Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the implementation of an appeals system for the power-up scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32907/25]
View answerIn total, €400 million in grant aid was successfully paid to SMEs right across the country in 2024 under the Increased Cost of Business scheme and the Power Up grant.
Following the launch of Power Up, the Department and local authorities became aware of an issue where businesses misclassified their business sector and were subsequently not eligible for the grant.
In order to address this, the Government recently approved an appeals process that will give those businesses in the retail, hospitality and beauty sectors that were not eligible for ICOB and the Power Up grant because of the misclassification issue, an opportunity to register for those grants.
This is not a re-opening of those grant schemes, this is designed solely to allow those who originally misclassified their business sector an opportunity to register for the grants.
The Department are currently engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and with the local authorities to agree on the details of the reclassification process. Subject to agreement with the local authorities, it is intended to open the appeals process as soon as possible and local authorities will contact the eligible businesses and inform them of the necessary steps to apply.
42. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will introduce any policy initiatives to reduce the level of 'daytrip' coach tourism from Dublin to the west of Ireland, so that it can be replaced with slower forms of tourism that include overnighting and longer stays in the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32782/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, Fáilte Ireland launched four distinct Regional Tourism Development Strategies for 2023 – 2027, covering the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and Dublin. These strategies aim to navigate current challenges and steer towards sustainable recovery and continued success. They focus on unlocking the commercial potential of each region while ensuring tourism development is sustainable and regenerative, benefiting local communities and nature.
These strategies are supported by detailed Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPS), which are 5-year sustainable tourism development plans created in partnership with local industry, communities, and stakeholders. The plans prioritize tourism development projects to enhance visitor offerings, achieve season extension, improve dwell time, and disperse visitors across destinations. Currently, there are 20 DEDPs live across the country, with a further 11 at various stages of development.
As well as Fáilte Irelands continued support of tourism development, Tourism Ireland, the organisation tasked with promoting the island of Ireland as a world-class holiday destination, is intensifying its efforts to drive international demand through a comprehensive programme of high-impact global marketing. From dynamic advertising and innovative digital campaigns to engaging travel documentaries, every initiative is designed to showcase the very best of Ireland to the world.
In June 2025, Tourism Ireland unveiled its latest flagship campaign,” Ireland Unrushed”. This major global initiative invites visitors to experience the island at a gentler pace, encouraging deeper connections with our landscapes, culture, and communities—not only during the summer months but well into the future. The “Ireland Unrushed” campaign is being rolled out across key international markets, including Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as in other strategically important tourism markets. With a reach of 70 million people worldwide, it underscores Ireland’s appeal as a destination where visitors can slow down, savour their surroundings, and truly unwind. At the heart of the campaign are curated trip ideas that promote sustainable travel, longer dwell times, and meaningful engagement with local communities. Designed to be enjoyed by rail, bus, or in partnership with tour operators, these itineraries are crafted to generate overnight stays across the regions. The west of Ireland features prominently, with a focus on immersive experiences that celebrate its natural beauty and warm hospitality—encouraging visitors to explore more, stay longer, and return often.
It has been a long standing policy objective to ensure that all regions of Ireland benefit from tourism growth. The Programme for Government also sets out a clear commitment to growing Ireland's tourism industry. Through support for Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, we want to showcase Ireland as a high-quality and accessible destination for both national and international visitors. In addition, Government will work with Fáilte Ireland to develop a balanced regional spread of tourism throughout the country, promoting and advancing the Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin.
In this regard I have asked my officials to prioritise the finalisation of a new Tourism Policy which reflects the Programme for Government and other Government priorities. This new Policy Statement is likely to include objectives promoting year round tourism and regionality and, in particular, will seek to increase the length of stay of tourists in regional locations. Increased dwell time results in the delivery of more bed nights thus ensuring local communities can optimise the economic and social benefits of tourism.
43. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the analysis undertaken of the activities of a company (details supplied), which company continues to generate profit from tourism to illegal settlements, deemed illegal under international law; if he is concerned that despite the ruling by the International Court of Justice in July 2024 that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal and that all States must prevent trade or investment that supports the occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32972/25]
View answerAs Minister for Enterprise. Tourism and Employment, I am aware of the concerns of the Deputy and the public that Irish businesses adhere to national and international laws are regulations concerning trade. The Deputy will be aware that this Government is progressing the Occupied Territories Bill to give certainty to business and citizens of the relevant requirements and restrictions. In May, the Government agreed to advance work on the Heads of a Bill. The Government is also clear that any legislation regulating trade with illegal settlement will be advanced as a necessary step to comply with international law and not as a “boycott” of, or “sanction” against, Israel. In parallel, Ireland continues to press for action at the EU level in light of the ICJ Advisory Opinion.
Ireland is an adherent country to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. As an adhering country, Ireland has a National Contact Point which is located as a standalone Unit within my Department. As part of its remit, the Ireland NCP provides a non-judicial grievance mechanism to address complaints of alleged non-observance of the Guidelines. If its initial assessment is that a complaint merits further examination, the NCP offers its good offices to help parties resolve complaints through a mediation/conciliation platform. The initial assessment does not determine if a business is in breach of the Guidelines. The good offices provide a dialogue-based platform to assist the parties find a constructive outcome based on consensus and honest engagement.
Initial and Final Statements are published on my Department’s website. However, prior to that stage of the process, details of any complaint are not made public to allow both sides to engage in the process in good faith.
44. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will outline the engagements he has had with a view to job creation and retention in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33205/25]
View answerMy Department, through our agency Enterprise Ireland (EI), is committed to supporting employment in Cavan and Monaghan. EI focuses on creating new jobs by supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded services, and High Potential Start-Up Companies. Additionally, EI aims to retain and create new jobs in existing companies and enhance Ireland's innovation capability at both national and regional levels through research support in companies and third-level institutions.
95 EI assisted companies supported 6,681 jobs in Cavan in 2024, an increase of 3.5% on 2023 figures.
In county Monaghan, in 2024, there were 127 EI assisted companies supporting total employment of 7,644, an increase of 3.7% over 2023.
To foster new start-ups, Enterprise Ireland provides incubation spaces on college campuses and Community Enterprise Centres. They offer a range of supports for SMEs, including financial assistance, business and marketing advice, mentoring, product development, and management training. One key initiative is the Dynamic Leadership – Roadmap to Growth programme, delivered in partnership with Dublin City University, which equips senior leadership teams of Irish SMEs with the tools and strategies needed for sustainable growth and international expansion.Collaboration with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) is crucial in delivering support to businesses, growing the number of Irish exporters, and backing job creation nationwide. Enterprise Ireland also works with regional partners to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem and infrastructure, supporting increased enterprise collaboration through cluster and network development.My Department funds various schemes including the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Border Enterprise Development Fund and support projects in the Northeast region thus driving job creation, scale, and export potential. In Cavan and Monaghan, several projects have been funded to foster industry collaboration, deliver supply chain, logistics and procurement training, support biotechnology research, and provide start-up co-working spaces and remote working supports.EI’s strategy Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally seeks to accelerate sustainable Irish business to start, compete, scale and connect. Accelerating the development of sustainable Irish business is core to the agency’s long-term ambition that exporting Irish companies become the primary driver of the Irish economy. EI supported companies assist direct and indirect employment throughout Ireland. Enterprise Ireland’s strategy has set the ambition that 275,000 people will be employed in EI supported companies by 2029.
45. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number and value of dual-use export licence applications, in respect of end-users in Israel, approved by his Department by quarter in 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; the number refused in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32970/25]
View answerAs Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, my responsibilities centre around the control of exports of dual-use and military items under EU and national legislation. Controls on the export of dual-use items are administered by my Department, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items.
The primary purpose of export controls is not to block trade or exports, but to enable the free movement of legitimate goods while ensuring that certain sensitive categories are subject to appropriate regulation. These controls are designed to manage risk, uphold international peace and security, and ensure Ireland’s compliance with its international obligations.
The bulk of dual-use exports from Ireland, including those to Israel, are mainstream business ICT products, both hardware and software (networking, data storage, cybersecurity etc). They are categorised as dual-use items as a consequence of fact that they incorporate strong encryption for ICT security purposes.
All export licence applications are considered by my officials in accordance with criteria set out within the relevant dual-use and military EU and National Regulations and with Ireland’s international obligations and responsibilities as members of non-proliferation regimes and export control arrangements. Each application is assessed individually, considering the nature of the items, the destination country, the identity of the end-user, and the intended end-use. A range of complex factors is considered in every application, including national security, regional stability, and human rights concerns.
If there are any concerns that the goods being exported will not be used for the end use or by the specified end user as detailed in the application or if the exporter does not provide enough information on the intended end-use for my officials to make an informed decision, the application for a licence is denied.
In applying export controls in a robust and transparent way, my Department ensures that legitimate business transactions by reputable Irish traders are not damaged in any way while also ensuring that exports of controlled goods are thoroughly risk assessed in the context of ongoing conflicts, diversion of goods and humanitarian considerations.
The attached table shows the number and value of dual-use export licence applications, in respect of end-users in Israel, approved by my Department by quarter in 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, and the number refused in each year.
The number and value of dual-use export licence applications, in respect of end-users in Israel, approved by Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, by quarter in 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, and the number refused in each year
|
Year |
Quarter |
Number Approved |
Value of approved |
Number Refused |
|
2022 |
Q1 |
6 |
€906,039 |
|
|
|
Q2 |
6 |
€2,777,172 |
|
|
|
Q3 |
3 |
€45,115 |
|
|
|
Q4 |
16 |
€6,999,144 |
|
|
|
Total 2022 |
31 |
€10,727,470 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
Q1 |
17 |
€36,317,109 |
|
|
|
Q2 |
5 |
€1,491,099 |
|
|
|
Q3 |
7 |
€1,145,673 |
|
|
|
Q4 |
3 |
€31,422,796 |
|
|
|
Total 2023 |
32 |
€70,376,677 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
Q1 |
6 |
€1,178,566 |
|
|
|
Q2 |
10 |
€20,587,408 |
|
|
|
Q3 |
6 |
€8,570,253 |
|
|
|
Q4 |
6 |
€33,932,593 |
|
|
|
Total 2024 |
28 |
€64,268,820 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025 |
Q1 |
4 |
€797,191 |
|
|
|
Q2 to date |
3 |
€93,391 |
|
|
|
Total 2025 (to date) |
7 |
€890,582 |
1 |
46. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of SMEs which have closed in the State in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32561/25]
View answerThe Companies Registration Office require additional time to compile the requested information, which will be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.
47. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement there has been with his Department, State agencies and Department counterparts in the North, on the issues impacting cross border employment and enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32380/25]
View answerI and officials in the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, in collaboration with its agencies – including Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, have had ongoing active engagement with counterparts in Northern Ireland, particularly through the Shared Island Initiative and InterTradeIreland. These engagements aim to strengthen economic ties, support enterprise development, and address labour mobility challenges across the border.
Recent engagements include:
• The Shared Island funding of over €800 million, announced earlier this year, which supports a range of cross-border projects. These include enterprise cooperation schemes, female entrepreneurship programmes, and infrastructure investments. Shared island engagement continues between DETE and the Department for the Economy and the relevant agencies in both jurisdictions.
• I had a recent online meeting with NI Minister for the Department for the Economy, Caoimhe Archibald, in which a broad range of topics including jobs and enterprise were discussed.
• Earlier this year a Joint DETE – DfE Management Board Meeting took place in which jobs were discussed and how both Departments can continue to collaborate to benefit enterprise both North and South. By way of follow up a team from DETE, visited Belfast last week for a joint economic research seminar with DfE NI colleagues focussing on productivity and skills and labour market issues in both parts of Ireland.
• The NSMC hosted a Sectoral meeting earlier this year where there were valuable discussions on InterTradeIreland’s progress. These discussions highlighted the valuable input of ITI in creating cross border relationships between businesses. ITI launched its Digital Trade Hub in 2023, and this platform provides ongoing guidance on matters including cross-border employment, customs, and regulation. It received over 15,000 users in its first months, indicating strong demand for support.
• There has been enterprise agency collaboration, where Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland are working together on pilot schemes to support SMEs and innovation on a cross-border basis. Last month I spoke of the Shared Island Enterprise scheme, which involves three leading economic development agencies, ITI, Enterprise Ireland and Invest NI, as a key milestone in driving forward all-island economic collaboration to create a more prosperous, inclusive, innovative and sustainable enterprise environment across the island.
• The North-West Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024, which explicitly recognises the strategic importance of cross-border cooperation and outlines actions to support enterprise and employment in the region. The plan recognizes the region's border location and encourages partnerships and initiatives to promote enterprise across the border.
• Officials from the Department regularly meet with their Northern counterparts to discuss ways in which continued collaboration can help grow cross border relationships benefiting enterprise specifically SME’s both North and South.
• There are a number of factors influencing Cross border employment and enterprise. I and my officials are working closely with NI counterparts to address these which include:
• Regulatory Divergence creates uncertainty for employers operating on both sides of the border, especially SMEs.
• Workers who live in one jurisdiction and work in another face complex tax and social security arrangements. Dual payroll systems, pension tax relief disparities, and differing benefit entitlements can be burdensome for both employers and employees. Pay can also be an issue cross border as employers in certain jurisdictions can have different wages for employees for the same job.
• The Windsor Framework has eased some tensions; however, businesses still face challenges related to customs procedures, supply chain logistics and regulatory compliance when trading across the border.
Ongoing engagements and collaboration with NI colleagues at all levels are underpinned by a shared commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and the economic potential of an all-island approach. Both economic Ministries have a joint interest in ensuring that issues impacting cross border employment can be resolved and we work closely to find resolutions. The two Governments are keen to support and encourage cross border trade. We will continue to work closely with our Northern counterparts to ensure that businesses and workers on both sides of the border can thrive.
48. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the targeted supports he is considering to help small and local businesses remain viable in rural towns and areas like Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33214/25]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) based within the 31 Local Authorities are the first stop shop for local businesses in Ireland. In the first instance LEOs provide a signposting service for all government supports available to all small businesses and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies.
LEOs provide training and advice on entrepreneurship and helping businesses to start, grow and deal with the challenges of running a business. LEOs support job creation and provide accessible high-quality supports for small businesses. Aside from business supports, LEOs contribute to the development of economic strategies such as the Local Economic and Community Plans and ensure that an enterprise perspective is brought to bear on various Local Authority and regional plans and frameworks.
To assist small and medium enterprises to become more productive and competitive, the Local Enterprise Offices provide consultancy and grants to small businesses of all sectors, in the areas of Lean, Green, and Digital. These supports focus on enhancing productivity and improving competitiveness in small businesses. Effective and efficient use of materials and resources can make a significant difference to the profitability of a business.
In 2024, the Local Enterprise Office in Mayo paid €424,682 in direct Measure 1 grant support to 201 small businesses in Mayo, helping to support 1,351 jobs and creating 185 new jobs. This does not include the number of small businesses and associated jobs that have received training, mentoring or other supports from the LEO.
In addition to the consultancy and mentoring supports provided by the Lean, Green and Digital programmes, Local Enterprise Offices offer direct support in these transitions. For example, the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) provides grant assistance of up to a maximum of €10,000 with a 75% contribution rate from Government, and through Grow Digital Voucher, offers funding of up to €5,000 or 50% of eligible costs for new cloud-based software subscriptions for 1 year, training and consultancy.
I would recommend that any small business owner contact their Local Enterprise Office and ask to speak to a Business Advisor about the supports available to them. I also encourage any business owners looking to avail of government support to consult the National Enterprise Hub (NEH). The NEH is an all-of-government free service, staffed by expertly trained advisers and is focused on helping business owners access a range of government supports.
49. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the expected timeline for developing a national life sciences strategy to ensure competitiveness in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33125/25]
View answerThe Life-Sciences sector - which includes pharma, biopharma and medtech – remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s industrial success, driving significant exports, and attracting foreign and indigenous investments in R&D, capital expenditure and employment. It currently accounts for over 100,000 jobs and over €130billion in exports.
Over recent decades Ireland has developed a cohesive and integrated Life-Sciences ecosystem consisting of highly innovative indigenous companies, large well-established FDI multinationals, a continually developing world-class research base and a strong industry-focused clinical community.
Continued support for the Life-Sciences sector is critical to fostering innovation, sustaining economic growth, enhancing EU and global competitiveness in healthcare, and improving public health outcomes. Recognising this, the Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future 2025 — sets out our commitment to publish a National Life Sciences Strategy that will guide the sector’s continued success and long-term impact.
To ensure that this Strategy is evidence-based, ambitious and responsive to emerging opportunities, it will be developed through extensive engagement with key stakeholders across the Life-Sciences ecosystem. It will also take into account developments at EU level, including relevant EU legislation that is currently being proposed as well as the new EU Life-Sciences Strategy which is expected to be published shortly.
The development of this Strategy is a critical undertaking - one that warrants careful planning and sufficient time to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. The Strategy must deliver a well-informed and forward-looking set of actions that not only consolidates Ireland’s position as a global leader in the sector, but also creates new pathways for innovation, drives sustainable economic growth, strengthens the workforce, and improves health outcomes for all. In light of this, my Department is currently considering the timeline for the development of this Strategy having identified and committed to the dedicated resources required.
50. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an overview of funding available to businesses for climate and energy efficiency measures. [33193/25]
View answerAs Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I want businesses to become more sustainable. By doing so, businesses not only cut their emissions, they also cut their energy costs and become more competitive. The Government is supporting both SMEs and large industry to do so through a range of financial and advisory supports.
For SMEs an energy audit is a great starting point, as it shows where they can make savings. Through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) Support Scheme for Energy Audits, SMEs can access a €2,000 voucher to cover the cost of a professional energy audit.
It will identify where energy is being used inefficiently and highlights opportunities to cut costs and reduce emissions. Most audits are fully funded and carried out by SEAI-registered experts. Similarly, Enterprise Ireland’s Climate Action Voucher offers up to €1,800 to fund two days of independent consultancy to help companies to identify and act on energy-saving opportunities.
The Climate Action Programme from Fáilte Ireland meanwhile is fully subsidised and gives SMEs in the Tourism Sector access to a dedicated expert advisor who will work with them on a one-to-one basis to assess their current operations and create a tailored, practical action plan. This gives an SME clear, unbiased guidance on how to reduce emissions, improve energy use, and explore available funding opportunities.
Once a business knows where they should invest, there are grants available towards buying energy efficient equipment and building retrofits. The Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) offers 75% of project costs up to a maximum amount of €10,000 and is open to all small businesses with up to 50 employees. The grant can fund practical measures to help a small business to reduce their long-term energy costs, including upgrading to LED lighting, replacing heat pumps, and upgrading refrigeration units, ovens, and dishwashers. It can also fund heat recovery and smart energy controls, among other steps.
In addition the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) €50m Business Energy Upgrades Scheme offers support for a high-quality energy audit and a range of common building upgrade measures including, pumps, solar thermal, solar PV, automatic controls, heat pumps, air handling units and fabric.
And there are loans available to SMEs to fund sustainability measures. The €500 million Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS) delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland has unlocked significant funding to enable SMEs, including farmers, fishers and mid-caps to invest in energy efficiency.
There is also funding available to drive the decarbonisation of Ireland’s industrial emitters. Last year I announced that €300 million would be available up to 2030 through the Environmental Aid Scheme to the client companies of Enterprise Ireland (EI) and IDA Ireland. The scheme offers capital grants to businesses adopting low-carbon, efficient, and sustainable production practices. It supports transformative projects in emissions reduction, energy and resource efficiency, and climate action integration. Eligible initiatives include facility upgrades, new low-carbon technologies, and improvements in circularity and water use.
Lastly, there is EU funding available through the €55 million Green Transition Fund, which is part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). It is delivered through Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and Údarás na Gaeltachta and supports businesses to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
51. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will outline the accommodation capacity available to the tourism sector; the number of bed nights in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, by county, by quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33204/25]
View answerTourism is of critical importance to the Irish economy, providing circa. 227,000 jobs and €6 billion in income to our economy in 2024. The Government recognises the central importance of the tourism sector to Ireland's economy and communities and is acutely aware of the importance of local tourism accommodation as a resource for businesses and communities throughout Ireland.
The overall position regarding the available data on accommodation for tourism purposes is complex and multi-layered.
Fáilte Ireland maintains tourist accommodation registers as provided for under the Tourist Traffic Acts and its systems record data on bedspaces rather than bed nights. Fáilte Ireland’s records for 2023 identified 233,578 bedspaces within the National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF) registered bedstock. From Q3 2024 Fáilte Ireland have maintained quarterly data.
The Q1 2025 bedspace figure (227,323) provided below indicates a decline in recorded NQAF registered bedspaces when compared to Q4 2024 (235,715). This is primarily due to closures related to business repurposing or retirement. As can be seen in the data presented in the tables for Wexford, a large number of bedspaces, associated with a caravan and camping park, exited the tourist market and are now operating as a static site.
The use of tourist accommodation to support the Government’s response to the humanitarian crisis has impacted the sector. However, it is clear that the revised approach adopted by the Government in March 2024 is taking effect and is reducing the reliance by the State on the use of tourism accommodation for humanitarian purposes. Fáilte Ireland's recent analysis of DJHAM data from May 2025 shows that 6% of all registered tourism accommodation stock is under contract to the State, down from 13% in May 2023.
In addition to the NQAF bedspace capacity, Fáilte Ireland estimate that there are circa. 151,150 additional bedspaces for tourism purposes in the Short Term Letting (STL) sector. This data is estimated from scraped data of STL properties advertised across the four largest booking platforms - Airbnb, Booking.com, Tripadvisor and VRBO.
The General Scheme of the Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill approved by Government earlier this year provides for the establishment of regulatory controls, including a register for all STL properties, to be administered by Fáilte Ireland. My Department is currently drafting the Bill. The statutory register of all STL accommodation in the State will, when implemented by Fáilte Ireland in May 2026, provide a full picture of the stock of tourist accommodation in Ireland for the first time.
In terms of scrutinising and ensuring adequate future supply of accommodation for tourism purposes, Fáilte Ireland has developed a capacity and pipeline monitor to track movement in tourism accommodation capacity. This includes measuring changes in current capacity and the tracking of the pipeline of tourist accommodation in Ireland focusing on planning, construction commencement and opening phases of development. This will allow Fáilte Ireland to pinpoint challenges that exist in terms of the development of tourism accommodation; to measure the impact arising; and to work with partners and other stakeholders to identify and potentially develop solutions.
The combined insights of the accommodation capacity and pipeline monitor and the STL register will help shape and inform Ireland’s long-term accommodation development plans to meet changing consumer demands and trends.
The Fáilte Ireland Pipeline Analysis as of Q1 2025 identifies 11,550 bedspaces under construction, with planning granted for a further 36,250 bedspaces and planning submitted for a further 7,750 bedspaces.
Further to a commitment made in the Programme for Government, my Department is currently reviewing the national tourism policy framework. The new framework will shape how our tourism industry develops in the period to 2030. Accommodation bed-stock for tourism use will be considered as part of the new Policy Framework and subsequent Action Plans.
|
2023 Overall |
Q3 2024 |
Q4 2024 |
Q1 2025 |
Q2 2025 |
|||||
|
County |
Bedspaces |
County |
Bedspaces |
County |
Bedspaces |
County |
Bedspaces |
County |
Bedspaces |
|
Co. Carlow |
1,773 |
Co. Carlow |
1,680 |
Co. Carlow |
1,769 |
Co. Carlow |
1,737 |
Co. Carlow |
1,737 |
|
Co. Cavan |
2,856 |
Co. Cavan |
2,771 |
Co. Cavan |
2,657 |
Co. Cavan |
2,644 |
Co. Cavan |
2,692 |
|
Co. Clare |
9,911 |
Co. Clare |
10,173 |
Co. Clare |
9,952 |
Co. Clare |
9,549 |
Co. Clare |
9,574 |
|
Co. Cork |
20,327 |
Co. Cork |
20,277 |
Co. Cork |
20,299 |
Co. Cork |
20,182 |
Co. Cork |
20,590 |
|
Co. Donegal |
12,985 |
Co. Donegal |
11,700 |
Co. Donegal |
11,664 |
Co. Donegal |
11,208 |
Co. Donegal |
11,298 |
|
Co. Dublin |
62,156 |
Co. Dublin |
63,374 |
Co. Dublin |
66,075 |
Co. Dublin |
64,878 |
Co. Dublin |
64,922 |
|
Co. Galway |
17,554 |
Co. Galway |
17,503 |
Co. Galway |
17,797 |
Co. Galway |
17,080 |
Co. Galway |
17,509 |
|
Co. Kerry |
23,458 |
Co. Kerry |
23,373 |
Co. Kerry |
23,402 |
Co. Kerry |
22,843 |
Co. Kerry |
22,822 |
|
Co. Kildare |
3,973 |
Co. Kildare |
4,200 |
Co. Kildare |
4,203 |
Co. Kildare |
4,097 |
Co. Kildare |
4,114 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
4,504 |
Co. Kilkenny |
4,146 |
Co. Kilkenny |
4,165 |
Co. Kilkenny |
4,133 |
Co. Kilkenny |
4,132 |
|
Co. Laois |
1,572 |
Co. Laois |
1,583 |
Co. Laois |
1,593 |
Co. Laois |
1,631 |
Co. Laois |
1,631 |
|
Co. Leitrim |
2,628 |
Co. Leitrim |
2,484 |
Co. Leitrim |
2,494 |
Co. Leitrim |
2,466 |
Co. Leitrim |
2,466 |
|
Co. Limerick |
6,402 |
Co. Limerick |
6,207 |
Co. Limerick |
6,236 |
Co. Limerick |
6,171 |
Co. Limerick |
6,201 |
|
Co. Longford |
2,823 |
Co. Longford |
2,960 |
Co. Longford |
2,959 |
Co. Longford |
2,923 |
Co. Longford |
2,923 |
|
Co. Louth |
2,510 |
Co. Louth |
2,893 |
Co. Louth |
2,877 |
Co. Louth |
2,848 |
Co. Louth |
2,858 |
|
Co. Mayo |
10,636 |
Co. Mayo |
10,414 |
Co. Mayo |
10,445 |
Co. Mayo |
9,934 |
Co. Mayo |
9,956 |
|
Co. Meath |
4,597 |
Co. Meath |
4,723 |
Co. Meath |
4,876 |
Co. Meath |
4,612 |
Co. Meath |
4,624 |
|
Co. Monaghan |
1,190 |
Co. Monaghan |
948 |
Co. Monaghan |
948 |
Co. Monaghan |
982 |
Co. Monaghan |
995 |
|
Co. Offaly |
1,356 |
Co. Offaly |
1,360 |
Co. Offaly |
1,380 |
Co. Offaly |
1,378 |
Co. Offaly |
1,381 |
|
Co. Roscommon |
1,413 |
Co. Roscommon |
1,407 |
Co. Roscommon |
1,439 |
Co. Roscommon |
1,438 |
Co. Roscommon |
1,426 |
|
Co. Sligo |
5,010 |
Co. Sligo |
4,787 |
Co. Sligo |
4,794 |
Co. Sligo |
4,800 |
Co. Sligo |
4,800 |
|
Co. Tipperary |
4,098 |
Co. Tipperary |
4,036 |
Co. Tipperary |
3,998 |
Co. Tipperary |
3,973 |
Co. Tipperary |
3,973 |
|
Co. Waterford |
7,895 |
Co. Waterford |
7,875 |
Co. Waterford |
7,771 |
Co. Waterford |
7,762 |
Co. Waterford |
7,762 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
3,057 |
Co. Westmeath |
3,248 |
Co. Westmeath |
3,265 |
Co. Westmeath |
3,255 |
Co. Westmeath |
3,255 |
|
Co. Wexford |
11,683 |
Co. Wexford |
11,206 |
Co. Wexford |
11,220 |
Co. Wexford |
7,466 |
Co. Wexford |
7,450 |
|
Co. Wicklow |
7,211 |
Co. Wicklow |
7,467 |
Co. Wicklow |
7,437 |
Co. Wicklow |
7,333 |
Co. Wicklow |
7,491 |
|
Total |
233,578 |
Total |
232,795 |
Total |
235,715 |
Total |
227,323 |
Total |
228,582 |
52. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs in Meath currently supported by Enterprise Ireland and by the IDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33034/25]
View answerThe Government is firmly committed to driving balanced regional development as a cornerstone of its enterprise policy. Under the “Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally” Strategy 2025–2029, Enterprise Ireland aims to grow employment in client companies to 275,000, with a strong emphasis on regional job creation and scaling indigenous businesses across all counties.The employment performance of Enterprise Ireland (EI) clients in County Meath over the past five years has been very encouraging. Notwithstanding the effects of Covid -19 and other recent geopolitical events, there was a 15% increase in net jobs over that period.In 2024, there were 979 jobs created by 207 EI clients in County Meath with a net increase of 672 jobs over the year. The total number of EI supported jobs in 2024 was 9,034. This is a net increase of 8% in employment over 2023, a very strong performance by Irish owned enterprises in the county.
County Meath has a strong focus on the food sector and food businesses, with the Boyne Valley Food Innovation District, Meath Enterprise Centre and the local County Council strong promoters and supporters of this eco-system within the county.
There are 16 IDA supported companies in Meath, employing 3,047 in total. The Mid- East Region comprises counties Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow. There are 121 IDA client companies in the Mid-East Region, employing 20,470 people. The FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 10%. The Mid-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. It has also won significant investment in the Food and the Film sub-sectors. Key IDA client companies in the region include Intel, Takeda, PCI, Wuxi Biologics, Servier, Elavon, Merck, Becton Dickinson, Cargotec, Kaseya, Prometric, Noesis, ABB, Paypal and Vesta. Counties in the Mid-East also benefit hugely from the direct and indirect employment generated by IDA client companies located in Dublin.
53. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has considered the establishment of a workers' co-operative development unit within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33194/25]
View answerIn terms of the co-operative sector, the focus of my Department is on completing work on the Co-operative Societies Bill. Drafting of the Bill, by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, is nearing completion and it is expected that the finalised Bill will be brought to Government during Q4 2025.
The Bill provides for the most far-reaching reform of the legislation governing co-operatives in the history of the State. The Bill introduces a modern legal framework which will place the co-operative model on a more favourable and clear legal basis and encourage the consideration of the co-operative model as an attractive formation option for entrepreneurs and also for social and community activities. A modern legislative basis, including strong corporate governance requirements, will also provide confidence to stakeholders and help to encourage investment in co-operatives.
It should be noted that the co-operative model is one of a number of corporate options available to those considering establishing themselves in business. However, the choice of corporate model is a matter for the founders of any business and my Department does not promote any particular corporate structure over any other.
It is considered that the most appropriate way to raise awareness of the potential benefits of the modernised co-operative model is through existing channels and structures and there are no plans to establish a dedicated unit for co-operative development.
56. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the actions his Department is taking to facilitate collaboration between larger FDI companies and indigenous firms, particularly focusing on digitisation and the green transition. [31571/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government has tasked my Department with facilitating greater collaboration between domestic Irish firms and larger FDI firms located in Ireland. To achieve this, my Department is driving forward a number of plans, with the support of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as our key enterprise agencies. Ireland’s FDI sector has been transformative for the economy and the people of Ireland. IDA Ireland’s 1,800 client companies directly employ more than 300,000 people, account for 70% of total national exports and an estimated 70% of corporation tax revenue. Combined, these companies invest c. €24billion in wages and salaries, €3.3billion on Irish materials, €11.3billion on services, and another €13.2billion on capital investment in the economy each year.IDA Ireland’s new five-year strategy, Adapt Intelligently a Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29, targets winning 1,000 investments, creating 75,000 jobs, securing €7billion in new R&D investment, upskilling 40,000 people and reducing carbon emissions from client companies by 35%. IDA’s strategy is aligned with the Programme for Government, the White Paper on Enterprise, and sets out IDA Ireland’s ambition for continued growth in a period of marked global change and uncertainty. The strategy sets out how IDA Ireland will partner with its client companies to enhance the resilience, productivity, and innovation of Ireland’s FDI base.The Government’s White Paper on Enterprise 2022 -2030, acknowledges the importance of creating greater linkages for Enterprise Ireland clients to the multinational base in Ireland. IDA Ireland client companies spend €14.6billion on Irish material and services annually in the Irish economy, IDA Ireland is committed to deepening this economic impact by continuing to work with Enterprise Ireland to enhance supply and innovation links between Irish-based enterprises. IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland have a longstanding relationship of working closely together to foster an ecosystem that is supportive to the growth and development of both FDI and indigenous enterprises. Specific initiatives include:
• Growing Supply Chain Linkages: to provide EI client companies with greater market access in the form of opening sales channels with FDI companies in Ireland, thereby increasing sales of Irish goods and services and to provide IDA clients access to world class solutions from Irish enterprises. This initiative has delivered three joint agency networking events (Waterford, Athlone, Limerick) to explore opportunities in sustainability for the manufacturing, technology, and life science sectors. Additional events are scheduled for later this year.
• Greenfield Introductions: to provide a more focused approach to identify projects of impact which offer opportunity for EI clients to engage with new IDA client investments. For example, IDA brokered introductions to a new overseas Medtech client recently where sixteen pre-qualified EI clients met with the IDA client company to pitch their services to senior management.
• Support linkages to Corporate in-house Venture Capital (VC): Corporate in-house VC teams present a financing opportunity for scaling Irish start-ups as they look to strategically invest in innovative products, services, and business models, including products/services to enable the digitalisation and the green transition. IDA has brokered introductions for EI to US based corporate in-house VC teams; EI are now connecting EI clients with these VC teams as appropriate.
• Support the delivery of digitalisation services to clients: IDA Ireland connects with EI client companies to support the delivery of digitalisation services to clients, particularly in developing technical specification for implementing sustainable digital solutions to both services and manufacturing companies. EI clients are also engaged in the delivery of Digital Lean programmes to clients.
• Lean Business Ireland (LBI): In 2017, EI and IDA Ireland established an LBI website to support clients on the Lean journeys. Annually, both agencies contribute to the Annual Conference and Award Ceremony. This has been a successful joint venture supporting both SME and multinational companies.
There are also financial incentives available through collaborative R&D and Innovation supports.
Through funding mechanisms such as the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and Innovation Partnerships, Enterprise Ireland also facilitates joint research projects between multinationals and local SMEs, especially in AI, automation, and green technologies.The Green Transition Fund supports companies at all stages of their decarbonisation journey, from planning to implementation, helping both FDI and indigenous firms align on sustainability goals and collaborate on low-carbon solutions.There are also Digital Transition Supports. Enterprise Ireland provides digitalisation vouchers, training, and advisory services to help indigenous firms adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, making them more attractive partners for FDI companies seeking digitally capable suppliers.Policy alignment across enterprise development agencies is also crucial to maximise Ireland’s potential. IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are working to ensure regional collaboration and shared infrastructure for digital and green innovation.My Department will continue to support collaboration between the FDI and indigenous firms in Ireland, and we will ensure policies, strategies and the legislative toolkit are constantly kept under review to ensure objectives set out in this critical part of the economy are met.
57. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of employment permit applications received to date in 2025, and the number of permits issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32941/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to delivering an efficient and responsive employment permit system which supports businesses and ensures that we are positioned to maximise the benefits of economic migration. The system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy.
Over the past three years, the department implemented an action plan which increased resources and introduced more efficient methods of processing permit applications. The measures have resulted in significant reductions in waiting times and a vastly improved user experience
The Employment Permits Section of the Department informs me that as of the 13th of June 2025 there have been 14,562 employment permit applications received and 14,625 employment permits have been issued.
As of 16 June 2025, the department is processing new applications for General Employment Permits in 19 business days, and for Critical Skills Permits in 12 business days.
58. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures his Department is taking to support the economic rejuvenation of towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33030/25]
View answerThe Government is committed to bringing forward measures to support small businesses in every region, county and town in Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) play an extremely important role at local level, providing their services direct to small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship across the country.
The development and publication of the LEO Policy Statement in 2024 sets the strategic direction of LEO programmes. It emphasises this Government’s intention to engage more with locally trading businesses. LEOs will continue to foster a strong entrepreneurial culture and promote enterprise nationally.
As business units within each of the 31 Local Authorities, LEOs support the development of economic strategies such as the Local Economic and Community Plans and ensure that an enterprise perspective is brought to bear on various Local Authority and regional plans and frameworks.
The LEOs offer a signposting service for all government supports available to small businesses and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies e.g. Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.
LEOs provide training and advice on entrepreneurship and helping businesses to start, grow and deal with the challenges of running a business. LEOs support job creation and provide accessible high-quality supports for small businesses.
Balanced regional development is a Government priority and a central component of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030. My Department and its agencies contribute to this agenda in several ways, including through nine Regional Enterprise Plans. These are bottom-up plans developed and led by regional stakeholders, which focus on collaborative initiatives to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem in each region.
The REPs aim to bring added value and increased impact through regional actors working collaboratively to address challenges and foster new enterprise development opportunities across Ireland. Each REP comprises several strategic objectives and associated actions which focus on collaborative initiatives to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem in each region; focus areas include decarbonisation, digitalisation and place-making.
In April 2024 Mid-Term Progress Reports were published for the nine REPs and are available on my Department’s website. The recent meeting of the Regional Enterprise Plans National Oversight Group on 25 April 2024 it was agreed that the current REPs would be extended for one year to end 2025.
59. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the emergency measures being considered to assist SMEs in the continuing threat of US tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33217/25]
View answerMy Department has been preparing for tariffs and economic shocks and we are working with our dedicated agency supporting Irish businesses, Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland have established a bespoke team which is currently engaging with SMEs, supporting businesses around tariffs and mitigation measures, as well as offering advice and support on diversification measures.
Enterprise Ireland stands ready to support Irish exporters through its current range of supports and its focus is on assisting businesses in developing a response to trade tariffs. Through its team in Ireland and across its seven offices in the US, Enterprise Ireland is working with Irish companies and business owners by providing the latest in strategic market intelligence, information and resources through webinars, and guidance on accessing advisory and financial supports.
Enterprise Ireland has published a Trade Disruption Checklist. This is a practical tool for SMEs to assess their exposure to tariffs and prepare mitigation strategies, including mapping trade flows and understanding customs classifications.
Market diversification remains a key priority, as it has been for decades, and which has seen significant success. There are 190 overseas market advisers employed by Government through Enterprise Ireland, with 156 of these being outside of the US.
Enterprise Ireland provide dedicated schemes and grants, including a strategic consultancy grant for expert advice to support SMEs to internationalise. Enterprise Ireland have an existing market discovery fund already open and I will be pro-actively engaging with businesses to make them aware of these supports and ensure they are accessed at scale.
I recognise that this is a dynamic and evolving situation, and it will be closely monitored. A key element of the Government’s response is the forthcoming Action Plan on Market Diversification , currently being developed jointly by my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This plan will assess the range of supports available to help Irish businesses diversify their market outlets and supply chains.
My Department will continue to work closely with the enterprise agencies to ensure that SMEs as the backbone of our economy have the tools, resources, and strategic support they need to succeed in a challenging and competitive global environment.
60. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department have had any engagement at EU level on the ongoing case on the Adequate Minimum Wages Directive currently before the Court of Justice of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33160/25]
View answerThe (EU) 2022/2041 Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages in the European Union was published on 19th October 2022 and was transposed in Ireland via the Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 633/2024 - European Union (Adequate Minimum Wages) Regulations 2024, meeting the deadline of the 15th November 2024.
The Directive aims to ensure that workers across the European Union are protected by adequate minimum wages allowing for a decent standard of living wherever they work.
On 18th January 2023, Denmark initiated an action for annulment before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) regarding the Directive, arguing that it ‘interferes directly with the determination of the level of pay in the Member States and concerns the right of association, which is excluded from the competence of the EU legislature pursuant to Article 153(5) TFEU .’ Denmark claim that the Court should annul the Directive in full, or in the alternative that the Court should annul Article 4(1)(d) and Article 4(2), both of which relate to the promotion of collective bargaining on wage-setting.
In January of this year, the Advocate General gave an opinion to the Court of Justice that the Directive should be annulled in full on the grounds that it is incompatible with European law.
A decision by the CJEU on this case has not been made yet. My Department is monitoring developments closely and will engage at both EU and national level as appropriate following the decision.
