John Paul Phelan
Ceist:1. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a breakdown of the estimated number of full-time job vacancies in the State at present, by sector. [46455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobs Data
Ceisteanna (1)
Freagraí scríofa
The exact information as requested by the Deputy is not available.
The Earnings, Hours and Employment Costs Survey (EHECS) is the official source of short-term earnings, labour estimates and job vacancies in the State. The EHECS collects aggregate quarterly data from enterprises with three or more employees in the NACE Rev 2 Industrial Sectors B–S inclusive. The quarterly EHECS estimates are published in the Earnings and Labour Costs release (ELC). The most recent final figures available are for Q1 2022.
Job Vacancies
Statistics on job vacancies, rounded to the nearest hundred, are compiled from the EHECS, which collects the number of job vacancies in an enterprise as at the last working day of the quarter. Job vacancies estimates by full-time or part-time status are not available. Due to one off recruitments by individual firms and a low number of firms reporting vacancies, the job vacancies series can be volatile and should be interpreted with caution. For further information please see the background notes on the CSO website.
Table 1 below shows the number of Job Vacancies, rounded to the nearest hundred, as at the last working day in the first quarter of 2022, by Economic Sector Nace Rev. 2.
Table 1 - No. of Job Vacancies - Economic Sectors NACE B-S - Quarter 1 2022
|
- |
No. of Job Vacancies |
|
All Sectors (B-S) |
33,200 |
|
Industry (B to E) |
2,800 |
|
Construction (F) |
1,800 |
|
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (G) |
3,200 |
|
Transportation and storage (H) |
1,000 |
|
Accommodation and food service activities (I) |
2,000 |
|
Information and communication (J) |
2,500 |
|
Financial, insurance and real estate activities (K,L) |
4,300 |
|
Professional, scientific and technical activities (M) |
4,500 |
|
Administrative and support service activities (N) |
1,300 |
|
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security (O) |
4,500 |
|
Education (P) |
2,400 |
|
Human health and social work activities (Q) |
2,100 |
|
Arts, entertainment, recreation and other service activities (R,S) |
1,000 |
|
Source: Earnings and Labour Costs (ELC), Central Statistics Office, Ireland. |
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (2)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:2. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a schedule of the costs for all live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by him; and the details of the person or body that is conducting each study, review and research project in tabular form. [47055/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Costs Table
|
Details of study/review/research currently underway |
Date commenced |
Estimated date of completion |
Details of person / body conducting the study/review/research |
Cost |
|
OECD research (funded by the EU) on Strengthening Policy Development and Foresight in the Irish Public Service. |
Q4 2021 |
Q2 2023 |
OECD leading research in conjunction with DoT and DPER |
Covered by the EU Commission |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) COVID-19 Social Activity Measure. |
January 2021 |
Q1 2023 |
Economic and Social Research Institute |
€787,573.92 (cost to date) |
|
Shared Island research programme with Economic and Social Research Institute, with current work on: - Modelling Productivity Levels in Ireland and Northern Ireland; - Benefit of all-island coordination of energy infrastructure and renewable energy; - Children’s care and early education in Ireland North and South; - Migrant Integration in Ireland, North and South. Further information is at www.gov.ie/sharedisland/research |
January 2022 |
Q4 2022 |
Economic and Social Research Institute |
€220,681 (overall agreed costs) |
|
Strand 8 (Shared Island initiative) as part of the Irish Research Council New Foundations Programme, with 11 research projects underway in areas extending across culture, science, education, law, equality and community relations. Further information is at www.gov.ie/sharedisland/research |
December 2021 |
Q4 2022 |
Irish Research Council |
€214,037 (overall agreed costs) |
|
Shared Island SCoTENS Research Initiative with 2 research projects focussing on educational attainment and 3 on curriculum delivery themes. Further information is at www.gov.ie/sharedisland/research |
December 2021 |
Q2 2023 |
The Standing Conference on Teacher Education, North and South |
€125,000 (overall agreed costs) |
The Deputy may wish to be made aware that the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is an independent statutory agency operating under the aegis of my Department. The Council analyses and reports on strategic policy matters relevant to Ireland's economic, social, environment and sustainable development and on occasion commissions research in this regard. Details of the Council's work programme are available on www.nesc.ie.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (3)
Verona Murphy
Ceist:3. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will be recognising Covid-19 as an occupational disease in health and social care and in domiciliary assistance as agreed and recommended by the EU Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work in May 2022; if his Department recognises that this as an important step to implementing the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021 to 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46563/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the May 2022 recommendation from the EU Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work, on recognising COVID-19 as an occupational disease in health and social care and in domiciliary assistance, and, in a pandemic context, in sectors where there is an outbreak in activities with proven risk of infection.
In due course, the European Commission are likely to update its own recommendation concerning the European schedule of occupational diseases, and substances that can cause them, and that Member States will recognise this Commission recommendation. This will form an important part of the implementation of the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021 to 2027.
I would add that here in Ireland, since November 2020, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 place an obligation on an employer where an employee, whose work involves potential exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, becomes infected with COVID-19 to report this to the Health and Safety Authority.
This is in addition to the existing public health reporting obligations relating to COVID-19 infection. Under the Public Health Act (Infectious Diseases) Regulations, all infectious diseases are reportable to the Public Health Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting system (CIDR). COVID-19 was included in the Infectious Diseases Regulations in February 2020.
There is also a second reporting system under the National Incident Management System (NIMs) which collects national data on incidents of COVID-19 in the public healthcare sector in Ireland. These reporting systems are an important source of information in identifying prevalence and trends, monitoring progress, and informing interventions.
Separately, the inclusion of COVID-19 as an occupational injury under the Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection under the Social Welfare (Occupational Injuries) (Prescribed Diseases) Regulations, 1967 as amended.
Industrial Development
Ceisteanna (4)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:4. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the efforts by the IDA to attract inward investment to counties Longford and Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46574/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Regional development is at the centre of IDA’s current strategy: Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024, whereby IDA Ireland is targeting half of all investments (400) from 2021- 2024 to regional locations.
Longford and Westmeath, along with Laois and Offaly, make up the IDA’s Midlands Region. There are 49 IDA client companies employing 6,838 people in this region. FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years, with employment among IDA clients increasing by 43% over that time. This region showed 10% FDI employment growth during 2021- the highest rate of growth across the country. IDA supported companies operate across a variety of sectors, including Life Sciences, Technology, Consumer Business Services, and Engineering & Industrial Technologies, in the region.
Westmeath is home to 28 companies who employ 4,099 people directly. This month Enermech officially opened its new Irish manufacturing facility in Athlone, creating 170 jobs and involving an investment of €9.2m. In August, Ashland announced plans to double headcount and footprint at its Viatel bioresorbable polymer manufacturing and R&D facility in Mullingar. Ericsson officially announced its plans in May to hire 250 additional people at its Irish R&D Centre in Athlone. In March DuPont/OxyMem officially announced a multi-million-euro transformation of its OxyMem™ Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) at its manufacturing facility in Athlone.
Longford is home to 6 overseas companies employing 1,310 people. Recent announcements in Longford include Center Parcs announcing a €85m expansion plan for their forest resort in Ballymahon. 250 additional jobs are planned to be created once the development is completed, and the development will create 300 construction jobs.
IDA Ireland will continue to work closely with existing clients across the Midlands to retain and strengthen their presence through continued company transformation as well as pursuing new areas of opportunity for client companies. IDA will also continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and its indigenous base of companies to identify synergies, enhance clusters, participate in site visits, and maximise benefits for the region.
The existing FDI base of companies in the region enjoy strong collaborative links with the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS), and the presence of a third level Institution of scale further strengthens the potential of the wider region.
The timely provision of appropriate and cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of MNC’s remains essential to winning FDI. As part of IDA’s Regional Property Programme, the Agency has committed to delivering three Advanced Building Solutions in County Westmeath and one in County Longford.
The IDA will continue to actively promote Westmeath and Longford as part of the wider Midlands value proposition throughout 2022 and beyond.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (5)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:5. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will add home care assistants to the critical skills occupations list to address the crisis in recruitment for home carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46604/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s employment permits system is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine roles that are either highly skilled professional occupations in critical short supply or those ineligible for an employment permit. These lists undergo periodic review, guided by relevant research and a public/stakeholder consultation. The views of the relevant policy Departments are taken into account as well as those of the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy.
My Department chairs the Interdepartmental Group to oversee the review process which includes membership drawn from senior officials of key departments including the Department of Health. The aim of the Group is to promote an integrated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages being experienced in the economy. This includes assessing proposals received through the public consultation for changes the Occupations Lists.
Changes I announced in June last year were aimed at addressing the shortages being experienced in nursing home establishments and hospital settings by providing access to the employment permits system. These employers can apply for the General Employment Permit for non-EEA nationals wishing to take up employment as a Nursing Auxiliary or Assistant (Health Care Assistant). The minimum annual remuneration for a Health Care Assistant is €27,000 based on a 39 hour working week.
Home Care Workers are not currently eligible for an employment permit. No change was recommended to the eligibility of Home Care Workers in the review of the occupations lists conducted during 2021.
Officials of my Department are actively engaged with the Department of Health in relation to recruitment challenges for the care sector and my Department is a member of the Cross Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group chaired by the Department of Health to consider the recruitment and retention challenges faced by the care sector.
The Department continues to keep the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances and the timing of the next Review of the Occupational Lists will be kept under consideration.
Trade Agreements
Ceisteanna (6)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:6. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the recent engagements that he has had with his European Union counterparts regarding the European Union-Mercosur trade agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46667/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the EU reached political agreement in their trade negotiations with the Mercosur region in June 2019. The Agreement will cement the close political and economic relations between the EU and Mercosur countries and represents a clear commitment from both regions to rules-based international trade.
In 2021, Ireland exported nearly €0.5 billion worth of goods to the Mercosur region. In 2020 – the most recent year for which figures are available – Ireland exported approximately €1 billion worth of services to Mercosur. The independent impact assessment commissioned by my Department, and published last July, concluded that Irish exports to the Mercosur market are expected to be 17% higher in 2035 under the terms of the Agreement.
However, we also have some well-known concerns regarding climate change and the environmental impact of the extensive forest fires we have seen in the Amazon. I have raised these concerns at all political levels, including through my engagement with the Commission and with Trade Minister colleagues in Council.
Specifically, at a meeting of the EU’s Trade Council in Berlin in September 2020, I took the opportunity to remind both the Commission, and my counterparts, that enforceable guarantees which strengthen environmental protections, particularly with regard to the Amazon rainforest and climate action, are a priority for this Government in terms of our assessment of the benefits of the Agreement when it is formally presented for decision. Furthermore, there was a discussion on the EU-Mercosur Agreement at the meeting of EU Trade Ministers in Brussels in May 2021 at which I restated my and our Government's position on these important issues. Following these discussions, I took the opportunity to write to EU Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner Dombrovskis in June 2021 to restate Ireland’s position, as well as to address other Trade Policy matters.
On the basis of these concerns, raised by Ireland and other EU Member States, the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) are engaged with the Mercosur countries on negotiating further enforceable commitments on climate and deforestation.
Finally, both I and officials from my Department and across Government have continued to articulate our clear position regarding this Agreement at the highest level in the EU, including in bilateral conversations with colleague Trade Ministers in the margins of EU Council meetings.
Industrial Development
Ceisteanna (7)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:7. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA supported jobs in County Monaghan in each of the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of new IDA supported jobs created in County Monaghan for each year in the same period; the number of IDA-hosted site visits in County Monaghan in each of the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46668/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
2021 was a record-breaking year for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) employment, with total employment in IDA client companies now standing at 275,384, up over 29,000 on 2020. Growth in the regions was particularly buoyant, with 53% or 133 projects of the 249 investments won by IDA going to regional locations. Employment growth was recorded in every region of the country.
There are currently 8 IDA supported companies in Monaghan, employing 430 people. Employment developments in IDA supported companies in County Monaghan, from 2016, is set out below:
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
|
No. of Companies |
6 |
6 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Total Jobs |
166 |
190 |
362 |
371 |
447 |
430 |
|
New Jobs Created |
7 |
25 |
173 |
21 |
92 |
30 |
Source: DETE Annual Employment Survey 2021
The FDI performance in the region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 22% as traditional strengths in sectors such as Engineering & Industrial Technologies and Medical Technologies were complemented by new investments from the Technology, International Financial Services and Life Sciences sectors.
Key to the region’s success is strategic collaboration with national and local stakeholders on the enhancement of the regional value proposition for FDI. In this regard, IDA Ireland welcomes the significant funding that Cavan and Monaghan have received under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) to date which will further enhance the attractiveness of both counties for FDI.
The existing FDI base of companies in Monaghan enjoy strong collaborative links with several third level colleges including Dundalk Institute of Technology as well as the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and the Atlantic Technological University (ATU).
IDA will target 25 investments for the Border region in the period 2021 to 2024 and will continue to actively promote Monaghan as part of the wider Border region. As the Deputy will be aware, IDA Ireland has recently completed the construction of an Advance Building Solution in Monaghan which it is currently actively marketing to potential FDI clients.
In person and E-visits to County Monaghan, from 2016 are shown below:
|
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
|
|
Monaghan |
3 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (8)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:8. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46695/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that following the consideration of additional information received at review stage in respect of the person concerned (in the details supplied) a decision was made to award a General Employment Permit. The permit issued on 22nd September 2022.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (9)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:9. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to reopen applications for work permits for agricultural, dairy farm assistants and related farming trades before the end of 2022 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46774/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’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.
To align with current labour market intelligence, these lists undergo regular, evidence-based review. These reviews are guided by relevant research and a public/stakeholder consultation. The views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group and relevant policy Departments, in this case the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, are also taken into consideration.
Account is taken of upskilling and training initiatives and other known contextual factors. Changes to the employment permit occupations lists are made where there are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available, development opportunities are not undermined, a genuine skills shortage exists, rather than a recruitment or retention problem, and Government education, training and economic development policies are supported.
In October 2021, following a comprehensive review of the employment permit occupation lists and in light of the continued labour shortages in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector, I extended previous quotas to release 1000 general employment permits for horticulture operatives, 500 for meat deboners, 1500 for meat processing operatives and introduced a new quota of 100 for dairy farm assistants.
All Agriculture quotas were opened with a proviso that a strategic review on labour attraction and retention in the sector is carried out in order to put in place more sustainable solutions for meeting the labour needs of the sector into the future.
Policy responsibility for Agriculture and related industry is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Department continues to keep the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances and the timing of the next Review of the Occupational Lists will be kept under consideration.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (10)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:10. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated full-year cost of recruiting two additional full-time senior principal scientific officers and two additional full-time senior executives in global procurement for Enterprise Ireland. [46820/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enterprise Ireland have confirmed that the estimated full-year salary costs for two full-time Senior Principal Scientific Officers (SPSO) and two full-time Senior Executives (Level E) is €394,314. This figure is calculated based on the minimum point of the SPSO and Level E salary scales respectively (contributory scales effective 1st February, 2022), with the addition of employer PRSI.
Industrial Development
Ceisteanna (11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:11. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 8 September 2022, the number of companies from China, Japan, and South Korea that are supported by IDA Ireland, in tabular form; and the total number of companies supported by IDA Ireland from south-east Asia in tabular form. [46885/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:16. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 8 September 2022, the number of companies supported by IDA Ireland that are from India in tabular form. [47107/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:17. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 8 September 2022, the number of companies supported by IDA Ireland that are from the continent of Africa by country in tabular form. [47108/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:18. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 8 September 2022, the number of companies supported by IDA Ireland that are from the continent of Asia by country in tabular form. [47109/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:19. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 8 September 2022, the number of companies supported by IDA Ireland that are from the continent of South America by country in tabular form. [47110/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:20. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 8 September 2022, the number of companies supported by IDA Ireland that are from the continent of Central America, by country in tabular form. [47111/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:21. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 8 September 2022, the number of companies supported by IDA Ireland from the continent of North America by country in tabular form. [47112/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 16 to 21, inclusive, together.
Since 2010, IDA Ireland’s successive strategies have focussed on market diversification which is reflected by the levels of investment from the US falling from 70% in 2014 strategy to 64% of investment in the 2019 strategy.
IDA Ireland’s Growth Markets team continues to build awareness of Ireland’s value proposition in locations with significant potential as FDI source markets, with the objective of long-term sustainable jobs in every region of Ireland.
Notwithstanding the serious global challenges and uncertainties on the path ahead, FDI is well placed to remain a vital contributor to Ireland’s prosperity and future success. IDA Ireland will continue to work hard to ensure Ireland remains an attractive location for investment in the years to come.
The numbers of IDA supported companies and their country of origin, as requested by the Deputy are shown below:
|
Number of Client Operations |
|
|
United States of America |
893 |
|
Canada |
55 |
|
Japan |
45 |
|
India |
32 |
|
China |
37 |
|
Bermuda |
17 |
|
Australia |
27 |
|
Cayman Islands |
9 |
|
Singapore |
12 |
|
South Korea |
4 |
|
South Africa |
11 |
|
Mexico |
2 |
|
Hong Kong |
3 |
|
Brazil |
1 |
|
Uruguay |
1 |
|
Taiwan |
1 |
|
Malaysia |
1 |
Source: Annual Employment Survey 2021. Note: Includes full-time and part-time employees.
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (12)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:12. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a schedule of the costs for all live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by him; and the details of the person or body that is conducting each study, review and research project in tabular form. [47042/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The requested details in respect of studies, reviews and research projects currently underway or recently commissioned by the Department are set out in the table below. At this time, it not yet possible to be definitive about all costs for all of the projects listed.
|
Study/Review/Research Project |
Anticipated Date for Completion |
Company Conducting Study |
Cost of Study |
|
Assessment of attitudes and opinions among the general public on the role that trade and investment plays in contributing to economic and social development in Ireland |
November 2022 |
Amárach Research |
€22,632 |
|
Investors in Diversity Staff Survey and consultation - survey and consultation of Department staff to understand their experiences and perspectives regarding workplace Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. |
November 2022 |
Irish Centre for Diversity |
€10,073 |
|
Climate Appraisal Model Pilot Project – testing feasibility of including climate appraisal parameters in the Economic Appraisal Model |
December 2022 |
In house study in collaboration with EI and IDA. |
Nil |
|
AI-powered analysis of annual reports held by the CRO, funded through the Public Service Innovation Fund |
December 2022 |
DETE with technology support from SureSkills Ltd. |
€45,000 (Funded by the Public Service Innovation Fund) |
|
Review of State supports for the equity finance ecosystem in Ireland, with specific emphasis on early stage and scaling. The objective of the research is to assist in recognising market failures and determine future needs for State support or intervention. |
May 2023 |
TBC |
Full costs not yet known |
|
Audit of the Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid |
October 2022 |
Mazars |
€64,000 |
|
Value Proposition for the Midland Region Smart Connected Technologies Cluster |
December 2022 |
KPMG |
€7,967 |
|
Enterprise opportunities of Offshore Floating Wind Energy – study commissioned by DETE on behalf of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce |
December 2022 |
Contract not yet awarded |
Full costs not yet known |
|
Assessment of Opportunities for Decarbonisation of Process Heat in the Shannon Estuary region - study commissioned by DETE on behalf of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce |
December 2022 |
Contract not yet awarded |
Full costs not yet known |
|
Assessment of Opportunities for Large Scale Rooftop PV Deployment in the Shannon Estuary region - study commissioned by DETE on behalf of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce |
December 2022 |
Contract not yet awarded |
Full costs not yet known |
|
Report on the Future of the Irish Retail Sector |
October 2022 |
KPMG Future Analytics |
€49,077 |
|
Review of redundancy matter |
December 2022 |
Straits Consulting Ltd |
Final cost to be determined on completion of project |
|
Development of an Evidence Base to Support the Development of a National Clustering Policy and Framework |
October 2022 |
Grant Thornton |
€97,475 |
|
The Productivity Challenge and Its Interaction with Climate, Digitalisation and Human Capital |
September 2023 |
Joint Research Programme between Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the ESRI |
Full costs not yet known |
Industrial Development
Ceisteanna (13)
Michael Creed
Ceist:13. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied that the IDA is sufficiently focused on the potential for the Irish economy for assisting companies trading internationally with nearshoring production which to date has been outsourced internationally, given the recent developments in international trade including developments associated with international trade sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47065/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Events of the last few years including Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, have heightened companies’ focus on economic resilience and the supply chain risks associated with international production. Responding to developments in international trade, combined with rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty, companies across all sectors have taken steps to increase the flexibility and resiliency of supply chains, including reworking networks and nearshoring activities. To ensure that Ireland remains competitive for FDI, IDA Ireland reviews its overall enterprise policy on an ongoing basis. In carrying out this ongoing review process IDA Ireland works to ensure the Agency is aware of all relevant emerging trends, opportunities and challenges. This includes the trend of nearshoring, which involves a business moving its operation to a nearby country from one of greater distance.
IDA Ireland has and continues to demonstrate its focus on this trend. IDA Ireland partners with client companies to identify opportunities for local sourcing to enhance the resilience of their supply chains. In doing so, IDA Ireland’s sectoral divisions consider how to strengthen value chain linkages between IDA Ireland client companies and SMEs. This activity is beneficial to both MNCs and SMEs as linkages are strengthened and positive spillovers are achieved. IDA is collaborating with Enterprise Ireland to achieve the spillover effect, directly introducing MNCs to Enterprise Ireland clients which can fulfil supply chain requirements with local sourcing. This a key component of the Impact pillar under the IDA’s four-year strategy, ‘Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth’, to increased spend in the Irish economy by our MNCs. The target is to see a 20% increase in client expenditure in Ireland to maximise the impact of FDI over the four years of the strategy.
Business Regulation
Ceisteanna (14)
Michael Creed
Ceist:14. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the preparations that are being made in his Department for forthcoming European Union regulations on forced labour and corporate due diligence; the volume of exports from China which it is anticipated that may be impacted by these directives and in particular products from Xinjiang; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47066/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A proposal for a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence was published by the European Commission in February 2022. The proposal focuses on establishing a system within company law and corporate governance to address adverse human rights and environmental impacts arising from companies' own operations, their subsidiaries' operations and their value chains. Companies are required to engage with business partners in their value chains to remedy such impacts. While the proposal includes sanctions in case of non-compliance with the due diligence obligations, it does not require Member States or companies to prohibit the placing and making available of any product on the market.
Discussions on this proposal are ongoing at Council working party level and it is not anticipated that a directive will be finalised until well into 2023.
A complementary proposal for a Regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market was published by the Commission on 14 September and negotiations at Council working party level have not yet commenced. The aim of this new proposal is to ensure sure that products found to be produced with forced labour are banned from the EU. Given its recent publication, consideration by my department of this proposal in advance of negotiations commencing at Council working party is at an early stage.
China is Ireland's 4th largest goods import partner with such imports from China in 2021 valued at €8,452 million. It is not possible to provide a breakdown by region.
Enterprise Support Services
Ceisteanna (15)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:15. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if grant aid is available for a company (details supplied) to expand in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Local Enterprise Offices nationwide act as a ‘First Stop Shop’ providing information, guidance, training and development and financial assistance to anyone looking to start, grow or pivot their own business. They serve as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector and can provide information or referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g., Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Offices offer direct financial assistance to micro-enterprises operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities.
However, it should be noted that they do not provide grants to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, local building services, as to do so can lead to unacceptable deadweight (where the economic activity would proceed without intervention) and/or displacement (where the economic activity could displace business from other players in the market).
The Local Enterprise Offices provide to all SMEs a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements, including the mentor programme which is designed to match up the knowledge, skills, insights and entrepreneurial capability of experienced business practitioners with small business owners who need practical and strategic one to one advice and guidance on how best to proceed with their business plans.
Other programmes such as LEAN for Micro and Green for Micro can provide these business owners with advice on reducing costs and increasing efficiencies within their business. The above supports along with a host of others can also be found on the supportingsmes.gov.ie website. This is a cross-governmental guide to help small businesses know which of the over 170 Government supports could fit their business.
Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 11.
Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 11.
Question No. 18 answered with Question No. 11.
Question No. 19 answered with Question No. 11.
Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 11.
Question No. 21 answered with Question No. 11.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (22)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:22. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of full-time staff vacancies by job title in IDA Ireland as of 21 September 2022; the estimated full-year cost of filling each of these vacancies; and when these vacancies will be filled in tabular form. [47173/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, 2021 was a record year for foreign direct investment and in the first half of this year we have exceeded that again, with investment up 9% on the same period last year. IDA Ireland in July reported significant investment growth in the first half of 2022, returning FDI employment creation plans to above the pre-pandemic 2019 record levels, despite a continuing challenging global environment.
We should never forget that the jobs and revenue created by multinationals helped to keep us out of recession when the pandemic hit and are now giving us the financial firepower to ease the cost of living crisis and avoid recession once again
We have worked hard to create a welcoming environment for FDI in all parts of the country and the strong regional spread of jobs and investment in today’s results demonstrates government policy, with 73 of the 155 investments outside of Dublin. We want long-term sustainable jobs, work that pays better, in every county in the country.
In the first half of 2022, 155 investments were won, with associated employment potential of over 18,000 jobs. Several investments approved and announced in the first half of the year involve large job numbers and significant capital investments.
IDA Ireland continues to compete to recruit for the best talent in the market to work with clients and to win new investments for Ireland. There are currently 35 full-time staff vacancies in IDA Ireland. The break down of these vacancies, the estimated full-year cost of filling them and when they are expected to be filled are in the table as follows;
|
No |
Job Title |
Annual Salary |
Expected to be filled |
|
1 |
Property Executive, Strategic Property Management |
€ 44,851 |
Qtr 4 2022 |
|
2 |
Technologist, Engineering & Green Economy |
€ 70,399 |
Qtr 4 2022 |
|
3 |
Property Manager, Strategic Property Management |
€ 70,399 |
Qtr 4 2022 |
|
4 |
Property Executive, Strategic Property Management |
€ 44,851 |
Qtr 4 2022 |
|
5 |
Project Executive, Engineering & Green Economy |
€ 44,851 |
Qtr 4 2022 |
|
6 |
Sales & Marketing Executive, Overseas Cross Sectoral |
$113,515 |
Year End 2022 |
|
7 |
Sales & Marketing Executive, Overseas Cross Sectoral |
$113,515 |
Oct-22 |
|
8 |
Sales & Marketing Executive, Overseas Cross Sectoral |
$113,515 |
Year End 2022 |
|
9 |
Sales & Marketing Executive, Overseas Cross Sectoral |
$113,515 |
Year End 2022 |
|
10 |
Sales & Marketing Executive, Overseas Cross Sectoral |
€ 84,529 |
Year End 2022 |
|
11 |
Sales & Marketing Executive, Overseas Cross Sectoral |
€ 84,529 |
Year End 2022 |
|
12 |
Sales & Marketing Executive, Overseas Cross Sectoral |
$113,515 |
Year End 2022 |
|
13 |
Sales & Marketing Executive, Overseas Cross Sectoral |
$113,515 |
Year End 2022 |
|
14 |
Sales & Marketing Executive, Overseas Cross Sectoral |
$113,515 |
Year End 2022 |
|
15 |
Assistant Project Executive, Technology & Emerging Business |
€ 25,751 |
Oct-22 |
|
16 |
Executive Assistant, Global Marketing & Communications |
€ 22,049 |
Oct-22 |
|
17 |
Assistant Media Relations Executive, Global Marketing & Comm |
€ 25,751 |
Oct-22 |
|
18 |
Project Executive, Global Marketing & Communications |
€ 44,851 |
Oct-22 |
|
19 |
Project Executive, Financial Management |
€ 44,851 |
Oct-22 |
|
20 |
Project Executive, Financial Management |
€ 44,851 |
Oct-22 |
|
21 |
Project Manager, Growth Markets |
€ 70,399 |
Sep-22 |
|
22 |
Grants Manager, Financial Management |
€ 70,399 |
Nov-22 |
|
23 |
Assistant Project Executive, Technology |
€ 25,751 |
Oct-22 |
|
24 |
Assistant Project Executive, Engineering & Green Economy |
€ 25,751 |
Oct-22 |
|
25 |
Assistant Planning Executive, Corporate Planning |
€ 25,751 |
Nov-22 |
|
26 |
Project Executive, Technology & Emerging Business |
€ 44,851 |
Sep-22 |
|
27 |
Assistant Project Executive, Growth Markets |
€ 25,751 |
Oct-22 |
|
28 |
Assistant HR Executive, HR and Organisational Development |
€ 25,751 |
Sep-22 |
|
29 |
Project Executive, Technology & Emerging Business |
€ 44,851 |
Sep-22 |
|
30 |
Assistant Project Executive, Engineering & Green Economy |
€ 25,751 |
Oct-22 |
|
31 |
Assistant Finance Executive, Financial Management |
€ 25,751 |
Oct-22 |
|
32 |
Project Executive, Engineering & Green Economy |
€ 44,851 |
Oct-22 |
|
33 |
Assistant Finance Executive, Financial Management |
€ 25,751 |
Nov-22 |
|
34 |
Sales & Marketing Executive, Overseas Cross Sectoral |
$113,515 |
Nov-22 |
|
35 |
Sales & Marketing Executive, Overseas Cross Sectoral |
$113,515 |
Nov-22 |
Enterprise Support Services
Ceisteanna (23)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:23. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are business supports available to a person (details supplied) who is taking-over a family motor business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47176/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Local Enterprise Offices nationwide act as a ‘First Stop Shop’ for providing information, guidance, training and development and financial assistance to anyone looking to start, grow or pivot their own business. The Local Enterprise Offices act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to SMEs and can provide information and referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g., Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Offices can offer direct grant aid to businesses operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. However, it should be noted that they do not provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, local building services, as to do so can lead to unacceptable deadweight (where the economic activity would proceed without intervention) and/or displacement (where the economic activity could displace business from other players in the market).
The Local Enterprise Offices provide a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. I would encourage anyone who is running their own business to speak with the experienced business advisors within their Local Enterprise Office regarding the assistance they can offer.
The mentor programme, which is designed to match up the knowledge, skills, insights and entrepreneurial capability of experienced business practitioners with small business owners, provides expert guidance on the best course of action to develop a small business.
Other programmes such as LEAN for Micro and Green for Micro provide business owners with tools and advice on reducing costs and increasing efficiencies within their business. I would also encourage them to enquire about the available digital supports such as the Trading Online Voucher scheme and the Digital Start Programme, which can assist businesses in developing their e-commerce capabilities and includes further training in digital marketing and social media.
The above supports along with a host of others can also be found on the supportingsmes.gov.ie website. This is a cross-governmental guide to help small businesses know which of the over 170 Government supports could fit their business.
Jobs Data
Ceisteanna (24)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:24. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs per county in IDA Ireland-sponsored companies in tabular form. [47213/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the first half of 2022, IDA Ireland, the inward investment agency of the Irish Government reported significant investment growth, returning FDI employment creation plans to above the pre-pandemic 2019 record levels, despite a continuing challenging global environment.
155 investments were won, with associated employment potential of over 18,000 jobs, up 9% on the same time in 2021. 73 were new name investments.
IDA Ireland has worked hard to create a welcoming environment for FDI in all parts of the country and the strong regional spread of jobs and investment to date demonstrates the government's commitment to regional development, with 73 of the 155 investments won being outside of Dublin. IDA Ireland’s objective is to see long-term sustainable jobs in every regional location in Ireland.
Notwithstanding the serious global challenges and uncertainties ahead, FDI is well placed to remain a vital contributor to Ireland’s prosperity and future success. IDA Ireland will continue to work to ensure Ireland remains an attractive location for investment in the years to come.
The total Employment in IDA Ireland supported companies, by County, is shown below.
|
County |
Total Jobs 2021 |
|
Cavan |
862 |
|
Donegal |
3,647 |
|
Leitrim |
1,050 |
|
Monaghan |
430 |
|
Sligo |
2,732 |
|
Dublin |
123,708 |
|
Kildare |
9,748 |
|
Louth |
4,588 |
|
Meath |
1,911 |
|
Wicklow |
2,647 |
|
Clare |
6,924 |
|
Limerick |
13,824 |
|
Tipperary |
4,522 |
|
Laois |
157 |
|
Longford |
1,310 |
|
Offaly |
1,302 |
|
Westmeath |
4,099 |
|
Carlow |
1,477 |
|
Kilkenny |
837 |
|
Waterford |
8,868 |
|
Wexford |
3,750 |
|
Cork |
45,604 |
|
Kerry |
1,968 |
|
Galway |
22,801 |
|
Mayo |
5,145 |
|
Roscommon |
1,473 |
|
Total Jobs 2021 |
275,384 |
Source: DETE Annual Employment Survey 2021
Note: Includes part-time, temporary and short-term contract employees.
Trade Relations
Ceisteanna (25)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:25. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has spoken formally with the United States trade representative (details supplied) in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47250/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the course of my role as Minister, I frequently meet with other Ministers for Trade, either bilaterally or at Trade Councils.
I met Ambassador Tai to discuss trade matters in a bilateral virtual meeting that took place in May 2021 in advance of a meeting of the EU Trade Council. USTR Tai also attended the aforementioned Trade Council via videoconference in May 2021 where an informal exchange of views was had between the Ambassador and all EU Trade Ministers.
My last bilateral meeting with Ambassador Tai was when I travelled to Washington DC on 27th and 28th September 2021. During this meeting I spoke about the strength of the Ireland-US trade and investment relationship, a digital and sustainable economic recovery and the impact of COVID-19 and Brexit. I also highlighted the role Ireland has to play in the wider global economy as an open, advocate for free trade and the rules based international system, and as a voice against protectionism, spoke of Ireland’s export performance during the pandemic and the role we can play as the US and the EU seek to secure, resilient supply chains.