Written Answers Nos. 94-108
94. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views regarding his Department's activity with respect to the national training fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23237/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Training Fund (NTF) was established by the National Training Fund Act 2000 (the Act) as a dedicated fund to support employment-focused training. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (the Department) has responsibility for the management of the fund, and for the related annual financial reporting. Payments may be made from the fund in respect of schemes which are established to: raise the skills of those currently in employment, provide training to those who wish to acquire skills to take up employment, or provide information in relation to existing, or likely future, requirements for skills in the economy.
Two of my Department’s agencies, namely Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, engage with the National Training Fund to avail of funding for training grants to industry. In 2022, €6.5 million was allocated to enterprise agency clients to part-fund training programmes for their employees.
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) is also funded by the NTF and my Department provides research and secretariat support to the Expert Group. The EGFSN plays a key role in identifying and advising the Government on current and future skills needs, through the undertaking of research, analysis and horizon scanning on current and emerging skills requirements at thematic and sectoral levels. Recently completed and ongoing work being undertaken by the EGFSN includes analyses of skills needs or implications relating to the International Financial Services sector, the BioPharma sector and Modern Methods of Construction.
My Department is represented on the National Training Fund Advisory Board which is chaired by Mr Liam Ryan (Managing Director, SAP Labs Ireland).
Firms have faced a number of challenges in recent years as a result of a series of economic shocks which have resulted in cost increases. In response, Government agreed a package of supports for small and medium sized businesses last week aimed at assisting the SME sector to compete, grow and scale-up, as part of a vibrant enterprise sector which is driving productivity growth and providing high-quality sustainable employment. In addition to these supports, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will develop proposals for the effective and sustainable use of the €1.5bn surplus in the National Training Fund to future proof workforce skills in SMEs and ensure workers in SMEs can readily access lifelong learning opportunities.
95. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications received for the cost of business support grant in Galway City Council, the number granted and the cost of same; the number of applications received for the cost of business support grant in Galway County Council, the number granted and the cost of same; the timeline for when all successful applicants will receive the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23072/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is very aware that SMEs have faced a number of economic shocks in recent years which have resulted in cost increases.
On May 15th, I, along with my Government colleagues, announced a substantial range of measures to reduce costs for small and medium sized businesses.
Included in these measures was the reopening of the ICOB portal from 15th May to 29th May, in order to allow rate paying business owners who have not registered to do so. We have received feedback that the process of registering is simple and quick.
As part of re-opening the ICOB scheme and given the greater impact that increased costs are having on the hospitality and retail sector, as noted in the DETE-DSP joint working paper titled ‘An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland’, it has been agreed that business operating in these sectors will receive a second payment for approved businesses or a double payment for new registrations under this scheme.
Payments are currently being made to eligible businesses, once business details are verified the Local Authorities process the payments without delay.
The figures you requested as at 21 May are as follows:
|
Local Authority |
Total Properties |
Approved Submissions |
Approved Amount |
Paid Amount |
|
Galway City Council |
2077 |
836 |
€2,124,463.26 |
€1,390,806.29 |
|
Galway County Council |
2112 |
911 |
€1,711,428.92 |
€1,711,428.92 |
96. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses, broken down by each local authority area in the State, that have registered for the increased cost of business grant by close of scheme, in tabular form. [23113/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is very aware that SMEs have faced a number of economic shocks in recent years which have resulted in cost increases.
On May 15th, I, along with my Government colleagues, announced a substantial range of measures to reduce costs for small and medium sized businesses.
Included in these measures was the reopening of the ICOB portal from 15th May to 29th May, in order to allow rate paying business owners who have not registered to do so. We have received feedback that the process of registering is simple and quick.
As part of re-opening the ICOB scheme and given the greater impact that increased costs are having on the hospitality and retail sector, as noted in the DETE-DSP joint working paper titled ‘An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland’, it has been agreed that business operating in these sectors will receive a second payment for approved businesses or a double payment for new registrations under this scheme.
The latest figures relating to ICOB registrations are from 21 May and are as follows:
|
Local Authority |
Total Submissions |
Total Properties |
|
Carlow County Council |
958 |
1107 |
|
Cavan County Council |
1123 |
1254 |
|
Cavan County Council |
1123 |
1254 |
|
Cork City Council |
3865 |
4181 |
|
Cork County Council |
4770 |
5160 |
|
Donegal County Council |
2338 |
2689 |
|
Dublin City Council |
7547 |
8308 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
2497 |
2627 |
|
Fingal County Council |
2833 |
3045 |
|
Galway City Council |
1887 |
2072 |
|
Galway County Council |
1850 |
2106 |
|
Kerry County Council |
2320 |
2537 |
|
Kildare County Council |
2908 |
3010 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
1222 |
1377 |
|
Laois County Council |
914 |
1019 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
471 |
525 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
2767 |
3455 |
|
Longford County Council |
758 |
896 |
|
Louth County Council |
1922 |
2338 |
|
Mayo County Council |
2483 |
2647 |
|
Meath County Council |
2333 |
2472 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
1203 |
1385 |
|
Offaly County Council |
957 |
1068 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
967 |
998 |
|
Sligo County Council |
1000 |
1099 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
2971 |
3554 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
2383 |
2858 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
1910 |
2180 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
1375 |
1551 |
|
Wexford County Council |
2693 |
2918 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
2024 |
2316 |
|
Total |
67105 |
74939 |
97. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the application rates his Department has seen in relation to the ICOB scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23234/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is very aware that SMEs have faced a number of economic shocks in recent years which have resulted in cost increases.
On May 15th, I, along with my Government colleagues, announced a substantial range of measures to reduce costs for small and medium sized businesses.
Included in these measures was the reopening of the ICOB portal from 15th May to 29th May, in order to allow rate paying business owners who have not registered to do so. We have received feedback that the process of registering is simple and quick.
As part of re-opening the ICOB scheme and given the greater impact that increased costs are having on the hospitality and retail sector, as noted in the DETE-DSP joint working paper titled ‘An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland’, it has been agreed that business operating in these sectors will receive a second payment for approved businesses or a double payment for new registrations under this scheme.
The following table is the up-to-date list of registrations per Local Authority as at 21st May:
|
Agency Name |
Total Submissions |
|
Carlow County Council |
959 |
|
Cavan County Council |
1126 |
|
Clare County Council |
1862 |
|
Cork City Council |
3886 |
|
Cork County Council |
4791 |
|
Meath County Council |
2343 |
|
Donegal County Council |
2350 |
|
Dublin City Council |
7564 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
2508 |
|
Fingal County Council |
2856 |
|
Galway City Council |
1892 |
|
Galway County Council |
1856 |
|
Kerry County Council |
2332 |
|
Kildare County Council |
2915 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
1252 |
|
Laois County Council |
916 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
471 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
2786 |
|
Longford County Council |
762 |
|
Louth County Council |
1927 |
|
Mayo County Council |
2487 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
1203 |
|
Offaly County Council |
960 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
970 |
|
Sligo County Council |
1000 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
2979 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
2388 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
1933 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
1377 |
|
Wexford County Council |
2697 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
2028 |
|
Total |
67376 |
98. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will be taking any further measures to bolster and support small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23099/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government has adopted an active approach in supporting the Irish SME sector across multiple crises over the last number of years. Over the two-year period prior to Budget 2024 a total of €12 billion was provided in cost of living and doing business supports, comprising a mix of permanent and one-off measures (most significantly the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme). Budget 2024 also contained several measures which will support businesses facing increased costs.
• €257m in support announced through the Increased Cost of Business grant
• the 9% VAT reduction for gas and electricity was extended for an additional 12 months, until the 31st of October 2024;
• the temporary excise rate reductions applying to auto diesel, petrol and marked gas oil were extended until the 31st of March 2024; and,
• an increase in VAT registration thresholds for SMEs to €40,000 for services and €80,000 for goods.
I recognise costs are impacting firms, and this motivated the introduction, last week, of a range of additional measures aimed at reducing costs for small and medium sized businesses. These include:
• Ensuring that the employer PRSI threshold is explicitly considered as part of the Low Pay Commission deliberations and is reviewed on each occasion that the minimum wage is increased.
• Increasing the employer PRSI threshold from €441 to €496 with effect from 1 October 2024
• Reopening the Increased Cost of Business Scheme for another 14 days and launching a second phase of the Scheme targeted at businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors
• Doubling the Innovation Grant Scheme from €5,000 to €10,000
• Increasing the maximum amount available under the Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme to €10,000 and reducing the business contribution rate from 50% to 25%
• Widening the eligibility for the Trading Online Voucher and doubling the grant to €5,000
• Increasing the lending limit for Microfinance Ireland loans to €50,000 from €25,000
• Widening the eligibility for the Digital for Business Consultancy Scheme
• Launching a new ‘Ireland’s Best Entrepreneur Programme’ to encourage entrepreneurship
• Launching the new online National Enterprise Hub for SMEs to access information on the wide range of Government business supports
• Implementing an enhanced ‘SME Test’ by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in conjunction with the Department of An Taoiseach
• Reviewing forthcoming ESRI research on the impact of Statutory Sick Leave before deciding on any further increases
• Reviewing the proposed Roadmap for Increasing Minimum Annual Remuneration Thresholds for Employment Permits.
Currently, there are no plans to introduce additional direct supports for business beyond those announced last week. However, the Government continues to monitor the situation and will be ready to intervene should the need arise.
I would emphasise the ongoing support my Department and its agencies provides for enterprise more broadly across Ireland, with a full range of programmes aimed at aiding firms to develop and grow. As set out in the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, ‘our vision is for Irish-based enterprise to succeed through competitive advantage founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity, delivering rewarding jobs and livelihoods’ – the recently announced measures reflect this.
99. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 102 of 18 April 2024, the status of his Department’s decarbonisation Roadmaps for Ireland’s manufacturing industry and for Ireland’s commercial built environment; the timeline for publication of the two roadmaps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23076/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraClimate Action Plan 2023 included actions EN/23/3(TF) and BE/23/31(TF) to develop roadmaps for the decarbonisation of industrial heat in our manufacturing sectors, and our commercial buildings. These are being developed through the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce. My officials chair two workstreams under the Taskforce, the Industrial Heat Decarbonisation Working Group and the Commercial Built Environment Working Group.
Under the Industrial Heat Decarbonisation Working Group, this industry roadmap was due to be published in Q4 2023, but has been delayed. Drafting of the roadmap is now at final editing and design stage, and will be published in the coming weeks. The roadmap will outline the trajectory to meet these binding decarbonisation targets for industry emissions. It will also set out the key policy interventions to decarbonise heat use in industry, including the supports available to companies, the regulations to promote decarbonisation, and the enabling measure that will facilitate the transition.
The Commercial Built Environment Decarbonisation Roadmap will similarly set out the key policy interventions to achieve the objectives set out for decarbonising our commercial building stock, and will be published subsequent to the Roadmap for decarbonisation of industrial heat. In order to support businesses in decarbonising their premises, the roadmap will set out the state supports, regulations and enabling measures that will help drive the necessary changes in commercial heating systems, drive efficiencies and support the uptake of smart energy monitoring and operating technologies, which will all be required to meet the set targets.
Under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, my Department has responsibility to reduce industry on-site emissions (manufacturing, including cement and alumina) by 20% by 2025 and 35% by 2030, and alongside the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, is also committed to reducing emissions from the heating of commercial buildings by 20% by 2025 and 45% by 2030.
100. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether mediation can address a broader range of issues than those currently considered in the Injuries Resolution Board’s assessment service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23062/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reform and enhancement of the Injuries Resolution Board, with the overarching aim to have more claims settled through the agency, has been a priority for me since taking office.
The Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022 was enacted in December 2022 and commenced over three phases in 2023. The Act significantly introduces a mediation service by the Board to help resolve personal injuries claims. Mediation for employer liability injury claims was commenced by the Board on 14 December 2023, and extended recently to public liability injury claims on 8 May. I intend to extend the service to motor liability injury claims later this year. I believe it will result in more claims being settled through the Board in a faster timeframe and avoid the need for lengthy and costly litigation.
An extensive programme of stakeholder engagement highlighting mediation is being rolled out by the Injuries Resolution Board throughout 2024. Stakeholder engagement with the fora of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, including the Enterprise Forum and the Retail Forum, has already taken place.
Mediation is widely recognised as an effective way of resolving disputes quickly and in a cost-effective manner. It differs from the assessment of compensation service, in that a neutral experienced mediator will listen to all parties to gain a full understanding of the issues and will help the parties to reach a mutually acceptable solution to resolve all issues of the claim. Mediation also addresses a broader range of issues than the assessment service, including liability, claim value, extent of injury, and contributory negligence among others.
The mediation service is still in its infancy and under the legislation respondents have up to 90 days to respond to a notice of claim so it will take time to see trends. Initial engagement with stakeholders has been positive; some 37% of claimants so far are opting for mediation which is a positive initial response.
The Board recently concluded its first successful mediation. The claimant had their claim resolved in only four months. This compares extremely favourably against over four years of costly and stressful litigation, had it had to go to court.
The Supreme Court judgement delivered on 9 April 2024 in Delaney v PIAB & others confirms that the Personal Injury Guidelines are constitutional and legally binding and that the approach taken by the Injuries Resolution Board in applying the Personal Injury Guidelines when assessing personal injury claims is correct. This brings clarity in the personal injuries claims environment and provides for consistent awards. This certainty will make the services offered by the Injuries Resolution Board, particularly mediation a very strong proposition.
101. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will commence legislation to provide for mediation for motor liability personal injury cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23060/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reform and enhancement of the Injuries Resolution Board has been a priority for me since taking office. This reform was achieved through the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022. One of the key measures introduced in the Act was the provision of mediation as a new service being offered by the Injuries Resolution Board.
I commenced the Act in three phases during the course of 2023. On 14 December 2023, I commenced the section authorising the Injuries Resolution Board to offer a mediation service, initially only in respect of Employer Liability claims. On 8 May 2024, I commenced the service in respect of Public Liability Claims. I will commence the mediation service in respect of Motor Liability claims later this year.
Mediation is a significant step change for resolving injury claims. Mediation can address a broader range of issues than those currently considered in the Board’s assessment service, including liability, claim value, extent of injury, and contributory negligence among others. It also has the advantage of being quicker than assessment which will benefit those making the claim and the insured alike.
The Board has put in place a panel of professionally trained mediators to provide this service, which is entirely voluntary and wholly confidential. The Board recently concluded its first successful mediation with the claimant having their claim resolved in only four months. This compares extremely favourably against over four years of costly and stressful litigation, had it had to go to court.
An extensive programme of stakeholder engagement and a communications campaign highlighting mediation is being rolled out by the Injuries Resolution Board throughout 2024. Stakeholder engagement with the fora of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, including the Enterprise Forum and the Retail Forum, has already taken place in the first half of this year.
The Supreme Court judgement in Delaney v PIAB & others confirms that the Personal Injury Guidelines are constitutional and legally binding and that the approach taken by the Injuries Resolution Board in applying the Guidelines is correct. This ruling brings clarity to the personal claims environment and provides for consistent awards. This certainty makes the services offered by the Injuries Resolution Board, particularly mediation a very strong proposition.
102. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and Louth, respectively that registered for the increased cost of business grant before 1 May 2024; how many more in each county have registered since the application process reopened on 15 May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23056/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is very aware that SMEs have faced a number of economic shocks in recent years which have resulted in cost increases.
On May 15th, I, along with my Government colleagues, announced a substantial range of measures to reduce costs for small and medium sized businesses.
Included in these measures was the reopening of the ICOB portal from 15th May to 29th May, in order to allow rate paying business owners who have not registered to do so. We have received feedback that the process of registering is simple and quick.
As part of re-opening the ICOB scheme and given the greater impact that increased costs are having on the hospitality and retail sector, as noted in the DETE-DSP joint working paper titled ‘An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland’, it has been agreed that business operating in these sectors will receive a second payment for approved businesses or a double payment for new registrations under this scheme.
The figures you requested as at May 21st are as follows:
Kildare - 2867 have registered since 1st May and 48 have registered since the scheme reopened.
Wicklow - 2013 have registered since 1st May and 15 have registered since the scheme reopened.
Meath - 2320 have registered since 1st May and 23 have registered since the scheme reopened.
Louth - 1912 have registered since 1st May and 15 have registered since the scheme reopened.
103. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a report on the progress made under the midlands regional enterprise plan; the plans for the future funding of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23093/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional enterprise development is a key focus for me and this Government as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise. My Department contributes to this agenda in several ways, including through the development, implementation and oversight of nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs).
The Midlands REP is implemented at a regional level by a Steering Committee made up of stakeholders from Longford, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath. Dr Anne Cusack is Chair of the Midlands REP Steering Committee which last met on 17 May 2024 where updates on implementation were shared with members.
My Department oversees implementation of the REPs at the national level. A meeting of the National Oversight Group for the REPs with Steering Committee Chairpersons took place on 25 April 2024, where the REP Chairs provided feedback on implementation.
Nine REP Progress Reports were recently published, which document implementation to the end of Q3 2023 for each plan, including the Midlands. These reports were prepared by the regional Steering Committees and are available on my Department’s website. Good progress has been made implementing actions across the Midlands REP.
Some highlights from the Midlands REP include:
• Fifteen projects in the Midlands have been awarded a combined €18 million from the European Union's Just Transition Fund programme with the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan ‘Pathway for Just Transition’, being awarded almost €4 million. The remaining funding was shared across 13 projects, including a number of co-working hubs, renewable energy and emissions projects and a film project.
• The Midlands REP has established a Network and Cluster Exchange Forum to formalise strategic connections between networks and clusters, open channels of communication and optimise the benefits from shared opportunities locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The forum is also intended to act as a conduit to feed into regional and national policy in the Smart Specialisation and clustering space.
• A new Midlands Food and Drink Directory was launched this week. The new Directory will be a go-to guide for the regional food and drink producers in the Midlands and will be hosted on the Midlands Ireland website.
The REPs are collaborative plans bringing together a range of stakeholders, from the enterprise agencies to higher education institutions and local authorities. Projects under the REPs may draw on a range of funding sources, from EU level to funding provided directly by local authorities and elsewhere in central government, such as schemes administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
My Department is one of the main sources of support for REP projects and has provided significant funding to develop regional enterprise ecosystems through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Border Enterprise Development Fund and other schemes administered by Enterprise Ireland. These Enterprise Ireland funding schemes have helped drive implementation of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan.
My Department has secured up to €145 million for the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, which will support projects aligned to the Regional Enterprise Plans. The first call of €35 million under this scheme, which is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund, is open on the Enterprise Ireland website. I hope to announce successful projects under this first call in the coming months. I expect that there will be further calls under this scheme over the coming years, which will provide multi-annual funding for key projects aligned to the Regional Enterprise Plans.
Funding is a core issue for delivery of the REPs and the approach to funding will be kept under consideration by my Department and partners in the REP process.
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his office continue to attract employment generating and trade benefiting enterprises to this country via foreign direct investment or indigenously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23228/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department works with IDA to ensure a strong continuing pipeline of inward investment into Ireland. As the state agency for Foreign Direct Investment, IDA Ireland continues to help to maintain a strong level of employment across the FDI sector, robust regional investment and a strong performance across the key transformation areas of research development and innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and talent development.
In 2023, 248 investments were won by IDA Ireland which is enabling the creation of 19,000 jobs for the Irish economy. Of these, 132 investments, or 53%, were outside of Dublin demonstrating IDA Ireland’s commitment to balanced regional development. A third of investments won, 83, were greenfield or first-time investments. Last year also saw the number of persons directly employed by IDA Ireland’s client base, comprised of more than 1,800 companies, reach over 300,000 people for the second year in a row.
Focusing on sustainable growth, IDA Ireland will continue to leverage the green transition as a core component of Ireland's proposition to overseas investors by showcasing Ireland as a climate-friendly and sustainable business environment. In this regard, in 2023, IDA Ireland approved 25 sustainability projects focused on carbon abatement and building Ireland’s Green Economy with over €1.4billion committed by IDA client companies on research and innovation projects in 2023. Furthermore, client spend of over €77m was committed to investment in talent development.
IDA Ireland will continue to work with multinational companies already in Ireland to deepen and expand their presence here, while also attracting new multinational investments in core sectors of focus.
My Department, along with Enterprise Ireland, also continues to focus on the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. Enterprise Ireland supports both the start-up and established companies to increase sales and exports in global markets, which in turn results in increased employment.
Through implementation of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy, Leading in a Changing World 2022 – 2024, the agency has an objective to create an additional 45,000 new jobs by 2024, the highest ever level of Government supported indigenous jobs. The total number of jobs created in client companies of Enterprise Ireland was 15,530 in 2023. Even when job losses were taken into account, there was a positive net jobs result of 5,011 in a very challenging year for businesses.
Business is being transformed by drivers such as climate change, the accelerated adoption of technology, and changing trends in globalisation in ways that present both challenges and opportunities. Enterprise Ireland continues to support employment creation sectors through direct advice and funding assistance to internationally-focused enterprises in manufacturing and international services sectors and through working with the network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices.
IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland have developed a new strategy to enhance global sourcing linkages between their respective clients. This new strategy is designed to enhance client engagement and accelerate the delivery of a 20% uplift in global sourcing from IDA Ireland clients for Enterprise Ireland clients by the end of Q4 2024. Under the umbrella of ‘Export in Ireland’, IDA Ireland will facilitate introductions to up to 80 IDA Ireland clients up until the end of 2024.
Despite challenging global issues affecting the Irish economy in recent years, including the impacts of Brexit, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, Ireland has continued to perform strongly in continuing to attract employment generating, and trade benefiting enterprises.
105. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the major gathering of EU Digital Ministers hosted in Dublin recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23055/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 19th of April I was proud to host Digital Ministers from the D9+ group of advanced digital member States, together with my colleague Minister Ossian Smyth, at a plenary meeting in Dublin Castle where we shared experiences in implementing the suite of groundbreaking EU digital rules which will set the guardrails for the digital economy in Europe. The meeting was the central event of Ireland’s six-month chairmanship of the D9+ group.
At the meeting, we shared our experiences and learnings from implementing the suite of landmark EU digital regulation that has been enacted in recent years, including the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act, we discussed our approaches to the establishment of AI regulatory sandboxes, and we talked about learnings that can be built into the development of future EU digital regulation.
At the conclusion of the meeting the D9+ members agreed a ministerial declaration covering 5 themes, including the importance of effective and coherent digital regulation as a foundation for innovation and growth in the EU, and the importance of predictability in fostering investment and growth.
This declaration will be discussed at the EU Competitiveness Council this week.
Ireland’s 6 month chairmanship of the D9+ has been an important opportunity to work with like minded member States to act as a strong voice in Europe for a balanced approach to digital regulation in areas such as data, digital markets, digital services, cyber security and AI, bringing Ireland’s expertise and experience to the table.
106. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the AI Act at EU level and his plans for the enactment of same in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23092/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Artificial Intelligence Act was adopted at the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecoms Council) two days ago, Tuesday 21st May, and is expected to enter into force next month. Its various provisions will apply, in a phased manner, over the subsequent 36 months.
This is a pioneering Act, the first comprehensive regulation addressing the risks that can arise from certain Artificial Intelligence systems, and I am very pleased that the EU is leading globally on one of the most important regulatory challenges of our time.
The Act will lay down a uniform legal framework for the development and use of Artificial Intelligence systems in the European Union. This framework will promote the uptake of human-centric Artificial Intelligence in conformity with Union values, and will provide for a high level of protection against potentially harmful effects of Artificial Intelligence systems. The Act contains specific measures in support of innovation, with a particular focus on SMEs.
The AI Act will establish a sophisticated governance and implementation structure at both national and EU level to ensure robust and harmonised implementation of the regulations in the Act. This includes the creation of a European Artificial Intelligence Board and a European Artificial Intelligence Office. The European Commission will develop guidelines and codes of practice over the next 12 months to support the application of the Regulation. Primary legislation will be required for the transposition of the regulation into national law.
My Department is leading on the national implementation of this Act. My officials are considering the optimal national structure for efficient and effective enforcement of the provisions of the Act and are actively discussing the arrangements with other Government Departments and relevant public bodies. On Tuesday, to coincide with the adoption of the Act, my department launched a public consultation on the implementation of the EU AI Act in Ireland, and I would encourage all interested parties to engage in this process and to submit their views.
Information on the consultation, including how to make a submission, is available on the Department's website. The deadline for receipt of submissions is 5pm on Tuesday, 16 July 2024.
I am committed to the comprehensive and robust implementation of the Act in Ireland.
107. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has any plans for the introduction of an export credit guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23098/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2021, My Department, with the assistance of an external export credit insurance expert, conducted an internal review to assess if a market gap existed and to identify the potential need for a state-backed export credit guarantee scheme.
This review involved engagement with a wide range of relevant stakeholders, including State Agencies, the financial sector, and industry representatives. Following these consultations and on reviewing Ireland's strong trade export statistics over the previous decade, it was found that there was no clear demand or need for State intervention in terms of export credit insurance.
This is still the case now. Accordingly, there are no plans to introduce an export credit guarantee scheme at present.
Nevertheless, officials from my Department continue to engage with our State Agencies to assess if there is a requirement for State intervention in the export credit market. Thus far, no issues of concern have been identified that will require the need for State intervention via an export credit guarantee. My Department will continue to monitor the market and engage with the relevant State Agencies and industry representatives, as we have done over the last number of years
My Department regularly explores ways to assist businesses and to create an environment that stimulates their growth. However, it is important that Government intervention is focused in specific areas where there is a market failure.
Enterprise Ireland has developed a range of supports for exporting businesses, such as training, in-market support, and trade missions.
There are also a number of schemes which my Department has developed, working through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, which provide financing support for businesses, including exporting businesses, such as the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme.
My Department has been clear that exports and international trade will remain central to Ireland’s growth model and economic strategy in the years to come. This is reflected in the Government's White Paper on Enterprise.
In this White Paper we have set the ambition of expanding our exporting base with 2000 additional exporting companies, and 50% more large Irish exporting companies, by 2030. This will be accomplished by enhancing productivity and developing an integrated system-wide approach to accelerating start-up growth and scaling.
108. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a report on the progress made under the south east regional enterprise plan; the plans for the future funding of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23091/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional enterprise development is a key focus for me and this Government as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise. My Department contributes to this agenda in several ways, including through the development, implementation and oversight of nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs).
The South-East REP is implemented at a regional level by a Steering Committee made up of stakeholders from Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. Patsy Carney is Chair of the South-East REP Steering Committee. I expect a Steering Committee will be organised in the coming months.
My Department oversees implementation of the REPs at the national level. A meeting of the National Oversight Group for the REPs with Steering Committee Chairpersons took place on 25 April 2024, where the REP Chairs provided feedback on implementation.
Nine REP Progress Reports were recently published, which document implementation to the end of Q3 2023 for each plan, including the South-East. These reports were prepared by the regional Steering Committees and are available on my Department’s website. Good progress has been made implementing actions across the South-East REP.
Some highlights include:
• The South-East Offshore Wind Partnership is continuing its work to prepare the region to take advantage of the economic opportunity presented by offshore wind. A best practice field trip was completed in early May to the North-East of the UK to view the full scale of the opportunity including research and development facilities, enhanced Foreign Direct Investment, indigenous companies pivoting into offshore, port development, and education and training provision.
• Several applications are under development across all four streams of Enterprise Ireland's Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme. The Scheme will support the development of innovative services through local infrastructure, innovation clusters, services to SMEs and early-stage feasibility and priming research.
• Organic marketing campaigns under the Ireland South-East brand continue; these are aimed at elevating the perception of the South-East region in the minds of investors, talent and remote workers as a place of choice to locate in. Organic campaigns represent significant value for money, for example, the Ireland South-East LinkedIn account achieved 285,000 organic impressions during the 12-month period from May 2023 solely from sharing positive news from regional industry and relevant activities.
The REPs are collaborative plans bringing together a range of stakeholders, from the enterprise agencies to higher education institutions and local authorities. Projects under the REPs may draw on a range of funding sources, from EU level to funding provided directly by local authorities and elsewhere in central government, such as schemes administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
My Department is one of the main sources of support for REP projects and has provided significant funding to develop regional enterprise ecosystems through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Border Enterprise Development Fund and other schemes administered by Enterprise Ireland. These Enterprise Ireland funding schemes have helped drive implementation of the South-East Regional Enterprise Plan.
My Department has secured up to €145 million for the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, which will support projects aligned to the Regional Enterprise Plans. The first call of €35 million under this scheme, which is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund, is open on the Enterprise Ireland website. I hope to announce successful projects under this first call in the coming months. I expect that there will be further calls under this scheme over the coming years, which will provide multi-annual funding for key projects aligned to the Regional Enterprise Plans.
Funding is a core issue for delivery of the REPs and the approach to funding will be kept under consideration by my Department and partners in the REP process.
