Written Answers Nos. 63-82
63. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport regarding phase two of the development of offshore wind farms and the identification of ports to construct them in, the progress that has been made to date; and if any ports have been identified in advance of next month's auction. [19836/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOffshore Renewable Energy (ORE) is integral to achieving Ireland’s Climate Change ambitions with a target of achieving 7GW of offshore energy by 2030 of which 2GW will be dedicated solely to producing green hydrogen. Irish ports will play a critical part in achieving this ambition.
It is anticipated that a large proportion of Government’s 5GW offshore wind target will be developed under Phase 1. However a second phase (Phase 2) of ORE projects may further be required to bridge the gap between Phase 1‘s output and the 5GW target set out in the Climate Action Plan. The additional target of 2GW to produce green hydrogen will be given a separate phase called Phase 3.
To achieve these ambitions a National Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce was established in 2022 by the Department of Environment, Climate & Communication (DECC) to focus efforts across the system on the delivery of offshore wind energy, it brings together senior representatives from key departments and agencies. Supporting the development of port infrastructure is a core objective and the Department of Transport (DoT) is working very closely within this Task Force in this regard.
In December 2021, the DoT published a policy statement on the facilitation of ORE by Commercial Ports, the rationale for which was to bring clarity in policy terms and encourage all ports to actively engage with potential development opportunities and consider the potential being offered.
This statement also noted that to meet Ireland’s deployment activity of 5GW a minimum of 2 ports will be required with a multiple of smaller ports requirement for O&M. As you are aware, Ireland has increased its ambitions to 7GW of offshore wind by 2030 and as a result, Ireland will potentially need up to 4 or 5 ports depending on the degree to which the respective ports plans match the nature and location of the requirements for marshalling and assembly.
In the development of port infrastructure, ports must progress their plans through a number of phases, this includes consenting and planning both which must be progressed in advance of the construction phase.
MARA is to be established in Q3 2023 and will begin processing applications for Maritime Area Consent (MAC). The first MACs are expected to then be awarded to ORE ports by end of 2023, after which the ports can begin pre-engagement consultation with An Bord Pleanála (ABP) with a view to obtain planning permission for construction of ORE infrastructure.
The Foreshore and MARA Planning Units in DHLGH continue to engage with ports in relation to plans, timelines, requirements, and the consenting phase as appropriate. This engagement will continue with a view to optimally supporting port readiness for MAC applications and ensure that ports can proceed through the consenting phases as efficiently as possible.
Under National Ports Policy our state commercial ports operate as independent commercial bodies. This policy has proven very effective in developing a highly competitive and responsive ports sector, where ports have continually proven to be agile in responding to market needs and opportunities. A number of Irish ports involved in advancing ORE infrastructural projects are at various stages of plan development and are working on detailed businesses cases.
Currently, the seven projects awarded MACs are participating in the first Offshore Renewable Energy Support Scheme auction (ORESS 1) with preliminary results expected in May 2023. It is anticipated that results of this auction will serve to provide for further clarity in the market and support further engagement between ports and developers.
64. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of installing a roofed bus shelter. [19648/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider installing a roofed bus shelter at a location (details supplied). [19649/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
66. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the reason the National Transport Authority-tender documents include provisions for hydrogen vehicles in the absence of a national strategy for hydrogen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19874/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the procurement of the national bus fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
67. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he will seek advice on concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19693/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note that the question relates to issues being experienced in relation to a specific life insurance policy. As the Deputy will appreciate, as the Minister for Finance, I am unable to comment on individual cases, nor can I intervene in disputes that individuals may have with their insurance provider. In addition, neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can direct the pricing or provision of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter which individual companies assess on a case-by-case basis. This position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive).
In situations where a person is not satisfied with the service of an insurance provider, it is advisable that that person make a complaint to the firm's internal complaint resolution process. The Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code requires that if after 40 days the complaint has not been resolved to the customer’s satisfaction, the regulated entity must inform the consumer that they may refer their complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).
The FSPO is a statutory official who acts as an independent arbiter of disputes which consumers may have with their insurance company or other financial service provider. The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01-567-7000. Investigations by the FSPO are free of charge to the complainant.
Finally, it may interest the Deputy to know that Insurance Ireland, the representative body for insurance providers in this country, operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be accessed at: feedback@insuranceireland.eu.
68. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the amount of warehoused income tax liabilities and VAT liabilities at the end of March 2023; the amount of interest that is projected to accrue over the remainder of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19796/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Debt Warehousing scheme allows for the deferral of the payment of VAT, PAYE (Employer) and certain self-assessed income tax liabilities, including TWSS and EWSS overpayments. It provided a vital liquidity support to businesses during the Covid pandemic and continues to support businesses as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic and the current energy crisis.
At the end of March 2023, the value of all debts warehoused was €2.216 billion for 63,600 customers. Of this, VAT liabilities amounted to €1.049 billion, income tax liabilities amounted to €55 million, this includes PRSI of approximately €7 million, Employers PAYE liabilities amounted to €999 million, this includes PRSI of approximately €355 million, and TWSS and EWSS liabilities amounted to €113 million.
The extension announced in October 2022 means that businesses no longer have the challenge of making arrangements to repay their warehoused debt until 1 May 2024 and this significant additional time should greatly support businesses and prevent business failure. Importantly also, businesses are still able to avail of the reduced 3% interest rate from 1 January 2023, as opposed to the general interest rate of 10% when they come to pay the debt. To reduce their interest bill, some businesses have already begun to repay their warehoused debt where their financial circumstances permit and, to date, just over 2,000 customers have agreed payment arrangements with Revenue for warehoused debt of €73 million.
The number of customers in the warehouse and the associated warehoused debt is not static and fluctuates on an ongoing basis due to a number of factors, such as the timing and frequency of customer repayments of their warehoused debt. In the circumstances, it is not feasible to accurately project an amount of interest that may accrue on warehoused debt over the remainder of 2023. When customers come forward to repay their warehoused debt, or to make an arrangement to repay it over a period of time, the interest accrued will be calculated at that point on a case-by-case basis.
69. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the amount of dividend withholding tax paid by REITs in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively; the amount of personal income tax paid on the dividends from REITs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19797/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra70. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the amount that was paid out as dividends by REITS in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. [19798/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra71. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the expected additional yield in 2023 if the rate of dividend withholding tax levied on REITs was increased to 33%, or 50%, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19799/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 69 to 71, inclusive, together.
In relation to Dáil Question No. 69 (Ref: 19797/23) and Dáil Question No. 70 (Ref: 19798/23), the Deputy may be aware that there is now only one REIT remaining in the Irish market. As a result, I am advised by Revenue that, due to Revenue’s obligation to maintain the confidentiality of taxpayer information, the specific quantitative information requested by the Deputy cannot be provided. I would however note that REITs are required to be publicly traded entities, and as a result a large volume of information is publicly available, for example in the form of published annual reports.
In relation to Dáil Question No. 69 (Ref: 19797/23), irrespective of the confidentiality constraints arising due to the small number of entities, it would not be possible to provide details of the amount of personal income tax paid on the dividends from REITs as this would be affected by a number of factors distinct to each individual taxpayer, such as their total income from all sources and available tax bands and tax credits.
In relation to Dáil Question No. 71 (Ref: 19799/23), and again irrespective of the restrictions on the provision of information due to the small number of entities, it would not be possible to provide the information sought as the yield from changes in the rates of withholding taxes on REITs would be dependent on the level of future distributions by these entities. There is no basis available to provide an accurate estimate of these future distributions. Furthermore, investors resident in treaty-partner countries may be able to reclaim some of the REIT DWT deducted, by reference to an agreed distribution rate in the relevant bi-lateral treaty. In such cases, there would be no net Exchequer yield from an increase in the withholding tax rates as treaty relief would reduce the net tax back to the existing agreed treaty rate.
72. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the methodology for determining what portion of corporation tax returns can be described as windfall; if he intends to commission an independent study of this to determine the prospects for future returns and what level may be one-off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19800/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year as part of Budget 2023, my Department published an analysis entitled De-risking the Public Finances – Assessing Corporation Tax Receipts. This paper outlined a range of methodologies for estimating ‘windfall’ corporation tax receipts i.e. the amount that cannot be explained by underlying drivers and, therefore, may be more vulnerable to a shock. In general terms, the Department’s approach utilises scenario analysis, which inter alia links corporation tax revenue trends to historical norms and to domestic economic variables, to assess the extent of any potential windfall.
Based on this approach, the analysis concluded that somewhere in the region of €4 to €6 billion in receipts in 2021 were potentially transient in nature. It is important to stress that, in practice, the impact could be even larger, in particular, if there were spillovers to other tax revenue streams such as income tax.
Given the higher-than-expected outturn last year, the estimate for 2023 has been revised as part of the Stability Programme Update published earlier this month. As a result of this analysis, my Department now estimates that almost €12 billion in corporation tax are ‘windfall’ in nature. This represents a clear vulnerability in our public finances, with an underlying general government deficit of €1.8 billion this year in prospect if these receipts are excluded.
In addition to the work undertaken by my Department, other bodies have carried out similar analysis of previous year’s receipts: both the Central Bank and the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council have published independent estimates of windfall corporation tax in recent years.
73. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if all public service pensioners have had their pensions restored under the provisions of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017, which provides for the full unwinding of the public service pension reduction; if not, the number of pensioners that remain affected; the reason for this; and when these pensioners can expect to see their pension fully restored. [19671/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) came into effect on 1 January 2011 via the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2010 and was significantly extended via the FEMPI Act 2013.PSPR was applied in a progressive manner, operating by way of percentage reduction to pensions above specified exemption thresholds, with larger reductions imposed on relatively higher value pensions. A three-stage partial reversal of PSPR, occurring in the years 2016, 2017 and 2018, was provided for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015. The Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 provided for further significant lessening of PSPR in the years 2019 and 2020. As of 1 January 2020, an estimated 97% plus of public service pensions were free from PSPR, leaving a residual group of approximately 4,000 of the highest value pensions still impacted from that date.
PSPR was removed from those pensions still impacted by it from 1 July 2021, in accordance with the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 (Section 27(3)) Order 2020.
It is a matter for each pension paying authority to ensure that the PSPR adjustments and removal provided for under the relevant legislation has been correctly administered and applied to affected pensions.
74. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19692/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is vacancy led and managed through the operation of the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List (IOL).
The Lists undergo periodic evidence-based review involving a public/stakeholder consultation and are informed by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and SOLAS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU). Consideration is also taken of the views of the Economic Migration Policy Interdepartmental Group which is chaired by my Department and includes representatives from a number of relevant policy Departments.
In framing policy regarding employment permits, consideration is given to wider policy instruments that are also available in meeting the challenges presented by skills shortages.
My Department keeps the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances and outside of the full review process the Department continues to be in contact with relevant policy departments and other stakeholders to address particular challenges as they arise.
The occupation refrigeration engineer is not listed on the ineligible list and currently eligible for the General Employment Permit which can be granted for periods of employment of less that two years at a remuneration level of at least €30,000. An occupation may be considered for inclusion on the Critical Skills Occupations List on the basis of evidence submitted by the relevant sector representatives and provided:
• there are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work;
• development opportunities for Irish/EEA nationals are not undermined;
• genuine skills shortage exists and that it is not a recruitment or retention problem;
• education, training, employment and economic development policies are supported; and
• the skill shortage exists across the occupation, despite attempts by industry to train and attract Irish/EEA nationals to available jobs.
Sectors are also required to engage structurally with the public employment service of the Department of Social Protection.
While a date has yet to be announced, I wish to advise the Deputy that the public consultation phase of the next 'Review of the Occupations Lists' is expected to open in the coming months. In advance of its commencement, the refrigeration sector may wish to consult the Department's website in order to peruse the requirements for submitting applications for employment permits and to consider registering to receive notification of the opening of the next public consultation to review the lists.
75. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has been contacted or engaged by a company (details supplied) in respect of job losses at the company; if so, the nature of those discussions; if he is satisfied that the company has complied with communication protocols in respect of redundancies and or requests to take unpaid leave; if he will clarify the obligation of a company to inform him of plans to implement a voluntary time off programme for staff; and whether they are obliged to comply with the request. [19687/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the company concerned is a client of Enterprise Ireland, my Department has received an early warning report from Enterprise Ireland concerning the planned redundancies in this company. My Department also received a collective redundancy notification in relation to potential redundancies at the company in question on 24 March 2023 and I understand that the employer has commenced the required consultation process.
Employers must comply with a number of legal obligations under the Protection of Employment Act 1977 when proposing collective redundancies, including the requirement to consult with and provide information to employees and their representatives. Employers must also notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of the proposed collective redundancy not less than 30 days before the first dismissals.
Accordingly, it is the employer’s responsibility to comply with the legal obligations under the Protection of Employment Act 1977. Employers who are found to have failed to comply with their obligations are guilty of an offence and may be liable on conviction to various fines.
There is, however, no requirement under the Protection of Employment Act 1977 for employers to notify me of any voluntary time off programmes or unpaid leave offered to employees.
The State provides the independent industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms such as the WRC and the Labour Court to support parties in their efforts to resolve any differences. In that regard, it is important that the autonomy of both employees and employers and their representative bodies in the matter of resolving differences is respected by the State.
In relation to the company in question, It is my understanding from media and other reports that certain information was erroneously sent to some members of staff by the company but that this information subsequently did not represent final severance agreements. Nevertheless, If the company employees believe their employment rights have been breached, they are entitled to refer complaints in the first instance to the WRC.
76. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown of the current funding and capital funding for IDA Ireland from 1979 to 2023. [19700/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland was established under the Industrial Development Act 1993 on the 01st January 1994. The Act also provided for the dissolution of Eolas and the Industrial Development Authority. The table below details Current and Capital Funding provided to IDA Ireland by my Department through the Revised Estimate Volumes for the years 1994 to 2023. The Department does not maintain records for the years prior to 1994.
|
Year |
Current (£,000) |
Capital (£,000) |
Total (£,000) |
|
1994 |
14,011 |
58,300 |
72,311* |
|
1995 |
15,130 |
90,000 |
105,130* |
|
1996 |
15,710 |
130,000 |
145,710* |
|
1997 |
18,252 |
157,504 |
175,756* |
|
1998 |
19,070 |
172,400 |
191,470* |
|
1999 |
19,750 |
172,000 |
191,750* |
|
2000 |
21,080 |
192,550 |
213,630* |
|
2001 |
24,097 |
184,815 |
208,912* |
|
Year |
Current (€,000) |
Capital (€,000) |
Total (€,000) |
|
2002 |
33,982 |
185,437 |
219,419* |
|
2003 |
33,079 |
93,266 |
126,345* |
|
2004 |
34,164 |
84,937 |
119,101* |
|
2005 |
36,479 |
96,094 |
132,573* |
|
2006 |
37,918 |
101,300 |
139,218* |
|
2007 |
42,223 |
98,520 |
140,743* |
|
2008 |
45,230 |
98,520 |
143,750* |
|
2009 |
41,877 |
73,594 |
115,471* |
|
2010 |
39,240 |
86,000 |
125,240* |
|
2011 |
38,577 |
86,000 |
124,577* |
|
2012 |
35,822 |
86,000 |
121,822* |
|
2013 |
38,447 |
79,000 |
117,447* |
|
2014 |
38,607 |
89,000 |
127,607* |
|
2015 |
40,316 |
90,000 |
130,316* |
|
2016 |
41,680 |
112,000 |
153,680* |
|
2017 |
42,264 |
137,000 |
179,264* |
|
2018 |
48,780 |
132,000 |
180,780* |
|
2019 |
51,670 |
142,000 |
193,670* |
|
2020 |
53,177 |
136,000 |
189.177* |
|
2021 |
54,933 |
156,000 |
210,933* |
|
2022 |
57,038 |
163,500 |
220,538* |
|
2023 |
60,701 |
177,300 |
238,001* |
*The table shows the allocations as published in the Revised Estimates Volumes 1979 to 2023 and do not reflect the impact of supplementary estimates which may have occurred in the reference years.
77. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown of the current funding and capital funding for Enterprise Ireland and its predecessor bodies from 1979 to 2023. [19701/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland was established under the Industrial Development (Enterprise Ireland) Act 1998 on the 23rd July 1998. The Act also provided for the dissolution of An Bord Tráchtála and Forbairt. The table below details Current and Capital Funding provided to Enterprise Ireland by my Department through the respective Revised Estimate Volumes for the years 1994 to 2023. The Department does not maintain records for the years prior to 1994.
|
Year |
Current (£,000) |
Capital (£,000) |
Total (£,000) |
|
1994 |
28,304 |
52,992 |
81,296* |
|
1995 |
34,400 |
45,400 |
79,800* |
|
1996 |
38,625 |
58,413 |
97,038* |
|
1997 |
35,691 |
54,520 |
90,211* |
|
1998 |
39,018 |
53,466 |
92,484* |
|
1999 |
55,396 |
65,755 |
121,151* |
|
2000 |
112,087 |
71,336 |
183,423* |
|
2001 |
116,836 |
63,644 |
180,480* |
|
Year |
Current (€,000) |
Capital (€,000) |
Total (€,000) |
|
2002 |
118,845 |
103,133 |
221,978* |
|
2003 |
138,040 |
164,779 |
302,819* |
|
2004 |
141,009 |
208,715 |
349,724* |
|
2005 |
120,891 |
251,527 |
372,418* |
|
2006 |
124,099 |
285,065 |
409,164* |
|
2007 |
132,090 |
315,078 |
447,168* |
|
2008 |
137,311 |
351,078 |
488,389* |
|
2009 |
123,896 |
384,092 |
507,988* |
|
2010 |
112,879 |
351,893 |
464,772* |
|
2011 |
117,000 |
367,893 |
484,893* |
|
2012 |
108,667 |
361,700 |
470,367* |
|
2013 |
95,634 |
330,200 |
425,834* |
|
2014 |
90,281 |
307,040 |
397,321* |
|
2015 |
93,060 |
320,330 |
413,390* |
|
2016 |
89,682 |
334,100 |
423,782* |
|
2017 |
94,791 |
352,000 |
446,791* |
|
2018 |
98,931 |
356,250 |
455,181* |
|
2019 |
103,751 |
366,000 |
469,751* |
|
2020 |
107,117 |
371,736 |
478,853* |
|
2021 |
98,561 |
237,750 |
336,311* |
|
2022 |
100,645 |
231,675 |
332,320* |
|
2023 |
105,690 |
272,786 |
378,476* |
*The table shows the allocations as published in the Revised Estimates Volumes 1994 to 2023 and do not reflect the impact of supplementary estimates which may have occurred in the reference years.
78. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons granted work permits in respect of the critical skills list under heading 2211 in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and to-date in 2023; and the number of these that were classified as general practitioners over that same timeframe. [19720/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below shows the number of Critical Skills Employment Permits that were granted by my Department under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code 2211 in the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and to-date in 2023.
These figures include the number of Critical Skills Employment Permits that were granted in respect of General Practitioners during the same period.
All doctor roles are classified under SOC code 2211 - Medical Practitioner. Extracting the number of permits granted for specific role types would require an extensive manual review which is not possible within the timeframe.
|
Year of issue |
Number Issued |
|
2018 |
2499 |
|
2019 |
2543 |
|
2020 |
2690 |
|
2021 |
2608 |
|
2022 |
2429 |
|
2023 |
347 |
|
Total |
13,116 |
79. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if craft apprentices in their first and second year must be paid at least the minimum wage of €11.30 per hour, or if, under the terms of the recent SEO, that a year 1 apprentice will be paid 33.33% of the craft rate which is €21.49 an hour from 18 September 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19801/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) for the Construction Sector came into effect on 1 February 2022. The Order fixes the statutory minimum rates of pay and other conditions for example, sick pay and pension entitlements for craftspeople, construction operatives and apprentices employed in the construction sector. Any employer in that sector has a legal duty to comply, at minimum, with those terms.
The Labour Court recently submitted proposals to myself for consideration for an amended SEO for the Construction Sector to become effective from the
18th September 2023. labour-court-report-and-recommendation-on-seo-for-construction-section-2023.pdf (enterprise.gov.ie)
I must emphasise that this SEO will not be in force until it has been signed by myself and approved by the Houses of the Oireachtas.
This Recommendation from the Labour Court recommends that the following minimum hourly rates of basic pay will apply in the sector from 18th September 2023 to 4th August 2024:
Craftsperson €21.49 per hour
Category A Worker €20.86 per hour
Category B Worker €19.35 per hour
Apprentice Year 1 - 33.33% of Craft Rate Year 2 - 50% of Craft Rate Year 3 - 75% of Craft Rate Year 4 - 90% of Craft Rate.
A minimum hourly rate of basic pay of €15.64 will apply for two years after entrance to the Sector to all New Entrant Operative Workers who are over the age of 18 years and entering the sector for the first time.
80. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment since the enactment of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015, the number of applications made to the Labour Court under Section 2 (1) of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001, as amended; if he will provide a list of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19802/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the enactment of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015, 11 applications were made to the Labour Court under Section 2(1) of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001 as amended. A recommendation issued in respect of 7 of these applications and 4 were withdrawn by the requesting party.
The details of the recommendations which issued are provided below and the decisions are available on the Labour Court website on www.labourcourt.ie.
|
Decision no. |
Parties |
Date of Decision |
|
LCR21242 |
Freshways Food Company and Services Industrial Professional Technical Union (SIPTU) |
03 June 2016 |
|
LCR21388LCR21722 |
Conduit Enterprises Limited and Communications Workers Union |
25 January 201705 June 2018 |
|
LCR21534LCR21741 |
Enercon Windfarm Services Ireland Ltd and Group of Technicians |
31 July 201718 June 2018 |
|
LCR21729 |
Zimmer Orthopaedics Manufacturing Ltd and 53 General Operatives |
07 June 2018 |
|
LCR22021 |
Vantastic and National Bus & Rail Union |
14 June 2019 |
|
LCR22174 |
Scruttons NI LTD |
06 January 2020 |
|
LCR22159 |
Bus Eireann and 14 Drivers |
12 December 2019 |
81. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if grant-aid is available to a small business that needs to purchase mechanical equipment (details supplied) for the expansion of the business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19806/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices are a ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business and act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g. Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.
The LEOs can offer direct grant aid to small enterprises in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, the LEOs can provide financial assistance within three main categories: Feasibility Grants (investigating the potential of a business idea), Priming Grants (to part-fund a start-up) and Business Expansion Grants for existing businesses that want to expand.
In this instance, it should be noted that the LEOs do not provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses. However, the Local Enterprise Office may be able to offer ‘soft’ support in the form of training or by providing a mentor to help support this business if desired.
Anyone with a viable business proposal can also use the LEO to make an application to MicroFinance Ireland, which offers support in the form of loans of up to €25,000 to start-ups with viable business propositions that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by the banks. LEO Kerry can advise and support the process of application if the business promoters wish to pursue this loan option.
Details of services offered by the Local Enterprise Office Kerry can be accessed via phone: (066) 718 3522 or email: kerryceb@kerrycoco.ie.
82. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education when a school (details supplied) will see work commence on its new school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19621/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is part of a campus project with a Primary School and a Post Primary School. The project is assigned to my Department’s ADAPT (Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering) programme. The project brief is the provision of two new 16 classroom primary schools and a new PE Hall for the post primary school.
My Department authorised the Design Team to proceed to retender the project as the first tranche of tenders were deemed unviable.
The original planning permission expired in May 2022, due to a change in the Planning Acts introduced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in Sept 2021 which removed the option to extend a planning permission, a new planning application was lodged in August 2022. A response to a request for further information from South Dublin County Council is currently being prepared by the Design Team. The project was retendered in parallel with the new planning application.
