Written Answers Nos. 121-146
127. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide an update on the IDA’s application for planning permission for a factory on its green-field site at Creagh, Ballinasloe; the expected timeline for approval and the works to make the site investment-ready; and the further steps that are planned to attract enterprise investment once permission is secured. [30510/26]
View answerBalanced regional development is a key focus of the work of my Department and our Enterprise Development agencies. In this regard, IDA Ireland is continuing its strong commitment to promoting FDI in regional locations as part of its 2025-29 strategy, Adapt Intelligently.
IDA is targeting 550 of 1,000 investment projects over the lifetime of the strategy outside Dublin including a target of 100 investments in the West. In that regard, Ballinasloe is marketed as part of the West Region and benefits from its strategic location close to Galway City, East Galway, and Athlone.
The availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and is a key element in IDA’s marketing of the West Region. In this regard, IDA has committed to the reinstatement of an Advance Planning Permit for an Advance Building Solution in Ballinasloe in conjunction with Galway County Council as part of its current strategy. IDA continues to engage with Galway County Council in respect of the design and site location for the proposed Advance Planning Permit. The planning application is expected to be lodged in 2027 following completion of the design phase.
As the Deputy is aware, the IDA has already invested significantly in the provision of world-class property solutions in the West and completed in 2025 the construction of a new 50,000 sq. ft. Advance Building Solution in Parkmore East, Galway. And over the next five years, IDA aims to complete a building in Castlebar and will commence a further building in Galway, subject to the availability of IDA properties, and successful planning and procurement phases.
The IDA continues to collaborate with regional stakeholders and actively promotes available buildings and land in IDA Business Parks and high-quality buildings in private ownership through its network of overseas offices.
The FDI performance in the West Region has been Strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by over 16%. Today, there are 107 IDA client companies in County Galway employing 25,430 people, a 17% increase over the past 5 years.
Of course, my Department and our Enterprise Development Agencies also support Irish-based enterprise development in the regions including through Enterprise Ireland, the LEOs and our Tourism investment supports. There are an additional 9,679 people employed in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Galway.
135. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment following on from his announcement of a €250 million allocation to a seed and venture capital programme helping Irish enterprise, the way in which this money will be allocated to SMEs; his views on the growth projections possible within companies who obtain this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30512/26]
View answerThe Seed and Venture Capital Scheme was established in 1994 and since then has invested €700 million to support and sustain national and regional innovation which, in turn, has leveraged €3.3 billion in private investment. The Scheme's key purpose is to increase the supply of risk capital to Irish start-ups to support their growth, leverage private sector investment, and establish a robust, commercially viable, and sustainable Venture Capital sector in Ireland.
The SVC Scheme is funded through my Department and is administered by Enterprise Ireland. It operates by making commitments, on a competitive basis, to selected professionally managed venture capital funds. These funds, in turn, make equity investments in high-potential, innovative companies in line with their agreed investment strategies and the overall objectives of the Scheme.
The Scheme operates in five-year cycles. The current cycle covers the period 2025 to 2029 and provides a total allocation of €250 million, reflecting an increase of €75 million on the previous programme. This increased allocation is intended to support the establishment of appropriately sized funds and to enhance the availability of follow-on capital for growing companies.
The first open call under the current cycle closed in February 2025 and attracted a record number of applications. Enterprise Ireland made initial commitments of €120 million to a number of funds in 2025 and these funds are anticipated to launch during 2026.
An independent evaluation of the Scheme covering 2013 to 2022 found significant positive impacts on supported companies, including employment growth, increased R&D expenditure and improved access to follow-on funding. The review estimated that SVC-backed firms generated €2.05 billion in Gross Value Added and supported approximately 4,300 additional jobs over the period.
These outcomes underline the significant growth potential of SMEs supported through the programme and inform expectations that the current funding allocation will continue to drive scale, innovation and sustainable job creation within the Irish enterprise base.
136. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures being taken by his Department to support existing enterprise hubs and to encourage the development of new enterprise hubs in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30464/26]
View answerBalanced regional enterprise development is a priority for my Department and for Government, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030. I acknowledge the valuable role played by enterprise centres and hubs throughout the country, the importance of which is reflected in the government’s investment in them. These facilities support people to live and work in their own communities and provide vital assistance to entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs. The Government remain strongly committed to supporting the sector.
My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht continue to work closely together to develop the first strategy for the National Hub Network following consultation with key stakeholders. The draft strategy will be brought to Government shortly. It will include actions to support the expansion of services at hubs nationwide and further promotion of their role and benefits.
Since 2017, my Department has allocated in excess of €150 million to support regional enterprise development initiatives, including enterprise centres and hubs, via Enterprise Ireland schemes such as the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Border Enterprise Development Fund. Almost €11 million has been approved for projects in County Cork including €2.7 million invested in the recently launched Campus Íosagáin in Ballyvourney, and over €3 million for SynBioHub at UCC.
The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, co-funded through the European Regional Development Fund and administered by Enterprise Ireland, is currently open for applications. The scheme consists of four streams, supporting the development of key local enterprise infrastructure, such as enterprise hubs, clusters and consortia, programmes that help SMEs foster innovation, and feasibility and priming grants. Six separate awards have already been made in Cork under this scheme.
The schemes mentioned have already played a significant role in supporting and developing enterprise hubs nationwide, including the delivery of over 60 pieces of physical infrastructure. Government will, through my Department and Enterprise Ireland, continue to support collaboration with local authorities and other stakeholders to deliver innovative projects.
137. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the workings of the Cost of Business Forum; the recommendations that have been made to date to assist businesses with their costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29604/26]
View answerThe Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established as a result of the commitment in the Programme for Government 2025, noting the increased costs faced particularly by small businesses in recent years. Since last June, the Forum has held nine meetings in total covering a wide range of topics and considering issues that may lead to higher costs for businesses in Ireland including steps that could be taken to mitigate these challenges. The most recent meeting, held just last week, was attended by all three Ministers in the Department, highlighting our commitment to the forum.
The Forums’ key objective was to examine and identify the concerns of enterprise around the impact of the rising cost of doing business in Ireland through structured engagement between enterprise representative bodies, from various sectors, alongside Government Departments and State Agencies. It facilitates a solution-focused dialogue between policymakers, regulators and experts, who have insight into the factors driving the rising costs of business in Ireland and enables business owners and representative bodies to speak directly to decision-makers about the real-world impact of regulations, fees, and operational challenges.
The first meeting of the Forum took place last June, where Forum participants agreed on the thematic plan and timeline for the meetings. This was followed by seven thematic meetings of the Forum including:
• Energy Costs and Security of Supply meeting held in July,
• Insurance Costs meeting in August,
• Planning and Infrastructure regulations meeting in September,
• Water Services meeting in November,
• Meeting in January 2026 focused on Legal Costs,
• Reporting and Compliance regulations meeting in February, and
• Banking, Payments and Financial Services which took place in March.
At its most recent meeting (22 April), Forum members discussed the final report and its recommendations. Business representatives reiterated the real-world impacts of sustained and increasing cost pressures and regulatory demands on day-to-day operations, investment capacity, and competitiveness, particularly for smaller enterprises and stressed the importance of presenting a report that will articulate both immediate practical actions and longer-term policy considerations, which are measurable and impactful in reducing operational costs and the regulatory burden on SMEs.
I attended the last meeting of the Advisory Forum, alongside Ministers of State Dillon Smyth, and noted the significant work completed by the Forum over the last 8 months and we reaffirmed our commitment to bringing this report to Government and to giving full consideration to the Forum’s findings.
The final report, informed by extensive stakeholder input and cross-government collaboration is expected to be presented to Government before the summer recess and it will play a key role in shaping future approaches to supporting a competitive, resilient, and sustainable enterprise environment.
138. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department is concerned by the statements by the RTÉ Director General with regard to the import of 'expertise' from the British production market, for which trade unions have highlighted concerns on the possibility to undermine the domestic labour market; and if his Department will take active measures to support Irish media producers. [30522/26]
View answerThe Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport is responsible for media and broadcasting policy, public service broadcasting funding, and legislative and policy oversight of RTÉ and TG4. RTÉ is a statutory corporation and is operationally independent. This Department nor the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has any role in RTÉ’s day-to-day operations or editorial decisions.
My Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment’s role is limited to economy-wide responsibilities, including employment law and standards, labour market policy, skills development, and competition. Matters relating to public service broadcasting, governance, and RTÉ’s operational strategy fall within the remit of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
139. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to review the work visa arrangements for persons in high demand roles, such as in the STEM area, in particular, the rule that an employer must employ at least 50% of non-national workers from the EEA. [30075/26]
View answerIreland’s employment permits system supports enterprise growth and economic activity, and is designed to strike an appropriate balance between facilitating access to international labour in key, high demand roles while maintaining safeguards for the domestic and EEA workforce.
Access to employment permits is facilitated through the occupations lists, identifying highly skilled occupations in science, medical, ICT, and engineering fields on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
On the Ineligible Occupations List are roles already well served by the labour market. The system targets skills shortages in sectors critical to competitiveness and growth, facilitating employment in the State through the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
The Occupations Lists are subject to periodic review, informed by labour market data, vacancy and earnings trends, and analysis from relevant skills bodies. The review process is a delicate balancing act, overseen by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy which facilitates an integrated approach to informing policy development, and supports efforts to ensure that the permits system remains responsive to current and emerging skills and workforce requirements.
The current review commenced with an open public consultation during the Summer of last year. My Department is currently finalising the outcome of the review, and the updated occupations lists will be published in the coming weeks.
I am also aware of the challenges faced by some employers in certain sectors with regard to compliance with the 50:50 rule. I have not been made aware of particular constraints faced by STEM related roles in compliance with the 50:50 rule. To foster the development of indigenous enterprise, exemptions to the 50:50 rule are already in place for start-ups, and single-employee companies.
Additionally, my officials are examining Ireland’s use of the 50:50 rule in general and interpretations of Union Preference as set out in the Employment Permits Act 2024. This policy review will take into account concerns around compliance with the rule and will include the observations provided by key government departments, including the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. It will also consider any potential revisions of the 50:50 rule, but noting that any proposed change will require a legislative amendment as this rule is provided for in primary legislation.
Successive national strategy and economic action plans prepared in recent years reference clearly the need to attract and retain skilled workers from across the globe to deliver on our national industry, healthcare, infrastructure, and broader socio-economic goals. My Department continues to review and refine the employment permits system to ensure that it supports our competitiveness on a global labour market, supports enterprise and remains fair, responsive and aligned with Ireland’s wider economic and social needs.
140. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which Enterprise Ireland is supporting the Action Plan on Market Diversification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30500/26]
View answerMy Department, through Enterprise Ireland, supports Irish companies to grow their business and secure new opportunities across the globe.
As an open and globally connected economy, Ireland is deeply integrated into international supply chains, and recent instability affecting key routes reinforces the importance of strengthened supply-chain resilience and market diversification.
The Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification provides a clear framework to help businesses adapt to the evolving global trading environment by growing into new and diverse markets, strengthening their presence in existing ones, and reducing exposure to any single region or supply route.
To support companies responding to international supply-chain disruptions, Enterprise Ireland has launched two grants aligned with the Action Plan on Market Diversification:
• The Market Research Grant – provides up to €35,000 to companies to enable them to assess tariff and trade impacts, undertake market research and develop mitigation strategies. To date, 65 companies have either been approved for this grant or have approvals in progress.
• The New Markets Validation Grant – provides up to €150,000 to companies to support development of market-entry strategies for new markets or new products. To date, 121 companies have either been approved for this grant or have approvals in progress.
While originally developed to mitigate US tariff impacts, these supports are now assisting companies in building wider resilience and diversification strategies. These grants are assisting exporters to implement practical operational and diversification measures, safeguard profitability and protect jobs in the face of heightened cost pressures and global supply-chain uncertainty.
Market diversification is further supported through Enterprise Ireland’s global network of 42 international offices, which provide on-the-ground assistance and access to new customers and ecosystems. Enterprise Ireland is also supporting a whole-of-Government approach overseas through the expansion of the Ireland House model, co-locating with other State agencies to maximise impact for clients. Ongoing one-to-one engagement with client companies, informed by overseas market intelligence and sectoral expertise, remains central to Enterprise Ireland’s strategy to build resilience and support sustainable export growth across a wider range of international markets.
141. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his assessment of the prospects for tourism in Ireland in 2026, especially in relation to visitors from North America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30059/26]
View answerThe Government is acutely aware that geopolitical instability, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, can have implications for international travel and tourism.
Tourism is a vital part of Ireland’s economy with overseas visitors contributing approximately €6 billion annually to the island, and the sector supports close to 10% of total employment. Crucially, around six in every ten tourism jobs depend directly on international visitors.
However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has altered the operating environment for tourism, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and a flexible, responsive approach to supporting the sector amid heightened global uncertainty as the year progresses. Notwithstanding these challenges, the sector entered the year with positive momentum. There were consecutive months of growth in overseas visitors from August through to February, the latest period reported by the CSO, indicating that tourism was performing strongly prior to the escalation of the conflict.
Building on the new National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, which aims to grow overseas tourism revenue to €9 billion and domestic tourism revenue to €5.8 billion by 2031, Tourism Ireland launched its 2026 marketing plans in January. These plans outline a comprehensive strategy to achieve the overseas tourism revenue figure through diversified market growth, enhanced strategic partnerships and an expanded programme of promotional activity.
Tourism Ireland continues to take a forward-looking approach to market development, with a wide range of promotional activity planned throughout the year. Central to this work is a clear focus on resilience and diversification. Even prior to recent geopolitical developments, the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification launched in August 2025, sets out a series of targeted initiatives to identify and cultivate new opportunities within Europe and globally, ensuring that Irish tourism businesses remain competitive and future-ready.
To achieve this, Tourism Ireland has set in motion the groundwork to avoid any over reliance on any single market to better future proof the industry and will deliver extensive marketing activity across 15 key overseas markets. While maintaining strong performance in the United States and Great Britain, the highest spend and highest volume markets respectively, Tourism Ireland is increasing its marketing investment and partnerships in Mainland Europe, building Canada as a key growth market, and laying the foundation for long-term growth in markets such as China.
The growing network of new air routes from the United States enhances marketing potential. Tourism Ireland continues to undertake extensive advertising, publicity, social and digital activity along with airline and tour operator partnerships. Tourism Ireland's 'kickstart' campaign earlier this year covered 19 US states.
The funding allocated to Tourism Ireland in Budget 2026 will support the pursuit of these fresh growth opportunities. It will enable the organisation to expand strategic source markets and focus on attracting “value-adding visitors” whose spending delivers tangible benefits to tourism enterprises and local communities across the country.
At the same time, there are indications that Western Europe and the island of Ireland may benefit from being viewed by travellers as alternatives to more disrupted regions. Tourism Ireland has recently completed an in-depth appraisal of Mainland European markets and is implementing a new strategy designed to deliver a step-change in visitor revenue from these important markets. The scale of opportunity is reflected in recent CSO data that showed that in February 2026, the largest share of visitors came from Great Britain (43%), followed by Continental Europe (40%). When compared with February 2025, visitor numbers increased significantly across both regions, with growth of 16% from Great Britain and 55% from Continental Europe.
While the conflict in the Middle East presents real and evolving challenges for global tourism, Ireland’s tourism agencies are proactively responding by diversifying source markets, strengthening international connectivity, and delivering targeted, high-impact marketing campaigns. The Government will continue to monitor developments closely and to support the sector in sustaining resilience and competitiveness amid an uncertain global environment.
142. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he plans to expand training and consultancy supports to organisations wishing to embrace remote first operating models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30426/26]
View answerRemote working represents a significant opportunity for creating a more inclusive labour market, enabling enhanced access to high-quality employment opportunities for workers in their home communities.
This in turn provides employers with access to a larger talent pool, with remote and flexible working options representing powerful tools for staff recruitment and retention, improving labour market performance and regional economic balance overall.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government is committed to facilitating remote working in a way which maximises its economic, social and environmental benefits, and my Department worked with colleagues across Government to develop and oversee the successful delivery of all 15 actions outlined in the 2021 National Remote Work Strategy.
These actions include legislating for the right of all workers to request a remote working arrangement through the Work Life Balance Act 2023, the introduction of an enhanced income tax deduction for people working from home and significant investment in Ireland’s national network of remote working hubs and broadband infrastructure.
Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, re-affirms this commitment to promoting flexible working arrangements that benefit both workers and employers.
An important dimension of the Strategy has been the promotion of remote work amongst businesses, including raising awareness of remote work training opportunities and advising on the skills interventions and best practices required for the successful adoption of remote work by businesses.
To help achieve this, my Department led on the development of the Guidance for Working Remotely webpage which provides a wide range of information and resources to support employers in developing remote working policies.
Agencies under the aegis of my Department are also playing their part in facilitating the uptake of remote working arrangements by their client companies.
For example, Enterprise Ireland acknowledges the growing importance of flexible and hybrid work arrangements in enhancing business competitiveness, attracting talent, and supporting sustainable growth.
Enterprise Ireland is actively assisting its private sector clients in adopting hybrid work models through strategic initiatives and funding programmes which support the digital transformation and leadership talent development within enterprise which underpin successful remote, hybrid and flexible working.
The Government also co-funds remote work skills training programmes, such as Leading and Hybrid Remote Teams provided by Laois Offaly ETB and Grow Remote, and The FORWARD Programme- also provided by Grow Remote- which provides SMEs personalised support to design, implement, and sustain effective remote work practices.
Indeed, it is important to acknowledge the role of organisations such as Grow Remote in complimenting the work of Government Departments and Agencies in creating such a supportive remote work ecosystem in Ireland.
It is in this context that I welcome Grow Remote’s ideas in relation to attracting a proportion of the significant number of remote and locationless jobs advertised internationally each month to Ireland, as well as Grow Remote’s broader proposals to support companies based in Ireland to transition to remote first-operating models, to enhance the availability of the skills needed across the workforce to facilitate this and to make Ireland leader in remote-first hiring.
Indeed, as the Deputy will recall, I met with representatives of Grow Remote last October for a productive meeting during which these possibilities were discussed.
I understand that Grow Remote committed to develop a detailed policy proposal to inform further consideration of these ideas within my Department and its agencies, and I welcome the ongoing collaboration between Grow Remote and officials in my Department to develop this proposal.
I look forward to discussing these matters further once this proposal has been finalised.
143. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will outline the support being offered to businesses to decarbonise and become more sustainable, especially in light of global fuel market disruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30440/26]
View answerAs Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment I understand the significant and immediate challenges that business are experiencing due to rising energy costs and disruption in global fuel markets. There are substantial supports in place to help businesses to cut energy costs, decarbonise and become more sustainable. This ranges from audits to help them understand and tackle energy usage, assistance to assess what action they can take, and financial support to invest in retrofitting their building, and buy energy efficient equipment.
In the first instance implementing low or no cost actions can help a business achieve real savings. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland estimates that the average SME can reduce its energy bill by up to 30% by implementing energy efficiency measures and a 10% saving can be achieved with little or no capital cost.
For SMEs an energy audit is a great starting point, as it shows where they can make savings. Most audits are fully funded and carried out by an SEAI-registered expert. 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.
Local Enterprise Offices run the free Green for Business scheme that give business access to a green consultant who carries out an assessment, and works with the business to develop their action plan. In 2025, 966 projects were approved under this scheme, with funding of €2 million
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.
In addition, the ClimateToolkit4Business.gov.ie is a free and simple support that allows businesses to estimate their carbon footprint through a self-assessment tool and provides a tailored action plan, along with guidance on the range of Government supports available.
Once a business knows where they should invest, there are grants available towards buying energy efficient equipment and building retrofits. The Energy Efficiency Grant is a practical grant administered through the Local Enterprise Offices.
I changed the terms and conditions of the Energy Efficient Grant so that a 75% grant is now available, up to a maximum of €10,000, which can make a huge difference to energy bills. This grant supports practical measures to reduce energy costs, including LED lighting, upgraded refrigeration units, ovens and dishwashers. It also supports heat recovery systems, smart energy controls, anaerobic digesters and other step. In 2025, 681 businesses were approved for this grant, with funding of €5.7 million.
Businesses of all sizes can also access the SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrades Scheme, which supports high-quality energy audits and a range of building upgrades, including solar thermal and solar PV installations, automatic controls, heat pumps, air-handling units, ventilation, and fabric improvements such as wall insulation. In 2025, 186 grants were approved under the scheme, with funding of €3.36 million.
Meanwhile for industry, in 2024 I announced that €300 million would be made available up to 2030 through the Environmental Aid Scheme for client companies of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. The scheme provides capital grants to support low-carbon, energy-efficient and sustainable production practices, including facility upgrades, the removal of fossil fuels from heating processes, the deployment of new low-carbon technologies, and improvements in circularity and water use. By the end of 2025, 41 projects had been approved, with €154 million in grant aid.
In summary, I would emphasise, particularly in the context of rising energy costs, that there are supports available to business of all sizes and for every point in their energy efficiency and sustainability journey. All of the information I have mentioned above is also available on the National Enterprise Hub.gov.ie. I would encourage businesses to visit the site as it brings together the funding, advice and training offered across Government in one place.
144. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the action his Department is taking together with the Department of Social Protection to address the barriers to participation in employment faced by disabled persons, given that Ireland has one of the lowest rates of employment among disabled people in Europe standing at 32.6% in comparison with the EU average of 51.3%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30516/26]
View answerIn the Programme for Government 2025, Government committed to advancing the rights and improving the lives of disabled people. The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 was launched on 3 September 2025. Based on Census 2022, the employment participation rate of disabled people of working age in Ireland is 49%, compared to 71% for the wider working population.
My Department, along with the Department of Social Protection co-leads the Employment pillar of the Strategy. The ambition of the Employment Pillar is to bridge the employment gap between disabled people and others who are in employment and to enhance the opportunities for disabled people who can earn a living, to do so.
My Department’s priority commitment has been to establish a Forum on the Employment of Disabled People, which had its first meeting on 26 February 2026. The aim of the Forum is to provide a platform for consultation and engagement with employers on the employment of disabled people. The Forum will hear the perspectives of both disabled people and employers on best practice in seeking employment and career progression and will serve as a means of discussing how best to support employers to employ people with a disability. The Forum will engage with relevant stakeholders and Disabled Persons Organisations in pursuit of these aims.
In relation to the Department of Social Protection, key commitments that have been delivered or that are being worked on currently include:
In relation to Commitment 5.3 and 5.4 of the strategy, Budget 2026 extended the Wage Subsidy Scheme to people who acquire a disability while in employment as well as those who have a progressive or degenerative condition that worsens, and also to those who transfer from Invalidity Pension to Partial Capacity Benefit. The change came into effect in January 2026. The rate was reviewed in the context of Budget 2026, and as a result, the bands were changed and rates increased. This change came into effect on April 6th, 2026
In relation to Commitment 6.3, there is now a Dedicated Disability Employment Personal Advisors (DDEPA) in each of the 62 Intreo offices around the country. By end of 2025, 319 employers signed up to the charter, exceeding the goal set out in the Strategy.
In relation to Commitment 6.5 on secondary benefits, Budget 2026 provided for people moving from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to take up work to be able to retain their Fuel Allowance payment for up to five years.
The departments will work on a media campaign focused on changing attitudes and raising awareness of employment supports available for disabled people and employers.
145. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the initiatives that are being taken to increase the contribution of indigenous enterprises to Ireland's exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30515/26]
View answerMy Department, through Enterprise Ireland, supports Irish companies to grow their business and secure new opportunities across the globe.
Enterprise Ireland’s strategy positions international growth as central to its purpose of Accelerating Sustainable Irish Business. The strategy sets ambitious 2029 targets, including €50bn in export sales, 275,000 jobs, and 1,700 new Irish owned exporters, reflecting the critical role of global expansion in Ireland’s economic resilience.
Companies supported by Enterprise Ireland exported goods and services worth €36.75 billion in 2024, the highest level on record. The impact of this activity by Enterprise Ireland client companies can be seen in the €42.6 billion spent in the Irish economy in 2024.
Enterprise Ireland works with more than 4,500 Irish companies who are exporting or are in the early stages of their exporting journey. These companies span the Technology, Manufacturing and Internationally Trading Services sectors.
Enterprise Ireland helps Irish businesses to become global leaders in their field, by supporting them to explore international exporting opportunities to drive global growth. Enterprise Ireland have a range of supports to help companies develop market entry plans, fund market research and upskill leadership teams.
Businesses working with Enterprise Ireland benefit from international trade missions, trade event programmes and buyer visits, which are instrumental when growing and scaling internationally.
Based in 42 offices across 30 countries, Enterprise Ireland Market Advisors have the local knowledge and connections to guide companies in growing their export sales. Market Advisors are a vital source of market intelligence that can be accessed when planning a go-to-market strategy. They offer practical on-the-ground help and can provide connections to potential customers, partners, and important local stakeholders.
Based in Dublin, Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre (MRC) supports businesses with extensive market data, in-depth market analysis and tailored insights, so you can take a strategic approach to decisions and gain a competitive edge.
The MRC has the largest repository of specialist, online business databases in Ireland, providing access to the most authoritative market research resources.
Enterprise Ireland can also offer a range of market access grants to assist companies that are starting out on their export journey; supports available include the Digital Marketing Capability grant, the Evolve strategic planning grant, the Market Discovery Fund, and the Strategic Marketing Review.
Small businesses can also explore, target and exploit new business opportunities in markets outside Ireland through their local enterprise office. 'Get Exporting' is an export development programme available to small and medium enterprises and delivered nationally by Enterprise Ireland in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices. It is for Irish manufacturing and internationally traded services companies looking to succeed in international markets. It is designed to support businesses at every stage of the journey towards achieving initial export sales.
146. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the reforms his Department is planning in relation to local enterprise offices; if he will outline any upcoming adjustments to their remit, structure, or supports available to SMEs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30504/26]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) play an extremely important role at local level, as part of a supportive ecosystem, providing their services direct to small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the country.
My Department works closely with Enterprise Ireland (EI) to provide policy direction, oversight and monitor the performance of the 31 LEOs, ensuring they are properly resourced to help small businesses.
My Department and EI are working together to improve the delivery of services and schemes to enhance Ireland’s enterprise ecosystem.
In recent years, my Department has introduced several enhancements to the delivery of Local Enterprise Offices services and supports. LEOs now deliver supports spanning digitalisation, sustainability, innovation, productivity, and capability-building. The expansion of eligibility in 2023, to include firms with up to 50 employees in manufacturing and internationally traded services and to support locally traded services of the same size has transformed the LEOs into a comprehensive enterprise development service.
The LEO Policy Statement 2024 – 2030 sets out the role of the LEO network and outlines how the future direction of the LEOs to give effect to the relevant areas in the White Paper on Enterprise within their remit. The Policy statement also outlines how the LEOs will work in collaboration with their Local Authority colleagues to carry out the local economic development and business support functions of Local Authorities.
The LEO client base has grown in size, diversity and complexity, resulting in the LEO’s becoming central actors within Ireland’s broader enterprise ecosystem. To ensure that the LEOs continue to support businesses and reduce administrative burdens, my Department undertook a review of applications for all LEO grant schemes to reduce the number of questions and simplify requirements, resulting in reductions ranging from 8% to 47%, across all applications.
Finally, my Department, at the request of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, has commissioned a review of the full suite of LEO supports. The study aims to assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and coherence of the LEO supports and to provide evidence to inform future enterprise policy and programme delivery enhancements.
