Written Answers Nos. 171-184
171. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide a full update on the delivery of the CFRAM scheme for County Louth and east Meath, further to the most recent flooding events in the area; the current timelines for the delivery of the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30653/24]
View answerFollowing the severe flooding in north Louth last November, flood event drone footage was captured and surveying of the affected areas arranged. The Office of Public Works (OPW) met with Louth County Council engineers on 9th October 2023 to review the work completed to date on the Carlingford/Greenore Flood Relief Scheme and to plan for the scheme going forward. This included scoping requirements and data collection. The OPW met again with Louth County Council in November 2023 to assess the flood mechanisms and damages from the flood event and this will help to inform the proposed scheme.
Earlier this year, Louth County Council advertised a CCTV and Topographical Survey Tender competition for Carlingford and Greenore to collect data to develop the flood relief scheme. Contractors have been appointed by Louth County Council and it is expected that survey data will be available in Q4 2024 which will inform the development of the scheme. Following a request from Louth County Council the OPW has recently approved funding for additional staff to assist with the progression of the project at Carlingford/Greenore. OPW and Louth County Council Engineers continue to meet frequently to progress this scheme.
Currently the Dundalk/Blackrock South Flood Relief Scheme and the Drogheda/Baltray Flood Relief Scheme are at Development and Preliminary Design Stage (Stage 1) in the project lifecycle. Updates to the Hydraulic model for Dundalk following Storm Ciarán in November 2023 are ongoing and will inform the scheme design. An emerging options workshop is scheduled for Q3, 2024. The expected end date for Stage 1 of the Dundalk/Blackrock South Scheme is Q1, 2026 and Stage 1 completion for the Drogheda/Baltray Scheme is scheduled for Q2 2025. Ardee is currently at options review.
While the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme investigated possible structural flood relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin, economically viable schemes for these communities were not identified. The OPW is reviewing the flood risk in these communities and once the outcome of the review is known OPW will discuss the results with Louth County Council.
In the interim it remains open to Louth County Council to apply for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This demand driven scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
Applications for funding from local authorities are considered for flood relief and erosion protection measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie/.
In east Meath, the Mornington Flood Relief Scheme (FRS), consented to under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, was substantially completed in 2013, providing protection to 162 properties. This flood relief scheme has a design standard of 0.5% AEP coastal flood event and 1% AEP fluvial flood event. The OPW directly managed the construction and funded the development of the flood defences. The Mornington FRS is maintained annually by the OPW East Region Drainage Maintenance Section. Maintenance involves silt and vegetation removal from circa 3km of channel, and vegetation management on circa 5km of embankment. Maintenance is generally carried out in Q4 of each year.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management CFRAM Programme proposed a further flood relief scheme for Mornington to augment the existing scheme. The proposed further measures for Mornington that may be implemented after project-level assessment and planning or exhibition and confirmation may include physical works such as a series of hard defences (flood embankments and walls). These works would complement the existing flood scheme already completed. The hard defences would protect against a 1% AEP fluvial flood event and against a 0.5% AEP coastal flood event.
There is currently a group in place with representatives from the OPW and Meath County Council to progress the development of further works for the Mornington/Bettystown area. There are a number of projects in this area that are currently being considered in addition to the CFRAM proposals and the group is assessing the best approach for delivering these projects. This includes the installation of a permanent pumping station in the Dunes Estate, flood defences in the Villages and a culvert upgrade required for the Northlands Flood Relief Scheme. It is intended that the pumping station and culvert upgrade will be completed this year. The appropriate planning and design development route for the other works is currently under consideration.
After the August 2023 flood event in the Mornington/Bettystown area a senior level group involving the OPW and Meath County Council was established to review the event and any additional measures in the Mornington/Bettystown area that may now be required.
The OPW instructed consultants RPS to investigate both the cause and magnitude of the flooding events in Mornington/Bettystown in August and October of last year. This investigation will inform any appropriate short term measures that can be taken to manage the flood risk in this area and in the longer term will inform the design of any further proposed flood defences. Phase 1 of this report was completed and presented to the senior level group in December, 2023. Based on the recommendations of the Bettystown/Mornington Flood Event Investigation Report (Phase 1), RPS will now progress the further phases of the report, whereby Phase 2 will involve model upgrades and Phase 3 will update and assess the flood relief options.
Northlands Flood Relief Scheme
The Northlands Flood Relief Scheme commenced in November, 2016. Construction of this scheme, consisted of in-situ reinforced concrete walls and precast concrete “U-channels”, and was carried out by the OPW (direct works) on behalf of Meath County Council, and was substantially completed in Q1 of 2018.
A Steering Group consisting of representatives from the Office of Public Works, Meath County Council and the design consultant was established to progress a design for a culvert upgrade as an extension to the Northlands Flood Relief Scheme. It is proposed to carry out water diversion works in 2024 to enable the construction of a replacement culvert on Eastham Road.
172. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 368 of 9 April 2024, if he will provide an update on proposed developments at the Oldbridge site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30657/24]
View answerSince the welcome announcement of €10m of funding from Shared Island for the enhancement of the visitor attraction at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and Oldbridge Estate, the OPW has been working to progress this landmark project.
The deputy may find my responses to PQ 1758/24 and PQ 15330/24 useful, as these outlines in some detail the vision for Oldbridge Estate.
The 500-acre Estate was acquired in 2000 in order to preserve and present the unique history of the Battle of the Boyne, and the visitor centre located in Oldbridge House opened in 2008. The parklands currently attract over 400,000 visitors per year.
The OPW's plan for the Estate has three elements, which it is hoped can progress in parallel - the funding from Shared Island is focussed on the restoration of the Farmyard Complex to transform how we tell the story of the Battle of the Boyne through new visitor experience elements. With the relocation of the interpretation of the Battle, the refurbishment of Oldbridge House can be undertaken to restore and open the upper floors in compliance with disability access and fire regulations will be possible. The house will then open as a new historic property offering to explore the history of Oldbridge, and of Ireland. There will also be improved ancillary visitor facilities, such as car and bicycle parking, lighting, signage and other exterior enhancements.
Enabling works to the Farmyard complex are complete, with the relocation of the gardening works depot to another location on site as well as the examination, categorisation and relocation of the architectural salvage within the yard. Environmental and archaeological investigations will take place in the coming months and will form part of future planning applications.
The investment will be a major capital project and, therefore, is subject to governance processes in line with the scope and significance of the works. The project is progressing through the steps set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines. The full realisation of the three elements of the project will also require significant funding to augment the €10m from the Shared Island Unit. This additional funding is being pursued at present to ensure that all elements of the project can progress together, to minimise duplication and deliver the project as efficiently as possible.
The OPW’s team are also procuring the necessary supporting reports to enable the project to proceed to the next stages, which will involve tendering for a design team ahead of bringing the works to planning.
The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and the parklands at Oldbridge Estate continues to welcome visitors daily. The annual Summer Fair on 8th and 9th June was highly successful, and the Walled Garden will host an outdoor theatre night in association with the Droichead Arts Centre on Thursday 11th July.
173. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will examine a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) relating to a piece of property; if the provisions of the State Property Act 1954 are relevant in this particular case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30731/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works administers property held by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (the Minister) including property that devolves to the State under Part III of the State Property Act 1954 (the Act). Real property (land / buildings) under Part III of the State Property Act 1954 is usually property of a dissolved company. Part III of the Act grants limited powers to the Minister - the power to waive his interest under Section 31, if it is appropriate in all of the circumstances, is the only specific power. The matter raised in the question has only just been brought to the attention of my officials, via this question, presenting a complex situation. There is insufficient evidence at this point to conclude that any interest in this land rests with the Minister. I will ask my officials, in consultation with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office, to examine the situation presented and to respond to the property owners or their legal representative directly.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to indicate the extent to which efforts continue to ensure that Castletown House and the adjacent 250 acres owned by the State, can expect to enjoy free and ready access to the estate and gardens for maintenance and recreation purposes including the maintenance of the house, the protection of the Castletown collection and that the necessary steps be taken to ensure this for the future; if the Minister will ensure that all feasible action is taken to protect the interest of the State and the local community in this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30874/24]
View answerI will respond Directly to the Deputy in this regard.
175. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he is adjusting the strategy to increase Ireland’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment in a quickly changing geopolitical environment, which increasingly sees Ireland in competition with larger EU member states better equipped to provide large financial incentives to new investors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28636/24]
View answerMy Department continues to place significant importance in promoting Ireland as a destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and we work alongside IDA Ireland to strengthen Ireland’s business environment and FDI value proposition, and to identify and support strategic sectors.
In 2024, Ireland ranked fourth place among 67 economies measured for their global competitiveness in the 2024 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. This is the second consecutive year Ireland has placed in the top five, which is encouraging.
Working hand-in-hand with Government, stakeholders and Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland partners and collaborates with international investors and companies, to grow their business, to complete new groundbreaking research and innovation, and to develop a rich, vibrant, talent capability for the needs of industry. In this regard, the goals and objectives of IDA Ireland’s strategy "Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021–2024" are closely aligned to Ireland’s National Climate Action Plan and the White Paper on Enterprise.
The White Paper on Enterprise, which was published in December 2022, emphasises the importance of FDI to the Irish economy and highlights the importance of the green and digital agendas as drivers of future growth and competitiveness. The latest implementation report, for H2 2023, published in May 2024 and available on my Department's website - www.enterprise.gov.ie - includes updates on the initiatives led by IDA Ireland that have been completed including:
• Embedding carbon abatement into agency operations.
• Driving digital manufacturing objectives through support for industry with the cooperation of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) and Digital Manufacturing Ireland (DMI) – including the development of a pipeline of digitalisation projects for Ireland’s manufacturing sector - both funded by the IDA.
• 60 FDI sustainability investments so far in the period 2021 to 2024.
• At least half of all FDI investments for 2021-2024 to locations outside Dublin being achieved.
Further White Paper actions being led by the IDA include:
• To strengthen collaboration between MNCs and SMEs and implementation of global sourcing initiatives to support a 20% uplift in MNC sourcing in Ireland.
• Enhancing FDI partnering in Research, Development and Innovation with the target to deliver 170 additional RD&I investments, and cumulative RD&I investment of €3.8 billion, by client companies in the period 2021-2024.
• To enhance rapid digitisation of the IDA client company FDI base through engaging 400 companies to commence their digitalisation journey with awareness and advisory assistance.
Furthermore, last month I announced that €300 million will be 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.
Additional White Paper actions on key infrastructure and capacity challenges are being addressed across Government through NDP-2040 investments. Government also keeps FDI policy under review in the context of recommendations from the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council in their Competitiveness Challenge Reports.
Moreover, earlier this year my Department published Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy which includes a significant FDI element. The strategy identifies a timeline for actions to support the policy such as ensuring the appropriate support mechanisms and funding schemes are in place to support the development of international offshore wind FDI. Development of an offshore industry and international supply chains in Ireland is a competitive necessity to win FDI.
Additionally, this year my Department will publish a National Semiconductor Strategy to ensure Ireland can play its proportionate part in reaching the EU Chips Act target of doubling Europe’s global market share of semiconductors to 20% by 2030.
Finally, my Department is not complacent about Ireland’s competitive position regarding FDI with policies, strategies and the legislative toolkit constantly kept under review to ensure objectives set out in this critical area of the economy are met. In this regard, the IDA is actively preparing its next Strategy to cover the period from 2025.
176. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is the responsibility of his Department, or agencies under his remit, to implement regulations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30635/24]
View answer178. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is an EU Directive regarding the implementation of regulations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30637/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 178 together.
Implementation of the EU COMAH legislation (SEVESO III – Directive 2012/18/EC) for major industrial accidents in Ireland was transposed into Irish law by S.I. No. 209 of 2015 Chemicals Act (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2015.
The COMAH legislation lays down rules for the prevention of major accidents involving dangerous substances. The COMAH Regulations are explicitly linked to the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations, covering only substances and mixtures classified in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP). The COMAH Regulations apply only when quantities of dangerous substances exceed the specified threshold quantities. The dangerous substances and threshold quantities are specified in Schedule 1 to the Regulations.
Regulation 4 of S.I. No. 209 of 2015 establishes the competent authorities in the State for COMAH:
• the Health and Safety Authority (central competent authority)
• Local Authorities (as the local competent authority) in relation to external emergency plans
The following public authorities are also listed in the legislation
(a) An Garda Síochána;
(b) a local authority;
(c) the Environmental Protection Agency;
(d) the Health Service Executive;
(e) a company established pursuant to section 7 of the Harbours Act 1996 (No. 11 of 1996); and
(f) a planning authority in relation to planning and development decisions under the Planning and Development Act.
177. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if regulations are applicable in relation to the development of facilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30636/24]
View answerDevelopment of Battery Energy Storage Systems does not fall within the scope of Control of Major Accident Hazards involving Dangerous Substances (COMAH).
Battery Energy and Electricity Storage Systems are not classed as substances or mixtures under Classification Labelling and Packaging legislation (CLP), and therefore are not within the scope of Seveso/COMAH. Consequently, the COMAH Regulations do not apply to any type of battery storage system development.
The COMAH Regulations are explicitly linked to the EU CLP Regulations, covering only substances and mixtures classified in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures. The COMAH Regulations apply only when quantities of dangerous substances exceed the specified threshold quantities. The dangerous substances and threshold quantities are specified in Schedule 1 to the Regulations.
Regarding Battery Electricity Storage systems (BESS) the European Union in August 2023 introduced EU Regulation (2023/1542) – ‘Concerning Batteries & waste batteries’, which sets out the harmonisation of electricity storage batteries as well as safety testing and certification requirements relevant to battery energy storage systems. Policy responsibility for this Regulation sits with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland on 4 July 2024.
179. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the discussions that have taken place with member states in respect of the EU steel safeguarding tariff; whether the measures are set to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30642/24]
View answerThis matter relates to the safeguard measures imposed by the EU on certain steel products which were initiated in July 2018 in response to the US Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium.
The US measures applied a 25% tariff on steel imports originating from third countries, including the EU. This action by the US resulted in steel originally destined for the US being diverted to the EU, with a consequence of inundating the EU market with steel products to the possible detriment of Union industry and producers.
In response, the Commission established safeguard measures to manage the volume of steel entering the Single Market from third countries. The measure currently in place allows for the importation of steel from third countries according to quotas in line with traditional volumes of trade in steel. Steel imports outside of the quotas are subject to a 25% tariff on landing in the EU.
Following an investigation in early 2024, the Commission found that the safeguard measure currently in place for imports of certain steel products should be prolonged beyond 30 June 2024.
In June 2024, the EU officially extended the measure on steel imports for another two years, to 30 June 2026. This is eight years after its first imposition, which is the maximum application period of a safeguard measure allowed under EU and WTO rules.
180. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the key measures and initiatives taken in relation to boosting enterprise innovation in indigenous businesses since July 2020; his assessment of the impact of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30815/24]
View answer189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to indicate the extent to which smaller indigenous companies can avail of assistance by way of support for research and innovation with consequent improved job retention and creation prospects; the extent to which he sees such smaller companies being in a position to avail of such assistance in the current and following years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30841/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 189 together.
My Department, through Enterprise Ireland (EI), has been instrumental in fostering innovation among Irish companies. Enterprise Ireland’s strategy, and range of supports it offers underpins the robust environment for innovation, enabling Irish companies to grow and develop, and positioning Ireland as a world-leading location to start and scale a business.
The RD&I supports offered by EI include RD&I grants, equity and convertible loans to help companies develop internal research and innovation capabilities. Company collaboration with 3rd level sector on RD&I activity is strengthened through Innovation Vouchers and Partnerships, the Technology Gateway and Centres programmes and European Digital Innovation Hubs. The commercialisation of RD&I activity is also supported through the Commercialisation fund, Innovation offices via the KT Boost programme and incubator space at 3rd level.
Some key examples of schemes implemented since 2020 include:
• Capital equipment calls, providing access to state-of-the-art equipment through Technology Centres and Technology Gateways, the most recent being the €16.5 million call announced in November 2023.
• In 2023, 4 new European Digital Innovation Hubs were established which function as 'one-stop shops,' offering at low or no cost, technical expertise, innovation, and training services to SMEs.
• In June 2023, the €47m ERDF co-funded Technology Gateway Programme was launched which offers innovation support and assistance to startups and SMEs.
• In December 2023, the €33.4m ERDF co-funded KT Boost programme launched which will accelerate the development of innovation capabilities within Irish enterprises.
• In February 2024, the €28m co-funded ERDF Innovator’s Initiative was launched, which comprises of 4 programmes in areas of Medtech, Agtech, Cyber and Digital Health. These training programmes will create cohorts of highly skilled innovators who can observe and identify unmet market needs.
• A further recent measure to boost innovation in SMEs is the doubling the value of Innovation Vouchers which increased from €5,000 to €10,000 on 1 July this year.
These supports contribute to improved productivity, job retention, and creation prospects and companies availing of Enterprise Ireland’s research and innovation supports experience 4 times more export sales. An annual 2.5% increase in productivity per person employed has also been observed within companies that are active in undertaking research and development.
Smaller companies are well-positioned to avail of these supports in the current and following years. Enterprise Ireland will continue to foster growth, innovation, and job creation for indigenous businesses as it will remain central to the agency’s long term strategic priorities.
181. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the key measures and initiatives taken in relation to the improving of consumer rights and protections since July 2020; his assessment of the impact of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30816/24]
View answerMy Department recognises the importance of giving consumers more choice, information and protection.
As such, my Department works to maintain an agile, efficient regulatory regime that promotes fair competition for both businesses and consumers and safeguards strong, transparent consumer rights to ensure value for money, quality customer care and protection from unsafe products.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for enforcing consumer protection and competition law in Ireland and its mission is to make markets work better for consumers and businesses. It is an independent investigative and enforcement body under the aegis of my Department. Competition policy contributes to lower prices over the long term by ensuring that markets work well for consumers.
In recent years, my Department has introduced significant additional safeguards for consumers. Individually, they represent major pieces of legislation aimed at improving consumer protection. However, taken as a suite of measures, the increase and improvements they bring about is considerable.
These key developments are:
• The Consumer Rights Act 2022, which has brought about a number of positive changes for consumers including stronger rights to redress for faulty goods; a ban on fake reviews; and all, traders are required to clearly set out a description of the goods or services being provided, the total price of the item and the cost of delivery before entering into a contract with a consumer, thereby allowing consumers to make an informed choice whether to purchase or not.
• In addition, for the first time, consumers will have the same rights and protections over digital content and digital services, like streaming, downloads and cloud products, as they have for traditional products and services.
• The Representative Actions Act 2023 is the first legislation of its kind in Ireland as it allows for a group of consumers to take an action against a trader to the High Court, using the services a Qualified Entity, for an infringement of their consumer rights.
• The Sale of Tickets Act 2021 promotes fairer access to tickets for cultural, entertainment, recreational and sporting events by prohibiting the sale or advertising for sale of tickets or ticket packages for a price exceeding their original sale price, for events taking place in designated venues and for designated events. The Act regulates the secondary ticket market where tickets are resold after their original purchase from the primary ticket market, and where prices are more likely to be sold above their original sale price.
• The Price Indications Directive (PID) tightens up the rules on sales advertising and prevents businesses from misleading consumers when communicating price reductions and ensures that discount claims are transparent and genuine. This means that any advertised price reduction will have to include the previous price of the product.
Further protections on the way include:
• The General Product Safety Regulation (the GPSR) will come into force on 13th December 2024. It lays down essential rules on the safety of consumer products placed and made available on the EU market and will create a level playing field for consumers and business, ensuring the highest level of protection.
• The EU Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition came into force on the 27 March 2024 and is due to be transposed into law by the 27 March 2026. The Directive ensures that companies do not make unsubstantiated green claims on the environmental benefits, the circulatory or the social characteristics of their products. It also ensures that consumers are provided with information on guarantees, as well as information on the repairability of the product, the aftercare service and digital or software updates.
• The Right to Repair Directive will make it easier for consumers to seek repair instead of replacement and repair services will become more accessible, transparent and attractive. This proposal forms part of the Circular Economy Action Plan and it complements the Green Transition Directive.
I am committed to continuing to strengthen the landscape for consumers and, as part of that, this Government has continued to invest significant additional resources into the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to enable it to best carry out its functions to protect consumers and raise awareness.
182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to indicate the extent to which he expects industry here to avail of technology and innovation as a means of enhancing productivity in both the manufacturing and services sectors in the future based on the trend over the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30833/24]
View answerEnterprise innovation is central to our national enterprise policy as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, and is a pillar in the Government’s national innovation policy ‘Impact 2030’. It is a goal of my Department to encourage industry to invest in innovation so as to enhance productivity, business performance and competitiveness in international markets. This mission is mainly undertaken through our enterprise agencies.
Enterprises in Ireland have a strong track record of investing in research and innovation. Latest published CSO data shows that businesses in Ireland were estimated to have invested €3.89bn in research and development in 2021. Of this, Irish owned businesses spent €1.18bn on R&D. Furthermore, there has been an upward trend in R&D expenditure by the business sector since 2012. The services sector had the highest share of R&D expenditure, accounting for 61.3% of all expenditure, while manufacturing accounts for 38.7%.
Ireland is considered a strong innovator in Europe, and is ranked as the seventh most innovative country in the European Union according to the recently published European Innovation Scoreboard 2024. Ireland’s score has been improving over the last four years. Ireland does particularly well in the sales impact of our research, where we are the European leaders. This means that our enterprises across services and manufacturing are successfully commercialising research and bringing new innovations to market. This indicates that Irish firms across all sectors are creating and availing of new game-changing research and technology, improving their productivity, in addition to growing their export potential.
My Department, through Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, through a range of programmes, encourages enterprises, both indigenous and foreign owned, to become more innovative and productive.
In this regard, Enterprise Ireland continues to offer support to all enterprise types, from startups and SMEs, to researchers and large organisations through various funding initiatives. For example, the R&D grant, innovation partnerships and innovation vouchers, provide start-ups and SMEs advice and financial aid to assist them in developing their innovation capabilities or to develop new products, processes, or services.
EI also supports enterprises who work collaboratively with academics and other enterprises on research, development and innovation. The Technology Centres and Technology Gateways located around the country in higher education institutes are enabling important industry-academic research collaborations. In addition, collaborations in cutting edge research with high levels of commercial potential are boosted by programmes such as the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, the more recent Innovators Initiative and EI's commercialisation funding.
Industry participation in research, development and innovation is also crucial in embedding foreign direct investment in Ireland, and foreign owned firms in Ireland continue to make investments in this regard. Significantly, IDA Ireland made 46 research, development and innovation investments in 2023, with those investments accounting for €1.4bn, compared with 37 and €1.3bn four years earlier in 2019.
My Department will continue to maintain a focus on enterprise innovation as a core part of our offerings to industry so as to ensure the competitiveness and productivity of our enterprise sector, and to underpin jobs across the country.
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to indicate the total number of jobs lost in the services sectors in each of the past five years to date in 2024; the number of new jobs created in the same period; the degree to which a positive trend has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30834/24]
View answerMy Department compiles data on the enterprise development agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IDA and Údarás na Gaeltachta). The breakdown requested is not available economy-wide. Table 1 shows total employment gains, losses and net change in the services sector for all agency client companies. In the years 2019-2023 inclusive there have been 146,080 job gains, 89,957 job losses and a net change in employment of +56,123. Total employment in the services sector for agency client firms was 249,695 in 2023. Data for 2024 is not yet available.
Table 1: Employment gains, losses, net change in services sector, agency client companies, 2019-2023
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Sum 2019-2023 |
|
|
Total Gains |
28,356 |
25,054 |
37,140 |
37,483 |
18,047 |
146,080 |
|
Total Losses |
-13,727 |
-21,036 |
-19,984 |
-16,417 |
-18,793 |
-89,957 |
|
Total Net Change |
14,629 |
4,018 |
17,156 |
21,066 |
-746 |
56,123 |
Source: DETE Annual Employment Survey
Employment in the services sector has grown strongly in recent years. There was a negative net change in employment in 2023 due to headcount reductions in the IT services sector. We expect the services sector to return to growth in the years ahead.
The growth in employment in recent years reflects the continuing success of Ireland’s enterprise policy in sustaining and expending employment. To ensure that this momentum is maintained, my Department published the White Paper on Enterprise in December 2022, which sets out Government`s enterprise policy for the period through to 2030. The White Paper on Enterprise details how we will deliver on our ambition of a vibrant, resilient, regionally balanced and sustainable economy made up of a diversified mix of leading global companies, internationally competitive Irish enterprises and thriving local businesses. In particular, it seeks to ensure the continued creation of rewarding jobs and livelihoods across Ireland.
184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to indicate the number of jobs created in the manufacturing sector in each of the past five years to date in 2024; the future expectations for the continuation of the trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30835/24]
View answerTable 1 shows employment in the manufacturing sector In Ireland for the years 2018-2023. In the five year period since 2018 total employment has increased by 38,100 jobs to reach 287,800 jobs in 2023. Data for 2024 is not yet available.
Table 1: Employment in Manufacturing - 2018- 2023, €000s
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Change 2018-2023 |
|
|
Sector C Manufacturing |
249.8 |
255.7 |
263.8 |
282.9 |
289.1 |
287.8 |
38.1 |
Source: CSO, Labour Force Survey
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State.
The strong growth in employment in recent years reflects the continuing success of Ireland’s enterprise policy in sustaining and expending employment. To ensure that this momentum is maintained, my Department published the White Paper on Enterprise in December 2022, which sets out Government`s enterprise policy for the period through to 2030. The White Paper on Enterprise details how we will deliver on our ambition of a vibrant, resilient, regionally balanced and sustainable economy made up of a diversified mix of leading global companies, internationally competitive Irish enterprises and thriving local businesses. In particular, it seeks to ensure the continued creation of rewarding jobs and livelihoods across Ireland.
