Written Answers Nos. 91-110
92. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance what measures are being considered to reduce the price of motor fuel, given the rising costs of oil globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43141/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe final retail prices of fuel is determined by a number of factors including energy market dynamics, wholesale pricing policy, transport costs, exchange rate impacts, taxation and individual retailer pricing policies.
In the context of increases in consumer prices in 2022, the Government implemented a reduction in Mineral Oil Tax (excise duty) on petrol and diesel by 20 and 15 cent per litre respectively; and a reduction in the excise duty associated with MGO by 2 cent per litre – all effective from 10 March 2022. A further 1 cent per litre reduction was also applied to auto diesel and petrol from 1 April 2022 to offset potential increases in retail prices arising from increases in the biofuel obligation scheme. A further 3.4 cent reduction applied to MGO from 1 May 2022, fully offsetting the carbon tax increase.
These measures were scheduled to last until 31 August 2022 but were first extended until budget day and then to 28 February 2023. The Government decision of 21 February 2023 provided for a further extension until 1 June 2023 with a phased restoration of dates in three phases:
• 1 June – VAT inclusive increase of 6 cent on petrol, 5 cent on diesel and 1 cent on MGO.
• 1 September - VAT inclusive increase of 7 cent on petrol, 5 cent on diesel and 1 cent on MGO.
• 31 October - VAT inclusive increase of 8 cent on petrol, 6 cent on diesel and 3.4 cent on MGO.
The cost of these excise rate reductions from implementation on 10 March 2022 until 31 July 2023 in revenue foregone is estimated to be approximately €1 billion.
Finally, the Deputy should note that in Budget 2024 the Government will set out its taxation and expenditure decisions in response to the cost of living pressures currently being faced by many households.
93. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is reviewing any support package for the farm tillage sector, understanding the importance of the sector and the decimation to many farm family incomes as a result of the worst harvest losses in living memory for many in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42857/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of tax reliefs are in place specifically to support the farming sector, for example, accelerated capital allowances for farm safety equipment and for construction of slurry storage facilities, various stock reliefs, tax exemption for certain income earned from leasing farm land, carbon tax relief on farm diesel, succession farm partnerships relief, and VAT rebates on farm buildings.
Existing tax expenditure measures are kept under regular review by my Department as part of its on-going programme of work.
Decisions regarding tax incentives and reliefs, whether in respect of the introduction of new measures or the amendment of existing measures, are normally addressed in the context of the Budget and Finance Bill process. Such decisions must have regard to the sound management of the public finances and my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is a longstanding practice that the Minister for Finance does not comment, in advance of the Budget, on any matters that might be the subject of a Budget decision.
94. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of all banks licensed to operate in Ireland; the date each one was issued; and the particular focus of each. [42925/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 17 banks authorised under Irish legislation, Section 9 of the Central Bank Act 1971, to carry on banking business in the State. These banks together with the start date for their licenses are listed below.
Including the 17 banks referred to above, there are 433 institutions listed in the Central Bank’s register of credit institutions permitted to operate in Ireland. The majority of these are eligible to provide banking services here on a cross border basis under EU Directive 36/2013 relating to the taking up and pursuit of the business of credit institutions. However many of these institution do not provide services in Ireland.
I am informed by the Central Bank of Ireland that it does not have information to hand on the date that each license was issued and the particular focus of each institution and is therefore not in a position to provide this within the time frame allotted.
The Central Bank’s Register of Credit Institutions is available via the Central Bank website here: registers.centralbank.ie/downloadspage.aspx
|
Credit Institution licensed pursuant to Section 9 of the Central Bank Act 1971 |
Licensed Bank, start date: |
|
Allied Irish Banks, Public Limited Company |
23/12/1971 |
|
Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company |
14/06/1995 |
|
Bank of Montreal Europe plc |
29/11/1996 |
|
Barclays Bank Ireland plc |
25/02/2005 |
|
Citibank Europe plc |
01/05/2001 |
|
Dell Bank International Designated Activity Company |
24/06/2013 |
|
EBS Designated Activity Company |
01/07/2011 |
|
Elavon Financial Services Designated Activity Company |
08/12/2006 |
|
Hewlett-Packard International Bank Designated Activity Company |
03/09/1998 |
|
Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Ireland plc |
02/10/1998 |
|
KBC Bank Ireland plc |
17/05/1973 |
|
Macquarie Bank Europe Designated Activity Company |
31/10/2019 |
|
Permanent tsb plc. |
21/09/1994 |
|
Scotiabank (Ireland) Designated Activity Company |
06/12/1990 |
|
The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland |
23/12/1971 |
|
Ulster Bank Ireland Designated Activity Company |
19/09/1973 |
|
Wells Fargo Bank International Unlimited Company |
02/04/2007 |
95. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance his plans to ensure that all homes within the scope of the vacant homes tax are compliant with the tax, in view of the fact that the tax is self-reported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42926/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraVacant Homes Tax (VHT) is administered by Revenue in accordance with Part 22B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997). The first chargeable period for VHT is 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023. A residential property will be within the scope of VHT if it has been occupied as a dwelling for less than 30 days in a chargeable period. The first self-assessed returns are due on 7 November this year and the tax will be payable on 1 January 2024.
I am advised by Revenue that it has undertaken significant work to understand the number of residential properties that are likely to be vacant, including identifying an initial subset of residential properties which may come within scope of VHT. Revenue has developed a preliminary register using data drawn from a range of sources including GeoDirectory, the Residential Tenancies Board and ESB Networks. This register is being used to issue correspondence to property owners who are identified as being potentially liable for VHT and to advise them of their obligations. Property owners who receive such correspondence from Revenue are required to confirm their property’s occupation status with Revenue by 7 November 2023, thereby determining their liability to VHT. Property owners are required to self-assess their liability to VHT and submit a return if they determine that VHT applies to their property, even if they do not receive correspondence from Revenue. Revenue may contact further property owners at a later date following further data analysis.
Where property owners fail to meet their VHT obligations, Part 22B of the TCA 1997 contains a number of provisions designed to encourage compliance with VHT and address non-compliance. Section 653BB of the Act provides that Revenue may issue a notice to a chargeable person, requiring them to provide records to demonstrate that their property was in use as a dwelling for 30 days or more in a chargeable period. Where such records are not provided, or where the records provided are insufficient, Revenue may deem the property to be vacant for the purposes of VHT.
Furthermore, Section 653BF provides for a surcharge to be imposed, where a chargeable person fails to file a correct VHT return by the deadline of 7 November 2023. A surcharge of 5% of the VHT payable will be imposed, where a late return is filed within 2 months of the filing deadline. The surcharge increases to 10% where the return is filed more than two months after the filing deadline. Section 653BG provides that Revenue may also apply a penalty, where the chargeable person fails to file a correct return by the due date. Section 653BE of the Act further provides for interest to be charged on late payment of VHT, at a rate of 0.0219% per day.
As with all tax and duty obligations Revenue’s approach is to seek to maximise voluntary compliance. Revenue has provided detailed information regarding VHT on its website at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/vacant-homes-tax/index.aspx
Revenue has also published a VHT Tax and Duty Manual (TDM) which provides further detailed guidance on the tax. This is available at: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-22b/22b-01-01.pdf
In addition, Revenue provides comprehensive online services, as well as a designated Helpline (01 738 3626) to assist property owners in meeting their VHT obligations.
96. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance his plans to include compliance with the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, as well as the EU copyright directive, as a specified requirement in order to avail of the section 481 tax credit, in line with recommendation 8 of the May 2023 Report on Section 481 - Film Tax Credit by the Committee on Budgetary Oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42941/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight’s recent report on the section 481 film tax credit and the recommendations contained therein, including those specific to copyright law.
I would note that copyright law falls within the remit of the Department of the Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, to gain an understanding of the issue, my officials have engaged with the stakeholders concerned, including representative bodies for actors and performers.
Copyright is relevant for many workers in the film sector, including authors, producers, broadcasters and performers. I have been informed that an independent facilitator has been retained by Screen Ireland to meet with key stakeholders to understand and discuss issues raised through the implementation of the Digital Single Market Directive (Copyright Directive). Stakeholder meetings have been held over the past number of months and further engagement is ongoing. I look forward to the outputs from this process.
It worth noting that copyright legislation applies regardless of whether it is referenced as part of the application process for section 481 or not. If there are issues with copyright law as it currently applies, as stated, this is a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance the details of any engagement between his Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht and Sport and Media with regard to the establishment of a stakeholder forum, in line with recommendation 14 of the May 2023 Report on Section 481 - Film Tax Credit by the Committee on Budgetary Oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42942/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (DTCAGSM) are examining the options available regarding the recommendation in the Committee on Budgetary Oversight’s Report on Section 481 (Film Tax Relief) for the convening of a stakeholder forum.
I am advised that a previous attempt to constitute a forum was undertaken by Screen Ireland in 2019, but it did not prove possible to progress as, at that time, it appeared that a forum discussion would primarily comprise of the airing of disputes and grievances which are more properly dealt with by the State through other mechanisms such as the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Further engagement between my Department and DTCAGSM is ongoing in respect of the BOC's recommendations. I would also note that my officials have directly engaged with all relevant representative bodies in the sector, including those representing crew, cast and producers, with a view to understanding the issues affecting the audio-visual sector.
98. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance to provide a list of general schemes referred by his Department to an Oireachtas committee for pre-legislative scrutiny from 1 January 2016 to date; the date each was referred; the date that the general scheme was published for the public to review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42949/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible in the time available to compile an updated list of the information sought in the Deputy's PQ. My officials will revert in writing to the Deputy when this is prepared.
99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the issues raised by a national organisation concerning taxation matters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42961/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, it is a longstanding practice that the Minister for Finance does not comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
However, the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the EU VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate, unless they fall within categories of goods and services specified in Annex III of the VAT Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply a lower rate of VAT. Currently, Ireland has two reduced rates of 13.5% and 9%.
The Deputy may wish to note that charity organisations may apply to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Compensation Scheme which aims to reduce the VAT burden on charities and to partially compensate for VAT paid by charities. The scheme applies to VAT paid on expenditure in the previous year which cannot be reclaimed.
Charities can submit one claim per year, which should relate to VAT paid in the previous year only. Charities are entitled to claim a refund of a proportion of their eligible VAT costs, based on their level of non-public funding. The total amount of claims in each year may exceed the capped amount. When this happens, any refunds due are paid to charities on a pro-rata basis.
100. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide a list of general schemes referred by his Department to an Oireachtas Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny from 1 January 2016 to date; the date each was referred; the date that the general scheme was published for the public to review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42955/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
General Schemes referred to an Oireachtas Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny since 2016 |
Date Referred |
Date Published |
|
Data Sharing and Governance Bill |
24 March, 2017 |
14 July, 2017 |
|
Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Bill |
4 May, 2018 |
26 November, 2018 |
|
Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill |
11 May, 2021 |
12 May, 2021 |
|
Regulation of Lobbying (Amendment) Bill |
16 February, 2022 |
16 February, 2022 |
|
Statute Law Revision Bill |
16 November, 2022 |
23 November, 2022 |
101. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of the drafting of the River Shannon management body Bill within his Department; the timeline for presenting the general scheme to Government for approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43062/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when the River Shannon flood risk management committee held its meetings in 2023; the agenda for each meeting and the decisions taken; the specific emergency actions which were taken by the committee in July 2023 to address the serious summer flooding in the Shannon callows resulting in the substantial loss of both summer and winter fodder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43071/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 104 together.
In 2016, the Government established the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group to improve coordination between all state agencies involved with the River Shannon and to introduce coordinated flood risk solutions. The Group coordinates the work of all the members to maximise flood risk mitigation.
The Group met on 26 April 2023 and the next meeting of the group is scheduled for 11 October 2023. Minutes of the Groups meetings and agendas are published at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/4d487d-shannon-flood-risk-state-agency-co-ordination-working-group/
The OPW in partnership with Local Authorities is progressing a programme of flood relief schemes to address flood risk on the River Shannon. There are currently 13 completed schemes in the Shannon River Basin District and these schemes are already providing protection to over 2,600 properties. A further 36 flood relief schemes will be delivered in the Shannon catchment as part of the Government’s €1.3bn investment in flood relief measures over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030. 24 of these schemes are currently being progressed including Athlone and Springfield which are currently at construction stage. When completed, the schemes will protect 95% of properties identified as being at significant risk from flooding in the Shannon River Basin District.Outside of the major flood relief schemes, local flooding issues are being addressed by local authorities with support from the OPW under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme provides funding for minor flood mitigation works or studies, costing less than €750,000 each, to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems. To date, the OPW has approved funding of €35m for over 600 projects for the Shannon River Basin District.To add to the overall flood protection from flood relief schemes, the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group produces an annual Work Programme that demonstrates the extensive work and co-ordination by all State bodies to jointly and proactively help address flood risk on the Shannon under the following themes of activity: physical works, maintenance, water management, regulatory, policy and planning. The group is currently progressing a number of collaborative initiatives including a strategic maintenance programme.
Summer flooding in the Shannon Callows region is a real concern when there is heavy summer rainfall. There was heavy rainfall throughout the catchment in July. This has resulted in increasing water levels in the River Shannon and its tributaries. As outlined by Met Éireann, July was provisionally the wettest on record.
Water levels on the Shannon River are managed by, and in accordance with agreed protocols between, Waterways Ireland and the ESB. There is a coordinated approach between those two bodies and water levels on the Shannon are monitored on a daily basis, along with weather forecasts. This informs decisions around sluice gate opening and closing procedures and the operation of weirs, within the agreed protocols.
Recent flooding was caused by very heavy rainfall and relevant measures to control the levels of water were undertaken. These measures influence the levels on the Shannon but due to the shallow gradient of the river and the many natural restrictions along its course, the levels cannot be fully controlled. This is particularly the case when the Shannon is in flood.
Possible approaches to mitigating summer flooding in the Shannon Callows are being developed by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group. However, the Shannon Callows includes two sites designated under European Environmental legislation, the River Shannon Callows SAC and the Middle Shannon Callows SPA. Any proposed solution will be subject to the relevant assessments and consents.
Local Authorities are designated as the lead agency for response to flooding in the Framework for Major Emergency Management. At a national level, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is designated as the Lead Government Department with responsibility for severe weather events including flooding under the Strategic Emergency Management Framework.
The preparation of legislation to improve the management of flood risk on the River Shannon is a Government priority. The management of flood risk on the river is closely intertwined with other uses of the river such as for navigation, dam safety and electricity generation. The OPW has conducted an analysis of existing legislation regarding the management of the River Shannon, including a review of the powers of various bodies involved with the river. This work is a priority for OPW.
102. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline the flood mitigation works that have been completed on the old course of the River Shannon between Parteen weir and Limerick city from 2020 to date; the further plans for such works and the funding committed for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43063/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 13 completed schemes in the Shannon River Basin District (RBD), which are providing protection to over 2,600 properties. There are a further 24 schemes currently being progressed in the Shannon RBD, and these include the Springfield/Clonlara (Co. Clare) flood defence scheme, which is currently at construction and is expected to reach substantial completion in 2023.
The Springfield/Clonlara flood relief scheme is being progressed by Clare County Council, with funding and technical advice being provided as appropriate by the OPW. In addition to OPW funding the cost of the works, the majority of the construction works are being undertaken by OPW via direct labour.
The flood relief scheme involves the construction of a flood protection embankment, land raising, penstock/sluice, pump station and associated works at the townlands of Springfield, Cappavilla North, Cottage and Illaunyregan, Clonlara. The flood protection embankment and associated works are now in place to protect Springfield/Clonlarra from inundations from the River Shannon.
103. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will increase the minimum statutory flow over Parteen weir from 10 cu. m per second; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43064/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question has been sent to the ESB for their views. I will respond to the Deputy as soon as I receive a response from the ESB.
105. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department has enough sites to complete the Government's modular homes programme; to identify which sites were offered by each local authority; to identify any local authority that did not engage and identify sites; to identify any local authority that offered sites that were already designated under the Housing For All programme, and if so, which sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43089/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe delivery of the Government's modular homes programme is being funded through the Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) Vote. Delivery and management of expenditure on the programme, including all matters pertaining to site selection, is the responsibility of the Minister for CEDIY.
The number of modular units to be delivered under the programme is 700 with a total estimated cost of €237 million.
DCEDIY will be best placed to update the deputy on the status of this work following their engagement with the local authorities in this regard.
106. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what supports and training are available to Irish indigenous SMEs to assist them in competing for public procurement contracts in Ireland and abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43142/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important that SMEs are aware of the opportunities and are ready to compete for public procurement contracts in Ireland and abroad and I would encourage those businesses to make themselves aware of how they might do that.
The Local Enterprise Offices offer courses for businesses on accessing public procurement including courses such as 'Winning Business through Tenders' and 'A Step by Step Guide to E-Tenders and Public Procurement'. 185 participants have availed of LEO public procurement training courses to date in 2023. Enterprise Ireland also makes LEOs aware of their 'Meet the Buyer' events. The Local Enterprise Office Network have also advertised changes to the eTenders platform on the LEO website and kept businesses informed of what they need to do to avail of opportunities to sell to government.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland offer a joint agency programme called Global Sourcing which aims to build supply chain connections between multinationals in Ireland and the supply base of Irish companies with products and services which underpin the operational excellence and efficiency of overseas owned companies in Ireland. To facilitate engagement between Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland client companies, the Global Sourcing team set up and host events which bring buyers and suppliers together.
These events give potential suppliers an opportunity to hear from Senior Management and Experts at Large Multinational Enterprises regarding their strategies for delivering significant projects as well as opportunities to hold one to one meetings with these potential buyers.
InterTradeIreland offers the Go-2-Tender programme, which provides training workshops and follow up mentoring support packages. The training consists of two half day workshops covering how the Public Procurement landscape on the island works. The workshops are followed by individualised mentoring support packages. Companies can avail of up to nine days of direct mentoring guidance and support which can be used to improve their tendering capability in ways best suited to each company’s individual needs.
In terms of general skills, my Department launched Skills for Better Business in November 2022 to help SME owners and managers to assess their own management skills and identify the right education and training to improve their management and leadership capabilities. All SME owners and managers are encouraged to visit skillsforbetterbusiness.gov.ie and take the assessment themselves.
107. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide a list of general schemes referred by his Department to an Oireachtas committee for pre-legislative scrutiny from 1 January 2016 to date; the date each was referred; the date that the general scheme was published for the public to review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42947/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is currently being collated by my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is finalised.
108. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding IDA and Enterprise Ireland supported employment in Louth and east Meath; the present investment by both State agencies; the number of jobs supported by them in Louth and east Meath; the total number and location of visits by potential investors brought to Louth and east Meath by both State agencies for each year since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43134/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key plank of the Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, and is an important focus of my Department and our enterprise agencies and Local Enterprise Offices.
IDA Ireland’s strategy 'Driving Recovery & Sustainability, 2021-2024', has an ambitious target of 800 investments over the lifetime of its current strategy and it will target half of all investments to regional locations. In launching IDA Ireland’s 2022 Annual Report this year, I was pleased to acknowledge the welcoming environment for FDI in all parts of the country, and that the strong spread of jobs and investment in the IDA results was in keeping with government policy. Moreover, this policy achievement continued into 2023 with 67 (48%) of the 139 investments outside of Dublin during the first half of the year. This builds on the 2022 figures of 52% of investments won (127 projects of the 242) going to regional locations. Our aim is for well paid, long-term sustainable jobs, to be available in every region in Ireland.
The FDI performance in the Mid-East Region, which includes counties Louth and Meath, has been strong over the past five years. County Louth is home to 36 IDA Ireland client companies directly employing 4,485 people. Meath is home to 18 IDA Ireland client companies directly employing 2,449 people.
The timely provision of appropriate, cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of multinational companies remains essential to winning FDI. In June 2021, IDA Ireland acquired two landbanks in Co Louth. These land acquisitions, with a combined total of c.157 acres are situated in Drogheda and in Dundalk and form part of IDA’s long-term strategic plan to position Louth and the wider region to compete for FDI investment.
IDA has also recently delivered an Advanced Office Solution on IDA’s Finnabair Business Park and an Advanced Business Solution building at IDA’s Mullagharlin Science & Technology Park in Dundalk. The Agency also plans to commence the delivery of an Advanced Building Solution in Drogheda as part of the current strategy 2021-2024.
During the period of its previous strategy, IDA undertook significant upgrade work on its Business & Technology Parks in Dundalk and at the Mullagharlin Strategic Site. IDA will continue to work closely with the private sector in the Mid-East to secure the provision and marketing of appropriate and cost-effective building and property solutions for client companies.
In relation to site visits, these are recorded and verified quarterly by the IDA, and my Department is provided details of these visits retrospectively. IDA site visit figures (both "e" and in-person) to the end of Q2 2023 are set out in the following table:
|
Q2 2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
|
Louth |
8 |
16 |
10 |
14 |
|
Meath |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
*It should be noted that potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. The figures above represent an individual visit and is therefore not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.
Regional enterprise development is also a strategic focus for Enterprise Ireland. Through its regional strategy ‘Powering the Regions’, Enterprise Ireland seeks to expand the reach of the Enterprise Ireland client base in every county and region in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland client companies employed 6,369 people in Louth in 2022 (with 613 jobs created) and 7,943 people in Meath (with 816 jobs created). Recent job announcements for Enterprise Ireland clients include Hanley Energy who announced 225 new jobs for Louth, and Monaghan, in December 2022, whilst Xocean announced 300 new jobs for Louth in July 2023.
In August 2022 we turned the sod at the Boyne Valley Food Hub, a flagship project of the Boyne Valley Food Innovation District, which is funded by €1.58m under the Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Development Fund and has been in development since 2019.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland supports research and innovation in companies and third level institutions as well as providing incubation space for new start-ups and supporting High Potential Start-Up Companies in manufacturing and internationally traded services. Through its network of 40 global offices, Enterprise Ireland also provides export assistance to companies to access and develop new markets.
109. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education when primary schools will receive their annual IT funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42855/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support its implementation, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.
The previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 saw overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding enabled schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to enable the embedding of the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
Funding of €50m secured as part of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan under the NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility also issued to all recognised schools in the free education scheme to support learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide in late 2021.
My Department intends to issue the next tranche of ICT grant funding in the 2023 to 2024 school year. The specific timing for issue of the ICT grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department including the building programme to ensure the supply of school accommodation.
As part of the forthcoming Review of the National Development Plan, my Department’s aim is to provide better clarity and certainty for schools on the timelines for payment of minor works and ICT grant funding.
110. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education if there are plans or proposals to halve the length of the current postgraduate teacher training courses (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42854/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Professional Master of Education (PME) is a two-year, full-time Level 9 postgraduate professional teacher education programme designed to qualify graduates as primary & post-primary teachers.
Changes to the duration and content of initial teacher education programmes were made in response to recommendations in the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among children and Young People 2011-2020 and were incorporated into the Teaching Council’s accreditation standards. What had been the ‘H-Dip’ of 18 months at primary and 1 year at post-primary became the two-year Professional Master of Education for both. The standards were arrived at following extensive research and consultation with regard to the programme that would be required in order to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding, and professional values expected of newly qualified teachers.
The reforms were focused on improving the quality of teaching and learning in schools, which is central to the educational outcomes of children. The extended duration allowed for substantial periods of school placement and a number of mandatory elements in all programmes including literacy and numeracy and ICT in teaching and learning. These standards were recently updated by the Council in Céim (2020) which reaffirms that post-graduate Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes shall be a minimum of two years’ duration.
The extensive nature of curriculum and assessment reforms over the past decade, and the more complex legislative and regulatory context within which teachers and schools operate, have made teaching an even higher-order challenge. Expanded pedagogical approaches and a focus on learner-centred processes have resulted in greater demands on teachers to reach and demonstrate high professional standards. The requirements for ITE are a significant factor in the high quality of our teaching profession in Ireland, which is recognised at home and abroad.
The current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary ITE programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements, which are also outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.
Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year. The grant was previously funded by my Department up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints. The rate of student grant for 2023 has been set at an average of €815. This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly course in 2023. This grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes.
It is acknowledged that there are challenges around the availability of teachers at present. While there are currently no plans to reduce the current duration of the postgraduate programmes to one year, the Department's ongoing approach is to continue to develop further innovative measures to improve the availability of teachers.
