Written Answers Nos. 31-50
31. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement he has had with trade unions regarding the ongoing 'Respect at Work' campaign being promoted by unions (details supplied). [50769/25]
View answerI am aware of the Respect at Work Campaign which is seeking new protections for workers seeking to organise in their workplaces.
Our Programme for Government commits to the development of an Action Plan to promote collective bargaining as required by the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages.
Article 4 of the Directive, Promotion of Collective Bargaining on Wage Setting, aims to promote collective bargaining on wages in all Member States. The Directive requires Member States in which the collective bargaining coverage rate is less than 80% to provide “for a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining” and to publish an Action Plan to promote collective bargaining. The deadline for the Action Plan to be submitted to the Commission is the end of 2025.
A technical working group has been established with Department officials and the social partners, including SIPTU representatives, to consider the content of Ireland’s Action Plan. The working group has had a number of meetings, and has received proposals, including some of the issues raised in the ‘Respect at Work’ campaign.
I discussed Ireland’s action plan when I met with the social partners at the LEEF Subgroup on Employment and Enterprise.
I would like to stress that the Government fully supports the right of any worker to join and be active in their trade union. Employees have the right under the Constitution to form associations and trade unions. Under Irish legislation, an employee cannot be discriminated against or dismissed because they are a member of a trade union.
32. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to the recent consultation on the review of employment permits occupation lists, if he will add roles (details supplied) to the critical skills occupations list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50841/25]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system, maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The regime is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills or labour shortages in the State in the short to medium term. This objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish or EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is genuine.
The employment permits system is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills Occupation List and the Ineligible Occupations List. These, respectively, set out skills that are in high demand or are employments that are not eligible for consideration for an employment permit.
The Occupations Lists are subject to periodic reviews, which include public consultation inviting evidence-based submissions from all sectors. Each review takes account of research undertaken by SOLAS's Skills and Labour Market Research Unit and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, a public consultation process, input from the relevant policy departments and the Economic Migration Inter-Departmental Group. I can confirm that my department has received submissions in relation to the occupations in question.
An occupation could potentially be considered to be added to the CSOL where evidence supports that there is not enough suitable Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work. If labour market conditions change such that there is not enough availability of suitably skilled workers within the EEA for a specific occupation, an evidenced-based submission from that sector may be submitted to my Department for consideration to the review of the Occupations Lists.
Submissions for the current review closed on Friday, 19th of September, and the outcome of that review will be made public in the coming months.
33. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the advances his Department have made in preparing an action plan for collective bargaining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50797/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains the commitment to finalise an action plan on the promotion of collective bargaining by the end of 2025, in line with the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages. Work on developing the action plan in conjunction with the social partners is currently ongoing.
A public consultation was held from April to May 2025 on the possible content of the Action Plan. The responses to this public consultation will be published on the Department's website in due course.
A working group has been established with Department officials and the social partners to examine what will be considered for inclusion in Ireland’s action plan. This group has met regularly this year and their work is essential in developing the content of the action plan.
My Department has also engaged in progressing the recommendations in the Doherty Report, particularly those on Good Faith Engagement and a new ERO process, which would require substantive legislative changes. These more challenging proposals require significant policy considerations. It is important that we work through these issues in a considered way so that whatever changes we make are both appropriate and sustainable.
While it is too early to comment on the content of the action plan., it is my intention that a balanced and evidence-based approach be undertaken in considering any legislative or policy changes arising from the action plan.
34. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the means by which workers' rights will be advanced in tandem with the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, particularly in light of previous commitments around the living wage, paid sick leave, sub-minimum rates of pay and the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50796/25]
View answerThe issue of advancing workers’ rights is central to the work this government is doing. I am committed to ensuring that our policies and action plans are delivered to ensure that we continue to add jobs and improve living standards across the country. I would highlight the strong position our labour market is in, with numbers at work up 63,900 in the year, with record rates of employment and participation. Since 2020, we have added well over 650,000 jobs – an increase of a third. This is testament that our policies are working.
In relation to the issues raised on the minimum wage and the work of the Low Pay Commission, I would flag the very significant increases in the minimum wage in recent years. The National Minimum Wage increased by 80 cent this year to €13.50 per hour, following an increase of €1.40 in 2024 with 195,300 workers estimated to have directly benefitted. Ireland has the second highest minimum wage in the EU (after Luxembourg), and when adjusted for price levels, we have the fifth highest minimum wage.
On the living wage, earlier this year, the Government adjusted the implementation timeline for the living wage to 2029, from 2026. This decision was not taken lightly and given the increases in the minimum wage in recent years, the minimum wage is likely to be close to the target living wage (60% of median earnings). The Government remains committed to fair wages for all workers, and to the introduction of a Living Wage during its term. I still expect that the minimum wage will increase over the coming years, but it is important that we manage these increases in a way that does not damage employment or competitiveness.
On sub-minimum rates (youth rates) of the minimum wage. Currently, the minimum wage for those aged 19 and under is less than the minimum wage for those aged 20 and over. The minimum wage for those aged 19 is 90% of the prevailing rate, for those aged 18 it is 80% and for those aged 17 and under it is 70%. While the Low Pay Commission recommended abolishing these rates, they acknowledged that this is a complex matter.
Therefore, my Department commissioned an economic impact assessment on the issue. This report is being finalised at present, and it will provide us with more up-to-date data and information on the issue.
The Government is committed to ensuring a balance between a fair and sustainable rate for low paid workers, and one that will not have significant negative consequences for employers and competitiveness.
More generally, the decisions we have taken on the minimum wage have resulted in strong and sustained increases in pay for the lowest paid in our economy. The Government has also introduced a range of other measures to assist workers including statutory sick pay, the right to request remote work and an additional public holiday.
I would also like to stress the commitment to workers’ skills and training in our recently published Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. This Plan highlights collective bargaining as part of its planned actions to strengthen the engagement skills of social partners, with the aim of driving productivity and transformation. Specifically, the Action Plan recommends the following:
• Action 59: Complete the development of an Action Plan on Collective Bargaining in order to enhance collective bargaining in ways that contribute positively to economic performance and social well-being, while supporting competitiveness and driving productivity. (in 2025)
• Action 24: Invest in the engagement skills of social partners to drive productivity and transformation, including a series of capacity building actions to support dispute avoidance and resolution being included in the Action Plan on Collective Bargaining later this year. (2025-2030).
A central pillar of the Plan are the actions under the theme of embracing research, innovation and skills. Investing in our workers and building skills and facilitating training and lifelong learning are fundamental to our plans in these areas.
More broadly on the issue of workers’ rights, I would reiterate our commitment to a safe working environment, fair treatment and fair wages for workers, contributing to quality jobs and improved work life balance.
There are a number of initiatives here I would point to:
• The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 (published on 1 April 2025). The Bill, once enacted, will deliver a new employment right allowing, but in no way compelling, an employee to stay in employment until the State Pension Age of 66.
• The Employment (Collective Redundancies and Miscellaneous Provisions) and Companies (Amendment) Act 2024 (was commenced on 1 July 2024) provided for the establishment of the Employment Law Review Group. The group will conduct an ongoing assessment of employment law to ensure Ireland’s legal framework is fit for purpose.
• In April 2023, the Government enacted the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, providing all employees with the right to request a remote working arrangement and providing parents and carers with the right to request a flexible working arrangement. A Code of Practice is also available.
• The European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) Regulations came into effect in December 2022. These regulations ensure that employees are given more detailed information about their jobs.
• December 2022 saw the introduction of the Payment of Wages (Tips and Gratuities) Act 2022 which obliges employers to distribute tips fairly and to prominently display their tip distribution policy. The Act provides a more secure financial foundation for workers in the hospitality and service industry.
• The introduction of statutory sick leave (January 2023) was also a key policy development. For the first time in Ireland, employees have a statutory right to employer-paid sick leave. From 1 January 2024, the number of statutory sick leave days increased from 3 to 5. The public health benefits of paid sick leave are well established and are a key part of the policy underpinning this Act. This policy is a public health measure that protects fellow employees and members of the public generally, including by reducing the risk of workplace accidents and the likelihood of infectious disease transmission in the workplace.
However, it is also important to recognise that the introduction of any new form of employer paid leave does create a burden on business. In 2024, in line with the requirements of Section 6 of the Sick Leave Act 2022, and to inform the decision in respect of the next phase in the rollout of the statutory sick leave scheme, further research was conducted by IGEES and my Department on the impact of sick leave to date.
This research included a comprehensive, firm-level survey and interviews to capture the views of businesses and employee representative groups. A stakeholder workshop was also held with employer representative groups, who communicated their members’ experiences and perceptions of statutory sick leave.
Following due consideration, it was decided that it was appropriate to maintain the sick leave entitlement at five days. This provides income protection for those five days in a calendar year should employees be unfit to work, paid at 70% of gross earnings, up to a daily cap of €110.
35. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of critical skills employment permits approved in 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50838/25]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system which is designed to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting the Irish labour market. By facilitating access to skilled talent from outside the European Economic Area, the Department aims to help companies address critical skills shortages, drive economic growth, and maintain Ireland’s competitiveness in key sectors.
The number of Critical Skills Employment Permits granted in 2024 and to present day for 2025 are as follows:
2024: 17,168 permits issued
2025 to date: 7,522 permits issued
Current processing dates for employment permits are published regularly on the department's website.
36. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the actions being taken by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to promote County Offaly as a location for investment; if consideration will be given to strengthening infrastructure and supporting skills development to make the county more attractive to employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50723/25]
View answerRegional development is a key element of our national enterprise policy, as set out in the Programme for Government and the White Paper on Enterprise, and is a key focus of the work of my Department and its agencies. In this regard, IDA Ireland has reaffirmed its strong commitment to regional development as a core pillar of its 2025-2029 strategy, 'Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation'. This ambitious strategy aims to secure 550 investments outside Dublin, accounting for 55% of all planned investments to 2029. Likewise, Enterprise Ireland remains firmly committed to driving balanced regional development as a cornerstone of its 2025–2029 strategy 'Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally'. 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.
IDA’s strategy focuses on partnering with the existing FDI base to retain and renew their Irish operations alongside an ongoing focus on identifying new opportunities associated with FDI growth drivers including AI & digital, semiconductors, sustainability and health. In practical terms this means supporting clients to increase the competitiveness of their Irish operations through investment in RD&I, digitalisation, talent development and sustainability. Grant support totalling €475,366 was provided to IDA clients between 2023 and 2024, and Enterprise Ireland provided €3.7 million in direct financial assistance to Offaly-based companies, helping to sustain and grow employment across a range of sectors.
The Midlands Region comprises of counties Westmeath, Offaly, Laois and Longford. There are 52 IDA client companies in the Midlands Region, employing 8,045 people, with 1,420 people employed in Offaly across 11 IDA-supported companies. As of 2024, there were 4,147 people employed in Enterprise Ireland client companies in the county, a 1.2% increase on the previous year.
The region has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Life Sciences, Technology, Global Business & Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. IDA Ireland continues to deliver a competitive property offering to attract FDI and support the growth and expansion of domestic clients within the Enterprise Ireland portfolio and Local Enterprise Office clients. In that regard, I am advised that there is currently 0.64 hectares available for promotion in the IDA Business & Technology Park, Tullamore and 0.232 hectares in Tullamore Industrial Estate and 0.4872 hectares available for promotion in Clara Industrial Estate. To the end of Q2 2025 there were 2 visits to County Offaly, 5 in 2024 and 3 in 2023.
Both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland enjoy close working relationships with all key stakeholders across the four counties of Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and Longford and are involved in a significant number of initiatives across the region aimed at enhancing the enterprise ecosystem including Just Transition, Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee, ICT Network and ATIM Cluster Steering Committee, Skills Forum, etc.
The Midlands REP focuses on three strategic objectives covering climate action, placemaking and building on the region’s sectoral strengths. Some of projects supported through the REP include establishing the Midlands ICT Cluster and designation of Mount Lucas as the National Construction Training Campus.
The nine Regional Skills fora foster engagement and collaboration by providing an opportunity for employers and the education and training system to work together to meet the emerging skills needs of their regions. The work of the Midlands Regional Skills Forum is supported by key industry, economic and education partners from across the region, who work together to address current and future skills needs.
According to the CSO’s Labour Force Survey, published on 21st August 2025, employment increased in the year to Q2 2025, with 65,700 jobs gained. More people are now employed in Ireland than ever before, with total employment standing at 2.81 million in Q2 2025. Employment increased in six out of the eight regions in the year to Q2 2025, however employment in the midland region, declined slightly by 1,700 to reach 158,300.
My Department works closely with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and its agencies to ensure education and training provision are fully aligned with the needs of enterprise. Ireland’s skills development policy is supported by a responsive National Skills Architecture, which aims to ensure that education and training provision is optimally aligned with identified skills needs within the enterprise base.
This architecture is overseen by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, which provides the Secretariat for the National Skills Council, whose role is to prioritise identified skills needs and advise on the allocation of resources to meet them. The Council draws on the labour market intelligence of the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit of SOLAS, the Regional Skills Fora, and the enterprise skills demand forecast studies of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the Secretariat for which is based in my Department.
37. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps his Department will take to support the creation of new jobs in County Meath; if his department holds statistics on the number of SMEs which have closed in County Meath in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49652/25]
View answerDeveloping Ireland’s enterprise base remains a key focus for Government and my Department is committed to backing small businesses and start-ups, scaling up indigenous firms, developing our Tourism offering and enhancing our attractiveness as a location for foreign direct investment, in every county across the country.
The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Meath continues to play an extremely important role, as part of a supportive ecosystem, providing their services direct to small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the county.
The LEO offers direct grant assistance to small businesses, specifically designed for growth or exporting and aimed at small businesses in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. LEO Meath also provides a broad range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements, including the Start your Own Business Programme which guides new entrepreneurs through the various aspects of business and business planning.
Enterprise Ireland’s new strategy, Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally, sets ambitious national targets that will directly benefit Meath. The job creation targets will Increase employment in EI-supported companies to 275,000 jobs by 2029. At present 66% of existing EI-supported jobs are already outside Dublin, and the strategy commits to maintaining and strengthening this regional share.
Enterprise Ireland offers employment grants to companies in Meath that commit to creating at least 3 new jobs beyond their current base. A company can receive up to €15,000 per job from Enterprise Ireland, 50% of which is paid up front, this gives the company some breathing space to embed the employee as they develop their skills and knowledge in the initial phase of employment.
IDA is dedicated to achieving more balanced and compact regional development that delivers complementary efficiency and equity gains, ultimately advancing national development and as such IDA Ireland has continued its strong commitment to regional development in developing four key strategic objectives within its strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-2029.
IDA continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply of competitive property solutions in the Mid East Region and has committed to delivering an Advance Planning Permit for an Advance Building Solution in Meath in conjunction with Meath County Council which will contribute to marketing Meath as a location for further investment utilising its global network of overseas offices. IDA is also actively engaged with all IDA client companies in County Meath, focussing on supporting their existing operation as well as new investment opportunities.
The Programme for Government provides that this Government will work with Fáilte Ireland to develop a balanced regional spread of tourism throughout the country. County Meath is included in Fáilte Ireland’s Ancient East regional tourism development strategy 2023-27.
One of the key tourism achievements in County Meath is the continued growth of the world-class Púca festival, which has contributed greatly to an emerging tourism destination. The Púca festival, developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Meath County Council, plays a key role in attracting visitors who support revenue generation and job creation in local communities.
In relation to employment, Fáilte Ireland, continues to support the tourism industry to build the talent and skills it needs to remain profitable, competitive and resilient. A key priority, in this regard, is to support tourism businesses to adopt quality employment practices, to ensure that the sector is recognised as a desirable and rewarding career choice, and that individuals working in it can continue to develop their own expertise, knowledge and skills, to build a long-term and successful career.
Fáilte Ireland plays a pivotal role in supporting tourism jobs across the country through a multifaceted approach that includes training, funding, regional development, and inclusive employment initiatives. Key initiatives include Fáilte Ireland’s Employer Excellence Programme which supports businesses to improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and the online learning platform, LearniFI, facilitating tourism staff to upskill in areas critical to business performance.
In relation to statistics on closures in County Meath, the statistics requested are being compiled by the Companies Registration Office and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
Year |
Liquidations |
Voluntary strike-off |
Total |
|
2015 |
48 |
121 |
169 |
|
2016 |
30 |
136 |
166 |
|
2017 |
23 |
182 |
205 |
|
2018 |
25 |
184 |
209 |
|
2019 |
44 |
252 |
296 |
|
2020 |
30 |
161 |
191 |
|
2021 |
15 |
208 |
223 |
|
2022 |
40 |
215 |
255 |
|
2023 |
42 |
183 |
225 |
|
2024 |
65 |
179 |
244 |
|
Up to 30/09/2025 |
43 |
152 |
195 |
38. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his views on the lack of IDA-hosted visits to Waterford in comparison to the other cities of Ireland and even Shannon and Athlone towns. [50768/25]
View answerRegional development is a key focus of our Programme for Government and is central to the work of my Department and our Agencies. In that regard, regional development is a strategic imperative for IDA Ireland, and is one of four key strategic objectives of the agency's strategy ‘Adapt intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29' which includes the ambitious target of 55% of investments to regional locations over the next 5 years.
The availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and can be the key differentiator in investment decisions in the regions from both new and existing clients. IDA Ireland invests in strategic property solutions in regional locations to facilitate investment. The key objective of the IDA property programme is to deliver agile, sustainable, flexible property solutions providing certainty to clients in advance of demand, and in regional locations that might not otherwise secure investment.
This includes the direct development of Advance Building Solutions, collaboration with Local Authorities on advance planning permits, and investment in infrastructure projects across the portfolio to meet evolving business needs. IDA is also focused on acquiring new landbanks and strategic sites to support future projects across all key sectors and in all regions.
IDA site visit data is available on a county basis. The following table outlines the number of site visits to Counties Waterford, Westmeath and Clare in 2023 and 2024 and up to Q2 2025:
|
Counties |
To end of Q2 2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Waterford |
8 |
18 |
17 |
|
Westmeath |
11 |
18 |
13 |
|
Clare |
10 |
20 |
38 |
While historical comparisons may show disparities in site visit numbers, it is important to note that over the past two years, the difference in the number of IDA hosted visits to Waterford versus other regional centres has been minimal. This reflects a targeted, balanced approach by the IDA in promoting regional investment opportunities.
IDA site visits are only one measure of a company’s interest in a particular location and may not necessarily be a true measure of the overall level of foreign direct investment (FDI) activity in a region or county. For example, 70% of FDI won by IDA Ireland in 2024 came from its existing client base, rather than new companies. Also, potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. The figures given, therefore, represent individual visits and are not indicative of the number of companies that potential clients have visited.
It should also be noted that the final decision on where to locate an investment is always decided by the client, and not by IDA Ireland, and it can take many years to convert from initial site visit to final project proposal.
Regular engagement and collaboration with stakeholders are important in positioning any regional location to attract FDI and, in this respect, IDA Ireland continues to engage with stakeholders as well as working with existing clients in all regional locations to generate additional employment.
39. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the status of the growth and sustainability loan scheme as two banks (details supplied) have paused accepting new loan applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50590/25]
View answerThe €500 million Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme is a long-term loan guarantee scheme jointly developed by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The scheme is underpinned by resources from the European Investment Bank Group (EIBG) and delivered by the SBCI.
The scheme offers long-term loans of between €25,000 and €3 million, with terms of up to 10 years, to SMEs, farmers, fishers, and small mid-caps. Loans of up to €500,000 are available unsecured, making finance more accessible for smaller businesses.
A minimum of 30% of the scheme’s lending is targeted at environmental sustainability and climate action, with the remainder supporting productivity and competitiveness. Loans for climate-related purposes also benefit from an additional interest rate discount.
As of the end of June, 1,930 loans have been approved, amounting to €432 million.
The Scheme is scheduled to remain open until June 2026 or until fully subscribed.
In terms of current availability, some participating banks have paused new applications due to high demand and substantial pipelines of existing applications. Specifically, Bank of Ireland and PTSB are not currently accepting new applications as they process their existing pipeline, which is expected to bring them close to their allocation limits. AIB has paused applications for the growth element of the scheme but continues to accept applications for green and climate-related loans.
However, non-bank lenders Finance Ireland and Close Brothers remain active participants and continue to accept new applications under the scheme.
Given the high demand, my Department is negotiating with the EIB Group and SBCI on the potential to expand the capacity and extend the duration of the Scheme.
40. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current average processing times for general and critical skills employment permit applications; to provide a comparison with the same period in 2025; the efforts being made by his Department to reduce employment permit application waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50437/25]
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.
Following a surge in demand for employment permits in recent 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 an improved user experience.
One of the central aspects of the action plan was to implement a new and improved system for processing permits. The new system, Employment Permits Online, launched in April, following three years of development. The cloud-based system transforms the way in which we process and issue permits, and the portal access provides employers and applicants with up to date access on their applications.
While there has been a slight increase in processing time for General Employment Permits as a result of the transition to the new system, timeframes remain within target levels and compare favourably with international norms. The department continues to monitor demand and the allocation of resources carefully and processing times are expected to reduce further in the coming weeks and months.
As of 22 September 2025, the current average processing times for employment permit applications are as follows:
• General Employment Permit Applications received up to 25 July 2025 are currently being processed.
• Critical Skills Employment Permit Applications received up to 19 August 2025 are currently being processed.
For comparison, on 22 September 2024, General Employment Permit applications received up to 15 August, and Critical Skills Permit applications received up to 18 August were being processed.
Current processing dates for employment permits are published regularly on the department's website.
Employment permit applications are processed in date order, however, where there are exceptional circumstances, applicants may request that their application be expedited.
My department remains committed to ensuring that employment permit applications are processed in a timely and efficient manner, in line with operational capacity and demand while ensuring the system remains responsive to Ireland’s evolving labour market needs.
41. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures being considered to ensure that regulatory oversight under the European Union AI Act does not create barriers to AI start-ups and SMEs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50602/25]
View answerMy department has lead responsibility for the national implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. Ireland has taken a major leap forward in the rollout of the EU AI Act, as part of the leading group of Member States to reach the critical milestone of designating the competent authorities which will be responsible for enforcement of the Act.
Ireland has adopted a distributed model of competent authorities for the EU AI Act, with a designated central authority to provide coordination and several centralised functions. This approach builds on Ireland’s strong regulatory structures to maintain regulatory coherence and efficiency and reflects the Government’s commitment to responsible innovation and the adoption of trustworthy AI. My department is working closely with other departments and competent authorities to ensure that the distributed model for the implementation of the EU AI Act is comprehensive and robust.
The AI Act Regulation adopts a risk-based approach, so that its measures are targeted and proportionate. Consequently, many SMEs will experience no, or minimal, impact due to the lower risk nature of their AI systems. This risk-based regulation puts in place guardrails for the development and deployment of trustworthy, human-centred AI in the European Union, balancing protection of fundamental rights with promotion of innovation. The Act provides harmonised regulatory clarity and certainty for businesses that are planning to develop AI or to invest in AI solutions for use across all EU Single Market.
Throughout the process of developing the AI Act, consideration has been given to the circumstances and needs of SMEs. In parallel with the rules to mitigate the risks of harm from AI systems, the AI Act contains measures in support of innovation with a particular focus on the needs and constraints of SMEs, including startups. This includes application of lower level penalties to SMEs, an emphasis on AI literacy and capabilities, and the requirement for EU and National Sandboxes to assist businesses innovate and achieve compliance with AI regulations.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has worked with CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI to develop an online AI literacy training course “AI for You: Introduction to AI and the EU AI Act”, which is available free of cost to all SMEs.
My department will continue to consider the impact of the Regulation on SMEs as it further develops and implements the national supervisory and regulatory framework.
My department is working within the EU to ensure that the AI Act is implemented in an appropriate way, to deliver the right balance between risk and opportunity for innovation and growth, and it is actively engaged with the consultation process for the forthcoming EU Digital Simplification package as part of the EU’s focus on competitiveness. These considerations include sufficient resourcing of the AI Board and its subgroups during and after the implementation timelines, accelerating the development of guidelines and harmonised standards to support smooth implementation of the EU AI Act, clarification of the interplay between the AI Act and other Union digital regulations, and streamlining and consolidating overlapping regulatory compliance and reporting requirements.
42. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the current processing times for critical skills employment permit applications and for general employment application; the average processing times for both; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50746/25]
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.
Following a surge in demand for employment permits in recent 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 an improved user experience.
One of the central aspects of the action plan was to implement a new and improved system for processing permits. The new system, Employment Permits Online, launched in April, following three years of development. The cloud-based system transforms the way in which we process and issue permits, and the portal access provides employers and applicants with up to date access on their applications. There were some initial technical issues following the launch of the new system, which caused the processing backlog to rise. However, the vast majority of these issues have been resolved and I expect processing timelines to reduce in the coming weeks.
As of 22 September 2025, the current average processing times for employment permit applications are as follows:
• General Employment Permit Applications received up to 25 July 2025 are currently being processed.
• Critical Skills Employment Permit Applications received up to 19 August 2025 are currently being processed.
Current processing dates for employment permits are published regularly on the department's website.
Employment permit applications are processed in date order, however, where there are exceptional circumstances, applicants may request that their application be expedited.
My department remains committed to ensuring that employment permit applications are processed in a timely and efficient manner, in line with operational capacity and demand while ensuring the system remains responsive to Ireland’s evolving labour market needs.
43. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a new North-East Regional Enterprise Plan will be published soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50708/25]
View answer47. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a new mid-west regional enterprise plan will be published soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50465/25]
View answer56. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a new south east regional enterprise plan will be published soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50459/25]
View answer66. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a new west regional enterprise plan will be published soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50583/25]
View answer68. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a new midlands regional enterprise plan will be published soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50578/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 47, 56, 66 and 68 together.
I propose to take questions 56, 43, 47, 66 and 68 together.
Balanced regional enterprise development is a Government priority and my Department and its agencies contribute to this agenda in several ways, including through the nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs). These are bottom-up plans developed and led by regional stakeholders, which focus on collaborative initiatives to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem in each region.
As mentioned in response to previous parliamentary questions, most recently in the 19 June session, the current REPs were extended for one year to end 2025 with agreement from the Regional Enterprise Plans National Oversight Group at its meeting of 25 April 2024. This extension provided an additional year for continued implementation of the current plans and time to review the REP initiative and consider the best approach to the future of the REPs.
There is a clear commitment in the new Programme for Government to publish and resource new Regional Enterprise Plans. Before we develop any new plans, I wished to assess our approach to date, set a clear framework for the future, and engage all of the relevant stakeholders in each region.
In this context, my Department commissioned an independent review of the Regional Enterprise Plan initiative this year. A Steering Group made up of REP stakeholders and Department officials oversaw the review and the final report is about to be delivered. I will examine the report and its findings with officials in my Department and determine how best to take forward our enterprise development approach for the regions.
As part of this process, the Department will also develop a Regional Enterprise Policy Statement to map out the regional enterprise policy landscape?and facilitate better alignment of future REPs to the core activities of regional stakeholders including the enterprise agencies, local authorities, and regional assemblies. The policy statement will provide for links with relevant national policies and initiatives such as the National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation and the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. Indeed, the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity reiterates our commitments to develop the policy statement, and to publish and resource new REPs. It also commits to deepening my Department’s engagement with the regional assemblies.
Following on from consideration of the?findings of the review and publication of the Regional Enterprise Policy Statement, development of the next REPs, supported by significant consultation with regional stakeholders, will take place and new plans published in 2026.
44. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement he has had with Government colleagues in relation to reducing the overall cost of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50479/25]
View answerThe Government recognises that the cost of doing business has been an issue for firms in recent years, arising from wider inflationary trends. It is important to note that costs for firms, as measured through the CSO’s Wholesale Price Index, are declining, and are down 3% in the 12 months to August 2025.
Most recently the Government has taken action to address business costs through the publication of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, and the convening of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, which are both commitments in the Programme for Government.
The focus of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity is on actions that can be taken to strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness and productivity which in turn will lead to improvements in our economic performance. The development of the Action Plan was informed by extensive consultation across Government and with external stakeholders. My Department held a series of bilateral engagements with other Departments including in the areas of infrastructure, housing, research and innovation. A core theme of the plan is ‘Regulating for Growth and Controlling Costs’, with 18 actions – including 5 priority actions – focused on addressing this issue. Key actions areas include Better Regulation – which will decrease regulatory burden for business, addressing Ireland’s high legal costs, and improving competition in our markets.
Complementary to the Action Plan, the Cost of Business Advisory Forum delivers on the commitment to support Small Business, Enterprise and Industries across a number of sectors. The Forums’ key objective is to examine and identify the concerns of enterprise around the impact of the rising cost of doing business in Ireland by creating a structured space where business owners and representative bodies can speak directly to decision-makers about the real-world impact of regulations, fees, and operational challenges.
The Forum has already met to examine the topic of Energy Costs and Security of Supply, and Insurance costs. This Forum will also focus on other cost driver topics with each meeting including relevant regulators and agencies to ensure actionable outcomes. The findings will inform a report and set of recommendations to Government to address immediate to short term issues that merit a changed approach, and those steps that can be taken to mitigate these issues to ensure businesses navigating today’s economic landscape remain competitive and resilient.
45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of investments the IDA is targeting in the Border region under its current strategy; it's performance in Border region investments under the previous strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50709/25]
View answerRegional development is a key focus of our Programme for Government and is central to the work of my Department and our agencies. In that regard, regional development is a strategic imperative for the IDA who partners with client companies and key stakeholders in all regions in pursuit of its objective to maximise regional opportunities.
2024 saw the conclusion of IDA Ireland’s 2021-2024 strategy, Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth. Over the strategy, IDA Ireland supported the delivery of 973 investments and creation of 76,790 jobs, or 121% and 153% of respective targets. 54% of all investments were in regional locations outside Dublin. The investment target for the Border Region over the 2021-2024 period was for 25 investments and the total number of investments won was 37.
IDA Ireland’s regional strategy has a proven track record of success, and the agency has reaffirmed its strong commitment to regional development as a core pillar of its 2025–2029 strategy, Adapt Intelligently. This ambitious strategy aims to secure 550 foreign direct investment projects outside Dublin, accounting for 55% of all planned investments. IDA Ireland is targeting 40 client investments to the Border region over the lifetime of the strategy.
These ambitious targets reflect IDA Ireland’s ongoing commitment to support transformation and growth across all regions. Furthermore, investment numbers are only one indicator of the level of FDI activity in a region. Other indicators of the impact of FDI in a region include the number of client companies; the level of direct and indirect employment generated; the economic impact of IDA client companies in a region through expenditure in the economy.
There are 72 IDA client companies in the Border Region, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan, employing 10,389 people with an estimated further 8,311 jobs supported indirectly. The Border has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Life Sciences, Engineering, International Financial Services, Content, Consumer & Business Services and Technology. IDA client companies spent €662 million on pay, and a combined €633m on Irish goods and services in 2023 and well as an inhouse RDI investment of €63 million in 2023.
As the Deputy will be aware, IDA Ireland’s strategy focuses on partnering with the existing FDI base to retain and renew their Irish operations, alongside attracting new investment and IDA’s goal for the coming years is to build on the strengths and competencies of the region. The agency provides ongoing support to existing clients through investment in research, development and innovation, upskilling and talent development, digitalisation and sustainability, all aimed at increasing the competitiveness of their Irish operations, providing the foundation on which they can capture new growth opportunities.
46. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the level of support available to small- to medium-sized enterprises to reduce the cost of energy, his plans to expand these supports in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50436/25]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware of my commitment to reduce the cost of doing business and that is why I have established the Cost of Business Advisory Forum. A Programme for Government commitment, the Forum comprises SME & Industry representative organisations, Regulatory and State Bodies and Government Departments who will jointly consider issues that can lead to higher costs for businesses at a regional and national level in Ireland.
The Forum met to discuss energy costs and the security of supply in July. I believe it is essential that small and medium-sized businesses are supported and encouraged to become more energy efficient. By doing so businesses will not only become more sustainable, they will also reduce their energy costs and become more competitive. The Government has made a number of supports available to help businesses to do so.
For SMEs an energy audit is a great starting point, as it shows where specifically 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, which is available through the Local Enterprise Offices, 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 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. So far this year 527 applications for the grant have been approved to an estimated value of €4.42m.
Businesses can also look to the SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrades Scheme which offers support for a high-quality energy audit and a range of common building upgrade measures including the installation of, solar thermal, solar PV, automatic controls, heat pumps, air handling units and fabric. heat pumps, ventilation and wall insulation. Up to Q2 2025 120 grants have been approved this year to a value of €2.1 million.
Low-cost loans are also available for SMEs looking to fund sustainability measures. The €500 million Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland has unlocked significant funding to enable SMEs to invest in their energy efficiency.
Lastly, as the Deputy will be aware, the Ministers for Finance, and Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation will announce the details of Budget 2026 on October 7th.
48. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the plans from Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to find a replacement industry for a plant in County Laois (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50755/25]
View answerMy Department and the enterprise agencies remain firmly committed to driving balanced regional development. Under its “Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally”Strategy for 2025–2029, Enterprise Ireland (EI) 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.
EI works in partnership with Irish businesses and the Food FDI Sector to help them grow and succeed from Ireland. Since the announcement that the company in question will cease manufacturing by August 2026, Enterprise Ireland has met with the company and offered the support of a Local Response Team to assist affected employees. EI is also collaborating with IDA Ireland to support the sales and marketing of the facility to identify future opportunities for the site and will meet with the company HQ team in the coming weeks.
Enterprise Ireland is supporting businesses in Laois and across the wider midlands region to succeed. Latest figures show that, as of 2024, there were 2,060 people employed in EI client companies based in Laois, a 4.1% increase on 2023. EI supported initiatives in the region include:
• The New Frontiers programmes for the Midlands and Mid-East region supports high potential start up companies, and attracted103 participants this year.
• Enterprise Ireland has assisted industry clusters through the Regional Technology Clustering Fund including the Midlands based Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing Cluster.
• The CUBE enterprise hub opened in 2023 in Portlaoise. This was funded by EI under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, with co-investment from Laois Local Authority. The CUBE is a dedicated centre to support the development of new businesses and economic activity.
• The Beale Centre in Mountmellick is a combined work and food hub. It provides office and kitchen space for food businesses starting up and for established operations that require additional space.
• This month, the annual Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena returned to the National Ploughing Championships and provided over 40 Client companies from the Agrifood sector from across the Midlands with the opportunity to showcase their pioneering innovations to over 250,000 visitors.
Enterprise Ireland’s partnership with the LEOs is of critical importance in delivering support to all Irish businesses, growing the number of Irish exporters, and backing job creation nationwide. EI Regional Offices and the LEOs engage continuously to maximise opportunities for businesses, ensuring each company is being supported to reach its full potential.
IDA Ireland continues to work with national and local stakeholders to ensure that each region has the necessary conditions in place to foster enterprise and innovation and attract investment and talent. IDA enjoys close working relationships with key stakeholders across the Midlands region and is heavily involved in a significant number of initiatives to improve the value proposition for FDI including Just Transition, the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, and the Regional Skills Forum.
A core objective of IDA Ireland is to enable, influence and deliver a competitive property offering which promotes national economic investments, supports winning Foreign Direct Investment, and assists the growth and expansion of indigenous clients within the Enterprise Ireland portfolio. IDA has made considerable investments in land, buildings and infrastructure across the Midlands region and has acquired additional land at the Business and Technology Park in Portlaoise, with 29 hectares currently available for promotion.
Regional development will continue to be at the centre of IDA’s new strategy with their focus over the coming years to build on the strengths and competencies of the region with a particular focus on high value manufacturing, services and research and development opportunities across a number of established clusters in Life Sciences, Technology, and Global Business Services. Emerging technology trends have and will continue to create new opportunities across the region in areas such as data analytics, smart manufacturing, cybersecurity and new approaches to working such as co-working hubs.
49. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the engagements he has undertaken with a company (details supplied). [50776/25]
View answerSince taking up my position as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I have met with representatives of Apple on four occasions.
• September 2025: Meeting with Apple in California as part of the recent Trade Mission.
• April 2025: Meeting with Apple Ireland leadership team in DETE Kildare Street.
• September 2024: Meeting in Apple Park, Cupertino, as part of a Trade Mission.
• June 2024: Meeting with Apple Ireland leadership team in Government Buildings.
My Department, along with our inward investment agency, IDA Ireland, continue to have a good working relationship with the senior management team in Apple, and ensure ongoing lines of communication remain open.
50. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to create a business incubator for startups similar to station F in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50835/25]
View answerThe establishment of Start-up Ireland is a key priority under the Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity.
Delivered by Enterprise Ireland, on behalf of my Department, it aims to support 1,000 new startups between 2025 and 2029 by helping founders to start, connect, and scale. The initiative will address the challenges, identified by a recent OECD report on the Irish start-up ecosystem, by providing for more integrated supports and coordinated pathways for entrepreneurs, and by targeting specific funding gaps.
This new central coordinating approach will enhance alignment and collaboration across the national start-up ecosystem, creating a more cohesive and founder-first ecosystem. Start-up Ireland will also oversee the rollout of a new National Accelerator Programme, succeeding the NDRC, and will act as a national focal point for policy, investment, and ecosystem development, aligning with European and global best practices.
The recent OECD report 'Supporting start-up globalisation in Ireland through incubation and acceleration' also recommended that Ireland promotes a flagship national entrepreneurship campus. This recommendation is reflected in the Programme for Government commitment to consider the development of a national start-up hub for entrepreneurs to engage with all Government Departments and agencies, fast-track the start-up process, and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
As part of Start Up Ireland, Enterprise Ireland is considering the development of a National Start-up Hub and this process is well advanced.
