George Lawlor
Ceist:41. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline his plans to achieve a living wage for workers in Ireland. [6715/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLiving Wage
Ceisteanna (41)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government includes the commitment that this Government will recognise the work of the independent Low Pay Commission, ensuring fair wages whilst also supporting the viability of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Government is committed to ensuring a balance between a fair and sustainable rate for low paid workers, and one that will not have significant negative consequences for employers and competitiveness.
As the Deputy will be aware, in 2021 the Low Pay Commission was asked to examine the previous Programme for Government commitment to progress to a living wage and provide recommendations on how best to achieve this commitment.
The Low Pay Commission’s recommendations were received and considered and in November 2022, the previous Government agreed that a national living wage would be introduced and set at 60% of hourly median wages, in line with the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission. This would be achieved by incremental adjustment to the National Minimum Wage.
The first step towards reaching a Living Wage was the 80 cent increase to the national minimum wage from 1st January 2023 to €11.30 per hour. This was followed with the significant 12.4% increase of €1.40 to the national minimum wage which came into force on 1st January 2024 and increased the minimum wage to €12.70 per hour. On the 1st of January 2025, the minimum wage was further increased by 80 cent to €13.50 per hour.
These substantial increases show Government’s continuing commitment to fair and sustainable wages for the lowest paid workers in our economy. This Government will continue to recognise the work of the independent Low Pay Commission.
Departmental Functions
Ceisteanna (42)
Barry Ward
Ceist:42. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the establishment of a small business unit in his Department, as set out in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6776/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government is clear in the intention to support small businesses and, in particular, the retail and hospitality sectors. The new Small Business Unit to be established in the coming weeks in my Department will be one of the tools utilised to ensure the delivery of targeted support for small businesses. These small businesses continue to be the backbone of our local and national economies.
My Department is working to ensure that the Programme for Government actions aimed at supporting small businesses are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
This work will build on initiatives such as the National Enterprise Hub, which I launched last year, and is making it easier for small businesses to find information and advice on over 250 Government supports across 29 Departments and Agencies.
We are also continuing to ensure the Local Enterprise Offices are sufficiently resourced to deliver their supports, to the almost 370,000 businesses estimated to be eligible. The LEOs will continue to play a vital role in fostering small businesses and contributing to our target of delivering 300,000 new jobs by 2030.
Developing Ireland’s enterprise base will remain a key focus for Government over the next five years and we will continue to review the supports available from our enterprise agencies and to ensure that we have the right structures in place in my Department to deliver them.
Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 37.
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 36.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (45)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:45. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline progress on the recommendations of the Government’s response to Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2024 with regard to artificial intelligence, in particular the commissioning of research on the impact of artificial intelligence on the Irish economy and on the campaign to outline the possibilities of artificial intelligence adoption by SMEs. [6365/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government recognises the transformative potential of AI and other advanced technologies, and the importance, in particular for competitiveness and productivity, of ensuring that enterprises are supported to adapt to and adopt new technologies. As outlined in the Government response to the Competitiveness Challenge report, the Government welcomes this recommendation by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC).
In response, my Department is progressing a body of research that seeks to address the issues outlined by the NCPC, with a view to reporting on results later this year. This research will feed into ongoing policy development in this space.
We now have a number of targeted supports in place to drive increased adoption of technology among businesses. Our approach this year will be to drive awareness through our Enterprise Agencies.
While Tech companies are obviously readily adopting new technologies, much of my Department’s focus is on driving increased usage of AI in the non-tech sectors and domestically trading businesses.
The Grow Digital Portal has a case study catalogue with digital success stories showcasing how different (non tech) businesses have embraced digital solutions to boost their operations. My Department are promoting the case studies across social media to reach as many businesses as we can, on LEOs websites and the department’s website.
My officials are also working with business representative groups to develop a collaborative campaign to increase Digital and AI adoption among micro and SMEs. Again case studies will play an important role in inspiring others to use digital tools.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (46)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:46. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how his Department plans to balance the need for Ireland to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation while also developing a policy for responsible AI use; what he considers to be the main obstacles to the implementation of his Department’s AI policy; if he will provide a progress update on his Department’s strategy to address these challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6807/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A Refresh of Ireland's National AI Strategy was published in November 2024. This refresh takes account of the significant developments in AI technology and regulation since the original Strategy was published in 2021.
The National AI Strategy sets out a whole of government approach to putting the necessary enablers in place, including a supportive innovation ecosystem, a secure data and connectivity infrastructure, and policies to ensure that the workforce is prepared for the impact of AI.
My Department has a particular focus on enterprise digitalisation and AI adoption, guardrails, and building public trust.
While the benefits of AI are clear, there are also important ethical and societal implications that must be considered. Issues such as privacy, security, and changes to the world of work are just a few of the policy considerations that must be proactively addressed by Government to ensure that AI is used for the betterment of society.
That is why building public trust is a priority focus of the Government’s AI Strategy.
I would note in particular the aggressive timeline for implementation of the EU AI Act. We met the first deadlines on identifying national public authorities which supervise or enforce the respect of obligations under Union law protecting fundamental rights, including the right to non-discrimination, in relation to certain high-risk uses of AI systems, specified in the Act.
Given the rapid development of this technology, my Ministerial colleagues are fully aware of the importance of the implementation of the strategic actions included within the Refresh. As AI is a rapidly evolving technology, we will continue to review and refresh the strategy on a periodic basis to reflect this.
Trade Agreements
Ceisteanna (47)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:47. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline his efforts to oppose the Mercosur Trade Agreement. [4447/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to supporting free, fair and open trade. Our membership of the EU makes us part of a growing network of EU Free Trade Agreements, supporting more opportunity for exports and investment, helping support jobs and growth at home, maintaining strict EU standards on food safety, animal and plant health, and supporting better environmental and human rights standards around the world.
We have always been clear, however, that EU trade agreements must defend our most vulnerable sectors and that our farmers’ livelihoods must not be undermined through weak or ineffective environmental standards in other countries. The new Programme for Government is very clear on this point of principle.
With respect to the EU-Mercosur agreement, in addition to our specific sector sensitivities such as agriculture, Ireland has repeatedly raised concerns regarding the strength of the trade and sustainability commitments in the original agreement negotiated in 2019. As a response to those concerns, the European Commission engaged in further negotiations with Mercosur on a new, interpretative legal instrument addressing sustainability commitments. On 6 December 2024, the Commission announced that it had concluded negotiations with Mercosur.
I wish to assure the Deputy that my officials and I continue to engage at EU level at every opportunity – with both the European Commission and with counterparts in EU Member States – concerning developments in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement, including at the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) with other EU Member State Ministers, as well as at meetings of officials in the Trade Policy Committee. I and officials have emphasised Ireland's requirements for credible, legally binding commitments on matters relating to trade and sustainable development, including climate, biodiversity, and deforestation protections, as well as protections and assurances in regard to incomes of farmers in Ireland.
Furthermore, in December I met virtually with the new Commissioner for Trade, Maroš Šefcovic, along with other EU Trade Ministers, where I outlined my concerns over possible unintended consequences of the agreement. The Commissioner has committed to travel to Ireland to meet with stakeholders, which I welcome as an important opportunity to engage constructively with the Commission as we seek clarifications and assurances on the legally binding nature of the commitments in the agreement.
Since the conclusion of negotiations last December, Irish officials have been carefully analysing the text of the additional legal instrument and have engaged with the Commission to interrogate the outcome of negotiations to assess if our concerns with the agreement have been adequately addressed. As it stands, it is not clear that the additional instrument provides the necessary legally binding assurances which Ireland has insisted upon throughout the negotiations.
That is why Ireland is not in a position to accept the EU-Mercosur deal as matters currently stand. Ireland is not alone among the traditionally pro-trade nations of Europe in taking this principled stand.
Engagements with the Commission are continuing as we seek sufficient clarification on the priority areas of climate, biodiversity, deforestation and the protection of farmer's incomes in advance of any final decision by Government.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (48)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:48. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he intends to expand the Power Up grant to include businesses that are currently excluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6408/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million to SMEs right across the country.
In order to get payments to businesses before the end of 2024, the Power Up grant was aligned with the ICOB scheme and a business must have received the second ICOB grant and be in the hospitality, retail and beauty sectors in order to receive the Power Up grant.
My Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB. The Department is currently reviewing the issues that have arisen and will consider next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.
Enterprise Support Services
Ceisteanna (49)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:49. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs supported by Enterprise Ireland in Kerry in 2024; how this compares to the end of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6624/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enterprise Ireland supported jobs in 2020 and 2024:
|
2020 |
2024 |
|
|
Total Job Numbers |
4,697 |
5,206 |
|
Total Gains |
206 |
293 |
|
Total Losses |
-387 |
-148 |
Employment in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in County Kerry has increased by 11% since 2020, it now currently stands at 5,206.
In 2024 alone there were 293 jobs created by Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Kerry, leading to employment growth of 3% last year, a rate of growth that is in line with the national average rate of growth in Enterprise Ireland supported companies.
More broadly in 2024, Enterprise Ireland clients achieved very good employment growth, with total employment reaching a record 234,454 people. This represents a 3% increase from the previous year, with 15,741 new jobs created. Notably, 64% of these new jobs were based outside the Dublin region, highlighting the agency’s commitment to fostering regional development. The west of Ireland emerged as the strongest growing region, with employment rising by 6%, double the national average.
The regional impact of Enterprise Ireland’s efforts is evident in the distribution of job growth across all nine regions, each recording positive employment figures. This focus on regional development not only boosts local economies but also ensures a more balanced economic growth across the country. Enterprise Ireland’s strategy of supporting ambitious, globally focused Irish companies continues to drive job creation and economic resilience, particularly in areas outside the capital.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (50)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:50. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work visas granted in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024; the average length of time to process such applications, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6789/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The table below sets out the number of employment permits issued in 2022, 2023 and 2024:
|
Year |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Number of Employment Permits issued |
30,922 |
30,981 |
39,889 |
My Department experienced a significant increase in applications for employment permits in 2021, which impacted on processing times.
From the start of January to the end of December 2021, some 27,666 applications were received, representing a 69% increase over the same period in 2020 (16,293) and a 47% increase on 2019 (18,811), which itself represented an 11 year high in applications.
My Department, conscious of the impact delays in the processing times has for businesses and their workers, implemented an action plan which increased resources and introduced more efficient methods of processing permit applications.
This saw the number of applications awaiting processing reduced from c. 11,000 in January 2022 to c. 1,200 by the start of January 2023. Processing times for applications fell from a high of 21 weeks to 2-3 weeks depending on the permit type.
Despite continued strong demand across 2023 processing timelines stood at between 2-4 weeks in December 2023, despite c. 31,000 permits being issued across the year.
2024 saw a further increase in demand for employment permits with over 39,000 permits issued and processing times ranging from 1-4 weeks depending on the permit type.
In late 2024 additional resources were deployed to address this unprecedented demand. At the start of this year this backlog stood at just over 4,000. Over the last number of weeks my Department has reduced this to c. 1,700 applications, with processing times ranging from 1-3 weeks depending on the permit type.
The processing times for employment permit applications varies depending on the type of permit being applied for. Processing times are updated on a weekly basis at the following link: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (51)
Barry Ward
Ceist:51. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to cases whereby businesses that qualify for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant and the Power Up grant were misclassified in the wrong category; if an appeals system has been established to ensure they can draw this funding down; if this appeal system has been communicated to all local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6750/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million to SMEs right across the country.
In order to get payments to businesses before the end of 2024, the Power Up grant was aligned with the ICOB scheme and a business must have received the second ICOB grant and be in the hospitality, retail or beauty sector in order to receive the Power Up grant. Both schemes are now closed.
My Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB.
The Department is currently reviewing the issues that have arisen and will consider next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (52)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:52. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to amend the Power Up grant to allow previously non-eligible businesses to apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6506/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million in 2024 to SMEs right across the country.
In order to get payments to businesses before the end of 2024, the Power Up grant was aligned with the ICOB scheme and a business must have received the second ICOB grant and be in the hospitality, retail and beauty sectors in order to receive the Power Up grant. Both schemes are now closed.
My Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB. The Department is currently reviewing the issues that have arisen and will consider next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (53)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Ceist:53. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Carlow and Kilkenny that applied for the Power Up grant; the number of the applications in each county that were successful; the total value of the grants approved in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6503/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million to SMEs right across the country.
In relation to County Carlow, 550 businesses registered for the Power Up grant, 546 businesses were approved and paid the Grant, which amounted to a total of €2.2 million
877 businesses registered in County Kilkenny for the Power Up grant with 864 businesses approved and paid the grant, which amounted to a total of €3.5 million.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (54)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:54. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the work permits scheme for healthcare assistants, to allow healthcare assistants more easily apply for family reunification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6604/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Family reunification policy for non-EEA nationals falls within the remit of the Department of Justice. Consequently, I can confirm that my Department does not apply conditions to family reunification through the employment permit system.
I do, however, acknowledge that the minimum salaries for which an employment permit can be issued are an important factor in family reunification.
With that in mind, a significant amount of work has been undertaken to better align the minimum salary thresholds for employment permits with family reunification requirements.
For instance, in January last year, the minimum salary thresholds for most employment permit types were increased for the first time in a decade. In fact, the median salary for a worker on a general employment permit increased by 13% in 2024. These increases applied to all roles, with the exception of Health Care Assistants, Home Carers and Care workers. A deferral of 12 months was facilitated to take account of the particular funding mechanism for that sector and the desire to ensure continuity of critical health and social care services. Additional health funding was secured in the Budget to facilitate the new minimum threshold of €30,000 which came into effect on 17th January.
These higher Employment Permit minimum thresholds recognise the valuable contribution economic migrants make to this country and ensure they have the means to make a decent life for themselves. They also meet the family reunification threshold for spousal reunification as set by the Department of Justice.
In December 2024, my Department published a report on the review of the issuance of employment permits for Health Care Assistants. This review was informed by a steering group that included representatives of employers and permit holders working in the sector. This review included a survey that received over 100 responses from employers and 300 from Health Care Assistants themselves.
Under the Employment Permits Act 2024, minimum salaries for employment permits must increase in line with increases in average weekly earnings in the state. This will prevent any future stagnation of employment permit salary thresholds. Additionally, a review of the impact of the 2024 increases to the salary minimums is underway and this review will give due consideration to the Department of Justice’s family reunification policy.
My understanding is that this policy is currently under review by the Department of Justice, and that my officials are actively engaged in this process in order to facilitate a whole-of-government approach that ensures Ireland remains an attractive destination for highly skilled workers and their families.
Job Losses
Ceisteanna (55)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:55. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of the prospect of job losses at a company (details supplied) ; to outline the efforts he is making to mitigate job losses; the efforts to support workers at risk of redundancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6409/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Workday established a presence in Ireland via acquisition in 2008 when it acquired Cape Clear, a Dublin-based software company. Employment has increased from the initial 25 employed in Cape Clear in 2008 to over 2,000 today, drawn from 67 different countries. The Dublin office has become Workday’s EMEA (Europe the Middle-East and Africa) HQ with enterprise technical support, sales/marketing, HR, legal, real estate and finance activities. It is also the EU Centre for its Product Development and Infrastructure Engineering teams.
On Wednesday February 5th last, Workday announced plans, via an "8-k Investor SEC Filing" to reduce its global workforce by circa 8.5%. It is the first major layoff in Workday’s history. The company has said that it announced these plans as it is seeking to pivot structures and resources to prioritise investments such as AI. Consequently, this will negatively impact on certain roles as the company restructures. Workday has also indicated that it will continue to invest in strategic areas of the business and prioritise resources and structures to meet customer and market demands. In these regards, Ireland is Workday’s European EMEA headquarters and also a significant product and engineering hub, thus making it a really highly strategic location for the company.
Last week, my Department received a Collective Redundancy Notification indicating that some 142 staff are to be made redundant by the company as part of its global downsizing. My foremost concern is with those employees and their families who will now be directly impacted. Government will be on hand to provide supports to those who need it, which include:
• Provision of a detailed skills profile for the employees on the site; and when individuals will be available, which can be shared with other potential employers.
• Recruitment opportunities through identification and connection with other employers who may be hiring across the locality and wider region.
• Information sessions by the Department of Social Protection's Intreo Office to impacted employees on social welfare services and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.
• Identification and provision of training and further education opportunities for employees e.g. ETBs; Skillnet; Universities.
• Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEOs and Enterprise Ireland.
IDA Ireland is fully engaged with the company both in Ireland and at Corporate level and remains in close contact with them at this time.
Industrial Development
Ceisteanna (56, 63)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:56. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will engage with the IDA regarding the serious lack of IDA-backed jobs in Laois. [6512/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrian Stanley
Ceist:63. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will raise with the IDA the absence of any progress on businesses locating to the vacant 50-acre, IDA-owned site in Portlaoise, County Laois. [6513/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 63 together.
IDA is committed to the pursuit of balanced, compact regional development which can deliver complementary efficiency and equity gains, with the overall impact of helping to advance national development. I launched the new IDA Ireland Strategy yesterday which will direct the focus of IDA Ireland over the coming 5-year period as it seeks to enhance the resilience, productivity, and innovation of Ireland’s FDI base. This strategy reaffirms IDA’s continued focus on the regions. Building on the excellent performance over the previous strategy, IDA is targeting 55% of investments to regional locations over the next 5 years.
The IDA Midlands Region comprises of counties Westmeath, Offaly, Laois and Longford. There are 52 IDA client companies in the Midlands Region, employing 8,045 people. The FDI performance in the region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 26%. The Midlands has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Life Sciences, Technology, Global Business & Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies.
There are currently 145 people employed across 5 IDA-supported companies in Laois. Over the last IDA strategy, IDA has supported three significant FDI investments for Laois. In July 2021 N’Ware Technologies, a Canadian software firm, announced the opening of its new sales and services centre in Mountrath, with the creation of 25 jobs. In July 2020, Greenfield Global officially opened its new €30m EU manufacturing headquarters in Portlaoise, to be supported by 75 employees. In 2018 Barracuda (previously known as Skout), a U.S. cybersecurity firm based on the IDA Business Park in Portlaoise announced the creation of 30 jobs.
A core objective of IDA Ireland is to enable, influence and deliver a competitive property offering which promotes national economic investments, supports winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and the growth and expansion of indigenous clients within the Enterprise Ireland portfolio. The availability of quality Business Parks and Strategic Sites is a critical component of the Regional Value Proposition and winning of investments into the regions. It is crucial that the Midlands region has a competitive, sustainable property offering to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs.
IDA has made considerable investments in land, buildings and infrastructure across the Midlands region. IDA Ireland announced in October, 2022, it had acquired c.18.46 hectares of land adjacent to the Business and Technology Park in Portlaoise and in 2024 IDA Ireland acquired an additional c.4.25 hectares. The land currently available for promotion on the Business and Technology Park in Portlaoise is c.29.66 hectares.
IDA Ireland also continues to assist Enterprise Ireland companies as they set up and scale and have assisted companies with their property requirements, for example Aubren – is an Enterprise Ireland client located on the IDA Business and Technology Park in Portlaoise.
It is essential that IDA collaborates effectively with national and local stakeholders to ensure that each region has the necessary conditions in place to foster enterprise and innovation and attract investment and talent. IDA’s enjoys close working relationships with all key stakeholders across the 4 counties and is heavily involved in a significant number of initiatives across the region to improve the value proposition for FDI – Just Transition, Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee, ICT Cluster and ATIM Cluster Steering Committee, and the Region Skills Forum etc.
IDA’s focus over the coming years is to build on the strengths and competencies of the region with a particular focus on high value manufacturing, services and research and development opportunities across a number of established clusters in Life Sciences, Technology, and Global Business Services. Emerging technology trends have and will continue to create new opportunities across the region in areas such as data analytics, smart manufacturing, cybersecurity and new approaches to working such as co-working hubs.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (57)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:57. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to consider a support scheme for SME’s that did not qualify under the Power Up Grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6756/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million in 2024 to SMEs right across the country.
In order to get payments to businesses before the end of 2024, the Power Up grant was aligned with the ICOB scheme, and a business must have received the second ICOB grant and be in the hospitality, retail and beauty sectors in order to receive the Power Up grant. If a business did not apply for ICOB, they were unable to apply for the Power Up grant.
One of the eligibility requirements of these schemes was that a business must be operating from a rated premises. The intention behind this provision was to assist businesses operating from fixed premises to meet some of the ongoing costs of maintaining those premises. Furthermore, the grant recognises that commercially rateable premises are subject to a commercial rates bill, which is a further cost not borne by those who do not operate from a rateable premises.
While the initial ICOB Grant was provided to a broader range of rateable premises, the subsequent second ICOB payment and the Power-Up Grant were specifically limited to the retail, hospitality and beauty sectors, in recognition of particular difficulties faced by businesses operating in these sectors.
At present, I have no plans to introduce an additional support scheme for SMEs in a similar vein to the Power Up Grant.
My Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB. The Department is currently reviewing the issues that have arisen and will consider next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.
In terms of broader supports for businesses, I would encourage any small business owners looking to avail of government support to consult the National Enterprise Hub (NEH), which launched in July 2024. The NEH has been designed as an entry point to aid business owners find relevant supports and help for their business.
I would also recommend that such businesses contact their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and seek the advice of a business adviser. The LEOs play an extremely important role at local level, as part of a supportive ecosystem, providing their services direct to small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the country.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (58)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:58. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in Kerry that applied for the Power Up grant; the number of the applications that were successful; the total value of the grants approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6623/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million to SMEs right across the country.
In relation to County Kerry, 1,632 businesses registered for the Power Up grant, 1,581 businesses have been approved and paid a total of €6.3 million.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (59)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:59. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Sligo and Leitrim that applied for the Power Up grant; the number of the applications in each county that were successful; the total value of the grants approved in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6670/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million to SMEs right across the country.
In order to get payments to businesses before the end of 2024, the Power Up grant was aligned with the ICOB scheme and a business must have received the second ICOB grant and be in the hospitality, retail and beauty sectors in order to receive the Power Up grant.
Local Authorities across the country administered the Power Up scheme on behalf of my Department.
606 businesses registered for the Power Up grant in County Sligo with 599 businesses being paid to the value of €2.4 million.
326 businesses registered for Power Up grant in County Leitrim with 321 businesses being paid to the value of €1.3 million.
My Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB. The Department is currently reviewing the issues that have arisen and will consider next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (60)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:60. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment whether he intends to introduce supports for businesses affected by Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6590/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Government is acutely aware of the significant challenges that the impacts of Storm Éowyn has caused for business owners over recent weeks.
Since 24 January, I have been closely monitoring the situation in relation to Storm Éowyn and its impacts on the business community through regular updates from the National Emergency Coordination Group and updates from Local Enterprise Offices in the counties with the most significant and prolonged impacts.
Following the immediate damage caused by the storm, many businesses have been impacted by subsequent outages in relation to power, water and communications networks.
With regard the issue of potential schemes to support businesses with losses arising from Storm Éowyn, I would in the first instance encourage businesses to seek recourse through their insurance providers to cover losses incurred.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has in the past operated targeted Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme in response to specific flooding incidents. These schemes are specifically targeted to providing a contribution to small businesses of up to 20 employees as well as community, voluntary and sporting bodies who have experienced damage as a result of flooding and to help them get back up and running. A condition of eligibility for these schemes is that the businesses must not have been able to secure flood insurance through no fault of its own.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to an Extreme Weather Event Assistance Scheme, designed to support affected households, farms and businesses. This initiative predates Storm Éowyn and is a strategic policy action for delivery. Officials in my Department have begun working as a matter of urgency on the aspects of such a scheme relevant to the business sector.