Réada Cronin
Question:285. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if information (details supplied) will be provided. [29656/24]
View answerExport Controls
Questions (285)
Written answers
Enterprise Ireland does survey its’ client base annually, and it does gather information about client company exports to Germany and all other global markets. The information gathered is collected in confidence and cannot be shared publicly as it is commercially sensitive information.
If an Enterprise Ireland client is looking to target the German market, they can access Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre. The Market Research Centre (MRC) supports businesses with extensive market data, in-depth market analysis and tailored insights, so you can take a strategic approach to decisions and gain a competitive edge.
The MRC has the largest repository of specialist, online business databases in Ireland, providing access to the most authoritative market research resources such as:
• Country reports
• Global Company profiles
• Multi-Sector reports
• Current & Predictive trend forecasts
• Global Market Analysts (experts on specific market sectors)
• Online trade and business journals
Access to these strategic insights can be obtained by initially phoning +353-1-7272324. The opening hours of the Market Research Centre are Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm .
The Enterprise Ireland Dusseldorf Office's LinkedIn Page which is listed below provides public information about Irish companies that export to German speaking markets. Additionally, the German–Irish Chamber site provides a membership directory for public use.
Enterprise Ireland Dusseldorf Office's LinkedIn Page: www.linkedin.com/showcase/enterprise-ireland-duesseldorf/?viewAsMember=true ”
Trade Data
Questions (286)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:286. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the expected level of exports by Enterprise Ireland-backed companies this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29743/24]
View answerWritten answers
Enterprise Ireland have advised that they are not in a position to provide a forecast for 2024 exports. Companies supported by Enterprise Ireland will be surveyed in Q1 of 2025 to establish the level of exports achieved in 2024. Internal monitoring of export performance to date in 2024 suggests that there has been moderate growth in exports over the first six months of 2024.
Companies supported by Enterprise Ireland exported goods and services worth €34.6 billion in 2023, the highest level on record, and 2% higher than 2022 when exports by Enterprise Ireland supported clients stood at €33.8 billion.
The UK remains the largest export market for Enterprise Ireland clients. Exports to that country account for about 29 per cent of all international sales at just under €10 billion. Sales to the UK rose 6 per cent in 2023.
The euro zone grew by a more modest 2 per cent, this can be largely attributed to food exports to the region being down by 6 per cent. Germany, France and the Netherlands remain the biggest markets in the euro zone for Irish companies. Exports to Germany increased by 14 per cent to €2.3 billion while exports to France were up 5 per cent to €1.8 billion. Exports to the Netherlands were down 13 per cent to €1.75 billion.
Exports to North America accounted for almost a fifth of the overall total at €6.5 billion. Just under €6 billion of that went to the US. Non-food exports to North America were up 8 per cent while technology and services grew by the same rate to €2.95 billion. Industrial and life sciences exports were up 7 per cent to €2.22 billion.
While food and sustainability exports overall declined 4 per cent compared to a year earlier due to a slide in dairy prices, the sector remains the dominant one, accounting for more than half of all exports. Industrial and life sciences rose 7 per cent to €10.4 billion while technology and services exports rose 10 per cent to €8.5 billion.
Enterprise Ireland client companies spent €39.3 billion in the Irish economy in 2023, that includes about €11.7 billion spent on payroll.
Question No. 287 withdrawn.
Work Permits
Questions (288)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:288. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline the planned phased basis approach in implementation of the single permit system for work permits and visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29805/24]
View answerWritten answers
On 15th May, my colleague, Minister for Justice McEntee, and I announced that Government approval had been secured for rolling out a single permit to both work and live in Ireland. Implementing a single permit will eventually allow Ireland to opt into the EU’s Single Permit Directive.
The Government also approved the Report of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on establishing a Single Application Procedure and Common Set of Rights for Third Country Workers. Its recommendations are to develop a single application procedure for a combined work and residence permit, while each Department retains its policy and operational responsibility for economic migration and immigration; and to commence preparations for opting-in to the Single Permit Directive.
The adoption of the Single Permit is expected to be completed over the course of the next three years. A programme management team has now been established chaired by the Department of Justice and my Department to commence implementation of the Single Permit. The Programme Management Team is tasked with:
• Implementing the recommendations of the report.
• Action the short, medium, and long-term steps as set out in that implementation plan.
• Prepare to opt-in to the Single Permit Directive once the medium term commitments are fulfilled, subject to Government Decision at that time.
The programme is expected to be delivered on a phased basis and will aim to streamline existing processes as a new application platform is developed with customer benefits in the shorter term, such as developing a pathway for a method of payment and reduced information collection duplication.
Business Supports
Questions (289)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:289. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what measures are being committed to by his Department in supporting SMEs and the hospitality and retail sectors, which are experiencing ongoing impacts due to rising costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29806/24]
View answerWritten answers
On 14th May 2024 the Government agreed a range of measures with the aim of reducing costs for small and medium sized businesses, including in the hospitality and retail sectors.
As part of re-opening the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) scheme and given the greater impact that increased costs are having on the hospitality and retail sectors, as noted in the DETE-DSP joint working paper titled ‘An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland’, it was agreed that business operating in these sectors will receive a second payment for approved businesses or a double payment for new registrations under the ICOB scheme.
As you are aware, Local Authorities are administering the ICOB scheme on behalf of my Department and the priority is to get payments to businesses as soon as possible. €125m has now been paid out to over 60,000 businesses right across the country.
A range of other measures are also being brought forward to assist businesses, including:
• Doubling the Innovation Grant Scheme vouchers from €5,000 to €10,000. This change came into effect from 1st July and any applications for vouchers from that date will have the higher value voucher issued.
• Increasing the maximum amount available under the Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme to €10,000 and reducing the business contribution rate from 50% to 25%.
• Changes are currently being incorporated to widening the eligibility for the Trading Online Voucher, extending it to all sectors, including retail and hospitality, up to 50 employees, modernise eligible expenditure and doubling the grant to €5,000.
• Increasing the lending limit for Microfinance Ireland loans to €50,000 from €25,000.
• Changes are currently being made to widen the eligibility for the Digital for Business Consultancy Scheme and extending it to all sectors, including retail and hospitality, with up to 50 employees.
• Launching a new ‘Ireland’s Best Entrepreneur Programme’ to encourage entrepreneurship and startups in under-represented groups.
• A new online National Enterprise Hub for SMEs to access information on the wide range of Government business supports. I am due to launch the Hub, along with Minister Higgins, on Wednesday 10 July. It can be accessed at www.neh.gov.ie and signposts to over 180 different Government service or supports ranging from EI and LEOs to the SEAI and Board Bia.
• Implementing an enhanced ‘SME Test’ by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach. My Department will shortly issue new guidelines on the SME Test and will work with other Departments to ensure the SME Test is an integral part of policy making.
• The removal of the €125 fee for tables and chairs for the purpose of outdoor dining by S.I 196 of 2024 - Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2024, which has been signed by Minister O’Brien.
• The Minister for Social Protection will increase the employer PRSI threshold from €441 to €496 with effect from 1 October 2024. This will ensure that employers with employees working full time on the national minimum wage will not be required to pay the higher rate of employer PRSI of 11.05% and will instead pay the lower rate of 8.8%.
• Ensuring that the employer PRSI threshold is explicitly considered as part of the Low Pay Commission deliberations and is reviewed on each occasion that the minimum wage is increased.
• Review the proposed Roadmap for Increasing Minimum Annual Remuneration Thresholds for Employment Permits, which is ongoing.
Question No. 290 answered with Question No. 257.
Business Supports
Questions (291)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:291. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Cork businesses in 2023 and to date in 2024 that have completed courses provided by Local Enterprise offices on accessing public procurement; the measures being taken to make local Cork businesses aware of such courses in public procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29808/24]
View answerWritten answers
Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) play an extremely important role at local level, as part of a supportive ecosystem, providing their services direct to small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the country.
LEOs are the first stop shop for every business in the country. Cork is represented by three offices that cover Cork City, Cork North and West, and Cork South.
LEO Cork North and West provided online training courses in May and November 2023, where 10 businesses from Cork attended both training workshops, including 2 businesses from Dublin and 1 from Donegal.
LEO Cork City organised and provided 3 courses in 2024 on accessing public procurement. These courses titled “An introduction to the new e-tenders platform for suppliers and contractors” were attended by 60 people.
LEO Cork South have a policy to always promote the eTender procurement portal to all clients who are interested in pursuing public tenders. They have two trainers on their training panel for running such courses on their behalf and provide mentor support for anyone who requires support using the eTender portal.
Cork LEOs use a variety of measures to promote and make local businesses aware of these courses including advertising through their social media channels. For instance, a link with the invitation for booking is attached and distributed through various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn. They also use their newsletter to inform their subscribers about the courses and an email is circulated with the invitation to the course with the mentors from their existing panel. There is also direct referral of clients during client engagement sessions and word of mouth referrals from other clients who would have previously undertaken training.
Departmental Funding
Questions (292)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:292. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount budgeted to the Enterprise Ireland research and development initiative programmes in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; to list the research and development grants available in each of the same years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29809/24]
View answerWritten answers
Enterprise Ireland’s Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) budget (Subhead B4) provides direct and indirect research development and innovation supports for indigenous companies and supports the commercialisation of State funded research under the following activities -
Activity 1 – Transforming R&D Activity in Enterprise - provides RD&I support for all stages of company development and innovation.
Activity 2 – Industry Collaboration with 3rd Level Sector – including Technology Gateways, Innovation Partnerships, Technology Centres, International Collaboration (which provides for Horizon Europe related activities), Innovation Vouchers, New Frontiers Programme and European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs).
Activity 3 – Realising the Commercial Potential of Ireland's Research Community - comprising the Commercialisation Fund, Technology Transfer Strengthening Initiative, and Incubator Space at 3rd level.
Activity 4 – Programme Support: Funds the central resource in Enterprise Ireland to manage and facilitate its RD&I activities.
Table - Enterprise Ireland Research, Development and Innovation Programme (B4) Funding allocation for 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
|
B4 - Allocation |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
REV - Capital |
€ 122,000,000 |
€ 125,925,000 |
€ 130,427,000 |
€ 133,998,000 |
|
Covid Capital Scheme |
€ 5,000,000 |
€ 1,000,000 |
|
- |
|
Supplementary REV |
€ 13,400,000 |
- |
- |
- |
|
EDIH* |
- |
€ 3,000,000 |
€ 6,000,000 |
€ 4,879,000 |
|
ERDF** |
- |
- |
€ 15,656,000 |
€ 14,037,000 |
|
Current Funding (Activity 4) |
€ 4,854,000 |
€ 5,379,000 |
€ 6,026,000 |
€ 6,218,000 |
|
Total |
€145,254,000 |
€135,304,000 |
€158,109,000 |
€159,132,000 |
*EDIH – European Digital Innovation Hubs
**ERDF – European Regional Development Fund Projects
Relevant R&D Programmes 2021-2024
|
R&D Grants / funding |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
R&D Grants |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
R&D Equity |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Convertible Loan Notes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) |
Yes |
- |
- |
- |
|
Technology Gateways |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Technology Centres |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Innovation Partnerships |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
International Collaboration and Research |
- |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Industry Graduate |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Innovation Vouchers |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
New Frontiers |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
EDIHs |
- |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Commercialisation Fund |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Technology Transfer Strengthening Initiative (TTSI) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
- |
|
KT Boost (follow on from TTSI) |
- |
- |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Innovators Initiative |
- |
- |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Covid Products Scheme |
Yes |
Yes |
|
- |
|
Construction Related Grants (HfA) |
- |
- |
Yes |
Yes |
Climate Change Policy
Questions (293)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:293. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current measures being taken to identify key sectors that will require additional State supports to successfully transition to low-carbon production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29810/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is pro-actively integrating climate action in activities, and those of our agencies; engaging with businesses in Ireland from microbusinesses to large corporates about the many opportunities for decarbonisation and cost effective efficiencies.
My Department has recently published a Roadmap for the Decarbonisation of Industrial Heat. It outlines the necessary trajectory to meet our binding decarbonisation targets in the manufacturing sectors. It sets out the key policy interventions to decarbonise heat use by industry, including the supports available to companies, the regulations to promote decarbonisation, and the enabling measure that will facilitate the transition.
The Roadmap, available on my Department's website, highlights opportunities to remove fossil fuels in the food and drink, chemicals, pharmaceutical and alumina sectors. It emphasises the cost effective role electrification can play in these sectors, while also pointing to a role of decarbonised gases such as biomethane. This is aligned with the recently published National Biomethane Strategy, which supports an agri-centric approach to the delivery of up to 5.7TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030, and prioritises its use to displace fossil fuels in high temperature heat processes in industry.
The cement sector too has an essential role to play. The State must use its purchasing power to incentivise lower carbon production of a key input to our housing and infrastructure. I have recently written to public bodies to advise them of new guidance when designing public projects, and procuring cement and concrete products. The guidance sends a clear message to the construction, concrete and cement sectors as to the urgent imperative to invest in lower carbon products and project design. We must use lower carbon cements, and also increase the use of lower carbon construction materials such as timber, alongside Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
Alongside the publication of the Industry Decarbonisation Roadmap I announced that €300 million is being made available to drive the decarbonisation of Ireland’s industrial emitters over the coming years. The fund will be used by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to support client companies to reduce their industrial emissions between now and 2030 through the Environmental Aid scheme.
Thousands of businesses are already being supported through the Green Transition Fund, SEAI energy programmes, SkillNet Ireland training, the LEO Green for Business programme, and a range of other advisory, training and grant aid offerings. My Department, and key state agencies, will continue working to ensure that all businesses in Ireland are activated and engaged in the green transition, ensuring Ireland’s economy remains competitive, resilient and sustainable as we progress towards our target to be net zero by 2050.
Exports Growth
Questions (294)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:294. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of exports by Enterprise Ireland-backed companies for the years 2022 and 2023; the expected level of these type of exports for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29811/24]
View answerWritten answers
Companies supported by Enterprise Ireland exported goods and services worth €34.6 billion in 2023, the highest level on record, and 2% higher than 2022 when exports by Enterprise Ireland supported clients stood at €33.8 billion.
The UK remains the largest export market for Enterprise Ireland clients. Exports to that country account for about 29 per cent of all international sales at just under €10 billion. Sales to the UK rose 6 per cent in 2023.
The euro zone grew by a more modest 2 per cent, this can be largely attributed to food exports to the region being down by 6 per cent. Germany, France and the Netherlands remain the biggest markets in the euro zone for Irish companies. Exports to Germany increased by 14 per cent to €2.3 billion while exports to France were up 5 per cent to €1.8 billion. Exports to the Netherlands were down 13 per cent to €1.75 billion.
Exports to North America accounted for almost a fifth of the overall total at €6.5 billion. Just under €6 billion of that went to the US. Non-food exports to North America were up 8 per cent while technology and services grew by the same rate to €2.95 billion. Industrial and life sciences exports were up 7 per cent to €2.22 billion.
While food and sustainability exports overall declined 4 per cent compared to a year earlier due to a slide in dairy prices, the sector remains the dominant one, accounting for more than half of all exports. Industrial and life sciences rose 7 per cent to €10.4 billion while technology and services exports rose 10 per cent to €8.5 billion.
Enterprise Ireland client companies spent €39.3 billion in the Irish economy in 2023, that includes about €11.7 billion spent on payroll.
Enterprise Ireland have advised that they are not in a position to provide a forecast for 2024 exports. Companies supported by Enterprise Ireland will be surveyed in Q1 of 2025 to establish the level of exports achieved in 2024. Internal monitoring of export performance to date in 2024 suggests that there has been moderate growth in exports over the first six months of 2024.
Departmental Funding
Questions (295)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:295. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) in 2023; and the projected funding for 2024. [29829/24]
View answerWritten answers
There have been no funds assigned to Microfinance Ireland (MFI) in 2023 and no projected funding for 2024.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has paid a total of €49.79 million in grant funding to MFI since its inception in 2012. This is made up of €25 million paid on establishment, €24.79 million in 2020, and €5 million in 2021 to fund the running costs and loan default related bad debts net of the European Investment Fund (EIF) guarantee.
At year end 31 December 2022, MFI has more than €30m in net assets.
Separately, in June 2021, MFI agreed a debt funding facility of €30 million with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) which is a State body under the aegis of Department of Finance. This significantly increased MFI’s lending capacity and ability to assist more microenterprises.
Microfinance Ireland 2023 annual accounts will be published later this year.
Departmental Funding
Questions (296)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:296. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding provided by his Department to a company (details supplied), by location, for each of the past five years; when the IDA and his Department were notified of the decision of the company to have a phased closure of its Drogheda plant; what steps were made to keep the plant open in Drogheda; if further funding was offered to the company to meet increasing operational costs; what commitment he will give to ensure that the IDA will market Drogheda as a place for job creation and inward investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29857/24]
View answerWritten answers
The recent announcement from Becton Dickinson that it will close its Drogheda site, on a phased basis over the next 2.5 years, is disappointing. My first thoughts are with the employees and their families impacted by this decision and Government and our Agencies will support the impacted employees in the uncertain period ahead.
As part of its ongoing engagement with BD, the company informed the IDA of a potential decision for a phased closure of its Drogheda facility on Monday 1st July, at which time IDA Ireland informed my Department via a confidential Early Warning Report system. Once the company Board ratified its decision, the company notified me in writing on Tuesday 2nd July. My Department subsequently received a notification of proposed collective redundancy from the company on Monday 8th July.
IDA Ireland’s Med-Tech and New York teams have been actively engaged with BD across all its Irish sites with support from the wider IDA Team including, Regional Development, Strategic Property Department, Green Economy and Talent, Transformation and Innovation on the themes of growth, transformation, talent and skills, research, and innovation.
IDA Ireland has regularly engaged with BD on potential supports to its 4 Irish sites, including Drogheda, and will continue to engage with BD Corporate, BD UK & Ireland and BD Drogheda to support the company, and its employees, in light of this announcement.
In particular, financial supports for staff training and upskilling were outlined, along with sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives. These funding schemes are intended to assist in transforming operations and staff as the sector drives towards a green and digital future. Upon being informed of the BD Board decision, IDA reiterated supports available to the company for transformation, and requested further details on the review and parameters, timelines from the company. IDA Ireland has committed to work with BD over the course of the next 2.5 years closure process to secure a replacement investor for the site.
IDA Ireland will work to support the Company and impacted employees in the coming weeks and months and market Drogheda and the BD facility to potential FDI investors and highlight the skills of impacted employees with other employers in the Region where IDA client companies are actively recruiting. Moreover, I am meeting the company's global leadership on my Trade and Investment Mission to the US next week where I will discuss in detail BD's plans for its Irish operations going forward as it will continue to have some 900 employees in Ireland across three other sites.
Finally, the information requested by the Deputy on grants paid to Becton Dickinson by location over the past 5 years is contained in the table below:
|
Location |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
BD Enniscorthy |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
BD Research Centre Limerick |
€2,407,284 |
€257,143 |
€5,463,138 |
€1,836,754 |
€1,487,346 |
|
BD Research Centre Dublin |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
BD Drogheda |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
€807,801 |
Labour Court
Questions (297)
Patrick Costello
Question:297. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current levels of staffing in Labour Court; the current number of vacant positions; and the total target workforce. [29873/24]
View answerWritten answers
The table below sets out the current levels of staffing in the Labour Court; the current number of vacant positions; and the total target workforce.
|
Labour Court |
current levels of staffing |
current number of vacant positions |
total target workforce |
|
|
30 |
3 |
33 |
With regards to the vacancies in the Labour Court, my Department is working closely with the Public Appointments Service to have them filled as soon as possible.
Workplace Relations Commission
Questions (298)
Patrick Costello
Question:298. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current levels of staffing in Workplace Relations Commission; the current number of vacant positions; and the total target workforce. [29874/24]
View answerWritten answers
The table below sets out the current levels of staffing in the Workplace Relations Commission; the current number of vacant positions; and the total target workforce.
|
Workplace Relations Commission |
current levels of staffing |
current number of vacant positions |
total target workforce |
|
|
194 |
31 |
225 |
With regards to the vacancies in the Workplace Relations Commission, my Department is working closely with the Public Appointments Service to have them filled as soon as possible.
Business Supports
Questions (299)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:299. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number and dates of meetings held between the IDA and a company (details supplied) to discuss issues around its Drogheda plant; if his Department was informed or indeed attended any such meetings; the agenda for these meetings and the outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29902/24]
View answerWritten answers
The recent announcement from Becton Dickinson to close its Drogheda facility over the next 2.5 years is disappointing, not least for the staff and their families who are impacted by this decision. Government will support the employees as they seek alternative employment.
The IDA remain engaged on a dynamic basis with its 1,800+ client base to support them and their presence in Ireland and to give and receive briefings on developments impacting their client's continued investments in Ireland. My Department does not generally participate in such meetings. In this regard, IDA Ireland has regularly engaged with BD on potential supports to its 4 Irish sites, including Drogheda, and will continue to engage with BD Corporate, BD UK & Ireland and BD Drogheda to support the company, and its employees, in light of this announcement. In particular, financial supports for staff training and upskilling were outlined, along with sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives. These funding schemes are intended to assist in transforming operations and staff as the sector drives towards a green and digital future.
Last week I met with Deputy O’Dowd, Deputy Nash and Senator McGreehan to discuss the announcement where I committed to personally raise the matter with the BD leadership team when I meet with them on my US Trade and Investment Mission next week.
Upon being notified of the BD Board decision to close the Drogheda site on a phased basis, IDA reiterated supports available to the company for transformation. IDA Ireland has also committed to work with BD over the course of the next 2.5 years to market Drogheda and the BD facility to potential FDI investors and highlight the skills of impacted employees with other employers in the Region.
Since the announcement, IDA Ireland has been engaging with BD to offer support to employees regarding other employment opportunities in the region, and to offer opportunities for further upskilling where required. There are a number of client companies in the northeast who are actively recruiting at the moment and IDA Ireland will provide information to BD regarding these opportunities.
Business Supports
Questions (300)
Seán Sherlock
Question:300. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses ineligible for the increased cost of business grant due to the fact they pay rates through their landlord rather than directly to the local authority, by county, in tabular form. [29904/24]
View answerWritten answers
The figures requested are not available because businesses in such an arrangement do not need to register this with their Local Authority.
Businesses that are tenants could register for the ICOB grant as long as they are ratepayers. The legal position under section 4 of the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 as well as the amendments introduced through the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 is that tenants whose rent incorporates their rates obligation, which is remitted by the landlord, cannot be deemed to be ratepayers.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate to interfere with existing commercial arrangements between small businesses and their landlords in the context of the increased cost of business scheme.
The priority has been to ensure that as many businesses as possible receive the money as quickly as possible.
Business Supports
Questions (301)
Michael McGrath
Question:301. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address a query concerning the increased cost of business grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29909/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has received correspondence from the individual concerned and has responded directly in relation to the issue.
Legislative Reviews
Questions (302)
Patrick Costello
Question:302. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in light of the Court of Justice of the European Union ruling C-184/20, his plans to amend sections 149 and 151 of the Companies Act 2014 in order that transgender company directors no longer have to publicly disclose their transgender status, due to current legislation requiring they publicly disclose their former names (details supplied). [29945/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is considering the potential implications of this case for the transparency provisions under company law.