Written Answers Nos. 31-50
31. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the action being taken by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to support new businesses and jobs to the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31429/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development remains a top priority for my Department and for our enterprise agencies. IDA’s targets for the period 2021-2024 are to assist the creation of an additional 50,000 jobs, attract 800 new investment projects, of which 400 are to the regions, and to drive new climate, sustainability, RD&I (Research, Development and Innovation) and training investments by multinationals in Ireland.
In 2022, over half of all projects (127 or 52%) went to regional locations. This brings the total number of regional investments under IDA Ireland’s current strategy to 260, keeping the Agency on track to achieve their 2021-24 target of 400.
Employment in IDA client companies grew in every region of the country, with the Midlands region showing growth of 10.5%. In that regard, there are 50 IDA client companies in the Midlands Region (comprising Westmeath, Offaly, Laois and Longford), employing 7,665 people. The FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 48% over that time. The region has an impressive range of companies across all industry sectors, with strengths in Life Sciences, Technology, Global Business Services, International Financial Services, and Engineering & Industrial Technologies.
Additionally, IDA’s Regional Property Programme aims to ensure the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of both the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. IDA Ireland will deliver 19 Advanced Building Solutions in 15 regional locations throughout Ireland over the lifetime of their current strategy. In the Midlands region these are in Athlone, Longford and Mullingar.
The site selection process for the proposed Advanced Building Solution in Longford is underway, and the IDA continues to liaise with Longford County Council and with wider stakeholders to seek a suitable site. In relation to the Mullingar building, IDA Ireland received the final grant of planning permission from Westmeath County Council in December 2022 for the construction of a c.50,000sq.ft. Advanced Building Solution consisting of office and light industrial/production spaces. IDA Ireland have advised my Department that the consequent procurement process is now underway.
Insofar as Enterprise Ireland client companies are concerned, employment increased by 6% in EI client companies in 2022 compared to the previous year, with almost 70% of new jobs outside Dublin. The positive job creation results are a testament to the talent, resilience and innovation of businesses operating throughout Ireland.
More specifically, in July 2022, Longford Enterprise Development Company was awarded a Feasibility Grant of €36,000 under the Regional Enterprise Innovation Scoping Scheme (REISS) to explore the potential for a Logistical Technology Hub in Longford. The Hub will support local and national SMEs involved in transportation and distribution to develop and embrace digital tools. REISS is a new Enterprise Ireland regional fund that supports the development of potential innovative regional projects aligned with the objectives of the nine new Regional Enterprise Plans that were launched earlier this year.
Enterprise Ireland’s Midlands and Mid-East New Frontiers 2022 programme, which is run in conjunction with TUS (Technological University of the Shannon), awarded 12 local companies a place on its Phase 2 segment from a total of 60 participants, including four Westmeath start-ups. New Frontiers is an Enterprise Ireland start-up programme that offers hot-desking, mentor support and €15,000 stipend during a 6-month programme.
Finally, earlier this year, I formally opened ‘The CUBE’ in Portlaoise. The CUBE is a 10,000 square foot Low Carbon Centre of Excellence, funded by EI under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and Laois County Council. The CUBE is the first of its kind in the region, located in the heart of Portlaoise’s Cultural Quarter. Portlaoise Town has been designated as Ireland’s first ‘Low Carbon Town’ which will serve as a roadmap for the development and rollout of similar low carbon initiatives in other towns around the Country, with the CUBE playing an integral part in this roll-out.
32. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the report (details supplied) which finds that while “significant support is provided to supporting people experiencing disabilities in employment, this has not yet been extended to supporting business creation and self-employment.”; his plans to introduce tailored supports for people with disabilities to start and maintain their own business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31588/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment commissioned the OECD to undertake a report to assess inclusive entrepreneurship training in Ireland and provide recommendations, based on international best practice, on how to enhance the provision of training interventions to improve their accessibility and impact.
Based on the full report, DETE identified three priority actions to be taken to strengthen entrepreneurship training for people from under-represented groups;
1. Implement Referral System for Inclusive Entrepreneurship Training
2. Increase the Availability of Tailored Entrepreneurship Training
3. Professionalise Coaching and Mentoring
The Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment has been engaging with the Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices to progress these priority actions.
The Local Enterprise Offices 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.
In terms of direct financial support, 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. 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.
The LEOs also collaborate on the Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities course delivered by TU Dublin, which is open to people with disabilities and who have a business idea that they wish to pursue as a sustainable enterprise. Each participant is assigned a LEO business mentor.
In addition to the above, the Department of Social Protection provides grants to individuals with disabilities to assist them in their employment. This includes the Reasonable Accommodation Fund which consists of the Workplace Equipment and Adaptation Grant, the Job Interview Interpreter Grant, the Personal Reader Grant and the Employee Retention Grant.
33. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the development and implementation of a scheme to assist businesses which have been impacted by significant increases in the cost of kerosene heating oil. [31389/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cost of energy is a major factor in the operation of most businesses. The impact of the very significant price increases experienced by businesses in 2022 and 2023, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, was mitigated by the introduction of the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme to support companies dealing with increases in the price of metered electricity and natural gas.
Following a review of the operation of TBESS, the Government agreed to the development and implementation of a scheme to extend similar supports to companies that rely on Kerosene oil for heating purposes. The development of a scheme is justified by the fact that the price of Kerosene was 64% higher during the 2022 TBESS reference period than in 2021.
It is intended that the Kerosene Scheme will provide flat rate payments to businesses to mitigate the impact of price increases during 2022. Businesses will receive banded payments based on volume of Kerosene usage during the year.
The possibility of extending the Scheme to businesses that use Liquid Petroleum Gas was examined. Available data showed that LPG prices increased by less than 20% during the TBESS reference period compared to 2021. It was therefore considered that the inclusion of LPG users in the scheme could not be justified.
It should be noted that users of Kerosene and LPG are eligible to claim for any increased electricity or natural gas costs under TBESS.
Officials in my Department are working with Enterprise Ireland and other relevant Departments to finalise details of the Kerosene Scheme, and it is anticipated that we will shortly be in a position to notify the EU Commission of the proposed scheme, as required under EU State Aid law.
It is intended that the Scheme will be launched in September, subject to State Aid approval being received, as well as approval from the Department of Public Expenditure NDP and Reform and Cabinet agreement.
34. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the Artificial Intelligence Strategy. [31335/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Progress Report on the National AI Strategy: AI – Here for Good has been finalised and it is expected to be considered by Government very shortly, after which it will be published. The Progress Report is the first since the publication of the National AI Strategy in July 2021 and shows that good headway has been made across all strands.
Key achievements under the Strategy include:
• The appointment in 2022 of Ireland’s first AI Ambassador , Dr Patricia Scanlon, who is leading a national conversation around AI and demystifying AI.
• Ireland continues to play an active part at EU level in discussions to define a horizontal regulatory framework for AI. The EU AI Act is expected to be finalised by early next year.
• Ireland has joined the OECD’s Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and has been an active participant. The GPAI is an international initiative to promote responsible AI use that respects human rights and democratic values.
• A Top Team on AI standards, led by the NSAI have developed a Roadmap for AI Standards and Certification, which will be published in July.
• A National Youth Assembly on AI was held to gather the views and attitudes of young people on this technology. The recommendations from that assembly have been published and a full report on the assembly is due in the coming weeks.
• The number of SFI “AI for societal good” challenge funds have been expanded since the launch of the strategy.
• My Department established the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum to advise on the uptake digital technology in enterprises, including AI.
• Ireland has designated CeADAR as its National AI Hub , as part of the broader programme of European Digital Innovation Hubs. CeADAR to act as a one-stop-shop for businesses and public sector organisations embarking on their AI journey.
• The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs published “AI Skills: A Preliminary assessment of the skills needed for the deployment, management and regulation of artificial intelligence,” a review of the skills implications of AI over the next five-to-ten years, as well as the skills-related actions needed to realise the potential of AI.
• Under Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund calls 1-5, 39 projects involving AI/machine learning/robotics have been awarded €131.7m.
The Government sees a huge opportunity from expected developments in AI technology in the next five years. We have been preparing for the next generation of AI for a number of years and have put good safeguards in place. We believe our strong innovation ecosystem, excellent and responsive skills infrastructure and commitment to ethical and human-centric AI position us well to benefit from the AI revolution, and importantly, to make sure that our workforce is well prepared.
As many of the foundational building blocks are now in place through the implementation of the AI Strategy, Ireland is now a strong and secure place for AI investment and our focus will move to driving the adoption of AI tools by the broader enterprise economy, as well as supporting the growth of AI companies.
35. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on progress on the implementation of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan; the potential future funding for the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31428/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional enterprise development continues to be a key policy for me and this Government, and is reaffirmed in the Department’s White Paper on Enterprise.
The Department contributes to this agenda in several ways, including through the development, implementation and oversight of nine Regional Enterprise Plans.
The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan covers Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath and was launched in Mullingar on 1 March last year.
Each Plan is overseen and monitored by a Steering Committee made up of regional stakeholders and chaired by a senior level private sector businessperson.
I attended the last meeting of the Midlands Steering Committee on 12 May in Portlaoise. At the meeting an update was provided on each strategic objective and associated actions. This included a presentation from the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly on the EU Just Transition Programme. In addition, I also heard from Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) about their FactoryxChange European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) initiative. The Regional Enterprise Plan Programme Manager also provided details on the Midlands Food and Drink Strategy. I believe good progress is being made in delivering on the objectives of the Plan.
With regard to funding, I can advise the Deputy that my Department has secured up to €145 million from the European Regional Development Fund to drive implementation of the Regional Enterprise Plans. This funding will support innovative enterprise focused projects aligned to the Plans. I expect the first call of €35 million to be announced in the coming months.
Finally, the Department is holding nine ‘Building Better Business’ conferences around the country throughout 2023. These focus on the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation and the transition to a low-carbon economy, as well as showcasing the government and agency supports available to small and medium enterprises. Regional Enterprise Plan Chairs also have the opportunity to address attendees about the progress being made in the implementation of their Plan.
The Midlands conference took place on 27 April in Portlaoise. The most recent conference focused on the Mid-East region and was held last Friday in Naas. The next event will focus on the South-East region and take place on 14 July in the South-East Technical University (SETU) Arena in Waterford.
I believe these conferences demonstrate the firm commitment of this Government to balanced regional enterprise development for all regions of Ireland, including the Midlands.
36. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has had any discussions with SME representatives in relation to regulatory impact assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31431/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe preparation of Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIA) is an important element of the legislative process and one that my Department takes seriously. In general, where the Department proposes new policies, consultations with interest groups including employer and employee representative groups and full public consultations inform the contents of Regulatory Impact Assessments. The engagement usually takes place prior to the RIA being drawn up, and views expressed in targeted or public consultations are taken into account.
Since the start of this Government in June 2020, several RIAs have been prepared where required.
An RIA was undertaken on the Sick Leave Bill 2021. In September 2020, the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) Sub-Group on Employment Legislation/Regulation convened to commence a consultation process on the Bill. A full public consultation to complement the LEEF input was launched in November 2020 to which SMEs and representative organisations provided responses.
An RIA was undertaken on the General Scheme of a Plan of Action on Collective Redundancies following Insolvency Bill. ISME was involved in consultations on development of policy leading to the Plan of Action in meetings of November 2020 and May 2021.
An RIA was undertaken on the Consumer Rights Bill 2022 (now Consumer Rights Act 2022). My Department conducted the SME test as part of the RIA process but did not consult SMEs directly as part of preparing the RIA. A comprehensive public/stakeholder consultation was held on the Bill in 2021.
An RIA was undertaken on the Right to Request Remote Work Bill 2021. On 1 April 2021, a Public Consultation was launched inviting views on plans to put the right to request remote working into law. A total of 175 submissions were received, including from SME representatives.
37. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the National Digital Strategy. [31334/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government launched the National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework, in February 2022. Much progress has been made on implementation, and a full progress report, covering achievements across all four dimensions of the strategy, was published in December 2022.
My Department is responsible for the Enterprise pillar of the Strategy, which deals specifically with the digitalisation of business in Ireland and I am pleased to acknowledge the significant achievements made to date in the implementation of this dimension of the Strategy.
The Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum continues to provide expert support and advise Government in driving the uptake of digital technologies by businesses across Ireland. The Forum, which met most recently on 13th June, brings together representatives of indigenous enterprises, multi-national companies, and experts in digital technologies and their adoption by business. The Forum has agreed a new Work Programme for 2023 and a new call for expressions of interest to join the Forum has been published.
Dr Patricia Scanlon continues to serve in the voluntary role as AI Ambassador which involves promoting awareness among the public and businesses of the potential offered by AI, serving as a champion of AI as a positive force for the economy and society, and emphasising an ethical approach. A
The €85m Digital Transition Fund (DTF) continues to be a key tool in driving the digitalisation of enterprise in line with the targets under the National Digital Strategy. The fund is in place to help businesses at all stages of their digital journey, from going online to facilitating exporting and using digital technologies to reach new markets and to improve their productivity and competitiveness. Under Budget 2023, €16m will be made available under the DTF.
We are also making good progress in the development of the new "Grow Digital" Portal that will help businesses to digitalise by diagnosing how digital tools can best help their business and outlining practical steps they can take. In addition, my officials and Enterprise Ireland are working on a new universal digital voucher scheme to bridge the gap between the levels of digitalisation in the indigenous, locally traded sector and larger businesses.
Looking ahead, Ireland will chair the Digital 9+ (D9+) grouping of digital frontrunner countries in Europe in the first half of 2024. This will be an important opportunity to demonstrate our ambition, as articulated in the National Digital Strategy, to be a digital leader at the heart of European and global digital developments. To coincide with this tenure as chair, we will organise the next Digital Ireland Conference.
There has been strong progress across our digital regulatory workstream including the Government’s decision to designate our new Media Commission, Coimisiún na Meán, as Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, under the Digital Services Act, and work is ongoing to give operational and legislative effect to that decision.
38. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he proposes to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and used in a manner that is in line with basic human rights and values; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31383/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAI and other digital technologies are touching and transforming every aspect of our lives. In order to ensure Ireland is prepared for this transformation, Government developed a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy; AI – Here for Good, which was launched in July 2021, and set out a vision that Ireland would be an International leader in using AI to the benefit of our population, through a people-centred, ethical approach to AI development, adoption and use.
A core part of the strategy is a governance ecosystem that promotes trustworthy AI, and much has been achieved in this area since the strategy was launched.
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) is a groundbreaking regulation which applies to all AI developed and used in the EU. It was developed to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and user safety, as well as to build trust in the development and uptake of AI. It addresses the risks generated by specific uses of AI through a set of complementary, proportionate and flexible rules, while also setting out the governance structure for compliance to reduce risk and to ensure transparency, accountability and robustness of the systems. The AIA does not regulate the technology but rather the use of the technology, so new and evolving AI technologies will fall within its scope, particularly where the health, safety and/or fundamental rights of the individual may be negatively impacted.
The European Parliament agreed its approach by plenary vote on 14th June 2023, and my officials are now consulting with relevant stakeholders to refine Ireland’s position on the text. The incoming Spanish Presidency has indicated that it is prioritising this file, and officials in my department, who are leading on this negotiation, will work with all parties to ensure that agreement is reached as quickly as possible while working to ensure that the regulation is flexible and fit for purpose and that the fundamental rights and safety of the individual are central.
Ireland is also actively participating in the Council of Europe's negotiations on a Legal Convention on AI which is underpinned by human rights, democracy and rule of law. This is also being led by Officials in my Department and it is expected that negotiations will conclude by April 2024.
Together, the EU AI regulation and the Council of Europe's Convention on AI will provide a comprehensive framework for the design, development and use of AI in the EU, ensuring that we have a regulatory space that is flexible and future-proofed and which provides for the ongoing safety and protection of the fundamental rights of the individual.
Preparations for AI standards and certification - in the EU and here in Ireland - are also well progressed. Much progress has also been made in preparing our skills infrastructure to deliver the skills that will be needed, so that the workforce is prepared for AI adoption.
39. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he proposes to ensure a modern, cohesive and well-resourced regulatory framework for digital businesses. [31435/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment restated its commitment to a well-resourced, modern and coherent regulatory framework for digital in the National Digital Strategy, which was launched in February 2022.
We have made many advances towards delivering on this commitment.
A Senior Officials Group for Digital Issues (SOG Digital) has been established with the aim of ensuring coherence across all Departments with digital policy responsibilities. It meets 9 or 10 times a year, reporting to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery. My Department plays a central role on that Group.
There is also regular engagement between that Senior Officials Group and the four main digital regulators (the Digital Regulators' Group) as well as direct engagement with industry.
My Department also chairs a weekly meeting to which Departments that have live EU negotiations on digital files attend. This meeting provides a forum for information sharing and discussion on cross-cutting issues that arise during those negotiations.
Collectively these co-ordination measures allow for the detection of cross-overs and synergies across the complex suite of new digital laws and provides for fora at which implementation measures can be discussed. Outputs are used to inform Government in their work on a coherent framework for digital regulation.
My Department is also responsible for the implementation of the EU’s Digital Services Act in Ireland.
In March this year Government approved the General Scheme for the Digital Service Bill which will give effect to designation of Coimisiún na Meán as Ireland’s lead competent authority. Provisions were made in the General Scheme that are designed to support joined up working by Coimisiún na Meán and other regulators, both in Ireland and across the EU, which will promote coherence and maximise resources.
Government also approved an allocation of €2.7 million to my Department for 2023 to fund Coimisiún na Meán in its lead role for implementing the EU’s Digital Services Act in Ireland. This funding has allowed recruitment to be progressed for a Commissioner for Digital Services and for other staff so that Coimisiún na Meán has the resources available to undertake preparatory work and ensure that Ireland is fully equipped for the implementation and enforcement of the Digital Services Act by 17 February 2024, when it comes into full effect. My Department is now working to identify what resources will be needed for Coimisiún na Meán after the 17 February 2024 when the Digital Services Act’s full enforcement network is up and running.
My Department also has responsibility for negotiations at EU level on the proposed Artificial Intelligence Act and proposed Data Act. Regulatory Impact Assessments are being undertaken by my officials which will identify implementation and enforcement frameworks that will inform how these regulations can be implemented in manner that supports coherency of the regulatory framework in Ireland.
Ensuring that the regulatory framework in Ireland is well resourced and properly connected will continue to be a priority for my Department so as to ensure an effective, coherent digital regulatory environment is available for businesses.
40. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 75 of 10 May 2023, if the IDA currently employs, or has under contract, an agent or consultant in Israel to increase investment in Ireland by Israeli companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31542/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland does not currently employ or have under contract an agent or consultant in Israel however, the Agency is due to issue a request for tender for a part-time Israel-based Business Development Consultant in June 2023.
A Business Development Consultant identifies target companies with potential for investing in Ireland, engages with senior decision-makers in these companies and presents Ireland’s value proposition as an investment location.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that IDA Ireland will not target any Israeli company included on the database of enterprises involved in certain activities relating to settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as published by the UN in February 2020.
41. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the work being carried out by his Department and related agencies to support SMEs in the Border region wishing to export; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31586/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2022, Enterprise Ireland, in total, provided funding of over €10.9 million to 343 client companies, employing 23,330 people in the Border Region.
In January 2020, my colleague, then Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, announced an economic stimulus package for the border areas. This Package applies to counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth, and is designed to drive enterprise capability across these counties and to face the challenges of Brexit and transition to a low carbon environment.
Through the Border Enterprise Development Fund (BEDF), Enterprise Ireland has to date approved over €18 million to 11 projects across all border counties.
The Louth-Meath Education and Training Board also received BEDF funding for the advanced manufacturing training centre of excellence to address the skills needs in the high value manufacturing and technology sectors in the region by providing more modular and flexible training courses that can be used to upskill and reskill the existing workforce.
In that regard, the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) commenced in September 2020 and has developed and marketed a full suite of training programmes.
Also under BEDF funding, the Manorhamilton Innovation and Development CLG established an Innovation and R&D Centre for the quarry and construction industry focusing on robotics and cobotics, artificial intelligence and smart data, virtual and augmented reality, 3D industry printing and software development to develop new prototypes or products and to upskill staff, within both industries.
InterTradeIreland (ITI) is also helping SMEs gain the knowledge, skills and capability to access the cross-border market. ITI is supporting businesses to establish and grow exports within their flexible and tailored business supports such as the Acumen programme which helps businesses recruit and part-fund a sales professional to identify new opportunities and win new sales in the cross-border market. ITI’s new Trade Export Pathway, targets first-time and early-stage exporters and will help them grow cross-border trade.
Furthermore, the recently launched Cross-Border Trade Hub contains the latest information for businesses engaged in, or planning to engage in, cross-border trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland, including tendering workshops and mentoring to help SMEs to tender successfully for contracts in the all-island public procurement market.
42. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on efforts being made by his Department, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to attract new businesses to County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31312/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA’s strategy, Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024, has been developed in the context of the Government’s National Economic Plan. It identifies the opportunities for sustainable growth among IDA’s established base of clients through a focus on transformative investments to increase the productivity of Irish operations and their workforce through RD&I, digitalisation, training, and actions on sustainability. The strategy is delivered through a focus on five pillars: Growth, Transformation, Regions, Sustainability, and Impact.
Despite the difficult global economic environment, over 24,000 net new jobs were created in IDA supported client companies in 2022, bringing the numbers directly employed in the multinational sector in Ireland to over 300,000 for the first time ever. Furthermore, regional employment stands at 163,653 an increase of 7% on 2021 with employment in IDA client companies growing in every region of the country, with the Mid-West region showing growth of 3.6% over the previous year.
Accordingly, regional development remains a top priority for my Department and for IDA Ireland, and as part of IDA Ireland’s strategy, half of all investments to the end of 2024 are to go to regional locations outside Dublin. In this regard, IDA Ireland won 242 investments in 2022 of which 52%, or 127 projects, went to regional locations. This strong growth in regional investment is supported by IDA Ireland’s Regional Property Programme.
The Mid-West Region comprises Limerick and Tipperary as well as Clare and there are 154 IDA client companies in the Region, employing 26,004 people. The FDI performance has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 22%. Counties in the Mid-West also benefit hugely from the direct and indirect employment generated by IDA client companies located in other bordering regions. The Mid-West has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies and has also won significant investment in the Food and the Film sub-sectors.
Employment in Enterprise Ireland (EI) client companies increased by 6% in 2022 and now stands at 218,178 with 68% of jobs now outside Dublin. EI has approximately 100 client companies in County Clare, employing 5,266 people across a broad number of sectors including Aviation; Engineering; Electronics & Internationally Traded Services. EI offer a broad range of supports to start-up and scaling client companies, including grant aid and programmatic support in a number of key strategic areas including Leadership; Marketing/Export Sales; Lean; Green and Digitalisation.
EI start-up supports include the New Frontiers Programmes delivered in TUS Mid-West in Limerick and the Atlantic Technological University in Galway, where entrepreneurs are supported to develop a minimally viable product, unique selling points; and route to market; along with the development of a business plan to source possible funding opportunities. EI also provide a Pre-Seed Fund that provides up to €100k per project through a competitive call to eligible promoters. Successful projects which progress to the High Potential Start-Up category are eligible for equity seed funding in the region of €250k to €300k matched private funding against a business plan to scale and grow their business.
EI works closely with Clare LEO to build a pipeline of companies in the Manufacturing and Internationally Traded Services sectors who have ambition to scale and grow their export markets. EI has supported two strategic projects in Clare through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund over recent years – the Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) based in Shannon and development of the Clare Maritime Economic Zone (Clare MEZ) on the marina in Kilrush. A total of €8.4m has been approved for these projects which seek to stimulate the creation of two new sectors and attract new and emerging businesses to Clare.
EI has been engaged with the Shannon Estuary Task Force and the Clare Economic Task Force, working with the key stakeholders to help drive economic growth in the county and region, and also works closely with the team in Shannon Group and Shannon & Ennis Chambers to run joint initiatives to support industry in the county.
43. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what measures are being taken to identify key sectors that will require additional State supports to successfully transition to low-carbon production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31664/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Programme for Government, Ireland has committed to reducing emissions by 51% across all sectors of the economy by 2030 and to become net zero by 2050. These commitments are enshrined in law under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. Accordingly, all sectors of the economy must remain within defined five-year Carbon Budgets which align with our climate ambitions.
In particular, I have responsibility for Government's measures to reduce on-site emissions in our manufacturing sectors by 20% by 2025 and 35% by 2030. These include emissions associated with heat generation in manufacturing and industrial processes produced in making products like cement. Alongside the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, my Department has also committed to reducing emissions from the our commercial buildings stock by 20% by 2025 and 45% by 2030.
My Department is actively pursuing many opportunities for decarbonisation across the enterprise base and integrating climate action into all aspects of the Department and its agencies’ activities. We will foster strong, resilient businesses, that are successful and sustainable, while meeting our sector’s climate targets. These efforts are backed by a number of Government supports for enterprise decarbonisation including the Green Transition Fund, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland’s Environment Aid schemes, the new Energy Efficiency Grant available through Local Enterprise Offices, and the Climate Toolkit for Business to help SMEs get started.
The majority of emissions from industry arise from the generation of heat in manufacturing processes. We must reduce the impact of this heat demand through greater energy efficiency, and by switching away from fossil fuels for generating that heat. Decarbonising our manufacturing sector alongside our energy sectors is key to Ireland’s future economy and competitiveness.
Under the Climate Action Plan 2023, my Department will develop a roadmap to set out the key policy interventions to achieve the objectives set out for decarbonising industrial heat. The roadmap will include a pathway to the electrification of low temperature heat, and the prioritisation of decarbonised gas for use in high temperature heating. The roadmap will develop actions for inclusion in the next Climate Action Plan and will address the three carbon budget periods up to 2035.
The Green Transition Fund was launched in June 2022. It is a €55m fund designed to specifically to address manufacturing combustion emissions from our industrial sector, to accelerate the uptake of carbon-neutral heating in manufacturing businesses. It provides manufacturing businesses the foundation they need to begin their transition to low carbon production processes and through investment in carbon abating capital equipment and technologies.
The remaining industry on-site emissions arise from the chemical reactions in industrial processes, primarily from the cement sector. The Cement and Construction Sector Decarbonisation Working Group, which my Department chairs, is progressing a multi-faceted approach to tackling the complex emissions in our construction. For example, the Working Group is undertaking a piece of research to inform a public procurement policy by Q3 2023 to help public bodies incorporate the principle of low carbon construction materials in all publicly procured or supported projects, with an initial focus on cement products. The aim is to ensure public procurement plays a significant role in the wider adoption of low carbon building materials and practices. Enterprise Ireland are also engaging directly with the cement sector and those producing construction materials, with the objective of assisting them to invest in decarbonising their products.
Climate Action Plan 2023 also lays out our ambition to decarbonise the buildings in which our enterprises operate. A separate roadmap is being developed, led by my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, supported by other relevant Departments, that will set out the key policy interventions to achieve the objectives set out for decarbonising our commercial building stock. Early analysis shows that our efforts will need to focus on buildings such as hotels, hospitality, retailers and offices, to address legacy fossil fuel heating systems. In order to support the commercial built environment in its decarbonisation journey the roadmap will also set out the standards, regulations and timelines that will help drive the necessary changes in heating systems, minimum equipment efficiencies and smart operational and monitoring strategies and technologies required to meet the targets.
The Climate Toolkit 4 Business helps Irish enterprises to begin their transition to zero emissions. The simplified carbon calculator generates an estimated carbon footprint for the user and produces a plan of tailored actions recommended in response to the data provided. The target audience for the Toolkit is SMEs and micro enterprises who wish to start their decarbonisation journey. It is particularly useful for businesses that do not yet have a sophisticated understanding of their carbon emissions or the steps they should consider to reduce their emissions. The Toolkit will direct users to advice, grants and other resources available from the LEOs, EI, SEAI, Irish Water, EPA, IDA and others.
44. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when construction work will commence on the advanced manufacturing facility at the IDA park in Marlinstown, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31326/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn a challenging, competitive and uncertain global environment, IDA’s Regional Property Programme aims to ensure the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of both the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be a key differentiator in winning FDI projects, as evidenced by the record regional results achieved under IDA’s 2015-2019 strategy & its current strategy - Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, 2021 - 2024. In this regard, the IDA Regional Property Programme is a significant driver of investment in quality building & land solutions in regional locations.
In relation to the particular project raised by the Deputy, IDA Ireland received the final grant of planning permission from Westmeath County Council in December 2022 for the construction of a c.50,000sq.ft. Advanced Building Solution consisting of office and light industrial/production spaces. IDA Ireland have advised my Department that the consequent procurement process is now underway. Furthermore, it is IDA Ireland’s intention to appoint a contractor for the construction of the Advanced Building Solution in Q3 2023 with a view to commencing the development shortly thereafter. The appointment of that contractor will be subject to approval by the IDA Ireland Board as part of its normal procurement policy implementation. I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that these implementation dates are contingent on a satisfactory outcome from the public procurement process.
45. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration will be given to the establishment of a Departmental forum on AI in the workplace, comprising experts in the area and trade unions representing workers whose employers use automated systems to monitor workers, to better understand how firms deploy automated technology for worker surveillance. [31538/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s approach to AI recognises the potential for the technology to enhance our socio-economic wellbeing as well as presenting great benefits for businesses in terms of productivity and innovation. We are also mindful of the concerns and questions that the public and workers have in relation to AI.
Work is well progressed on a horizontal EU regulatory framework which will underpin trustworthy use of AI in the EU, and Ireland is actively engaged in this. We are also developing guidance on the use of AI in the public service to ensure that Government can safely harness the power of AI to tackle big challenges.
In line with the National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework, and the National AI Strategy, AI – Here for Good, the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum (EDAF) has been established to advise on the adoption of AI and other digital technologies.
This forum brings together representatives of indigenous enterprise of all sizes, multi-national enterprises, and experts in digital technologies and their adoption by enterprise. An open expression of interest for membership of the EDAF has recently taken place to ensure it is well placed to support Government into the future.
The EDAF will act in an advisory capacity to GovTech on AI adoption by the Public Service. This will include the continuing implementation of enterprise elements of the National Digital Strategy and the GovTech elements of 'Connecting Government 2030: A Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland’s Public Service', both of which were published in 2022.
The Forum’s work will now include advising on the actions in the GovTech Priority Action Plan, which is led by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer.
As the Deputy will know, statutory regulation of technical surveillance in the workplace falls under the terms of General Data Protection Regulation and the 2018 Data Protection Act, which have significantly increased employers' obligations and responsibilities in relation to how they collect, use and protect personal data.
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) is the national independent authority responsible for upholding the fundamental right of individuals to have their personal data protected. The DPC is the Irish supervisory authority for the GDPR, and also has functions and powers related to other important regulatory frameworks including the Irish ePrivacy Regulations (2011) and the EU Directive known as the Law Enforcement Directive. Any employee may request the DPC to enforce his or her rights in relation to Data Protection.
Trade unions may raise issues of non-compliance with GDPR or Data Protection legislation with employers or they may raise their members’ concerns with regard to workplace surveillance as part of collective bargaining. If parties cannot agree, it is open to them to use the industrial relations dispute resolution mechanisms operated by the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court.
46. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a report on progress being made to acquire an IDA Ireland purpose built facility in Longford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31388/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn a challenging, competitive and uncertain global environment, IDA’s Regional Property Programme aims to ensure the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of both the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. In this regard, a robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be a key differentiator in winning FDI projects, as evidenced by the record regional results achieved under IDA Ireland’s 2015-2019 strategy and its current strategy - Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, 2021 - 2024.
Despite the difficult global economic environment, over 24,000 net new jobs were created in IDA supported client companies in 2022, bringing the numbers directly employed in the multinational sector in Ireland to over 300,000 for the first time ever. Multinational operations supported by IDA account directly for more than 11% of the Irish workforce. Furthermore, regional employment stands at 163,653 an increase of 7% on 2021 with employment in IDA client companies growing in every region of the country, with the Midlands region showing growth of 10.5% over the previous year.
Regional development remains a top priority for my Department and for IDA Ireland, and as part of IDA Ireland’s strategy, half of all investments to the end of 2024 are to go to regional locations outside Dublin. In this regard, IDA Ireland won 242 investments in 2022 of which 52%, or 127 projects, went to regional locations. This strong growth in regional investment is supported by IDA Ireland’s property programme.
In respect of the building in Longford, the site selection process is ongoing and the IDA continues to liaise with Longford County Council and with wider stakeholders to seek a suitable site for the proposed Advanced Building Solution.
47. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the IDA advanced building solution to be provided on the purchased IDA land bank in Mell north Drogheda; the expected timelines on the delivery of the ABS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31634/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA’s Regional Property Programme aims to ensure the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of both the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be a key differentiator in winning FDI projects, as evidenced by the record regional results achieved under IDA’s 2015-2019 strategy and its current strategy - Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, 2021-2024. In this regard, the IDA Regional Property Programme is a significant driver of investment in quality building & land solutions in regional locations.
In 2021, IDA Ireland acquired a new 39-acre landbank at The Mell in Drogheda, Co Louth. This landbank will form part of IDA’s long term strategic plans to position Drogheda and the wider Mid-East region to compete for Foreign Direct Investment. Specifically, IDA Ireland have advised that a multi-disciplinary design team has been appointed for the project and is progressing well. Furthermore, it is IDA Ireland’s intention that the Drogheda ABS building will commence the planning process in Q3 2023. I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that these implementation dates are contingent on a satisfactory outcome from the planning process.
48. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a climate delivery taskforce has been established to focus on the specific areas or initiatives of climate delivery that require cross-Government collaboration in all relevant departments in the built environment sector, as outlined in the Climate Action Plan annex of actions; if he will report on their progress to date and the participation of the Department of The Environment, Climate and Communications in the taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31491/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January of this year, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications established a Heat and Built Environment Taskforce to accelerate and drive delivery in relation to retrofitting, renewable heat, district heat and decarbonisation of the building stock. The overarching aim of the Taskforce is to identify work on the critical path to key targets under each area, ensure alignment in the development of policies and activities underway across Government Departments, and proactively manage risks to ensure targets are achieved.
The Taskforce is chaired by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, and its membership comprises senior officials from Government Departments and agencies with retrofitting, renewable heat, district heating networks, decarbonisation of heating and operational energy use optimisation in the building stock related actions under the Climate Action Plan. The Taskforce’s Terms of Reference and Minutes of its meetings and objectives are available on gov.ie
My Department is represented on the Taskforce by senior officials from the Enterprise Strategy, Competitiveness and Evaluation Division including officials from the Climate Acton and Energy Policy Unit. Since its first meeting in March the Taskforce has examined a wide range of issues including District Heating, Anaerobic Digestion/Biomethane, Social Housing and Domestic Retrofit, Public Sector, Commercial Buildings and Green Skills.
As set out in the Taskforce’s Terms of Reference there are a number of working groups established to deal with specific tasks under the remit of the Taskforce. Of the six Working Groups, I have a particular interest in the Industry Working Group and the Commercial Built Environment Roadmap Working Group given my responsibility for the sectoral emissions in these areas as per the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.
The Climate Action Plan 2023 sets out our level ambition for decarbonising the commercial built environment. A detailed roadmap is being developed, led by my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, which is also supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research and Science, the SEAI and other agencies. This Roadmap will set out the key existing and new policy interventions to achieve the objectives set out to reach the targeted level of abatement from our commercial buildings.
The Commercial Built Environment Roadmap Working Group have met on three occasions since March and has discussed the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (EPBD), the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), relevant data availability, the elements to be included in the roadmap, and their approach to engagement with stakeholders. There are now stakeholder engagements scheduled, with sectoral representative bodies for sectors identified as having a high carbon abatement potential, including those from tourism and hospitality, retail, office users and also include commercial landlords.
The Working Group is scheduled to complete its roadmap for the Commercial sector by Q3 this year.
49. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on progress in the implementation of the South-East Regional Enterprise Plan; the potential future funding for the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31390/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional enterprise development continues to be a key policy for me and this Government, and is reaffirmed in the Department’s White Paper on Enterprise.
The Department contributes to this agenda in several ways, including through the development, implementation and oversight of nine Regional Enterprise Plans.
The South-East Regional Enterprise Plan covers Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Waterford and was launched in Wexford on 24 March last year.
Each Regional Enterprise Plan is overseen and monitored by a Steering Committee made up of regional stakeholders and chaired by a senior level private sector businessperson.
I attended the most recent meeting of the South-East Steering Committee in workLAB in Waterford on 23 March. At the meeting an update was provided on the Plan's strategic objectives and associated actions. This included a presentation from the South East Technological University on its Strategic Plan 2023-2028. I also received updates on the ongoing work of the Engineering, Financial Services, and Life Sciences clusters. In addition, I heard about Rosslare Europort's plans to establish the port, its hinterland and the South-East region as an Offshore Renewable Energy Hub. I believe good progress is being made in delivering on the objectives of the Plan.
With regard to funding, I can advise the Deputy that my Department has secured up to €145 million from the European Regional Development Fund to drive implementation of the Regional Enterprise Plans. This funding will support innovative enterprise focused projects aligned to the Plans. I expect the first call of €35 million to be announced in the coming months.
Finally, the Department is holding nine ‘Building Better Business’ conferences around the country throughout 2023. These focus on the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation and the transition to a low-carbon economy, as well as showcasing the government and agency supports available to small and medium enterprises. Regional Enterprise Plan Chairs also have the opportunity to address attendees about the progress being made in the implementation of their Plan.
The most recent conference focused on the Mid-East region and was held last Friday in Naas. The next event will actually focus on the South-East region and take place on 14 July in the SETU Arena in Waterford.
I believe these conferences demonstrate the firm commitment of this Government to balanced regional enterprise development for all regions of Ireland, including the South-East.
50. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken to address food price inflation. [30760/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has been proactive in limiting the fallout from higher rates of inflation. A total of €12 billion – 4½ per cent of national income – has now been provided in direct relief to absorb some of the impact and ease the burden of inflation on households and businesses.
Budget 2023 included a €4.1 billion package to tackle the cost of living and contained a large range of measures to protect households from the rising cost of living, such as:
• Once-off fuel allowance payment of €400,
• Once-off payment of €500 to people receiving the Working Family Payment,
• Once-off double Child Benefit payment resulting in an extra €140 per child,
• Standard rate income tax band for a single person increased by €3,200, to €40,000 and to €49,000 for a married couple.
• Rent tax credit of €500 per year
• An increase in the small benefit exemption for employees from €500 to
€1,000.
Other measures introduced in response to increased energy costs have included: Electricity credit of €600 for all households to be paid in three instalments of
• Electricity credit of €600 for all households to be paid in three instalments of €200
• A reduction in the rate of VAT on gas and electricity from 13.5% to 9% extended until 28 February,
• Fuel allowance scheme expanded to increase eligibility,
• The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme has been allocated €1.3 billion in funding across 2022 and 2023, to support business facing rising energy costs. This scheme will help minimise the pass-through of these rising energy cost to consumers.
These measures are intended to increase the value of people’s wages, in the face of ongoing cost of living pressures.
In May and again on 21 June, I met with grocery retailers where I received assurances that they will pass on the impact of any reductions in input costs on product prices to their customers.
At the 21 June meeting, I was advised that they have reduced the cost of quite a number of products and they will continue to monitor this.
On the 20 June 2023, Minister Coveney published the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (CCPC) report, A High-level Analysis of the Irish Grocery Retail Sector .
The Report found that food inflation in Ireland has been the lowest in the EU in recent years and that changes in input costs may take time to be passed on to consumers.
I will continue to engage on this and will contact food retailers in August to seek an update. A meeting of the Retail Forum is scheduled for September.
The Government will keep the situation under close and active review, and we will continue to examine what measures are possible to manage the impact of rising cost of living for workers.
