Written Answers Nos. 262-281
262. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if IDA Ireland put out a tender for a full-time United Arab Emirates based business development consultant in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [21417/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn important element of IDA Ireland’s strategy is to diversify its market reach by broadening the geographic profile of investment. To support this objective, a ‘Pioneering Markets’ team was established within the Growth Markets Division of IDA in 2019, tasked with extending IDA’s global footprint. This approach has been supported by the appointment of a number of in-market part-time business development consultants located across multiple geographies who are responsible for identifying target companies with potential for investing in Ireland, engaging with senior decision-makers in these companies and promoting Ireland as an inward investment location.
I am advised that in relation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), IDA Ireland issued a part-time tender, for 2 days a week, in 2022. The successful candidate's contract commenced in January 2023 for a two-year term, with the option to extend for an additional 2 years.
263. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to report on the work of the Enterprise Ireland office in Vietnam since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21428/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo support continued growth and business opportunities regionally, Enterprise Ireland (EI) established its representative offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2020. Amid the trend towards global diversification of supply chains in the manufacturing and processing industry, Vietnam is fast becoming a surging hub for FDI inflows in recent years.
The key objective of this EI office is to work with clients to ensure they are market-ready for Vietnam and that they have sufficient market intelligence in the Vietnam market, forming part of their overall internationalisation strategy.
Asia will be a central driver of future world growth dynamics, with economic forecasts (IMF 2023) suggesting that as much as 70% of global growth will come from the region. The economy of Vietnam is set to remain one of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) top performers since 2020, thanks to buoyant industrial activity, private consumption, and exports.
The EI Vietnam representative office is overseen by the Enterprise Ireland Director for ASEAN, based out of the Singapore office, with one staff member based in the Vietnam office as part of the wider team. Sectors of focus include International Education including Edutech, Financial Services and Fintech, High Tech Construction, Agritech, Life Sciences and Digital Health, Digital Technologies, IOT & Cybersecurity, Cleantech & Sustainability, Consumer Retail and Aviation.
EI’s Vietnam priorities, to deliver on 2024 growth objectives, will continue to focus on driving scale, proactively seeking new market opportunities, and assisting clients to build presence in market.
Enterprise Ireland in Vietnam facilitates and brokers introductions between client companies and key companies and decision-makers in the ASEAN region to achieve export growth. Scaling and diversification to the market is assisted through a one-to-one engagement with the market advisor in Vietnam. In addition to facilitating introductions and B2B meetings, EI provide support on market validation, competitor intelligence, value proposition, channel strategy, sales processes and establishing a market presence.
The work of EI in the region is also supported through Ministerial missions and events into Vietnam and wider ASEAN region, delegation visits from the region to Ireland, and many in-market events for clients.
Enterprise Ireland client companies' total exports to ASEAN, which includes Vietnam, increased to over €420m in 2022 - growth of over 85% since 2012.
264. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to report on the work of the IDA office in Japan since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21429/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraJapan is the 6th largest investor globally by employment and the largest investor from the Asia Pacific region with strong cross-sectoral representation.
IDA Ireland’s Tokyo office was established in 1974 and is focused on attracting and maintaining foreign direct investment from Japanese enterprises across Information & Communication Technologies (ICT), Life Sciences (Pharmaceuticals & Medical Technologies) and Financial Services sectors.
The current team comprises 3 people including the Director for the Japan market, one marketing executive and an office/events manager. The Director for the Asia PAC region is also based in the Tokyo office. The team in Tokyo primarily engages in direct marketing and business development activities with potential Japanese clients, and co-ordinates high profile visits by Government delegations to Japan as well as visits by Japanese investors to Ireland.
The office has been successful in continuing the growth of Japanese FDI in Ireland. Currently there are 42 IDA Ireland supported Japanese client companies in Ireland, with 55 operations employing circa 8,000 people. Japanese investment is located across the country in line with the IDA's regional enterprise development objectives, with companies situated in Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Clare, Donegal, Waterford, Kildare, Dundalk, Wicklow and Galway. This number continues on an upward trajectory with investment in the form of new names, expansions and acquisitions steadily increasing, including the recent announcement by Astellas pharmaceutical to invest €330 million to build a new facility in Tralee.
265. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will immediately suspend the granting of export licences for dual-use items to Israel in light of the decision of the United Nations Human Rights Council to adopt a resolution demanding an arms embargo on Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21468/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is the national competent authority with responsibility for export controls, including controls on defence-related exports and exports of dual-use goods. Controls on the export of dual-use items are administered by my officials, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which sets up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items.
Dual-use items are products and components, including software and technology, that can be used for both civil and military applications. The bulk of Dual-use exports from Ireland are mainstream business ICT products, both hardware and software (networking, data storage, cybersecurity etc). They are categorised as Dual-use items as a consequence of fact that they incorporate strong encryption for ICT security purposes.
All export licence applications, including those indicating an end destination in Israel, are considered by my officials in accordance with criteria set out within the relevant dual-use and military EU and national regulations and with Ireland's international obligations and responsibilities as a member of non-proliferation regimes and export control arrangements. On receipt of an application for an export licence, my officials carry out an assessment which includes a series of checks to ensure, as far as possible, that the item to be exported will be used by the stated end user for the stated end use and will not be used for illicit purposes.
As part of their assessment, my officials seek the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs in respect of all applications for export licences, including those destined for Israeli end users. Both my own Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs review all dual-use export licence applications against the eight assessment criteria set out in Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP – including “Respect for human rights in the country of final destination as well as respect by that country of international humanitarian law” and "Internal situation in the country of final destination, as a function of the existence of tensions or armed conflicts". Accordingly, when making their assessment of applications, my officials are furnished with up to date information which they take into account in the final risk assessment of all licence applications.
Article 3 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that the Union shall have exclusive competence in the Common Commercial Policy. Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that trade with third countries falls within the Common Commercial Policy of the EU. Therefore, this is an area where the EU has exclusive competence.
Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on the Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice during the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council. The resolution included a call for states to “[…] cease the sale, transfer and diversion of arms to Israel […]” which Ireland was pleased to support. While UN HRC resolutions are not legally binding on states, Ireland was already not engaged in the export of military goods to Israel.
266. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on his engagements regarding the Mercosur Trade Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21469/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU-Mercosur Agreement is designed to cement the close political and economic relations between the EU and Mercosur countries and represents a commitment to rules-based international trade. Since formal negotiations concluded in 2019, the global trade policy landscape has changed considerably. The rise in trade nationalism, the economic impacts of COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and the accompanying impacts on global supply chains have demonstrated the importance of diversifying our import and export markets by securing robust and comprehensive trade deals with global partners. The Mercosur Agreement, if ratified, will support that objective.
Ireland and other EU Member States have raised concerns regarding the strength of the trade and sustainability commitments in the Agreement. As a response to those concerns, the European Commission commenced a process with the Mercosur region on a draft interpretative legal instrument addressing sustainability commitments. This interpretative text will have the same legal status as the existing text within the Agreement itself.
Commission negotiators are currently engaging with their Mercosur counterparts on the text of the new instrument. I wish to assure the Deputy that my officials and I continue to closely monitor developments regarding the instrument, and discuss it at EU level at both the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) with other EU Ministers, as well at meetings of officials in the Trade Policy Committee. It is in our collective interests that commitments relating to the environment, biodiversity and sustainability remain central to the overall trade agreement reached with Mercosur.
267. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the engagements he has had with Cabinet colleagues in relation to the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023; the work completed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21470/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may know, in April of this year, officials from my Department appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure Reform, and Taoiseach to assist that Committee in its hearing on the Pre-Committee Stage Screening of the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023. My Department provided a comprehensive overview of Ireland’s trading relationship with Israel and the framework with which Ireland engages on trade-related matters with Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories in the context of the Bill which is currently under consideration.
There has also been ongoing engagement between my Department and the Department of Finance, given the link between the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023 and the bodies under the aegis of that Department.
268. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how many businesses registered for the ICOB grant as of the deadline of 1 May 2024, by each local authority, in tabular form; if late applications are being accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21488/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, as part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257 million for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses.
As you know this scheme is now closed. Analysis has been undertaken in relation to the grant scheme. A decision will be made this week and I expect to make an announcement in relation to the next steps of the ICOB scheme very soon.
Please see the following table in relation to the number of registrations in each Local Authority:
|
Local Authority |
Total Submissions |
|
Carlow County Council (101) |
948 |
|
Cavan County Council (102) |
1116 |
|
Clare County Council (103) |
1834 |
|
Cork City Council (104) |
3789 |
|
Cork County Council (105) |
4722 |
|
Donegal County Council (107) |
2288 |
|
Dublin City Council (108) |
7471 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (109) |
2483 |
|
Fingal County Council (110) |
2751 |
|
Galway City Council (111) |
1877 |
|
Galway County Council (112) |
1828 |
|
Kerry County Council (113) |
2304 |
|
Kildare County Council (114) |
2863 |
|
Kilkenny County Council (115) |
1208 |
|
Laois County Council (116) |
909 |
|
Leitrim County Council (117) |
467 |
|
Limerick City and County Council (118) |
2724 |
|
Longford County Council (119) |
749 |
|
Louth County Council (120) |
1910 |
|
Mayo County Council (121) |
2453 |
|
Meath County Council (106) |
2317 |
|
Monaghan County Council (122) |
1193 |
|
Offaly County Council (123) |
942 |
|
Roscommon County Council (124) |
952 |
|
Sligo County Council (125) |
995 |
|
South Dublin County Council (126) |
2947 |
|
Tipperary County Council (127) |
2358 |
|
Waterford City and County Council (128) |
1892 |
|
Westmeath County Council (129) |
1364 |
|
Wexford County Council (130) |
2675 |
|
Wicklow County Council (131) |
2013 |
|
Total |
66342 |
269. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the Annual Report on activity under the Control of Exports Act 2008, covering the period 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21500/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Control of Exports Act 2008 requires that, as soon as practicable after the end of each year, the Minister must prepare and lay before each House of the Oireachtas, a report on the operation, in the previous year, of the Act.
The Report details the licensing activity by the Department for the previous year. It provides data on the licences issued, including the number, value and destination, by category of goods.
The Control of Exports Act 2008, covering the period 1st January to 31st December 2023 is currently being finalised and will be published in the coming weeks.
270. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21531/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of the Department informs me that on 30th April 2024 a General Employment Permit issued in respect of the person concerned in the details supplied.
271. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that need to be taken to complete a ICOB scheme application given that the MyCoCo programme timed them out and shut down (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21555/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, as part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257 million for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses.
This scheme closed on the 1st of May and the ICOB portal is not live at the moment. Analysis has been undertaken in relation to the grant scheme. A decision will be made this week and I expect to make an announcement in relation to the next steps of the ICOB scheme very soon.
272. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to report on the development of an action plan for increasing the collective bargaining coverage rate. [21629/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages includes two key areas: Minimum Wages, and Collective Bargaining. The Directive requires Ireland to develop an action plan to enhance collective bargaining coverage by the end of 2025.
The Directive must be transposed into Irish law by 15th November 2024. My Department has requested legal advice as to whether any legislative change is required in order to transpose Article 4 on collective bargaining.
A technical working group has been established with the social partners to progress Ireland’s implementation of the Directive in relation to collective bargaining and the development of the action plan. This group will examine both legislative and administrative proposals for inclusion in the action plan.
273. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment whether he agrees with the asks of a campaign (details supplied). [21630/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Unfair Dismissal Acts provide for a number of grounds under which a dismissal may be considered unfair, including membership or proposed membership of a trade union or engaging in trade union activities, whether within permitted times during work or outside of working hours. Where an employee has been unfairly dismissed, an adjudication officer and, on appeal, the Labour Court may make an order for the reinstatement, re-engagement or awarding of compensation to the employee.
The Workplace Relations Commission’s Code of Practice on Victimisation refers to victimisation arising from an employee’s membership or non-membership, activity or non-activity on behalf of a trade union. It applies to situations where there are no negotiating arrangements and where collective bargaining has not taken place. A complaint under the Code may be made to the Workplace Relations Commission.
Any further changes to industrial relations laws governing trade union organisation in the workplace will take place in the context of the implementation of the LEEF High-Level Working Group Report on Collective Bargaining and Ireland’s implementation of the collective bargaining elements of the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages.
The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages includes two key areas: Minimum Wages, and Collective Bargaining. The Directive requires Ireland to develop an action plan to enhance collective bargaining coverage by the end of 2025.
The Directive must be transposed into Irish law by 15th November 2024. My Department has received legal advice on the minimum wage elements of the Directive that Ireland’s current minimum wage setting framework, namely the Low Pay Commission, is largely already in compliance with the provisions of the Directive. My Department has also requested legal advice as to whether any legislative change is required in order to transpose Article 4 on collective bargaining.
A technical working group has been established with the social partners to progress Ireland’s implementation of the Directive in relation to collective bargaining and the development of the action plan. This group will examine both legislative and administrative proposals for inclusion in the action plan.
274. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if any State, semi-State or commercial semi-State agency under the aegis of his Department is aware of any cases of bogus self-employment in any bodies under their remit from 2020 to 1 May 2024; if he will outline if there are currently any cases from such agencies or bodies currently before the SCOPE section of the Department of Social Protection for investigation or determination; if there are any SCOPE findings and recommendations relating to any agencies or bodies under their remit where SCOPE has found in favour of the worker, and where they recommended the reclassification of the workers’ employment status to that of direct employee between 2020 and 1 May 2024; if he will provide information on the numbers involved and the names of the individual agencies and bodies in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21689/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that there are currently no cases of bogus self-employment in any bodies under the aegis of my Department before the SCOPE section of the Department of Social Protection for investigation or determination. Furthermore, no such determinations have been made in the period from 2020 to 1 May 2024.
275. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total costs incurred by his Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in print media; the names of the print media publications involved, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21862/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total advertising spend on print media by my Department for the years 2019 to date is €505,317.19
Details of this spend are set out in the tables below.
These include expenditure on advertising campaigns such as: “3 Steps to Brexit”, National Minimum Wage, “Making Remote Work”, the Small Company Administrative Rescue Process (SCARP) and nine Building Better Business events nationwide.
|
Year |
Media outlet |
Total |
|
2019 |
ACCOUNTANCY IRELAND |
€2,355.45 |
|
AN SEACHTHAN |
€2,185.04 |
|
|
ANGLO CELT |
€2,115.43 |
|
|
CARLOW NATIONALIST |
€2,327.02 |
|
|
CLARE CHAMPION |
€3,550.81 |
|
|
CONNACHT CITY TRIBUNE |
€2,625.02 |
|
|
DERRY JOURNAL |
€1,846.30 |
|
|
DONEGAL DEMOCRAT |
€338.14 |
|
|
DONEGAL NEWS |
€2,247.87 |
|
|
DROGHEDA INDEPENDENT |
€2,386.70 |
|
|
IRIS OIFIGIUIL |
€2,185.00 |
|
|
IRISH EXAMINER |
€5,210.32 |
|
|
IRISH INDEPENDENT |
€5,546.64 |
|
|
KERRYMAN |
€3,770.99 |
|
|
KILKENNY PEOPLE |
€2,094.99 |
|
|
LEINSTER EXPRESS |
€2,726.32 |
|
|
LEINSTER LEADER |
€2,288.07 |
|
|
LEITRIM OBSERVER |
€2,668.65 |
|
|
LIMERICK LEADER |
€5,256.36 |
|
|
LONGFORD LEADER |
€2,388.05 |
|
|
MEATH CHRONICLE |
€1,984.85 |
|
|
MUNSTER EXPRESS |
€1,674.35 |
|
|
NORTHERN STANDARD |
€4,804.60 |
|
|
NORTHSIDE PEOPLE |
€8,403.34 |
|
|
OFFALY INDEPENDENT |
€1,624.41 |
|
|
PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS SERVICE |
€5,996.25 |
|
|
ROSCOMMON HERALD |
€1,643.90 |
|
|
SLIGO CHAMPION |
€1,929.37 |
|
|
SOUTHERN STAR |
€1,500.21 |
|
|
THE IRISH TIMES |
€13,027.04 |
|
|
TIPPERARY STAR |
€1,731.62 |
|
|
WESTERN PEOPLE |
€2,435.40 |
|
|
WESTMEATH INDEPENDENT |
€1,876.24 |
|
|
WEXFORD PEOPLE |
€1,735.78 |
|
|
WICKLOW PEOPLE |
€1,735.78 |
|
|
2019 Total |
€108,216.31 |
|
Year |
Media Outlet |
Total |
|
2020 |
AN SEACHTAIN |
€1,112.38 |
|
CLARE CHAMPION |
€171.06 |
|
|
CONNAUGHT TRIBUNE |
€243.80 |
|
|
IRIS OIFIGIUIL |
€2,912.00 |
|
|
KILKENNY PEOPLE |
€241.61 |
|
|
LONGFORD LEADER |
€812.87 |
|
|
SLIGO CHAMPION |
€91.88 |
|
|
THE IRISH SUN |
€233.24 |
|
|
THE IRISH TIMES |
€6,165.50 |
|
|
THE IRISH INDEPENDENT |
€6,809.67 |
|
|
THE IRISH EXAMINER |
€4,479.06 |
|
|
THE SUNDAY BUSINESS POST |
€744.21 |
|
|
TUAM HERALD |
€58.78 |
|
|
WESTERN PEOPLE |
€133.76 |
|
|
2020 Total |
€24,209.82 |
|
Year |
Media Outlet |
Total |
|
2021 |
AN SEACHTAIN |
€6,043.63 |
|
ANGLO CELT |
€2,088.38 |
|
|
BRAY PEOPLE |
€1,761.02 |
|
|
CARLOW NATIONALIST |
€2,400.42 |
|
|
CLARE CHAMPION |
€3,662.84 |
|
|
CLONMEL NATIONALIST |
€2,192.86 |
|
|
CONNACHT TRIBUNE |
€2,634.14 |
|
|
CONNAUGHT TELEGRAPH |
€1,989.68 |
|
|
DERRY JOURNAL |
€1,904.54 |
|
|
DONEGAL DEMOCRAT |
€5,108.40 |
|
|
DONEGAL NEWS |
€2,318.80 |
|
|
DROGHEDA INDEPENDENT |
€2,461.99 |
|
|
DUNDALK ARGUS |
€2,461.99 |
|
|
DUNDALK DEMOCRAT |
€2,196.56 |
|
|
ENNISCORTHY GUARDIAN |
€1,688.22 |
|
|
EVENING HERALD |
€2,185.67 |
|
|
FINGAL INDEPENDENT |
€2,110.29 |
|
|
IRIS OIFIGIUIL |
€4,135.00 |
|
|
IRISH INDEPENDENT |
€22,426.20 |
|
|
IRISH DAILY MAIL |
€1,828.79 |
|
|
IRN |
€786.50 |
|
|
KERRYMAN |
€3,889.93 |
|
|
KILKENNY PEOPLE |
€2,380.11 |
|
|
LAW SOCIETY |
€744.15 |
|
|
LEINSTER EXPRESS |
€2,891.17 |
|
|
LEINSTER LEADER |
€2,426.44 |
|
|
LEITRIM OBSERVER |
€2,395.70 |
|
|
LIMERICK LEADER |
€5,574.23 |
|
|
LONGFORD LEADER |
€3,306.62 |
|
|
MAYO NEWS |
€2,051.87 |
|
|
MEATH CHRONICLE |
€2,047.47 |
|
|
MIDLAND TRIBUNE |
€2,219.50 |
|
|
MUNSTER EXPRESS |
€1,727.15 |
|
|
NENAGH GUARDIAN |
€1,716.36 |
|
|
NEW ROSS STANDARD |
€1,688.22 |
|
|
NORTHERN STANDARD |
€4,516.64 |
|
|
OFFALY INDEPENDENT |
€1,675.66 |
|
|
PEOPLE GROUP |
€4,334.23 |
|
|
RECRUIT IRELAND |
€907.50 |
|
|
ROSCOMMON HERALD |
€1,695.77 |
|
|
SLIGO CHAMPION |
€1,758.57 |
|
|
SOUTHERN STAR |
€2,852.67 |
|
|
TALLAGHT ECHO |
€2,198.21 |
|
|
THE IRISH EXAMINER |
€19,276.14 |
|
|
THE IRISH TIMES |
€12,619.31 |
|
|
THE SUNDAY BUSINESS POST |
€5,261.57 |
|
|
THE CORKMAN |
€1,547.54 |
|
|
THE IRISH SUN |
€2,612.56 |
|
|
THE IRISH TIMES |
€8,621.91 |
|
|
THE STAR |
€2,963.04 |
|
|
TIPPERARY STAR |
€1,836.34 |
|
|
TUAM HERALD |
€1,160.66 |
|
|
WATERFORD NEWS AND STAR |
€1,934.43 |
|
|
WESTERN PEOPLE |
€2,512.23 |
|
|
WESTMEATH EXAMINER |
€1,935.42 |
|
|
WESTMEATH INDEPENDENT |
€1,935.42 |
|
|
WEXFORD PEOPLE |
€1,969.59 |
|
|
WICKLOW PEOPLE |
€1,969.59 |
|
|
2021 Total |
€197,539.82 |
|
Year |
Media Outlet |
Total |
|
2022 |
AN SEACHTAIN |
€1,892.57 |
|
ANGLO CELT |
€628.26 |
|
|
AVONDHU |
€236.16 |
|
|
BUSINESS & FINANCE |
€2,785.95 |
|
|
BUSINESS PLUS |
€1,660.50 |
|
|
CARLOW NATIONALIST |
€999.81 |
|
|
CHECKOUT MAGAZINE |
€2,453.85 |
|
|
CLARE CHAMPION |
€1,705.08 |
|
|
CLONMEL NATIONALIST |
€610.38 |
|
|
CONNACHT TRIBUNE |
€800.10 |
|
|
CONNAUGHT TELEGRAPH |
€641.29 |
|
|
DONEGAL DEMOCRAT |
€1,863.64 |
|
|
DONEGAL NEWS |
€570.98 |
|
|
DONEGAL PEOPLES PRESS |
€462.85 |
|
|
DROGHEDA INDEPENDENT |
€712.11 |
|
|
DUNDALK ARGUS |
€712.11 |
|
|
DUNDALK DEMOCRAT |
€629.90 |
|
|
IRIS OIFIGIUIL |
€4,221.00 |
|
|
IRISH DAILY STAR REACH |
€4,994.16 |
|
|
IRISH INDEPENDENT |
€6,545.10 |
|
|
KERRYMAN |
€1,952.75 |
|
|
KILKENNY PEOPLE |
€618.23 |
|
|
LEINSTER EXPRESS |
€755.61 |
|
|
LEINSTER LEADER |
€695.04 |
|
|
LEITRIM OBSERVER |
€666.91 |
|
|
LIMERICK LEADER |
€2,138.70 |
|
|
LIMERICK LEADER |
€892.75 |
|
|
LONGFORD LEADER |
€704.93 |
|
|
MAYO NEWS |
€641.29 |
|
|
MEATH CHRONICLE |
€628.26 |
|
|
MIDLAND TRIBUNE |
€642.56 |
|
|
MUNSTER EXPRESS |
€524.64 |
|
|
NENAGH GUARDIAN |
€451.21 |
|
|
NORTHERN STANDARD |
€651.17 |
|
|
OFFALY INDEPENDENT |
€839.41 |
|
|
ROSCOMMON HERALD |
€1,752.29 |
|
|
SLIGO CHAMPION |
€1,760.75 |
|
|
SOUTHERN STAR |
€505.11 |
|
|
THE CORKMAN |
€465.80 |
|
|
THE IRISH EXAMINER |
€9,651.72 |
|
|
THE IRISH TIMES |
€5,697.08 |
|
|
THE SKIPPER |
€615.00 |
|
|
THE SUNDAY BUSINESS POST |
€5,261.57 |
|
|
THE SUNDAY WORLD |
€7,322.81 |
|
|
TIPPERARY STAR |
€1,054.48 |
|
|
TUAM HERALD |
€355.93 |
|
|
WATERFORD NEWS AND STAR |
€712.37 |
|
|
WESTERN PEOPLE |
€2,307.50 |
|
|
WESTMEATH EXAMINER |
€593.63 |
|
|
WESTMEATH INDEPENDENT |
€593.63 |
|
|
WEXFORD PEOPLE |
€760.89 |
|
|
WICKLOW PEOPLE |
€598.32 |
|
|
2022 Total |
€87,938.11 |
|
Year |
Media Outlet |
Total |
|
2023 |
ANGLO CELT |
€628.26 |
|
AN SEACTHAIN |
€8,425.66 |
|
|
BRAY PEOPLE |
€986.77 |
|
|
CARLOW NATIONALIST |
€749.86 |
|
|
CLARE CHAMPION |
€2,387.02 |
|
|
CLARE ECHO |
€814.08 |
|
|
CLONMEL NATIONALIST |
€1,584.40 |
|
|
CONNAUGHT TELEGRAPH |
€641.29 |
|
|
CONNAUGHT TRIBUNE |
€800.10 |
|
|
CORK INDEPENDENT |
€833.18 |
|
|
DONEGAL DEMOCRAT |
€1,316.17 |
|
|
DONEGAL NEW |
€1,332.30 |
|
|
DONEGAL PEOPLES PRESS |
€1,106.51 |
|
|
DONEGAL POST |
€504.42 |
|
|
DROGEDA LEADER |
€553.71 |
|
|
DROGHEDA INDEPENDENT |
€712.11 |
|
|
DUNDALK ARGUS |
€712.11 |
|
|
DUNDALK DEMOCRAT |
€669.27 |
|
|
DUNSALK LEADER |
€553.71 |
|
|
INISHOWEN INDEPENDENT |
€584.25 |
|
|
IRIS OIFIGIUIL |
€1,822.00 |
|
|
IRISH EXAMINER |
€2,888.13 |
|
|
IRISH INDEPENDENT |
€6,644.81 |
|
|
KILKENNY PEOPLE |
€910.34 |
|
|
LEINSTER EXPRESS |
€1,233.90 |
|
|
LEINSTER LEADER |
€1,035.55 |
|
|
LEITRIM OBSERVER |
€1,594.31 |
|
|
LIFFEY CHAMPION |
€1,084.43 |
|
|
LIMERICK LEADER |
€2,378.98 |
|
|
LIMERICK POST |
€1,892.00 |
|
|
LONGFORD LEADER |
€1,080.80 |
|
|
MAYO NEWS |
€641.29 |
|
|
MEATH CHRONICLE |
€1,196.75 |
|
|
MEATH TOPIC |
€1,410.40 |
|
|
MIDLAND TOPIC |
€1,327.44 |
|
|
MIDLAND TRIBUNE |
€947.25 |
|
|
MUNSTER EXPRESS |
€524.64 |
|
|
NENAGH GUARDIAN |
€1,454.44 |
|
|
NORTHERN STANDARD |
€691.88 |
|
|
OFFALY INDEPENDENT |
€979.42 |
|
|
ROSCOMMON HERALD |
€555.63 |
|
|
SLIGO CHAMPION |
€1,126.86 |
|
|
SLIGO WEEKENDER |
€744.21 |
|
|
SUNDAY BUSINESS POST |
€1,275.79 |
|
|
SUNDAY INDEPENDENT |
€2,794.60 |
|
|
THE IRISH TIMES |
€6,050.75 |
|
|
TIPPERARY STAR |
€1,326.92 |
|
|
TUAM HERALD |
€355.93 |
|
|
WATERFORD NEWS & STAR |
€534.28 |
|
|
WESTERN PEOPLE |
€598.32 |
|
|
WESTMEATH EXAMINER |
€1,131.27 |
|
|
WESTMEATH INDEPENDENT |
€1,131.27 |
|
|
WICKLOW PEOPLE |
€1,151.23 |
|
|
WICKLOW TIMES |
€2,213.11 |
|
|
2023 Total |
€78,624.09 |
|
Year |
Media Outlet |
Total |
|
2024 (to date) |
AN SEACHTHAN |
€546.00 |
|
IRISH EXAMINER |
€973.00 |
|
|
IRISH INDEPENDENT |
€959.00 |
|
|
IRISH TIMES |
€1,025.00 |
|
|
THE GUARDIAN |
€1,943.71 |
|
|
KILKENNY PEOPLE |
€1,243.41 |
|
|
LEITRIM OBSERVER |
€289.52 |
|
|
THE IRISH SKIPPER EXPO |
€1,809.40 |
|
|
2024 (to date) Total |
€8,789.04 |
276. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if he is concerned that school bus drivers (details supplied) have paid into an occupational pension with Bus Éireann for which they cannot access any information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21788/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
The School Transport Scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and privately owned contractor vehicles under contract to Bus Éireann.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the employment, terms and conditions including pension entitlements for staff employed directly through Bus Éireann. The details of this query has been forwarded to Bus Éireann for their attention and direct reply.
277. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if DEIS status will be allowed for a school in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21176/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a wide range of supports to all schools, DEIS and non-DEIS, to support the inclusion of all students and address barriers to students achieving their potential.
Supplementing the universal supports available to all schools, the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) Programme is a key policy initiative of my Department to address concentrated educational disadvantage at school level in a targeted and equitable way across the primary and post-primary sector.
In March 2022, I announced the single largest expansion of the DEIS programme. This benefited 361 schools. The programme now includes in the region of 1,200 schools and supports approximately 260,000 students. 1 in 4 students and 30% of schools are now supported in the programme.
This expansion added an additional €32 million to my Department’s expenditure on the DEIS programme from 2023, bringing the overall Department of Education allocation for the programme to over €180million.
Schools that were identified for inclusion in the programme were those with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage as identified through the refined DEIS identification model, which is an objective, statistics-based model. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme and the model was applied fairly and equally to all schools.
The DEIS Identification process is based on the principle of concentrated disadvantage and the proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school. The DEIS identification model aimed to identify those schools with the highest levels of disadvantage or the highest proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school using the school’s enrolment data and national census data as represented by the Pobal HP Deprivation index which is publicly available.
A detailed paper on the refined DEIS identification model is available on gov.ie. In accordance with Circular 0019/22 schools that were not satisfied with the outcome following the application of the DEIS identification model to their school enrolment data were provided with the opportunity to have that outcome reviewed. The DEIS appeals process was applied fairly across all appellants, the window for appeals has now closed and the results are final. My Department will continue to support all schools to deliver high quality, inclusive teaching and learning to students and young learners.
The extension of the DEIS programme to new schools is just one component of work in my vision for an inclusive education system which supports all learners to achieve their potential. While the DEIS programme supports those schools with the highest levels of concentrated educational disadvantage, I also recognise that there are students at risk of educational disadvantage in all schools. Since June 2020, and over the past four budgets, I have secured funding to provide measures to support children in this regard.My Department recognises the need to target resources to those schools who need them most and the next phase of work will explore the allocation of resources to all schools to tackle educational disadvantage.
The DEIS Plan is based on the premise that in order to have the maximum possible impact on providing opportunities for students most at risk of educational disadvantage, then extra resources need to be targeted as closely as possible at those students with the greatest level of need. This will involve further development of the existing DEIS programme, to create a more dynamic resource allocation model where levels of resources more accurately follow the levels of need identified by objective data.
To support this work my Department has invited the OECD Strength Through Diversity: Education for Inclusive Societies Project to review the current policy approach for the allocation of resources to support students at risk of educational disadvantage in Ireland. This review is ongoing and the OECD team estimate that the review will be complete in Q2 of 2024. This review will provide an independent expert opinion on the current resource allocation model for the DEIS programme and, drawing on international examples, inform a policy approach for an equitable distribution of supplementary resources to support students at risk of educational disadvantage attending all schools, both DEIS and non-DEIS.
In addition to this, following the National Census conducted in April 2022, an updated HP Deprivation index has now been generated by Pobal. My Department is engaging with Pobal regarding this development and this, along with other data, will be thoroughly reviewed to inform future resource allocation aimed at tackling educational disadvantage.
278. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education what assistance is available to parents who cannot obtain a school place for their autistic child in their area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21188/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs. Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.
Local special education needs officers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise the parents of children with special educational needs on placement options and the various supports available. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's website at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
For 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million, and this is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. This will allow for, amongst other things, the opening of up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools, 300 additional special school places and will increase the number of teaching and SNA posts.
An additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting these children.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places. These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, 390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for this school year. Two new special schools have been established in Cork and Dublin, and further capacity is being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In addition, four new special schools will be established for the 2024/25 school year in counties Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Planning for special classes and special school places is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of new places for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
279. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education for her assistance with a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21195/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements for the 2024/25 school year are set out in Circular 0011/2024.
There is no change in the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the coming school year. The school has had seven classroom teachers since the 2018/19 school year.
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The school has submitted an appeal which will be considered at the June meeting and the school will be notified of the decision of the Board.
280. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the changes she has made to the school transport scheme this year for the Straffan bus for pupils attending schools in Maynooth in the 2024-2025 academic year; and the way in which more concessionary passengers will be accommodated on this service. [21286/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Temporary Alleviation Measures are in place for the 2024/2025 school year, which allow for the provision of transport for post-primary students who were otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and had applied and paid on time. In effect, these students remain to be considered as concessionary but transport Is provided for students who met the criteria where there are existing services available.
In cases where the Department is satisfied that a pupil's nearest/next nearest schools are full, eligibility for school transport will be determined based on the distance a family resides from their next nearest school having regard to ethos and language.
If families have applied to attend their nearest school in regards to ethos and language and have been advised by the school authorities that it is full, my Department will consider if students can be deemed eligible for transport to the next nearest school(s).
To establish that the nearest schools are full parents must provide:-
• The steps taken to enrol their child in the nearest and next nearest schools
• Evidence that an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school and
• A letter from the School Authorities confirming that the school was full at the time of enrolment.
These families can submit details to the School Transport Section in the Department of Education at school_transport@education.gov.ie.
In the area outlined by the Deputy, changes were made to the eligibility status of some pupils following receipt of the above referenced information from families/schools.
281. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will outline, for those who are struggling to find a school place and do not get one until after the date for school transport has closed, the way in which they will be accommodated on the school transport scheme, including concessionary passengers who cannot apply because they do not know where they will be offered a place. [21287/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children are being transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. This figure includes over 135,000 children on mainstream services, 19,800 on children with special educational needs, and 6,800 children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Any children who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
The deadline date for new applications for school transport services for the 2024/45 year was the 26 April. The Bus Éireann school transport portal will accept payments/medical card details until 7 June 2024. Families can apply after the deadline dates and if there is capacity on a service, and the pupils fall within the eligibility criteria, a ticket will issue. However a ticket cannot be guaranteed at that stage.
Families are advised to apply for transport to the school that they wish their child to attend. It should be noted that the details submitted in the application can be amended at a later date if necessary, and the application will be deemed to be an on-time application if the original application was made before the closing date. Families are advised in such circumstances that they should amend the application and not cancel and re-submit the application, as to cancel and re-submit after the closing date would deem the application to be late. Normal eligibility criteria will continue to apply to any amended application.
