Duncan Smith
Ceist:139. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the setting up of a public inquiry into the Covid-19 response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10993/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCovid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (139)
Freagraí scríofa
A comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will provide an opportunity to learn lessons from our experiences in dealing with a pandemic. It will include a review of the whole-of-government response to the pandemic and how we might do better and be in a stronger position if another pandemic or other similar type event were to occur. It will include a consideration of the health service response covering hospitals, the community and nursing homes, along with the wider economic and social response.
The exact format that the evaluation will take is currently under consideration.
It is intended that it will be established in 2023.
Citizens' Assembly
Ceisteanna (140)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:140. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the remuneration or expenses the chair of the Citizens' Assembly on drugs will be entitled to. [11091/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As provided for in the Terms of Reference for the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use, agreed by Dáil Éireann on 21st February 2023 and Seanad Éireann on 23rd February 2023, the Chair of the Assembly will be paid an honorarium. This will be the standard per diem rate which is applied for similar such positions, and will be sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. The Chair will also be entitled to travel expenses in line with public sector rates and guidelines.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (141)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:141. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach if his Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in his Department. [11279/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of the Taoiseach is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel respected, valued and included and to serve the public in line with Civil Service Quality Customer Service guiding principles.
The Department currently has no legislation in drafting nor any legislation in planning. The final text of any legislation as enacted is ultimately a matter for the Oireachtas with the provisions of each Bill required to complete a number of stages involving debate and consideration of proposed amendments.
Information and Communications Technology
Ceisteanna (142)
Mark Ward
Ceist:142. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government’s plans to combat the use of artificial intelligence chatbots used to mimic individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11448/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
National policy around the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in Ireland is guided by our National AI Strategy, AI – Here for Good. This strategy sets out our commitment to the use of artificial intelligence technologies in a way which will benefit our economy and society, by taking a people-centred, ethical approach to their development, adoption, and use. In recognition of the wide-ranging effect AI will have on our lives, the Strategy considers AI from a number of perspectives, including building public trust in AI, leveraging AI for economic and societal benefit, and looking at key enablers for AI.
The AI Strategy also calls for a robust governance framework to safeguard against risk and to build trust in AI. To that end, my Department convened a Working Group on Trustworthy AI Principles and Guidelines last year. 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. This work is ongoing.
The NSAI is developing a roadmap for AI standards and certification which will be published shortly. This is an important step in providing tools for businesses and citizens to assess the trustworthiness of AI solutions, including chatbots.
The governance and regulation of AI technologies is soon to be regulated by the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), which is currently under negotiation. This Regulation will set out harmonised rules for the development, placement on the market and use of AI systems in the Union. The AIA takes 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. The regulation will apply to the developer, provider and user of AI and aims to address the risks generated by specific uses of AI through a set of complementary, proportionate, and flexible rules.
My Department is leading on these negotiations and will be responsible for the implementation of this regulation into domestic law.
A chatbot is a computer program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) to understand questions from customers and provide automated responses to them. In this way, chatbots appear to be simulating human conversation. AI technologies are increasingly being deployed to transform business operations, and chatbots are just one example of AI being used to improve business processes.
It is important that the use of all AI tools, including chatbots, is undertaken with proper levels of transparency and governance. When taken all together, the Artificial Intelligence Act, and the ongoing implementation of our national AI Strategy, will ensure a strong regulatory environment for trustworthy, ethical AI in Ireland.
Departmental Bodies
Ceisteanna (143)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:143. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if person (details supplied) is still on the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11000/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In line with the National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework, and the National AI Strategy, AI – Here for Good, the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum (EDAF) has been established to support Government in driving a step change in the digitalisation of enterprise in Ireland.
This forum brings together representatives of indigenous enterprise, multi-national enterprises, and experts in digital technologies and their adoption by enterprise. It supports the implementation of the enterprise aspects of the National Digital Strategy and provides an important setting for enterprise to provide feedback to Government on various challenges and opportunities they identify in relation to digitalisation. This information can then be shared across Government.
Positions on the forum were filled following an open call for expression of interest and an assessment process. The forum was appointed in May of 2022 and there has been no change in membership to date.
As we near one year since the establishment of the EDAF, I indicated at the most recent meeting of the forum that membership of the EDAF will be reviewed in the coming months, with an open expressions of interest to be launched in due course, to ensure it is well placed to support Government into the coming year.
Enterprise Policy
Ceisteanna (144)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:144. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what due diligence was carried out by Enterprise Ireland for its investment in a company (details supplied); if there was oversight at board level; and if recent developments will lead to a re-evaluation of investment strategies and oversight. [11001/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department officials have been in contact with Enterprise Ireland in relation to the company in question and while Enterprise Ireland, as a State development Agency, at all times aims to provide the best value for money to taxpayers and the State, it cannot guarantee absolutely that every company funded will succeed or deliver on its objectives and developmental targets.
Nevertheless robust procedures are in place to ensure that utmost due diligence is undertaken in advance of approving public monies to companies.
Enterprise Ireland's policies and processes are also audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General, while internal audits are also undertaken at regular intervals to ensure that the Agency complies with best practice at all times.
Enterprise Policy
Ceisteanna (145)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:145. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total funding lost through investment in a company (details supplied). [11002/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department officials have been in contact with Enterprise Ireland in relation to the company in question. The legal process of dealing with this company's difficulties is ongoing and similar to any other secured creditor, Enterprise Ireland will receive a final distribution when this process concludes.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (146)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:146. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on three work permit applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11087/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Employment Permits Section of the Department informs me that on 1st March 2023 General Employment Permits issued in respect of the persons named in the details supplied.
Trade Fairs
Ceisteanna (147)
Mick Barry
Ceist:147. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has provided any support to Irish companies to participate in the IDES 2023 arms fair in Abu Dhabi; if his Department is aware of any Irish companies participating in the fair; if so, if a list of the companies will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11169/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Both Enterprise Ireland and the IDA have advised that they have no client companies participating in the IDEX 2023 arms fair in Abu Dhabi.
Enterprise Ireland is precluded from promoting military arms, unless sanctioned by the Government. Similarly, in line with legal constraints on its remit, IDA does not target companies producing military goods.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (148)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:148. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of WTE vacancies, by job title, in the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission as of 28 February 2023. [11222/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are currently 30 vacancies in the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. These range from Executive Officer grade equivalent up to Deputy Secretary grade equivalent. Recruitment processes are currently underway with a number of posts advertised, and some at interview stage to be filled shortly. The table below sets details of each vacancy below.
|
Role Title |
Grade Equivalent |
|
Consumer Protection and Enforcement Executive |
Executive Officer |
|
Consumer Protection and Enforcement Executive |
Executive Officer |
|
Digital Investigations Executive |
Executive Officer |
|
Consumer Protection and Enforcement Executive |
Executive Officer |
|
Policy Analyst |
Executive Officer |
|
Corporate Communications Executive |
Executive Officer |
|
Executive Assistant to the Commission |
Executive Officer |
|
Product Safety Officer |
Executive Officer |
|
Product Safety Manager |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Senior Digital Forensics Specialist |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Senior Digital Forensics Specialist |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Senior Analyst Investigator |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Consumer Media & Outreach Manager |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Financial Education Programme Manager |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Senior Analyst |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Senior Analyst |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Senior Policy Analyst |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Senior Legal Advisor |
Assistant Principal |
|
Senior Legal Advisor |
Assistant Principal |
|
Head of Unit - Competition Enforcement & Mergers |
Assistant Principal |
|
Head of Unit - Competition Enforcement & Mergers |
Assistant Principal |
|
Head of Unit - Cartels Division |
Assistant Principal |
|
Special Advisor to the Chair |
Assistant Principal |
|
Deputy Director - Legal Services Division |
Assistant Principal 1 |
|
Deputy Director - Competition Enforcement & Mergers |
Assistant Principal 1 |
|
Deputy Director - Competition Enforcement & Mergers |
Assistant Principal 1 |
|
Deputy Director - Consumer Protection Enforcement Division |
Assistant Principal 1 |
|
Director of Human Resources Division |
Principal Officer |
|
Director of Product Safety |
Principal Officer |
|
Chair |
Deputy Secretary |
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (149)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:149. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11268/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, as a public body my Department has a duty to eliminate discrimination, promote equality and protect the human rights of staff and the people availing of its services.
In February my Department published its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement, which sets out the principles we work by, and the actions we undertake, to ensure compliance with this legislation and ensure we are promoting equality, diversity and inclusion as an employer and public body.
On the issue of drafting of legislation, my Department engages the expertise at the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) to the Government to draft Bills on behalf of the Government, and statutory instruments on behalf of the Government and Ministers of the Government.
On the issue of drafting policies, my Department commits to engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders to inform the development of policies which fall under the Department's remit. Under the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement my Department can affirm that it does not discriminate on the grounds of an individual’s gender, gender identity and/or gender expression: female, male, non-binary; or where an individual is in the process of gender transition or where an individual has completed this reassignment or undergoing any associated medical supports.
Further to the publication of this Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement, we are working to develop our first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, which will set out a vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in this Department and how that will be effected for both customers and staff of the Department. The specific issue of gender-neutral pronouns will be explored as part of this process.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (150)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:150. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department can confirm delays in the granting of work visas to internationally qualified clinical measurement physiologists who wish to work in Ireland and apply for recognition of their qualifications to the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science; if his Department is taking any steps to alleviate such delays to ensure the availability of such a critical workforce to the healthcare sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11336/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Employment Permits Section of the Department informs me that there are currently no delays processing applications for this role. Applications for the role are being processed in line with normal processing timelines. The current processing dates as of 3rd March 2023 for each Employment Permit type is as follows:
|
Applications |
Date |
|
Standard new applications |
22nd February 2023 |
|
Standard renewal applications |
22nd February 2023 |
|
Standard critical skills applications |
22nd February 2023 |
|
Trusted Partner new applications |
24th February 2023 |
|
Trusted Partner renewal applications |
27th February 2023 |
|
Trusted Partner critical skills applications |
27th February 2023 |
Corporate Governance
Ceisteanna (151)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:151. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received any report from the Corporate Enforcement Authority on the meeting in January 2023 between the Corporate Enforcement Authority, workers of a company (details supplied) and this Deputy, a meeting that was facilitated by the Secretary General of his Department following a parliamentary question raised by this Deputy with the Taoiseach on 13 December 2022 regarding the findings from a recently made film in relation to the liquidation of said company; if he has not received such a report, if he will seek it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11420/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All companies are required to comply with the extensive provisions of the Companies Act 2014. Alleged breaches of company law can and should be brought to the attention of the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA).
The matters raised by the Deputy were brought to the CEA’s attention by the Department as is appropriate. It would not be correct to say that the meeting was facilitated by my officials, instead, I understand that the CEA invited the Deputy to meet and discuss his concerns.
Section 944D (4) of the Companies Act 2014 provides that the CEA shall be independent in the performance of its functions. The CEA carefully considers all information received. The CEA is a statutorily independent body and operates under a statutory duty of confidentiality and does not comment on individual matters. I, as Minister have no direct function in any action or decision taken by the CEA in relation to its consideration of the matters raised by the Deputy.
It is my intention to bring forward legislative proposals, shortly, which will change company law and employment rights law in line with the Plan of Action – Collective Redundancies following Insolvency. The Plan sets out a range of commitments to enhance further the protection afforded to employees who find themselves in a collective redundancy situation following insolvency. It includes a suite of measures including amendments to employment law and company law legislation and the setting up of an Employment Law Review Group.
Corporate Governance
Ceisteanna (152, 154)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:152. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department was aware in the course of the liquidation of a company (details supplied); if so, when his Department became aware of the pre-pack administration package put together in April 2019 by several financial entities, involving a floating charge loan of £200 million to the company's UK entity, which was subsequently injected into it but for which the Irish and Danish stores were made co-guarantors, and the use of the 12-month rule in Irish law concerning the fixing of these charges on the company in Ireland, and the fact that the liquidation of the company's Irish operations was announced precisely 12 months later on the day such a liability became legally valid in Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11421/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:154. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department is aware that workers of a company (details supplied) were initially told the company debt was €22 million in May 2020, and in July that debt had risen to more than €300 million, and that the workers were also told that the revenues from the online sales of a website would be used in the liquidation, which subsequently turned out not to be the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11423/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 154 together.
The liquidation referred to by the Deputy is proceeding under the supervision of the High Court in accordance with the Companies Act 2014 and the Government cannot interfere with that process. It is a matter for the Courts to decide on the relevance and import of any information that comes to light during a court supervised liquidation process.
The procedures for liquidation are set out in the Part 11 of the Companies Act 2014. In general terms, a company is permitted to initiate a winding-up where it has complied with the requirements of the Companies Act 2014. A company both during normal operation and in a winding-up process must of course also abide by all relevant legal requirements, including the treatment of employees and creditors. However, the provisions of the Companies Act 2014 provide safeguards to prevent the abuse of the liquidation system. These include preferential payments under section 621 which provide for categories of employee entitlement such as wages owed, holiday remuneration, superannuation benefits, ill health payments and social welfare contributions. The Companies Act 2014 also has a significant number of provisions that address transactions that seek to deprive creditors of the assets in the period leading up to insolvency
Irish company law provides that, where a company enters insolvent liquidation, the liquidator, in addition to his/her statutory functions and duties, has certain reporting obligations to the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA). All liquidators' reports received are carefully examined by reference to the facts and circumstances of each case. In particular, each case is examined with a view to establishing whether there have been breaches of company directors' duties or other breaches of company law. The CEA operates under a statutory duty of confidentiality and, as such, does not comment on individual matters. However, all representations received are carefully considered. The matters raised by the Deputy were brought to the CEA’s attention by the Department as is appropriate. The CEA does not report to Government on its investigations.
Government recognised the exceptional circumstances of the case, which arose during the height of Covid-19, and took a number of unique actions on foot of the closure.
1. Improvements were made to the quality and circulation of information to workers as creditors through the Companies (Rescue Process for Small and Micro Companies) Act 2021. In addition, a statutory obligation was also imposed on directors to consider the interests of creditors in the period leading up to insolvency through the European Communities (Preventive Restructuring) Regulations 2022.
2. Furthermore, following extensive engagement with the social partners, the ‘Plan of Action on Collective Redundancies following Insolvency’ was published in June 2021. Implementation of the Plan of Action will enhance the protection of employees in a collective redundancy.
It is the intention of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to bring forward very shortly legislative proposals which will change company law and employment rights law in line with the Plan of Action. The Plan sets out a range of commitments to enhance further the protection afforded to employees who find themselves in a collective redundancy situation following insolvency. It includes a suite of measures including amendments to employment law and company law legislation and the setting up of an Employment Law Review Group.
Corporate Governance
Ceisteanna (153)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:153. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department was aware that a company (details supplied) had not renewed its 36 trademarks in the Republic of Ireland in 2020 prior to the liquidation of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11422/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Controller of Intellectual Property is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the Trade Marks Register in Ireland. There were 72,470 registered trade marks on the Trade Marks Register of the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland in 2020.
Section 48 of the Trade Marks Act 1996 provides proprietors of trade marks with the opportunity to renew the registration of their trade marks for a prescribed fee and duration. The renewal of trade marks is not mandatory, and therefore does not place an obligation upon trade mark proprietors to renew their registrations. The renewal or otherwise of individual trademarks is a matter for the holder of the trademark concerned, and the Department does not monitor the renewal or otherwise of individual trade marks rights.
Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 152.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (155, 157)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:155. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total amount of funding provided in 2022, either directly by his Department or indirectly through State agencies, that constitutes research, development, and innovation funding; the name of each stream, scheme, fund, grant or other through which said research, development and innovation funding is provided, and the accompanying volume of funding in tabular form. [11485/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:157. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total amount of funding for research, development, and innovation in 2023, either directly by his Department or indirectly through State agencies, which constitutes research and development funding; the name of each stream, scheme, fund, grant, programme or other through which said funding is provided and the accompanying volume of funding, in tabular form. [11552/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 157 together.
This Parliamentary Question is more appropriate to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) as his Department is now responsible for publishing the R&D Budget Survey, following a Government decision to transfer certain research and innovation functions from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to DFHERIS effective from January 2021.
Details on the Government’s public expenditure on research and development are published each year in the R&D Budget Survey. This publication is compiled from a comprehensive survey of forty-five Government Departments and Agencies. The most recent report was published by DFHERIS in December 2021 and is available at: gov.ie - Research and Development Budget: 2020 to 2021 (www.gov.ie).
The estimated 2022 Government Budget Allocations for R&D (GBARD) supplied in the table below will form part of the 2022 R&D Budget Survey which is due to be published shortly by DFHERIS. The individual details of the programmes are not included, due to their voluminous nature, but will be available to you when the 2022 Survey is published. Figures for 2023 have not yet been complied by DFHERIS.
2022 R&D Budget Survey (Estimated Data compiled by DFHERIS)
|
- |
Sum of GBARD Irish Government €000’s |
|
Central Bank |
1,160 |
|
Central Bank of Ireland |
1,160 |
|
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
94,475 |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
2,822 |
|
Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
21,160 |
|
Marine Institute |
11,882 |
|
Teagasc |
58,612 |
|
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth |
5,168 |
|
Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth |
4,399 |
|
National Disability Authority |
571 |
|
Tusla |
198 |
|
Department of Education |
8,575 |
|
Dept of Education |
7,052 |
|
Educational Research Centre (ERC) |
1,523 |
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
255,076 |
|
Dept of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
88,598 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
98,626 |
|
IDA Ireland |
62,450 |
|
InterTrade Ireland |
5,402 |
|
Department of Foreign Affairs |
9,162 |
|
Dept of Foreign Affairs |
9,162 |
|
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
488,304 |
|
Dept Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
28,819 |
|
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies |
4,106 |
|
Higher Education Authority |
188,652 |
|
Irish Research Council |
47,422 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
219,000 |
|
Solas |
305 |
|
Department of Health |
56,792 |
|
Dept of Health |
7,820 |
|
Health Research Board |
48,972 |
|
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
15,709 |
|
Dept of Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
4,400 |
|
Ervia |
1,050 |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
1,135 |
|
Heritage Council |
2,243 |
|
Housing Agency |
555 |
|
Irish Water |
1,292 |
|
Met Éireann |
3,765 |
|
National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) |
10 |
|
National Monuments Service |
1,050 |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) |
209 |
|
Waterways Ireland |
- |
|
Department of Public Expenditure & Reform |
1,960 |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute |
1,960 |
|
Department of Rural and Community Development |
483 |
|
Charities Regulator |
30 |
|
Department of Rural and Community Development |
327 |
|
Pobal |
127 |
|
Western Development Commission |
- |
|
Department of Social Protection |
729 |
|
Dept of Social Protection |
729 |
|
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications |
40,826 |
|
Dept Environment, Climate & Communications |
4,660 |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
10,733 |
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
3,511 |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
21,922 |
|
Department of the Taoiseach |
1,188 |
|
National Economic and Social Council [NESC] |
1,188 |
|
Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |
7,093 |
|
Dept of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |
994 |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
1,204 |
|
Sports Ireland |
2,895 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
2,000 |
|
Department of Transport |
2,876 |
|
Dept of Transport |
1,676 |
|
Transport Infrastructure Ire (TII) |
1,200 |
|
Office of Public Works |
833 |
|
Office of Public Works |
833 |
|
Grand Total |
990,410 |
Trade Missions
Ceisteanna (156)
Frankie Feighan
Ceist:156. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what plans are currently under development at his Department for a State trade mission to the United States of America in 2023; what individual US states are under consideration to visit during such a trade mission; the process for developing such trade missions in the US at his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11527/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Each year, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland prepare a programme of trade missions and events which support the goal of securing high-level market access for companies based in Ireland who are aiming to grow business overseas and increase domestic employment, and showcasing opportunities for foreign direct investment in support of high-quality jobs and regional development throughout Ireland.
In recent years the majority of Ministerial-led trade missions have taken place to the Eurozone, North America and Asia Pacific, which represent the strongest growth opportunities for Irish companies. These missions have focused on promoting the innovative capabilities and competitive offerings of Irish companies to international buyers in a range of sectors including internationally traded services, fintech, high-tech construction, engineering, ICT and life sciences.
My Department has been working closely with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland with a view to developing a Ministerial-led trade mission programme for 2023 which will maximise our ability to avail of trade and investment opportunities. A trade visit took place to the US West Coast in February and it is intended that further USA trade missions will take place during 2023 to the US East Coast and the US Mid West. Planning for these visits is still ongoing.
In the meantime, there will be Ministerial visits to the USA this month as part of the 2023 St Patrick's Day programme which will see the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Government Ministers take part in an extensive international programme to promote Ireland and Irish interests around the world. The USA locations included in the programme are Washington (Taoiseach); New York, Boston (Tánaiste); Chicago (Minister McGrath); Philadelphia (Minister Foley); Los Angeles, San Diego (Minister Martin); Atlanta, Savannah (Minister O’Brien); San Francisco (Minister Harris); Miami (Minister Naughton); and Austin Dallas and Texas (Minister Byrne).
Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 155.
Sustainable Development Goals
Ceisteanna (158)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:158. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on work towards achieving the sustainable development goal targets. [11425/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a significant and ambitious framework. A whole-of-Government approach to its implementation has been taken in Ireland. My Department leads on the delivery of 19 SDG targets: 3.9; 7.1; 7.2; 7.3; 8.4; 9.4; 11.6; 12.1; 12.2; 12.4; 12.5; 12.8; 12.c; 13.1; 13.2; 13.3; 13.a; 17.14 and 17.17.
Ireland’s Second National Implementation Plan for the SDGs, 2022 – 2024 was published in October 2022. The Plan was developed by my Department in collaboration with all Government Departments and key stakeholders, and was also based on input from two public consultation processes. A key objective of the Plan is to achieve greater policy coherence for sustainable development with the aim of accelerating achievement of the SDGs at all levels of Government.
The Plan is supplemented by two supporting documents: an SDG policy map which identifies the lead Departments and relevant national policies for each of the 169 SDG targets; and a Policy Update document for each of the SDG targets. These documents are available at: www.gov.ie/sdgs
The Central Statistics Office (CSO), in collaboration with all Government Departments, has prepared as series of statistical publications which monitor and report on how Ireland is progressing towards meeting its targets under the 17 SDGs. Reports are available for SDGs 1 – 16 and can be found on the CSO website.
Ireland will present its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in July 2023. The VNR report will comprise a high-level data section and a more detailed appendix reporting on progress in respect of achieving the SDGs and related targets.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (159)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:159. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will list the number of registered one-stop shops in Mayo and the Connaught region to offer a start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades; the average costs and waiting time, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10854/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In February last year, Government approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and lower emissions.
The supports announced included the establishment of:
- the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme which offers grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump; and
- SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops to provide an end-to-end service for homeowners.
There are 12 One-Stop-Shops currently registered, 9 of which are National providers of services. These companies are typically large and shouldn’t be considered a ‘single contractor’. Of the three One Stop Shops providing a regional service, none specify the Mayo or wider Connaught region.
SEAI continue to actively engage with the construction sector with the aim of attracting more companies to register as One-Stop-Shops. A number of companies are already in the process of registering as one-stop-shops and SEAI are guiding them through the registration process.
Under the Scheme, homeowners engage a registered One Stop Shop, to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Works must be completed under these schemes within 12 months. The average cost per upgrade depends on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended.
It is important to note that the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme is just one of the schemes available from SEAI. In 2022, some 27,200 home energy upgrades have been supported across the SEAI retrofit schemes – a 79% increase on the previous year.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (160)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:160. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of retrofits completed in 2022 under each scheme, by county; the average costs and waiting time, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10855/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In February 2022, Government launched a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills. Following the introduction of the new measures, demand across the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes was exceptionally high in 2022 and as the figures below highlight, there was an increase when compared to 2021 levels:
- 27,200 home energy upgrades were supported in 2022, compared to 15,246 in 2021, representing a 79% increase year-on year.
- Of these, 8,481 upgrades were to a post works Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or better, compared to 4,345 in 2021, representing a 95% increase year-on-year.
- Of the overall number, 4,438 homes were upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes, compared to 2,398 in 2021, representing a 85% increase year-on-year.
The cost of a retrofit depends on a range of factors including the size and type of home as well as the age and starting condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended.
With regard to waiting times, the following sets out the processes across the various schemes operated by the SEAI:
- The Individual Grants (Better Energy Homes Scheme and Solar PV) are demand-led schemes which require homeowners to procure their own contractor following grant approval from SEAI (this approval process is instantaneous once all requirements for the SEAI grant application portal are met by applicants). Works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval.
- Under the National Home Energy Home Upgrade Scheme and Community Energy Grant Scheme, homeowners engage a registered One Stop Shop or Project Co-ordinator, respectively, to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Works must be completed under these schemes within 12 months.
- The eligibility criteria for approval to the Warmer Homes Scheme are mainly linked to Department of Social Protection (DSP) means tested payments. Priority is then given to those living in the worst performing homes, with Building Energy Ratings of E, F or G. These criteria target the support to those on the lowest incomes in the least efficient homes, so that the resources available to the scheme can have the greatest impact. Under the Warmer Homes Scheme the average cycle time from application to completion is 26 months. In recent years, cycle times have been affected by COVID related issues. In addition, there are deeper measures being provided under the Scheme since 2018, which involve more substantive works, and therefore take longer to complete.
The SEAI is finalising a Quarterly Report which is due to be published shortly which will contain the county breakdown. This Report will set out an overview of the 2022 performance against annual targets on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (161)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:161. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline what is envisaged in terms of the proposed administrative scheme to deal with costs associated with initiating proceedings relating to non-compliance with national law relating to the environment; if the scheme will replace existing protective costs orders; if it will provide for public interest and multi-party actions; the planned timeframe for roll-out of the scheme; if the scheme will be informed by the current review of the civil legal aid scheme and stakeholder submissions to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10870/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Draft Planning and Development Bill 2022, which is currently undergoing Pre-Legislative Scrutiny, contains a draft head on costs in relation to Judicial Review proceedings. This provision, while dealing specifically with judicial review cases under planning legislation, also addresses the Aarhus Convention and EU law obligations to ensure that access to justice in environmental matters is not prohibitively expensive and is predictable in relation to the likely costs to be incurred.
It provides for this in respect of protection for applicants from the costs of the respondent, in the case of an unsuccessful case, by requiring the court to make no order as to costs in any judicial review proceedings relating to non-compliance with national law, or the law of the European Union, relating to the environment. This reflects recent case law in relation to these matters.
Provision is also made in a draft head in the Bill for an administrative scheme to cover the costs of taking judicial review in environmental litigation. The draft head requires me as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, or a body authorised to do so on my behalf, to establish this scheme, having consulted the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Minister for Justice, and with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. I will be working closely with these colleagues and other stakeholders in the development of this Head as the Bill progresses.
Consultation with the Minister for Justice on the establishment of the scheme, will include, inter alia, consideration of the review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme and the establishment of the Planning and Environment Court.