Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will detail the most recent data on the level of Enterprise Ireland supported jobs by county in tabular form; and the number of additional jobs created in each county since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60287/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraJob creation and regional development are a priority of this Government. The latest job figures show employment increased across all economic sectors for Enterprise Ireland supported companies. In total, 20,342 new jobs were created in 2021 by companies assisted by EI. Total employment by companies assisted by Enterprise Ireland in 2021 was 207,894.
The methodology for collecting such employment data is based on an annual survey of Enterprise Ireland's portfolio of clients. Accordingly, it is not possible to give employment gains from a specific date, in this instance 27 June 2020, rather it is only possible to give employment gains from the year ended 2020 and 2021. In January 2023 EI will publish its latest employment survey results. This data will outline jobs created in 2022 and total employment per county for the year ended 2022.
The 2020 and 2021 job figures per county and the gross number of jobs created in 2020 and 2021 per county are outlined in the tables below.
|
County |
2020 Total Job Gains |
2021 Total Job Gains |
2020 Total Employment |
2021 Total Employment |
|
Carlow |
319 |
524 |
3,171 |
3,500 |
|
Cavan |
280 |
338 |
6,045 |
6,506 |
|
Clare |
493 |
545 |
4,372 |
4,286 |
|
Cork |
2,309 |
2,344 |
25,706 |
24,962 |
|
Donegal |
261 |
370 |
4,148 |
4,209 |
|
Dublin |
6,216 |
6,547 |
77,352 |
66,704 |
|
Galway |
555 |
1,056 |
8,369 |
8,122 |
|
Kerry |
206 |
434 |
4,697 |
4,598 |
|
Kildare |
372 |
507 |
9,154 |
9,098 |
|
Kilkenny |
255 |
588 |
4,784 |
4,960 |
|
Laois |
201 |
198 |
1,849 |
1,886 |
|
Leitrim |
23 |
87 |
585 |
622 |
|
Limerick |
890 |
975 |
9,774 |
9,141 |
|
Longford |
190 |
129 |
2,959 |
2,262 |
|
Louth |
459 |
745 |
6,372 |
6,521 |
|
Mayo |
247 |
502 |
4,888 |
4,862 |
|
Meath |
532 |
739 |
7,845 |
7,510 |
|
Monaghan |
244 |
548 |
5,548 |
5,579 |
|
Offaly |
176 |
350 |
4,172 |
4,249 |
|
Roscommon |
81 |
154 |
1,754 |
1,684 |
|
Sligo |
116 |
371 |
1,992 |
1,966 |
|
Tipperary |
638 |
753 |
6,556 |
6,287 |
|
Waterford |
807 |
647 |
6,208 |
6,519 |
|
Westmeath |
185 |
261 |
3,296 |
3,019 |
|
Wexford |
232 |
355 |
5,114 |
5,024 |
|
Wicklow |
209 |
275 |
3,903 |
3,818 |
|
Grand Total |
16,496 |
20,342 |
220,613 |
207,894* |
*In line with Enterprise Ireland’s new strategy, a revision of the population of companies included in the Annual Employment Survey was undertaken, including companies recently acquired or those whose strategy or need to engage with Enterprise Ireland had changed. As a result, the changes to the baseline survey population reduced the total employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies and is reflected in the tables above.
82. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of the number of persons employed in all bodies/agencies under his remit, including the number of persons who have full or part- time permanent contracts; the number of persons on temporary contracts; and the number of persons who have had their contracts terminated. [60366/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is listed below in tabular form. The data in relation to the number of persons who have had their contracts terminated is effective from 1 January 2019 as clarified with the Deputy's Office.
|
Agency |
Total number of persons employed |
Number of Full-Time persons |
Number of Part time persons |
Number of persons on Temporary Contracts |
Number of persons who have had their contracts terminated since 1 January 2019. |
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) |
145 |
141 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
|
Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) |
39 |
34 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
761 |
719 |
42 |
130 |
6 |
|
Health and Safety Authority (HSA) |
234 |
234 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) |
29 |
26 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
IDA Ireland |
360 |
315 |
45 |
28 |
0 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
195 |
189 |
6 |
8 |
0 |
|
Personal Injury Assessment Board (PIAB) |
74 |
74 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
InterTrade Ireland |
51 |
37 |
14 |
7 |
2 |
83. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide the unemployment figures for County Clare including a comparison with the figures nationally; the actions he will take to further create jobs in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Statistics Office's Labour Force Survey is the official source of unemployment estimates in the State. Due to the methodology of the survey, unemployment rates are not available for individual counties. The Q3 employment rate for the Mid-West region, comprising counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, was 4.5%. This aligns with the national unemployment rate for the same period, which was also 4.5%.
The Minister for Social Protection has informed me that the Live Register figures for County Clare were 4,957 in the week ending 13th November. The national Live Register figures for that week were 181,994.
My department is working in collaboration with our enterprise agencies to grow and sustain employment in all regions of the country, including County Clare and the wider Mid-West region. The Department is overseeing implementation of nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs), including for the Mid-West. Each REP is developed by regional stakeholders and focuses on undertaking collaborative initiatives that can help strengthen the regional enterprise ecosystem to realise enterprise growth and job creation. We have secured up to €145m in regional enterprise funding over the coming years from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to drive implementation of the Regional Enterprise Plans.
Clare has witnessed an 11% increase in employment in overseas companies since 2012. Over 680 net new jobs were added to the county's Foreign Direct Investment portfolio during this period. There are now 6,924 people employed across 71 multinational companies in Clare. Recent investments of scale have been in the Technology, Med Tech, Pharma and Financial Services sectors, with announcements from companies like Beckman Coulter, Edwards Lifesciences, Exida and Element Six.
Clare benefits from direct and indirect employment generated by IDA Ireland client companies located in bordering counties, with over 150 IDA Ireland client companies in the Mid-West Region. Over the past five years employment among IDA Ireland clients increased by 27%, rising to 25,270. IDA Ireland is targeting 76 investments for the Mid-West Region in the period 2021-2024.
IDA Ireland engages with Clare County Council, Shannon Commercial Properties and other property owners and stakeholders on their development plans, and markets sites and property solutions across the Mid-West region through its extensive overseas network.
Enterprise Ireland's Powering the Regions plan was developed in response to recent Government regional initiatives. It provides an overarching national plan underpinned by nine regional plans, to grow and sustain jobs, and to expand the reach of the Enterprise Ireland client base in every county and region in Ireland. The plan proposes six new national initiatives which will drive enhanced productivity and resilience, new entrepreneurship, develop urban centres of growth, support the expansion of scaling companies into the regions and attract foreign direct investment in the food sector. The plan sets out a number of initiatives in the Mid-West region including the following in Clare:
- Support the development of the Clare Maritime Economic Zone on the Shannon Estuary to deliver training, research and a testbed for the maritime and cruise-liner sector.
- Develop Shannon’s Emerald Aviation Cluster to capitalise on global opportunities in aircraft manufacturing. Increase the market share for global sub-supply in aircraft manufacturing.
As of 2021, Enterprise Ireland supported 94 individual companies in Clare, with total employment of 4,286. 545 gross new jobs were created in Enterprise Ireland assisted companies in Clare in 2021 and there have been some significant jobs announcements in the county recently:
- Vitalograph, an EI client, which produces respiratory diagnostic devices, has announced significant investments for Clare and Limerick. It will see the company expand by opening a new site in Limerick city centre and at Clare Technology Park, which will see it take on an extra 200 employees.
- Shannon Technical Services announced 80 jobs to be created by the end of 2023.
- Future Mobility Campus Ireland launched and opened their new hub in Shannon in 2022. This ERDF project is creating and delivering future mobility testbed facilities for stimulating research, development and innovation in the area of Autonomous Connected Electric Shared Vehicles in Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Offices are a ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and training to those wishing to start or grow their own business and act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector. They promote entrepreneurship, foster business start-ups, and develop existing micro and small businesses to drive job creation and to provide accessible high-quality supports for entrepreneurs. In 2021, LEO Clare supported 230 businesses in employing 1,330 people, this represents a net increase of 153 jobs on the previous year.
84. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide the list of existing strategies that fall under his Department; the status of implementation of each strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60482/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department leads on advising and implementing the government’s policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which enables employment creation and sustainability. Our current strategies, and a short status update on each, are set out below:
National strategies
The Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026 ‘Value for Ireland, Values for the World’ was approved by Government in March. A Trade and Investment Council has been convened to drive implementation of the seven priority actions of the strategy. Progress under specific actions incudes the completion of preparatory work on optimising Ireland’s position within Global Value Chains, completion of a survey of public attitudes to trade, and the preparation of a draft report on a review of Local Market Teams.
National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2022-2027 (S3): The national implementation group for S3 will have its first meeting on 15 December 2022.
The National AI Strategy, AI – Here for Good, was launched in July 2021. Significant progress is being made on implementation. Ireland joined the Global Partnership on AI in November 2021, an international initiative to promote responsible AI use. We have convened a Working Group on Trustworthy AI to agree principles for the deployment of ethical AI in the public sector. In May, Dr. Patricia Scanlon was appointed as Ireland’s first AI Ambassador. We have established the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum to drive the uptake of digital technologies, including AI, by enterprises across Ireland. Implementation of the strategy is also being informed by developments taking place internationally, for example, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act Regulation which is currently being negotiated at EU Level.
Making Remote Work, the National Remote Work Strategy, was launched in January 2021. There has been significant progress in implementing the Strategy. An interdepartmental group has been convened to coordinate remote working policy across Government. Significant actions delivered include the publication of draft legislation establishing the right to request remote working, the launch and expansion of the National Hub Network and ConnectedHubs.ie platform, significant investment in Ireland’s hub and broadband infrastructure and the provision of remote work guidance to facilitate the safe and effective uptake of remote and hybrid working arrangements.
Ireland's Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025 is focused on enhancing the adoption of digital technologies in the manufacturing sector. A range of implementing actions have been taken by the enterprise agencies, and by DFHERIS and its agencies. This includes providing companies with access to skills development, financial support mechanisms, digital assessment and technology road mapping services.
National Space Strategy for Enterprise 2019-2025: Ireland’s first National Space Strategy for Enterprise was published in 2019. Good progress is being made under the five pillars of the strategy. Highlights include the holding of three All-Ireland Space Industry events; terms of the UN Outer Space Treaty and Liability Convention being approved by Dáil Éireann and an exchange of Letters with the European Space Agency to facilitate the launch of Ireland’s first satellite EIRSAT-1 in 2023. In addition, the number of Irish based companies engaged with ESA has increased by 39% since the publication of the Strategy and industry co-investment also increased in recent years from €3.3m in 2020 to €4.7m in 2021.
National Enterprise Strategy: Enterprise 2025 was reviewed in 2017 leading to the publication of Enterprise 2025 Renewed (2018) with targets to 2020, many of which have now been met or surpassed. Enterprise 2025 Renewed was subsequently superseded by Future Jobs Ireland 2019 and the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan, 2021, led by Dept. Taoiseach. The forthcoming White Paper on Enterprise and subsequent implementation mechanisms will set out Ireland’s enterprise policy approach to 2030.
The Government launched the National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework, in February. While this strategy falls under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, my Department is responsible for the Enterprise pillar of the Strategy. Ireland continues to perform strongly on the Digital Economy and Society Index, and has this year maintained its position at fifth in the rankings of 27 EU Member States. In particular, we perform well in the adoption of digital technologies by enterprise, and the Index lists 64% of Irish SMEs as having at least a basic level of digital intensity. The target under the National Digital Strategy is to bring that number to 90% by 2030. We are determined to continue to drive progress across this and our other targets.
Corporate strategies
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Statement of Strategy 2021-2023: The Statement of Strategy sets out my Department’s strategic plan to implement our Programme for Government commitments. The strategy has been the framework for initiatives delivered by my Department since 2021, including supporting businesses impacted by the COVID crisis and the Ukraine crisis through a range of advisory services, grants and loan schemes; delivering a number of important enhancements to workers’ rights; enhancements to the business regulatory environment; advancing the green transition in enterprise; and deepening and extending Ireland’s global business and trade.
DETE People Strategy 2021-2024: Progress is being made under each of three goals of the strategy. Highlights include launching our Blended Working Policy, refreshing our approach to Strategic Workforce Planning and appointing a dedicated Innovation Officer to put new ideas from staff into practice
Department’s internal ICT Strategy 2020 – 2025 : Good progress is being made against the actions in the strategy. While much work is still to be done, of 59 actions in the strategy, 9 are completed, 5 partially complete, 19 commenced, 21 ongoing, 3 not started and 1 currently stalled (but options to address this are being explored). The strategy is a dynamic document, and a mid-point review is currently in progress.
85. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of Ireland’s Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60483/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGood progress is being made on the implementation of Ireland's Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025. The key focus of the Strategy is to enhance the adoption and the deployment of digital technologies to the manufacturing sector through access to funding and supports provided by the enterprise agencies under my Department as well as through access to technical resources from the network of state-funded RD&I and technology centres.
Future Manufacturing Ireland (FMI) was established in June 2021 in my Department as a key mechanism to enable the coordination and alignment of resources which serve the manufacturing sector. A range of new initiatives by my Department's enterprise agencies IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are underway to promote the uptake and adoption of digital technologies and workforce development amongst the manufacturing.
We are also working closely with colleagues in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and with Science Foundation Ireland, Solas and the Education and Training Boards. These initiatives include increased access to skills development, technology demonstrators, financial support mechanisms, digital assessment and technology road mapping services, the development of standards and the building of all-island and international collaborative relationships.
Delivery of the action items in the Strategy are ongoing and we are providing additional resources to enable firms of all sizes and capacity to embrace and adopt Industry 4.0 practices and to maintain the resilience of the manufacturing sector in our economy.
86. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of the National AI Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60486/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National AI Strategy, AI – Here for Good, was launched in July 2021 and sets out how Ireland can be an international leader in the use of artificial intelligence to benefit our economy and society, through a people-centred, ethical approach to its development, adoption and use. Significant progress is being made on the implementation of the Strategy.
In line with the Strategy, Ireland joined the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) in November 2021. The GPAI is an international initiative to promote responsible AI use that respects human rights and democratic values, and membership is a specific goal of Strand Two of the Strategy (A Governance Ecosystem that Promotes Trustworthy AI).
The Strategy also calls for a robust governance framework to safeguard against risk and to underpin public trust in AI. To that end, my Department has convened a Working Group on Trustworthy AI Principles and Guidelines. This group brings together experts in the area of artificial intelligence and representatives of Government Departments, with a view to agreeing an accessible set of principles and parameters for the deployment of trustworthy and ethical AI in the public sector.
In May of this year, Dr. Patricia Scanlon was appointed Ireland’s first AI Ambassador. The role of the AI Ambassador includes promoting awareness among the public and businesses of the potential offered by AI, serving as a champion of AI as a positive force for the economy and society, and emphasising an ethical approach.
In the same month, the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum (EDAF) was established to support Government in driving the uptake of digital technologies, including AI, by enterprises across Ireland. This forum brings together representatives of indigenous enterprises, multi-national enterprises, and experts in digital technologies and their adoption by business. Meetings of the forum so far have focused on the topics of the Skills needs for the tech sector and digitalisation of enterprise generally, and on AI in Ireland.
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published its report on "AI Skills: A Preliminary Assessment of the Skills Needed for the Deployment, Management and Regulation of Artificial Intelligence" in June of this year. The report sets out the skills needs not only for tech workers, but for citizens more broadly in response to the changes that AI will bring.
In October, my Department convened a National Youth Assembly on AI, in co-operation with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, to gather the views of young people in relation to AI and its implementation in Ireland. Work is under way on the development of a report on the issues and opportunities identified by youth delegates at the assembly and it is expected that this report will be presented to both Departments and published in the coming months. Recommendations from the assembly will be considered in light of the evolving policy direction of AI and its impact across a number of areas of Government.
The Strategy also highlights the role to be played by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) in the publication of a Standards and Assurance Roadmap for AI. The NSAI is working to finalise this roadmap in the near future.
Another action identified in the Strategy is the launch of a National AI Hub as part of Ireland’s planned programme of European Digital Innovation Hubs. CeADAR, the EI/IDA Technology Centre for Applied Data Analytics and Machine Intelligence will perform this role following an open designation process. The National AI Innovation Hub will provide expertise and guidance to enterprises on their AI adoption journey. Work on the EDIH programme is under way and it is expected that they will launch in the coming months.
The implementation of the National AI Strategy is also being informed and guided by developments taking place on the international stage. For example, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act Regulation (AIA) is being negotiated at European Level. Ireland is fully engaged in the negotiations on the AIA, which sets out harmonised rules for the development, placement on the market and use of AI systems in the Union. The AIA follows a proportionate, risk-based approach, where certain particularly harmful AI practices are prohibited, while specific restrictions and safeguards are proposed in relation to high-risk AI systems in areas such as employment, the use of biometrics, law enforcement, etc.
I am also aware that work on the implementation of the National AI Strategy is ongoing beyond my Department, both in other Government Departments and their agencies. A full report on progress across Government is under preparation.
87. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of the National Digital Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60487/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government launched the National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework, in February of this year. Much progress has been made on implementation, and a full progress report, covering achievements across all four dimensions of the strategy, will be published this month.
My Department is responsible for the Enterprise pillar of the Strategy, which deals specifically with the digitalisation of business in Ireland and I am pleased to acknowledge the significant achievements made to date in the implementation of this dimension of the Strategy.
In May of this year, I appointed a new Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum, to support and advise Government in driving the uptake of digital technologies by businesses across Ireland. The forum, which meets quarterly, brings together representatives of indigenous enterprises, multi-national enterprises, and experts in digital technologies and their adoption by business.
I also appointed Dr. Patricia Scanlon as Ireland’s first AI Ambassador. As AI Ambassador, Dr. Scanlon’s role includes promoting awareness among the public and businesses of the potential offered by AI, serving as a champion of AI as a positive force for the economy and society, and emphasising an ethical approach. The AI Ambassador also sits on the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum.
In June of this year, the €85m Digital Transition Fund (DTF) was launched. The fund is in place to help businesses at all stages of their digital journey, from going online to facilitating exporting and using digital technologies to reach new markets and to improve their productivity and competitiveness. Under Budget 2023, €16m will be made available under the DTF.
In July, Government published a revised Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy, noting the need for complementarity in the digitalisation and decarbonisation of our economy and society. The Statement sets out the role of data centres as core infrastructure for digitalisation, and notes the need for the National Digital Strategy and the Climate Action Plan to operate in tandem, underpinned by a wider sustainable energy ecosystem.
In November, my Department organised the Digital Ireland Conference, an event that demonstrated Ireland’s ambition to continue to be a digital leader at the heart of European and global digital developments. It also demonstrated the Government’s commitment to enhance the coherence of digital and regulatory structures, and to drive greater clarity, coherence and cooperation in digital in Ireland.
There has been strong progress across our digital regulatory workstream includes the Government’s decision to designate our new Media Commission, Coimisiún na Meán, as Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, under the Digital Services Act, and work is ongoing to give operational and legislative effect to that decision.
Ireland continues to perform strongly on the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), and has this year maintained its position at fifth in the rankings of 27 EU Member States. In particular, we perform well in the adoption of digital technologies by enterprise, and the Index lists 64% of Irish SMEs as having at least a basic level of digital intensity. The target under the National Digital Strategy is to bring that number to 90% by 2030. We are determined to continue to drive progress across this and our other targets.
88. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of the National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2022-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60489/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2022-2027 (S3) was launched on 11 July 2022. As the Deputy is aware, Smart Specialisation is an innovation policy concept developed by the European Commission to boost regional innovation, contributing to growth and prosperity by helping and enabling regions to focus on their strengths. This will promote broader benefits, including innovation-driven growth in regions and the promotion of sustainable growth models.
Ireland’s S3 embraces a regional approach to addressing Ireland’s Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) challenges. It provides a bridge between regional and national innovation strategy building and decision making, bringing coherence to RD&I planning for the benefit of enterprise and advancing the RD&I agenda regionally and nationally.
The preparation of Ireland’s S3 2022-2027, through extensive stakeholder engagement at regional, national and European level, identified regional economic and research strengths, along with emerging areas of opportunity, such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, agrifood and the growing renewable energy sector. Accordingly, the Strategy is focused on areas including digitalisation and digital transformation, green transformation for enterprise and international collaboration on research, development and innovation.
The Department is establishing and will chair a National Implementation Group (IG) for S3, with representation from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, along with the three Regional Assemblies. It will have overall responsibility for the delivery of S3 national and regional strategic priorities by bringing together relevant policy leads, as well as related agencies and bodies directly involved in its implementation. It will also be responsible for ensuring coherence and promotion of S3 principles across the whole of government. The group will have its first meeting on 15 December 2022 to discuss these and other issues which may arise.
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supports regions in promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion in line with key EU priorities and works in concert with Smart Specialisation. The publication of the national Smart Specialisation Strategy was an enabling condition for Ireland to secure ERDF funding under Objective 1, A Smarter Europe, of the ERDF 2022-2027. On the 18th of November 2022, the EU Commission adopted the two ERDF Programmes for Ireland confirming a regional investment strategy of €853 million, of which €396 million is financed by the EU. Funding from the ERDF will support implementation of S3 and is targeted at regional innovation ecosystem strengthening initiatives including strengthening the ability of the technological universities to help with research and technology transfers between SMEs and higher education institutions, as well as towards clustering and smart hubs for entrepreneurial research and innovation.
89. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of the National Space Strategy for Enterprise 2019-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60490/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department published Ireland’s first National Space Strategy for Enterprise in 2019. The vision of the strategy is for Ireland to develop an economically sustainable and expanding space-active industry, delivering quality jobs for the economy of tomorrow.
The Strategy is built on the 5 pillars of: investment; strengths and opportunities; governance; attract and develop talent and international engagement. Since the launch of the Strategy significant progress has been made on these pillars.
The number of Irish based companies engaged with the European Space Agency (ESA) has increased by 39% since the publication of the Strategy and has grown from 87 in 2020 to 97 to date. Irish based companies engaging with ESA support programmes also increased; in 2021 16 start-up companies secured ESA contracts, 6 of which have previously worked with the ESA Business Incubation Centres in Ireland. Industry co-investment also increased in recent years from €3.3m in 2020 to €4.7m in 2021.
There have also been three All-Ireland Space Industry events held, the most recent in May of this year which focused on promoting opportunities for industry, particularly SMEs in Ireland and Northern Ireland active in the downstream Space market. In October, my officials also led an Irish delegation, which included 10 Enterprise Ireland supported companies, on a visit to ESRIN – the ESA’s Centre for Earth Observation.
The terms of the UN Outer Space Treaty and Liability Convention were also approved by Dáil Éireann this year, ensuring that Ireland now has a supportive framework in place for any future launches of space objects for commercialisation or educational purposes. The Government also entered an Exchange of Letters with the ESA to facilitate the launch of Ireland’s first satellite EIRSAT-1, which is designed and built by UCD, in early 2023.
These developments demonstrate the significant progress that has been made by this Government to implement the National Space Strategy for Enterprise. We are supporting the growth of a strong and economically sustainable space active industry and research base in Ireland offering innovative solutions to the space sector and other downstream markets. The involvement of 2 Irish based companies and researchers at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies in the historic launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, also validates our world-class scientific and technical capabilities in the Space Sector.
90. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of the Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60491/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe goals of the Government’s Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland, Values for the World, are to see Ireland grow sustainably, diversify export markets and provide for Ireland’s continued economic wellbeing. The strategy addresses not only trade and investment issues but also related issues such as climate action, sustainable development, equality and human rights, through setting out a principled and holistic approach to trade policy.
Implementation of the strategy is coordinated by my Department and overseen by a Senior Officials Group and the Trade & Investment Council which I co-chair with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Progress is well underway on implementing each of the priorities identified in the strategy.
A review aimed at refreshing the Local Market Teams, comprised of embassy and agency teams around the world, is nearing completion. This will form the basis for our continuing trade promotion activities internationally.
Preparatory economic analysis is now being completed for the establishment of an Expert Group on Global Value Chains and Supply Chains to identify global supply chain opportunities and threats. This important workstream is of direct relevance to the new White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030. In similar vein, Ireland's broader economic 'ecosystem' is being kept under review by the Trade & Investment Council with a view to maintaining and enhancing our competitiveness on this front.
At the end of October my Department collaborated with the Department of Foreign Affairs in organising a conference on Ireland and the Single Market, as part of a wider series of events and initiatives to mark and celebrate 50 years of Ireland's membership of the European Union. In 2023 my Department and agencies will be organising further events to highlight, to both domestic and international audiences, Ireland's role as a globally-trading nation including the benefits of EU free trade agreements.
Planning is now underway for an inaugural Trade Mission Week in 2023, which will build on our annual programme of trade missions by focussing the expertise of the trade promotion agencies and Government Departments on a single strategic geographic area. There are logistical and strategic factors to be taken into account, and Trade & Investment Council will provide guidance and direction on how best to make a success of this initiative in the year ahead.
Underpinning all of this is a strategy to communicate the benefits of international trade and investment for Ireland.
91. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of the National Remote Work Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60492/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published the National Remote Work Strategy on January 15th, 2021. The Strategy identified 15 actions to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature in the Irish workplace in a way that maximises its economic, social and environmental benefits.
My Department led the development and implementation of the Strategy’s actions through the Remote Work Interdepartmental Group (IDG) during 2021 and 2022. The IDG will continue to meet in 2023 to share information and coordinate remote working policy across Government.
There has been significant progress in implementing the actions outlined in the Strategy which will facilitate remote working for employers and employees both now and into the future. Key achievements include:
- Government agreement to integrate the right to request remote Work into the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill in November 2022 as the most efficient and practical way to introduce this right for all workers.
Integrating the Right to Request Remote Work with the Work Life Balance Bill means that employers and employees will be making and considering requests for flexible or remote working under one piece of legislation and one Code of Practice which will be developed by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), streamlining the process. Publication of the amended Work-Life Balance Bill will take place in December 2022, and it is the intention that the Bill will then be progressed through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.
- The publication of the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect in April 2021 by the Workplace Relations Commission.
- The announcement of an enhanced income tax deduction for people working from home in Budget 2022 amounting to 30 percent of the cost of vouched expenses for heat, electricity and broadband.
- The launch of the National Hub Network and the ConnectedHubs.ie platform by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and Western Development Commission in May 2021. 295 hubs have been onboarded onto the platform to date, with this number increasing on an ongoing basis. The ConnectedHubs.ie platform will ultimately link over 400 hubs throughout the country.
- Significant Government investment to underpin the development of the National Hub Network. To date, a total of approximately €100m in funding has been provided through funding streams managed by the DRCD and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) to develop Ireland’s hub and remote working infrastructure to ensure that communities across the country are in a position to benefit from the opportunities presented by increased remote working.
- This investment includes €76 million in funding for projects under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), many of which involved the regeneration of historic town centre buildings as enterprise centres and co-working hubs. In June 2022, €5m was allocated to 81 hub projects across the country through the Connected Hubs Fund. This follows the awarding of almost €9m in funding to 117 projects via the 2021 Connected Hubs Call.
- The launch of the Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme which gives remote workers free use of their local digital hub. At least 10,000 hot desk spaces will be provided in total through the Scheme. Phase One was launched in June 2022, with Phase Two taking place between September and December.
- My Department has, together with the DRCD, started drafting a National Hub Strategy 2023-2023 which will bring together various national policies and schemes into a single coherent whole. The Strategy will focus on identifying opportunities to leverage the National Hub Network as an enabler of enterprise, employment, sustainable and resilient communities and as a contributor to achieving to Ireland’s climate action goals. It is expected that this strategy will be launched in the latter part of 2023.
- The launch of Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 by my Department in spring 2022. The plans include a strong focus on promoting remote working opportunities and investing in infrastructures across the nine regions.
- While National Broadband Plan was impacted negatively by COVID-19, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications is continuing to engage with National Broadband Ireland to address the delays that have arisen. As a result of actions taken by NBI, the project has been building momentum and month.
- The publication of the Civil Service Blended Working Policy Framework by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on March 31st, 2022. The framework is helping to deliver the Programme for Government commitment to move to 20% remote/home working across the sector.
- Ongoing remote work promotion and guidance including advice for employers and employees on best practice, health and safety, equality and skills by a range of agencies including the Health and Safety Authority, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Western Development Commission, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Skillnet Ireland and local Education and Training Boards.
- My Department is continuing to develop and promote its Guidance for Working Remotely webpage. This webpage acts as a central access point for employers and employees and brings together the existing State guidance, legislation and advice on remote work into one place. The webpage is a live resource and is updated regularly. The webpage includes an Employer Checklist to provide employers with a quick way to successfully navigate the adoption of remote working arrangements.
- The publication of an Irish Government Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGGES) paper in May 2022 which found that remote working is likely to have a positive impact on Ireland’s economy and society. The paper, “An Evaluation of the Impacts of Remote Working”, examined the impact of remote working on several key policy areas, finding positive effects on productivity, the environment, regional development, private finances, and labour market participation.
92. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of the Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60493/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation is a key policy priority of mine and this Government.
My Department launched nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 earlier this year.
The REPs are ‘bottom-up’ plans, developed by regional stakeholders and focus on undertaking collaborative initiatives that can help strengthen the regional enterprise ecosystem thereby realising enterprise growth in each of the nine regions across Ireland.
Each REP contains a number agreed Strategic Objectives and actions for delivery by the end of 2024.
At regional level, each Plan is overseen and monitored by a Regional Steering Committee made up of regional stakeholders and chaired by a senior level private sector businessperson.
Since publication and launch, Steering Committees have been meeting and working groups are being agreed to drive implementation of actions or groups of actions.
My Department is responsible for monitoring implementation at the national level. Along with Minister of State Calleary, I chair the REP National Oversight Group (NOG) which is made up of the Chairs of each REP as well as representatives from the Enterprise Agencies, Head of the Local Enterprise Office network the LGMA, and representatives from relevant enterprise focused offices.
The NOG met in October and implementation was considered to be progressing well. Department officials are meeting with each region’s Chair and Programme Manger on a one-to-one basis throughout the month of December.
The Chair of the Steering Committees will submit two Progress Reports to the Department over the lifetime of the plans. The first progress report is expected for mid-year 2023 documenting implementation progress to end of Q2 2023; and a final progress report documenting implementation overall expected at end of 2024.
In addition, I can advise the Deputy that my Department has secured up to €145m in regional enterprise funding over the coming years from the European Regional Development Fund to drive implementation of the Regional Enterprise Plans. I am keen to get this funding out to the regions as soon as possible and I have asked my officials to work with Enterprise Ireland on launching the first call of funding under the ERDF early next year.
93. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of his Department's People Strategy 2021-2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60494/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's People Strategy 2021-2024 sets out the following three high-level goals:
- For DETE to be an ‘Employer of Choice’
- To develop a resilient workforce
- To build a supportive and inclusive workplace
Progress made under each of these goals is set out below.
Employer of Choice
The HR Unit of my Department has implemented a range of initiatives to further enhance career progression pathways and to communicate career opportunities both within the Department, the wider Civil Service and at EU and International level. The Department is committed to increasing Irish representation in the European Union’s Institutions through the Department of Foreign Affair’s ‘A Career for EU’ Strategy, increasing our number of seconded national experts (SNE) to five at end November 2022, with a further one SNE due to be posted in January 2023.
The Department launched its Blended Working Policy on 30 June 2022 which is informed by the Civil Service Blended Working Framework. Applications for blended working commenced in September 2022 following a series of information roadshows and to date 82% of staff have applied for a blended working arrangement. These applications are currently being processed.
My Department has a dedicated Innovation Officer who provides support to an internal committee Innovate@ETE, which is overseen by a steering group and chaired by the Secretary General. Staff are encouraged to submit ideas for consideration and there are a number of sub-groups focused on putting ideas into practice. My Department has submitted four applications as part of our engagement with the Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards 2022. Following a shortlisting process, winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin Castle, next March 2023.
As part of Innovation Week, commencing October 23rd, the DETE iLabs were launched. The aim of iLabs is to embed 'design thinking' further into the work of the Department, in line with the overarching document: ‘Design Principles for Government in Ireland – Designing our Public Services’, which was launched in October this year.
Resilient Workforce
Strategic Workforce Planning (SWFP) is an important initiative to ensure that the Department has the right people, in the right place, with the right skills at the right time. The HR Unit of my Department has recently concluded SWFP engagements with senior leaders and is currently analysing the data before presenting its findings to the Management Board in early 2023. In line with the People Strategy, the HR Unit has refreshed its approach to SWFP enabling additional formal consultation in line with the business plan process and ongoing informal consultation through the Department’s HR Business Partnering initiative.
The Department secured its own recruitment licence to ensure that for specific posts, it can recruit the required talent with the right skills.
Supportive and inclusive workplace
Currently, a consultation with all staff is underway on the Department’s Strategy Statement on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (E,D&I). The consultation closes on 6th December and in the preceding weeks the HR Unit has presented to the Disability Consultancy Committee, the departmental network ‘Pride in Enterprise’, and consulted with the Unions through Departmental Council. Views and perspectives from these consultations will inform the final Policy Statement on E, D&I and our E, D&I Strategy which will be launched in 2023. The Department has been liaising closely with the Irish Centre for Diversity over the last year and will be applying shortly for ‘Investors in Diversity Bronze’ workplace award.
The Department, though its People Strategy, is committed to regular staff engagement and conducted most recently in September a Staff Pulse Survey on Blended Working with a second survey to issue in the new year. The data collected will inform the ongoing implementation of blended working across the Department and its Offices.
To support staff in a blended working environment, the HR Unit developed an action plan ‘ConnEcTEd Teams Action Plan’. The ‘ConnEcTEd Teams’ programme established behaviours that support effective remote/blended working for teams. The programme targets five key areas to ensure connectedness and trust, efficient information flows, coaching, remote collaboration and innovation, and supporting employee wellbeing. A working group was established to oversee implementation of the Action Plan and is supported by HR and led at Assistant Secretary level.
A valuable initiative, developed through ‘ConnEcTEd Teams’, was the establishment of a Peer-2-Peer Network enabling more experienced staff members and new entrants to meet on a monthly basis, supporting connectedness.
My Department developed an Action Plan in response to the results of the 2020 Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey, which was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) and progress updates on this Action Plan are provided to DPER as requested.
The DETE People Strategy and the goals and targets set out will continue to be implemented by the Department, its HR Unit, and its people over the remainder of its duration to end 2023.
94. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of his Department’s ICT Strategy 2020-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60495/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s current ICT Strategy was finalised and published in November 2020, with a vision for the Department “to be a leader among its peers through the consistent delivery of innovative digital and data solutions and services”. The strategy contains 59 actions in total, spread across a number of high-level objectives. Good progress has been made during the first two years of the strategy. Of 59 actions in the strategy, 9 are completed, 5 partially complete, 19 commenced, 21 ongoing, 3 not started and 1 currently stalled (but options to address this are being explored).
The strategy is not intended to be a static document, but is intended to be reviewed over the course of its life to ensure that it remains relevant to the changing needs of my Department. As the strategy has reached its mid-way point my Department has begun a process to review progress on the strategy and its implementation. This review will provide an opportunity to ensure that the strategy goals remain relevant. This review process may give rise to new areas of action, or identify some actions which are no longer as relevant.
95. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts that are being made to capture the job opportunities associated with the move to electric vehicles and in particular the specific opportunities associated with battery manufacture for these vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60636/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan 2021 and the Programme for Government set out ambitious targets for achieving decarbonisation of the transport sector. In recognition of this, my Department and its agencies have prioritised the opportunities that this move to electric vehicle presents.
In September of last year, my Department launched the Green Vehicle Loan for Small Public Service Vehicles. This enables owners of small public service vehicles to avail of a loan through Microfinance Ireland of up to €25,000 to help replace their vehicle with an electric or hybrid model.
In late 2021 the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs published their “Skills for Zero Carbon” report which identified the skills and infrastructure needed to support delivery of the Climate Action Plan as we approach 2030. That analysis concluded that a clear switch away from mechanical skills to working on high-voltage electric vehicles will occur over the next decade.
To complement this analysis, my Department’s agencies have responded accordingly. While the sector is in its infancy, a prominent Enterprise Ireland client company in the west of the country is developing battery technology for off-road vehicles. This company employs c. 120 people.
Additionally, IDA Ireland has developed a strategy to target the emerging EV market. IDA Ireland’s strategy for the engineering and green economy sectors actively targets opportunities in the electric vehicle market including automobiles, public transport vehicles, industrial vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and battery manufacturing. Battery science and manufacturing is an important component of this evolving sector and is deeply engrained in all aspects of the electric vehicle industry sector.
IDA Ireland also targets several subsectors in vehicle infrastructure and related technologies, including charging stations and infrastructure; component manufacturing; energy management systems; material science; software engineering; services; as well as associated research and development.
IDA Ireland seeks out opportunities that complement Ireland’s existing manufacturing portfolio which includes the skills and technical needs of this new and developing sector. To do so, the agency works closely with Science Foundation Ireland as well as Irish universities and research institutes to ensure that Ireland attracts and wins important investments that strengthen and enhance our existing manufacturing base and technological capabilities.
96. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current staffing levels at Enterprise Ireland’s overseas offices and where these staff are located in tabular form. [60655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current staffing levels at Enterprise Ireland’s international offices is as follows: -
|
Location |
Current Headcount |
|
Abu Dhabi |
1 |
|
Amsterdam |
5 |
|
Austin |
3 |
|
Beijing |
4 |
|
Boston |
5 |
|
Brussels |
5 |
|
Budapest |
1 |
|
Chicago |
2 |
|
Copenhagen |
3 |
|
Dubai |
7 |
|
Dusseldorf |
13 |
|
Hong Kong |
2 |
|
Johannesburg |
3 |
|
Kuala Lumpur |
1 |
|
London |
17 |
|
Lyon |
3 |
|
Madrid |
6 |
|
Manchester |
4 |
|
Milan |
7 |
|
Montreal |
1 |
|
Moscow |
1 |
|
Mumbai |
1 |
|
Munich |
1 |
|
New York |
8 |
|
Paris |
8 |
|
Prague |
4 |
|
Riyadh |
3 |
|
San Francisco |
3 |
|
Sao Paulo |
3 |
|
Seattle |
3 |
|
Seoul |
2 |
|
Shanghai |
3 |
|
Singapore |
8 |
|
Stockholm |
6 |
|
Sydney |
7 |
|
Tokyo |
4 |
|
Toronto |
4 |
|
Vietnam |
1 |
|
Warsaw |
6 |
|
Grand Total |
169 |
Notes:- The table above shows current staffing levels (headcount) at Enterprise Ireland’s international offices. The figures provided include expatriate staff, local hires and international graduates. Please note that these figures do not include sanctioned vacancies at various stages of the recruitment process.
97. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current staffing levels at IDA Ireland’s overseas offices and where these staff are located in tabular form. [60656/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA’s staffing levels at their overseas offices are shown in the table below.
|
Location |
Number of staff |
|
New York |
11 |
|
Boston |
3 |
|
Toronto |
2 |
|
Seattle |
1 |
|
Mountain View |
8 |
|
Irvine |
5 |
|
Raleigh Durham |
1 |
|
Austin |
2 |
|
Atlanta |
2 |
|
Chicago |
7 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
42 |
|
|
|
|
London |
6 |
|
Paris |
4 |
|
Frankfurt |
7 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
17 |
|
|
|
|
Sydney |
2 |
|
Tokyo |
5 |
|
India |
4 |
|
Singapore |
1 |
|
China |
7 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
19 |
The above figures are not inclusive of graduates who are placed in market for short periods of time as part of their development rotations.
The above also do not include ‘pathfinders’ who are placed in some markets on a part-time basis to assess market pipeline.
98. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a list of business support schemes funded by his Department; the amount of funding allocated for each scheme in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60657/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is currently being collated by my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is finalised.
99. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has been contacted or engaged by a company (details supplied) in respect of job losses at the company; if so, the nature of those discussions; and if he is satisfied that the company has complied with communication protocols in respect of redundancies. [60716/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 12 of the Protection of Employment Act 1977 provides that employers proposing a collective redundancy must notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of the proposed collective redundancy.
Information on collective redundancy notifications does not reflect the total number of actual redundancies that take place across the workforce. Collective redundancies arise where, during any period of 30 consecutive days, the employees being made redundant are:
- 5 employees where 21-49 are employed,
- 10 employees where 50-99 are employed,
- 10% of the employees where 100-299 are employed,
- 30 employees where 300 or more are employed.
Other redundancies outside of these parameters are not required to be notified to the Minister. Also, not all proposed redundancies result in actual redundancies, as employers negotiate with their workforce to restructure the business and find alternative solutions during the 30-day consultation period.
A collective redundancy notification in relation to potential redundancies at the company concerned has not been received.
100. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a list of the categories of public sector workers and civil servants under his Department whose contracts fall under the Croke Park Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60738/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Croke Park Agreement encompassed all civil and public servants under my Department. No distinction was made between categories of civil servants under the Agreement. The sectoral agreement in relation to the Civil Service and Non-Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies is attached for the Deputy’s information.
