Written Answers Nos. 51-67
51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the criteria pertaining to the Brexit Adjustment Reserve will be changed to allow draw-down of funding beyond the end of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31482/23]
View answerThe European Union’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) is a unique regulation established specifically to provide for Brexit. It provides support to counter the adverse economic, social, territorial and, environmental consequences of the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.
The regulation is clear that in order to be eligible for BAR funding, the expenditure must fall within the BAR eligibility period for expenditure which runs from the 1st of January 2020 to the 31st of December 2023. I am aware that a number of other Member States had previously raised the issue of the possibility of extending these deadlines, but no extension was provided. However, the EU did provide that Member States might, in view of the impact of the Ukrainian conflict, transfer some BAR funding to the RePowerEU initiative. Ireland, following agreement with the EU Commission, has transferred €150 million of BAR funding to RePowerEU.
My Department is in regular contact with the European Commission to ensure there is a clear understanding of the requirements under the BAR regulation, to allow Ireland to submit an accurate and complete claim in September 2024.
I was pleased to note that, following my engagement with Commissioners , additional guidance has also been published by the EU Commission in recent weeks that will assist Ireland’s application for Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) Funding, and in particular the major upgrade works being undertaken in Rosslare Port.
Ireland’s allocation from the reserve will be €1.015 billion. The application for BAR funding must set out the negative impacts of the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union, and how the measures carried out under the Fund alleviate the adverse consequences.
The Government has therefore, over a series of budgets, allocated BAR funding across a number of impacted sectors in order to mitigate those adverse effects of Brexit and to adapt to regulatory changes.
Following the BAR Regulation coming into force in October 2021, specific funding of €389 million was provided in Budgets 2022 and 2023 across a number of sectors.
This was allocated as follows:
|
Department |
€m |
|
Agriculture |
271 |
|
Enterprise |
15 |
|
Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
37.3 |
|
Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform |
4.4 |
|
Foreign Affairs |
2.2 |
|
Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sports and Media |
7.75 |
|
Environment Climate and Communications |
24 |
|
Health |
5.5 |
|
Justice |
21.5 |
|
Transport |
0.1 |
|
Total |
389 |
Further funding can also be considered for allocation over the remainder of 2023.
Officials in my Department are currently engaging in a review exercise of Brexit related spending, from the 1st of January 2020 to the end of December 2023, for possible inclusion in Ireland’s BAR claim to the EU Commission in September 2024. This involves engaging with Departments on spending outside of that allocated under Budgets 2022 and 2023 which may qualify for inclusion in the BAR claim, and a figure of approximately €0.7 billion has been identified in this regard.
This work is ongoing and the exact makeup of Ireland's BAR claim will not be decided until the claim is submitted in September 2024. It should be noted that in addition to the above, the Government also provided significant funding to prepare for Brexit prior to the BAR eligibility period.
52. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department will provide assistance to a person (details supplied) following severe flooding at their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31503/23]
View answerThe Clieveragh area of Listowel, Co. Kerry has experienced significant flooding in 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2015. Kerry County Council applied in 2016 to the OPW for funding to undertake a flood mitigation study in this area under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme.
The property in question (per details supplied) which has experienced flooding most recently is just downstream of the Clieveragh area and will benefit from the works being proposed here.
This project is being progressed in a number of stages as follows:-
In 2016 engineering consultants were commissioned to produce a Feasibility Study - The Listowel Flood Risk Assessment and Preliminary Flood Relief Option Assessment.
In October 2017 funding was approved by the OPW for the appointment of engineering consultants by Kerry County Council to progress the detailed design of the recommended option.
The proposed works consist of the following:-
• Construction of an over ground storm water attenuation pond at Curraghatoosane.
• Construction of a new open channel to convey the outflow from the pond to the Clieveragh watercourse to the south.
• Construction of an open channel and access road from the R552 road at Clieveragh to the attenuation pond at Curraghatoosane.
• Construction of a new precast concrete box culvert under the R552 road at Clieveragh and an overflow weir to connect to the new channel.
• Construction of a new precast concrete box culvert on the west side of the R552 road to facilitate access to the attenuation pond.
In advance of the flood relief works progressing, it was necessary to undertake road works including replacement of a bridge/culvert under the R552 which is now completed.
In November 2018, Kerry County Council progressed with a Part 8 Planning application for the proposed flood relief works which was granted in February 2019. However, the associated Minor Works application originally submitted to the OPW in 2020 now requires updating to include a revised construction cost estimation along with a new cost benefit assessment, due to Consumer Price Index changes that have since occurred.
Once an updated Minor Works application is submitted by Kerry County Council, it will then be reviewed promptly by the OPW.
53. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the measures the Government is taking in response to the estimated €1.9 billion in climate harmful spending identified in Budget 2023; what measures, if any, he is taking to ensure that this cost is reduced in Budget 2024; if he has plans to review the harmful impact infrastructure provision and wider environmental impacts beyond climate mitigation considered, for example, biodiversity, which were not included in this iteration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31459/23]
View answerThe total figure of €1.9 billion was identified in a staff paper published by my Department in February 2023, entitled ‘A Review of Fossil Fuel Subsidies and other Potentially Climate Harmful Supports’. This represents the first step in fulfilling the Climate Action Plan commitment to develop and apply definitions to identify and track government spending that may be having a negative impact on climate and environmental outcomes.
The review defined a subsidy as any government support that confers an advantage on consumers or producers in order to supplement their income or lower their costs. A subsidy is considered to be a Potentially Climate Harmful Support if it is likely to incentivise behaviour that increases greenhouse gas emissions, irrespective of its importance for other policy purposes.
Expenditure was tagged at the budgetary subhead level, which is the most granular level of expenditure reported in the Revised Estimates Volume. In several instances, not all of the expenditure within a subhead is potentially climate harmful, but the full subhead is included on the basis that a material portion of the spending constitutes potentially climate harmful expenditure. Therefore, the €1.9 billion figure is likely an over-estimate of the level of potentially climate harmful supports in 2023.
It is important to note that the identification of a subhead as a potentially climate harmful support does not necessarily mean that a programme should be curtailed. Rather, it means that careful consideration should be given to determining if there are other ways of achieving the outcomes the expenditure supports in a way that is more environmentally friendly. It is the responsibility of individual Government Departments to respond to the identification of specific items as potentially climate-harmful supports to ensure they are taking the optimal approach to meeting their sectoral and climate targets.
My Department has begun working towards tracking of both climate-favourable and potentially climate-unfavourable expenditure across a wider range of areas, including adaptation and biodiversity, and is currently in the process of developing an appropriate methodology for this, informed by international experience and the lessons learned to date. This planned expansion of green budget tagging will play an important role in strengthening our understanding of the direct and indirect climate impacts of public expenditure.
This is a continually evolving area of budgetary reform, and it may of benefit for my officials to arrange a more in-depth briefing on this work, and to directly consider any concerns or comments you may have in relation to the proposed plan of work.
54. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the refurbishment works that were carried out on behalf of the OPW at Trim Castle over the past 18 months; and the refurbishment works scheduled to take place at Trim Castle over the next 12 months. [31469/23]
View answerTrim Castle is a National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works and as such is part of a regular maintenance program. Specifically, in the past 18 months, the OPW have introduced an oak structural support to a cracked lintel that was located on the public tour route within the keep of Trim Castle. There has been an upkeep of general maintenance on the site at all times.
There are no plans for any urgent refurbish works going forward. Any minor repairs will be addressed as required.
55. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide a complete list of all State agencies; the associated line Department; the total number of employees and the Exchequer allocation for 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31493/23]
View answerInformation on the allocation of voted expenditure is published each December in the Revised Estimates for Public Services, also known as the REV. This details the funding allocated to each Vote by programme and subhead.
The REV also contains expenditure information on Non-Commercial State Agencies (NCSAs). The Summary Table Exchequer Expenditure of Non Commercial State Agencies printed in the 2023 REV is below. This shows the 2022 and 2023 Estimates.
Further detail on the income and expenditure on NCSAs is in the REV Agency Statements. These show the source of income for each of the agencies included from both Exchequer and other sources. These also have the reported whole-time equivalent public service employee numbers. The full REV publications, for 2022, 2023 and earlier years, are online at www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/.
Individual Departments may be better placed to provide the Deputy with any more detailed information needed on agencies under their aegis.
|
Vote No. |
Vote |
Non Commercial State Agency |
2022 Estimate |
2023 Estimate |
Change 2023 over 2022 |
|
|
|
|
€000 |
€000 |
% |
|
2 |
Department of the Taoiseach |
National Economic and Social Council |
2,288 |
2,468 |
8% |
|
3 |
Office of the Attorney General |
Law Reform Commission |
2,781 |
2,883 |
4% |
|
26 |
Education |
National Council for Special Education |
23,521 |
28,666 |
22% |
|
|
|
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment |
7,073 |
9,537 |
35% |
|
|
|
State Examinations Commission |
92,918 |
94,114 |
1% |
|
29 |
Environment, Climate |
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
30,513 |
32,721 |
7% |
|
|
and Communications |
Sustainable Energy Ireland |
353,928 |
494,241 |
40% |
|
|
|
Digital Hub Development Agency * |
2,011 |
3,527 |
75% |
|
|
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
58,371 |
63,095 |
8% |
|
30 |
Agriculture, Food and the |
Teagasc |
188,377 |
206,297 |
10% |
|
|
Marine (a) |
An Bord Bia |
60,850 |
66,793 |
10% |
|
|
|
Marine Institute |
50,015 |
46,707 |
-7% |
|
|
|
An Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
62,900 |
166,353 |
164% |
|
|
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
24,810 |
28,081 |
13% |
|
31 |
Transport (a) |
Transport Infrastructure Ireland |
904,737 |
804,008 |
-11% |
|
|
|
Road Safety Authority |
989 |
952 |
-4% |
|
|
|
Medical Bureau of Road Safety |
6,900 |
7,330 |
6% |
|
|
|
Commission for Railway Regulation |
730 |
754 |
3% |
|
|
|
National Transport Authority |
1,649,412 |
1,483,480 |
-10% |
|
32 |
Enterprise, Trade and |
IDA Ireland |
229,538 |
268,501 |
17% |
|
|
Employment |
Enterprise Ireland |
437,863 |
532,343 |
22% |
|
|
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
9,270 |
10,334 |
11% |
|
|
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission |
18,323 |
20,315 |
11% |
|
|
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority |
1,679 |
1,701 |
1% |
|
|
|
Health and Safety Authority |
26,471 |
27,359 |
3% |
|
|
|
Corporate Enforcement Authority |
7,750 |
9,706 |
25% |
|
|
|
Trade and Business Development Body/InterTrade Ireland * |
11,856 |
11,856 |
- |
|
|
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board * |
2,610 |
487 |
-81% |
|
33 |
Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, |
An Chomhairle Ealaíon |
130,046 |
130,488 |
0% |
|
|
Sport and Media |
National Museum of Ireland |
15,178 |
18,666 |
23% |
|
|
|
National Library of Ireland |
8,383 |
9,995 |
19% |
|
|
|
Screen Ireland |
30,093 |
37,946 |
26% |
|
|
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
11,381 |
13,395 |
18% |
|
|
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
35,284 |
40,553 |
15% |
|
|
|
Fáilte Ireland |
160,447 |
138,714 |
-14% |
|
|
|
Sport Ireland |
115,510 |
112,621 |
-3% |
|
|
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art * |
7,868 |
7,540 |
-4% |
|
|
|
The Chester Beatty Library and Gallery of Oriental Art * |
3,959 |
3,817 |
-4% |
|
|
|
National Concert Hall * |
13,740 |
13,501 |
-2% |
|
|
|
The Crawford Gallery * |
2,537 |
2,502 |
-1% |
|
|
|
An Foras Teanga * |
15,558 |
16,934 |
9% |
|
34 |
Housing, Local Government |
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
11,494 |
13,700 |
19% |
|
|
and Heritage (a) |
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
2,474 |
2,990 |
21% |
|
|
|
An Bord Pleanála |
22,166 |
26,114 |
18% |
|
|
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
11,018 |
13,030 |
18% |
|
|
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
3,760 |
4,300 |
14% |
|
|
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
19,578 |
22,278 |
14% |
|
|
|
Heritage Council * |
12,061 |
14,341 |
19% |
|
|
|
Waterways Ireland * |
44,082 |
50,068 |
14% |
|
37 |
Social Protection |
Citizens Information Board |
56,730 |
60,858 |
7% |
|
38 |
Health (a) |
Food Safety Authority of Ireland |
18,897 |
20,950 |
11% |
|
|
|
Food Safety Promotion Board |
5,691 |
5,691 |
- |
|
|
|
Health Information and Quality Authority * |
19,369 |
23,869 |
23% |
|
|
|
Health Research Board * |
34,954 |
36,739 |
5% |
|
|
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council * |
4,086 |
5,500 |
35% |
|
|
|
Health Products Regulatory Authority * |
5,200 |
5,560 |
7% |
|
|
|
Mental Health Commission * |
15,432 |
17,266 |
12% |
|
|
|
National Cancer Registry Board * |
3,523 |
4,358 |
24% |
|
|
|
National Treatment Purchase Fund * |
100,022 |
100,022 |
- |
|
|
|
Institute of Public Health * |
1,377 |
1,377 |
- |
|
|
|
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council * |
3,087 |
2,951 |
-4% |
|
40 |
Children, Equality, Disability, Integration |
Child and Family Agency*** |
964,749 |
1,020,370 |
6% |
|
|
and Youth |
National Disability Authority |
5,514 |
5,788 |
5% |
|
|
|
Adoption Authority of Ireland * |
7,557 |
7,213 |
-5% |
|
|
|
Office of the Ombudsman for Children * |
3,495 |
3,900 |
12% |
|
42 |
Rural and Community Development |
Western Development Commission |
2,266 |
2,382 |
5% |
|
|
|
Irish Water Safety |
1,179 |
1,424 |
21% |
|
45 |
Further and Higher Education, Research, |
Royal Irish Academy of Music |
3,570 |
3,985 |
12% |
|
|
Innovation and Science |
Higher Education Authority |
1,776,681 |
1,661,506 |
-6% |
|
|
|
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies |
10,391 |
10,736 |
3% |
|
|
|
Solas |
690,128 |
575,788 |
-17% |
|
|
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
231,856 |
248,946 |
7% |
|
|
|
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)* |
5,737 |
5,935 |
3% |
|
|
|
Grangegorman Development Agency * |
3,587 |
4,013 |
12% |
* Agency Statements are not printed in the REV for these agencies.
** Including LEOs
*** Includes funding from Vote 26 – Education of €39.205m in 2022 and €49.766m in 2023.
(a) The following Non-Commercial State Agencies are not in direct receipt of Exchequer Expenditure:
Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage: Housing Finance Agency and Local Government Management Agency.
Department of Environment, Climate and Communications: Commission for Regulation of Utilities; Commission for Energy Regulation; National Oil Reserves Agency.
Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media: Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: National Milk Agency.
Department of Transport: Commission for Aviation Regulation; Commission for Taxi Regulation.
Department of Health: An Bord Altranais - The Nursing Board; Dental Council; Health Insurance Authority; National Paediatric Hospital Development Board; Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland; Opticians Board; Medical Council.
56. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 428 of 25 April 2023, if he intends to increase the minimum salary for non-EEA healthcare assistants under the general employment permit so that it matches the €30,000 minimum for family reunification; if he is considering giving spouses stamp 1G visas; if not, if he is considering giving spouses dependant work permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31549/23]
View answerAccess to the General Employment Permit for non-EEA nationals wishing to take up employment in the role of healthcare assistant was announced in June 2021 to address skills and labour shortages in the healthcare and nursing home sector. The framework agreed following constructive engagement with the Department of Health provided a salary of at least €27,000 for the role and the requirement for the permit holder to attain a relevant qualification at least QQI Level 5 after 2 years employment in the State.
Remuneration for employment permit purposes is a labour market policy instrument in which setting minimum remuneration thresholds is a delicate balancing act. Economic migration seeks to serve the skills needs of the economy without impacting the wider labour market. Therefore, being cognisant that there are a range of remuneration levels in the sector (€24,000 - €32,000) and recognising the need to be able to recruit staff while ensuring that there is no disruption to the domestic labour market, a minimum annual remuneration threshold of €27,000 has been set for this occupation.
My Department is engaging with officials in the Department of Health with regard the healthcare assistant framework to include consideration of future minimum wage thresholds and impacts on the labour market. The review will gather data from the not-for-profit, for-profit and public sector nursing homes, and any hospitals that acquired permits for the role. It will also produce a model that will be expandable to assess the latest change of extending the employment permits system to the private home care sector in December 2022.
This review will take into account the Report of the Strategic Workforce Advisory Group led by the Department of Health, the role of which is to examine strategic workforce challenges in publicly and privately funded home support and nursing homes providers.
The conditions governing the eligibility requirements for family reunification and the granting of Stamp 1G visas for spouses and/or dependents of employment permit holders are a matter for the Minister for Justice. The Department of Justice policy requires that the sponsor demonstrate their capacity to provide for their family member(s) if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland. The policy sets out the rationale for applying resource requirements as part of the overall assessment of whether to approve an application for family reunification and the conditions attaching to permissions issued to family members.
I fully appreciate that it is very stressful and difficult for those who do not meet the criteria for family reunification. The Department of Justice policy, which was last amended in 2016, is currently under review.
57. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of cases taken under disability grounds for discrimination under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 to the Workplace Relations Commission in each of the years since 2015, in tabular form; the number of these cases that were adjudicated in favour of the complainant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31462/23]
View answerThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function, and I have no direct involvement in its day-to-day operations. However, I am informed of the following.
The Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 prohibit discrimination on 9 specific grounds in the workplace and in employment-related areas. The protected grounds are:-
Gender
• Civil status
• Family status
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Age
• Disability
• Race
• Membership of the Traveller community.
The attached table sets out the information on individual complaints received for the period 2015 (1st Oct) - (to end May) 2023 under the Employment Equality Acts, 1998-2015 showing the total referrals received, of which cited disability. It may be noted that a complainant may, in addition to the ground of disability, include any other of the nine prohibited grounds of discrimination when making a complaint to the WRC under the Acts. The WRC Annual Reports itemise the total referrals each year and a further breakdown by ground selected. The Reports are available at www.workplacerelations.ie.
WRC Adjudication Officers are independent in their decision making functions. It is their role to make a decision based on the evidence both oral and written adduced at the adjudication hearing, having regard to the legislation in place and the factual matrix which varies from cases to case. Once a decision issues it is open to either party to appeal the decision to the Labour Court within 42 days from the date of the decision. The outcomes from an adjudication hearing are one method for complaints being dealt with. However, it is also possible for complaints to be settled, resolved by mediation, struck out or withdrawn prior to a hearing. In these instances this removes the need for an adjudication hearing and decision.
Referrals under the grounds of disability can also be selected under the Equal Status Acts, 2000-2015. The WRC provide and publish a breakdown of grounds in the WRC Annual Report yearly.
58. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if complainants taking cases under the grounds of discrimination in the workplace have access to any additional resources or supports in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31464/23]
View answerCases under the Employment Equality Acts are referred in the first instance to the Workplace Relations Commission, save where the claim relates to gender discrimination, in which case a complainant has the option of initiating their case in either the Workplace Relations Commission or the Circuit Court.
Equality complaints in the Workplace Relations Commission are typically disposed of by way of mediation and/or adjudication.
In compliance with the Commission’s obligations under the Disability Act 2005 and Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, and in accordance with its Customer Service Charter, equality in the provision of the Commission’s services is promoted and access for persons with disabilities is provided wherever practicable. The Commission has a nominated Access Officer to facilitate access and who can arrange particular assistance for persons with disabilities. Examples of the type of assistance previously provided include ISL interpretation services, hearing loops and special adaptations of meetings and hearings for persons with neurological conditions.
The Commission’s complaint form, which may be used by a complainant to refer their case under the Employment Equality Acts to the Commission, expressly asks a complainant whether special facilities are required to attend the hearing of their case. The online complaint form is compatible with technology to assist persons with visual disability.
Cases for adjudication are generally scheduled by the Commission for an in-person, remote or hybrid hearing. A party may request a hearing in a particular format based on their personal circumstances and the Commission has procedures to deal with such requests. A party’s personal circumstances may require specific accommodations to effectively participate in the hearing. The Commission endeavours to provide reasonable accommodation, adaptation of its services and assistance according to a person’s needs wherever practicable. An interpreter service is available to parties to ensure understanding and effective participation in a hearing, including communication with an Adjudication Officer and any other participant at a hearing.
Whilst Mediation and Adjudication Officers must be impartial in the exercise of their functions, equality is ensured by the relevant Officer adapting and making accessible meetings and hearings according to a party’s needs and wherever practicable and appropriate. Support persons can accompany a party to a mediation/adjudication hearing.
Finally, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) is Ireland’s national human rights and equality institution. In accordance with section 40 of The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, there are circumstances in which the IHREC can give legal assistance to a person who wishes to bring or has, a matter before the Workplace Relations Commission or the Courts.
59. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is considering amending legislation to provide a more inclusive definition of what constitutes a co-operative; the consultation that has taken place to date in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31492/23]
View answerReform of the legislation relating to the co-operative sector has been a long-standing aim of the Department in the context of its regulatory reform and modernisation agenda. Currently, there is no specific legislation dealing with co-operatives in Ireland.
The proposed co-operative legislation will introduce a modern legal framework which will place the co-operative model on a more favourable and clear legal basis. It will create a level playing field with the situation applying to companies and encourage the consideration of the co-operative model as an attractive formation option for entrepreneurs and also for social and community activities. A modern legislative basis, including corporate governance requirements, financial reporting and compliance requirements will also provide confidence to stakeholders and help to encourage investment in co-operatives.
As part of the reform of the legislation, my Department held two public consultations over the years, the responses to which have informed the work undertaken on the development of the general scheme of Co-operative Societies Bill. In the context of finalising the legislative proposals, the Department provided stakeholders with a further opportunity to submit views on a number of specific issues in a further public consultation held in early 2022, including offering an opportunity for respondents to make general comments to inform the development of the legislation. I also note that the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment concluded its pre legislative scrutiny on foot of its engagement with stakeholders and made its report available to me.
The general scheme which was published in November 2022, provides a specific legislative basis for co-operative societies for the first time. This includes a definition of a co-operative society which is based on the definition of the International Cooperative Alliance, the guardian of the Statement on the Cooperative Identity, and which is widely used in many other jurisdictions. In addition, societies registering under the legislation are being required to adhere to the co-operative principles contained in the above Statement.
Engagement with key stakeholders on issues raised is ongoing. My officials are currently examining feedback received to date on the proposals, including the proposals to provide a more inclusive definition of what constitutes a co-operative, with a view to addressing the issues, where appropriate.
My Department looks forward to further engagement with stakeholders over the coming months in the context of the finalisation of a draft Bill.
60. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will expedite the process of issuing work permits to drivers at a company (details supplied) in order that the company can address chronic staff shortages which are causing significant problems with providing an efficient reliable bus service between County Kildare and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31499/23]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that all applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. The Employment Permits Section are currently processing standard new Employment Permit applications within 9 - 11 business days.
Due to the significant improvement in the processing times in respect of Employment Permits, an application to have an Employment Permit expedited will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis. The Department can only consider a request to expedite an employment permit application where a detailed business case is provided.
Details of the exceptional case must be submitted to the Department on the attached expedite request form, which is a prerequisite for DETE to consider any such request. A separate expedite request form is required for each application.
Once the business case is completed it should be submitted to Employmentpermits@enterprise.gov.ie for consideration. It is important to point out that the completion of a business case does not guarantee that an expedite will be facilitated.
The Employment Permits processing times are updated on a weekly basis at the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/.
There is also an Online Status Update Enquiry - where details on a particular application can be found on the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Status-Form/.
61. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of funding set aside for the post Brexit: market growth and diversification grant in 2023. [31519/23]
View answerUnder the ‘Post-Brexit Market Growth and Diversification Grant’, eligible Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia client companies can access a fast-track strategic market development programme that will assist them to develop a strategy to enter and grow new markets outside of the UK.
This new grant has been developed under the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) fund established to support impacted industries post-Brexit.
The BAR fund aims to provide financial support to the Member States, regions and sectors most affected by Brexit to deal with the adverse economic, social, territorial and, where appropriate, environmental consequences.
Over the course of Budgets 2022 and 2023, some €15 million has been allocated to my Department’s estimates by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
62. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost of increased funding for technical assistance for micro exporters (TAME) by 10%, 20% and 50%, in tabular form. [31521/23]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Offices offer direct grant assistance to small businesses operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector.
The Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME) grant enables clients to explore and develop new market opportunities. The TAME grant part-funds the costs that can be incurred investigating and researching export markets, e.g. exhibiting at Trade Fairs, preparing marketing material and developing websites specifically targeting overseas markets.
The TAME grant covers 50% of eligible costs (net of vat) to a max of €2,500 in any calendar year. Applications must be made prior to any expenditure being incurred.
In 2022, the LEO TAME grants received outturn amounted to €505,333. The table below indicates the estimated increase as requested.
|
€ |
10% |
20% |
50% |
|
|
2022 TAME Outturn |
505,333 |
555,866.30 |
606,399.60 |
757,999.50 |
63. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Government has created a winter plan to assist businesses with high energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31573/23]
View answerMy Department and Government are very conscious of the pressures that cost inflation is placing on both families and businesses. We are keenly aware that energy is a big driver of costs across the economy, and particularly over the Winter months, and that energy price rises around this time last year have had an impact on almost every business in the state.
I and Government have been clear that there will be no cliff-edge on the measures to help people with fuels and energy costs. We are monitoring wholesale and retail energy prices closely and will continue to keep under review the tools available to Government to help businesses be resilient to these risks. Because the Government continues to manage the public finances responsibly, we have scope to take the short-term actions necessary, such as the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, while ensuring we have sufficient resources for the next Budget in the autumn.
The Deputy will be aware of the recent reductions in wholesale gas and electricity prices, and Government expects to see this reflected in bills for households and businesses. Retail energy prices are influenced by a number of factors, such as wholesale energy prices and supplier hedging. In Ireland, our location (as an isolated island), our low-density and widely dispersed population, and our reliance on fossil fuel, are also key factors. The retail electricity and gas markets operate on the basis of competition between suppliers. Consumers can and should switch their supplier to ensure optimal energy costs.
Government is committed to helping businesses be resilient to energy price volatility, and to be more sustainable and competitive while doing so. I encourage SMEs in particular to get an energy audit through SEAI. For small and micro-businesses there are grants of up to €5,000 for energy efficiency measures now available through Local Enterprise Offices. The Non-Domestic Microgeneration Scheme provides up to €2,400 towards the installation of solar PV for your business, though SEAI, which can substantially reduce your ongoing electricity costs. I am working with colleagues across Government to assess how to further support businesses be resilient, more energy efficient, and ultimately decarbonise their energy use.
Businesses should use the summer months to think strategically about their energy use, and make changes that will strengthen resilience and competitiveness through the winter months. Monitoring your energy use is a good start, check the efficiency of your heating system, address any weak points in your building fabric to ensure that you are using the energy you use is retained and as efficient as possible. If you have a smart meter, use it to better understand your electricity use.
Small investments can make a big difference to your bills, for example, could your businesses benefit from using an electric boiler to heat hot water during the night during cheaper electricity prices? Could you adjust the times that your heating system or immersion switches on and off? Can you turn off appliances not used regularly? Is your businesses in a position to invest in solar panels to reduce your cost per unit of electricity?
Finally, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme has been extended to 31st July, 2023 with an extension of the time limit for all claims to 30 September, 2023. Following consultations during the year the qualifications for the scheme were enhanced. Qualifying businesses can claim 40% of increases in their September 2022 to February 2023 energy bills and 50% of the increase in their March to July 2023 energy bills.
The war in Ukraine is ongoing; international energy markets have stabilised, but uncertainty and the potential for volatility remain. I will be monitoring the situation closely as we move into the coming Winter. The best measure Government and businesses can take immediately, is to assess and invest in reducing our exposure to this external risk, fast-tracking energy efficiency and decarbonisation opportunities.
64. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total number of employment permit applications which have been received by his Department since 1 January 2023 to 31 May 2023; the total number of applications which have been approved during this timeframe, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31608/23]
View answerThe first table below gives details on the total number of Employment Permit applications received by the Department from 1st January 2023 to 31st May 2023. The second table below gives details on the total number of applications that were approved and issued during the same time frame.
Details of the number of Employment Permit applications received
|
Date Received |
Month Received |
|
|
2023 |
January |
2554 |
|
February |
2730 |
|
|
March |
3663 |
|
|
April |
2769 |
|
|
May |
3470 |
|
|
Grand Total |
15186 |
Details on the number of permits that issued
|
Date Issued |
Month issued |
|
|
2023 |
January |
2527 |
|
February |
2191 |
|
|
March |
2547 |
|
|
April |
2180 |
|
|
May |
2755 |
|
|
Grand Total |
12200 |
The current processing dates in respect of Employment Permit applications as of 23rd June 2023 are as follows:
• Standard new applications 11 business days.
• Standard Renewal applications 10 business days.
• Standard Critical Skills applications 11 business days.
• Trusted Partner new applications 10 business days.
• Trusted Partner Renewal applications 9 business days.
• Trusted Partner Critical Skills applications 7 business days.
65. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the progress to date in fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to enact the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019; further to Parliamentary Question No. 275 of 25 April 2023, the status of the engagement between her Department and stakeholders including the National Parents Council and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children on matters pertaining to the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019; the expected timeline for the enactment of the Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31394/23]
View answerThe overall aim of the Charter Bill is to improve the level of engagement in the school community by inviting feedback, comment and observation from the school community and by further developing a listening culture in schools.
One of the key concepts of the Bill is the need for a school to consult with students and their parents on individual school plans, policies and activities. This approach will help ensure that the various views of students and parents on issues and policies will be heard and responded to by schools.
The Charter Bill will make a difference to the culture in our schools and will help the school community to work together in partnership.
Officials in my Department are continuing to engage with key stakeholders on matters pertaining to the Bill.
The Implementation Plan for Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying includes a reference to my Department’s commitment to continue to engage with stakeholders regarding the Charter Bill with a view to progressing the legislation.
66. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if an application for a school bus ticket will be considered in the case of the daughter of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31414/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There has been an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services have been provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Children are eligible for school transport at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as they do not meet the distance criteria under the rules of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. This pupil resides less than the required 4.8km distance from their home to their school of attendance.
Bus Éireann has also advised there is an existing service available to this pupil. An application and payment has been received on time for the 2023/24 school year. Bus Éireann will begin issuing tickets to eligible pupils from July, any remaining seats will be offered to concessionary pupils in line with mainstream concessionary terms and conditions.
67. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that a school (details supplied) is without ASD classes from second class up to sixth class, that the current school building the ASD unit is situated within has been deemed unsuitable by Department inspectors, and that the principal has tried without success to engage with the school capital appraisal section; if support and resources will be put in place to bridge the gap in provision from second to sixth class; if there are any plans to provide modular accommodation for the ASD unit until more permanent accommodation is constructed; if she appreciates the enormous stress on students and their families when children have to leave the school and enrol at another in order to fully access education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31417/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question.
The purpose of my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation. Where there is a need for accelerated delivery of such accommodation, my Department utilises Modern Methods of Construction, including my Department's Modular Accommodation Framework, to meet the accommodation need. My Department has additionally put Project Management provision in place to support schools in the expedited delivery of this accommodation.
My Department has been engaging with the school in question in relation to its ASA application and an offer of approval under the scheme has now been accepted by the school.
My officials will now progress this application to the next stage of the process and the project will be devolved to the school authorities for delivery. This approval includes the provision of interim accommodation and supports for contingency measures until this interim accommodation is in place.
My officials remain available to the school authorities in relation to this matter.
