Written Answers Nos. 36-55
36. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed by the officeholder of the day to State boards, authorities and other State-appointed bodies, after being recommended on draft lists submitted by the Public Appointments Service, in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9049/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn making appointments to State Boards under my remit as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, my Department operates in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards, published in November 2014.
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) has responsibility for managing an open, accessible and transparent system to support Ministers in making state board appointments and it is open to the public to apply for positions advertised on the stateboards.ie website.
Although the information requested by the Deputy may be available as part of the appointment process, under General Data Protection Regulation guidelines my Department does not have access to this information once the appointment has been made.
The names of all individuals serving on the State Boards under the remit of my Department are available on the State Boards website - www.stateboards.ie.
37. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of senior staff members of his Department or of State bodies under the aegis of his Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9067/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraStaff of the Department and State bodies under the aegis of the Department must comply with the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and 2001. Staff at Principal Officer level and above, other designated persons in the Department as well as staff of State Bodies must provide, on an annual basis, a disclosure of interests return for themselves, their spouse, civil partner, child or child of a spouse that could materially influence the officer in relation to their performance in their official duties. This includes details of any directorships or remunerated positions held as a political or public affairs lobbyist, consultant, or adviser. The returns relating to 2022 were submitted on or before 31 January 2023.
The Ethics return does not expressly mandate staff members to declare if a body they are a board member of is registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or is a body which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities and therefore it is not possible to provide a number as requested by the Deputy.
The Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) publishes guidelines on compliance with the Provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 for Public Servants. Officers are restricted in performing official duties where a material interest is involved.
Regarding the State bodies under my remit, the compliance with codes of practice and standards would be an operational matter for the bodies themselves.
In terms of awareness raising all new entrants to my Department at senior level are provided with a copy of the SIPO code and sign a declaration to say they have read and fully understood the requirements. The Department also notify staff resigning or retiring of their obligations if they are taking up an appointment in an outside body that may cause conflict within 12 months of departure.
The Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 is designed to provide information to the public about who is lobbying whom about what. The Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) has established an online register of lobbying at www.lobbying.ie. Section 6(4) of the Act requires each public body to publish a list of designated public officials of the body. The purpose of the list is twofold:
1.To allow members of the public to identify those persons who are designated public officials; and
2.As a resource for lobbyists filing a return to the SIPO Register who may need to source a designated public official’s details.
The list of designated public officials is on my Departments website: enterprise.gov.ie/ga/ce-muid-fein/eolas-corparaideach/designated-public-officials-lobbying-act-2015/d
38. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 13 December 2022, if he will provide a status update on his engagement at WTO and European Union level on the proposal to extend the 17 June 2022 decision of the WTO on the TRIPS agreement to cover Covid-19 therapeutics and diagnostic tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9089/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the Ministerial Conference in June 2022, the WTO TRIPS Council held discussions on whether to extend the ‘Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS Agreement’ to cover the production and supply of COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics. However, no consensus could be reached by WTO Member States by the mandated deadline of the 17th December 2022. Acting on a request from Member States, the WTO General Council decided to extend discussions on this matter into 2023. Discussions on this matter have not yet commenced but are expected to reconvene in Q1 of 2023.
As previously stated in response to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 13 December 2022, the EU is conducting its own analysis on the extension, taking into consideration that the case for COVID-19 therapeutics and diagnostics is more complex than the one pertaining to vaccines. This analysis has highlighted that there are multiple factors that affect both access to and uptake of therapeutics and diagnostics, such as regulatory matters, demand, funding of health systems and procurement issues.
The EU supports the continuation of the WTO discussions and the extension of the deadline in which to complete discussions. When discussions reconvene on this matter, Ireland will engage constructively with the European Commission and other Member States on the EU position for the WTO discussions.
39. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment pursuant to the programme for Government 2020, the status of plans for a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9090/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year the Low Pay Commission submitted its report on piloting a Universal Basic Income, and its accompanying research report, authored by ESRI under the terms of the Low Pay Commission / ESRI Research Partnership Agreement, titled ‘A universal basic income for Ireland: Lessons from the international literature’,.
It should be noted that the ‘Basic Income for the Arts’ pilot scheme is underway. The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme will run over a three-year period (2022 – 2025) and is open to eligible artists and creative arts sector workers. The scheme is administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
It should also be noted that the Commission on Taxation and Welfare considered the issue of Universal Basic Income. In their 2022 ‘Foundations for the Future’ report they said, “The Commission does not support the development of a Universal Basic Income in Ireland”.
The Commission also noted that “Further, it is noted that resourcing such a pilot project may detract from the State’s ability to fund means-tested welfare schemes, or other targeted measures to address poverty.”
Given the recent implementation of Basic Income for the Arts scheme, and the views of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare on the development of Universal Basic Income in Ireland, there are no plans to introduce or further trial Universal Basic Income at this time.
40. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the list of business support schemes and initiatives supported by InterTradeIreland; the initiatives and schemes that are in development and-or planned to be launched; the funding for same, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9102/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides joint funding, alongside the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy, for InterTradeIreland (ITI), the North-South implementation body responsible for the promotion of trade and business on an all-island and cross-border basis.
My Department's budget allocation for ITI in 2023 was €11.586 million, of which €8.9 million is dedicated to capital funding to allow ITI to operate its supports.
ITI uses this funding from both Departments to operate a wide range of supports to help promote trade and business on an all-island and cross-border basis. ITI is responsible for managing its individual programmes and utilising its overall budget allocation towards its supports.
Below is a list of the ITI supports for 2023 that are currently active or in development and their budget for each support for the year.
|
Support Scheme |
Status |
Funding (€'000) |
|
Acumen |
Current |
1,839 |
|
Tendering - Go2Tender |
Current |
198 |
|
Elevate |
Current |
281 |
|
Trade Information Services |
In development |
426 |
|
Digital Sales Support |
In development |
338 |
|
Supply Chain Resilience |
In development |
155 |
|
Business Solutions Voucher |
Current |
291 |
|
Innovation Boost |
Current |
2,728 |
|
All Island Innovation Programme |
Current |
93 |
|
FFG Advisory Service |
Current |
62 |
|
FFG Business Angel Network |
Current |
351 |
|
FFG Education and Awareness |
Current |
140 |
|
FFG Investor Readiness Event |
Current |
154 |
|
FFG Seedcorn Competition |
Current |
266 |
|
Funding Advisory Programme for SMEs |
Current |
83 |
|
Impact |
Current |
127 |
|
Financial Assistance Scheme |
Current |
127 |
|
Synergy |
Current |
391 |
41. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the list of business support schemes and initiatives supported by IDA Ireland; the initiatives and schemes that are in development and-or planned to be launched in 2023; the funding for same, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9104/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland provides financial and non-financial supports to multinational companies within its portfolio in pursuit of the Agency’s overall mission to win and develop foreign direct investment into Ireland to provide jobs, economic impact and opportunity for the people of Ireland. IDA provides clients with financial support in the form of funding and incentives, and non-financial supports including information and advice on doing business in Ireland. IDA Ireland operates a variety of Grant Programmes including but not restricted to Capital, Employment, RD&I and Training supports.
IDA’s grant offering is aligned to the five strategic pillars of the Agency’s 2021-24 strategy, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, which focuses on Growth, Transformation, Regions, Sustainability and Impact. IDA partners with my Department to ensure that our grant offering remains competitive and responsive to a national and international economic context characterised by an accelerating twin green and digital transition.
The projected estimates for 2023 are outlined in the table below for ease.
|
Grant Support |
Funding Amount |
|
Capital Grant (Regional Aid) |
€15,400,000 |
|
Employment Grant (Regional Aid) |
€26,240,000 |
|
RD&I Grant |
€86,300,000 |
|
Training Grant |
€15,610,000 |
|
Other support measures |
€1,350,000 |
42. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the list of business support schemes and initiatives supported by local enterprise offices; the initiatives and schemes that are in development and-or planned to be launched; the funding for same, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9105/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices have an allocation of €47.78m for 2023. This represents the same core allocation as the 2022 budget but provides an additional €4m in capital funding to pilot both the extension of the LEOs mandate to grant-aid firms with over 10 employees in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors and the introduction of the Small Firms' Investment in Energy Efficiency Scheme (SFIEES). This additional allocation is broken down evenly across both supports with each measure receiving an allocation of €2m in 2023.
The rationale for SFIEES is to support companies to reduce their carbon emissions and overall energy costs by supporting capital investment in low carbon technologies or processes.
The overall capital allocation for LEO programmes in 2023 is €35.8m and it will fund: grant aid for small businesses with export potential; entrepreneurship programmes; and training, advisory and consultancy programmes. The current (non-pay) allocation of €11.98m relates to the contribution to LEO staff salary costs.
The LEOs Measure 1 supports cover direct grant aid which includes the Feasibility Grant, the Priming Grant and the Business Expansion Grants well as the Trading Online Voucher and the Technical Assistance for Microenterprises schemes. Measure 2 Programmes cover the LEOs' training, mentoring and consultancy measures. In addition, there are a number of national initiatives including the "Making it Happen" marketing campaign and Student Enterprise Awards.
|
Category |
2023 Budget Allocation |
|
Measure 1 |
11,000,000 |
|
Measure 1 - Over 10 Framework |
2,000,000 |
|
Trading Online Voucher Scheme |
3,000,000 |
|
Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters |
722,500 |
|
Small Firms Energy Efficiency Scheme (New) |
2,000,000 |
|
Total Measure 1, TOV, TAME & SFIEES |
18,722,500 |
|
Measure 2 |
9,403,037 |
|
Lean4Micro |
1,500,000 |
|
Green4Micro |
1,065,000 |
|
Digital Start |
982,900 |
|
Total Measure 2 Programmes |
12,950,937 |
|
Export Business Adviser |
1,370,000 |
|
Marketing - "Making it Happen" |
1,000,000 |
|
EI LEO Graduate Programme |
1,277,563 |
|
Student Enterprise Education |
150,000 |
|
Stand National Ploughing Event |
135,000 |
|
Showcase |
105,000 |
|
National Enterprise Awards |
55,000 |
|
Customs Training |
50,000 |
43. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the list of business support schemes and initiatives supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; the initiatives and schemes that are in development and-or planned to be launched; the funding for same, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9106/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications. Any planned or future schemes are a matter for the SEAI and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. The SEAI schemes currently operational are in the table below.
|
SEAI Scheme |
Description |
Budget 2023 |
Other Information |
|
Community Energy Grant |
Grant support for cross-sectoral projects including homes, businesses and other non-domestic applicants. Typically around 60% of funding is for non-domestic |
€68,000,000 |
Community Energy Grant |
|
Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) |
Supports SMEs (€2,000 voucher) to carry out professional energy audits and thus encourages implementation of energy saving measures. identified. |
€2,180,000 |
Open to public and private entities with annual energy expenditure of €10k or more (not already obliged to carry out energy audit) |
|
Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) |
SEAI assists the companies on energy improvements. Best practice guidance is shared among LIEN members on how to manage energy performance. |
€717,000 |
Over 200 active large energy user organisations involved. Open to companies with annual energy spend of €1 million or higher. |
|
Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED) |
A certified program for a systematic energy efficient approach to design, construction, and commissioning new investments and upgrades at the earliest stages of the business lifecycle. |
€7,500,000 |
Demand led scheme |
|
Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) |
A grant (of up to 30%) to support investment in renewable heating systems using heat pumps. An operational support tariff over 15 years for new installations or installations that currently use a fossil fuel heating system and convert to using biomass or anaerobic digestion heating systems. |
€3,940,000 (€3.5m current and €440,000 current (grant)) |
Open to commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating, public sector and other non-domestic heat users not covered by the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) |
|
Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme |
Provides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. Grants are available for systems up to a maximum of €2,400 for installations of up to 6kWp. |
€2,200,000 (€200,000 current and €2m capital) |
Demand led Scheme |
|
Energy Academy |
Online resource -access to high quality energy training |
€100,000 |
5,500 users |
|
Non-Domestic Retrofit Grant |
NEW SUPPORT ENVISAGED - SME targeted support for range of non-domestic retrofit measures building on NDMG approach |
€2,000,000 |
44. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the trade information service is expected to be launched; the funding allocated to same under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9107/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment provides joint funding, alongside the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy, for InterTradeIreland (ITI), the North-South implementation body responsible for the promotion of trade and business on an all-island and cross-border basis.
My Department's budget allocation for ITI in 2023 was €11.586 million, of which €8.9 million is dedicated to capital funding to allow ITI to operate its supports.
ITI uses this funding from both Departments to operate a wide range of supports to help promote trade and business on an all-island and cross-border basis. ITI is responsible for managing its individual programmes and utilising its overall budget allocation towards its supports.
ITI is currently developing its Trade Information Service (TIS), which will provide free independent and impartial advice and support to businesses to help them trade effectively across the border. The service was formerly known as the Brexit Advisory Service and is transitioning into TIS with a soft launch expected in June 2023.
The TIS will support businesses in both jurisdictions to continue to trade under the terms of the Protocol, and supports include online information/knowledge, access to subject matter expertise and consultancy vouchers in many areas, including Legal and Regulatory issues/requirements, Customs, VAT and associated areas, and People, Employment and Training. ITI's funding for the scheme in 2023 is €426k.
45. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the supply chain programme is expected to be launched; the funding allocated to same under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9108/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment provides joint funding, alongside the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy, for InterTradeIreland (ITI), the North-South implementation body responsible for the promotion of trade and business on an all-island and cross-border basis.
The Department's budget allocation for ITI in 2023 is €11.586 million, of which €8.9 million is dedicated to capital funding to allow ITI to operate its supports.
ITI uses this funding from both Departments to operate a wide range of supports to help promote trade and business on an all-island and cross-border basis. ITI is responsible for managing its individual programmes and utilising its overall budget allocation towards its supports.
ITI currently deliver a number of supports to help businesses benchmark the resilience of their supply chain and to increase opportunities presented by regional procurement. A new initiative is currently being considered for development at a budget of c.€200k to help and to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of regional value chains across Ireland and Northern Ireland, concentrating on the food and engineering sectors. ITI is currently consulting with sector bodies regarding the design of the new supports and a launch date is still to be confirmed.
46. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the green transition fund, including the climate planning fund for business and the enterprise emissions reduction investment fund, under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9112/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2022, Government announced that €55 million would be made available under the National Recovery & Resilience Plan to assist enterprises through the Green Transition Fund. This budget is split into two streams, the Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund (€30m) and the Climate Planning Fund for Business (€25m) which will both run from 2022 and 2025.
The Green Transition Fund was officially launched by the then Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality with responsibility for Law Reform, James Browne TD and Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett on 16th June 2022.
Funding allocated to the Green Transition Fund in 2023 totals €16m. As this is a multi-annual fund, the total funding available is made up of €10m in funding approved in 2022 and carried over into 2023, as well as an additional €6m in funding allocated for 2023.
There has been no supplementary funding sought for this Scheme in 2023 and any funding requirements through a supplementary estimate will be determined later in the year.
47. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the agile innovation fund under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9120/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra58. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the Career Fit Plus programme under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9134/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will specify the breakdown of the capital and current budget allocations of €158 million under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023 to support Enterprise Ireland's research and development and commercialisation activities in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9136/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra60. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the technologies getaways programme and technology transfer strengthening initiative under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9137/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra62. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs initiative under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9139/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra63. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the ERDF-approved innovation initiatives, including immersive needs led, kt boost and the technological universities collaboration programmes, under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9140/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 58 to 60, inclusive, 62 and 63 together.
The Government’s Supplementary Estimates set out the net need for additional funds for a Vote above the level approved in the Revised Estimates for Public Services for that year. As the Supplementary Estimates process takes place later in 2023, I can only provide you with details on the funding allocated under the Vote for my Department for 2023, in respect of the programmes you have specifically mentioned.
For 2023 the Science, Technology and Development programme has been allocated just over €158.1 million. Of this €6 million is current funding for the central resource in Enterprise Ireland to manage and facilitate its RD&I activities.
The €152.1 million capital funding will go towards funding the suite of RDI programmes such as in-company R&D Grants, funding for collaboration between industry and Research Performing Organisations and commercialisation of research. This total funding includes Career FIT PLUS, Technology Transfer Strengthening Initiative (TTSI), Technology Gateways, Agile Innovation, European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) and 3 enterprise innovation projects funded under the ERDF.
The projected spend on Career FIT PLUS for 2023 budget of €2.8m is to meet commitments carried forward from previous years approvals under Career FIT and Career FIT PLUS.
The projected spend of €2.8m on the TTSI is for commitments carried forward from previous years approvals. A new iteration of this programme, KT Boost, co-funded through the ERDF, will follow.
Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways works in partnership with Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities across Ireland. Consisting of 16 specialised Gateways and 3 sectoral clusters, the Technology Gateway Network delivers innovation expertise and solutions for Irish industry. In 2023, €6.1M is expected to be invested in this programme before the ERDF iteration is launched in Q2.
The Agile Innovation Fund supports the development of new or substantially improved products, services or processes for Irish companies. Agile Innovation projects may range from solving technical challenges to innovations in services delivery or business models. In keeping with the spirit of agility it features a streamlined online application form with fast track approval. It is expected that approx. €2.6m will be allocated to Agile Innovation Projects in 2023.
The Budget 2023 allocation for the EDIHs will, along with the contribution from the EU under the DIGITAL programme, fully fund all four Irish EDIHs for the year. It will enable all the hubs to provide low and no cost digitalisation advice and services to businesses throughout the country. The full year costs of the programme are €6m. The EDIHs are being funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Fund.
The budget allocation for 2023 also includes €15.656m for the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Projects - KT (Knowledge Transfer) Boost Initiative, the new Technology Gateways Programme and the Innovators Initiative. The three programmes will drive collaboration with our Higher Education Institutes, increase commercialisation and promote the formation of HPSUs.
The table below provide a further breakdown on the programmes specified.
|
Budget Allocations 2023 for the B4Science, Technology and Development Programme |
|
|
Current |
€6.03m |
|
Capital |
€152.08m |
|
Total |
€158.109m |
|
Breakdown for 2023 includes capital funding for: |
|
|
Career FIT PLUS |
€2.8m |
|
Technology Transfer Strengthening Initiative |
€2.8m |
|
Agile Innovation Fund |
€2.6m |
|
Technology Gateways (old programme outside of ERDF) |
€6.1m |
|
ERDF Funded Programmes (total €15.656m for 2023) |
|
|
KT Boost Initiative |
€7.43m |
|
New Technology Gateways |
€5.65m |
|
Innovators Initiative |
€2.57m |
|
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs - RRF funding) |
€6m |
48. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9121/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn estimated figure of €9m has been allocated for NIBRT from within the IDA's total estimates allocation in 2023.
49. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the IDA's strategic intent programme under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9122/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland has a grants budget in 2023 of approximately €145m. IDA Ireland does not generally allocate specific funding amounts to individual grant programmes, rather the Agency will remit on grant claims for approved investments which are fully compliant with the terms of the programme in question.
In 2022 the Agency paid grant claims totalling €70,275 under the Leading with Strategic Intent programme.
50. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the small firms investment in energy efficiency grant, SFIEEs, under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9123/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the small firms investment in energy efficiency scheme under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9133/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 57 together.
The Small Firms Investment in Energy Efficiency scheme was announced in Budget 2023. The objective of the scheme is to support capital investment by businesses to reduce carbon emissions based on energy efficiency projects. The rationale of the scheme would be to support companies to reduce their carbon emissions and overall energy costs by accelerating the adoption of low carbon technologies or processes.
Taking into account national policy and in consultation with the LEO network, Enterprise Ireland is developing guidelines and eligibility criteria for the rollout of the new programme by each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices. A budget of €2m has been allocated nationally and it is planned to launch the scheme in Q1 2023.
51. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the Lean for Micro scheme under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9124/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices' (LEO) Lean for Micro is available to help build resilience within small companies.
Under this programme, clients can avail of consultancy support with a LEAN Expert (a qualified practitioner), who will work with the company to introduce lean principles, undertake a specific cost savings project and assist the company in benchmarking its performance. The programme helps to identify issues and potential areas for improvement and provides support to implement recommendations. It helps businesses achieve savings and improvements in capability and capacity to deliver.
There were 400 clients who undertook a Lean project in 2022 and the programme has been allocated €1.5m in 2023. Through this programme the LEOs are supporting businesses to improve their overall productivity and competitiveness.
52. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the Green for Micro scheme under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9125/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices' (LEO) Green for Micro is open to all micro enterprises with fewer than ten employees. Qualifying businesses will access two days of intensive mentoring including a sustainability audit and action plan, designed to help "green" their business. This programme offers free advice and technical support on resource efficiency, how to better understand their carbon footprint and how to implement an environmental management system to reduce costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This support is free of charge for eligible enterprises and represents the potential for increased efficiencies within companies that adopt these principles.
There were 416 Green for Micro projects approved in 2022, and Green for Micro has been allocated €1.065m for 2023. Through this programme, the LEOs are supporting companies to deal with the challenges of climate change, changing regulations, rising resource costs and changing customer expectations around sustainability.
53. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the trading of online vouchers under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9127/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices' Trading Online Voucher Scheme offers up to €2,500 (with 50% co-funding by the applicant) to help micro businesses (those with less than 10 employees) develop their online trading capability. It includes training sessions that cover various topics, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation. The Trading Online Voucher scheme is open to established microenterprises across a broad range of sectors. Businesses who have already received a Trading Online Voucher can apply for a second voucher to upgrade their capabilities.
1,790 Trading Online Vouchers were approved in 2022, and the Trading Online Voucher scheme has been allocated €3m for 2023.
Through the Trading Online Voucher, the LEOs support microenterprises to begin or progress their digital journey and it is one of a comprehensive suite of competitiveness supports available through the network.
54. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for supports for businesses with more than ten employees under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9129/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2022 the Government agreed to extend the mandate of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to provide grant aid to firms in manufacturing and internationally traded services employing more than 10 but no more than 50 full time employees.
The extension of the mandate will ensure a continuation of support for enterprises that have grown to ten or more employees, as appropriate to their stage of development and international growth ambition. Working with the LEOs, Enterprise Ireland will ensure that companies of all sizes in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors are assisted on their development journey, maximising their growth and job creation potential.
The framework proposal has been developed by Enterprise Ireland, in consultation with the LEOs, and an additional capital allocation of €2million was secured in Budget 2023 to roll this framework out on a pilot basis.
55. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated for the business continuity voucher and the micro enterprise assistance fund under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9130/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth the Business Continuity Voucher and the Micro Enterprise Assistance Fund were introduced as temporary emergency supports in 2020 to help businesses in the immediate aftermath of COVID-19 and therefore only received a budget allocation in 2020.
The primary aim of the Business Continuity Voucher scheme was to support companies to make informed decisions on the immediate measures needed to continue trading during the COVID lockdown while securing the safety of all employees and future business viability through identification of remedial actions.
The Micro-Enterprise Assistance Fund was open to enterprises with fewer than 10 employees which were ineligible for existing grants. It offered a voucher of up to €1,000 to help them adapt and invest to rebuild their business. The grant was a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers.
The LEOs continue to support small businesses through: grant aid for clients with export potential; entrepreneurship programmes; and training, advisory and consultancy programmes that focus on improving the competitiveness and productivity of clients through programmes such as Lean, Digital Start and Green for Micro.
