Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:541. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost of increasing funding for the innovation voucher scheme by 50% and 100%, in tabular form. [31176/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (541)
Freagraí scríofa
The Innovation Voucher Programme is funded by my Department, though Enterprise Ireland. The Programme is designed to build links between Ireland's public knowledge providers (higher education institutions and research performing bodies) and small businesses and help to create a cultural shift in the small business community's approach to innovation.
The recently increased €10,000 vouchers encourage companies and public knowledge providers to work together on specific innovation questions and projects related to a company’s needs and is available to the broadest number of companies. The nature of these projects will be such that they transfer knowledge that is new, thereby enabling a company to use this newly acquired knowledge to innovate a product, production process or service.
The Innovation Voucher Programme outturn for 2023 was €1,641,000. Data on innovation vouchers is collated on the basis of the time of redemption of the voucher, rather than the date of issue. Therefore, increasing the budget for innovation vouchers will only have impact if the companies have projects to this value and will only be counted on redemption of the vouchers.
The table below shows the cost of increasing this funding by 50% and 100% and the total expenditure inclusive of the differing rates of increase.
|
- |
50% increase |
100% increase |
|
|
Outturn for 2023 |
€1,641,000 |
||
|
Cost for various % increases |
€820,500 |
€1,641,000 |
|
|
Total cost including increases |
€2,461,500 |
€3,282,000 |
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (542)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:542. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost of cost of increasing the innovation voucher scheme to €12,000. [31177/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Innovation Voucher Programme is funded by my Department, through Enterprise Ireland. It provides vouchers to encourage companies and public knowledge providers to work together on specific innovation questions and projects related to a company’s needs. The nature of these projects will be such that they transfer knowledge that is new, thereby enabling a company to use this newly acquired knowledge to innovate a product, production process or service.
On 1 July 2024 the value of the Innovation Vouchers doubled from €5,000 to €10,000 per voucher.
The Innovation Voucher Programme outturn for 2023 was €1,641,000. Based on the 2023 outturn data, the cost of increasing the value of innovation vouchers to €12,000 could increase the expenditure by approximately €2,297,400 (based on a 140% increase in value of the voucher from €5,000 to €12,000). This is however a high-level estimation as it cannot account for companies applying for potentially fewer vouchers of €12,000 rather than multiple vouchers of €5,000, or the new €10,000 vouchers.
If the overall funding for the voucher was increased by 140%; based on the 2023 outturn figure, the total cost for the programme is estimated at €3,938,400.
The data on innovation vouchers is collated based on when the voucher was redeemed, rather than the date of issue. Therefore, increasing the budget for innovation vouchers will only have impact if the companies have projects to this value and will only be counted on redemption of the vouchers with a Research Performing Organisation, such as a Technological University,
Research Funding
Ceisteanna (543)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:543. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost of increasing research, development, and innovation funding under his Department by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [31178/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enterprise Ireland’s RD&I budget, Subhead B4.1, known as the Science Technology and Development Budget, provides direct and indirect research development and innovation supports for indigenous companies and supports the commercialisation of State funded research.
Activity 1 – Transforming R&D Activity in Enterprise - provides RD&I support for all stages of company development and innovation.
Activity 2 – Industry Collaboration with 3rd Level Sector – including Technology Gateways, Innovation Partnerships, Technology Centres, Innovation Vouchers and New Frontiers Programme and European Digital Innovation Hubs.
Activity 3 – Realising the Commercial Potential of Ireland's Research Community - comprising the Commercialisation Fund, KT Boost, and Incubator Space at 3rd level.
Activity 4 – Programme Support: Funds the central resource in EI to manage and facilitate its RD&I activities.
The RD&I Programme capital allocation (excluding the EU funded programmes of the European Regional Development Fund and European Digital Innovation Hubs) for 2024 was €133,998,000. The table below shows the cost of increasing this funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50% and the total expenditure inclusive of the differing rates of increase.
|
- |
5% increase |
10% increase |
20% increase |
25% increase |
50% increase |
|
|
Budget allocation for 2024 |
€133,998m |
|||||
|
Cost for* various % increases |
€6,699.9m |
€13,399.8m |
€26,799.6m |
€33,499.5m |
€66,999m |
|
|
Total cost including increases |
€140,697.9m |
€147,397.8m |
€160,797.6m |
€167,497.5m |
€200,997m |
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (544)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:544. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost of increasing the disruptive technology fund by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [31179/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) is one of four National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027 Funds under Project Ireland 2040. €500 million has been invested through the Fund up to 2027 for co-funded collaborative projects. It is aimed at encouraging collaboration and innovation in the development and deployment of disruptive technologies, on a commercial basis, targeted at tackling national and global challenges. It is managed by my Department and administered by Enterprise Ireland.
In the first six DTIF Calls to date, €371 million has been allocated to 104 projects involving collaborative partnerships between industry, especially SMEs, and public research bodies in applying industrial research under the six themes of the revised Research Priority Areas, in areas such as Health and Wellbeing, Energy and Climate action, Food, ICT and Advanced and Smart Manufacturing.
DTIF projects are awarded funding based on merit, making the amount of funding allocated from the DTIF specific to each Call and is subject to the number and quality of the applications received.
I launched a seventh DTIF Call in May and consortia can submit applications at any stage from now to the deadline on 30 April 2025.
The cost of increasing the NDP Fund for DTIF by the percentages asked is set out in the table below.
|
DTIF Funding Commitment under NDP |
% Increase |
Total |
|
€500m |
5 |
€525m |
|
€500m |
10 |
€550m |
|
€500m |
20 |
€600m |
|
€500m |
25 |
€625m |
|
€500m |
50 |
€750m |
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (545)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:545. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the names of all the IDA client companies with operations in County Wexford at present; the number of employees in each such company, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31285/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The IDA 2024 Mid-Year results announced last week indicate a strong performance across foreign direct investment indicators set out in their 2021-24 strategy, “Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth”, as targets for the total number of investments, job approvals, regional investment and number of sustainability projects supported by the agency are now exceeded.
Wexford is in the IDA South-East Region, along with Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow. There are 86 IDA client companies in the region, employing 15,301 people. Employment among IDA clients in the region increased by 14%over the last five years and employment in IDA client companies in County Wexford has increased by over 600 or 19% over the 5 years to 2023 with 3,746 people now employed across 26 IDA client companies in the county.
The South-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies which are complemented by research centres that help win new business and assist existing client companies with transformation and IDA is working to strengthen and deepen the linkages between multinational companies and indigenous enterprise and the research ecosystem.
The list of IDA client companies in County Wexford and their employment range are shown in the table below. The employment figures are taken from the latest Annual Employment Survey, which represents 2023 figures. In accordance with IDA Ireland’s data sharing policy, total employment figures at company level can be shared in ranges only.
|
DTIF Funding Commitment under NDP |
% Increase |
Total |
|
€500m |
5 |
€525m |
|
€500m |
10 |
€550m |
|
€500m |
20 |
€600m |
|
€500m |
25 |
€625m |
|
€500m |
50 |
€750m |
Industrial Development
Ceisteanna (546)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:546. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA site visits to County Wexford made in the past 18 months, in tabular form; the results to date of any such visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31286/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Regional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise and is focus of the work of my Department and that of its enterprise agencies. In that regard, under its current strategy, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021-2024, IDA Ireland is targeting at least half of all investments to regional locations.
IDA’s strategy also outlines objectives for delivery of property solutions across the regions. The IDA’s Regional Property Programme ensures the continued supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, as the timely provision of appropriate, cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions can be a key factor in investment decisions.
The IDA also partners with the private sector and Local Authorities to deliver buildings in key locations.
Insofar as Wexford is concerned, IDA's strategy outlined that the agency would seek out a partnership with Wexford County Council for the delivery of an advance planning permit for an Advanced Building Solution (ABS) to advance the location from an attractiveness perspective. In this regard, IDA and Wexford County Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the delivery of an advanced planning permit at lands in Enniscorthy Technology Park in February 2024. As part of the next stage, a procurement process will be undertaken to identify a suitably qualified design team for the project.
There were 2 site visits to County Wexford in 2023 and 5 in 2022, all in person visits. There were no site visits in the first quarter of this year. Figures for Q2 are being collated and verified and will be available next month. As regards such visits, I am advised that potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. Thus, the foregoing figures represent individual visits and are therefore not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.
Table: Site Visits to County Wexford in the past 18 months
|
- |
2024 (Q1) |
2023 |
2022 |
|
Wexford Site Visits |
0 |
2 |
5 |
Finally, I should note that employment in IDA client companies in County Wexford has increased by 1,160 between 2015 and 2023 and that there were 3,746 people employed across 26 IDA client companies in the county at the end of 2023.
Regional Development
Ceisteanna (547)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:547. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to support the strategic development zone at Ireland West Airport Knock; when the feasibility study will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31304/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that in 2017 Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) received approval for the designation of lands as an area for the establishment of a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). The airport is a critical piece of enterprise enabling infrastructure for the region and the SDZ designation has the potential to significantly enhance the airport’s role as a driver of regional economic development.
The West Regional Enterprise Plan includes an objective to advance the development of the regional entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in the region. Action five under this objective focuses on strengthening the enterprise strategy for the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at IWAK. Progress is ongoing in relation to this action.
In 2022 my Department’s Regional Enterprise Innovation Scoping Scheme (REISS), administered by Enterprise Ireland, provided priming and feasibility funding support for early stage projects to develop and advance their plans enabling preparation for the investigation and confirmation of concepts with potential for enterprise innovation. The Horan Airport Trust secured funding under the REISS to undertake a feasibility study looking at the potential for an ‘Infinity Hub’ at Knock Airport as a focal point for the circular economy and its development for industry and clustering activity across sectors. The feasibility report, which is an early stage concept document, has been completed. I understand that the Horan Airport Trust are examining the content of the report and it is a matter for the airport management team to determine the next steps.
I can assure the Deputy that I am, as is Government, very supportive of the SDZ at Ireland Airport West Knock. I was very pleased to see that a Project Manager, who is being funded by my Department to develop a pathway to progress the SDZ, will be taking up the position at the end of August.
The work of the Project Manager is overseen by a Steering Committee which is chaired by Mayo County Council and includes representatives from key stakeholders including my own Department. The Steering Committee has met on three occasions with the next meeting scheduled for September 2024.
This appointment is a very positive step forward and will help deliver on a key Government priority of more balanced and sustainable regional development.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (548)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:548. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the visa options for an individual (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31322/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The regime is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages in the State, in order to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy.
Under the Employment Permit Acts in order to work in the State all non-EEA nationals require a valid employment permit or relevant immigration permission from the Minister for Justice which allows them to reside and work in the State without the requirement for an Employment Permit.
All Employment Permit applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006, as amended and are dependent on a job offer from an Irish registered Employer for an eligible occupation. It should be noted that the State's employment permit system is ordered by the use of occupation lists which determine the employments which are in high demand, and those which are ineligible for consideration for employment permits.
The role of a football coach is an eligible occupation for a Sports and Cultural Employment Permit. The Sport and Cultural Employment Permit is designed to facilitate the employment in the State of non-EEA nationals with the relevant qualifications, skills, experience or knowledge for the development, operation and capacity of sporting and cultural activities. To be considered for a Sports and Cultural Employment Permit, a letter of support from the relevant sporting body is required to be submitted with an application. The annual remuneration on offer must be at least the national minimum wage, which is €12.70 per hour for a 39-hour working week. Sport and Cultural Employment Permits may be issued for differing periods depending on whether the contract of employment is full-time up to a maximum of 2 years, or seasonal.
Further information in relation to Sport and Cultural Employment Permits is available on the Department’s website and can be accessed through this link:- Sport and Cultural Employment Permit - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie)
General information is provided on the Department’s website in respect of employment permits including information regarding to each permit type, the requirement to undertake a Labour Market Needs Test, list of occupations ineligible for an employment permit, Checklist documents for a General and Critical Skills Employment Permit and an FAQ document which answers the majority of the most common questions, all of which are available through this link – enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/
All matters in relation to immigration permissions and visas are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, and all visa-related queries should be directed to that Department.
Departmental Legal Cases
Ceisteanna (549)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:549. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of legal cases taken by his Department, or by agencies or bodies under his Department’s aegis, against another Department, Government agency or State body in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31361/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There has been one legal case taken by an agency of this Department (the Corporate Enforcement Authority) against another state body (the Data Protection Commissioner) in the last five years. The Circuit Court issued its judgment on this case on 1st April 2022 and it is available on the Courts.ie website.
Health and Safety
Ceisteanna (550)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:550. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated full-year cost of hiring an additional thirty Health and Safety Authority inspectors. [31420/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health and Safety Authority staff serving in inspector grades operate across each of the Authority’s legislative mandates which include occupational health, occupational safety, chemicals, accreditation and market surveillance of products. Staff serving in inspector grades may also be involved in either inspection, investigation, or policy implementation at national, European and international level.
The majority of the Authority’s inspectors are Grade III which is the starting grade for new entrants. The salary scale for a Grade III inspector corresponds with the Civil Service Engineer Grade III and Professional Accountant Grade III scale.
The cost of employing thirty additional inspectors at Grade III level, including salary and employer PRSI is approximately €1,239,660 in their first year.
|
Grade |
Salary |
PRSI |
Total Cost One (1) Post (Salary + PRSI) |
Total Cost Thirty (30) Posts |
|
Inspector Grade III |
€37,211 |
€4,111 |
€41,322 |
€1,239,660 |
Assumptions
Figures based on starting point of the relevant grade for all positions.
Provision included for Employer PRSI calculated at 11.05%.
Costs are exclusive of recruitment and onboarding costs.
Workplace Relations Commission
Ceisteanna (551)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:551. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated full-year cost of hiring an additional thirty Workplace Relations Commission inspectors. [31421/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Workplace Relations Commission inspectors are employed at Executive Officer level, the pay scale for Executive Officers, as of 1st June 2024 (PPC), starts at €36,044, rising to €58,834 following receipt of Long Service Increment 2. WRC Inspectors are also entitled to a Labour Inspector Allowance (PPC) of €9,764 per annum.
The cost of employing thirty additional inspectors at Executive Officer grade, including employer salary, PRSI and the Labour Inspector Allowance, is approximately €1,493,730 in their first year.
|
Grade |
Salary |
PRSI |
Labour Inspector Allowance p/a |
Total Cost One (1) Post |
Total Cost Thirty (30) Posts |
|
Inspector (EO equivalent) |
€36,044 |
€3,983 |
€9,764 |
€49,791 |
€1,493,730 |
Assumptions:
Figures based on starting point of the relevant grade for all positions.
Provision included for Employer PRSI calculated at 11.05%.
Costs are exclusive of onboarding and recruitment costs.
Capital Expenditure Programme
Ceisteanna (552)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:552. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the capital and current funding allocated to the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training in 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [31597/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is an independent research and training organisation funded by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. NIBRT conducts R&D and provides highly specialised training and skills development to support the biologics sector in Ireland and globally. NIBRT is located in a purpose built, world-class facility on the campus of University College Dublin. This facility replicates a modern bioprocessing plant, with state-of-the-art equipment, and enables NIBRT to offer the highest quality training and research solutions.
A significant expansion to NIBRT’s Cell and Gene Therapies facility was launched in 2022 which included investment of €15 million in a 1,600 sq. m. building expansion and €3m in equipment, with further investment in research teams as well as additional trainers with Cell and Gene Therapy expertise to grow the Institute’s capability and Ireland’s Cell and Gene Therapy offering.
In 2023, the IDA Board approved funding to support the institute’s 5-year strategic plan 2024-2028, a key part of which is to grow NIBRT's global brand and deepen its research capabilities and enable the continued growth of the biologics sector. In this regard, NIBRT continues to be a key asset for Ireland in the attraction of significant new biologic manufacturing investments such as Eli Lilly in Limerick, BioMarin in Cork, Astellas in Tralee and BMS in Dublin. Furthermore, the allocated funding for 2024 will support capability development in advanced therapeutic areas including Cell and Gene Therapies, antibody drug conjugates and mRNA therapeutics. The funding will also support the continuity of skills development and research capabilities across both traditional protein and advanced therapeutic modalities to enable Ireland to continue to win new biologics manufacturing investments in the future.
The table below outlines the capital and current funding allocated to the NIBRT in 2023 and 2024.
|
2023 |
2024 |
|
€9m |
€5.27m * |
*Estimated figure for 2024
Health and Safety
Ceisteanna (553)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:553. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will introduce regulations requiring the testing of metals in tampons by manufacturers. [31600/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department recognises the importance of ensuring that products placed on the market are safe.
Tampons and sanitary pads fall under the scope of the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC1 as transposed into Irish law by S.I. No. 199/2004.
These Regulations oblige producers to place only safe products on the market and producers must ensure that products are safe and provide consumers with the relevant information to enable them to assess the risks that are inherent in a product and to take precautions against those risks. The Regulations provide that, in the absence of applicable European standards or standards at national level in relation to particular product, codes of good practice in force in the sector concerned shall be considered to assess the safety of a product. The Code sets out producers are to provide consumers with standardised health-related information, such as reference to the toxic shock syndrome risk on the packaging, and with more detailed information and guidance in the instructions for use.
With the forthcoming General Product Safety Regulation, which replaces the General Product Safety Directive, the regulatory framework for non-harmonised consumer goods, such as female sanitary products, will be significantly strengthened.
If a consumer has concerns around the safety of tampons and sanitary pads, then they can contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) who are the competent authority with responsibility for products, such as tampons and sanitary pads, that come under the General Product Safety Directive. The CCPC will investigate the concerns and if warranted take appropriate action.
In addition, COMMISSION DECISION (EU) 2023/1809 of 14 September 2023 establishing the EU Ecolabel criteria for absorbent hygiene products and for reusable menstrual cups in 2020, sets out limit values for of a list of chemicals/ metals before such products can be awarded EU Ecolabel.
Industrial Development
Ceisteanna (554)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:554. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the locations where IDA are constructing new advanced building solutions; and when each of these new locations will be completed in tabular form. [31685/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In a challenging and increasingly competitive environment for FDI globally, the availability of property and infrastructure solutions that meet the needs of investors can be a key differentiator in investment decisions and winning FDI projects.
IDA’s Regional Property Programme ensures the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to attract current and prospective clients to locate in the regions. In this regard, IDA’s current strategy, 'Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, 2021-2024', outlines objectives for delivery of property solutions throughout the country.
Under the strategy IDA is progressing the delivery of 19 Advanced Building Solutions (ABS) across the regions and is partnering with the private sector and Local Authorities to deliver further buildings in key locations. Eight of the 19 buildings are complete. The locations and completion date for each of these are as follows:
|
Building Name |
Location |
Completion Period |
|
Dundalk |
Finnabair Business Park Dundalk Co Louth |
Q3 2022 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo Business & Technology Park Finisklin Sligo |
Q4 2021 |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan Business & Technology Park Monaghan |
Q3 2021 |
|
Limerick |
Raheen Business Park Limerick |
Q4 2022 |
|
Limerick |
National Technology Park Limerick |
Q4 2021 |
|
Waterford |
Waterford Business & Technology Park |
Q1 2023 |
|
Carlow |
IDA Business & Technology Park Dublin Road Carlow |
Q4 2023 |
|
Athlone |
Athlone Business & Technology Park Westmeath |
Q4 2023 |
The completion stages of the remaining 11 buildings are outlined below:
|
Building Name |
Location |
Completion Stage |
|
Sligo |
Oakfield Business Park |
Under Construction |
|
Galway |
Parkmore, Galway |
Under Construction |
|
Athlone |
Garrycastle, Athlone |
Demolition & Site Clearance Complete |
|
Mullingar |
Mullingar, Co Westmeath |
Planning Granted |
|
Cavan |
Cavan |
Under Construction |
|
Letterkenny |
Letterkenny, Co Donegal |
Contractor Procurement |
|
Drogheda |
Drogheda, Co Louth |
Planning Stage |
|
Tralee |
Tralee, Co Kerry |
Advance Planning Stage |
|
Longford |
Longford |
Site Identification |
|
Oranmore |
Galway |
Site Identification |
|
Castlebar |
Castlebar, Co Mayo |
Site Identification |
The delivery of the Regional Property Programme is dependent on a wide range of external stakeholders and FDI client timelines. Furthermore, many factors impact on timelines for the delivery of construction projects including site identification, willing vendors, planning, procurement & a variety of macro-economic factors. Capital-intensive property investment projects by their very nature run over multiple years. In that regard, the construction industry continues to be impacted by global supply chains and cost inflation challenges whole IDA Property Division continues to monitor these challenges and the impact of same on the delivery of the Regional Property Programme. IDA will continue to use its best endeavours to deliver all buildings in a timely manner.
Living Wage
Ceisteanna (555)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:555. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated number of workers who will benefit from the third step in moving towards the living wage in 2025; and the number of workers who will benefit from the fourth and final step in moving towards the living wage in 2026. [31791/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the current National Minimum Wage is €12.70 per hour, which represents €1.40 increase, or 12.4%, on the 2023 rate of €11.30 per hour. This increase, which took effect on 1st January 2024, was considered the second increase on the path towards reaching a living wage of 60% of the median wage.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has informed me that in Q1 2024 there were 190,300 employees who reported that they earned the National Minimum Wage, with a further 45,700 reporting that they earned less than the National Minimum Wage of €12.70. The total number of employees in Q1 2024 was 2,337,400. A combined total of 236,000 employees reported that they earned the National Minimum Wage or less. This represents 10.6% of the total, excluding those recorded as ‘not stated’. Employees can earn less than the National Minimum Wage if they are among groups exempted by the National Minimum Wage Acts or if they are paid sub-minimum (youth) rates of the National Minimum Wage.
It is not possible to estimate the number of workers who will be in receipt of the minimum wage in future years as this is contingent on the future development of the labour market and any further changes in the National Minimum Wage.
Under the National Minimum Wages Acts the Low Pay Commission is required to make a recommendation on the National Minimum Wage by the third Tuesday of July each year.
The Low Pay Commission submitted their recommendation for the 2025 National Minimum Wage to me last week.
Government will make a decision on the appropriate rate of the 2025 National Minimum Wage later in the year.
Living Wage
Ceisteanna (556)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:556. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current living wage as calculated by the Government’s formula at 60% of the median wage for 2024; what this works out at per year; what it works out at per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31792/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, in 2021 the Low Pay Commission was asked to examine the Programme for Government commitment to progress to a living wage and provide recommendations on how best to achieve this commitment.
The Low Pay Commission’s recommendations were received and considered and in November 2022, Government agreed 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. The Government announced that this would be achieved by incremental adjustment to the National Minimum Wage.
The introduction of a living wage is an important step Government is taking towards eradicating low-wage employment for all workers.
In their 2023 Annual Report the Low Pay Commission estimated that the indicative National Living Wage for 2024, calculated at 60% of median hourly wages, would be €13.82 per hour.
A notional employee earning this indicative living wage and working a 39-hour week would earn a notional gross weekly wage of €539, or a €28,027 gross notional annual salary.
The Low Pay Commission submitted their recommendation for the 2025 National Minimum Wage to me last week.
The Low Pay Commission’s report, which will be published in due course, includes revised estimates of the median wage in 2024, using the most up-to-date data and data sources available to them.
Government will make a decision and announcement on the 2025 National Minimum Wage later this year.
Trade Data
Ceisteanna (557)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:557. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total value of imports from Israel for 2023 and to date in 2024, segmented by type of product; and if any Department or agency imports products or services from Israel. [31906/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Central Statistics Office compiles trade data for individual countries on a monthly basis.
According to the most recent data available from the CSO, the value of goods imports from Israel in the period 2023 was €3,609,825 million and the value of goods imports from January to May 2024 was €1,534,019 million.
Services trade data for individual countries is not yet available for 2023 or 2024.
It should be noted that statistics and records are not collated in respect of the geographical origin of goods used by individual Departments and agencies.
|
Imports (Goods) |
Jan-Dec 2023 |
Jan-May 2024 |
|
Product Group |
Value (€000) |
Value (€000) |
|
Food and live animals |
10,509 |
4,161 |
|
Beverages and tobacco |
2 |
1 |
|
Crude materials, inedible, except fuels |
271 |
84 |
|
Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials |
10 |
12 |
|
Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes |
29 |
5 |
|
Chemicals and related products |
59,167 |
29,022 |
|
Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material |
9,325 |
3,969 |
|
Machinery and transport equipment |
3,466,019 |
1,477,433 |
|
Miscellaneous manufactured articles |
64,492 |
19,332 |
|
Commodities and transactions not classified elsewhere |
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
3,609,825 |
1,534,019 |
Trade Data
Ceisteanna (558)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:558. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total value of exports to Israel for 2023 and to date in 2024, segmented by type of product; and if any Department or agency exports products or services to Israel. [31907/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Central Statistics Office compiles trade data for individual countries on a monthly basis.
According to the most recent data available from the CSO, the value of goods exports to Israel in 2023 was €511,538 million – and the value of goods exports from January – May 2024 (latest data available) was €495,485 million.
Services trade data for individual countries is not yet available for 2023 or 2024.
It should be noted that statistics and records are not collated in respect of the geographical origin of goods used by individual Departments and agencies.
|
Exports (Goods) |
Jan-Dec 2023 |
Jan-May 2024 |
|
Product Group |
Value (€000) |
Value (€000) |
|
Food and live animals |
31,909 |
15,858 |
|
Beverages and tobacco |
3,107 |
2,893 |
|
Crude materials, inedible, except fuels |
855 |
101 |
|
Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials |
3,058 |
1,214 |
|
Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes |
18 |
15 |
|
Chemicals and related products |
259,658 |
124,706 |
|
Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material |
6,255 |
2,425 |
|
Machinery and transport equipment |
181,771 |
315,124 |
|
Miscellaneous manufactured articles |
24,906 |
33,149 |
|
Commodities and transactions not classified elsewhere |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
511,538 |
495,485 |
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (559)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:559. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in each local authority that have been approved for the increased cost of business grant; the total amount allocated in each local authority area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32152/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Increased Cost of Business Scheme was announced in Budget 2024. It has been allocated €257m and it has been specifically designed to target smaller businesses.
It was initially opened for registrations between 14 March and 1 May. However on 15 May, I announced two changes to the Scheme as part of the wider SME package. Firstly registration was reopened for an additional two weeks to allow businesses another chance to sign up for the grant; and, secondly, those businesses operating in the hospitality and retail sectors that qualify for ICOB would receive a double, or second, payment under the scheme.
In total, there have been 72,719 registrations representing 81,650 businesses, or two-thirds of the potentially eligible businesses. All Local Authorities are doing everything possible to get payments out to qualifying businesses as quickly as possible. This is highlighted by the fact that almost €166million has now been paid out under the Scheme to over 67,000 businesses.
The requested figures are as follows:
|
Local Authority |
Registrations |
Properties |
Approvals |
Paid |
Total Value of payments |
|
Carlow County Council |
1009 |
1169 |
1097 |
1097 |
€2,181,062 |
|
Cavan County Council |
1229 |
1374 |
1195 |
1195 |
€1,638,151 |
|
Clare County Council |
2074 |
2501 |
2036 |
2036 |
€3,809,737 |
|
Cork City Council |
4097 |
4418 |
3533 |
3530 |
€9,018,693 |
|
Cork County Council |
5658 |
6225 |
4890 |
4880 |
€8,690,620 |
|
Donegal County Council |
2482 |
2881 |
2325 |
2325 |
€4,142,459 |
|
Dublin City Council |
7983 |
8760 |
7873 |
7796 |
€20,808,704 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
2675 |
2807 |
2392 |
2256 |
€9,506,755 |
|
Fingal County Council |
3043 |
3258 |
2828 |
2827 |
€8,384,346 |
|
Galway City Council |
1944 |
2130 |
1999 |
1999 |
€7,659,124 |
|
Galway County Council |
1946 |
2235 |
2030 |
2030 |
€3,733,200 |
|
Kerry County Council |
2613 |
2835 |
2030 |
1921 |
€4,007,594 |
|
Kildare County Council |
3179 |
3284 |
3049 |
3048 |
€9,917,248 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
1494 |
1704 |
1565 |
1564 |
€2,704,187 |
|
Laois County Council |
972 |
1083 |
973 |
891 |
€1,667,270 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
495 |
550 |
485 |
485 |
€653,827 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
3159 |
4048 |
3603 |
3603 |
€7,110,318 |
|
Longford County Council |
789 |
940 |
856 |
855 |
€2,067,316 |
|
Louth County Council |
2056 |
2527 |
1904 |
1760 |
€3,480,031 |
|
Mayo County Council |
2634 |
2805 |
1771 |
1771 |
€5,570,523 |
|
Meath County Council |
2574 |
2751 |
1854 |
1854 |
€3,891,807 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
1263 |
1473 |
1359 |
1359 |
€1,976,717 |
|
Offaly County Council |
1046 |
1193 |
1028 |
1025 |
€2,088,858 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
1070 |
1106 |
1035 |
1012 |
€1,510,512 |
|
Sligo County Council |
1041 |
1147 |
1035 |
1035 |
€2,752,426 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
3118 |
3739 |
2340 |
2274 |
€9,257,126 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
2600 |
3156 |
2308 |
2308 |
€3,811,881 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
2150 |
2456 |
2101 |
2101 |
€6,260,549 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
1440 |
1630 |
1584 |
1584 |
€4,498,980 |
|
Wexford County Council |
2738 |
2964 |
2846 |
2846 |
€9,118,130 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
2148 |
2501 |
2198 |
2174 |
€3,917,573 |
|
Totals |
72,719 |
81,650 |
68,122 |
67,441 |
€165,835,726 |
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (560)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:560. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the digital transition fund; the amount allocated under the fund; the number of companies in each county that have been supported under the fund to date, in tabular for; the amount of funding allocated per county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32153/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s National Digital Strategy “Harnessing Digital” sets out Ireland’s ambition to be a digital leader at the heart of European and global digital developments. To achieve this it is imperative that our enterprise base, particularly our SME base, accelerate the integration of digital technology across all business areas.
To support the digital transformation of our enterprise base, €85 million in funding is being made available through Ireland’s Resilience and Recovery Plan.
This includes direct funding to enterprise as well as funding to European Digital Innovation Hubs. These Hubs function as 'one-stop shops,' offering low/no cost access to technical expertise, innovation services, and training to support digital transformation to of SMEs.
Direct grant supports are available under the Digital Transition Fund from Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta through a range of digital schemes which are aimed at enhancing the digitalisation of businesses, particularly SMEs, across various aspects, including products, processes, supply chains, and business models.
As of Q2 2024, 305 companies have been approved for direct-to-company funding to the value of just over €33.5 million. This funding is supporting companies at all stages of their digital journey, from initial online presence to advanced digitalisation of products and processes. It is also facilitating exporting and the use of digital technologies to create new markets and business models.
The table below is a breakdown of funding by county and shows that companies across the regions in Ireland are taking action to digitalise and are benefitting from funds under the Digital Transition Fund to do so.
|
Client County |
No. of Clients Approved |
Approval € |
|
Carlow |
4 |
€1,269,834 |
|
Cavan |
9 |
€526,487 |
|
Clare |
2 |
€401,616 |
|
Cork |
37 |
€3,144,254 |
|
Donegal |
8 |
€204,667 |
|
Dublin |
92 |
€12,035,773 |
|
Galway |
17 |
€2,850,819 |
|
Kerry |
3 |
€509,712 |
|
Kildare |
10 |
€519,688 |
|
Kilkenny |
4 |
€190,509 |
|
Laois |
4 |
€236,435 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
€949,400 |
|
Limerick |
14 |
€1,830,411 |
|
Longford |
3 |
€1,733,386 |
|
Louth |
13 |
€1,333,485 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
€478,687 |
|
Meath |
10 |
€184,536 |
|
Monaghan |
17 |
€1,404,939 |
|
Offaly |
5 |
€254,970 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
€35,000 |
|
Sligo |
5 |
€391,986 |
|
Tipperary |
9 |
€751,785 |
|
Waterford |
7 |
€343,456 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
€416,497 |
|
Wexford |
7 |
€194,874 |
|
Wicklow |
14 |
€1,328,219 |
|
Total Approved at end Q2 2024 |
305 |
€33,521,425 |