Ivana Bacik
Ceist:127. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the International Division of his Department. [13429/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Bodies
Ceisteanna (127)
Freagraí scríofa
The International Section of the Department supports my work at international level, beyond Europe, to promote Ireland’s foreign and economic policy objectives, and to develop and maintain strong bilateral and multilateral relations.
Working closely with other departments, especially the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Section provides me with advice and briefing on bilateral relations, and on international issues generally, including international peace and security, Overseas Development Assistance, and international human rights.
The Section also oversees the implementation of the Government’s Global Ireland 2025 strategy, and chairs a Senior Officials’ Group on implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, in close collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
The Section coordinates my international travel, as well as my engagements with visiting Heads of State and Government, and with other international figures and organisations .
Cabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (128)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:128. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach when the most recent meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee for Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees took place. [13433/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on the Humanitarian Response to Ukraine last met on Thursday 23rd of February. The next meeting is scheduled for 30th of March.
This Committee, which I chair, works to ensure a coordinated approach to the State’s humanitarian response for people arriving from Ukraine who have sought Temporary Protection here.
The Government’s coordinated response to the humanitarian crisis is extensive and ongoing. Ireland has never seen so many people arrive in such a short time frame.
Since the start of this war, more than 78,000 people arriving from Ukraine have availed of temporary protection in Ireland.
To date, Ireland has accommodated over 80,000 people in state-sourced accommodation, between people who have fled here from Ukraine and people in international protection IPAS accommodation.
In light of the acute and growing pressures in the face of continuing arrivals, Government is stepping up action to maximise the pace and scale of sourcing suitable accommodation.
An Accommodation Working Group has been established to assist with the agile sourcing of State accommodation and to accelerate the refurbishment of suitable buildings.
We are also advancing an expanded programme of work recently agreed by Government. This will allow consideration of commercial properties and sites for development, refurbishment or purchase and the use of alternative modular buildings.
In addition to meetings of the Cabinet Committee, I have regular engagements with Ministers at Cabinet and individually to discuss matters of concern for their Departments.
Work is also ongoing across Government to intensify Communications and Community Engagement on the humanitarian response.
The Government is keeping our response to all aspects of this humanitarian crisis, in particular accommodation options, under continuous review.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (129)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:129. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the number of times funding was moved across budget lines within his Department in a process known as virement; the name and purpose of the fund the money was taken from; the name and purpose of the fund the money was transferred to; the dates upon which he approved of such transfers, since he took office; and if the Department of Public Expenditure was consulted prior to the transfer [12277/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of the Taoiseach sought and received approval for virement in principle, in full compliance with the Public Financial Procedures, from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, and Reform in December to vire monies within non-pay administration subheads. Provisional sanction was also granted to vire surpluses associated with the Tribunal of Inquiry to offset the full cost of holding two Citizens' Assemblies in 2022. As the scope of their work programme was not known at the time of Estimates 2022, a nominal provision only was allocated to the Citizens' Assembly subhead.
As set out in the provisional sanction letter, the Department will seek final sanction for the virement of the exact amounts involved during preparation of the 2022 appropriation account.
Capital Expenditure Programme
Ceisteanna (130)
Johnny Guirke
Ceist:130. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Taoiseach if any projects under his remit are on hold due to Capital Funding pressures; and if he will indicate the projects, in tabular form [12634/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of the Taoiseach does not oversee any capital projects and has no capital expenditure subhead in its estimates.
Census of Population
Ceisteanna (131)
Colm Burke
Ceist:131. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Taoiseach if he will include a young carers section on the Census form, to ascertain and enumerate the level of care provided by young carers relating to their role in providing physical or emotional support to family members with a long-term illness, health issue, or issue related to old age or disability [13744/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the preparatory work for the 2027 census the CSO conducted a public consultation by inviting submissions on the possible questions, and on the outputs to be produced. Notice to this effect was published in the national press in November 2022, and notices for submissions remained live until January 2023. This phase of the process has now concluded. Over 400 submissions were received in total, among them submissions on the subject of carers.
A Census Advisory Group will be set up in the coming months to consider the submissions received and advise on the questions to be tested in a pilot survey planned to be carried in the autumn of 2024. The Census Advisory Group membership will be representative of central and local government, the social partners, universities, research bodies and other users of census data along with the relevant CSO personnel. Following the completion of the pilot survey, the Census Advisory Group will be reconvened to discuss the findings and will ultimately make recommendations to government on the content for the Census 2027 questionnaire.
The CSO is currently preparing a high level publication and summary data tables from Census 2022 for release in May. High level data on carers will be included in this publication. In September, the CSO will produce a detailed publication on disability, health and carers which will provide more detailed information including the age profile of carers, hours spent caring and the geographical location of carers.
Departmental Records
Ceisteanna (132)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:132. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Taoiseach if he will release all his Departmental files to the National Archives regarding the High Court, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights cases in relation to proposals for gay law reform which resulted in a landmark judgement and decriminalisation thirty years ago. [13754/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of the Taoiseach fully complies with its responsibilities under the National Archives Act 1986. This involves transfer of records for public inspection when they become thirty years old. Any records held by this Department relating to this subject matter up to and including 1992 will therefore, have already transferred to the National Archives in line with the Act. Any records relating to 1993 will be included in the process for transfer by the end of 2023.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (133)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:133. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of times funding was moved across budget lines within his Department in a process known as virement; the name and purpose of the fund the money was taken from; the name and purpose of the fund the money was transferred to; the dates upon which he approved of such transfers, since he took office; if the Department of Public Expenditure was consulted prior to the transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12266/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, virement is the process whereby savings on one or more subheads on a Department’s Vote can be used to meet excess expenditure on another subhead or subheads within that Vote.
The virement process is essentially governed by the provisions of the Public Financial Procedures as published by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. The procedures require that the prior approval of DPENPDR should be obtained when virement is proposed. In instances where there is doubt as to the actual amounts involved in any proposed virement, the procedures require that the Department in question applies to DPENPDR for provisional sanction where it is clear that there will be an excess on a subhead and/or subheads which can be met from savings on another subhead and/or subheads. In such instances, the procedures require that definitive sanction for the virement should be sought when the Appropriation Account has been prepared and the actual amounts involved are known.
In the case of my own Department, the Department has had occasion to obtain sanction for virements on a number of occasions in previous years. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that I only took up my appointment as Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment on 17th December 2022. Whilst definitive sanctions for virement have not yet been sought since my appointment, my Department did apply for and received provisional sanction last December for certain virements to meet excesses on a number of Subheads on our Vote. The excesses involved additional expected expenditure on the administration pay allocation for the Department, the pay allocation of the IDA, the pension allocation to Enterprise Ireland and on the allocations to the subscriptions for a number of international organisations. Savings to meet the expected aforementioned excesses were achieved on the allocations provided to a number of the Department’s Regulatory bodies including the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority and the Workplace Relations Programme. Definitive sanction for the required virements will be sought from DPENPDR once my Department’s 2022 Appropriation Account has been prepared and the actual amounts are known in accordance with the provisions of the Public Financial Procedures Guidelines.
The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that my Department is fully committed to implementing the process for seeking virements as prescribed in the aforementioned Public Financial Procedures.
Industrial Relations
Ceisteanna (134)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:134. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will instruct a company (details supplied) to provide written confirmation to staff in relation to the news that they will no longer be directly employed by the company; if he will ensure that the owners enter negotiations with staff in relation to their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12329/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 131 of 2003) safeguards the rights of employees in the event of any transfer of an undertaking, business or part of a business from one employer to another employer as a result of a legal transfer (including the assignment or forfeiture of a lease) or merger.
The main provisions of the Regulations provide that all the rights and obligations of an employer under a contract of employment (including terms inserted by collective agreements), other than pension rights, are transferred to the new employer on the transfer of the business or part thereof. The new employer must also continue to observe the terms and conditions of any collective agreements until they expire or are replaced.
Both the outgoing and incoming employers are obliged to inform their respective employees’ representatives of, inter alia, the reasons for the transfer and the legal, social and economic implications of the transfer. Where there are no representatives, the employers must arrange for the employees to choose representatives for this purpose. The affected employees must be given the above information not later than 30 days before, and in any event, in good time before, the transfer (or, in the case of the transferee, before its employees will be affected by the transfer).
Where an employee considers that a breach of the Regulations has occurred they have the right to refer a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The WRC are also responsible for adjudication in disputes as to applicability of TUPE.
Capital Expenditure Programme
Ceisteanna (135)
Johnny Guirke
Ceist:135. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if any projects under his remit are on hold due to Capital Funding pressures; if he will indicate the projects, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12624/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Capital projects in my Department are delivered mainly through our enterprise agencies. Currently there are no capital projects on hold due to funding pressures.
My Department, working through Enterprise Ireland, currently has 79 approved projects supported under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) and the Border Enterprise Development Fund (BEDF). Enterprise Ireland continuously monitors and reports on each of the projects supported under the REDF and BEDF and submits them formally to a National Oversight Group managed by my department. For projects which experienced unexpected delays due to cashflow and construction inflation costs over the past 12 to 18 months additional funding of €12m was provided in supports.
With regard to capital projects delivered by IDA Ireland, their strategy “Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-24” sets out ambitious plans for the delivery of advanced building solutions in regional locations and key capital-intensive regional infrastructure to support the organisation’s Strategy.
The overall dynamic of the domestic commercial property market remains extremely challenging, and the delivery of the IDA Property Capital Investment Programme is dependent on a wide range of external stakeholders, independent public processes and FDI client timelines.
Many factors can impact on these timelines and the construction industry continues to be impacted by global supply chains and significant construction cost inflation challenges that have arisen in recent years.
To date, the factors outlined above, including Covid and Brexit, together with geopolitical events in Ukraine, which have impacted inflation and economic certainty, have resulted in delays to the progress of some capital projects across the construction industry. IDA continues to monitor these challenges and the potential impact of same.
IDA is continuing with its current capital investment programme where it will deliver 19 Advanced Building Solutions (ABS) to regional locations over the course of the current strategy. IDA will also maintain a focus on land banks and utility intensive strategic sites to future proof the ability of its property portfolio to support the project pipeline, most notably large-scale capital-intensive projects which can have significant regional and national economic impacts.
IDA also continues to seek and develop partnerships with key regional stakeholders including Local Authorities, where appropriate to ensure land, infrastructure and building permits are available across the regions which provide MNCs with greater certainty and predictability as they make investment decisions. Furthermore, IDA has committed to exploit opportunities related to renewable energy use across its property portfolio to contribute to the ambitious public sector energy efficiency and decarbonisation targets for 2030 as set out in the Climate Action Plan and the Programme for Government.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (136)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:136. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a grant for self-employed disabled people and disabled entrepreneurs to employ a non-disabled person to help them run their business. [12775/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for anyone, including people with disabilities, intending to start or grow a business. In that regard, the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant State supports available through agencies such as the Department of Social Protection, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Revenue Commissioners, Education and Training Boards, the Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Office grant supports are available to all entrepreneurs provided their business meets the eligibility criteria of the support they are applying for. Direct financial grant aid such as the Priming Grant and the Business Expansion Grant are primarily for businesses in manufacturing and internationally traded services that can demonstrate growth potential and include salary costs for additional staff as an eligible expense.
In addition, all entrepreneurs can avail of Local Enterprise Office training, mentoring and management development programmes. Furthermore, Local Enterprise Offices can provide additional support to entrepreneurs such as one to one mentoring or accommodations to assist with the completion of grant application forms or to complete training courses such as Start Your Own Business.
Enterprise Ireland is focused on ensuring that supports for entrepreneurs and enterprise are accessible to all, including people with disabilities. Enterprise Ireland continues to invest in additional content, available on eiLearn
(eilearn.ie) and are working in conjunction with stakeholders in the LEOs and third level colleges to develop new programmes and initiatives.
Sustainable Development Goals
Ceisteanna (137)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:137. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made by his Department in respect of targets and goals set out in sustainable development goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development under the policy remit of his Department; and if these targets and goals will be met by their respective deadlines. [12900/23]
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.
Ireland’s Second National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals, 2022 – 2024 was published in October 2022. The Plan was developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in collaboration with all Government Departments, key stakeholders, and based on input from two public consultation processes. A key objective of the Plan is to achieve greater policy coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) with the aim of accelerating achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (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 which provides policy updates for each of the SDG targets. These documents are available at www.gov.ie/sdgs
The Central Statistics Office, in collaboration with all Government Departments, has prepared a 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 central statistics 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.
DETE holds a lead role for a couple of SDG targets under Goal 8 (Inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work); Goal 9 (Resilient infrastructure and inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and innovation); Goal 10 (Reducing inequality within and among countries); Goal 12 (Sustainable consumption and production); and Goal 17 ( Global partnership for sustainable development).
The Department has begun mainstreaming these targets into its work. The DETE’s Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 was developed in the context of its role in contributing to the SDGs. In particular, Goal 4 of the DETE’S Statement of Strategy (i.e., Deepen and extend Ireland’s Global business and trade in a fair and sustainable manner) commits to deepening and extending Ireland’s global business and trade in a fair and sustainable manner supportive of high labour standards in growing further the all-island economy.
Ireland’s White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030[1] , published in December of 2022, sets out Ireland’s industrial policy for the medium- to long-term, to realise the vision of a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable enterprise growth model for Ireland in the future.The White Paper notes the importance of embedding SDGs into enterprise policy, supporting firms to apply their creativity and innovation to solving sustainable development challenges. This includes highlighting the importance of resource circularity, responsible business and corporate sustainability best-practices, to enable enterprises based in Ireland to compete on quality, reliability, value-added and customer service in a more sustainable manner
The White Paper highlights the importance of skills and workforce development policies which aim to activate groups currently underrepresented or underemployed in the labour market, including on pay, flexible working and reducing barriers to workforce participation.
The White Paper on Enterprise embeds sustainable business models and policies to boost productivity through investment in innovation, digitalisation, and management capacity, leading to increased exports from Irish-owned companies and a more diversified and resilient trade portfolio.
To progress the implementation of SGD targets, DETE has prioritised engagement with business, employer and employee representative groups and stakeholders, through various initiatives such as the Enterprise Forum, the Retail Forum, the Company Law Review Group, the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum and the Labour Employer Economic Forum and other groups set up for specific purposes. These groups, working with DETE’s Offices and Agencies, and other government departments, provided platforms for direct engagement with the enterprise sectors as they prepared for Brexit and dealt with the impacts of COVID-19 and the Ukraine crisis.
Ireland continues to be a firm supporter of global partnership for sustainable development. Ireland is providing increased support for Less Developed Countries in their efforts to increase their global exports through multilateral aid for trade programmes at the UN and World Trade Organisation and bilaterally. Ireland is committed to cooperate with trade partners to implement Trade and Sustainable Development special provisions relevant to developing and Least Developed Countries.
[1] Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (2022), White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030. Available at White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 - DETE
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (138)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:138. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a timeframe for introducing energy support grants for businesses that rely on oil and/or LPG that are excluded from the TBESS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12980/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I know it is a very difficult time for businesses that is why the Government has put in place financial supports to assist businesses with their increasing energy costs. The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) is a government grant designed to help businesses with increasing energy costs.
The Scheme has been designed by the Department of Finance and is being administered by the Revenue Commissioners. Funding for the Scheme comes through my Department’s Vote.
Government was concerned at the low uptake of the Scheme and we want more businesses to be eligible to apply for this grant. Reflecting on stakeholder feedback on the low uptake Government decided to make some changes to the parameters of the Scheme and these were announced recently. Some changes are in effect now, but some are subject to state aid approval. Once this is received, other changes will come into place shortly thereafter that. Businesses should continue to apply to the Revenue Commissioners for their applications to be processed.
As of 12th March, the number of approved claims were 25,706 to the value of €49.11million. Of this total number, 4,200 were claims in respect of metered gas costs from 3,530 businesses.
Government also announced the intention for a Scheme for business users of LPG and kerosene given that these are not eligible fuels under the TBESS. This is currently under examination by officials in my Department along with Department of Finance and Environment, Climate & Communications. It should be noted that firms using these fuels should be eligible to make claims in respect of increased costs of metered electricity.
Other Government energy supports available for SMEs apart from TBESS, and including both advice and financial supports include:
- The recently relaunched Support Scheme for Renewable Heat which provides financial support to help businesses move to renewable heating is a way for business to future proof and invest in cost saving energy.
- The Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme - SBCI supports eligible SMEs to invest in the energy efficiency of their enterprises. Loan amounts from €10,000 to a maximum of €150,000 per borrower, over terms of 1 year up to 10 years.
- Climate Toolkit 4 Business allows SMEs to input some simple information to get an estimate of their carbon footprint. It will use this information to generate a personalised action plan and recommend those supports that are relevant to help each business reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.
- Small and medium-sized businesses can currently receive an energy audit voucher from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to get professional advice on how to increase efficiency and reduce their costs.
- The Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme - SEAI provides up to €2,400 towards the installation of solar PV for businesses, farms, schools, community centres, or other non-profit organisation. This technology reduces commercial electricity costs and increases security of supply, while enhancing a positive sustainability image. Grants are available for systems up to 6kWp (approx. 16 Panels or 25m²) with a potential of savings between €2,000 - €3000 annual electrical costs (depending on installation size and current utility rates).
- The Ukraine Enterprise Crisis Scheme - Enterprise Ireland assists viable but vulnerable firms of all sizes in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. There are two streams of funding under the Scheme: the first will assist firms suffering liquidity problems as a result of Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the second will also help those impacted by severe rises in energy costs.
Information on all current energy support schemes are listed on my Department’s website at Energy supports - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie)
Enterprise Policy
Ceisteanna (139)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:139. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland client companies that have been sold, acquired or merged in the past five years; the total amount that was invested in these companies by Enterprise Ireland and the return on these investments to Enterprise Ireland, broken down by company or name redacted if this compromises GDRP law, in tabular form. [13019/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Over the last five years there have been 132 trade sales of Enterprise Ireland Client companies where Enterprise Ireland has held a shareholding investment.
The sale of these companies generates a return to Enterprise Ireland on an annual basis. Over the last five years the income generated by Enterprise Ireland through these 132 trade sales has been €153.2 million.
The original cost to Enterprise Ireland of investing in these 132 companies was €51.9 million, there was therefore a surplus made from trade sale share income in the past five years of €101.2 million by Enterprise Ireland.
The names of individual companies concerned cannot be shared due to commercial sensitivity of the information.
|
Year End 2018 |
Year End 2019 |
Year End 2020 |
Year End 2021 |
Year End 2022 |
Total |
|
|
Number of Trade Sales |
16 |
30 |
30 |
37 |
19 |
132 |
|
Upfront Share Sale Income from trade sales (Escrow not included) |
12,007,000 |
49,309,107 |
28,817,684 |
39,782,855 |
23,234,452 |
153,151,098 |
|
Original Cost to EI |
6,870,000 |
12,660,215 |
10,638,670 |
14,873,753 |
6,876,000 |
51,918,638 |
|
Surplus on Trade Sales Share Income only |
5,137,000 |
36,648,892 |
18,179,014 |
24,909,102 |
16,358,452 |
101,232,460 |
Enterprise Policy
Ceisteanna (140)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:140. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount invested in venture capital funds and other investment funds by Enterprise Ireland in the past ten years broken down by fund and the return on these investments to Enterprise Ireland. [13020/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Over the past ten years, the Irish Government, through Enterprise Ireland, has invested €479 million into 32 venture capital funds to stimulate job creation and support the funding requirements of early-stage innovative Irish companies with global ambitions. To date €361 million of this investment has been drawn down from Enterprise Ireland.
On an annual basis these investments provide a return on investment to Enterprise Ireland. Over the last ten years, up to 31 December 2022, the amount that has been repaid to Enterprise Ireland amounted to €304 million.
As of 31st December 2022, the residual estimated value of investment assets was €306m*.
Table 1 Summary of Venture Fund Activity
|
Venture Fund Activity by EI 2013-2022 |
€m |
|
Total Commitments |
€479 |
|
No. of Fund investments |
32 |
|
Drawn to date from EI |
€361 |
|
Repaid to EI as at Dec 2022 |
€304 |
|
Residual Est Value at Dec 2022 |
€306m* |
*Y/e 2022 Audited Accounts not finalised so Residual Values are estimates
Table 2 Enterprise Ireland’s Allocation to Venture Funds broken down over the past 10 years.
|
Seed & Venture Capital Scheme 2013-18 |
EI Allocated €m |
Fund Launch* |
|
Fountain II |
15 |
2014 |
|
Atlantic Bridge III |
15 |
2015 |
|
Kernel Capital PEF II |
12.5 |
2015 |
|
ACT V Fund |
19 |
2016 |
|
Seroba III Fund |
15 |
2016 |
|
University Bridge Fund |
15 |
2016 |
|
ACT Side Car |
4.875 |
2016 |
|
Frontline II Fund |
13 |
2016 |
|
European Angel Fund |
10 |
2016 |
|
Sure Valley |
10 |
2017 |
|
Finch Capital II |
10 |
2018 |
|
European Angel Fund top up |
10 |
2018 |
|
Yield Lab Europe Fund |
10 |
2019 |
|
Seed & Venture Capital Scheme 2019-24 at 31/12/2022 |
EI Allocated €m |
Fund Launch* |
|
Atlantic Bridge IV |
15 |
2019 |
|
Furthr Ventures |
16 |
2019 |
|
Middlegame Ventures |
10 |
2019 |
|
University Bridge II |
20 |
2020 |
|
Redesdale Fund |
15 |
2021 |
|
Delta IV Fund |
15 |
2021 |
|
Seroba IV Fund |
10 |
2021 |
|
ACT VI |
8.5 |
2021 |
|
ACT VI Sidecar |
12.5 |
2021 |
|
Elkstone Ventures Ireland |
20 |
2022 |
|
Middlegame Seed Fund |
8 |
2022 |
|
Earlybird Tech Fund II |
5 |
2022 |
|
Finch Capital III |
5 |
2022 |
|
Development Capital Fund Scheme |
EI Allocated €m |
Fund Launch* |
|
Carlyle Cardinal Ireland LP |
25 |
2013 |
|
MML Growth Capital |
25 |
2013 |
|
BDO Development Capital |
25 |
2013 |
|
Innovation Fund Ireland Scheme |
EI Allocated €/$ m |
Fund Launch* |
|
Soffinova Ventures |
US$25 |
2011 |
|
Lightstone Ventures |
US$25 |
2013 |
|
Highland Europe GP |
€20 |
2013 |
|
Arch Venture Fund VIII |
US$27.4 |
2014 |
* Fund life for VC funds are 10+ years, which results in funds being drawn down over the course of this timescale.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Ceisteanna (141)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:141. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current rate of basic level digital intensity of Irish SMEs. [13034/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Embracing digital technologies is crucial for our continued economic growth and productivity as well as contributing to climate action. A competitive, innovative and resilient enterprise base is essential to provide high-quality jobs and employment opportunities.
As outlined in the National Digital Strategy and the White Paper on Enterprise, our objective is that at least 90% of our SMEs will reach at least a basic level of digital intensity by 2030. We also want at least 75% of enterprises to be using cloud, AI and big data by 2030.
According to the European Commission's 2022 Digital Economy and Society Index, Ireland is ranked fifth in the EU with 64% of Irish SMEs having a basic level of digital intensity. This is higher than the EU average of 55%. We are determined to continue to increase the level of digital intensity in enterprises.
The Digital Intensity Index (DII) is a composite indicator measured by the European Commission. It is derived from the survey on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises. With each of the 12 included variables having a score of 1 point, the DII distinguishes four levels of digital intensity for each enterprise: count of 0 to 3 points entails a very low level of digital intensity, 4 to 6 – low, 7 to 9 – high and 10 to 12 points – very high. A basic level entails the use of at least four of twelve selected digital technologies. The DII composition varies between different survey years, depending on the questions included in the survey.
To boost the uptake of digital technology in enterprises, in 2022, Government established the Digital Transition Fund as part of Ireland's NRRP. This is an €85 million multi-annual fund which will run until 2026. Through the Digital Transition Fund, we will increase digitalisation of all businesses across products, processes, supply chains and business models. This will bring about productivity gains, access to new markets, increased innovation and improved competitiveness as well as increases in digital intensity.
In addition, a new Digital Portal is being developed to help businesses to self-assess their digital needs as well as signposting to training, resources, and funding option. The Digital Portal will set out the key benefits of digital for businesses, signpost to supports, and assist businesses on the digital adoption journey.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Ceisteanna (142)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:142. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of Irish SMEs currently exporting across borders; if he will provide a breakdown by sector; the policy plans and funding supports that are in place to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13035/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the recently published White Paper on Enterprise the Government has set a target of an additional 2,000 exporters. This target arose from the 2019 OECD report: SME and Entrepreneurship Policy in Ireland which found that 6.3% of firms in Ireland were exporters and was substantially lower than some other member states.
Ireland’s position as a small economy, means that Irish enterprise realising opportunities on global markets is essential for our economic prosperity. Considerable progress has been made on the market and sectoral diversification of Irish enterprise.
Market diversification is critical to underpin sustainable company growth. Enterprise Ireland helps companies to make strategic decisions and realise export growth opportunities in near and mature markets, or high growth markets, considering the company’s stage of export development and product or service offering.
Exports of Enterprise Clients in 2021 were €27.292bn, of which Food sector accounted for €12.9bn, Industrial Sector accounted for €9.8bn and the Internationally Traded Software & Services sector accounted for almost €4.6bn.
Enterprise Ireland client companies ABR return shows 81% recorded an export sale in 2021. The breakdown of returns from export clients by sector is as follows:
Food – 76% of clients recorded an export, 79% of Industrial clients recorded an export and 80% of ICT companies recorded an export.
The Department will work with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices to develop a joint EI – LEO exporter accelerator model in line with the Departments White Paper on Enterprise.
Achieving strong and sustained growth in international markets is fundamental to the performance of Irish enterprise. Enterprise Ireland will assist enterprises to take a strategic approach to their international growth plans by -
- Assisting enterprises to take a strategic and planned approach to their international growth, providing capability building measures (sales and marketing, pricing, talent attraction), market intelligence, and in-market advice.
Supports Include - International Selling Programme, Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre, Enterprise Ireland’s International Office Network
- Building digital sales and marketing capability in enterprises, to maximise growth in sales via global (online) marketplaces, embracing digital as a key export growth enabler for Irish enterprise.
Supports Include - Digital Export Labs with Enterprise Ireland and Meta (Facebook), Enterprise Ireland’s Digital Marketing Unit
- Delivering a comprehensive programme of in-market and online engagement and showcase activities, including trade missions, client-buyer engagements, and increased leveraging of Irish Advantage and Global Ambition platforms.
Supports Include - St. Patrick’s Day with Trade Events Worldwide, International Markets Week, irishadvantage.com - Targeting increased export diversification, building upon the coordinated measures delivered under the Enter the Eurozone programme, and through identifying and realising future market opportunities.
Supports Include – Tailored financial support packages designed to a specific companies’ requirements, financial supports can be facilitated to support employment creation, capital equipment investments, strategic consultancy costs and other supports where expenditure is compliant with State Aid regulations.
Working with my Department, Enterprise Ireland’s new Strategy incorporates the extension of the Local Enterprise Offices mandate, based on a framework developed by EI, which will allow the LEOs to provide direct financial grant aid to firms operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors to build their export capability. This pilot framework opens up existing LEO programmes to clients with up to 50 employees.
The Local Enterprise Offices are a “first-stop-shop” for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and business and management development programmes such as training and mentoring to those wishing to start or grow their own business. These programmes promote entrepreneurship, foster start-ups and help companies to prepare and start their export journey.
Supports include - The Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME) grant enables clients to explore and develop new market opportunities. The TAME grant part-funds the costs that can be incurred investigating and researching export markets, e.g. exhibiting at Trade Fairs, preparing marketing material and developing websites specifically targeting overseas markets. The TAME grant covers 50% of eligible costs (net of vat) to a max of €2,500 in any calendar year.
Industrial Relations
Ceisteanna (143)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:143. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that staff receive their full wages in a timely manner from a former employer. [13053/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has a robust suite of employment rights legislation in place to protect and support workers.
Statutory and contractual employment terms apply in relation to the payment of wages. Failure to pay all or part of the wages due to an employee is considered an unlawful deduction and a complaint can be made under the Payment of Wages Act, 1991.
The Payment of Wages Act 1991 establishes a range of rights for all employees in relation to payment of wages. The Act regulates how wages and salaries are paid and what deductions may be made from same. Under this Act, an employer is not permitted to make deductions from an employee's wages unless the deduction is authorised under the contract of employment, required by statute, or is made with the prior written consent of the employee.
If an employee believes that their employer has made an unlawful deduction from their pay, then they may refer a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
It is unclear from the question whether the company is insolvent or has gone into liquidation but either way, the employees are entitled to pursue a claim for non-payment of wages either from the employer or the liquidator as the case may be.
It is the employer’s responsibility to pay statutory redundancy to eligible workers. In situations where an employer is genuinely unable to pay statutory redundancy entitlements due to financial difficulties or insolvency, the State provides a safety net and may make the statutory redundancy payments on the employer’s behalf from the Social Insurance Fund.
The WRC is the organisation which is mandated to secure compliance with employment rights legislation. Employees have the right to refer complaints to the WRC on a wide range of employment law breaches, including under redundancy legislation and the Payment of Wages Act 1991, for adjudication and compensation where appropriate. The WRC’s Customer Service and Information Unit can provide further information in relation to employment rights and obligations.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (144)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:144. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 155 and 157 of 7 March 2023, the percentage of research and development funded by his Department that takes place outside the State for the latest year for which detailed data is available; the monetary value of that funding carried out outside of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13079/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Parliamentary Questions previously answered (Nos. 155 and 157 of 7 March 2023) were more appropriate to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) as his Department is responsible for publishing the R&D Budget Survey,
However, as the R&D Budget Survey does not collect data on research and development (R&D) funded outside the State, my response will answer your question in relation to the funding of certain R&D programmes by my Department and its offices and agencies.
IDA Ireland, under Section 29 of the Industrial Development Act 1986 (as amended), is provided with the power to give grants towards the cost of R&D on condition that it is “carried out wholly or mainly in the State and wholly or mainly sponsored by one or more than one industrial undertaking in the State”. However, this does not preclude small elements of a grant-aided project being conducted overseas. At all times grants are paid only to the grantee undertaking the research in Ireland. The monetary value of such research being conducted overseas is not routinely collated.
Enterprise Ireland Research, Development and Innovation Programme is focused on delivering supports to indigenous enterprise, including through direct R&D grants and supports from collaborative projects with Research Performing Organisations, within the State. However, the Innovation Voucher initiative provides vouchers worth €5,000 to small businesses to introduce them to innovation by linking businesses with a network of knowledge providers either north or south of the border as needs be. In 2022 the level of expenditure of innovation vouchers in Northern Ireland was €39,998.
InterTrade Ireland (ITI) is joint funded by my Department and the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy on a 2:1 ratio basis. ITI helps SMEs across the island by offering practical cross-border business funding, information, advice and support. While this support is carried out in the Island of Ireland, it is not possible to completely delineate between Southern and Northern funding so the figures provided are general spend. The last audited figures available for ITI relate to 2021 and it is estimated that the percentage of R&D funded by ITI that takes place outside the State is 9% and the monetary value of the funding is €283,083.
INTERREG Europe bring people together to share innovative and sustainable solutions to regional development challenges. The INTERREG VA Programme is one of 60 cross-border programmes operating across the EU, which are designed to overcome issues that arise due to the existence of a border. The programme area includes the six border counties of Ireland, Northern Ireland and part of Western Scotland.
My Department, together with our counterparts in Northern Ireland, the Department for the Economy (DfE NI), is responsible for funding projects under the Research and Innovation strand of the current INTERREG VA programme. Total funding available for the R&I strand (funded by EU and participating Member States) is just over €70m over the period up to 2022. The funding ratio is split on a 30% (DETE): 70% (DfE NI) basis. My Department’s commitment is €21m over the seven-year programme. In 2022, my Department provided €2.64 million towards its overall commitment under INTERREG VA. Under the terms of the programme, 85% of this amount will be reimbursed by the European Union. While this funding helps to support cross-border initiatives to strengthen research and innovation, as this is a collaborative programme managed centrally in Ireland by the Special EU Programmes Body, data on the level of funding utilised outside of the State is not collated by my Department.
Referendum Campaigns
Ceisteanna (145)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:145. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is intended to hold the referendum on the Unified Patent Court Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13184/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In June 2022, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to participate in the European Unitary Patent System and the Unified Patent Court. The new system will enable uniform patent protection across all participating EU Member States by way of a single patent application and provide a centralised platform for Europe-wide patent litigation before the Unified Patent Court.
The Unitary Patent System will offer inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers and businesses a new level of protection and significant cash savings. It will cost less than €4,700 to maintain a Unitary Patent for an average lifetime of ten years, down from about €30,000 today, if validated in the 25 participating Member States. There will be just one renewal fee payment compared to multiple renewal fees in the different Member States. The simplified and much cheaper system of patent protection will make it easier for Irish businesses to export to a greater number of EU countries, confident in their protection.
In the event of a legal dispute, businesses can defend or challenge a patent via a single litigation process rather than costly litigation in individual member states. The court will also bring consistency in approach which should result in greater predictability in outcomes.
It will safeguard intellectual property and the related jobs in future-oriented industries, and it enhances Ireland's position as a high-tech economy.
My Department officials are currently advancing preparations for the constitutional referendum on the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court which will enable the transfer of jurisdictional powers from Irish Courts to the new International Court.
A date for the referendum is a matter for the Government to decide.
Redundancy Payments
Ceisteanna (146)
Chris Andrews
Ceist:146. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with a company (details supplied) in relation to its announcement of 240 redundancies in its Irish branch; if he has urged the company to adopt a voluntary redundancy first approach to redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13218/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I met with senior officials at Google in January of this year and our discussions covered a number of topics including the announcement that the company would seek to reduce its global headcount by 12,000. At that meeting the company expressed its commitment to having detailed consultations with their staff in Ireland on the job reductions, as well as restating its commitment to Ireland, which is its largest operation outside the United States.
Furthermore, my Department received a collective redundancy notification from the company on 22nd February and I understand that the collective redundancy process is currently ongoing. In that regard, all employers considering collective redundancies are required under the Protection of Employment Act 1977, as amended, to consult with employees’ representatives for at least 30 days to discuss the possibility for avoiding redundancy, reducing the number of employees affected and the selection criteria for redundancy.
Where companies are reducing headcount through redundancies, IDA Ireland, as a matter of course, works with those companies to understand the skills profile of impacted staff, and to share relevant profiles with companies that may be hiring. In this regard, with the support of IDA, Enterprise Ireland recently ran a webinar to discuss supports available to anyone considering starting their own business in Ireland.
IDA Ireland also works with companies to understand if targeted training support could be an assistance in training and retaining impacted teams and mitigating losses through the use of skills diagnostic tools and training support programmes.