Written Answers Nos. 361-387
361. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of requests to his Department that were granted for various matters (details supplied); the number of such requests that have been refused; and the grounds on which they have were refused. [2499/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy in my Department, is to release staff on secondment to work in the EU institutions to facilitate Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency. We do not regard this as special leave or career break and we have not refused any requests in this regard in 2024. 1 officer requested and was granted a career break to support their partner in taking up a post in the EU.
My department actively encourages staff to apply for posts in the EU and in 2024, 3 officers joined the EU Affairs and Presidency Planning Unit in my Department. Also in 2024, 2 officers were seconded to the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU in Brussels and 2 officers were seconded to the Permanent Mission of Ireland to The United Nations, Geneva.
In 2024, my Department ran two internal competitions at Assistant Principal and Higher Executive Officer/Administrative Officer grade to increase the Departments presence in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU in Brussels (PRB) in the lead up to the 2026 presidency where two panels were established at the respective grades. 4 senior positions have already been filled with the deployment of 4 Assistant Principal Officers on the 27th of Jan. The remaining panellists (3 Assistant Principals, 1 Higher Executive Officer & 2 Administrative Officers) are to be assigned to their new posts in the PRB in the Summer of 2025.
In regards to the Government "Career for EU" jobs strategy and in line with the strategies aim to increase the number of Irish officials in both permanent and temporary positions within the EU Institutions, my Department have ensured that all departmental staff are made aware of the career opportunities available to them via the Seconded National Experts (SNE) vacancies, where these vacancies closely align with the strategic relevance of my departments remit. In 2024, 1 officer in my department was seconded to an SNE post in the EU Commission.
362. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment whether he intends to attend the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris on 10 and 11 February 2025; the level of Government representation planned; and the priorities for Ireland at that summit [2572/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Taoiseach has been invited by President Macron to attend an AI Action Summit taking place in Paris next week on 10/11 February, along with many other Heads of State and Government.
Ireland’s priorities at the Summit will be consistent with those set out in the refresh of Ireland’s National AI Strategy, "AI – Here for Good" which was published in November 2024. Building public trust is a large part of our approach. We are implementing the regulatory structure to provide for the supervision and enforcement of the EU AI Act in Ireland. We fully support putting in place the guardrails for trustworthy, human centred AI in the European Union. This will protect individuals’ safety and fundamental rights while continuing to promote and encourage innovation.
This Summit will be a useful opportunity to exchange views with political leaders from around the globe, as well as the private sector, the research community and civil society groups on the approach to these technologies in different parts of the world, and to discuss where further international collaboration is needed to build on our ongoing engagements at the EU, the OECD and in the United Nations system.
I understand that some members of the Government’s AI Advisory Council will also be attending the Summit.
Ireland is committed to the use and promotion of responsible AI for the good of society and the economy. We have made huge strides in putting the foundations in place under our National AI Strategy, and work continues to ensure that we remain at the forefront of future change and innovation. The use and application of AI technology has great potential to help solve challenges in healthcare, scientific discovery, sustainability, agriculture, transport, and mobility.
I firmly believe in the opportunities that AI technologies present for our collective and global benefit, if we develop and deploy them in a way that is responsible and person-centred.
363. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for details on his discussions with other EU Member States which oppose the Mercosur deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2918/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra364. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will work with others here and at EU level to ensure that the Mercosur deal on imports is ratified by as few EU Member States as possible; if a commitment will be given that the Government will not ratify such a deal due to the potential impact on Ireland’s agriculture and food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3103/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra378. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an economic and sustainability assessment of the EU/Mercosur trade agreement has been conducted to date to assess the potential impact on the agricultural sector; if not, the reason; when an assessment will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2701/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra379. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an economic and sustainability assessment of the EU/Mercosur trade agreement has been conducted to date to assess the potential impact on the agricultural sector; if not, the reason; when an assessment will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2702/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra380. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an analysis of the new EU/Mercosur free trade agreement has been conducted; when the Government will make a decision on whether or not it will support the new trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2703/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra381. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Ireland has had any discussions with EU Member States who are opposed to the EU/Mercosur free trade agreement for the purposes of forming an alliance of similar minded states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2704/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra382. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Government intends to submit its formal opposition to the EU/Mercosur trade agreement to the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2705/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 363, 364 and 378 to 382, inclusive, together.
While the operational aspects of the transfer of particular files and functions will be managed between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade over the coming period, in line with the established cross-government protocols, I am continuing to oversee the government’s handling of the EU-Mercosur Agreement. In this regard, I will be working closely with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who under the Programme for Government assumes the overall leadership role on matters of trade policy and negotiation.
The Government is committed to supporting free, fair and open trade. Our EU membership makes us part of the growing network of EU Free Trade Agreements, supporting more opportunity for exports and investment, helping support jobs and growth at home, maintaining strict EU standards on food safety, animal and plant health, and supporting better environmental and human rights standards around the world.
We have always been clear, however, that such agreements must defend our most vulnerable sectors and that our farmers’ livelihoods must not be undermined through weak or ineffective environmental standards in other countries.
In regard to the EU-Mercosur agreement, in addition to our specific sector sensitivities such as agriculture, Ireland has repeatedly raised concerns at EU level regarding the strength of the trade and sustainability commitments in the original agreement negotiated in 2019. As a response to those concerns, the European Commission engaged in further negotiations with Mercosur on a new, interpretative legal instrument aimed at addressing and strengthening sustainability commitments. On 6 December 2024, the European Commission announced that it had concluded negotiations with Mercosur.
I wish to assure the Deputy that my officials and I have continued to engage at EU level at every opportunity – with both the European Commission and with counterparts in EU Member States – concerning developments in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement, including at the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) with other EU Member State Ministers, as well as at meetings of officials in the Trade Policy Committee. I and officials have emphasised Ireland's requirements for credible, legally binding commitments on matters relating to trade and sustainable development, including climate, biodiversity, and deforestation protections, as well as protections and assurances in regard to incomes of farmers in Ireland.
Furthermore, in December I met virtually with the new Commissioner for Trade, Maroš Šefcovic, along with other EU Trade Ministers, where I outlined my concerns over possible unintended consequences of the agreement. The Commissioner has committed to travel to Ireland to meet with stakeholders, which I welcome as an important opportunity to engage constructively with the Commission as we seek clarifications and assurances on the legally binding nature of the commitments in the agreement. My Department is also in regular contact with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Department of Foreign Affairs on this matter.
Since the Commission announced the conclusion of negotiations, officials from my Department and other departments, including DAFM, have been carefully analysing the text of the additional legal instrument and have engaged with the Commission and with other EU Member States to interrogate the outcome of the recent negotiations. The Commission has also committed to conduct an economic assessment of the new elements of the agreement, expected towards the middle of the year, which will inform our analysis. This additional economic assessment, combined with the earlier economic and sustainability impact assessment published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in July 2021, will help inform our consideration of the agreement. Engagements with the Commission are continuing as we seek sufficient clarification on the priority areas of climate, biodiversity, deforestation and the protection of farmer's incomes in advance of any final decision by Government. In advance of receiving the additional clarifications and assurances that we require on all of these issues, Ireland's position on the EU-Mercosur Agreement will remain as clearly outlined in the Programme for Government.
365. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the actions being taken by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to support new businesses and jobs in County Meath. [2164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland achieved excellent results in 2024 with continued strong levels of investment and employment across the FDI sector, reporting a total of 234 investments with the potential to create 13,500 jobs over the next few years. 69 investments were from new name, or first-time, investors, strongly indicating Ireland’s ongoing attractiveness as an FDI location. However, both Government and the IDA are clear that Ireland cannot afford to be complacent about FDI and fundamental to delivering continued growth and success is a continued focus on competitiveness, agile policies and delivery of national infrastructure as reflected in the new Programme for Government.
The IDA Mid-East Region of Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. FDI clients in County Meath have experienced steady employment growth over the last 5 years resulting from a strong performance in new investment including expansions and Research Development & Innovation. Meath’s FDI employment was recorded at 3,047 across 16 client companies, an increase of 19% on the previous year. Recent IDA investments in County Meath include PCI’s announcement of it's plans to construct a new pharmaceutical packaging facility in Stamullen, and MSD's announcement of its first biologics drug substance single use commercialisation facility in Dunboyne. This performance represents a strong track record of FDI in the county and will be leveraged when marketing the county for new investment. Mpreover, IDA is actively engaged with client companies in County Meath, focusing on supporting their existing operation as well as new investment opportunities.
The competition for FDI continues to intensify as countries increase their focus on self-sufficiency and economic security. However, Ireland’s value proposition for inward investment remains strong, based on offering a safe and stable investment location with access to the EU market, an educated and skilled workforce, an attractive environment where people want to live and work, a competitive, consistent and transparent corporate tax regime and an excellent return on investment.
Additionally, 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. In this regard, 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. IDA has Business and Technology Parks with available lands in Navan (65 acres) and Drogheda (8 acres).
In terms of Enterprise Ireland, employment in EI-supported firms grew by 8% in County Meath in 2024 and this performance is set against employment growth of 3% for Enterprise Ireland support clients in all of Ireland during 2024. In total there are now 9,034 people employed in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in County Meath, a net increase of 672 jobs since 2023. An example of the positive developments that have occurred in the county in 2024 includes Logistics company Primeline Group. They announced 400 jobs across a range of disciplines, with the opening of a €50 million distribution hub in Ashbourne, Co Meath during 2024. The company said the new 360,000sq/ft development is the largest Irish-owned net zero energy building compliant distribution centre. The story of Primeline Group is one of ambition and entrepreneurship, and the group has built a truly impressive presence across Ireland and the UK. The rolling out of this project will no doubt be a major asset to its growth in Ashbourne and the wider region.
366. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to urgently seek a meeting with the CEO and the board of management of a company (details supplied) and the I.D.A. to clarify the current situation regarding the closure of the company in County Wexford; to clarify what the future holds for the 300 staff who work there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2357/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBNY has a strong presence in Ireland, operating here successfully for 30 years. It is one of the largest employers in the International Financial Services portfolio, with over 1,200 staff based in Dublin, Wexford and Cork. It has been in business in Wexford for over 22 years.
The IDA recently informed my Department that BNY had completed an extensive review of all its global real estate assets, and that a decision was taken to close the Wexford office by the end of 2025. In this regard, BNY operates four offices in Ireland – one in Wexford Town, two in Dublin and one in Cork. Our understanding is that operations in Dublin and Cork are not impacted by the real estate review. Ireland remains a key location for the organisation and the company has said that it remains committed to serving its clients and relationships in the Irish market and internationally.
As a result of this company decision, an employee collective consultation process is underway in Wexford. BNY has committed to supporting its Wexford staff through a combination of a competitive redundancy programme, HR supports on training and upskilling, and wellbeing programmes. Discussions are on-going with impacted employees on the specifics of these supports.
A significant portion of the jobs impacted will relocate to Dublin and some will also be available on a hybrid remote working basis. Wexford-based staff are to have the opportunity to take up these roles. The details of the actual number of jobs transferring to Dublin and those available on a hybrid remote working basis are being worked on by BNY. However, the full details will not be known until the statutory "consultation period" concludes and IDA is respectful of that process. Nonetheless, BNY is in regular contact with IDA throughout this process.
Given the significant impact to Wexford and the South-East Region of this closure, IDA is remaining in close contact with Company and ensuring that all available supports are made available to impacted staff. Initiatives to support impacted BNY employees may include:
• Provision of a detailed skills profile for the site; a talent catchment map and timings for when individuals will be available, provided by the company.
• Identification of other employers who may be hiring across IDA and EI client companies. IDA is already aware of employers who may be currently hiring in the wider region/catchment area.
• Sharing of skills profiles with other companies who may be hiring and direct engagement with HR departments, when appropriate through IDA and EI.
• Briefings by local Department of Social Protection/Intreo officials to impacted employees on social welfare and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.
• Identification of training and further education opportunities for employees (ETBs; Skillnet; Universities)
• Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEOs and Enterprise Ireland.
Regional development is at the centre of IDA’s strategy and IDA is committed to the pursuit of more balanced regional development to advance national development. The South-East Region includes counties Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford and there are 85 IDA client companies in the region, employing 15,580 people. The FDI performance in the region has seen employment increasing among IDA clients by 15% over the past five years and the South-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established global companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies which are complemented by research centres that help win new innovative business and assist existing client companies with transformation.
IDA clients spend significantly on their operations in the South-East region with €1.1 billion on payroll, €320 million on Irish services, €237 million on Irish materials and €100 million on in-house research and development.
In the IDA Strategy period, 2021-2024, IDA with Wexford County Council undertook to seek advance planning permission for an Advanced Technology Building in Enniscorthy. This process is well underway. In the course of the 2021-2024 Strategy, IDA has also developed IDA Advanced Building Solutions in Carlow and Waterford to support the winning of investments to the region.
Recent announcements in the South-East include:
• In September 2024, Integer Holdings announced a $60 million expansion at its New Ross site, increasing manufacturing capacity by more than 70% to 215,000 ft².
• In September 2024, UKG announced it would establish its Global Operations Hub creating 200 jobs in Kilkenny City.
• In May 2024, Red Hat (IBM), announced a significant increase in jobs in Waterford, creating R&D roles in security, automation and Hybrid Cloud.
• In September 2023, MSD, announced an expansion to its Carlow site as part of a €1 billion investment in Carlow and Dunboyne creating 670 jobs across the 2 sites.
Ireland and the South-East’s offering as a location for FDI remains robust. BNY’s Wexford office is expected to remain open throughout 2025 and the IDA will work with the company on possible further opportunities for the site after the closure takes effect.
367. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider accepting late applications to the Power Up scheme for an eligible business that missed the last deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2417/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ICOB scheme closed on 29th May 2024 following an extension to the deadline to allow those who missed the first closing date a second chance to register. The Power Up grant closed on 22nd November, 2024 also following an extension to the deadline. The Local Authorities contacted eligible businesses to let them know how to register for the schemes and they were also widely advertised including on local radio and on social media.
In total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million in 2024. It is not possible at this stage to reopen the Power Up grant to allow those who missed the deadline to register.
In terms of broader supports for businesses, the National Enterprise Hub online portal provides all business owners with a centralised signposting service of over 230 Government supports from 23 Departments and Agencies. The Hub has a team of expertly trained advisors who can help to diagnose the needs of your business and direct you to the appropriate available supports or indeed put you in direct contact with the relevant agency. The Hub team can be contacted through the website (www.neh.gov.ie) via live chat or by phone on 01 727 2100.
368. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the current and potential impact of artificial intelligence on the creative industries; the actions being taken by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2464/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) entered into force on 1 August 2024. The Act aims to foster responsible artificial intelligence development and deployment in the EU. The Act highlights that Artificial Intelligence holds immense promise for transforming creative industries, and its integration must be handled thoughtfully to balance innovation with ethical, economic, and legal considerations.
My Department conducted a public consultation on National Implementation of the AI Act in May 2024. Respondents widely acknowledged the need to identify and address potential synergies between the implementation of the EU AI Act and other related EU regulations and directives including copyright and related rights. Effective implementation of the AI Act will require close coordination and information-sharing between the various national competent authorities and supervisory bodies responsible for these different regulatory frameworks.
‘National AI Strategy Refresh’ was published in November 2024. This review of Ireland’s National AI Strategy takes account of the significant developments in AI technology and regulation. There is the emphasis on AI's transformative potential for businesses, advocating for increased AI adoption to improve competitiveness and productivity with need for responsible AI use and public trust-building, alongside fostering regulatory frameworks and public sector initiatives. This refreshed strategy reinforces Ireland's commitment to unlocking AI's potential for business and society while prioritising ethics, trust, and innovation. AI also offers significant opportunities for the creative sector, acting as a powerful enabler that can enhance artistic expression.
My Department is committed to leading in the EU AI Act's effective implementation and aims to position Ireland as a global leader in leveraging AI for economic and societal benefits while ensuring its ethical, people-centered development and use.
369. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans, if any, to update the critical skills list with the inclusion of hairdressing as meeting the criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2468/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland 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 or labour shortages in the State in the short to medium term.
As part of the managed employment permits system, Ireland operates the Occupations Lists: the Ineligible Occupations List (IOL) and the Critical Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The IOL identifies occupations for which there is sufficient workforce in the State. The CSOL lists occupations for which there is a sustained shortage in respect of qualifications, experience or skills which are required for the proper functioning of the economy. The occupation of hairdressers, along with barbers and related occupations, is currently on the IOL and, as such, an employment permit cannot be granted at present for this occupation.
The Occupations Lists are subject to evidence-based reviews incorporating consideration of available research and a public consultation which provides stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages. Submissions to the review are considered by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy with membership drawn from lead policy departments for the sectors specifically related to these occupations.
Outside of the formal reviews of the Occupations Lists, a sector can make a submission at any time to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with support from the department with lead policy responsibility for the sector.
An occupation may be considered for inclusion in, or removal from, the Occupations Lists under the following conditions: evidence supports that no suitable Irish/EEA nationals are available to undertake the work; development opportunities are not undermined; genuine skills shortages exist; and recruitment or retention issues are affected by factors other than salary and/or employment conditions.
The next review of the lists is scheduled to commence later in 2025. Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to register their interest to receive notification on the Employment Permits page of the Department's website.
370. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits the IDA has carried out to Kildare towns and locations over the past five years; the locations and dates of these visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2490/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were 8 site visits to County Kildare in 2020, 2 in 2021, 4 in each 2022, 2023 and to the end of Q3 2024 which is the latest data available. Reporting on IDA site visits is available on a county basis only.
I should add that site visits are only one measure of a company’s interest in a particular location and may not necessarily be a true measure of the overall level of foreign direct investment (FDI) activity in a region or county. For example, 70% of FDI won by IDA Ireland in 2024 came from its existing client base, rather than new companies. Also, potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. The figures given, therefore, represent individual visits and are not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.
Currently, there are 121 IDA client companies in the IDA Mid-East Region comprising counties Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, employing 20,470 people directly and supporting many more jobs indirectly. The FDI performance in the region has been positive over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 10%. The Mid-East also has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. There has also been significant investment in the Food and the Film sub-sectors. Counties in the Mid-East also benefit hugely from the direct and indirect employment generated by IDA client companies located in Dublin. County Kildare itself has 45 IDS_client companies, employing 10,617 people.
It should be further noted that the final decision on where to locate an investment is always decided by the client, and not by IDA Ireland, and it can take many years to convert from an initial site visit to a final project proposal. In this regard, regular engagement and collaboration with stakeholders is important in positioning any regional location to attract FDI and, in this respect, IDA Ireland continues to engage with stakeholders, as well as working with existing clients, in all regional locations to generate additional jobs.
The competition for FDI in the IDA's key sectors continues to intensify as countries increase their focus on self-sufficiency and economic security. However, Ireland’s value proposition for inward investment remains strong, based on offering a safe and stable investment location with access to the EU market, an educated and skilled workforce, an attractive environment where people want to live and work, a competitive, consistent and transparent corporate tax regime and an excellent return on investment.
371. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland-supported jobs in Kilkenny and Carlow, at the end of 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2538/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is hugely positive to see Enterprise Ireland supported companies recording jobs growth for the fourth year in a row despite what was a challenging year for some sectors of exporting Irish businesses. Enterprise Ireland (EI) recently published its 2024 employment results which showed an increase to a record 234,454 jobs with 15,741 new jobs created, up 3% on the 2023 outturn. Employment increased across EI’s three core economic sectors - Technology & Services (+2%), Industrial and Life Sciences (+3%) and Food and Sustainability (+3%).
This growth translates into a net increase of 6,212 jobs created in 2024. Balanced regional development is being achieved in terms of both new jobs created and total employment with 64% of new jobs regionally based and all nine regions recording jobs growth.
Enterprise Ireland surveys its portfolio of clients annually to collect employment data and the 2024 figures, for counties Kilkenny and Carlow, are outlined in the table below.
|
County |
2024 Total jobs |
|
Carlow |
3,714 |
|
Kilkenny |
7,255 |
|
Grand Total |
10,969 |
372. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied), benefitting from State and semi-State contracts, has been operating in a manner which has been causing workers distress; and if he will commit to investigating the company’s conduct, ensuring that working and pay conditions are up to an acceptable standard. [2545/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s system of industrial relations is essentially voluntary in nature and the responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers rests in the first instance with the employer, the workers, and their representatives.
While I cannot comment on individual cases, I would strongly encourage all parties to a dispute to come together in an effort to resolve their issues. Where this cannot be achieved, the State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms ie. the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences. The Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court are independent statutory bodies.
373. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of a report (details supplied) highlighting the challenges faced by businesses in Tipperary due to severe storms, snow and ice disruption earlier this year; the progress made in addressing these challenges; his plans for any financial assistance, tax relief measures, and improved snow and ice management to prevent future disruptions; if there is a pathway for financial support for the affected businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2553/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise that many businesses have experienced significant weather impacts and recent disruption to their operations. Officials from my Department continue to engage with the National Emergency Coordination Group to respond to these weather events.
Additionally, my Department has monitored impacts at a local level, including through the proactive work by the Local Enterprise Offices. I and my officials are continuing to engage with the business community. It is our understanding that in the majority of cases the primary impacts arising for businesses (damage to property, loss of earnings and/or spoilage to stock) will be covered by the business insurance that the businesses in question will have taken out. This should be the first and primary recourse for businesses that have incurred financial losses as a result of recent weather events.
We will continue to monitor the position across the country and as individual businesses work through their claims with their insurers, to consider if there is a need for additional support from the Government.
The Government does recognise that businesses may have had recent challenges in addressing filing and compliance obligations and given the impact of Storm Eowyn it is appropriate to adopt a flexible, responsive and pragmatic approach. While all public bodies are taking a flexible approach, it is useful to highlight two specific agencies that may be of particular relevance to the business sector.
The Revenue Commissioners are aware that the exceptional weather events have caused difficulties for many and understands that this disruption can impact timely tax compliance. Revenue will work with those taxpayers and businesses that have been adversely impacted by Storms Éowyn and Herminia, to ensure that good compliance records can remain on track despite the disruption caused. Revenue’s Collector-General’s office can be contacted on 01 738 3663, or through MyEnquiries.
The Companies Registration Office is aware that certain areas of the country have been badly impacted by power outages caused by Storm Eowyn. As a result the Companies Registration Office is aware that some companies have encountered difficulties when filing their annual returns with the Companies Registration Office. If the person presenting company filings is in an area that has been affected by the power outages caused by Storm Éowyn, please contact Companies Registration Office at annualreturns@cro.ie and we will endeavour to assist you where possible.
At a national level, the Strategic Emergency Management (SEM) framework outlines the national structures and frameworks to effectively manage emergency situations. The SEM identifies the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as having Lead Government Department responsibilities for the management of responses to severe weather events.
To support this role there are a series of ongoing simulations of various emergency scenarios.
The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) has been meeting on a daily basis to coordinate the response to Storm Éowyn, with the Department of Housing chairing these meetings as lead government department and daily updates on progress in the restoration effort have been provided to me through my officials. Over the coming weeks and months, the led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will apply learnings from Storm Éowyn to inform preparedness for future events.
374. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will examine the eligibility criteria for the Power Up grant as it relates to small business owners who paid their rent and rates as a combined single payment to their landlord (details supplied); if consideration will be given to cases where the business owner did not receive the second increased cost of business payment due to their landlord being listed on the rate account; if such arrangements could qualify for a retrospective assessment, given the business owner was not aware of the requirement to be listed directly on the rate account; and if there is a review process for those who were rejected. [2585/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria for the Power Up Grant were aligned with the Increased Cost of Business Scheme in order to get payments to businesses as quickly as possible by the end of 2024. Businesses that are tenants and received the second payment under the Increased Cost of Business Scheme could register as long as they are ratepayers.
I am aware that some businesses have entered into arrangements with their landlords whereby the landlord pays the rates for their tenants. The legal position under section 4 of the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 as well as the amendments introduced through the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 is that tenants whose rent incorporates their rates obligation, which is remitted by the landlord, cannot be deemed to be ratepayers.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate and possibly counterproductive for me to attempt to interfere with existing commercial arrangements between small businesses and their landlords in the context of any business grant scheme.
375. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider amending the legislation to extend the definition of ‘casual trading’ to include the provision of services, alongside the sale of goods, as the current legislation restricts regulation under casual trading bye-laws to goods only, noting the increasing prevalence of services such as pop-up saunas and other temporary service providers operating on public lands, including beaches, and the need for local authorities to have a regulatory framework to address these activities effectively. [2589/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Casual Trading Act 1995 (CTA) provides for a control and regulatory system for trading in public, the implementation of which lies with Local Authorities. The Act empowers Local Authorities to grant casual trading licences and make bye-laws as they see fit, on the control, regulation and administration of casual trading in its own functional area. Neither I as Minister nor my Department have a role in the day-to-day administration of casual trading licences.
My Department carried out a review of the Casual Trading Act 1995 (CTA) and Occasional Trading Act 1979 (OTA) in 2018. Part of this review included a Public Consultation. An earlier Review was also carried out by the then Competition Authority in 2002. Both reports made recommendations concerning the implementation of the CTA and how it was working. However, this work was completed before COVID. In the meantime, trading and markets in general may have moved on or changed.
Over the intervening years, my Department has delivered on a comprehensive legislative agenda, including a large swathe of consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Act, Representative Actions Act, General Product Safety Regulations and the Price Indications Directive. Individually, they represent major pieces of legislation aimed at improving consumer protection. Taken as a suite of measures, the increase and improvement they bring about in safeguarding consumers is considerable.
Given this legislative agenda, the possible changes in trading and markets post COVID, and the time that has elapsed since the initial review of the CTA and OTA, my Department will need to consider the position in relation to the Act to determine what amendments, if any, are necessary.
376. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Ireland’s ratification of the CETA trade agreement now falls to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2626/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the operational aspects of the transfer of particular files and functions will be managed between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade over the coming period, in line with the established cross-government protocols, I am continuing to oversee the process for ratifying the CETA Agreement which, as outlined in the new Programme for Government, will benefit Irish businesses and SMEs in particular. In this regard I will be working closely with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who under the Programme for Government assumes the overall leadership role on matters of trade policy and negotiation.
377. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a detailed list of all the IDA grants given to a company (details supplied), from 2020 to date in 2025, including the sub heading that those grants fall under; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2655/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe IDA has confirmed that there were no grant payments made to the company mentioned by the Deputy during the period 2020 and 2025.
383. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2757/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA copy of the Ministerial Brief, provided to me following my appointment as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, will be published on my Department's website, www.enterprise.gov.ie, within the next four weeks.
384. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reasons for the reclassification of certain business in relation to the power up scheme where businesses successfully received one grant but were not awarded the second; if he will approve a reassessment of an application (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2801/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to get payments to businesses before the end of 2024, the Power Up grant was aligned with the ICOB scheme and a business must have received the second ICOB grant and be in the hospitality, retail and beauty sectors in order to receive the Power Up grant. If a business was not in those sectors they were not eligible for the Power Up grant.
My Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses in the hospitality, retail and beauty sectors that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB. The Department is currently reviewing the issues that have arisen and will consider next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.
385. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reasons for the reclassification of certain business in relation to the power up scheme where businesses successfully received one grant but were not awarded the second; if he will approve a reassessment of an application (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2802/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to get payments to businesses before the end of 2024, the Power Up grant was aligned with the ICOB scheme and a business must have received the second ICOB grant and be in the hospitality, retail and beauty sectors in order to receive the Power Up grant. If a business was not in those sectors they were not eligible for the Power Up grant.
My Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB. The Department is currently reviewing the issues that have arisen and will consider next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.
386. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the transposition into Irish law of the Platform Work EU Directive; when this is likely to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2806/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Improving Working Conditions in Platform Work Directive entered into force on 1 December 2024. EU Member States have until 2 December 2026 to transpose the Directive into national law.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will now consult with key stakeholders to consider what transposition measures will be necessary.
The Department is also represented at the EU Official Expert Group on the Transposition of the Directive which has been established by the European Commission. This Group has met once to date and will meet again in early February. It will continue to meet regularly and will serve as a forum for cooperation between the Commission and Member States to examine correct implementation of the Directive. The Group will issue a final report on transposition by the end of 2025 which will be an important source of guidance for Member States.
387. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the transposition of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive into Irish law; when this is likely to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2807/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDD) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 5 July 2024 and entered into force on 26 July 2024.
The directive provides for a two-year transposition period in order to provide Member States with sufficient time to transpose the directive into national laws by 26 July 2026.
I can advise the Deputy that preparations for transposition are ongoing with a view to meeting the July 2026 deadline.
