online Vouchers, to a value of €1,680,641.27.
The retail sector, like all other sectors is challenged to adapt to climate transition.
The Green For Micro scheme run by the Local Enterprise Offices is assisting small businesses in gaining an increased understanding of actions which can improve their energy efficiency through the Green for Micro programme. It offers green transition advice and technical support to a wide range of micro-enterprises with 10 or fewer employees, including those operating in the retail sector. This support is free of charge for eligible enterprises and represents the potential for increased efficiencies within companies that adopt these principles.
The full range of supports offered by my Department and across Government for businesses, including retailers, can be found on Which support is for you? - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).
The Government will continue to address the needs of the sector and engage with retailers through the Retail Forum, which I chair as Minister of State for Employment, Business and Retail.
183. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline Ireland’s major trade destinations from 2015 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30418/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to Goods Exports and Imports. These statistics can be found on the website www.cso.ie.
Ireland has experienced remarkable trade growth in recent years with exports growing from $233 billion in 2015 to €451 billion in 2021.
In 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).
The EU as a bloc was the destination for €61 billion or 37% of Ireland’s total Goods Exports in 2021. At an individual country level Goods Exports to the United States were €52 billion, United Kingdom (€18 billion), Germany (€18 billion), Belgium (€14 billion) and China, incl. Hong Kong and Macao (€12 billion). Services data for 2021 is not yet disaggregated at individual country level.
In 2020, the main destinations for Irish Goods Exports were the United States (€51 billion), Belgium (€18 billion), Germany (€18 billion), United Kingdom (€15 billion) and China (€11 billion). 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.
In 2019, the value of exports from Ireland was €383 billion, comprising €153 billion in Goods Exports and €230 billion in Services Exports. The main destinations for Irish Goods Exports were the United States (€47 billion), United Kingdom (€16 billion), Belgium (€16 billion), Germany (€14 billion) and China (€9 billion). The main destinations for Ireland’s Services Exports were the United States (€36 billion), United Kingdom (€35 billion), Germany (€17 billion), France (€9 billion) and Japan (€8 billion).
In 2018, the value of exports from Ireland was €330 billion, comprising €141 billion in Goods Exports and €189 billion in Services Exports. The main destinations for Ireland’s Goods Exports were the United States (€39 billion), Belgium (€18 billion), United Kingdom (€16 billion), Germany (€10 billion) and the Netherlands (€8 billion). The main destinations for Ireland’s Services Exports were the United Kingdom (€31 billion), the United States (€23 billion), Germany (€14 billion), France (€8 billion) and Italy (€7 billion).
In 2017, the value of exports from Ireland was €285 billion comprising €123 billion in Goods Exports and €162 billion in Services Exports. The main destinations for Ireland’s Goods Exports were the United States (€33 billion), United Kingdom (€16 billion), Belgium (€13 billion), Germany (€9 billion) and Switzerland (€6 billion). The main destinations for Ireland’s Services Exports were the United Kingdom (€26 billion), the United States (€18 billion), Germany (€11 billion), France (€7 billion) and Italy (€6 billion).
In 2016, the value of exports from Ireland was €254 billion, comprising €119 billion in Goods Exports and €135 billion in Services Exports. The main destinations for Ireland’s Goods Exports were the United States (€32 billion), United Kingdom (€15 billion), Belgium (€15 billion), Germany (€8 billion) and Switzerland (€6 billion). The main destinations for Ireland’s Services Exports were the United Kingdom (€24 billion), the United States (€15 billion), Germany (€11 billion), France (€6 billion) and Italy (€6 billion).
In 2015, the value of exports from Ireland was €233 billion, comprising €112 billion in Goods Exports and €120 billion in Services Exports. The main destinations for Ireland’s Goods Exports were the United States (€27 billion), United Kingdom (€16 billion), Belgium (€15 billion), Germany (€7 billion) and Switzerland (€6 billion). The main destinations for Ireland’s Services Exports were the United Kingdom (€22 billion), the United States (€14 billion), Germany (€10 billion), Italy (€6 billion) and France (€6 billion).
184. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the impact that the Northern Ireland Protocol has had on Ireland’s trade destinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30419/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, commonly referred to as the Northern Ireland Protocol, is the part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement that ensures that a hard border is avoided on the island of Ireland after the UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020. Protecting the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) and the hard-won gains of the peace process is our primary concern, which the Protocol does in all its dimensions. It was designed and mutually agreed by the UK and EU to safeguard the GFA, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, protecting North-South cooperation and the all-island economy, and ensuring ‘no diminution of rights, safeguards, or equality of opportunity’ as set out in the GFA.
The Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to Goods Exports and Imports. These statistics can be found on the website www.cso.ie
According to the CSO, in 2020, our total Goods Exports were valued at €162bn. Goods Exports to the UK were valued at €14.7bn (of which €12.3bn was exported to Great Britain and €2.4bn to Northern Ireland). Our total Services Exports in 2020 were valued at €244bn while Services Exports to the UK were valued at €35bn.
In 2020, our total Goods Imports were valued at €87bn. Goods Imports from the UK were valued at €20.1bn (of which €17.7bn was imported from Great Britain and €2.4bn from Northern Ireland). Our total Services Imports in 2020 were valued at €306bn while Services Imports from the UK were valued at €20bn.
In 2021, our total Goods Exports were valued at €165bn. Goods Exports to the UK were valued at €18.1bn (of which €14.4bn was exported to Great Britain and €3.7bn to Northern Ireland). Services data for 2021 is not yet disaggregated at individual country level.
In 2021, our total Goods Imports were valued at €103bn. Goods Imports from the UK in 2021 were valued at €19.3bn (of which €15.3bn was imported from Great Britain and €4bn from Northern Ireland).
We continue to closely monitor the impact Brexit and COVID-19 are having on imports and exports to Great Britain and the wider EU. The further introduction of checks and controls for trade to Great Britain can be expected to have an impact in due course on our exports.
We will continue to help companies diversify and discover new markets and reap the benefits of free trade agreements and work with them to adapt to new realities, both in relation to Brexit and to COVID-19.
185. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that he is taking to ensure that work permits are accessible in order to combat staff shortages in the homecare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30420/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s employment permits system is designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour gaps for the benefit of our economy, in the short to medium term but 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 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 an employment permit where it is evidenced that there is more than sufficient availability of those skills in the domestic and EEA labour market.
In order to ensure the employment permits system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, these lists undergo regular, evidence-based review guided by relevant research, a public/stakeholder consultation, the views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group and relevant policy Departments, in this case the Department of Health. Account is also taken of upskilling and training initiatives and other known contextual factors, such as the ending of the pandemic unemployment payment schemes and the Ukrainian humanitarian Crisis, and their impact on the labour market.
While submissions from the home care sector were considered, the most recently concluded review announced towards the end of last year did not recommend removal of the occupation of care worker/homecarers from the Ineligible Occupations List as the evidence suggested that the contracts of employment on offer and employment terms and conditions being offered are factors in the recruitment challenges faced by the sector, rather than a demonstrable labour market shortage.
Department officials are actively engaged with the Department of Health in relation to recruitment challenges and my Department is a member of the Cross Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group chaired by the Department of Health. Areas being considered by the Group include recruitment, retention, training, pay and conditions, and the career development of front-line carers in home support and nursing homes into the future. The Group provides a forum for agreement on strategic approaches to address these workforce challenges in the sector and will develop a set of recommendations for the Minister of Health's consideration outlining the Group’s key findings and a proposed action plan to support implementation of these recommendations by September 2022.
My Department continues to review the employment permits system in light of changing labour market circumstances. 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 throughout the consultation period when the next Review of the Occupational Lists commences.
186. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a report on the trade missions that he has embarked on to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30421/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ministerial led trade mission programme is delivered by the Tanaiste and the Ministers of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. In my capacity as Minister of State for Trade Promotion I have undertaken a number of visits this year.
As part of the Government's 2022 St Patrick's Day programme of Ministerial visits abroad to promote Ireland and Irish interests around the world, I travelled to India. While in India, I met with my counterparts in the Indian Government to discuss strengthening trade relations. I also met with key business leaders and education institutions to support the growing economic and educational links between Ireland and India, and to explore opportunities for further collaboration. I also launched the Indian branch of the Ireland-India Business Association and opened Ireland House in Mumbai, both of which marked a significant new chapter in Ireland’s economic relationship with India.
In April, I led an Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Lisbon in which ten EI client companies from a range of sectors participated. While in Portugal, I spoke at a number of Enterprise Ireland trade events and met with participating Enterprise Ireland client companies to learn about their export objectives.
In May, I led a joint EI/IDA trade mission to Georgia, South Carolina, Monterrey and Mexico in which 26 Irish companies participated. I met with senior executives from across the talent technology, fintech, advanced manufacturing and digital technology sectors. I also met with Mexican officials and counterparts.
Also in May, I led a two day trade mission to Spain which was focussed on the experience and expertise that Irish construction companies have earned in the high-tech construction sub-sector.
This month I am leading a four-day trade mission to Germany, France and the Netherlands, jointly organised by the Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. The four-day trade mission, visiting Frankfurt, Paris, the Hague and Amsterdam will have a strong focus on the technology industry, both presenting FDI opportunities, and promoting Irish innovation and collaboration between Irish companies and companies in Germany, France and the Netherlands.
187. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his position on the TRIPS waiver, ahead of the World Trade Organisation’s Ministerial Conference; the engagements he has had with the European Union regarding its position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30785/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe WTO Ministerial Conference is currently underway in Geneva from 12th to 15th June. This is the major decision-making forum for the WTO and the intention is that the intellectual property related aspects can be agreed as part of the broader WTO trade related response to the pandemic. A draft Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS is under intense discussion by Ministers with the aim of finding a solution that will be acceptable to all WTO Members. This draft Decision offers the most promising path towards achieving a meaningful outcome that will contribute to ensuring access to safe and effective vaccines across the globe.
The draft Decision provides for a waiver and clarification of some of the flexibilities within the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. If agreed, the proposal will address the concerns of South Africa and developing countries and will allow them to immediately authorise the manufacture, import and export of COVID-19 vaccines without the consent of the patent owners. At the same time, the solution maintains a functioning intellectual property framework which is crucial to incentivise investment and research that is necessary for the development of new vaccines and medicines.
As a member of the EU, Ireland has been fully engaged in the overall EU response in relation to the intellectual property aspects of the trade related response to the pandemic and will continue to engage constructively with the European Commission and other member states on the EU position for the discussions at the Ministerial Conference.
188. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has had any engagements with a company (details supplied) regarding the TRIPS waiver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30786/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended a meeting at the request of representatives from the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and Biopharmachem Ireland (BPCI) on 25th June 2021. This meeting was attended by Paul Reid, who is the President of IPHA and Managing Director of Pfizer Healthcare Ireland. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a range of topics, which included the then WTO TRIPS waiver proposal.
A draft Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS waiver is one of the proposals under consideration at the WTO Ministerial Conference currently taking place in Geneva from 12th and 15th June with the aim of finding a solution that will be acceptable to all WTO Members. The draft Decision offers the most promising path towards achieving a meaningful outcome that will contribute to ensuring access to safe and effective vaccines across the globe.
189. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of non-recorded overtime by main employment sectors for each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30802/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra190. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of bogus self-employment by main employment sectors for each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30803/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra191. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of abusive sub-contracting by main employment sectors for each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30805/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 189, 190 and 191 together.
Specific data sets pertaining to levels of ‘non-recorded overtime’, ‘bogus self-employment’ or ‘abusive sub-contracting’ are not held within my Department as outlined by the Deputy.
However, I note and welcome the recently announced provisional political agreement on the directive on adequate minimum wages in the EU.
The agreed text introduces the obligation for EU countries to set up an enforcement system, including monitoring and controls to ensure compliance and address abusive sub-contracting, bogus self-employment, non-recorded overtime or increased work intensity. It also acknowledges that close cooperation with the social partners is needed to address these critical challenges.
Ireland has supported the principles of this proposal since it was first published and actively contributed to discussions and negotiations on the text.
In addition to this, the Tánaiste agreed to convene a consultative working group on the Determination of Employment Status, which I Chair.
This group consists of representatives from ICTU, Ibec, the Construction Federation of Ireland and ISME, as well as officials from my Department; the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection.
The purpose of the working group is to examine issues around employment status, consider the scale of misclassification, and to discuss the potential to improve systems by which correct employment status is determined.
192. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of increased work intensity by main employment sectors for each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30806/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not collect data on work intensity. The most recent available data is from Eurofound, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. Eurofound’s European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) provides a wide-ranging picture of the everyday reality of men and women at work across countries, occupations, sectors and age groups. The Survey asks a number of questions related to work intensity and the data is published on the Eurostat website. Data is collected for this survey every 5 years and is currently available for 2005, 2010 and 2015. The 2020/2021 survey results are expected this year.
Table 1 shows the percentage of workers that feel they are able to choose their methods of work or to influence their pace of work in Ireland and on average across the EU28 countries. For Ireland this percentage has dropped from 82.1% in 2005 to 78.7% in 2015 and is close to the EU28 average of 80.2%.
Table 1: Ability to choose method of work and influence pace of work
|
- |
2005 |
2010 |
2015 |
|
European Union - 28 countries |
78.1 |
78.2 |
80.2 |
|
Ireland |
82.1 |
73.2 |
78.7 |
Source: Eurostat
Table 2 shows the percentage of employees having to work at very high speed or to tight deadlines for Ireland and on average for EU28 countries. For Ireland, this percentage has increased from 40% in 2005 to 48.1% in 2015 and Ireland is slightly above the EU 28 average on this indicator.
Table 2: Having to work at very high speed or to tight deadlines
|
- |
2005 |
2010 |
2015 |
|
European Union - 28 countries |
46.9 |
44.2 |
44.9 |
|
Ireland |
40.0 |
52.7 |
48.1 |
Source: Eurostat
A breakdown of these results by economic sector is not available at this time.
193. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update in relation to developments regarding CETA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30909/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously outlined, ratifying CETA is Government policy and an objective of mine as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Ireland has benefitted immensely from our export-oriented enterprises trading across the globe. As a small open economy, we support international trade and the EU free trade agreements that seek to underpin this. In that context, I believe that ratifying the agreement would send a positive message to our trading partners around the world that Ireland continues to be committed to the values of open and fair global trade.
The Agreement has provisionally applied since 21st September 2017, meaning a great many of the benefits are already in place. Since provisional application, duties on 98% of products that the EU trades with Canada have been removed and goods exports to Canada have increased from €953 million in 2016 to more than €1.3 billion in 2021, an increase of 36%, while services exports grew from €1.6 billion in 2016 to more than €2.2 billion in 2020, an increase of 38 per cent. These figures demonstrate the positive impact of CETA.
At the Joint Oireachtas Committee last year, I highlighted the benefits of CETA. I also said that, while I welcome the scrutiny at Committee, I do not want ratification delayed and drifting indefinitely, and for Ireland to have to stand by and watch other EU member states ratify it ahead of us, as the majority have. That would send out the wrong message to the world.
The ratification process for CETA has also been subject to legal challenges. In March last year, Deputy Patrick Costello commenced High Court proceedings on the basis of his view that CETA requires a referendum in order to be ratified in Ireland. The Government very much welcomed the Judgement in those High Court proceedings that issued last September, which rejected Deputy Costello’s challenge to the Government’s proposed ratification of CETA.
Deputy Costello has subsequently appealed the High Court’s decision to the Supreme Court and judgement is currently awaited. Separately, Senator Lynn Boylan has initiated a High Court action on ratification but a hearing date has not yet been set in this matter.
It remains the position that Government will consider the next steps in Ireland’s ratification process once the Supreme Court has delivered its judgement.
194. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 19 January 2022, the progress that has been made on the review of eligibility for the insolvency payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30921/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials are examining the potential policy and legislative options to address this issue.
As previously advised there are a number of complex issues to be addressed as part of this process. It is necessary to develop solutions which cut across company and bankruptcy law and the manner in which insolvency can be verified. It is also important to find a solution that provides employees with the greatest level of protection while also safeguarding the Social Insurance Fund.
My officials have commenced engagement with the relevant internal and external stakeholders. Consultations are ongoing in order to progress the development of a mechanism through which a competent authority may determine that a state of insolvency arises, without requiring a formal wind-up process, and that monies due to employees may be claimed by them from the Social Insurance Fund.
195. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is considering taking steps to invoke sections 61 to 63 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 with a view to introducing maximum price orders on certain goods and products in the context of the current cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30940/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSections 61 and 62 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007, provide powers for the Government to declare a state of emergency in relation to the supply of a product and to set a maximum price for the sale of that product. Section 63 provides that a trader who contravenes an order made under section 62 commits an offence. These provisions have not been availed of since their enactment.
In general, there are no ceilings set for prices in Ireland and, with one exception (minimum unit pricing for alcohol), there is no legislation explicitly stating what the maximum or the minimum price for any product or service should be. Such an approach aims to promote competition amongst retailers and service providers.
Some prices, especially for services/utilities, are regulated, whereby the service provider or retailer must apply to the industry regulator for approval for any price increase. For example, suppliers of electricity, telecommunications and postal services may not charge more than the approved prices. Suppliers of financial services do not apply for approval for price changes but must inform the Central Bank of Ireland about any such changes.
Price controls are a blunt instrument and could have serious economic impacts for individual traders and Ireland as a whole. For goods or services that are imported or where domestic production has a high import content, the effect would be reduced supply. In other cases, the risk lies in the medium-term effects on competition in the marketplace and supply chains.
Invoking these specific provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 would require a decision by Government and it is not the Government’s intention to do so as it has already introduced a number of measures to address the increase in the cost of living and will examine any further measures deemed necessary in the context of the Budget in October.
196. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the completion and commencement date for the Right to Request Remote Work Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30984/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Right to Request Remote Working Bill is part of a broader Government vision to make remote working a permanent feature of Ireland’s workforce in a way that can benefit all – economically, socially and environmentally.
Through the proposed legislation we will, for the first time, provide a legal framework for requesting remote work. It will also provide clarity to employers on their obligations for dealing with such requests.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment began pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme on 9 February and Departmental officials appeared before the Committee for the second time during this process on 18th May.
We will carefully consider the Committee's Report once it is available and it remains the Government’s intention to enact the new law as soon as possible.
197. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will now support a trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights waiver to end global Covid-19 vaccine inequity given that the majority of the Irish public, Seanad Éireann, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the World Health Organisation have all called for a TRIPS waiver for Covid-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics as proposed by India and South Africa in 2020. [30695/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe WTO Ministerial Conference is currently underway in Geneva from 12th to 15th June. This is the major decision-making forum for the WTO and the intention is that the intellectual property related aspects can be agreed as part of the broader WTO trade related response to the pandemic. A draft Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS is under intense discussion by Ministers with the aim of finding a solution that will be acceptable to all WTO Members. This draft Decision offers the most promising path towards achieving a meaningful outcome that will contribute to ensuring access to safe and effective vaccines across the globe.
At the Conference, I made it clear that I think the time has come to agree a deal on the TRIPS waiver and urged members to support the proposition. This is an EU competence but we support any proposal that results in more vaccines being produced and distributed while protecting research and innovation.
The draft Decision provides for a waiver and clarification of some of the flexibilities within the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. If agreed, the proposal will address the concerns of South Africa and developing countries and will allow them to immediately authorise the manufacture, import and export of COVID-19 vaccines without the consent of the patent owners. At the same time, the solution maintains a functioning intellectual property framework which is crucial to incentivise investment and research that is necessary for the development of new vaccines and medicines.
As a member of the EU, Ireland has been fully engaged in the overall EU response in relation to the intellectual property aspects of the trade related response to the pandemic and will continue to engage constructively with the European Commission and other member states on the EU position for the discussions at the Ministerial Conference.
198. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland free home energy upgrade for persons in receipt of the blind pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30608/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the rationale for excluding persons in receipt of disability allowance that do not have a child under the age of seven years from the free home energy upgrade scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30609/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the criteria which were considered when deciding which social welfare payment recipients would qualify for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland free home energy upgrades. [30610/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 198, 199 and 242 together.
The Warmer Homes Scheme offers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners who are most at risk of energy poverty. Eligibility for the Scheme is linked to receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments. Since 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme.
A budget allocation of €109 million has been provided for the scheme this year. This will support an increase in the number of free home upgrades, from an average of 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year, helping to reduce waiting times.
The eligibility criteria for the scheme were selected as they represented the Department’s view on those areas where the resources available to the scheme could have the greatest impact. They are kept under ongoing review with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to ensure they are consistent with and complementary to the other income support schemes offered by that Department.
In line with commitments in the National Retrofit Plan to improve the targeting of free energy efficiency upgrades, a number of changes to the scheme were announced in February this year. One of these changes was to extend the scheme eligibility criteria to include those in receipt of the Disability Allowance for over 6 months and have a child under 7 years. This change brings the eligibility criteria for the scheme for those in receipt of Disability Allowance in line with the existing criteria for the scheme for those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance. Young children are at particular risk of long-term impacts from living in a cold home.
I understand that the Blind Pension is a qualifying payment for the Fuel Allowance, which is a means tested payment. Households can contact the Department of Social Protection to check whether they meet the relevant means test.
All information on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is available on the SEAI website at https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/free-upgrades-for-eligible-homes
200. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a grant to renovate roofing in a privately owned home; if so, the age the roof needs to be; and the way a person can apply for same. [28834/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this year, in line with commitments in the National Retrofit Plan, the Government launched a package of significantly improved supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and lower emissions.
The supports include a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme offering increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump (up from the previous level of 30-35%). Grant support is available to homeowners for rafter insulation as part of a whole home energy upgrade under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and the Community Energy Grant Scheme.
Furthermore, and in recognition of the exceptionally high energy prices facing consumers at the present time, increased grant rates for ceiling insulation covering approximately 80% of the typical cost are available to homeowners across all schemes this year.
Grant supports for roof renovations are not available under the SEAI residential energy efficiency programmes.
201. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the full-year target of schools connected or installed with high-speed broadband under the National Broadband Plan in 2022; the number of schools in which broadband infrastructure has been installed as of May 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28913/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBroadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the National Broadband Plan providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. My Department has prioritised primary schools with no high speed broadband and continues to work with the Department of Education in this regard. Government and NBI have agreed to accelerate the rollout of high-speed broadband to 679 schools across the State. This will ensure that by early next year all schools across the State will have the necessary infrastructure to carry out their critical day to day educational activities unimpeded by poor broadband. As of 27 May 2022, 323 schools have been installed by NBI and my Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
