Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment given that Enterprise Ireland plays such a crucial role in scaling Irish businesses globally, the key sectors or regions where Enterprise Ireland sees the greatest opportunity for Irish enterprise growth over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32951/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its enterprise development agencies plays a central role in scaling Irish businesses globally by providing a comprehensive suite of supports that help companies start, compete, scale, and connect internationally. Government policy has fostered a supportive environment for high growth and innovation focused start-ups in Ireland. Under its 2025–2029 strategy, Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally, Enterprise Ireland focuses on transforming high-potential Irish SMEs into globally competitive enterprises.
However, for Ireland’s high potential start-ups that have the potential to scale-up to become global players, the next step in the growth journey can be challenging. In common with similar firms all over Europe, Irish scaling firms often find that appropriate finance is not readily available.
I am working with my officials to develop policy actions that will enhance the finance for scaling ecosystem in Ireland and help narrow the gap for funding scale-ups.
A key driver of a wider scaling agenda is to encourage export diversification, helping companies to reduce reliance on traditional markets by exploring opportunities in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and continental Europe.
Achieving scale is also aided by Innovation and R&D Support. The Government also provides funding and advisory services to help companies develop globally competitive products and services which are crucial is building scale internationally.
My Department has identified several key sectors that hold significant potential for global growth. These include digital and AI technologies, Health tech and MedTech, sustainable food systems, financial services and fintech, construction and engineering, life sciences and biopharma, as well as green and clean technologies.
Across the world, Irish companies are entering new markets, securing new international customers and scaling internationally at an accelerated pace. They make a hugely important contribution to the Irish economy and their growth internationally not only boosts Ireland’s economy but brings investment and job creation to overseas markets.
22. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 28 of 1 May 2025, and 6 of 20 February 2025, if the action plan on business and human rights has now been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32968/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and my Department established a dedicated Business and Human Rights Stakeholder Forum with the participation of individuals with relevant expertise and responsibilities from key organisations across business, civil society, trade unions and academia to assist with the development of the second National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
The Stakeholder Forum has met twice, proving invaluable in shaping the draft Plan. At the second Stakeholder Forum meeting, officials outlined the draft action points forming the basis of the new Plan. Following this meeting, stakeholder members provided further written feedback to be considered. This feedback continues to be reviewed across all relevant Government Departments to ensure the identified actions are deliverable during the lifetime of the plan.
As many of the suggested actions relate to the work of other Government Departments, we await their agreed inputs to move forward with a set of actions that are feasible, actionable and specific in place. Officials from my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continue to liaise with the relevant officials across Government. It is taking some time to work through the suggested updated actions with these officials as some of the updates are technical in nature. This work continues, and we are nearing its completion. Once a final set of actions is agreed with other Government Departments, it can then be presented to the Stakeholder Forum for their views.
Nearly all of the actions under Pillar I and Pillar II have been agreed or are being finalised, the majority of which are being brought forward by my Department or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, officials continue to engage with relevant Departments to agree and finalise actions under Pillar III, Access to Remedy. There was a clear call from stakeholders for meaningful actions to be included under this pillar and we are striving to reflect this in the Plan. While it has taken longer than expected to complete this work, I do think it is important that time was taken to ensure we can present an ambitious plan with clear, deliverable actions. The updated actions will be presented at the third Stakeholder Forum which is expected to take place after the summer and launched soon thereafter.
The finalised plan will cover a multi-annual timeframe and will reflect new developments in the international understanding of business and human rights, including new EU instruments. It will have key performance indicators which will have assigned responsibilities and timelines to adhere to. I expect this to bring human rights to the fore in the minds of Irish businesses so they can demonstrate their conscientious performance as required by the public.
23. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the skills gap highlighted by Irish and International companies in difficulties they are experiencing in their recruitment campaigns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33216/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has adopted a proactive approach to supporting Irish and international businesses across multiple crises over the last number of years. It is important to acknowledge the challenges that firms have faced, including recruiting suitable staff with the right skills.
Ireland’s labour market has experienced significant growth in recent years, and we now have more people employed in our country than ever before. According to the latest employment figures from the CSO’s Labour Force Survey, published on 22nd May 2025, total employment stood at 2.81 million. As per the CSO Statistical Release on Monthly Unemployment from early June, the seasonally adjusted national unemployment rate was 4.0% in May 2025. This is a considerable accomplishment given the challenges Ireland has faced in recent years, including Brexit, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, global inflationary pressures, and uncertainties around tariffs and international trade. It is a testament to the hard work and remarkable resilience of Irish enterprise.
My Department is aware that it is essential that Irish and international enterprise have access to an adequate pool of high quality, adaptable and flexible talent – in particular in the context of a tightened labour market. In order to meet the demand for skills, there is close collaboration across Government, in particular between the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, its agencies and this Department, as well as between Government, industry, and the education and training system, in order to build and retain a highly skilled workforce to serve the needs of the economy.
My Department is also working closely with the Department of Social Protection in implementing Pathways to Work, the national employment strategy, and with it the labour market activation of the unemployed, groups underrepresented in the workforce, and workers transitioning to more viable roles or sectors across the economy.
My Department operates the Government’s employment permits system which is highly responsive to areas of identified skills needs and labour shortages across the economy. The system is, by design, vacancy led and driven by the changing needs of the labour market. The employment permits system is managed through the operation of the critical skills and ineligible occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit.
In December 2023, following extensive engagement with industry representatives and stakeholders on the nature and extent of skills shortages, my Department announced a major expansion to the employment permits system, with 43 changes to the jobs eligible for an employment permit. This included 11 roles added to the Critical Skills Occupations List and 32 roles made eligible for a General Employment Permit. A roadmap for increasing salary thresholds was also announced. Demand for employment permits in Ireland is currently extremely high, with just under 40,000 permits issued in 2024 and 11,426 issued in Q1 2025, providing another valuable stream of skilled labour for the Irish economy.
In the context of a tight labour market, Ireland has welcomed record numbers of people from across the world to meet the demand for skills. Between 2021Q1 and 2025Q1, 217,700 non-Irish nationals (a third of whom are EU nationals) have found work in Ireland, accounting for almost two-fifths of total employment growth during this time. The majority of recent arrivals are employed in highly skilled ICT and healthcare roles, the sectors accounting for nearly 60% of all permits within Ireland. Ireland is renowned for developing and nurturing talent and is an attractive destination for internationally mobile, highly skilled workers. Today, almost 20% of Ireland’s workforce are non-Irish nationals.
The Government continues to support the economy by creating the right environment for employment creation, including employment at Irish and international companies. My Department continues to implement the actions set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, published December 2022, to enable a vibrant, resilient, sustainable and regionally-balanced economy made up of a diversified mix of leading global companies, internationally competitive Irish enterprise and thriving local businesses. Its vision is to ensure Irish-based enterprise succeeds through competitive advantage founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity, delivering rewarding jobs and livelihoods.
25. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide details on the remit of the National Enterprise Hub; for statistics relating to its usage since its launch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33036/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Enterprise Hub on 10th July 2024 as an all of Government initiative aimed at streamlining access to business supports.
The NEH is staffed by trained advisers who direct business owners to the most appropriate supports for their needs.
We want to simplify access to Government supports and also reach businesses that have never availed of the many different supports on offer.
My Department leads on the NEH overall and it is operated by Enterprise Ireland but this is very much a whole of Government project. The NEH provides access to over 250 supports from 30 different Government Department and state agencies.
Since its launch, the National Enterprise Hub has handled almost 6,000 enquiries, with usage steadily increasing. In May 2025 alone, the Hub received 773 enquiries and recorded over 6,600 monthly visits, bringing the total number of visits close to 100,000.
The most searched categories in May this year included Grants & Funding, Loans, Training & Programmes and Advice & Mentoring. The top enquires were on funding a startup, becoming more digital and support for business expansion.
My Department chairs a cross-government coordination group that meets quarterly and oversees monthly content updates and strategic planning. Additionally, an operations group meets on a monthly basis to manage updates and development.
Through the NEH, the Government remains committed to simplifying and enhancing access to business supports and reducing barriers for all business owners. The platform continues to evolve, with ongoing improvements in service delivery and data capture to better serve the enterprise community.
26. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when a new midwest regional enterprise plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33047/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional development is a key Government priority and is a central aim of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030. My Department and its agencies contribute to this agenda in several ways, including through the nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs). These are bottom-up plans developed and led by regional stakeholders, which focus on collaborative initiatives to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem in each region.
Last year, in consultation with the Regional Enterprise Plans National Oversight Group I agreed to extend the current REPs to the end 2025. This extension provides an additional year for continued implementation of the current plans and time to consider the best approach to the development of successor plans throughout 2025.
In terms of the Mid-West, I attended the most recent meeting of the Mid-West REP Steering Committee in Ennis on 5 June. The meeting provided a great opportunity to hear about progress implementing the Mid-West REP and detail on a number of regional initiatives. Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland also presented on their recently launched strategies.
There is a clear commitment in the new Programme for Government to publish and resource new Regional Enterprise Plans. Before we develop these new plans, I would like to assess our approach to date, set a clear framework for the future and engage all of the relevant stakeholders in each region.
An independent review of the Regional Enterprise Plan initiative is currently underway. The review began in January 2025 and the final report is due to be delivered before the end of this quarter. A steering group was established to oversee the review.
The REP National Oversight Group, or NOG, last met on 11 June, with myself and Ministers Burke and Smyth co-chairing the meeting. The NOG brought together REP Steering Committee Chairpersons and other key stakeholders to discuss implementation of the REPs and related policy updates. The consultants carrying out the independent review also presented their draft findings on the REP initiative.
A Regional Enterprise Policy Statement is to be drafted in parallel and will be finalised after the review of the REP initiative. This statement intends to more clearly link the REPs with existing policies and initiatives; it will set out the framework and strategic agenda for future regional enterprise development.
Following publication of the policy statement in the second half of this year, attention will then turn to development of the next set of REPs. A defined process, taking account of the REP review results and policy statement, and involving consultation with regional stakeholders, will be conducted in each region. This process should lead to formulation of new Regional Enterprise Plans ready for launch in early 2026.
27. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the average processing times for employment permits this year; how this compares with the same period last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32945/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to delivering an efficient and responsive employment permit system which supports businesses and ensures that we are positioned to maximise the benefits of economic migration. The system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy.
Following a surge in demand for employment permits in recent years, the department implemented an action plan which increased resources and introduced more efficient methods of processing permit applications. The measures have resulted in significant reductions in waiting times and a vastly improved user experience.
One of the central aspects of the action plan was to implement a new and improved system for processing permits. The new system, Employment Permits Online, launched in April, following three years of development. The cloud-based system transforms the way in which we process and issue permits, and the portal access provides employers and applicants with up to date access on their applications.
The Employment Permits Act (2024) moved several operational matters to secondary legislation so that the system would be even more agile.
As of 16 June 2025, the department is processing new applications for General Employment Permits in 19 business days, and for Critical Skills Permits in 12 business days. For the same period last year the processing timelines were 21 business days for General Employment Permits and 14 business days for Critical Skills permits.
The total number of applications for employment permits processed in Q1-2025 was 11,500, 8.5% higher than the 10,600 processed in Q1-2024.
To date in 2025 there have been 14,562 applications received and 14,625 permits have issued. There are approximately 2,000 applications currently awaiting processing.
28. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the current processing times for general employment permit and critical skills employment permit applications; the efforts being made by his Department to reduce application processing times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33136/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to delivering an efficient and responsive employment permit system which supports businesses and ensures that we are positioned to maximise the benefits of economic migration. The system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy.
Following a surge in demand for employment permits in recent years, the department implemented an action plan which increased resources and introduced more efficient methods of processing permit applications. The measures have resulted in significant reductions in waiting times and a vastly improved user experience.
One of the central aspects of the action plan was to implement a new and improved system for processing permits. The new system, Employment Permits Online, launched in April, following three years of development. The cloud-based system transforms the way in which we process and issue permits, and the portal access provides employers and applicants with up to date access on their applications.
The Employment Permits Act (2024) moved several operational matters to secondary legislation so that the system would be even more agile.
As of 16 June 2025, the department is processing new applications for General Employment Permits in 19 business days, and for Critical Skills Permits in 12 business days.
To date in 2025 there have been 14,562 applications received and 14,625 permits have issued. There are approximately 2,000 applications currently awaiting processing.
29. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for a report on the cost of business advisory forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33045/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt was my pleasure to convene the inaugural meeting of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum on 11th June 2025. In my opening remarks, I shared my vision and expectations for the Forum: “To create a space where businesses can speak directly to decision-makers about the real-world impact of rules and charges—and identify areas where practical changes can be made.”
The establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum delivers on a key commitment in the Programme for Government 2025. The Forum is a sub-group of my Department’s Enterprise Forum and I was pleased to welcome the Chair, Mr. Kevin Foley, and Vice Chair, Mr. Ronan Byrne.
I believe the Forum will present a unique opportunity for tripartite engagement, where Government Departments and State Agencies will hear directly from business owners and representatives, so, I was very encouraged to see a strong turnout and diverse representation from enterprise bodies across retail, tourism, agriculture, small business, and multinational sectors.
The Forum’s purpose is to examine the factors contributing to rising business costs in Ireland, including regulatory and infrastructural challenges that may require a sharper focus or a revised approach. It will also identify practical steps to help reduce these costs. To assist in this review, the Forum will meet in a series of thematic sessions over the coming six months to consider topics such as:
• Regulatory Cost and Simplification
• Planning and Infrastructure
• Technology and Innovation
• Reporting and Compliance Requirements
• Visas and Work Permits
• Utility Costs
A high level of engagement is not only welcomed but strongly encouraged, through the Forum and also via our current public consultation process.
30. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to detail the positions that Ireland is taking in the negotiations on the EU’s corporate sustainability due diligence directive; and the reasons why these positions are being taken. [33032/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra40. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will speak out against the watering down of the EU’s corporate sustainability due diligence directive so that important human rights and environmental clauses are not weakened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33031/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 40 together.
Ireland supports the simplification and burden reduction agenda at EU level. In the context of optimising the competitiveness of EU companies in the evolving global trading environment, I am supportive in principle of initiatives to simplify the reporting requirements and reduce costs on companies, most especially for SMEs.
In relation to the proposed changes to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive in the omnibus proposal, the proposed changes will significantly help enterprise in Ireland, and most of all our SMEs. I would welcome agreement of the proposed changes in the Omnibus on sustainability at the earliest opportunity in order to give business the legal certainty that it needs.
Consideration of the proposed changes including proposals in relation to human rights and environmental due diligence is ongoing at EU level. My Department will continue to assess the implications as discussions progress.
31. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his views on encouraging diversification, research and development in the business sector. [33192/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the critical role that diversification and research and development play in ensuring the long-term resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of Ireland’s enterprise base.
In an increasingly unpredictable geo-political and geo-economic landscape, diversification – whether through new markets, research, products or sectors – serves as a key means of mitigating risks to the economy and also as a powerful tool for unlocking new employment opportunities and reducing regional inequalities.
Complementing diversification, robust investment in research and development is essential to driving innovation and the development of new products which in turn enhances productivity and ensures Irish enterprises can compete effectively on the global stage. It is also a critical component of key strategic sectors for Ireland, such as AI, space, semiconductors, offshore wind, construction, and life sciences.
The clear importance of research and development is reflected in the strategies of my Department, agencies and others across the system. Stepping up enterprise innovation is a policy objective of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 and an important policy goal of the National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2021-2027. Furthermore, research and development is an important goal in both the recently published Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland Corporate strategies.
My officials also work closely with colleagues in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to promote and encourage enterprise innovation, including through Impact 2030: Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy. In 2023, the most recent year available, DFHERIS and its agencies budgeted more than €545 million for research and development.
The strategic importance placed in this area reflects the programmes and funding offered to enterprises by my Department. This year, Government has allocated €159 million in funding - including support from the European Regional Development Fund - to Enterprise Ireland’s Research, Development and Innovation programmes. IDA Ireland supported 46 R&I investments worth €78 million in 2023. These IDA investments were associated with client expenditure commitments of more than €1.4 billion.
Enterprise Ireland is strengthening collaborative innovation between industry and our third-level sector through programmes such as Innovation Vouchers, Innovation Partnerships, the Technology Gateways and Technology Centres. These programmes are designed to promote collaborative innovation from the first tentative steps to multi-partner, sector-based projects and every stage in-between – ensuring innovation is supported at every level.
Additionally, Enterprise Ireland’s Commercialisation Fund spins out research into new startups, generating the next wave of exciting innovative High Potential Start Ups. In tandem, KT Boost (Knowledge Transfer Boost) supports the transfer of research and innovation to enterprise by staffing our Technological Universities and Universities’ Tech Transfer Offices with specialist expertise.
This investment is helping Irish companies across all sectors to innovate, grow, and compete globally. It also connects FDI companies into our world class third level sector helping anchor their development in Ireland.
32. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the progress made to date under Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, which was launched by his Department in 2024. [33052/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2024, my Department developed Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy to ensure that Ireland maximises the economic benefits associated with the Government’s ambitious targets for offshore wind development over the coming decades.
Powering Prosperity includes 40 targeted actions for implementation by the end of this year, aiming to support Ireland’s offshore wind industry to rapidly deliver offshore wind projects of scale. It also maintains a focus on the sustainable development of Ireland’s industry to ensure that our long-term goal of at least 37GW by 2050 is met.
In April, I announced the publication of the first Implementation Progress Report for Powering Prosperity, which provided status updates on all of the Strategy’s 40 actions. This report shows that, of these 40 actions, 38 are either completed or in progress and further details are available within the report. Of these, 14 have been delivered with a further 24 currently in progress.
The report, which can be found on my Department’s website, highlights some of the vital work that is being undertaken to ensure that Ireland can capitalise on the vast potential that offshore wind energy represents to Ireland’s economy and energy system.
33. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific timelines and performance indicators that will be used to measure the effectiveness of the recently announced small business unit, in simplifying access to grants and supports, ensuring SME input into legislation through the SME test, and enhancing Local Enterprise Office resourcing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32783/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Small Business Unit has been established in my Department - fulfilling a Programme for Government pledge at an early stage and demonstrating the commitment of the Government to SMEs.
The Small Business Unit has been tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across Government. This will be an ongoing task and there are several interconnected pieces of work that will determine its success in this endeavour.
My Department has simplified access to grants and support programmes through the National Enterprise Hub. The NEH has over 250 different supports for businesses from 30 Departments and agencies. The NEH is staffed by a team of expert advisers who are on hand to offer advice directly to businesses.
Since launching last year, the NEH has dealt with almost 6,000 enquires. Monthly numbers have increased consistently and 773 were received in May alone. The NEH currently receives over 6,600 monthly visits and is close to reaching 100,000 visits. The Small Business Unit will drive the continued development of the NEH with a focus this year on reducing burdens on businesses in accessing supports.
The implementation of the SME Test drives home the “think small first” principle across Government and tasks policy makers to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation, or regulation, may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate.
The Small Business unit facilitates the SME Test cross-Government network which includes representatives from all Departments and meets on a quarterly basis to report back to my Department on implementation of the Test.
The Offices and Agencies of my Department have been written to requesting that they now apply the SME Test when developing new initiatives or offerings.
Finally, the Small Business Unit will ensure the Local Enterprise Offices continue to be properly resourced to help small businesses. The LEOs have a mandate to support small businesses with up to 50 employees and changes have been made to their grants and schemes to ensure more businesses are eligible.
The LEO Policy Statement 2024 – 2030, launched by my colleague Minister Peter Burke last year, outlines how the LEOS will contribute to the implementation of the priorities of the White Paper on Enterprise.
Responsibility for delivering on the actions set out in the Policy statement rests with the Small Business Unit. These actions include commitments to ease the administrative burden on businesses, to review all LEO supports, and the associated eligibility criteria.
Officials in the Small Business Unit will, in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland’s LEO Centre of Excellence, commission a review of the suite of LEO supports this year, with the results and recommendations to be reported back to my Department in the first half of 2026.
34. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when a new mid east enterprise plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33033/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra36. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when a new northeast regional enterprise plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33043/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra39. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when a new midlands regional enterprise plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33050/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra54. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when a new southeast regional enterprise plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32998/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when a new northwest regional enterprise plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33146/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra80. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when a new southwest regional enterprise plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32982/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 36, 39, 54, 55 and 80 together.
Balanced regional development remains a Government priority. One central aim of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 is to support balanced regional enterprise development. My Department and its agencies contribute to this agenda in several ways, including through the nine Regional Enterprise Plans or REPs. These are bottom-up plans developed and led by regional stakeholders, which focus on collaborative initiatives to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem in each region.
As mentioned in response to a parliamentary question during the 20 February 2025 session, with agreement from the Regional Enterprise Plans National Oversight Group at its meeting of 25 April 2024, the current REPs have been extended for one year to end 2025. This extension provides an additional year for continued implementation of the current plans and time to consider the best approach to the development of successor plans throughout 2025.
There is a clear commitment in the new Programme for Government to publish and resource new Regional Enterprise Plans. Before we develop these new plans, I would like to assess our approach to date, set a clear framework for the future and engage all of the relevant stakeholders in each region.
An independent review of the Regional Enterprise Plan initiative is currently underway. The review began in January 2025 and the final report is due to be delivered by the end of this month. A steering group was established to oversee the review.
A Regional Enterprise Policy Statement is to be drafted in parallel and finalised after the review of the REP initiative. This statement intends to more clearly link the REPs with existing policies and initiatives; it will set out the framework and strategic agenda for future regional enterprise development.
Following publication of the policy statement in the second half of this year, attention will then turn to development of the next set of REPs. A defined process, taking account of the REP review results and policy statement, and involving consultation with regional stakeholders, will be conducted in each region. This process should lead to formulation of new Regional Enterprise Plans ready for launch in early 2026.
35. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for the latest update on the commitment to undertake a look-back exercise to identify regulations that are now redundant, to reduce unnecessary red tape and the cost of doing business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33162/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra71. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department is undertaking a look-back exercise to identify business regulations that are now redundant to reduce unnecessary red tape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33046/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 71 together.
The Programme for Government is clear in setting out the importance of SMEs to our economy. Developing Ireland's enterprise base remains a key priority, and we will strive to reduce costs, administrative burdens and bureaucracy for businesses.
Ireland is internationally well-regarded in terms of regulatory burden. The 2025 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report from the European Commission ranked Ireland 4th in terms of Ease of Regulatory Compliance in the EU. Ireland’s strong competitive position is reflected in our exceptionally strong economic performance in recent years. However, the international context is rapidly changing, and we recognise that many businesses, whether indigenous or FDI, are facing increased challenges.
While Ireland benefits from a skilled workforce and success in attracting high-value FDI, challenges remain, notably in infrastructure capacity and the high cost of doing business compared to competitor nations.
In response to international economic developments, and in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, work is underway on the development of an Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. Indeed, the Government agreed to accelerate the timeframe for this work and the Action Plan will be presented for consideration at a Competitiveness Summit to be held in July.
The Action Plan will reflect a whole-of-Government approach to domestic drivers of – or barriers to – competitiveness, focusing on areas firmly within our own control. Its development has been informed by extensive consultation across Government Departments and with external stakeholders. My Department has also launched a public consultation which is currently open.
The Action Plan will also be guided by the forthcoming Ireland's Competitiveness Challenge 2025 report from the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council. The overarching objective of the Action Plan is to maintain and improve Ireland's position as a competitive and productive economy and one that is resilient in the face of external shocks. The Action Plan will, therefore, contain a set of actionable recommendations with clearly defined implementation timelines.
I have established the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, which convened on 11th June 2025. The Chair (Mr. Kevin Foley) and Vice Chair (Mr Ronan Byrne) were welcomed to facilitate the Forum. The Terms of Reference were adopted, and a discussion was undertaken with regard the thematic workplan.
The Forum was established to deliver on the Programme for Government 2025 (under the theme of ‘Supporting Small Business, Hospitality and Retail’) and is a sub-group of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment’s Enterprise Forum.
The Forum presents a unique opportunity for tripartite engagement, where Government Departments, Regulatory Bodies, and other State Agencies will hear directly from business owners and representatives. As this engagement progresses, the Chair and Vice-Chair will endeavour to facilitate all stakeholders to participate effectively.
The Forum’s purpose is to examine the factors contributing to rising business costs in Ireland, including regulatory and infrastructural challenges that may require a sharper focus or a revised approach. It will also identify practical steps to help reduce these costs.
Over the coming six months, the Forum will meet regularly to discuss key themes concerning businesses which include:
• Regulatory Cost and Simplification
• Planning and Infrastructure
• Technology and Innovation
• Compliance Measures
• Visas and Work Permits
• Utility Costs
I have also established the Small Business Unit in my Department - fulfilling another Programme for Government pledge at an early stage and demonstrating the commitment of the Government to SMEs. The Unit has been tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across Government.
My Department has taken a number of concrete steps to reduce unnecessary administrative and regulatory burdens and we are updating key legislation to modernise our legal frameworks and reduce compliance costs – another important Programme for Government commitment to undertake a regulatory look-back exercise. For instance:
• We are updating the Companies Act through the Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Act 2024 with a range of practical reforms consistent with ensuring Ireland’s regulatory framework provides flexibility and is fit for modern business operating in an increasingly digital and virtual environment. This includes provisions for virtual AGMs and amending the SME audit exemption to provide for a graduated regime to deal with late filing by small / micro companies.
• The Co-operative Societies Bill provides for the most far-reaching reform of the legislation governing co-operatives in the history of the State. The Bill introduces a modern legal framework which will place the co-operative model on a more favourable and clearer legal basis and encourage the consideration of the co-operative model as an attractive formation option for entrepreneurs and also for social and community activities.
• Implementation of the revision of the monetary thresholds in the Accounting Directive which will reduce the regulatory/administrative burden related to corporate reporting for over 3,000 companies.
• The Small Companies Administrative Rescue Process (SCARP) is now in place, offering a quicker, more affordable restructuring option for viable small businesses in difficulty.
• 95% of filings with the Companies Registration Office are now online.
• Significant progress has also been made in recent years in improving the employment permits processing system to ensure the service is responsive to business needs and prevailing economic conditions. Processing times have dropped from 22 weeks in 2022 to just 1–2 weeks today.
• The new Employment Permits Application and Processing System, which was launched in May 2025, will provide a more user-friendly interface. This is the first phase of a process to improve the permits system providing additional stability and security with further technological developments planned to improve the IT system experience.
• The statutory sick leave roadmap was also reviewed earlier this year and agreed by Government to hold at 5 days.
• A systematic application of the SME Test which has been designed to invite consideration of less stringent compliance requirements for smaller companies, where appropriate and proportionate. In 2024 alone, 26 SME Tests were conducted across 8 Government Departments—10 of these by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. This is a significant increase from just 8 tests in 2023. Offices and Agencies of the Department have now been requested to apply the SME Test when developing new initiatives or offerings.
• My Department has simplified access to grants and support programmes through the National Enterprise Hub (NEH). The Hub has over 250 different supports for businesses from 30 Departments and agencies. The NEH is staffed by a team of expert advisers who are on hand to offer advice directly to businesses. Since launching last year, the Hub has dealt with almost 6,000 enquires.
I have also requested that State Bodies under the aegis of my Department who offer grants and other supports examine how their processes can be simplified, removing or reducing any unnecessary burdens. These Bodies have been asked to examine their processes and identify opportunities to also simplify compliance without compromising good governance.
At EU level, we are fully aligned with the Commission’s ambition to reduce administrative burdens by at least 25%—and 35% for SMEs. The recent Omnibus proposals, including changes to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, are expected to remove 80% of companies from scope, significantly easing compliance.
My officials are actively engaged in shaping these developments through EU working parties and are monitoring the forthcoming digital simplification package expected later this year.
Together with my Department officials, agencies and offices, we will continue to consider how the various regulations, services, offerings and supports can be simplified for stakeholders and unnecessary administrative burdens removed.
37. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the initiatives he is taking to support tourism and hospitality in County Louth and the northeast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33044/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government remains committed to supporting the tourism and hospitality sector in County Louth and the wider northeast region, recognising its vital role in local employment and economic development.
Louth is included in Ireland’s Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023 – 2027. Regional Tourism Development Strategies are being activated across every region through a series of local area action plans, referred to as Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs).
The ‘Ancient’ Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP), which was launched in May 2021, is a five-year plan designed to be a roadmap for enhancing the existing visitor proposition to achieve the objectives of addressing seasonality, increasing visitor numbers, improving dwell time and visitor dispersion in the Boyne Valley & surrounding areas of both Meath & Louth. Since the launch of the Ancient DEDP in May 2021, 26 projects have been completed, while a further 41 are in progress across its 4 strategic pillars. Key achievements to date include the completion of a plan to re-imagine the Boyne Valley Drive; the development of an outdoor Destination Orientation Development Plan for Carlingford & the Cooley Peninsula, and the continued growth of the world class ‘Púca’ festival in Meath. Fáilte Ireland is also presently conducting a mid-term review of the Ancient DEDP to ensure it is updated to reflect present day challenges.
In May, I announced the recipients of funding under Fáilte Ireland’s new Home of Halloween Pilot Destination Development Scheme. A total of €1.5 million will be invested over the next three years (2025–2028) which aims to establish Ireland as the authentic global home of Halloween. Each successful destination, which included a joint proposal by Meath County Council and Louth County Council, will receive up to €100,000 annually to develop Halloween-themed festivals that celebrate Ireland’s heritage and attract visitors during the off-peak season. Marketing efforts under the Keep Discovering campaign and international media visits arranged by Fáilte Ireland, have also further elevated Louth’s profile with events such as the Festival of Lú drawing over 50,000 visitors in 2024.
The Carlingford Lough area is one of three destinations that will feature as part of up to €23million in Government funding, under the Shared Island Fund. Delivered in partnership with Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, this project will deliver a network of trailheads, trails and water access points across the wider Carlingford Lough region; destination gateways /arrival infrastructure, creating an industry capacity building opportunity to support industry in the development and utilisation of the ‘outdoors’. The project will increase connectivity between existing trails and tourism assets across the region. This will be complemented by the delivery of a Destination Experience Strategy to promote the region as a leading outdoor tourism destination.
As part of its ongoing commitment to industry growth, Fáilte Ireland is aligning business supports under four strategic pillars Climate Action, Commercial Resilience, People and Performance, and Digitisation. Louth’s tourism sector is supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Employer Excellence Programme, Champions Programme, and Climate Action Programme. I would also like to highlight the support offered by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), based within Local Authorities, which are a first stop shop for local businesses in Ireland. In the first instance LEOs provide a signposting service for all government supports available to all small businesses regardless of the sector. I would recommend that any small business owner contact their Local Enterprise Office and ask to speak to a Business Advisor about the supports available to them. I also encourage any business owners looking to avail of government support to consult the National Enterprise Hub (NEH). The NEH is an all-of-government free service, staffed by expertly trained advisors and is focused on helping business owners access a range of government supports.
38. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the actions his Department is taking to progress and prioritise the Irish National Semiconductor Strategy in order to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the European Chips Act. [31570/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I launched Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy in May with the aim of positioning Ireland as a key regional hub in the European semiconductor value chain. To this end, my Department is currently leveraging the opportunities presented by the Chips Joint Undertaking of the European Chips Act.
Specifically, I-C3, the National Competence Centre for Semiconductors, has been established with Tyndall National Institute as co-ordinator and MIDAS Ireland, MCCI, UCD and NovaUCD as partners. I-C3 is one of 27 Chips Competence Centres across the EU being launched in 2025 as part of the European Chips Act. In that regard, I-C3 will provide SMEs, startups, and scale-ups with expertise and technological support to speed up innovation in the semiconductor sector.
In addition, my Department has ensured over €70 million in national and EU funding is earmarked for Tyndall’s participation in three EU Pilot Lines, strengthening links with leading semiconductor institutions like IMEC, Leti, and Fraunhofer. These pilot lines aim to bridge the gap between research and industrial deployment, as well as accelerating the development of advanced semiconductor technologies.
My Department is also utilising other EU instruments such as Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI), Horizon Europe, and the Digital Europe Programme, combining national and EU funding to maximise impact for the semiconductor ecosystem in line with the aims of Silicon Island.
Finally, other key deliverables across Ecosystem Support (such as the IDA pursuing further significant FDI investments and our Programme for Government proposals for Next Generation Sites), Research & Talent, and International Co-operation, to be progressed during the lifetime of the Strategy, are detailed in Silicon Island which is available on my Department's website - www.enterprise.gov.ie.
