Written Answers Nos. 220-245
220. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 7 March 2023, if a business or a self-employed business person can specify "card not accepted" or "cash payment only"; and if this will ensure the customer cannot subsequently claim a legal right to pay in card. [19386/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere retailers accept a limited range of payment options, consumers should be informed of the payment options available in advance of a transaction. This can be achieved, for example, by displaying signs stating, “card not accepted” or “cash payment only” at the till and at the store entrance.
However, unlike cash, which has legal tender status in Ireland, there is no obligation to accept card payments, even where a business places no restrictions on the means of payment it is prepared to accept.
221. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the amount claimed in mileage for business journeys by all categories of car, motorcycle and bicycle, broken down by county and Dublin area, over the past five years, in tabular form. [19414/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that this information is not available as it is held at the employer level, forming part of the books and records of each business.
However, section 897C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, introduced by Finance Act 2022, provides for the mandatory reporting to Revenue by employers in respect of three specific measures, collectively referred to as “reportable benefits”. Such measures include the payment of travel and subsistence expenses made without the deduction of PAYE, which would include expenses relating to qualifying business journeys by employees. This new employer reporting also includes the remote working daily allowance of €3.20 and the small benefit exemption.
This measure is subject to a Commencement Order to allow sufficient time for the necessary implementation stakeholder consultation process, which is currently underway. It is however anticipated that reporting of such measures will commence from the start of 2024.
Finally, I am advised by Revenue that further information on the Returns by Employers in Relation to Reportable Benefits is included in Tax and Duty Manual Part 38-03-33, which is available at:
www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-38/38-03-33.pdf
222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if an arrangement can be entered into by the Revenue Commissioners with a person (details supplied); if the person qualifies for the dwelling house exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19478/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that there is an exemption from Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) where an individual inherits a dwelling house provided that the individual inheriting, meets certain qualifying conditions.
The qualifying conditions include that the person:
- has lived in the dwelling for a specified period before the inheritance
- will continue to live in the dwelling for a specified period after the inheritance
- has no beneficial interest in any other residential property at certain specified dates
A comprehensive list of the qualifying criteria is available on Revenue’s website at www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/cat-exemptions/dwelling-house/qualifying-conditions-inheritance-on-after-251216.aspx.
In order for Revenue to determine eligibility for the Dwelling House exemption, the person concerned should file a CAT return Form IT38. Further information on the IT38 is available on Revenue’s website at: www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/completing-gift-or-inheritance-tax-return-it38/how-do-you-file.aspx
If the person concerned requires clarification or assistance with the completion of the Form IT38, the National CAT Helpline is available on (01) 738 36 73.
223. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance the number and total value of contracts his Department has had over the past 12 months with KPMG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20029/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that my Department had two contracts with KPMG over the past 12 months with a total value of €110,000 (VAT exclusive) as detailed below:
|
KPMG contract - description of services |
Contract value (VAT exclusive) |
|
Report on the cost and availability of finance for residential development. |
€80,000 |
|
Report on market economic operator benchmarking. |
€30,000 |
Both contracts with KPMG were procured competitively in line with the ‘National Public Procurement Policy Framework’ issued by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) in November 2019, which sets out the procurement procedures to be followed by government departments and state bodies in accordance with EU rules and national guidelines.
224. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding coastal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19045/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the Office of Public Works (OPW), for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
Under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available: www.gov.ie/en/publication/0e3b3d-minor-flood-mitigation-works-and-coastal-protection-scheme/.
In 2018 the OPW approved funding to Kerry County Council of €150,000 to carry out a Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management Study in the location detailed by the Deputy. Kerry County Council have confirmed that this study is now complete and the report will shortly be forwarded by Kerry County Council to the OPW for review. The OPW will liaise with Kerry County Council on the findings of the report once received.
225. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of properties that are owned and rented by the State through the Office of Public Works; the number of these properties that are vacant; the length of time each property has been vacant; and the location of each. [19171/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties.
This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres and sites.
In any major portfolio, there will always be a certain level of vacant properties. It is normal to have an amount of space vacant, or vacant properties, at any given time as the portfolio could not function without the flexibility that it provides. Not all vacant properties will be deemed surplus to the State’s requirements or deemed suitable for disposal.
The OPW, like other State bodies, is obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus properties. The arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) Circulars:
• Circular 11/2015: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets
• Circular 17/2016: Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property
As a matter of policy, no property or site is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property.
The OPW’s approach to managing vacant, surplus properties is firstly, to establish if the property is required for alternative State use, including the potential for it to be re-purposed for either Government Departments or the wider public service. A number of strategic properties or sites are retained in anticipation of potential State use/development in line with service demands arising from Government policy changes to public service provision.
Secondly, if no State use is identified, the OPW considers if open market disposal is an option, depending on prevailing market conditions.
Thirdly, the OPW may consider community involvement, subject to a detailed submission that demonstrates that the community or voluntary group seeking to use the property has the means to insure, maintain and manage it in order to reduce costs to the Exchequer.
In line with the above policy, the OPW has provided a list of its surplus properties, including former Garda stations, to the Land Development Agency, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the relevant Local Authorities so that they could assess them for suitability for social or humanitarian housing purposes or for other State use.
There are currently 65 vacant, surplus properties (buildings). Four of these properties are currently sale agreed (Contracts for Sale are executed and 10% deposits paid). A further 17 of these properties are in the process of being transferred to Local Authorities or to other State bodies.
There are also 26 vacant and surplus sites. One of these sites is sale agreed and a further four are in the process of being transferred to Local Authorities or to other State bodies:
|
Summary - Vacant Buildings and Sites |
|
|
Buildings |
|
|
Former Garda Stations |
30 |
|
Other Former Garda Stations |
6 |
|
Former Garda Residences |
5 |
|
Former Coastguard Properties |
10 |
|
Former Customs Properties |
2 |
|
Former Met Station Properties |
1 |
|
Miscellaneous Buildings |
11 |
|
65 |
|
|
Sites |
|
|
Former Coastguard Sites |
1 |
|
Former Customs Sites |
5 |
|
Former Met Station Site |
1 |
|
Decentralisation Sites |
3 |
|
Miscellaneous Sites |
16 |
|
26 |
The process for transferring properties and sites to Local Authorities is set out in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Circular 11/15: The Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets. The Protocols state that the market value of the property is to be independently determined by the Valuation Office and is binding on both parties.
The OPW regularly engages with Local Authorities and Government Departments/Agencies with information on its vacant property stock.
A list of the current vacant properties (buildings and sites) and the length of time, if known, that each unit has been vacant is attached at Appendix 1. This does not include those properties that are an intrinsic part of heritage estates or gardens that would not be considered to be surplus to requirements or part of the OPW's disposal programme.
The Office of Public Works does not have any leased buildings that are fully vacant at this time. The OPW is not in a position to provide data on any leased buildings that may be held by other State bodies where those bodies have entered into an agreement directly with a landlord.
226. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of staff properties that are in the possession of the Office of Public Works; the number that are currently vacant; how long they are vacant for; and the locations of any such vacant staff properties. [19172/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are currently collating the information requested and it will be provided directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
227. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number and total value of contracts his Department has had over the past 12 months with KPMG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19276/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not engaged the services or awarded any contracts to the organisation in question during the period specified.
More generally, the Deputy may wish to note that my Department publishes on a regular basis a schedule which lists the details of the consultancy fees, professional fees, legal fees and advisory fees paid since the Department was established. This information for the can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/8b97d6-consultancy-costs/
228. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the names of security companies that have contracts with the OPW to provide security personnel in OPW heritage sites; and when each of these contracts will expire, in tabular form. [19334/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe will respond direct to Deputy as we need time to collate the information.
229. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the revenue raised by private businesses operating in OPW sites in the years of 2021, 2022 and to-date in 2023, in tabular form. [19335/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraClarification was sought from the Deputy in relation to this PQ. The requested information is currently being collated and will be provided directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
230. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19353/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is currently a steering group in place, comprising representatives of the Office of Public Works and Kerry County Council, to progress the Kenmare Flood Relief Scheme, as part of the Government's €1.3bn investment in flood relief under the National Development Plan to 2030.
Kerry County Council appointed Engineering and Environmental consultants in May, 2022 to develop and design a flood relief scheme for Kenmare that will be socially, technically, economically and environmentally acceptable to alleviate the risk of flooding to the community.
The Kenmare FRS is currently at Stage 1 which involves data collection, surveying works and hydrological assessment. Stage 1 is programmed to be completed in 2024.
As part of the scheme the consultant has provided a Preliminary Feasibility Report on Advance and Interim Works that could be carried out to reduce flood risk in the period until the final scheme has been constructed.
In relation to this property the Steering Group has instructed the consultant to provide details for a feasibility study with a view to viable interim works being put in place ahead of the delivery for the flood relief scheme for Kenmare. A planning and consent process will be a requirement for any potential measures identified together with all environmental considerations.
231. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update in respect of the bandstand in St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2; the estimated reopening of same; if he will provide a schedule of costs attached to the works; if he will confirm whether a contractor has been appointed; and the budget that has been made available for the restoration works. [19476/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe bandstand in St. Stephen's Green was closed in 2021 due to the identification of structural issues which made it unsafe for visitors. Conservation Architects from the Office of Public Works have been working to determine the most appropriate manner to restore and make safe this historic bandstand. The OPW has commissioned historical reports and condition surveys and it has been determined that it is necessary to carry out structural repairs to the columns, plinths and decking.
I can confirm that a contractor was appointed on 18th April 2023 to undertake these works. The contractor will commence works on site in the coming weeks and it is estimated that works will be completed by end of October 2023.
The quantity surveyors have returned an estimated Total Construction Project Budget costing for the St. Stephen's Green Bandstand Refurbishment Works of €290,000 which is inclusive of VAT and associated fees. This project will be fully-funded from within the OPW vote.
232. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide details of all payments by all Government Departments and agencies to organisations that are members of the Environmental Pillar in 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19610/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department made one payment to one of the organisations that is a member of the Environmental Pillar during the period specified. My Department made a payment of €400 to VOICE (Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment) for their services in respect of a recycling workshop held in 2021.
With the exception of the Office of Public Works (OPW), no payments have been made by the bodies under the aegis of my Department to the organisations in question during the period specified. I have been advised by the OPW that they will respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
My Department does not hold information in respect of payments by other Government Departments and bodies under their aegis to the organisations in question. The Deputy may wish to submit separate questions to the relevant Ministers in this regard.
233. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if officials from his Department will investigate significant erosion next to a house (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19612/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes and flood relief schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended. The channel at Dromore is part of the Maine Arterial Drainage Scheme. Officials in the OPW South West Region will investigate the issue reported by the landowner and where appropriate liaise with the local authority.
234. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on when the Media Commission will be in a position to engage with organisations that wish to become trusted flaggers. [19533/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraArticle 22 of the Digital Services Act (EU Regulation 2022/2065) obliges Digital Services Coordinators to consider applications for, and award, the status of trusted flaggers. It also sets out the criteria and some of the procedures that should be applied when considering applications. That Article will start to apply in Ireland from 17 February 2024.
The Government decided last year that it will designate An Coimisiún na Meán as the Digital Services Coordinator in Ireland. That decision requires national law to take effect. Accordingly, the Government approved, on 7 March 2023, the General Scheme of a Digital Services Bill 2023. In order to meet the legal and practical deadlines in the EU Regulation, the Digital Services Act, that Bill must be enacted by 17 February 2024, when all the provisions of the EU Regulation, including the provisions on trusted, start to apply directly here.
Coimisiún na Meán was formally established on 15 March, in accordance with the Broadcasting Act 2009 (Establishment Day) Order 2023 (S.I. 72 of 2023). Under the Broadcasting and Other Media Regulation Acts 2009 & 2022, Coimisiún na Meán is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting services, video-on-demand services and designated online services (in particular, video-sharing platform services). An Coimisiún policy areas such as media regulation and development and online safety regulation fall under the remit of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media while the responsibility for the digital services regulation is with my Department.
It is important to note that Coimisiún na Meán is independent in the performance of its functions. However, I am advised by my colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Gaeltacht, Arts, Sports and Media, that An Coimisiún is in the process of developing a work programme which I envisage will set out its priorities for the coming period, including the steps necessary to prepare for the full coming into force of the Digital Services Act on 17 February 2024.
235. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in the Workplace Relations Commission ruling process (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18904/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent statutory office under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, facilitation, and advisory services.
The WRC has statutory responsibility for investigation and adjudication of complaints at first instance under a wide range of employment rights, equality and industrial relations legislation. Cases are heard by WRC Adjudication Officers who are independent in the discharge of their statutory functions. The WRC endeavours to issue decisions within six weeks of the case concluding.
Given the independence of the adjudicators in the exercise of their statutory functions, I cannot intervene in the adjudication process. However, the parties to the case are at liberty to contact the WRC directly in relation to the decision issuing.
Decisions of Adjudication Officers can be appealed to the Labour Court except for cases under the Equal Status Acts which are appealable to the Circuit Court.
236. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of South African companies IDA Ireland has engaged with in relation to setting up in the State in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [18951/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland has welcomed investments from South African companies across a number of key sectors, including Technology, Financial Services and Life Sciences. In that regard, there are currently 11 South African companies with FDI operations in Ireland, employing 202 people, including Investec, Aspen and OUTsurance.
IDA Ireland has engaged with a number of South African companies and has hosted several itineraries for technology and fintech firms interested in investing in Ireland during 2021 and 2022. The Dublin based IDA team members have also participated in various South Africa focused events and speaking opportunities both in-market and in Ireland. However, my officials have been informed by IDA Ireland that specific details of individual engagement information is confidential.
A key component of IDA’s strategy is to broaden the geographic profile of investment. To that end, a ‘Pioneering Markets’ team was established within the Growth Markets Division of IDA in 2019 to focus on extending IDA Ireland’s global footprint. This approach has been supported by a number of in-market Pathfinders or part time consultants located across multiple geographies including South Africa. Since appointment in 2019, the IDA Ireland’s South African pathfinder has been instrumental in promoting Ireland as an inward investment location.
South Africa will continue to be a key target market for IDA Ireland’s Growth Markets Division and IDA is committed to proactively positioning Ireland as an attractive location for South African companies to base their European operation. IDA Ireland is confident of more investments from Africa during 2023 and beyond, leading to further job creation in the coming years.
237. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the oversight role the Health and Safety Authority has in the context of lithium ion battery energy storage systems. [18994/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulatory agency with responsibility for batteries regulations in Ireland is the Environmental Protection Agency, which falls under the remit of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. Neither the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, or the Health and Safety Authority, has a statutory role for regulating the safety of batteries themselves. In workplaces with batteries present, the normal workplace risk assessment should consider any potential risks around the management, storage and handling of batteries specific to the workplace.
Under the Climate Action Plan 2023, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has committed to developing an Electricity Storage Policy Framework by Q3 2023. That Department recently held a consultation to inform the final framework. The consultation covered a broad range of issues, one of which was safety. The Department is now in the process of preparing the final Framework and is engaging closely with key stakeholders including Government Department, State agencies and industry experts regarding the issues raised during the consultation process, including safety standards for electricity storage projects.
238. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on IDA Ireland's delivery of an advanced building solution for Castlebar; when the site selection process will be finalised; if the design-and-planning phase will commence in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19123/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is at the centre of IDA Ireland’s strategy, with a target for half of all investments, that is 400, from 2021-2024 to go to regional locations outside Dublin. IDA is committed to the ongoing pursuit of balanced, compact regional development and maintaining high levels of investment across each region of the country.
IDA Ireland’s property investment programme is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and LEO client base. IDA continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply of competitive property solutions in regional locations.
The provision of property solutions is a key element in IDA’s marketing of Mayo and the West Region and it is essential that the West Region and Mayo has a competitive, sustainable property offering to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs. In that regard, IDA, as part of its Regional Property Programme, has delivered an advance technology building in Castlebar which has been occupied by Meissner Filtration Products, announcing 150 jobs in 2019.
IDA has also committed to build a new, second, Advance Technology Building in Castlebar to support new investment and job creation. The site selection process for the new building is well underway. On conclusion of site selection, the design and planning phases will commence. While the specific dates for commencement of construction are dependent on, and subject to, the successful outcome of these processes, IDA will use its best endeavours to deliver the building in a timely manner. To these ends, IDA Ireland has had regular engagement with Mayo County Council on its plans.
239. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the scheme under design aimed at providing support to businesses with increases in their LPG and kerosene oil costs; when the scheme will go live; and what industry experts were consulted in the design of the scheme. [19200/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was introduced to provide financial support to companies that have experienced significant increases in energy costs. The scheme was designed by the Department of Finance and is being administered by the Revenue Commissioners, with funding coming from my Department.
Government was concerned at the low uptake of the scheme and want more companies to be eligible to apply for support. A number of enhancements to the scheme were brought forward in the Finance Bill 2023 as part of the new cost-of-living measures announced in February.
From 1st March, the monthly limit on aid under the scheme was increased to €15,000 per qualifying business, subject to an overall cap of €45,000 in cases where a business is carried on from more than one location. Last week, European Commission approval under the State Aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework was received for further enhancements to the scheme. These include:
• Extending the scheme to 31 May 2023, with the option to further extend the scheme by Ministerial Order to not later than 31 July 2023;
• Reducing, with effect from 1 September 2022, the energy cost threshold for qualification for the scheme from a 50% increase in electricity or gas costs to a 30% increase;
• Increasing, from 1 March 2023, the level of relief from 40% to 50% of eligible costs.
The time limit for making claims under the scheme has also been extended.
My Department also committed to examining the possibility of creating a separate grant scheme for business users of LPG and kerosene (which are not eligible fuels under TBESS) within the same parameters as TBESS, on the basis that the cost of these fuels increased sufficiently in the same reference period. Work is ongoing in relation to this.
It is important to remember that businesses that use kerosene and LPG are entitled to claim for increased metered electricity costs through the TBESS. It is estimated that, as of the end of March, approximately 90% of payments made under TBESS were for metered electricity with only 10% of payments being for metered gas.
The government provides a wide range of energy and climate action supports for businesses and details of these are available on my Department's website at the following address: www.enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/supports-for-smes/energy-supports/
240. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will produce a national semi-conductor plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19306/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a leading centre for semiconductor technology and is home to over 100 semiconductor and communications companies, with over 25,000 people employed in the sector.
We have a significant semiconductor design and fabrication history and a strong domestic and international semiconductor industry and R&D ecosystem. In the White Paper on Enterprise which my Department published last year, we set out the Government’s commitment to play to our strengths, particularly with regards to specific sectors such as semiconductors.
The Government supports semiconductor companies as part of the wider ICT sector, with direct supports available from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. The Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland (MCCI) hosted at the Tyndall National Institute, Cork, and Digital Manufacturing Ireland (launched earlier this month) have received direct support from the enterprise agencies. Ireland will continue to leverage our existing strength in the sector to reinforce the entire semiconductor ecosystem.
As semiconductors become increasingly important to our everyday lives, administrations around the world are taking measures to ensure security of supply. In this regard, Europe is no different. The Government has recently approved participation in forthcoming Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) in the microelectronics sector, which the European Commission and the German authorities are coordinating and which we anticipate will be launched before the summer. IPCEIs bring together knowledge, expertise, national financial resources and economic actors throughout the Union.
In addition to the IPCEI, earlier this month, the European Parliament and EU Member States reached political agreement on the EU Chips Act. The Chips Act will enable Europe to further enhance its RDI landscape; increase its capacity to produce semiconductor chips; and improve our security of supply. Ireland is well-positioned to play our part in realising this ambition. Officials across Government have been involved at every stage of the negotiation process and we welcome the agreement.
The Irish Government is looking forward to the next phase of implementation of the Chips Act and to realising this opportunity both for Ireland and for Europe.
241. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of trade between Jamaica and Ireland in the years of 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [19352/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to Goods Exports and Imports.
According to the CSO, the value of our goods imports from Jamaica was €218,000 in 2021 and €262,000 in 2022. The value of our goods exports to Jamaica was €10.15 million in 2021 and €17.62 million in 2022. Our top goods exports in 2021 and 2022 were meat and meat preparations; miscellaneous edible products and preparations; and essential oils, perfume materials and toilet and cleansing preparations.
In 2021, the value of services imports from Jamaica was €1 million and the value of services exports to Jamaica was €4 million. The CSO does not yet have data for our services imports from, and services exports to, Jamaica for 2022.
|
2021 |
Imports € |
Exports € |
|
Goods |
€ 218,000 |
€ 10.15 million |
|
Services |
€ 1 million |
€ 4 million |
|
2022 |
Imports € |
Exports € |
|
Goods |
€262,000 |
€ 17.62 million |
|
Services |
Not yet available |
Not yet available |
242. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide a list of the members of the Working Group on Trustworthy AI Principles and Guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19357/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraArtificial Intelligence is a powerful and fast evolving technology that is and will continue to have huge impacts on our economy and society. It also can bring great benefits and opportunities in how Government delivers services. In line with Connecting Government 2030, we have the opportunity to evolve our services digitally with innovation, including through AI.
Our National AI Strategy, AI - Here for Good, commits to having a robust governance framework to safeguard against risk and to underpin public trust in AI. To that end, my Department and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer co-chair the Working Group on Trustworthy AI Principles and Guidelines.
This Working Group brings together representatives of relevant Government Departments and State bodies, along with experts in the area of AI, to develop guidelines for the use of AI in the public service so that it is trustworthy and ethical and to ensure that Government can safely harness the power of AI in the delivery of services to tackle big challenges.
The Working Group currently includes representatives of:
• Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
• Office of the Government Chief Information Officer
• Department of the Taoiseach
• Department of Justice
• Department of Health
• Department of Social Protection
• Department of Foreign Affairs
• Department of Education
• Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
• Defence Forces
• National Standards Authority of Ireland
• Office of Government Procurement
These are joined by the below experts in the field of artificial intelligence:
• Professor Barry O’Sullivan (Insight Centre for Data Analytics, UCC)
• Dr. Patricia Scanlon (Ireland’s AI Ambassador)
• Dr. Susan Leavy (UCD)
Recognising the importance of cyber security in relation to AI, the Working Group will shortly be expanded to include the National Cyber Security Centre.
243. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the decision to abandon the commitment in the Programme for Government to conduct a pilot on universal basic income in the lifetime of the Government (details supplied); if it has been decided to carry out microsimulations of UBI, as recommended by the Low Pay Commission and ESRI; if so, what are the parameters of the proposed microsimulations; who is to carry out the microsimulations; and if this work has commenced already. [19422/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn their report on piloting Universal Basic Income, the Low Pay Commission noted that “the recommendations and guidelines in this report regarding how UBI might be piloted in Ireland should not be seen as an implicit endorsement of the concept of a UBI by the Low Pay Commission. The Low Pay Commission was not asked to evaluate the concept of a UBI. Nor was it asked to evaluate whether or not UBI should be piloted”.
Further, the Commission noted that if it had been invited to evaluate whether or not UBI should be piloted, there is not a consensus (within the Commission) for it to recommend that a pilot should be run within the lifetime of the Government.
The Low Pay Commission recommended that a microsimulation study on Universal Basic Income should be performed in addition to any piloting of such a scheme.
The Commission on Taxation and Welfare recently reported that “The Commission does not support the development of a Universal Basic Income in Ireland” and that “Further, it is noted that resourcing such a pilot project may detract from the State’s ability to fund means-tested welfare schemes, or other targeted measures to address poverty.”
Given the implementation of the Basic Income for the Arts scheme and the views of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare on the development of Universal Basic Income in Ireland, there are no plans to introduce or further trial Universal Basic Income, or to perform a microsimulation study on Universal Basic Income at this time.
244. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number and total value of contracts his Department has had over the past 12 months with KPMG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20027/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the past 12 months, my Department has had three contracts with KPMG for consultancy services. The total value of the contracts (including VAT) is €79,799.33. Details of the projects and associated cost is set out below:
1. Retail Sector Study 2021 to identify likely future trends, opportunities and challenges facing the retail sector. (€49,077)
2. Midlands ICT Action Plan, which is aligned to Strategic Objective two of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan. (€7,967.33)
3. Economic analysis of the Agrifood Sector in the North- East Region which is an action under Strategic Objective five of the North-East Regional Enterprise Plan. (€22,755)
245. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the plans in place to avoid delays in the Leaving Certificate results this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18910/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission (SEC), has responsibility for the operation, delivery and development of the State examinations.
There were a number of factors that affected the timing of results of State examinations in 2022. These included a challenge in recruiting sufficient examiners, the provision of deferred examinations at Leaving Certificate for candidates who experienced illness or bereavement, and the implementation of a post-marking adjustment. For 2023, in relation to the recruitment of examiners, the SEC is undertaking a review of this issue with all of the second level stakeholders with the objective of substantially increasing the number of teachers involved. The SEC’s recruitment campaign for written examiners is ongoing and a new recruitment hub has been launched at secexaminer.ie. Also, a deferred set of examinations will be offered again this year for students who experience bereavement or serious illness arising at the time of the main examinations. I have previously stated that there would be no “cliff edge” for this year’s students in relation to grades, and this is also part of the planning ongoing for 2023 examinations.
The SEC has not confirmed a date on which the Leaving Certificate 2023 results will be issued. However, it continues to work intensively to prepare for the examinations process.
