Written Answers Nos. 134-153
134. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Finance the additional cost to the State of increasing the help to buy scheme limit from €30,000 to €40,000 and increasing the price limit to €550,000, based on an average claim of €30,000, and 8,000 approvals per year. [43740/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra135. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Finance the additional cost to the State of increasing the help to buy scheme limit from €30,000 to €40,000 and increasing the price limit to €550,000, based on an average claim of €30,000, and 9,000 approvals per year. [43741/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.
The annual cost of the Help to Buy scheme is set out in the Cost of Tax Expenditures publication, which is available on the Revenue website at:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/tax-expenditures/costs-tax-expenditures.pdf
For 2023, there were 7,000 claims for Help to Buy with a total cost of €185 million, resulting in an average cost of €26,400.
To address the scenarios outlined by the Deputy:
• If 8,000 properties are claimed for at an average claim of €30,000, the estimated cost would be €240 million, with an additional cost to the Exchequer of €55 million.
• If 9,000 properties are claimed for at an average claim of €30,000, the estimated cost would be €270 million, with an additional cost to the Exchequer of €85 million.
These estimates assume that all claimants have paid sufficient tax over the previous four years to fully utilise the maximum amount of Help to Buy relief available to them in each case.
136. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Finance the cost of increasing the exemption limit of €14,000 to €16,000, €18,000 and €20,000 under the rent-a-room tax relief scheme, based on no increase in take-up compared to 2023 levels. [43743/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra137. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Finance the cost of increasing the exemption limit of €14,000 to €16,000, €18,000 and €20,000 under the rent-a-room tax relief scheme, based on a 10% increase in take-up compared to 2023 levels. [43744/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.
I am advised by Revenue that it is not possible to estimate the costs for the changes to the rent a room scheme as suggested by the Deputy.
Taxpayers with rental income in excess of the current rent-a-room limit are taxed on their entire rental income in the normal way. It is not possible for Revenue to identify which taxpayers with rental income could qualify for this scheme, with the proposed changes, as it is not possible to determine if they would meet the eligibility criteria for rent-a-room, specifically if those declaring rental income are in receipt of this income from letting out a room in their own house.
I am also advised by Revenue that the numbers availing of the rent-a-room relief and the cost to the Exchequer can be obtained by consulting Revenue’s Cost of Tax Expenditures report, which can be found on the Revenue website at:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/cost/index.aspx.
138. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Finance the revenue generated by increasing the domestic tax on e-cigarettes to all e-liquids at a rate of an extra 50c per ml of e-liquid per year, reaching €3 per year by 2030. [43745/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I announced on Budget Day I am introducing a domestic tax on e-cigarettes on public health grounds. The tax will apply to all e-liquids at a rate of 50c per ml of e-liquid. Due to the operational and administrative challenges associated with this measure it will not commence until the middle of next year.
While it is difficult to determine the exact yield the e-liquid products tax will generate, based on the e-cigarette market size in Ireland and the prevalence of e-cigarette products, it is estimated that a tax of 50 cent per millilitre of e-liquid will yield approximately €17 million in a full year.
In light of the fact that the tax base for e-liquids has not yet been established it is not possible to estimate the impact of potential tax rate changes on future yields.
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139. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Finance the revenue generated by increasing the excise duty on cigarettes by 50c each year from 2026 to 2030. [43746/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the estimated yield from increasing the rate of excise duty on cigarettes by 50c is published on page 25 of the Ready Reckoner. The Ready Reckoner enables calculation of the cost or yield arising from a range of potential changes to tax charges and is available on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/ready-reckoner/index.aspx . An update of the Ready Reckoner is due to issue by 25 October 2024.
I am further advised that Revenue cannot provide estimates for later years due to the unknown nature of the future tax base and future economic behaviour.
140. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if a revision of tax-free allowances with regard to inheritance will be examined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43797/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the Deputy's request for a revision of the Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) tax-free thresholds and the example provided in regards to a couple who do not have children but wish to leave property to their niece or nephew, the following reliefs/exemptions are available for the purposes of CAT.
Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) is a tax which applies to both gifts and inheritances. For CAT purposes, the relationship between the person giving a gift or inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person who receives it (i.e. the beneficiary) determines the maximum amount, known as the “Group threshold”, below which CAT does not arise.
The following changes to the CAT tax-free thresholds which took effect from midnight on 2 October 2024;
• The Group A threshold increased from €335,000 to €400,000 and applies where the beneficiary is a child, including adopted children, stepchildren and certain foster children, of the disponer.
• The Group B threshold increased from €32,500 to €40,000 and applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, nephew, niece or lineal ancestor or lineal descendant such as a grandchild of the disponer.
• The Group C threshold increased from €16,250 to €20,000 and applies in all other cases.
The standard rate of CAT is 33% in respect of gifts and inheritances taken on or after 6th December 2012. This rate has remained unchanged.
For clarity it is useful to note that the definition for children for CAT purposes includes any stepchildren, adopted children or certain foster children. All can avail of the Group A threshold in respect of gifts and inheritances received from that disponer.
In addition, nieces or nephews of that disponer may qualify for favourite niece or favourite nephew relief in respect of gifts or inheritances of business assets. The relief allows a niece or nephew who qualifies for the relief to avail of the Group A threshold. Qualifying nieces or nephews are those who have worked substantially on a full-time basis for a period of five years prior to the gift or inheritance being given in carrying on, or assisting in the carrying on, the trade, business or profession, of the disponer.
For the nephew or niece to be deemed to be working substantially on a full-time basis in the business he or she must work:
• more than 24 hours per week at the place where the business, trade or profession is carried on; or
• more than 15 hours per week at the place where the business, trade or profession is carried on exclusively by the disponer, any spouse or civil partner of the disponer and the nephew or niece.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that there is an exemption from CAT where dwelling houses are bequeathed by individuals who:
• have lived there for a specified period of time before the inheritance,
• will continue to live there for a specified period of time after the inheritance, and
• who have no beneficial interest in any other residential property at the date of the inheritance.
The policy rationale behind the dwelling house exemption is to protect the family home by ensuring that a beneficiary who has been living with the disponer, and will continue to reside there after the inheritance, does not have to sell that family home to pay a CAT liability and thus will continue to have somewhere to live. It is not necessary for the beneficiary of an inheritance under the dwelling house exemption to be a child or relative of the disponer.
The options available for setting CAT thresholds must be balanced against competing demands. The increases announced as part of Budget 2025 represent meaningful increases across all thresholds and are part of a broader package to support taxpayers across the country.
141. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the number of help-to-buy claims approved since 1 July 2020, broken down by county, along with the number of applicants associated with these claims; and the number of claims by homebuyers (excluding self-builds), broken down by county, and which is the number of these claims relating to purchases. [43816/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the table below provides the requested data on claims approved since 1 July 2020, as of 19 October 2024. This table contains information on the number of approved Help to Buy (HtB) claims, the number of applicants associated with these claims, the number of approved HtB claims in respect of the purchase of new houses or apartments, and the number of approved HtB claims in respect of self builds, broken down by county.
|
Property County |
All Approved Claims |
Number of Applicants associated with the Approved Claims |
Approved Claims - purchase of new houses or apartments |
Approved Claims – self builds |
|
Carlow |
376 |
653 |
238 |
138 |
|
Cavan |
339 |
620 |
137 |
202 |
|
Clare |
567 |
1,032 |
230 |
337 |
|
Cork |
4,781 |
8,715 |
3,691 |
1,090 |
|
Donegal |
661 |
1,177 |
258 |
403 |
|
Dublin |
4,672 |
8,541 |
4,598 |
74 |
|
Galway |
1,569 |
2,847 |
765 |
804 |
|
Kerry |
405 |
738 |
79 |
326 |
|
Kildare |
4,219 |
7,801 |
4,039 |
180 |
|
Kilkenny |
666 |
1,212 |
345 |
321 |
|
Laois |
934 |
1,706 |
717 |
217 |
|
Leitrim |
93 |
173 |
16 |
77 |
|
Limerick |
1,028 |
1,840 |
655 |
373 |
|
Longford |
97 |
180 |
10 |
87 |
|
Louth |
1,423 |
2,589 |
1,219 |
204 |
|
Mayo |
642 |
1,163 |
233 |
409 |
|
Meath |
3,280 |
6,043 |
2,805 |
475 |
|
Monaghan |
357 |
652 |
74 |
283 |
|
Offaly |
610 |
1,111 |
356 |
254 |
|
Roscommon |
273 |
498 |
91 |
182 |
|
Sligo |
289 |
498 |
172 |
117 |
|
Tipperary |
510 |
922 |
136 |
374 |
|
Waterford |
900 |
1,626 |
671 |
229 |
|
Westmeath |
573 |
1,049 |
362 |
211 |
|
Wexford |
1,281 |
2,298 |
820 |
461 |
|
Wicklow |
1,517 |
2,821 |
1,338 |
179 |
|
Total |
32,062 |
58,505 |
24,055 |
8,007 |
142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which finance investment companies are currently in engaged in the repossession of family homes, the mortgages for which they acquired at a reduced price and are now continuing to enforce the collection of the entire original mortgage or debt inclusive of interest arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43841/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that the Central Bank of Ireland publishes quarterly mortgage arrears statistics on its website that provide detailed information on the volume and status of mortgage accounts in arrears. The latest statistics published by the Central Bank relate to the mortgage arrears position as at June 2024.
These statistics show that the number of principal dwelling house (PDH) accounts in arrears over 90 days was 28,197 at end June 2024. This figure represents 4 per cent of all PDH accounts, the lowest proportion of mortgage accounts in such arrears since Q4 2009.
At end-June, 17,646 PDH accounts (2.5 per cent of total accounts outstanding) were in early arrears (less than 90 days), down from 18,851 at end-March 2024 (2.7 per cent of total).
In June 2024, 39 per cent of PDH accounts in arrears were held by banks and 61 per cent were held by non-bank entities. By way of comparison, in June 2023, 45 per cent were held by banks and the remaining 55 per cent were held by non-banks.
The majority of accounts in mortgage arrears of any length (45,843) are not currently subject to legal proceedings. No formal demand had been issued in respect of 31,235 PDH mortgage accounts in arrears (68 per cent) at end June 2024. A further 5,049 accounts (11 per cent) were at the formal demand issued stage, but legal proceedings had not yet commenced. A further 4,977 PDH accounts (11 per cent) currently have legal proceedings in process; this includes cases at Civil Bill lodgement stage and where the case is still active before the courts.
During the second quarter of 2024, a total of 32 PDH properties were taken into possession by lenders. As a result, lenders were in possession of 149 properties at end of Q2 2024. 101 of these properties in possession were held by non-bank entities with the remaining 48 held by banks.
The Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) forms part of the Central Bank’s consumer protection framework and is a key part of the Central Bank’s mortgage arrears framework. Each regulated entity, be that a bank, retail credit firm (RCF) or credit servicing firm (CSF), must consider the borrower’s situation in the context of the solutions they provide, which may differ from firm to firm. The CCMA does not prescribe the solution which must be offered.
Provision 56 of the CCMA provides that a regulated entity may only commence legal proceedings for repossession of a borrower’s primary residence where the regulated entity has made every reasonable effort under the CCMA to agree an alternative repayment arrangement with the borrower or his/her nominated representative.
The CCMA must be complied with under the law and the Central Bank has the power to take enforcement action against any regulated entity who does not act in compliance with the CCMA. The Central Bank continues to supervise compliance with the CCMA and will investigate any issues that arise, including patterns of behaviour that suggest that the CCMA process is not being followed.
The level of mortgage arrears in Ireland continues to decline each year and the continued resolution of these arrears remains a key policy for the Government. In September, I published the report of the interdepartmental Mortgage Arrears Review Group. This group had been tasked to review the operation of the mortgage arrears resolution framework and identify any reforms or improvements that could be made to better address the problem of long-term mortgage arrears and emerging early arrears.
I look forward to the recommendations of the group being implemented and would urge any borrower in mortgage distress to engage with their lender or seek advice from MABS or from a personal insolvency practitioner. Engagement is key to finding a possible solution to problem debt.
143. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reason the OPW has not prepared a national strategy for river drainage and maintenance measures to manage flood risk, and allocate sufficient resources to, and begin, its implementation in conjunction with the local authorities, as recommended in the July 2010 report of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government following the severe floods in winter 2009/2010 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43663/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra144. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reason the OPW has not liaised with the local authorities in the allocation of funding for river drainage and maintenance, as each local authority was recommended in the report to include a separate budget figure for the drainage and maintenance of rivers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43664/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.
Following on from the severe flooding that occurred in winter 2015/2016, the Government’s flood risk policy was focussed on the development of the national Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme and bringing forward policies and measures, informed by the CFRAM outputs, that could support individuals and communities to respond effectively to flood risks. The output from the CFRAM, the 29 Flood Risk Management Plans which were published by the Government in 2018, set out both structural and non-structural measures to manage the flood risk in the communities at potentially significant flood risk and elsewhere around the country.
The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of the FRMPS and flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk. Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities throughout the country, to treble the number of schemes at design, planning and construction to some 100 schemes at this time.
Nationally, 55 schemes have been completed to date which are providing protection to over 13,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damage and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion. Consequently, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or underway and when the programme is completed 95% of the properties assessed to be at risk will be protected. The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, Individual Property Protection, the Voluntary Homeowners Relocation Scheme, enhanced preparedness and flood forecasting is addressing residual risks. The Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group is also considering further feasible proposals for Government to support and assist households and communities through non-structural flood risk management and mitigation measures.
The OPW is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes and Flood Relief Schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995 as amended. The maintenance of all drainage schemes carried out under earlier Acts, known as Drainage Districts, is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority.
In general, responsibility for watercourses outside of the remit of local authorities and the OPW is a matter for the landowner(s) concerned who have an important role in ensuring that watercourses are managed and free flowing so that in extreme weather events the risk of flooding can be minimised. A guide to the rights and responsibilities of landowners is available online at: static-floodinfo.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/static/floodmaps/docs/Living%2BNear%2BWatercourses%2B-%2BA%2BGuide%2Bto%2Bthe%2BRights%2Band%2BResponsibilities%2Bof%2BLandowners.pdf .
Where flood risk relates to communities, the local authority may apply to the OPW for funding of flood mitigation works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects, with the balance being funded by the local authority concerned. Any application received is considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, which comprise economic, social and environmental criteria including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
145. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the cost of a new public sector deal from 2026 to 2030, based on the same parameters and percentage increases in place under the current deal. [43782/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn total, the Public Service Agreement 2024 – 2026 provides for increases of 10.25% over a two and a half year period. In relation to the pay adjustments, the key parameters and percentage increases provided for are:
• Seven general round increases totalling 9.25%, four of which have minimum increases attached; and
• A provision for a Local Bargaining mechanism equivalent to 1% of the basic pay cost.
Over the lifetime of the agreement, the lowest paid public servants will see benefits of up to 17.3%, inclusive of the local bargaining provision.
The estimated cost of the current Public Service Agreement 2024 – 2026 is €3.6 billion over its lifetime.
146. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for further measures for SMEs, including the hospitality and retail sectors, to assist with ongoing impacts due to rising costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43590/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2024, my Department and the Department of Social Protection published an assessment of the combined impact of proposed measures to improve working conditions in Ireland – including the transition to the Living Wage and increasing the number of days of Statutory Sick Leave. Reflecting the findings of this assessment, a range of measures were announced to assist businesses in adjusting to these increased costs and to improve the cost competitiveness of firms more generally. 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, which will ensure that employers with employees earning the weekly equivalent of the national minimum wage will pay the lower rate of employer PRSI rate of 8.8%.
• Launching a second phase of the ICOB 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, extending it to all sectors up to 50 employees, modernise eligible expenditure 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 and extending it to all sectors with up to 50 employees.
• Launching a new ‘Ireland’s Best Entrepreneur Programme’ to encourage entrepreneurship and startups in under-represented groups.
• 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 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.
With regards to specific supports for the retail and hospitality sector, Budget 2025 provided €170m for the introduction of a Power-Up Grant to be provided to retail and hospitality business. Hospitality and Retail businesses who received a second payment under the Increased Cost of Business Scheme will be eligible to receive a grant payment of €4,000 under the Power Up Grant once they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
The Power Up Grant follows on from the success of the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Scheme which over the last 6 months has paid out over €244m to almost 75,000 SMEs across the country. As in the case of the Increased Cost of Business Scheme, registrations for the Power Up Grant will be managed on behalf of the Department by the Local Authorities. It is expected the Local Authorities will open the portal for registrations shortly. It is intended that the majority of the grant payments under the Scheme will be made before the end of this year.
It is important to note also that the Power Up Grant incorporates a broader category of businesses than those impacted by the hospitality sector, including those operating in the retail sector. Consequently, like the second payment of ICOB, it will be beneficial to many pubs who do not sell food or to whom food sales are a small portion of revenue. As the standard rate of VAT applies on alcohol, alcohol sales are not impacted by the hospitality VAT rate.
In addition, Budget 2025 provided a range of enterprise tax supports for businesses, including:
• Changes to CGT Retirement Relief to support inter-generational transfers;
• Raising the VAT registration threshold to €85,000 for goods and €42,500 for services.
• Enhancements to Small Company Start Up Relief;
• Increasing the Small Benefit Exemption Limit to €1,500, and the number of benefits allowable from 2 to 5 annually;
• Extending BIK relief for certain categories of vehicles;
• €125 increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit;
I have no current intention to introduce any additional schemes, beyond those announced in the Budget, for the hospitality and retails sectors, or for any other sector.
147. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports being considered for SMEs in the use of AI technologies for their businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43591/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National AI Strategy is part of a suite of Government digital strategies under the overarching National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital, published in February 2022. My Department is responsible for implementing the actions in both strategies that relate to digitalisation and AI adoption in enterprise.
The overall aim of the AI Strategy is to drive the development and adoption of trustworthy, person-centred AI for economic and societal good.
A refresh of the National AI Strategy will be published in the coming weeks with actions for a range of government Departments and agencies. It aims to balance innovation with proportionate regulation and trust-building measures.
We now have a package of targeted supports for businesses to digitalise. Firstly, the Grow Digital Portal, is a website with a 5-minutes assessment that helps businesses to assess their progress on digitalisation and opportunities for improvement as well as presenting relatable case studies of businesses that have benefited from technology adoption.
Secondly, the LEOs Digital for Business consultancy scheme provides expert digital consultants to help businesses explore technology adoption opportunities.
Thirdly, the new LEOs Grow Digital Voucher, launched on 4 September 2024 offers businesses with up to 50 employees in all sectors up to €5,000 towards deployment of a wide range of digital software solutions. This represents a significant expansion on the previous Trading Online Voucher. We want to get the message out that deploying digital tools and technologies, including AI, can help businesses of all sizes, from sole traders up, to save time and money, and ultimately make them more competitive.
Government has established four European Digital Innovation Hubs to help businesses, and SMEs in particular, in evaluating and adopting digital and AI tools. I would like to draw particular attention to CeADAR, Ireland's Centre for Applied AI, which acts as the bridge between the worlds of applied research in AI and data analytics and their commercial deployment by business.
My Department established an Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum to assist Government to drive industry adoption of AI and other digital technologies. The DETE is also working with business representative groups to develop a collaborative campaign to increase digital and AI adoption among micro business and SMEs.
Enterprise Ireland recently introduced a new Cybersecurity grant for client companies and will increase the focus on helping its client base to adopt digital and AI tools as part of its new five-year strategy, to commence in 2025.
Government will help businesses to navigate this period of rapid technological change, to take advantage of the opportunities of AI, and to protect themselves from the risks.
148. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits that were taken by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland clients to each of the local electoral areas (LEAs) in Wexford; the number of jobs that were created by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland in each of the LEAs in the counties; the value of the investments made by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland client companies in each of the LEAs in the counties in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43652/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, and is a key focus of the work of my Department and our Agencies. In this regard, the availability of property and infrastructure solutions is a key factor in investment decisions and a robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects.
IDA Ireland’s Regional Property Programme is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across the country by providing property solutions for its own as well as Enterprise Ireland and LEO clients, and IDA Ireland facilitates both virtual and in-person sites visits for companies. Data on the number of site visits is provided on a county level and figures from 2019 to 2023 for site visits to County Wexford are set in the table that follows. In addition, there was one site visit to Wexford to Q2 this year. In interpreting the figures, it should be noted that potential clients may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once and the figures being provided represent individual visits and therefore, may not be indicative of the number of companies that have visited.
|
Wexford |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
IDA site visits |
6 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland client companies created 3,119 jobs in County Wexford over the past five years and the breakdown of annual job creation in the County is outlined in the table below:
|
Wexford |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
IDA Jobs Gained |
469 |
209 |
259 |
222 |
215 |
|
EI Jobs Gained |
367 |
232 |
312 |
535 |
299 |
Grant Payments to both IDA and EI clients in County Wexford over the last 5 years are shown below:
|
Wexford |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
IDA |
€155,000 |
€260,158 |
€652,455 |
€320,697 |
€273,226 |
|
EI |
€1,569,501 |
€5,684,223 |
€3,094,070 |
€2,916,237 |
€1,381,339 |
There was an additional €928,270 paid by EI towards infrastructural clients in County Wexford, comprised of €899,389 in 2023 and €28,881 during 2022.
I should note that grants paid in a particular year are not necessarily linked to either the investments won, or the jobs created in that 12-month period. Grants are generally drawn down over the lifetime of a project which is typically over a period of three to five years. Equally, some investments which result in job creation may not be grant aided and some well-established firms may no longer be receiving grant payments.
149. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the companies in Wexford that have benefitted from grants from Enterprise Ireland in the past five years, in tabular form; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43653/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise and a particular area of focus in the work of my Department and that of its enterprise agencies.
The latest employment survey results from Enterprise Ireland present a positive outlook for the Irish economy, particularly in the sectors under its remit. According to the Annual Employment Survey 2023, there has been a notable increase in employment levels across industrial and service companies. This growth is not just confined to the capital city but is spread across the country, with 68% of the new jobs being created outside of Dublin.
Furthermore, the survey provides a decade-long perspective on employment trends, offering valuable insights into the evolution of Ireland's industrial and services landscape. Over the seven-year period from 2017 to 2023, there has been a consistent upward trajectory in employment figures for companies supported by Enterprise Ireland in County Wexford, reflecting the success of policies aimed at fostering enterprise and innovation. The strategic focus on diversifying Ireland's economic base and promoting exports has also contributed to this positive trend.
The Annual Employment Surveys indicate that Wexford's economy is on a solid growth path, with Enterprise Ireland playing a pivotal role in supporting businesses and job creation.
In the five years from 2019 to 2023 there were 121 beneficiaries of Enterprise Ireland financial support in County Wexford.
The 121 beneficiaries in County Wexford were the following –
|
Client Name |
|
AEM HEALTH LIMITED |
|
AIRCONMECH LIMITED |
|
AMV SYSTEMS LIMITED |
|
ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER INSURANCE BROKERS (IRELAND) LIMITED |
|
ATTO ABRASIVES LIMITED |
|
BAKU GLS LIMITED |
|
BEAN AND GOOSE LIMITED |
|
BREEN LOGISTICS LIMITED |
|
BUYERPIX LIMITED |
|
CARRAGH CONCRETE & PAVING LIMITED |
|
CARRYMORECARS LIMITED |
|
CEADOGÁN RUGMAKERS LIMITED |
|
CELTIC LINEN LIMITED |
|
CHEVRON COLLEGE LIMITED |
|
CLEARSTREAM TECHNOLOGIES GROUP LIMITED |
|
CLEARSTREAM TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED |
|
COIS NA HABHANN GARDEN CENTRE LIMITED |
|
COLCO DISTRIBUTIONS LIMITED |
|
COOLHULL FARM LIMITED |
|
CULCITA LIMITED |
|
CURRAHEE FOOD CONSULTANCY LIMITED |
|
CUSTOM COMPOST UNLIMITED COMPANY |
|
DEEGANS DISCOUNT STORES LIMITED |
|
DEEP THOUGHT LIMITED |
|
DERMOT KEHOE SUPPLY & D.I.Y. LIMITED |
|
DOMINIC SMITH ELECTRICAL LIMITED |
|
DROVER FOODS LIMITED |
|
DULANN LIMITED |
|
DYNOMED LIMITED |
|
EAMON CULLEN |
|
EASTWING TRANSPORT LIMITED |
|
ELAINE DOWLING |
|
FREEZER QUEEN LIMITED |
|
GABBETT INDUSTRIES LIMITED |
|
GARDINER GRAIN LIMITED |
|
GEOINSURE LIMITED |
|
GLOBAL STEEL MANUFACTURING LIMITED |
|
GOLDEN ESTATES LIMITED |
|
GOOD FOOD MARKETING IRELAND LIMITED |
|
GRAVITY CONSTRUCTION LIMITED |
|
GREENACRES (WEXFORD) LIMITED |
|
GREENVALLEY FARMS LIMITED |
|
GREY MATTER TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED |
|
GTI INVESTMENTS LIMITED |
|
HARTE OUTDOOR LIGHTING LIMITED |
|
HARTECAST LIMITED |
|
HEROIC FOODS LIMITED |
|
HOLOS LIMITED |
|
HORES STORES LIMITED |
|
HOSPITALITY CONNECT SOFTWARE LIMITED |
|
INCUS POWER LIMITED |
|
INNOVATE BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY LIMITED |
|
IRE-WEL PALLETS LIMITED |
|
IRISH COUNTRY MEATS (SHEEPMEAT) UNLIMITED COMPANY |
|
IRISH SEA CONTRACTORS LIMITED |
|
J. J. DEVEREUX LIMITED |
|
J.A. BOLAND & SONS (WEXFORD) LIMITED |
|
JAMES KELLY & SONS (WEXFORD) LIMITED |
|
JOHN MURPHY CONCRETE LIMITED |
|
JOSEPH WALLACE LIMITED |
|
JOYCES WEXFORD LIMITED |
|
JWT HAULAGE LIMITED |
|
K & K WINDOWS LIMITED |
|
KAVANAGH MEATS ENNISCORTHY UNLIMITED COMPANY |
|
KENT STAINLESS (WEXFORD) LIMITED |
|
KEY GENOMICS LIMITED |
|
KINGFISHER FRESH LIMITED |
|
LAST MILE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LIMITED |
|
LG PHARMACY HOLDINGS LIMITED |
|
LORCAN O’KEEFFE |
|
MACHINELAB LIMITED |
|
MANN ENGINEERING LIMITED |
|
MDRG HOLDINGS LIMITED |
|
MEF TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED |
|
MEREMER LIMITED |
|
MILLSTREAM RECYCLING LIMITED |
|
MUGELLO LIMITED |
|
NT CUSTOMS LIMITED |
|
NT R&D LOGISTICS SYSTEMS LIMITED |
|
NUTRICIA INFANT NUTRITION LIMITED |
|
NUTRICIA INFANT NUTRITION LIMITED |
|
NVD LIMITED |
|
OCEANUS FISHING LIMITED |
|
O'LEARY INTERNATIONAL UNLIMITED COMPANY |
|
OLIVE MAHER |
|
O'NEILL FOODS LIMITED |
|
PERENNIAL FREIGHT LIMITED |
|
PETER & DAMIEN FOLEY TRANSPORT LIMITED |
|
POLKA DOTS & PINSTRIPES LIMITED |
|
PROFESSIONAL HAIR PRODUCTS LIMITED |
|
PURE OIL LIMITED |
|
QCSG LIMITED |
|
RASCOR IRELAND LIMITED |
|
RHINECOURT LIMITED |
|
RICHARD SCHUMANN |
|
RICHARD STAFFORD |
|
ROCHEFREIGHT (IRELAND) LIMITED |
|
ROOMS AND BLOOMS LIMITED |
|
RYAN FURNITURE MANUFACTURING LIMITED |
|
SCHEDULIE LIMITED |
|
SCURRI WEB SERVICES LIMITED |
|
SEAN STAFFORD (BAKERIES) UNLIMITED COMPANY |
|
SLANEY FLOUR LIMITED |
|
SLANEY FOODS INTERNATIONAL UNLIMITED COMPANY |
|
SLUAMOR LIMITED |
|
SMARTX AI LIMITED |
|
SOFRIMAR UNLIMITED COMPANY |
|
STACKOLATER LIMITED |
|
SULZER PUMP SOLUTIONS IRELAND LIMITED |
|
TAOGLAS LIMITED |
|
TEKPAK AUTOMATION LIMITED |
|
THE EMERALD GROUP LIMITED |
|
THE MODEL COUNTY ENTERPRISE GROUP COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE |
|
THE TRADEBRIDGE COLLABORATION DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY |
|
TRANSKON LOGISTICS LIMITED |
|
TTFC LIMITED |
|
VERITY MEDICAL LIMITED |
|
WALLACE MOBILE HOMES LIMITED |
|
WATERS TECHNOLOGIES IRELAND LIMITED |
|
WEBER PACKAGING SOLUTIONS LIMITED |
|
WEXFORD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCATION SOCIETY LTD |
150. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on their general employment permit application. [43679/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that the employment permit application in respect of the person concerned in the details supplied was submitted to them on the 17th of September 2024 and was placed in the processing queue on the 18th of September 2024.
All applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. As of Monday the 21st of October 2024, the Employment Permits Section are processing new applications in respect of Standard Employers which were received on the 4th of September 2024.
The Employment Permits processing times are updated on a weekly basis at the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/
There is also an Online Status Update Enquiry - where details on a particular application can be found on the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Status-Form/
There is also a dedicated mailbox available to answer TD queries in respect of Employment Permit applications - tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie.
151. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of submissions made by the HSA to An Bord Pleanála, half yearly from 2018 to date (by submission date), categorised by type of strategic infrastructure development (energy, transport, environmental and health), in tabular form. [43803/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra152. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a list of the submissions made by the HSA to An Bord Pleanála, for the previous two years, by case file number and date submitted, in tabular form. [43804/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.
The Health and Safety Authority, acting as the Central Competent Authority under the Chemicals Act (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances (COMAH)) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 209 of 2015), gives technical advice to a Planning Body in response to a notice sent under Article 215 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2021.
Under Regulation 24(2) of S.I. 209 of 2015, this technical advice is only provided for
• the development of a new COMAH establishment,
• modification to an existing COMAH establishment, or
• development within the vicinity of an existing COMAH establishment.
A full explanation of the Authority’s Land-use Planning advice system can be found at:
www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Chemicals/Legislation_Enforcement/COMAH/Land_Use_Planning/
The following is a list of submissions made by the HSA to An Bord Pleanala over the past 2 years.
|
Reference |
Date |
|
ABP-320487-24 |
19/09/2024 |
|
ABP-320250-24 |
11/09/2024 |
|
ABP-320095-24 |
18/07/2024 |
|
ABP-319566-24 |
18/06/2024 |
|
ABP-319506-24 |
25/04/2024 |
|
PA19.319023 |
01/03/2024 |
|
PA03.319080 |
23/02/2024 |
|
VC06F-314739-22 |
24/01/2024 |
|
ABP-318540-23 |
24/01/2024 |
|
ABP-317560-23 |
01/09/2023 |
|
ABP-317810-23 |
31/08/2023 |
|
Application under the Emergency Generation Act 2022 |
06/03/2023 |
|
CPO No. 9 of 2022 |
27/02/2023 |
The following is a list of submissions made by the HSA to An Bord Pleanala from 2018 to date.
|
Number |
Reference |
Date |
Type |
|
1 |
ABP-320487-24 |
19/09/2024 |
Environment |
|
2 |
ABP-320250-24 |
11/09/2024 |
Transport |
|
3 |
ABP-320095-24 |
18/07/2024 |
Energy |
|
4 |
ABP-319566-24 |
18/06/2024 |
Energy |
|
5 |
ABP-319506-24 |
25/04/2024 |
Waste |
|
6 |
PA19.319023 |
01/03/2024 |
Energy |
|
7 |
PA03.319080 |
23/02/2024 |
Energy |
|
8 |
VC06F-314739-22 |
24/01/2024 |
Energy |
|
9 |
ABP-318540-23 |
24/01/2024 |
Energy |
|
10 |
ABP-317560-23 |
01/09/2023 |
Energy |
|
11 |
ABP-317810-23 |
31/08/2023 |
Energy |
|
12 |
Application under the Emergency Generation Act 2022 |
06/03/2023 |
Energy |
|
13 |
CPO No. 9 of 2022 |
27/02/2023 |
Transport |
|
14 |
ABP-311233-21 |
10/03/2022 |
Energy |
|
15 |
ABP-311528-21 |
16/12/2021 |
Energy |
|
16 |
ABP-310090-21 |
04/07/2021 |
Energy |
|
17 |
ABP-307798-20 |
08/04/2021 |
Energy |
|
18 |
PL10 309306 |
03/02/2021 |
Energy |
|
19 |
VA26.308906 |
02/02/2021 |
Energy |
|
20 |
PL19:125575 |
19/12/2018 |
Energy |
|
21 |
ABP -300624-18 |
01/10/2018 |
Transport |
|
22 |
PL06F.220670 |
24/04/2018 |
Transport |
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which new markets for Irish exports overseas are being sourced on an ongoing basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43858/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraGlobal Ireland 2025 was launched in 2018 with the aim of doubling the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint in the period to 2025.
In parallel my Department’s Trade & Investment Strategy for 2022 to 2026, Value for Ireland, Values for the World, sets out our principled and holistic approach to international trade policy and aims to expand Ireland's global trade links and enhance our competitiveness as a top location for business and talent.
These Government policy initiatives focused on the expansion and growth of Ireland’s global and trade, with considerable progress being made on the market and sectoral diversification of Irish-owned enterprises.
Enterprise Ireland has expanded its global presence through the opening of eight new offices internationally in Munich, Lyon, Manchester, Copenhagen, Montreal, Seattle, Melbourne and Ho Chi Minh City. These offices are now embedded into the Enterprise Ireland overseas network; and will help to build new buyer relationships in markets where growth opportunities have been identified.
Enterprise Ireland also has a programme of trade missions, trade fairs and knowledge events that give clients the opportunity to connect with existing and new customers, access key decision makers, increase sales in international markets and exchange ideas.
Enterprise Ireland reported that by the end of 2023, it had surpassed its 2024 target of achieving a 10% increase in the number of companies achieving sales greater than €10m, €20m and €50m. At the end of 2023, a year ahead of target, over 20% growth in each category had been achieved. Growth occurred across all overseas regions and in individual industry sectors, with exports of Enterprise Ireland clients reaching a new record of €34.57bn in 2023.
Exports to the UK increased by 6%, reaching €9.97 billion. The UK now accounts for 29% of all exports by Enterprise Ireland backed companies
Exports to the Eurozone, increased by 2% to €8.61 billion in 2023, with the Eurozone now representing the second largest export market for Enterprise Ireland backed companies accounting for 25% of total exports.
The third largest export market, accounting for 19% of total exports is North America. In 2023, exports to the region were up by 5% to €6.48bn. Of which €5.9bn exports were to the USA. Overall, non-food exports to North America were up 8%. Technology and Services grew by 8% to €2.95bn, and Industrial & Lifesciences exports were up 7% to €2.22bn.
Our membership of the European Union is a critical factor in our trade and investment policy and the EU’s ambitious suite of Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s) provides Irish companies with access to the largest trade network in the world.
