Wednesday, 25 Jan 2023

Written Answers Nos. 38-57

Departmental Bodies

Questions (38)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

38. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach to report on the work of the social policy and public service reform division of his Department. [3344/23]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The role of the Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division is to assist me, as Taoiseach, and the Government in delivering programme for Government objectives and public policies and services which help create a socially inclusive and fair society.

Specifically, the Division assists the work of the newly established Cabinet Committees, as follows:

- the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Public Services and the associated senior officials' group, established to oversee implementation of Programme for Government commitments in the areas of social policy, with a particular focus on equality and integration, and public service reform;

- the Cabinet Committee on Children and Education and the associated senior officials' group, established to oversee implementation of Programme for Government commitments in the area of children and education, including further and higher education, with a specific focus on child poverty and well-being, and tackling local area disadvantage;

- the Cabinet Committee on Health and the associated senior officials' group, established to oversee Programme for Government commitments in relation to health. It will consider implementation of health reforms including Sláintecare, reform of disability services and development of mental health services. This Cabinet Committee will also maintain an overview of public health, including the impact of COVID-19 and the social and economic impacts of the pandemic and cross-government response;

- the Cabinet Committee on Humanitarian Response to Ukraine and the associated senior officials’ group, established to oversee the whole-of-Government humanitarian response to supporting people from Ukraine who have sought temporary protection here.

The Division also:

- assists the work of the Civil Service Management Board which oversees Civil Service Renewal and other matters;

- has departmental oversight of the National Economic and Social Council; advancing the Dublin North East Inner City Initiative, including through supporting the work of the programme implementation board, programme office, and oversight group;

- leads on the oversight of the implementation of A Policing Service for our Future;

- assists the delivery of public service reform through membership of the public service leadership board and public service management group;

- provides me with briefing and speech material on social policy and public service reform issues; and

participates in relevant interdepartmental committees and other groups.

World Economic Forum

Questions (39)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

39. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the World Economic Forum; if he will provide a list all those who attended; the role of each; the full cost to the taxpayer for the Irish delegation that attended Davos; the breakdown of all costs of his visit; and if he will report on all of his engagements during his visit. [3541/23]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

At last week’s Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, I had a wide range of engagements including:

- A reception hosted by the IDA for enterprises with a presence of Ireland and those with a potential interest in investing in the country;

- bilateral meetings with a number of international business and political leaders including representatives of Intel, Amazon Web Services and Meta; the President of Moldova; the leader of the opposition of Belarus; the Administrator of USAID, Samantha Power; leader of the UK Labour Party, Keir Starmer;

- a foreign policy-focused event hosted by the Washington Post attended by a group of business and political leaders;

- a panel discussion on Widening Europe’s Horizons , with fellow panellists Serbian President, Aleksandar Vuči, Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, and European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola; and

- a dinner hosted by World Economic Forum President, Børge Brende.

I also had a number of media engagements.

Full costs are not yet available. However, my Department routinely publishes details of such expenditure on its website, and the costs of my attendance at the World Economic Forum will be published once the invoices are received and processed.

On this visit, I was accompanied by a delegation that included my Chief of Staff, an Assistant Secretary General from my Department, the Government Press Secretary, my Private Secretary, and a security officer.

Departmental Funding

Questions (40)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

40. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the credit guarantee scheme by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3477/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme was launched in September 2020 and operated in accordance with the European Commission’s Temporary Framework on state aid rules in response to the Covid-19 emergency. The scheme closed to new lending after 30 June 2022 following the expiration of the Temporary framework. 9,857 loans were drawn under the scheme to a value of €708 million.

Schemes operating under the Credit Guarantee Act, which includes the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Credit Guarantee Scheme are based on contingent liability. There is no cost to the State unless loans remain unpaid for a specified period of time and the finance provider calls on the guarantee for 80% of the outstanding balance. Departmental funds are allocated to credit guarantee schemes to pay claims to finance providers under the State guarantee in respect of defaulted loans and administration costs incurred by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) in operating the schemes and other costs such as legal services.

Credit Guarantee Schemes Payments

Loan Scheme	2021	2022	To date 2023
Credit Guarantee Scheme/Covid Credit Guarantee Scheme	€2,172,182	€4,677,745	0
Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme	0	€20,561	0

To assist the wider business sector with liquidity and to invest in energy efficiency, a new State-backed Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme was developed during 2022 and is due to be launched in the coming days. This will provide low-cost working capital to SMEs, primary producers and small mid-caps (businesses with fewer than 500 employees) of up to €1 million, on a six-year term, with no collateral required for loans up to €250,000.

Departmental Funding

Questions (41)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

41. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to Microfinance Ireland by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3478/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The following payments were made to Microfinance Ireland in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023 by my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).

Microfinance Ireland	2021	2022	To date 2023
DETE Payments made	€5,000,000	Nil	Nil

The Microenterprise Loan Fund, operated by Microfinance Ireland assists businesses with fewer than ten employees. It provides much-needed funding to help microenterprises meet payments for stock, working capital requirements and other overhead expenses through the provision of low-cost lending facilities.

Microfinance Ireland provides vital support to microenterprises by filling the lending gap in the market by lending to business that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders. It provides loans of €2,000 up to €25,000 to businesses that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by commercial lenders and applies interest rate charges for its lending which are not reflective of its credit risk.

The loan term is typically three years for working capital purposes and can be extended to five years for capital expenditures. Interest rates range from between 4.5% for clients of Local Enterprise Offices and other partners to 5.5% for direct applications.

There is wide regional spread of loans across the country with 81% of loans approved in 2022 to microenterprises outside Dublin.

The dominant sectors availing of loans from MFI have been the wholesale and retail sector (21%), accommodation and food services (11%), manufacturing (10%) and construction (9%).

From the 1st of Oct 2012 to 31st December 2022, the Fund approved loans to 4,635 micro-enterprises for a total value of €76.9million. These funds supported over 10,000 jobs.

Departmental Funding

Questions (42)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

42. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland loan schemes by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3479/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

SME Loan Schemes 2021 and 2022 payments

The following payments were made in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023 by my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) for Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) SME loan schemes.

Loan Schemes 2021 and 2022 payments

Loan Scheme	2021	2022	To date 2023
Future Growth Loan Scheme	€30,074,810	€708,813	0
Brexit Impact Loan Scheme/Covid Loan Scheme	€8,260,000	€8,203,093	0
Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme	0	€55,000,000	0
Credit Guarantee Scheme/Covid Credit Guarantee Scheme	€2,172,182	€4,677,745	0
Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme	0	€20,561	0

Note:

The funds indicated relate only to funds allocated by DETE to the scheme. The scheme is also underpinned by funds allocated by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine and resources of the European Investment Fund. These funds include management fees to the SBCI and the European Investment Bank Group (EIBG) to administer the schemes and a first loss provision to meet the cost of loan defaults to the SBCI and EIBG. If losses on the scheme due to defaulting loans are less than modelled, then there will be a return of a potentially significant portion of the allocated funds to the Exchequer.

Brexit Loan Scheme/Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme

Launched in March 2018, the Brexit Loan Scheme (BLS), made up to €337.5m in lending available to eligible businesses exposed to then current or future impacts arising from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Loans available under the Brexit Loan Scheme range from €25,000 to €1.5 million and are for terms of up to three years. Loans were offered at favourable terms, including a maximum interest rate of 4% and no security on loans of up to €500,000.

In the early stages of the pandemic, a proportion of the funding available under the Brexit Loan Scheme was made available to COVID-19-impacted businesses through the COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme (‘the CWCS’). Loans under this scheme are similar to those offered under the Brexit Loan Scheme, but to businesses seeking to innovate, change or adapt in response to the pandemic.

The Brexit Loan Scheme closed in October 2021 and remaining capacity transferred to the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme which took account of the onset of the Covid Pandemic. The final drawdown of lending through the Brexit Loan Scheme was 292 loans to a total value of €57.5m. The Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme closed in July 2021. The final drawdown of lending through this scheme was 948 loans to a total value of €118.5m.

Brexit Impact Loan Scheme/Covid Loan Scheme

In October 2021, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine launched the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme (BILS), to support SME and small mid-cap businesses (including those in the farming and fishing sectors) that have been affected by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Loans under this scheme range from €25,000 to €1.5m and are for terms of up to six years. Loans of up to €500,000 are available unsecured. The Brexit Impact Loan Scheme closed to new applications on 31st December 2022. As of 23rd January 2023, there have been 1,979 loans progressed to sanction under the scheme, to a total value of €273.m

To ensure that an appropriate option for access to finance remained in place for COVID-19 impacted SMEs, the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme (BILS) was widened by Government to allow access to COVID-19 impacted SMEs. The implementation of this change resulted in the launch of a new scheme called the Covid-19 Loan Scheme (CLS) on the 4th of July 2022. The Covid-19 Loan Scheme closed to new applications on 31st December 2022. As of 23rd January 2023, there have been 289 loans progressed to sanction under the scheme, to a total value of €30.3m.

The Future Growth Loan Scheme (FGLS)

The Future Growth Loan Scheme (FGLS) was first launched in June 2019 to provide an option for SMEs and small mid-caps to access appropriate finance for investment purposes. The scheme initially provided for up to €300m in long-term lending, however in July of 2020 it was expanded by €500m to make a total of €800m available through participating financial providers. The scheme is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. All the participating lenders are now closed to new applications under the FGLS indicating that they are of the view that they have received sufficient applications to use their full allocation under the scheme. Final use of allocations to participating finance providers may be impacted by decisions on loan approval and customer decisions to draw or not draw the approved loans. As of 23rd January 2023, there have been 3,513 loans progressed to sanction under the scheme, to a total value of €773.9m.

Credit Guarantee Scheme/Covid Credit Guarantee Scheme

The Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, which operated in accordance with the European Commission’s Temporary Framework on state aid rules in response to the Covid-19 emergency, was launched in September 2020. The Scheme closed to new lending on 30 June 2022 on the expiration without further extension by the European Commission of the Temporary framework. 9,857 loans with a total value for €708.8m were drawn by businesses under the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme. Schemes operating under the Credit Guarantee Act are based on contingent liability. There is no cost to the State unless loans remain unpaid for more than 90 days and the finance provider calls on the guarantee for 80% of the outstanding balance. Departmental funds were allocated to this scheme to pay claims to finance providers under the State guarantee in respect of defaulted loans and administration costs incurred by the SBCI in operating the scheme and other costs such as legal advice and legal services.

Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme (UCGS)

To assist the wider business sector with liquidity and to invest in energy efficiency, a new State-backed Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme is being developed based on the European Commission Ukraine Crisis State Aid Framework and will be launched in the coming weeks. This will provide low-cost working capital to SMEs, primary producers and small mid-caps (businesses with fewer than 500 employees) of up to €1 million, on a six-year term, with no collateral required for loans up to €250,000.

Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme

The ‘Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme’ (GSLS) is a new long-term loan guarantee scheme that is being jointly developed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) in partnership with the SBCI and the European Investment Bank Group (EIBG). It is planned that the GSLS will be launched in the market in the first half of 2023.

When implemented, the GSLS will make up to €500 million in longer-term lending available to SMEs, including farmers and fishers and small mid-caps. Up to 70% of lending will be for strategic investments with a view to increasing productivity and competitiveness and thus underpinning future business sustainability and growth. The GSLS will also target a minimum of 30% of the lending volume towards Environmental Sustainability purposes.

Departmental Funding

Questions (43, 49)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

43. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the carbon reduction fund, climate toolkit-4-business, climate enterprise action fund, EIs existing grant, €2,000 voucher at 100% grant for SMEs, and feasibility grant for a transformative investment plan by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3480/23]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

49. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the green transition fund by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3486/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 49 together.

The transition to a low carbon and circular economy and achievement of a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 across all sectors of the economy represents a whole-of-society challenge. Enterprise, along with all other sectors, must fundamentally change to adapt to this challenge and realise the many opportunities that this transformation represents.

Transforming the sustainability of Irish enterprise is key to competitiveness in the future. Changes in the regulatory environment, including the EU’s Sustainable Financial Disclosure requirement, will also have a significant impact on the funding environment for companies. Helping enterprise to engage with, adapt to, and realise opportunities from the low carbon transition, will be critical to the long-term, sustainable growth of Irish enterprise.

For Enterprise Ireland, the requirement for business to respond to these changes will result in us changing our approach to company development. Over the course of this strategy period, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices will work with businesses to embed climate action as a strategic business priority, assisting enterprise activities to reduce emissions, and contribute to achieving Ireland’s 2030 climate action targets.

The transition to a low carbon and circular economy represents a clear market opportunity for many Irish companies, both established and start-ups, in areas including testing, regulations and consultancy, driven by the fundamental policy, regulatory and market changes occurring across Europe and all export markets.

Enterprise Ireland will assist start-ups and established companies to maximise the opportunities presented by the low carbon transition, including those adapting their products/services for new growth sectors, and the development of client groups/networks in areas such as clean-tech, energy efficiency and off-shore wind.

The Climate Toolkit 4 Business does not allocate funding directly but rather is a carbon calculator which provides tailored action plans to businesses that points them toward appropriate existing resources. The project is part funded by Public Service Innovation Fund (PSIF) and the Department of Environment Climate and Communications. To date, the Department has paid €90,317.57 for the design, build and hosting of the Toolkit. Of this, €50,000 was recouped from the PSIF, and a further €19,806.08 was contributed by the Department of Environment Climate and Communications.

Enterprise Ireland have funded the referenced projects as per the table below.

2023

Client Offer	No. Projects Approved	Approval €	Payment €
Green Start	<5	20,000.00
Climate Action Voucher	<5	5,400.00
Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund EMTS	<5	12,304.00

2022

Client Offer	No. Projects Approved	Approval €	Payment €
Green Start	72	360,000	81,878
GreenPlus	18	688,413
Climate Action Voucher	48	86,400	32,400
Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund - EMTS	<5	84,851
Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund - CID	<5	309,000
Exploring Innovation*	<5	325,968
Strategic Consultancy Assignment*	<5	72,250
R&D Fund*	<5	128,781

2021

Client Offer	No. Projects Approved	Approval €	Payment €
Green Start	41	205,000	121,850
GreenPlus	12	509,580	115,483
Climate Action Voucher	82	147,600	85,988

Departmental Funding

Questions (44)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

44. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the IDA’s climate action initiatives by his Department, including lean/green, and IDAs GoGreen in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3481/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Sustainability is a core pillar of IDA Ireland’s 2021-2024 strategy, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth. Under this pillar, IDA have pledged to promote a sustainable approach to all investment; support decarbonisation and responsible production across the IDA client base; win sustainability investments to drive a green recovery; collaborate across Government on environmental sustainability; and promote environmental sustainability in IDA’s own activities and specifically across the office and property portfolio.

In line with the Strategy, in 2022, together with Enterprise Ireland and using funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Fund, IDA Ireland commenced the Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund. This fund aids capital investment for decarbonisation technologies; capital investment in energy marketing; and R&D feasibility grants in sustainability. IDA have also developed a new scheme under the Sustainable Recovery provision of the European Commission’s Temporary State Aid Framework. This will expand their offering to large clients in the areas of decarbonisation and the digital transition.

LeanStart provides up to 7 days with a Lean consultant, to introduce Lean principles, agile processes including the completion of a specific cost reduction project. In addition, the LeanStart can support companies develop a strategic roadmap for their digitalisation journey.

LeanPlus provides a medium-scale business process improvement or digitalisation project with a Lean consultant, which will result in sustained use by the company of Lean techniques, digital technologies and related methodologies and will achieve significant measurable gains in company capabilities and competitiveness.

GreenStart is intended for clients unfamiliar with and/or lacking capability in business process improvement methodologies. It will give companies an introduction to the potential of using Environmental Best Practice to improve their competitiveness. It seeks to prepare clients to progress to further and more sustained environmental programmes in order to drive cost reduction measures along with capability & capacity building. The funding is available to IDA Clients.

The GreenPlus grant is intended to assist companies to deepen their capability in environmental best practice, in order to deliver an improvement in company performance and competitiveness; deliver an embedded and sustainable improvement in the company capability, and; develop and embed staff skills in environmental best practice. Companies will have had some prior experience of developing environmental best practice.

The following table outlines the amount of funding which was allocated under IDA’s LeanStart, LeanPlus, GreenStart and GreenPlus schemes in the years 2021 and 2022. No funding has been provided under the Go Green Fund to Date. There have been no payments to date in 2023.

Year	Grant Type	Amount € (,000)
2021	Leanplus	12,350
2021	Leanstart	38,400
2021	Greenplus	12,040
2021	Greenstart	5,000
2022	Leanplus	90,268
2022	Leanstart	15,000
2022	Greenplus	51,719
2022	Greenstart	8,600

Departmental Funding

Questions (45)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

45. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the Enterprise Ireland’s climate action initiatives by his Department, including the GreenPlus assignment programme, and the GreenStart programme in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3482/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Sustainability, energy efficiency and decarbonisation should now be integral to the strategic planning of all businesses. In 2021, my Department provided €10 million in funding through the Climate Enterprise Action Fund to help businesses in their carbon abatement strategies and to prepare for new areas of economic growth founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity.

Provision was also made in Budget 2022 for establishing the Green Transition Fund, as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, to assist in the ongoing carbon abatement in the enterprise sector and building further capacity to address emerging climate change issues. My Department, through our agency Enterprise Ireland, launched the Green Transition Fund in June 2022. Over the period 2022-2026 a total amount of €55 million has been allocated to this fund including €10 million for 2022 and a further €6 million for 2023.

The table below outlines funding allocations to EI for climate action initiatives for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Year	Climate Enterprise Action Fund	Green Transition Fund
2021	€10 million
2022		€10 million
2023		€6 million
Total	€10 million	€16 million

Departmental Funding

Questions (46)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

46. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the National Standards Authority of Ireland’s climate action initiatives by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3483/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) was not allocated specific funding for its climate action initiatives. The Authority is funded by own resource income and an annual grant from the Department covering mainly a percentage of pay and pensions.

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 sets Ireland on a legally binding path to net-zero emissions by 2050. NSAI is among Ireland’s government agencies that will be responsible for supporting the Act and will provide vital support through the creation of standards in various subject areas. NSAI has multiple standards committees focusing on climate action priorities such as wind energy, solar energy, alternative transportation fuels, heat, transportation electrification, and the circular economy.

NSAI will meet the cost of these activities through its overall resources.

Departmental Funding

Questions (47)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

47. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the local enterprise offices’ climate action initiatives by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3484/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The overall capital allocation for LEO programmes in 2023 is €35.8m. The allocation to individual LEO programmes is yet to be finalised and is subject to approval of the Enterprise Ireland board.

The Green for Micro programme launched in 2021, is intended to help prepare small businesses for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future. It supports client companies to avail of a consultant's advice and technical support, covering topics such as resource efficiency, understanding your carbon footprint and implementing an environmental management system.

The Local Enterprise Offices will also launch on a pilot basis, the Small Firms Investment in Energy Efficiency scheme. This scheme will help capital investment by businesses to reduce carbon emissions based on energy efficiency projects and accelerate the adoption of low carbon technologies or processes.

Year	2021	2022	2023
Green 4 Micro	1,250,000	1,065,040	N/A*
SFIEES	-	-	2,000,000

Departmental Funding

Questions (48)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

48. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to his Department’s corporate climate actions in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3485/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Such is the construct of the Department’s Vote, as determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, that there is no singular corporate climate action funding allocation but rather all “Green” initiatives are supported via a range of different budget areas. These funding lines include Office Premises, ICT, Learning and Development and Incidental costs. Our climate action initiatives can also be supported via the non-pay allocations of the Offices of the Department when local climate action initiatives are being delivered in their locations.

My Department has a well-established internal “Green Team” which augments and supports corporate climate actions for which functional responsibility lies at Principal Officer level. Many of the “Green Team” initiatives are embedded into the day-to-day facilities management operations. There are over 30 members on the DETE Green Team spanning across the Department and its Offices, which include the Companies Registration Office (CRO), the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland (IPOI), the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

The Department also works in close collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Office of Public Works (OPW), in progressing the internal green agenda. In this regard, the Department has availed of co-funding programmes and initiatives, such as the Optimising at Work Programme, which in 2020/21, delivered a LED lighting upgrade (1,200 lights) in the Department’s headquarters at 23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

This close collaboration of many years has helped the Department to deliver 63% energy efficiency savings since 2009 as part of the annual energy performance reporting mechanism overseen by the SEAI. The Department ranks second of all Government Departments in this regard as per the 2021 report, the latest available.

Notwithstanding the above my Department recognises that it must continue to do even more. We are currently working closely with the OPW to install solar panels on the roof of the Kildare Street building as well as the provision of a new bicycle storage facility in the basement area, both of which are anticipated to be delivered in the first quarter of 2023.

The Department is also exploring how best to further incorporate climate action and sustainability training with our Learning and Career Development Unit, as well as focusing even greater awareness on the climate agenda through mechanisms such as Divisional Meetings and webinars. Other examples of corporate climate actions supported across the Department in recent years include:

- Installation of electric vehicle charging points in the Kildare St courtyard.

- Replacement of 75% of water coolers with water filters, thus significantly reducing the level of plastic drums being used, in the Kildare Street and Dawson Street buildings.

- Timing adjustments to water, lighting and heating systems in Kildare Street, Dawson Street and Earlsfort Centre buildings to conserve water and energy usage.

- Installation of a new energy efficient boiler in the Earlsfort Centre building.

- Introduction of “Brown bin”/food recycling and significantly enhancements to recycling of other materials (papers/cardboards/plastics).

- Removal of individual staff bins and the associated plastic bags used to collect rubbish.

- Installation of Beehives on roof of 23 Kildare Street building.

- Consolidation of the number of printers and photocopiers and the purchase of energy efficient ICT equipment.

- Partnering with the National Transport Authority in the “Smarter Travel Initiative”.

- Hosting an annual “DETE Green Month” for all staff which includes various projects, Green awareness initiatives, webinars, and “How to” sessions in relation to energy, conservation and biodiversity actions, in the workplace, at home and in our local communities.

In the limited timeframe available to answer the Deputy’s question, it has not been possible to collate the actual expenditure figures incurred by the Department in delivering the various corporate climate actions outlined above. I will arrange for such information to be provided to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.

Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 43.

Departmental Funding

Questions (50)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

50. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the national design centre by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3487/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

A notional amount of funding is being allocated in my Department’s Estimates for a national design centre over the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 currently. Under Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan 2018-2027, it is envisaged that a national design centre will be established as an incubation, training and demonstration capacity to support market-led innovation in our enterprises to grow international sales. My Department has previously engaged with stakeholders on how best to deliver a national design centre including an appropriate business model and operating principles that would meet policy objectives, increase the value add from design to the economy and be well integrated into the current design and enterprise sector. These guiding principles will form the basis for further progress by my Department this year to accelerate the delivery of a national design centre for Ireland.

Departmental Funding

Questions (51)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

51. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the disruptive technology's innovation fund by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3488/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Government established the €500m Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) in 2018 as one of four National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027 Funds under Project Ireland 2040. It is aimed at encouraging collaboration and innovation in the development and deployment of disruptive technologies, on a commercial basis, targeted at tackling national and global challenges. It is managed by the Department and administered by Enterprise Ireland.

The Fund encourages collaborative partnerships between industry, especially SMEs, and public research bodies in applying industrial research under the six themes of the national Research Priority Areas, in areas such as health, climate action, food, ICT, manufacturing and processes. The Fund is open to projects that seek to alter markets, alter the way business operates or involve new products or the emergence of new business models. SME participation is mandatory for a project to be eligible for funding.

Successful applications under the first four DTIF Calls have been announced to date, with total funding of over €288 million to 86 innovative projects having been approved.

The funding allocations for the Fund under the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for 2021, 2022 and 2023 are set out in the following table.

Year	REV Allocation
2021	€32m
2022	€67m
2023	€61m

Departmental Funding

Questions (52)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

52. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the space technologies programme by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3489/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Space Technologies Programme as outlined in Project Ireland 2040 relates to Irish investment in European Space Agency (ESA) Programmes. Ireland has significantly grown its investment in ESA in recent years in line with the National Strategy for Space Enterprise 2019 – 2025, which seeks to build an economically sustainable and expanding space-active industry, delivering quality jobs for the economy of tomorrow.

The table below outlines the State’s overall level of investment in ESA for 2021, 2022 and 2023. There has been a 25% increase in the base allocation to ESA over that period, with additional further funding allocated during 2021 and 2022.

	2021	2022	2023
	€000s	€000s	€000s
Base REV Allocation	18.31	21.37	22.87
Supplementary Estimate	8	5.8
EI Direct Allocation – B4	2.5	3
Capital Carryover	0.94	0
Total	27.25	30.17

ESA operates multiple programmes specifically for technology development including the Basic Technology Research Programme, the General Support Technology Programme, the Advanced Research in Telecom Systems programme, and the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme. These four programmes between them make up about three quarters of ESA technology research and development.

Figures for Ireland’s investment in these programmes are set out in the table below.

	2021	2022	2023
Basic Technology Research Programme	€851,250	€852,500	€880,00
General Support Technology Programme	€763,000	€958,000	€823,000
Advanced Research in Telecom Systems programme	€2,123,414	€3,193,966	€2,811,000
Future Launchers Preparatory Programme	€842,000	€542,000	€675,272

The increase in funding of ESA over recent years has resulted in the number of Irish based companies engaged with the ESA increasing by 39% since the publication of the Strategy, growing from 70 in 2019 to 97 in 2022. In 2021 16 start-up companies secured ESA contracts and Industry co-investment also increased from €3.3m in 2020 to over €4.6m in 2021.

Our continued commitment to invest in Irish space active companies is demonstrated by the Ireland's confirmation at the ESA Ministerial Council meeting in November 2022 that we intend to invest €125million in funding to ESA for the period up to 2027.

Departmental Funding

Questions (53)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

53. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the new regional enterprise development funding by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3490/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Balanced regional enterprise development is a key policy focus for Government. The regional enterprise development fund (REDF) which is being implemented through Enterprise Ireland.) is focussed on investing in the strengths and advantages of all the regions.

In 2021 an additional €15m was provided in Budget 2021 to support the rollout of further calls under the REDF to help the regions withstand the dual challenges of Brexit and COVID.

In 2022 €5 million was allocated to the REDF and a further €12 million in funding was sanctioned to assist with the completion of projects under the REDF and Border Enterprise Development Fund (BEDF), for projects that have been delayed or interrupted due to increased construction and construction-related costs in 2022 and 2023.

The following Table demonstrates the allocated funding in 2021 - 2023.

Agency/body	Year	Amount funding for REDF/BEDF
Enterprise Ireland	2021	€15 million
Enterprise Ireland	2022	€5 million
Enterprise Ireland	2022/2023	€12 million
Grand Total		€32 million

Departmental Funding

Questions (54)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

54. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to the national institute for bioprocessing research and training by his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3491/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is an independent research organisation funded by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, that conducts research and development and provides highly specialised training to support the growing biologics sector in Ireland and globally.

NIBRT is located in a purpose built, world-class facility on the campus of University College Dublin. This facility replicates a modern bioprocessing plant, with state-of-the-art equipment, and enables NIBRT to offer the highest quality training and research solutions. NIBRT accommodates 100 researchers, postgraduates, trainers, and support staff in a purpose-built 6,500 square metre building. In 2021, NIBRT reported a 14% growth in revenue and the strongest financial performance of the institute to date.

In September 2020, IDA approved funding for a significant expansion to NIBRT to develop Ireland’s offering in Advance Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMP), including cell and gene therapies (CGT). The funding encompasses a €15m investment in a 1,600 sq.m. building expansion and €3m for equipment to support 3 new principal investigators and associated teams, as well as additional trainers with cell and gene therapy expertise. An additional €2.9m covers related operating costs over six years.

On 13th September 2022, the Tánaiste officially launched the construction of NIBRT’s new state-of-the- art facility. The construction project is due for completion in late spring 2023.

The following table outlines the funding which was allocated by IDA to NIBRT in the years 2021 and 2022. There have been no payments to date in 2023.

Year	Amount €
2021	5,764,860
2022	12,050,000

Departmental Funding

Questions (55)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

55. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a full list of the regional development action plans and strategies, and funding for same, in each of the years 2021 to 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3492/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Balanced regional enterprise development is a key policy priority of mine and this Government.

In pursuit of this, in early 2022 my Department launched nine new Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs) to 2024. These plans sought to build on the success of REPs to 2020 and were developed throughout 2021, following in-depth consultation and engagement across the nine regions.

Together with the Minsters of State, I have a keen interest in supporting the work of the nine Chairpersons, Programme Managers and Steering Committees in delivering on their ambitious plans.

The REPs are available on the government website at the following link: gov.ie - Publications (www.gov.ie)

The Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) (which is being implemented through Enterprise Ireland) is focussed on investing in the strengths and advantages of all the regions aligned with the REPs.

In 2021, an additional €15m was provided in Budget 2021 to support the rollout of further calls under the REDF to help the regions withstand the dual challenges of Brexit and COVID.

In 2022, €5 million was allocated to the REDF and a further €12 million in funding was sanctioned to assist with the completion of projects under the REDF and Border Enterprise Development Fund (BEDF), for projects that have been delayed or interrupted due to increased construction and construction-related costs in 2022 and 2023.

The following Table demonstrates the allocated funding in 2021 - 2023.

Agency/body	Year	Amount funding for REDF/BEDF
Enterprise Ireland	2021	€15 million
Enterprise Ireland	2022	€5 million
Enterprise Ireland	2022/2023	€12 million
Grand Total		€32 million

I can advise the Deputy that substantial funding is being made available over the coming years to complement the REDF and BEDF and drive delivery of the REPs. The Department has secured up to €145m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021-2027 to support projects coming from the REPs.

My officials are working with Enterprise Ireland, European Commission, the Regional Assemblies and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on launching the first call of funding under the ERDF early this year.

Departmental Funding

Questions (56, 57)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

56. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to Enterprise Ireland in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023 , in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3493/23]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

57. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that was allocated to Enterprise Ireland including relevant business support schemes in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3494/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.

The table below details the funding provided to Enterprise Ireland by my Department in each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Year	Original Revised Estimate(€,000)*	Further Revised Estimate(€,000)
2021	380,311	626,710**
2022	374,480
2023	402,476

*The above figures represent the allocations provided to EI in respect of both its enterprise development programme (Subhead A7) and under the Science and Technology Development Programme (Subhead B4). The figures also include capital carryover monies allocated to EI in the years in question

** The Department had a Further Revised Estimate in 2021 which include significant additional once off funding to support a number of EI Covid specific initiatives

I would advise the Deputy that in addition to the funding provided by the exchequer, EI also has access to Own Resource Income of circa €90 million per annum which subject to the sanction of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform it may retain for use on programme activity.

The funding provided to Enterprise Ireland through my Department’s vote is key to promoting the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets and to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales.

The results achieved by Enterprise Ireland in recent years with almost 220,000 of our citizens directly employed by EI supported companies demonstrates the value of EI supports to our local and indigenous enterprises. These supports have been and continue to be crucial as businesses navigates through the unprecedented challenges of Brexit, Covid and now the impacts of the war in Ukraine. The increased funding being provided to Enterprise Ireland in 2023 demonstrates our commitment to ensure that EI has the necessary resources to continue to carry out its essential enterprise development and innovation work which is key to our future economic well-being.