Written Answers Nos. 141-160
141. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that the Government has failed to secure any quota of Atlantic bluefin tuna for the Irish fishing fleet, despite the documented recovery of the species within the Irish exclusive economic zone over recent years. [53099/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the available Bluefin Tuna quota is allocated each year to Member States on the basis of relative stability, as established in the late 1990s. At that time, Ireland did not have a track record of commercial fishing for Bluefin Tuna and, accordingly, did not receive a quota allocation.
The only way to obtain a share of the EU quota now would involve changing relative stability within the EU. This would require a majority of Member States to agree under the qualified majority voting system. This means that EU Member States with a national quota would have to give up a share of their allocation to Ireland. Member States with Bluefin Tuna Quota would strongly resist any loss of quota. Any change to relative stability would involve a loss for some other Member States and therefore poses particular challenges in a qualified majority voting context.
Bluefin Tuna is a highly migratory large pelagic species which spawns in the Mediterranean and then migrates over a wide area of the North-East Atlantic to feed. This migration brings some of the fish into the Irish 200 mile zone for part of the year. At the time we see fish in the Irish zone, there are also fish being caught in the international high seas and over a wide area from Spain to Norway. There is no survey from which the abundance in Ireland's 200 mile zone may be determined.
The CFP is reviewed every 10 years and the next review is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year when the European Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the CFP. Over the past year, I have consistently made clear the Irish Government’s assessment that substantial changes brought about in fisheries policy, as a result of the adoption of the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement, require that internally within the EU a comprehensive review of the CFP be carried out that would support changes to deliver a fair and equitable policy.
Earlier this year, I established a national Common Fisheries Policy Review group of relevant stakeholders to examine the issues that arise for Ireland in the context of the CFP Review, to advise me on priorities for the negotiations and to identify strategies most likely to influence the outcome of the review. The Group was chaired by Mr. John Malone, former Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, and assisted by a steering committee comprising Mr. Micheál Ó Cinneide, former Director of the MI and EPA and Mr. Donal Maguire, former Director in BIM. The Group involved representatives of key stakeholders, including industry representative groups and the environmental NGOs. The CFP Review Group submitted its final report to me on 29th July. The stakeholders have set out a number of recommendations on aspects of the CFP which need to be addressed in order to adapt to the monumental changes of recent years and ensure a sustainable future for the sector.
I have forwarded a copy of the report to the EU Fisheries Commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevicius. I have made clear that I am fully satisfied that this report demonstrates that there is need for legislative changes in the current policy to address the disproportionate impacts of the TCA and in the context of the new environmental challenges we are all facing. I have asked him to review the report's findings and recommendations and consider how these can be taken forward to support a fair and balanced CFP. I have also brought the report to Government for its information.
142. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who availed of the grant under the straw incorporation measure in 2021. [53059/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) is a support Measure for tillage farmers under Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17th December 2013 (Agri-environment-climate).
The purpose of the Measure is to encourage tillage farmers to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw from cereal crops. This will sequester carbon in tillage soils, thereby reducing GHG emissions. The incorporation of straw will also have positive impact on soil biology and soil workability. This will further improve the environmental sustainability of the tillage sector.
In 2021, a total of 1,879 farmers applied for the Straw Incorporation Measure. Successful applicants could earn up to €10,000 per farmer.
143. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the inclusion of farmland in active use in the residential zoned land tax; if he has engaged with the Minister for Finance on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53176/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile primary responsibility for taxation policy is with the Minister for Finance, I continue to work closely with him to ensure that the tax code reflects the Government’s priorities for the agri-food sector and the economy generally.
We are aware of the concerns expressed by farm organisations and individual farmers in relation to the inclusion of farmland in the Residential Zoned Land Tax.
One of a range of measures within the Housing for All Strategy, the objective of the Residential Zoned Land Tax is to provide an incentive to landowners to build homes. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government estimates that it is expected to impact 7,000 hectares to 8,000 hectares of farmland, or approximately 0.2% of such land in the country.
In drafting the Residential Zoned Land Tax legislation, Minister Donohoe has always been conscious of the need to be fair to the farming community. In this regard, he has incorporated a couple of provisions to provide farmers and others with an opportunity to both challenge their inclusion within the scope of the tax on the one hand and on the other hand to make the case for rezoning. They are as follows:
(i) As well as land having to be zoned, there is also a requirement that it be serviced in order for it to come within the scope of the tax. This means there is an opportunity for farmers and others to challenge any decision to make them subject to the tax, if they believe that the land is not adequately serviced. An appeal mechanism to both the Local Authority and an Bord Pleanála is provided where there is a dispute about this matter.
(ii) As part of the RZLT, a provision has been inserted to allow a farmer to apply to have their land rezoned. The legislation provides in section 653 I (Zoning Submissions) of Part 22A of the Tax Consolidation Act 1997 - inserted by section 80 of the Finance Act 2021 - an opportunity for landowners to request a variation of the zoning of their land prior to the commencement of the tax. Should a farmer believe that the residential zoning of their land is inappropriate, they may avail of this opportunity to have the zoning status of their land considered by the local authority.
My Department and I will continue to engage on the development of the Residential Zoned Land Tax.
144. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends extending the closing date for lodging applications under the new agri-climate rural environment scheme in view of the volume of work involved in applying for the scheme and the inability of agricultural planners to deal with all their client's applications before the present closing date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53168/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the agri-environment climate measure which forms part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027.
Farmers may apply for one of the approaches available under ACRES, namely the ACRES Co-operation approach available to farmers in eight defined high priority geographical areas, or the ACRES General approach which is available nationally outside of the eight ACRES Co-operation zones.
A farmer may only apply for one of the approaches, eligibility for which will be determined by the location of his/her holding.
Two of the requirements for the Scheme are the engagement of an approved ACRES advisor to prepare and submit the ACRES application on behalf of an applicant, and a Farm Sustainability Plan (FSP) to form part of each application.
The ACRES system was opened on 17th October 2022 for the submission of applications. A significant level of interest in applying for the scheme has been shown to date, with over 45,000 expressions of interest received.
In recognition of the work required, my Department engaged extensively with advisors in advance of the formal opening of the Scheme. Such engagement included the provision of in-person training in July and September and an update webinar just prior to opening of scheme. There are currently just under 700 advisors approved as ACRES advisors, so there is significant capacity available.
Draft specifications for ACRES General were published in August 2022, with access to the Department’s Generic Land Management (GLAM) system made available to advisors in advance of the formal opening of the Scheme to enable them to do preparatory work on the FSP. Other support material provided to advisors included a GLAM user manual, AgriSnap guide and video guides on both creating the FSP and submitting the application.
The intake into the scheme is also phased with at least two tranches.
The closing date for the submission of applications under the current Tranche is on Monday 21st November 2022. I believe that the ability to undertake preparatory work will assist advisors to meet that deadline and I do not propose at this time to extend the closing date.
I am excited to see ACRES roll out as it will be an important income support for farm families while also driving important environmental improvements at farm level.
145. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of any plans currently in place to ensure food security in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53113/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current crisis is challenging established assumptions on food security. Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world (2nd in the Global Food Security Index for 2022) and is part of the EU single market and participates in the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which is the key mechanism for ensuring food security throughout Europe.
The EU is largely self-sufficient for many agricultural products but is a considerable net importer for specific products that may be difficult to substitute. Increasing input costs in the food supply chain are driving food prices up.
Therefore, while there is no food shortage, there is a food availability issue for those on lower incomes and also a threat to farmer incomes. The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers will continue to focus on the core areas of security, stability, and sustainability and to support the work of the recently established European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM).
The global food security situation is concerning, especially the impacts on developing countries. The “EU Global Food Security Response”, adopted in the June EU Council Conclusions, sets out four strands of action:
- Solidarity through emergency relief and support for affordability
- Boosting sustainable production, resilience and food systems transformation
- Facilitating Ukrainian and global trade and effective multilateralism
- form an effective framework that joins up immediate and longer-term action at local and global levels.
In addition, all EU Members States and the Commission have endorsed the “Road Map for the Global Food Security - Call for Action” agreed between Foreign Ministers at the UN, which will guide efforts led by the UN Secretary General-through the UN Global Crisis Response Group and coordinated with the G7 Global Alliance for Food Security. In this regard, efforts to ensure security and stability in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov region must continue and it is to be welcomed that shipments are taking place from Ukrainian ports through the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
At the UN Food Systems Summit in 2021, Ireland committed to sharing its own journey in food systems transformation and its plans for the future through our national strategy Food Vision 2030, and to assist developing countries in their own journeys. In support of this, my Department has supported the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in the design of a global Food Systems Transformation Support Facility, which will be a critical component for technical support for global food systems transformation.
In Food Vision, our sector has laid out its ambition to become “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems” through the pursuit of four high-level Missions:
1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector
2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being
3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home & Abroad
4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology & Talent.
I am confident that the sector will deliver on its ambitions and will continue to contribute to national, EU and global food security.
146. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with the measures that are in place to reduce the backlog in felling and planting licence applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53162/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to advise that due to continued high output in forestry licencing this year we have seen considerable reductions in the backlog of forestry licences.
The backlog has reduced from 6,000 in August 2021, to 3,700 in January of this year and now stands at 1,639. We are issuing more licences than applications received and this means that the backlog continues to drop, with faster turnaround times for new applicants. To date this year we have issued 3,914 licences which is 92% of our expected output at this point in the year and there are currently 953 approved afforestation licences with just under 7,000 hectares ready for planting.
These improved outputs have been achieved through a commitment to continuous improvement ,as well as through the implementation of measures recommended under Project Woodland.
Work is ongoing with the implementation of the 57 recommendations arising from a business process review carried out under Project Woodland.
An Agile Implementation Group is implementing system solutions, with 71% of the recommendations either complete or in progress.
This builds on earlier improvements to our processes. These improvements have facilitated the preparation of Appropriate Assessment Reports by my Department, which removes this burden from applicants in most cases. Associated with this and in order to assist foresters in submitting quality applications, we provided habitat map training and training for ecologists.
Furthermore, a pre-application discussion pilot has been completed and we now intend to deliver this at a national level, along with the new Forestry Programme. All of these measures are aimed at improving the quality of applications received and optimising the time of those assessing applications.
In tandem with reviewing processes, we have substantially increased the resources available to process forestry licences.
In addition, a legal and regulatory review of forestry licensing was carried out by Philip Lee Consultants and, following extensive stakeholder engagement, their Report was published in June.
Philip Lee reviewed and critically analysed the existing legal framework for the licensing of forestry activities and focused on practical and implementable options for streamlining processes and procedures.
The Project Board for Project Woodland has responded to these recommendations and the Department will now finalise a plan for the implementation of the Report, with a certain number of actions already underway.
I welcome what we have achieved so far and the measures we have adopted to address the backlog. I look forward to continuing this positive momentum and remain committed to a licensing system that is fit for purpose which will underpin an ambitious new Forestry Programme.
147. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that will be made available under the new CAP for the dairy beef calf programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53256/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a range of supports available to (beef) farmers under the new €10 billion CAP strategic plan beginning in 2023, as well as ongoing supports from Government to buffer families and business from the effects of the ongoing energy and cost of living crisis.
In 2023, I provided €5 million for a continuation of the Dairy beef calf scheme which provides payments of €20 per calf for weight recording of up to 20 calves. The Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme 2024 provides support to farmers who undertake actions to improve the viability of male dairy calves in locally based production systems.
The measure is proposed to support the use of high dairy beef index (DBI) sires in dairy herds. The aim is to improve the beef traits of calves from the dairy herd to facilitate the enhanced integration between the dairy and beef systems, which will be an important tool in supporting the sustainability of both sectors.
The introduction of the high DBI bulls is to focus on a good welfare outcome for both the cow and the calf. Calf health is greatly dependent on the quality of the calf born. The high DBI index focuses on an easy calving element for the cow minimising calf mortality at birth, while also delivering a calf which will have a better carcass weight and confirmation, and ultimately a better welfare outcome.
Any dairy beef calves born between 1st July of the previous year and 30 June of the scheme year are eligible for payment if sired by a beef sire with a minimum DBI of three stars with the maximum number of eligible animals per applicant being 40.
The annual indicative financial allocation for this intervention is €6.25m, amounting to a total indicative financial allocation €25 million for the period 2024-2027.
The groundwork for this measure had begun with dairy beef measures in recent years and acknowledging the fact that beef from the dairy herd accounts for approximately 55% of the number of prime cattle, a figure that is likely to increase in future years. The most recent dairy beef initiatives, the Dairy Beef Calf schemes of 2021 and 2022 which were part of the Beef Sector Efficiency Programme (BSEP), supported beef farmers who were rearing calves from the dairy herd and had the objective of further increasing the economic and environmental efficiency in the beef herd.
This can be achieved through better quality data on herd performance, supporting decision- making on farm and supporting best practice in welfare management, as well as supporting greater integration between beef and dairy systems.
148. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the number of persons currently working in the Government press office and the Merrion Street content team in tabular form. [52769/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra149. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the number of persons working in his Department’s press office, communications team and social media team in tabular form. [52789/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.
While there are elements of communications to most policy roles in my Department, the Unit in my Department whose function relates to communications is the Government Information Service (GIS). GIS includes the Government Press Office and the MerrionStreet content team and works on a cross-functional and collaborative basis to:
- provide the Taoiseach, the Government and the Department with Press Office and Communications support;
- ensure strong collaboration and coordination among Press and Communications officials in other Government Departments and Agencies;
- coordinate, support, amplify and create communications around key Government priorities such as Housing for All, Climate Action / Energy, Ukraine, Shared Island, Brexit, COVID-19 and the National Wellbeing Framework; and
- lead the development of Government communications, support and encourage capacity-building in the area of communications and engagement across the civil and public service, and manage the “Government of Ireland” identity and unified web presence (www.gov.ie).
The civil servants in the Government Information Service come under the management of the Assistant Secretary for Corporate Affairs, while respecting the role of the Government Press Secretary and the Deputy Government Press Secretaries in day-to-day management of press and communications.
The composition of the current GIS team is outlined in the table below.
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
4 (3.6 WTE) |
|
Administrative Officer / Higher Executive Officer (including Government Press Officers) |
8 |
|
Executive Officer (including one staff member employed under Willing Able Mentoring Programme) |
5 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
150. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who received a general employment permit for a sector (details supplied) since the start of 2017 who applied for and were granted a new employment permit with a different employer while in Ireland within the first 12 months of their original employment permit. [52749/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who received a general employment permit for a sector (details supplied) since the start of 2017 who applied for and were granted a new employment permit with a different employer while in Ireland to date. [52750/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.
The majority of employment permits issued to this sector are new employment permits for individuals who come to Ireland to work from outside the State.
This table below sets out the number of permits issued to foreign nationals in this sector, who were already in the State and were holders of a General Employment Permit when the application was submitted. It should be noted that this sector is subject to a quota system.
The number of Reactivation Employment Permits issued in this sector in each year from 2017 to 2022 is also included below. Reactivation Employment Permits are designed for situations where a foreign national who entered the State on a valid employment permit but who fell out of the system through no fault of their own or who has been badly treated or exploited in the workplace, to work legally again.
To supply details of the number of General Employment Permit applications granted in respect of a different employer within the first 12 months of having been granted their original employment permit would not be possible to complete within the timeframe allowable as it would require a manual check of all the applications for the sector on the system.
|
Immigration Status |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Stamp 1 - Current Holder of GEP |
16 |
1 |
34 |
34 |
1 |
42 |
|
Permit Type |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Reactivation Employment Permit |
2 |
7 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
10 |
152. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons working in his Department’s press office, communications team and social media team in tabular form. [52778/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Communications Unit is led by a Head of Communications. The table below details the number of persons working across the Press Office, Internal Communications and Campaigns & Digital communications teams.
|
Area within Communications |
Number of persons |
|
Press |
5* |
|
Campaigns & Digital Communications |
Approx. 7.5(figure includes staff from the Department’s Offices, some of whom work parttime on digital communications) |
|
Internal Communications |
3 |
* The total amount of staff working within the Press Office includes one vacancy.
153. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will confirm that his Department is currently accepting new employment permit applications for the role of dairy farm assistant, in view of the fact that dairy farmers are having difficulty in recruiting employees; if the quota has been filled for this role; if so, when his Department will be accepting new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52833/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market.
The 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, and is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine roles that are either in critical short supply or are ineligible for an employment permit.
In October 2021, in light of the continued labour shortages in the agriculture and agri-food sector, I announced a new quota of 100 General Employment Permits for dairy farm assistants subject to a minimum annual remuneration of €30,000.
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.
All of the 100 General Employment Permits established under this quota for Dairy Farm Assistants have now been granted. Therefore, any new applications received in respect of this role will be returned. A notification to this effect was placed on the Department’s website on 30th September 2022.
The Occupations Lists undergo periodic review and a public/stakeholder consultation. 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 Agriculture, Food and the Marine who have policy responsibility for this sector.
The aim of the Group is to promote an integrated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages being experienced in the economy and is guided by relevant research. This includes assessing proposals received through the public consultation for changes to the Occupations Lists.
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.
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.
154. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of vacant properties that are owned by his Department; the estimated economic value of the vacant properties; and if he will provide a list of such properties. [52847/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its Offices are tenants in ten buildings across the country provided to it through the Office of Public Works (OPW) who manage the State's property portfolio on behalf of Government Departments. My Department does not own any property. As tenants the Department works closely with the OPW to optimise usage of the real estate made available to it across the various locations.
155. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide the full list of sites theIDA holds in its land bank; the locations of these sites; their size in hectares and current zoned status in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52988/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra2021 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 outside of Dublin was particularly buoyant with 53%, that is 133 projects of the 249 investments won going to regional locations and employment growth was recorded in every region of the country.
IDA Ireland’s Regional Property Programme is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across IDA’s, Enterprise Ireland and local LEO’s respective client base. IDA Ireland operates a dynamic portfolio of strategic land banks as the availability of an adequate supply of marketable, serviced land and office/industrial buildings is a key element in Ireland's ability to compete for mobile Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Many of these sites are developed over years or decades, and their long-term value crystallises when a corporation converts them to a new facility.
The availability of property solutions eliminates the lead times normally associated with acquiring property, enables clients to plan their property needs with a greater degree of certainty and allows for the commencement of projects at an earlier date by eliminating much of the difficulties associated with land acquisition, planning and construction. It is, therefore, an important means by which the IDA can encourage and attract new investors to Ireland, particularly to the regions.
The Regional Property Programme has enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations over the past 5 years. It is crucial that all parts of Ireland have a competitive, sustainable property offering to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs. IDA Ireland must therefore continue to have available sites and property on hand to remain competitive for FDI and to offer immediate availability for clients looking to invest.
The use of IDA Lands is restricted under legislation and any change to the use of the land would require ministerial consent / Government legislation. IDA leases lands to be used for manufacturing purposes and purposes ancillary thereto and/or for internationally traded services specified in the Industrial Development (Service Industries) Order 2010 (Statutory Instrument No SI 81/2010).
Despite the success of IDA Property Programme, the programme alone cannot meet the needs of enterprise across every region. Regular engagement and collaboration with stakeholders are important in positioning any regional location to attract FDI and in this respect IDA Ireland continues to engage with stakeholders in all regional locations to support jobs creation.
IDA also works closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the sites are fit for purpose and the supporting infrastructure, including housing, is in place in the wider regional ecosystem to promote regional locations for investment. It should be noted that IDA has shared its land portfolio with the Land Development Agency and shared its limited number of vacant buildings with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in response to a request about potential accommodation solutions in light of the war in Ukraine.
I am advised that in general terms IDA Ireland seek to have land in zoning categories including Industrial, Enterprise, Employment, General Industry, Office, Business/Technology Park, and related zoning. IDA Ireland also continues to enhance its land bank optimisation initiative through developing a disposal strategy for non-strategic lands.
The attached is a list of IDA’s land banks; the locations of these sites; their size in hectares in tabular form.
156. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review a case again (details supplied); if he will advise his official that despite the Parliamentary Question reply no correspondence was received since 6 September 2022 refusing applications; if he will indicate that appeals were lodged earlier in 2022 on these three applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52995/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked officials in the Employment Permit Unit of my Department to liaise directly with the Deputy on this matter in the coming days.
157. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has carried out any investigation or received any briefing into the conduct of an Irish company (details supplied) that has been alleged to have been involved in serious human rights violations and environmental damage, bringing potentially huge reputational damage to Ireland and hardship to indigenous communities in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52999/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not carried out any investigation into the conduct of an Irish company (details supplied). I am aware, however, that the Minister for Foreign Affairs responded on 19 September 2022 to a Joint Communication from the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; the Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises; and the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples on this matter.
158. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53031/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, I am very conscious of the scale of the energy crisis and how worried retailers are as they witness the rising cost of energy and of doing business.
With this in mind, in Budget 2023, the Government introduced a significant package to help businesses with escalating energy costs and to plan for the future.
The new Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) will provide support for businesses that have experienced a significant increase in their electricity and natural gas costs, is being introduced. The scheme falls under the European Commission Temporary Crisis Framework (TCF) and is subject to State Aid approval.
The scheme will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners on a self-assessment basis. It will apply to tax compliant businesses carrying out a trade or profession (Case I and Case II). It will also apply to new businesses. A monthly cap on relief of €10,000 per trade or profession will apply. However, where a qualifying business operates across more than one location increased relief may be available subject to a monthly cap of €30,000. The scheme will run from 1 September 2022 to 31 December 2022, with the intention to extend it to 28 February 2023 subject to the anticipated extension of the TCF.
In addition to this is a new Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme, which will make up to €500 million in low-cost investment loans of up to 10 years available to SMEs, with no collateral required for loans up to €500,000. A minimum of 30% of the lending volume will be targeted towards Environmental Sustainability purposes.
The reduced rate of VAT on gas and electricity from 13.5% to 9% has been extended until the 28th February 2023.
The Government are also raising awareness around energy efficiency, helping businesses reduce the amount of energy they use in the first place and improving take-up of the approximately 20 existing schemes that we already have in place for business to help them reduce their energy costs. These include the Green4Micro programme: www.localenterprise.ie/Green/Green-for-Micro.html and the Climate Toolkit for Business: www.climatetoolkit4business.gov.ie/.
Additionally, small businesses can currently receive an energy audit voucher from SEAI to get professional advice on how to increase efficiency and reduce their costs. Specific guidance to retailers about the current government schemes and supports in relation to energy costs and sustainability can be found on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s website https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/energy-and-sustainability-government-schemes-and-resources-for-retailers.html.
I chair the Retail Forum of which Musgrave Group are members. The last meeting of the Retail Forum was held on the 5 October and Energy and Sustainability was a key agenda item. Under that item attendees heard from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on the supports they have available for retailers. The agenda, driven by Forum Members, will continue to address issues impacting on the sector.
The Government will keep the energy situation under constant review and will continue to examine what measures are possible to manage the impact of rising energy prices.
In relation to introducing new rights for employees or strengthening existing provisions in the law, we have taken care to ensure that the measures are proportionate and balanced by reasonable defences for employers, recognising the challenges faced by employers in running their business.
From next year there will be a new permanent public holiday established in celebration of Imbolc/St. Brigid’s day. The new public holiday will bring the number of public holidays in Ireland to 10. The number of public holidays in other member states varies from 8 to 15 days. The Social Partners were consulted before a decision was made.
This Government committed to introducing a statutory sick pay scheme. The pandemic exposed the precarious position of many workers, especially in the private sector and in lower-paid roles, when it comes to missing work due to illness.
Any move to introduce a statutory sick pay scheme has been balanced with the need to support the viability of the business and enterprise sector, thereby protecting jobs. This Department undertook a full public consultation, reviewed international best practice, and formed an interdepartmental group – to ensure that all views and issues were properly considered in the development of the scheme. There has also been extensive consultation with employers and unions on these measures, and the scheme is comparable with those in other advanced EU economies.
159. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of data centre projects in which IDA Ireland have invested over the past ten years; and the volume of funding in tabular form. [53191/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies in which IDA Ireland has invested over the past ten years that have data centres in the State; and the volume of funding for same in tabular form. [53192/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.
IDA Ireland supports and facilitates companies to expand and establish in Ireland. Any company investing in Ireland, with an FDI mandate, may receive financial support within the EU State Aid guidelines. In view of the capital intensity of data centres, and their location to date in the greater Dublin area, IDA Ireland has not provided grant aid towards the construction or employment activities of data centres.
In reference to the Deputy's second question, it is not always disclosed to IDA when a cloud or software company has data centre assets in Ireland when this is done through a third party or co-location provider, due to a number of factors, including the absence of IDA grant aid for those data centre services.
Some of IDA’s largest technology clients have a broad range of activities in Ireland, including R&D, engineering, digital sales, administration, customer experience and data hosting. As part of IDA’s strategy, it continuously seeks to support the development of additional activities and skills through grant supports, which contributes to, and deepens the client companies' investment impact in Ireland.
Data centres are an important part of the modern global economy and support the growing digital and data-based characteristics of many businesses, including manufacturing, global business services, retail and financial services. Data centres are a key infrastructure component of the country’s FDI technology sector, a sector that currently employs over 100,000 in high quality jobs.
This summer my Department published a revised policy statement on data centres. We must ensure that the decarbonisation and digitalisation of Ireland's economy and society are complementary and in harmony with environmental policy. The 'Government Statement on the role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' sets out how we intend to do that.
