Marian Harkin
Ceist:61. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on the ERO for the security sector for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23315/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmployment Rights
Ceisteanna (61)
Freagraí scríofa
On the 25th August 2023, the then Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, signed the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the Security Sector which came into force on 4th September 2023. At that time approximately 16,000 workers benefitted from the ERO, which included a wage increase to €12.90 per hour.
In addition to the pay increases, the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) for the Security Sector agreed new procedures to apply in the industry some of which relate to the following: Annual Leave, Working Hours, Rest Periods and Breaks, Rosters and Minimum Shift hours.
JLCs are independent in their functions under law. A JLC is made up of equal numbers of employer and worker representatives appointed by the Labour Court, and a chairman and substitute chairman appointed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
If a JLC adopts proposals for an ERO for a sector, it will submit them to the Labour Court for consideration. The Labour Court will then make a decision on the adoption of the proposals.
If the Court decides to adopt the proposals, a copy will be presented to me and, if I consider it appropriate to do so, I will make an ERO giving effect to the proposals.
I have not received a proposal from the Labour Court in relation to a new ERO for the Security Sector although I am aware of reports that it is considering proposals on this. Should the Labour Court submit such a proposal, I will give it due and timely consideration.
I remain strongly supportive of the state’s collective bargaining and wage setting mechanisms, and the important work of the Joint Labour Committees in setting EROs. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the essential work which is carried out by the thousands of workers in the security sector to ensure our safety every day.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (62)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:62. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the supports available to businesses with the rising cost of energy in running a business, particularly those in the hospitality sector, which has seen a number of closures recently. [22978/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The last number of years has seen a significant increase in inflationary pressures, most pointedly in the form of energy price inflation – which is a significant input cost for firms across a range of sectors, including hospitality. This Government has adopted an active approach in supporting Irish businesses throughout the period of increased costs.
Before Budget 2024, a total of €12 billion was provided to assist households and businesses with rising costs. This included the provision of €1.3 billion through the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) to support firms facing higher energy costs. Budget 2024 also saw the announcement of several further measures, including a €257 million package for the Increased Cost of Business Scheme, the extension of the 9% VAT reduction for gas and electricity until the 31st of October 2024, and the extension of the temporary excise rate reductions applying to auto diesel, petrol and marked gas oil until the 31st of March 2024.
I also recognise that there are other costs impacting firms. My Department, in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection, has assessed the cumulative impact of recent and forthcoming changes to working conditions. Reflecting the findings of this assessment, a range of measures are being brought forward to assist businesses in adjusting to these increased costs as well as more generally to improve the cost competitiveness of firms. These measures include, among others:
• Increasing the amount available under the Energy Efficient Grant Scheme to 10,000 and reducing the business contribution rate from 50% to 25%;
• Increasing the employer PRSI threshold from €441 to €496 with effect from 1st October 2024, which will ensure that employers with employees earning the weekly equivalent of the national minimum wage will pay the lower rate of employer PRSI of 8.8%;
• 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;
• Implementing an enhanced SME Test; and,
• Widening the eligibility for the Trading Online Voucher.
I welcome the latest data from the CSO’s Wholesale Price Index, which shows that energy product prices were 23% lower in April 2024 than in April 2023, while electricity prices were 29.5% lower. However, while energy cost have fallen very significantly compared to their peak in 2022, I recognise that they are still above historic norms.
I also note that the business formation rate remains significantly above the rate of business closure. The most recent data available from the Companies Registration Office shows that as of 20th May 2024 there were 9,483 new companies incorporated in 2024, this compares to 800 liquidations.
My Department is fully committed to supporting firms, including those in the hospitality sector which is an important source of employment in the State. The measures included in Budget 2024, and more recently, those announced following the publication of the ‘Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland’, reflect this commitment.
Question No. 63 answered with Question No. 54.
EU Directives
Ceisteanna (64)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:64. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what he intends to do to increase collective bargaining coverage as specified under the EU Directive on minimum wages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23303/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages in the European Union was published on 19th October 2022 and must be transposed into Irish law by 15th November 2024. The Directive aims to ensure that workers across the European Union are protected by adequate minimum wages allowing for a decent living wherever they work.
Article 4 of the Directive, Promotion of Collective Bargaining on Wage Setting, aims to promote collective bargaining on wages in all Member States. The Directive requires Member States in which the collective bargaining coverage rate is less than 80% to provide “for a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining” and to publish an Action Plan to promote collective bargaining. It should be noted that the 80% threshold is an indicator triggering the publication of an Action Plan, rather a mandatory target to be reached. The deadline for the Action Plan to be submitted to the Commission is the end of 2025. However, it is intended to publish it ahead of that date.
The European Commission's Expert Group Report on the transposition of the Directive published last November was clear that the design of the framework of enabling conditions and the content of the Action Plan is up to Member States, in consultation with the social partners.
Therefore, a technical working group has been established with Department officials and the social partners to consider the context of the Action Plan. The working group has had two meetings to date and is due to meet again in June.
My Department has also requested legal advice as to what legislative change if any is required in order to transpose this article of the Directive into Irish legislation by the transposition deadline.
The consideration of the recommendations of the LEEF Final Report on Collective Bargaining will also be an important input to our Action Plan.
Personal Injury Claims
Ceisteanna (65)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:65. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the Injuries Resolution Board’s mediation service for public liability personal injury claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23057/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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. This reform was achieved through the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022. One key measure 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 2023. In the final phase, on 14 December 2023, I commenced the section which authorised the Board to offer a mediation service, initially only in respect of Employer Liability claims, as a means of resolving personal injury claims.
On 8 May 2024 I commenced the introduction of the service in respect of Public Liability Claims. Under the legislation respondents have 90 days to respond to a notice of claim so it is too early to update on the service. However, in the mediation of employer liability claims, which has been in effect since December 2023, initial engagement with stakeholders has been positive, and figures indicate some 37% of claimants are opting for mediation. This is a very strong initial response.
I will commence the legislation providing for a mediation service for Motor Liability claims later this year.
Mediation is widely recognised as an effective way of resolving disputes quickly and in a cost-effective manner which will benefit those making the claim and the insured alike. The Board recently concluded its first successful mediation in only four months. This compares well against a year which it might have taken had it been assessed under the Board’s assessment process and extremely favourably against over four years of costly and stressful litigation, had it gone to court.
An extensive programme of stakeholder engagement and a communications campaign highlighting the benefits of mediation is being rolled out by the Injuries Resolution Board throughout 2024.
I expect that mediation alongside the recent Supreme Court judgement, in the Delaney test case, that the Personal Injuries Guidelines introduced in April 2021 are legally binding brings clarity and provides for a consistent personal injury awards system in our country.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (66)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:66. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he last reviewed the critical skills list; if his Department has plans to address the national skills shortages in science, engineering, healthcare and social care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23170/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is responsible for operating Ireland's managed employment permits system, maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. Our system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-European Economic Area nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages in the State required to develop and support enterprise.The employment permits system is vacancy led and driven by the changing needs of the labour market. It is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists. These lists determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit and are subject to periodic evidenced-based review to ensure the system is functioning as needed.
The most recent review of the Employment Permits Occupations Lists, including the Critical Skills List, ran from June to December 2023.
The associated public consultation received over 100 evidence-based submissions from a broad range of stakeholder. Submissions were subject to a robust review involving insight from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit in SOLAS. They were also assessed by the relevant Government departments and the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy.
The outcome of the Review culminated in the largest ever expansion of the employment permits system, with 11 roles added to the Critical Skills Occupations List and 32 roles made eligible for a General Employment Permit. Roles in chemical and project engineering, modern methods of construction, and across a range of health and social care services were added to the lists of occupations for which permits are granted. These changes will be of significant benefit to Irish businesses and society.
The date of the next review of the Employment Permits Occupations List is currently under consideration.
Industrial Development
Ceisteanna (67)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:67. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details on the efforts his Department, in conjunction with the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, are making to attract new commerce and industry to Ennis, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23047/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Regional development is a key element of the Government's enterprise policy and is fully reflected in the Strategies of our Enterprise Development Agencies.
For the IDA, it is targeting at least half of all investments - that is 400 of 800 - from 2021 to 2024 to regional locations. The Mid-West Region, including Ennis, County Clare, has 159 IDA client companies, employing over 27,000 people, with 70 companies employing almost 6,000 in County Clare. The IDA works closely with the existing base of client companies to support their continued growth, as well as looking to locate new investments in the County, and over the past five years employment among IDA clients in Clare has increased by 20%. However, global FDI flows are decreasing reflecting a challenging and uncertain global economic environment and global competition for FDI is intensifying as countries compete for investment to sustain economic growth.
For Enterprise Ireland, it has also been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for business growth in County Clare. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, EI remains focused on enhancing the employment attractiveness of the Mid-West region. Enterprise Ireland has 100 clients in County Clare that it works with, that employ almost 5,200 people.
Furthermore, the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Clare Development Plan outlines a comprehensive framework for enterprise development in the area.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (68, 69, 78)
David Stanton
Ceist:68. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to report on Ireland’s national artificial intelligence strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23264/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Matt Shanahan
Ceist:69. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will acknowledge the continuing momentum around artificial intelligence generation has the potential to create seismic challenges for both the public and private business sectors; if he is considering any developments around specific agency development to support public and private sector navigation of these challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23238/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Richard Bruton
Ceist:78. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has assessed the opportunities, constraints and challenges for Ireland to take a leadership position in the development of artificial intelligence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23312/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 69 and 78 together.
Ireland’s National AI Strategy AI – Here for Good was published in 2021 and a progress report was published last year, which highlighted many of the achievements under the Strategy so far.
These achievements include the appointment of an AI Ambassador, Dr. Patricia Scanlon; the establishment of the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum; publishing the NSAI’s AI Standards and Assurance Roadmap; and establishing Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hub for AI, CeADAR, which has a particular focus on services to SMEs and public sector organisations.
We have also accelerated the adoption of AI in the public service, including through the publication of guidance, as well as training and upskilling.
AI technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. It is important therefore, that our policy frameworks are agile and adaptive and can respond to developments, in order to seize the opportunities of AI for good. To address this challenge, and to further the implementation of the National AI Strategy, an AI Advisory Council has been appointed, chaired by Dr. Patricia Scanlon, to act as an agile sounding board for Government.
The Council’s role is to provide independent expert advice to Government on artificial intelligence policy, with a specific focus on building public trust and promoting the development of trustworthy, person-centred AI.
Guardrails are extremely important for trustworthy AI. The EU AI Act, which was adopted by the European Council on Tuesday, is designed to promote the adoption of trustworthy, human-centric AI and also promote investment and innovation in AI. I believe that the risk-based approach adopted by the AI Act is the right one as it will ensure that the measures in the Act are balanced, proportionate and targeted.
The EU AI Act comes into force in June this year, and my Department is leading on the national implementation of this regulation.
The Department is currently assessing, in conjunction with other Government Departments and public authorities, alternative possible approaches to national implementation to determine the optimal national structure for efficient and effective enforcement of the provisions of the Act.
On Tuesday, my Department launched a public consultation on the implementation of the EU AI Act in Ireland. I would encourage all interested parties to submit their views. A consultation document has been published on the Department's website and responses are sought by 19th July.
Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 68.
Living Wage
Ceisteanna (70)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:70. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is planning to delay the introduction of a living wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23305/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government remains committed to the introduction of a living wage.
As the Deputy will be aware, in November 2022, Government announced that a national living wage would be introduced and set at 60% of hourly median wages, in line with the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission.
It was also agreed that the Low Pay Commission would continue to make annual recommendations on the appropriate rate of the National Minimum Wage, and the annual increases required in the minimum wage to ensure it reaches the target of 60% of hourly median wages.
The first step towards reaching a living wage was the 80 cent increase to the National Minimum Wage in 2023 to €11.30 per hour. This was followed by the significant increase to €12.70 per hour in January 2024. This represented an €1.40 increase, or 12.4%, on last year’s rate of €11.30 per hour.
These are significant increases in the minimum wage, and they show Government’s commitment to reaching a living wage.
The Low Pay Commission has a statutory obligation to submit its recommendation on the 2025 National Minimum Wage to me by 16th July 2024.
Under the National Minimum Wages Acts, the Low Pay Commission is obliged to recommend a minimum wage that is “fair and sustainable” and to consider a range of criteria when making its recommendations, including employment, productivity, competitiveness and the cost of living.
The Commission is an independent, statutory body, and is made up of equal numbers of members representing employee interests, employer interests, and independent members, so I know they make balanced and considered recommendations.
I look forward to receiving the Low Pay Commission’s report and recommendations in July. Their recommendations will be considered by Government and will inform our next steps in relation to the living wage.
My Government has taken many measures to improve conditions for workers, and we are committed to progressing these. These improvements will bring wider societal benefits and will bring Ireland in line with other advanced economies. It is of course important to progress these initiatives in a way that takes account of the pressures facing business and that doesn’t threaten their viability.
Last week, Government agreed a package of supports for small and medium sized businesses aimed at assisting the SME sector. We want to ensure that sustainable, high quality employment is protected in Ireland and the SME package will help us to do that.
Export Controls
Ceisteanna (71)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:71. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 18 April 2024, the number of dual-use export licence applications in respect of end-users in Israel approved by his Department since 7 October 2023; the value of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23073/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My 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 Department, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items.
The 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.
In the period 7 October 2023 to date, my Department has issued fourteen individual dual-use export licences with a value of €52 million to end users in Israel. The majority of these exports are ICT hardware and software.
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 members 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 an application, my officials are furnished with up-to-date information (including consultations with technical experts where relevant) which they take into account in the final risk assessment to determine whether or not to grant an export licence.
Trade Data
Ceisteanna (72)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:72. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of 18 April 2024, the total value of Ireland’s imports from Israel since 7 October 2023; the total value of Ireland’s exports to Israel since 7 October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23075/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Central Statistics Office compiles goods trade data for individual countries on a monthly basis. This data is available from the month of October 2023 but not from the specific date of 7 October.
According to the most recent data available from the CSO, the value of goods imports from Israel in the period October 2023 to end March 2024 was €1,836 million. The value of goods exports to Israel in the period October 2023 to end March 2024 was €395 million.
Services trade data for individual countries is not yet available for 2023 or 2024.
Israel is not a major export market for Enterprise Ireland client companies with exports accounting for less than 1% of total Enterprise Ireland client company exports.
As the Deputy will know, Trade Policy is an exclusive competence of the European Union as part of the Union’s Common Commercial Policy.
Departmental Strategies
Ceisteanna (73)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:73. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the development of a National Industrial Life Sciences and Health Technology Strategy, similar to the departmental strategy for artificial intelligence. [23112/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The life sciences industry is an important sector of Ireland’s economy, accounting for almost 100,000 jobs and almost 60% of Ireland’s exports. Most of the world’s leading life sciences corporations have operations in Ireland and strong partnerships and dependencies are increasingly evident across all aspects of this cluster. We have a rich and convergent landscape with world-class expertise across key sectors of MedTech, Small and large molecule biopharma manufacturing, services and technology. Moreover, a report from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, which I launched last month, forecasts 21,000 additional jobs will be created in the biopharma sector by 2027.
Thanks to our strong value proposition, Ireland has developed a cohesive and integrated Life Sciences cluster consisting of highly innovative indigenous companies, large well-established FDI multinationals, a continually developing world-class research base and a strong industry-focused clinical community. My Department and our Agencies will continue to keep the needs of this valuable sector under review and will continue to provide a wide range of incentives and supports for companies operating in the life sciences industry. However, we have no plans, at this time, for a bespoke sectoral strategy for the industry.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (74)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:74. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the general supports available for small businesses currently struggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22991/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This 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 recent introduction 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.
I also note that the business formation rate remains significantly above the rate of business closure. The most recent data available from the Companies Registration Office shows that as of 20th May 2024 there were 9,483 new companies incorporated in 2024. This compares to 800 liquidations.
I would also emphasise the ongoing support my Department and its agencies provide 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.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (75)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:75. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how the recent package of supports for business will impact on business owners; to provide up-to-date county breakdowns of take-up of the ICOB scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23279/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government has adopted an active approach in supporting the Irish SME sector across multiple crises over the last number of years.
I recognise costs are impacting firms, and this motivated the recent introduction of a range of additional measures aimed at reducing costs for small and medium sized businesses. Some of which 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 increasing the grant aid available for businesses operating 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
I would also 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.
The implementation of these measures will improve the cost competitiveness of small and medium sized businesses, in particular –the Low Pay Commission considering the lower employer PRSI threshold as part of any future minimum wage recommendations, and the applications of an enhanced SME Test will ensure that there is increased consideration of business cost implications of future Government decisions.
The latest ICOB registrations per each Local Authority as at 3pm on May 22 are as follows:
|
Local Authority |
Registrations |
Properties |
|
Carlow County Council |
964 |
1114 |
|
Cavan County Council |
1130 |
1265 |
|
Clare County Council |
1881 |
2215 |
|
Cork City Council |
3913 |
4231 |
|
Cork County Council |
4849 |
5248 |
|
Donegal County Council |
2367 |
2719 |
|
Dublin City Council |
7624 |
8388 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
2553 |
2684 |
|
Fingal County Council |
2885 |
3098 |
|
Galway City Council |
1901 |
2086 |
|
Galway County Council |
1868 |
2124 |
|
Kerry County Council |
2338 |
2556 |
|
Kildare County Council |
2948 |
3051 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
1307 |
1479 |
|
Laois County Council |
917 |
1022 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
471 |
525 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
2809 |
3512 |
|
Longford County Council |
767 |
909 |
|
Louth County Council |
1932 |
2353 |
|
Mayo County Council |
2498 |
2662 |
|
Meath County Council |
2391 |
2533 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
1206 |
1388 |
|
Offaly County Council |
970 |
1085 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
973 |
1004 |
|
Sligo County Council |
1000 |
1099 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
2995 |
3585 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
2396 |
2872 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
1955 |
2236 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
1381 |
1557 |
|
Wexford County Council |
2699 |
2924 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
2034 |
2328 |
|
Totals |
67,922 |
75,852 |
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (76)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:76. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 81 of 18 April 2024, for an update on plans to remove dental nurses from the ineligible occupation list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23074/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I have previously outlined, following engagement with the Department of Health - which has policy responsibility for the dental sector - the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy concluded that the Irish Dental Association's submission to the 2023 review of the Occupations Lists did not contain sufficient evidence to support a change in the status of Dental Nurse in respect of its eligibility for employment permits.
My Department has since then invited the Irish Dental Association to provide a new evidence-based submission on the case for a change in the status of Dental Nurse.
While a follow-up submission has yet to be received, I understand that engagement between the Department and the Irish Dental Association is continuing.
Trade Agreements
Ceisteanna (77)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:77. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on his engagements regarding the Mercosur trade agreement. [23277/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 68.