Thursday, 19 Jun 2025

Written Answers Nos. 61-80

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Business Regulation

Ceisteanna (61, 74)

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

61. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will clarify the concrete steps Ireland is taking at Council level regarding the Omnibus proposals (COM 80 and COM 81) to defend the core provisions of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), including the retention of a risk-based due diligence approach and access to justice measures; if he will explain the reason Ireland has not yet publicly aligned with like-minded Member States, such as Spain, Denmark, Finland and Latvia, in actively defending human rights and environmental protections in the directive; and if he will make a statement on how he intends to use the current negotiation window to ensure that these elements are not weakened before trilogue negotiations commence. [33195/25]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

74. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to clarify Ireland's position in ongoing Council negotiations on the Omnibus regarding the requirement to “put into effect” climate transition plans, recognising that reporting without legally requiring full implementation will ensure that Ireland will not meet its international obligations in relation to climate action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33196/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 74 together.

Ireland supports the simplification and burden reduction agenda at EU level. Specifically in relation to the Omnibus on sustainability, the proposals are intended to address disproportionate burdens on businesses, in particular on SMEs, whilst retaining key aspects in relation to corporate responsibility. What we wish to see is better regulation, not deregulation.

European Commission document COM (2025) 80, or the so-called ‘Stop the Clock’ Directive, which postpones the dates for certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements has been agreed by the co-legislators and will be transposed in Ireland before the 31 December 2025 deadline.

Commission document COM (2025) 81 is the so-called ‘Content’ Directive and includes a number of proposed legislative changes to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

In relation to the necessity to conduct a risk-based approach, the Commission’s proposal retains the requirement for in-scope companies to conduct risk-based human rights and environmental due diligence of their own operations, those of their subsidiaries and their direct business partners. If plausible information suggests the existence or possibility of adverse impacts arising from the operations of their indirect business partners, the company will be required to conduct an in-depth assessment. If that assessment confirms the existence of an adverse impact, further due diligence will need to be carried out.

Discussions are ongoing at EU level as to how best to provide for a civil liability regime in an effective and proportionate manner. The proposal does maintain the requirement which ensures that victims of adverse impacts have effective access to justice and their right to an effective remedy.

In relation to climate action, the proposal seeks to simplify the provisions on transition plans by aligning with the provisions of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. In-scope companies will be required to include implementation actions, planned and taken, in their climate transition plans. I acknowledge the importance of robust climate action and the role of corporate accountability in achieving our international obligations under the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal. Ireland remains committed to achieving its legally binding climate targets. The CSDDD does not aim to provide a comprehensive framework for the protection of the environment in the context of companies’ operations. Due diligence processes are complementary to, rather than replacing specific legal obligations that operate to protect the environment.

I have been clear in my support for the simplification and burden reduction agenda at EU level and welcomed the Commission’s Omnibus proposals aimed at strengthening EU competitiveness. This does not mean losing sight of the objectives of the CSDDD but rather giving careful consideration to the proposals for change.

The omnibus proposals have been discussed at a number of EU fora where Member States, including Ireland, have set out their position in relation to the proposals. The discussions on the proposed changes are ongoing at EU level. My Department will continue to assess their implications as discussions progress.

Trade Relations

Ceisteanna (62)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

62. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 16 of 20 February 2025, to detail the way in which, as outlined in the reply, officials carry out an assessment which includes a series of checks to ensure, as far as possible, that the item to be exported will be used by the stated end-user for the stated end-use and will not be used for illicit purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32971/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

My Department is the National Competent Authority with responsibility for Export Controls, including Controls on defence-related exports and exports of dual-Use goods. Controls on the export of dual-use items are administered by my Department, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items.

All export licence applications are considered by my officials in accordance with criteria set out within the relevant dual-use and military EU and National Regulations and with Ireland’s international obligations and responsibilities as members of non-proliferation regimes and export control arrangements. Each application is assessed individually, considering the nature of the items, the destination country, the identity of the end-user, and the intended end-use. A range of complex factors is considered in every application, including national security, regional stability, and human rights concerns. This means ascertaining if the item(s) in question being used for the intended end use would present any risk to the national security of the Irish State, or the regional stability or human rights in the end destination, amongst other criteria. The risk of diversion to another end use or end user is also considered. Depending on the individual application, this assessment may involve consultation with the exporter and/or other Member States and input from national intelligence or technical experts.

An EU database of denials issued by Member States is searched to ascertain if any other Member State has denied a licence for the same product to the same end-user. My Department also consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on each application.

Where an authorisation is issued, it applies only to the specific goods, destinations, and end-users listed in the approved application, and any applicable conditions are attached to the authorisation itself. Exporters must ensure that exports take place within the specified validity period (typically 12 months). Authorisations are non-transferable, and any changes to the export circumstances (such as product specifications, end-user details, or company status) must be reported to the Department and may require a new authorisation.

Exporters are also required to maintain detailed records of each transaction, including contracts, invoices, shipping documents, and end-use declarations. Authorised officers within my Department are responsible for monitoring and investigating potential non-compliance with export control legislation. This is carried out through regular scheduled audits, as well as targeted interventions where information is received that requires closer scrutiny.

The primary purpose of export controls is not to block trade or exports, but to enable the free movement of legitimate goods while ensuring that certain sensitive categories are subject to appropriate regulation. These controls are designed to manage risk, uphold international peace and security, and ensure Ireland’s compliance with its international obligations.

Regional Development

Ceisteanna (63)

Naoise Ó Cearúil

Ceist:

63. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the progress made by his Department to reform the smart regions enterprise innovation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33126/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme was launched in October 2023. The scheme is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund and administered by Enterprise Ireland. The scheme includes four streams supporting development and provision of local enterprise infrastructure, innovation clusters and consortia, innovation services to SMEs, and early-stage feasibility and priming research.

Smart Regions aims to accelerate economic growth in all regions of the country and has already approved €10 million worth of grants to enterprise development projects across our regions. These investments include cluster development programmes, innovative enterprise support schemes and targeted investment in strategic capital infrastructure underpinning our regional ecosystems.

The Smart Regions scheme operates in a complex legal environment requiring compliance with both State Aid rules and regulations specified by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). For that reason, Enterprise Ireland is continually assessing the threshold for entry, supporting projects with their eligibility. Stream 1 for local enterprise infrastructure has proven the most challenging and, in terms of reform, Enterprise Ireland has recently completed a review introducing a new interpretation for many of the identified projects on its pipeline. All of this activity operates within strict expenditure timelines associated with the ERDF, and, in addition, recent announcements by the European Commission on the modernisation of Cohesion Policy. Enterprise Ireland continues to work on a one-to-one basis with projects and with the network of regional enterprise groups across the country in stimulating new initiatives and projects. Enterprise Ireland is the intermediary body delivering the Smart Regions scheme under Ireland’s ERDF programmes. These wider ERDF programmes are overseen by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly as managing authorities. The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has lead responsibility overall for Cohesion Policy in Ireland. My Department engages regularly with Enterprise Ireland, the Regional Assemblies and the Department of Public Expenditure to monitor delivery of the scheme.

Business Regulation

Ceisteanna (64)

Sinéad Gibney

Ceist:

64. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline the means by which the proposed change to the Corporate Sustainability and Due Diligence Directive in the EU Omnibus proposals, which will result in the need to assess all tier 1 suppliers for compliance, but no risk-based assessment for the full supply chain, will reduce the regulatory burden on SMEs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33159/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

In the context of optimising the competitiveness of EU companies in the evolving global trading environment and ensuring proportionality, I am supportive in principle of initiatives to simplify the reporting requirements and reduce costs on companies and most especially for SMEs.

The Deputy is aware that the Omnibus on sustainability proposes a number of legislative changes to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

My Department is continuing to assess the implications of the Omnibus proposals for business, including SMEs, as the discussions on the Omnibus proposal progress at EU level. The motivation behind the proposals is to reduce disproportionate burdens on businesses and this will include minimising any direct impacts on SMEs whilst retaining key aspects in relation to corporate responsibility.

Business Supports

Ceisteanna (65)

Emer Currie

Ceist:

65. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the digital voucher uptake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33163/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Grow Digital Voucher was introduced in 2024, and replaced the Trading Online Voucher, which closed for applications in December 2024. Under this new, improved offer, the funding available has been increased to up to €5,000 and the eligibility criteria expanded to cover a wider range of digital interventions available to a broader range of businesses compared to the Trading Online Voucher.

Eligible expenditure under the Grow Digital Voucher includes e-commerce software, e-invoicing software, cyber security software, as well as analytics software including Artificial Intelligence systems. The improvements in eligible expenditure for Grow Digital also means that website development subscriptions are also supported. The Grow Digital Voucher is available to all small business with up to 50 employees, across all sectors. The Digital for Business consultancy is the first step for a business to access the Grow Digital Voucher. This scheme helps businesses to prepare and implement a plan for the adoption of digital tools and techniques across the business.

Going digital is critical for small businesses to stay competitive. The digital supports on offer from the Local Enterprise Offices were designed to help small businesses to reach more customers through online sales and marketing and to ensure that they can bridge the digital gap. These supports will ensure that small businesses are being supported in digitalisation and will contribute towards the target of 90% basic digital intensity of enterprise by 2030.

As the Grow Digital Voucher was just recently introduced, it will take some time to gain traction. In 2025, up to the end of May, there have been 78 Grow Digital Voucher applications, with the value of the approvals over €200,000. In the same timeframe, there has been 501 Digital for Business applications, with the value of approvals at over €1.2 million. As the Digital for Business scheme is a pre-requisite to the Grow Digital Voucher, it is expected that applications for the voucher will increase, due to the strong uptake of the Digital for Business scheme.

I would recommend that any small business owner contact their Local Enterprise Office and ask to speak to a Business Adviser who will be able to advise them on what supports are available.

Job Losses

Ceisteanna (66)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

66. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he or his officials have had engagement with a company (details supplied) and the examiner located there, since the announcement of the companies entering into examinership; the extent to which the Department can support in this process to secure the best possible future for this business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32740/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Wellman International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indorama Ventures PCL, one of the world’s leading petrochemical producers and a leading global manufacturer of wool yarns. The broader Indorama Group is based in Bangkok, Thailand.

As the Deputy will be aware, Wellman International Ltd, Mullagh, County Cavan produces polyester staple fibres, made primarily from recycled material, and the company entered the Examinership process on 3rd June 2025. Examinership is a court-overseen process whereby a company is placed under court protection for a period of time in order to allow for the potential rescue and return to financial health of a company which may be in severe financial difficulty, but which is potentially viable.My foremost concern, and that of the Government, is for the potentially impacted employees and their families during this difficult and uncertain time. IDA regional team is partnering with local agencies, to support impacted employees. To this end, there is an established process of coordinated engagement by support agencies at a local level to provide supports to employees in consultation with the company. Government provides a range of supports to any employees facing job losses and the Intreo service of the Department of Social Protection can assist with income supports and relevant employment and training opportunities where needed. Our enterprise agencies will also assist where possible in helping those impacted to find alternative employment, and this support can include:

• Outplacement employment support services and potential training opportunities may be provided/facilitated by the company and/or other providers (ETBs/Skillnet, etc.) to support impacted employees.

• Provision of a detailed skills profile for the employees on the site, which with agreement can be shared with other potential site leaders that maybe recruiting. Wellman leadership have provided IDA with a full employee skills audit.

• IDA has agreed with the company and engaged with the examiner to help market the site and business across its global office network. Wellman has provided IDA with all necessary site details which can be shared with potential investors.

• IDA will provide introductions on a local level to the Department of Social Protection and Solas on social welfare services and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.

• IDA has engaged with its sister agency Enterprise Ireland and will connect with all relevant agencies on a regional basis to promote the site’s wider marketing.

While being very careful not to comment on the Examinership itself, as this is before our Courts, I can confirm IDA Ireland have been engaging continuously with the company for some time and working to provide all necessary supports, including meeting the Examiner. IDA has worked closely with the Irish leadership team to help improve the company’s competitive position before the company took its recent decision to follow the Examinership route.IDA Ireland and all relevant local agencies will continue to support and assist the impacted employees, as and when appropriate.

More broadly, the IDA Border Region comprises counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan. There are 72 IDA client companies in the Border Region, employing 10,389 people. The FDI performance in the region has been very positive over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 12%. The Border has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Life Sciences, Engineering, International Financial Services, Content, Consumer & Business Services and Technology. In Cavan, there are 950 people currently employed across 10 IDA-supported companies.Additionally, IDA Ireland has close working relationships with all key stakeholders across the region and is actively involved in initiatives to improve the value proposition for FDI working closely with regional stakeholders such as the Regional Skills Forum, Enterprise Ireland, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), Local Authorities and through collaborative involvement in the North-East Regional Enterprise Plan. IDA also engages with strategic industry networks including The Fintech Corridor, BORMAC (Border Region Manufacturing Cluster), and the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE), all of which play a key role in fostering innovation, workforce development, and enterprise growth.IDA’s focus over the coming years is to build on the strengths and competencies of the region with a particular focus on high value manufacturing, services, research and development opportunities across several established clusters. Emerging technology trends have and will continue to create new opportunities across the region in areas such as data analytics, smart manufacturing, cybersecurity and new approaches to working such as co-working hubs. Regional development continues to be at the centre of IDA’s new strategy. IDA is committed to the pursuit of more balanced, compact regional development which can deliver complementary efficiency and equity gains, with the overall impact of helping to advance national development.

Business Supports

Ceisteanna (67)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Ceist:

67. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement he has had with Government colleagues in relation to insurance and reducing the cost of insurance for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32939/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Niamh Smyth)

The Programme for Government - Securing Ireland’s Future, sets out a range of commitments to build upon the previous Government’s insurance reform programme. The commitments include the establishment of the Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform which is focused on addressing issues within the sector, particularly regarding costs and availability. The Cabinet Committee Sub-Group is chaired by the Tánaiste and both Minister of State Smyth, and I are members.

A key commitment of the Programme for Government is the development of a new ‘Action Plan for Insurance Reform’ which will focus on encouraging further competition in the market and working with stakeholders to enhance transparency and affordability across all types of insurance.

Central to the Action Plan will be the continued strengthening of the Injuries Resolution Board, an Agency of my Department, which resolves personal injury claims in a fair, prompt and transparent manner without the need for unnecessary litigation.

Since establishment in 2004 the Injuries Resolution Board, has dealt with over 500,000 personal injury claim applications and made nearly 200,000 assessments of compensation. This has led to direct savings of over €1.26 billion in avoided legal fees through its assessment service where these awards have been accepted by both parties.

In 2023 alone €75 million was saved through the work of the Injuries Resolution Board from the avoided legal costs associated with litigation, with a similar draft figure of €76 million in 2024.

The Personal Injury Guidelines, first introduced in April 2021 were reviewed in 2024 by the Judicial Council after a period of three years, in line with legislation. This led to the publication of new draft Personal Injuries Guidelines in December 2024, which introduced a new methodology for the calculation of awards and increased personal injury awards by 16.7%.

The amendments proposed to the Personal Injuries Guidelines represent a significant challenge for Ireland’s competitiveness, and I have represented my concerns with Government colleagues on these issues in recent months.

• On 19th March 2025, I met with the Ministers for Finance and Justice for a discussion regarding the Personal Injuries Guidelines.

• On 10th April 2025, I attended the Cabinet Committee on Economy, Trade and Competitiveness where the agenda featured an item on re-establishing the Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform.

• On 6th May 2025, I met with the Minister for Justice, the CEO of the Injuries Resolution Board and the Attorney General for a discussion on the potential impact of the revised Personal Injuries Guidelines for the Injuries Resolution Board and the wider economy.

The Cabinet Committee Subgroup on Insurance Reform is scheduled to next meet on 9th July 2025.

I will continue to advocate on behalf of business to drive the insurance reform agenda working alongside my colleagues across Government taking account of the wider issue of competitiveness and impacts on our economy.

Enterprise Policy

Ceisteanna (68)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

68. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the timeline for the publication of 'Enterprise 2035'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32969/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The 2025 Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish a new enterprise strategy, Enterprise 2035, as a long-term ambition for enterprise growth and job creation over the coming decade.

This policy will supersede the White Paper on Enterprise, maintaining a focus on building on Ireland’s strengths as an open economy with strong trade and foreign direct investment, a vibrant innovation ecosystem and a resilient labour market, while also adapting to new challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.

Preliminary work has commenced on the scoping of the new strategy, which is expected to be published in H1 2026. The new strategy will be aligned with the forthcoming Action Plan on Competitiveness, due to be published later this year.

Small and Medium Enterprises

Ceisteanna (69)

Grace Boland

Ceist:

69. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the mechanism his Department is using to measure the success of grants offered to SMEs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33035/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

My Department measures the impact of grant supports to SMEs through a combination of quantitative performance metrics and qualitative outcomes which are aligned with programme for government goals.

Programmes delivered by the enterprise agencies are evaluated by my Department, and individual projects at company level that are supported by the agencies undergo evaluations to ensure that value for money objectives are met.

Enterprise Ireland's new strategy for 2025 - 2029 outlines an ambition to support Irish owned companies to make an even greater contribution to the Irish economy through international growth and nationwide employment. It includes a number of key headline metrics to measure the success of its supports to businesses, including:

• Job Creation: A key indicator is the number of new jobs created and sustained within supported companies. Enterprise Ireland tracks employment growth as a direct result of grant support. In 2024, EI client companies employed over 234,000 people. This figure reflects the strong performance of Irish SMEs and larger enterprises supported by the agency. Looking ahead, EI’s strategic target for 2029 is to increase employment in supported companies to 275,000 jobs.

• Export Growth: As many grants aim to help SMEs scale internationally, increased export sales are a major success metric. Companies are expected to expand into new markets or grow their share in existing markets. In 2023, Enterprise Ireland client companies achieved record export sales of €34.57 billion. This marked a significant milestone, reflecting the strength and global competitiveness of Irish-owned businesses supported by the agency. Looking ahead, Enterprise Ireland’s strategic export target for 2029 is to reach €50 billion in export sales.

• Productivity and Innovation: Enterprise Ireland’s strategic productivity target for 2029 is to achieve a 3% annual increase in productivity among supported companies. Enterprise Ireland-supported companies also invest in Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) activities. This investment reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation as a driver of competitiveness and global growth among Irish enterprises. Enterprise Ireland also has a strategic RD&I target for 2029 to achieve a cumulative €2.2 billion in RD&I spending by supported companies.

• Client Feedback and Case Studies: Qualitative insights from supported businesses help assess the practical impact of grants and inform future programme design.

These metrics ensure that funding not only supports individual businesses but also contributes to delivery of broader programme for government objectives around innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth.

Coillte Teoranta

Ceisteanna (70)

Louis O'Hara

Ceist:

70. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has engaged with Fáilte Ireland regarding the masterplan for Portumna Forest Park in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32260/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

I understand that Coillte has commissioned a Strategic Development Plan, previously called a Masterplan, for Portumna Forest Park. Fáilte Ireland is a strategic partner of Coillte’s and gives guidance in relation to sustainable tourism development as an aspect of this plan while also collaborating closely with Coillte on the tourism aspects of the plan.

The purpose of the Strategic Development Plan is to advise Coillte and key stakeholders including the Portumna local community, on the optimum usage of Portumna Forest Park, as a treasured recreational and environmental resource. The principal aim of the Strategic Development Plan is to ensure that any future development in the Forest Park will be carried out in a sensitive and environmentally conscious way. Habitats within the Forest Park which are known to be of high ecological value will be protected and conserved.

The draft Strategic Development Plan for the Portumna Forest Park is?currently?being reviewed to take account of feedback from extensive public consultation. The in-person public consultation event held at the Portumna Workhouse Centre on 24th October 2023 was well attended, and 296 written submissions were received throughout the consultation period. The feedback obtained from the public consultation and direct engagement with stakeholders has informed the approach to the Strategic Development Plan for this important local amenity.

Portumna is also included in Fáilte Ireland’s “Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands” Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023 – 2027. The plan sets out a strategic approach to unlocking the commercial potential of “Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands” and will ensure focus on tourism development is sustainable, regenerative and that the benefits accrue to local communities.

This can be seen in the recent re-development of Connacht Harbour in Portumna, which was officially opened in September 2024 following a €2.8 million investment by Waterways Ireland and Failte Ireland. The redevelopment includes a significant expansion of the number of mooring berths in the harbour for public use. It also includes the addition of a canoe step for access to the Lough Derg Blueway; additional onshore facilities and a new cycle and walking trail linking Connacht Harbour to the town and Lough Derg Blueway.

Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 35.

Small and Medium Enterprises

Ceisteanna (72)

Joe Neville

Ceist:

72. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment how his Department, working alongside Enterprise Ireland, is adapting to support the needs of startups in the face of AI and sustainability demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32950/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

My Department is ensuring that Enterprise Ireland is actively evolving to meet the dual demands of AI innovation and sustainability in its support for startups. Through its 2025–2029 strategy, the agency aims to support 1,000 new startups, with a strong focus on scalable, export-driven businesses.

Recognising the transformative potential of AI, Enterprise Ireland is enhancing its digitalisation and AI adoption supports, offering targeted training, advisory services, and funding to help startups integrate advanced technologies into their operations.

On the sustainability front, the agency is embedding green innovation into its funding criteria and mentorship programmes. Startups are encouraged to develop environmentally responsible solutions, with access to resources that promote circular economy practices and low-carbon technologies. The Pre-Seed Start Fund and High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) programme are key vehicles for this support, with over €27 million invested in 2024 alone.

CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for Applied AI and the designated European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) for AI, plays a pivotal role in supporting startups navigating the dual challenges of AI integration and sustainability. Through its flagship AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme, delivered in partnership with NovaUCD, CeADAR provides early-stage companies with tailored technical and commercial support to develop and scale AI-driven solutions across sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, and sustainability.

The programme offers access to CeADAR’s AI expertise, mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, investor readiness workshops, and collaborative workspace, fostering a vibrant innovation environment. Importantly, many of the supported startups are focused on sustainability-oriented applications such as optimizing energy use, reducing waste, or enhancing supply chain transparency demonstrating CeADAR’s commitment to aligning AI innovation with environmental goals. Funded under the European Digital Innovation Hubs initiative and supported by Enterprise Ireland, CeADAR’s approach ensures that startups are not only technologically advanced but also equipped to contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s green transition

Additionally, Enterprise Ireland fosters collaboration through global networks and research partnerships, ensuring startups can access cutting-edge knowledge and markets. This approach combining financial backing, strategic guidance, and a strong emphasis on AI and sustainability positions Irish startups to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Regional Development

Ceisteanna (73)

Peter 'Chap' Cleere

Ceist:

73. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs in Kilkenny and Carlow currently supported by Enterprise Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32999/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Government is firmly committed to driving balanced regional development as a cornerstone of its enterprise policy. Under the “Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally” Strategy 2025–2029, Enterprise Ireland aims to grow employment in client companies to 275,000, with a strong emphasis on regional job creation and scaling indigenous businesses across all counties.

According to the most recent figures from the Enterprise Ireland Annual Employment Survey 2024 , there were 142 Enterprise Ireland-supported companies operating in Kilkenny at the end of 2024, employing a total of 7,255 staff. In Carlow, 102 supported companies were recorded, employing 3,714 staff.

Enterprise Ireland has invested €27.6 million in Irish start-ups and supported over 157 new businesses. Of these, 63 companies were based outside of Dublin. Eleven companies from the South East region secured funding, including Carlow and Kilkenny-based businesses such as Sulu Software Consultancy—developers of an innovative FinTech solution—along with Ealtra & Suspage Ltd.

Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 61.

Regional Development

Ceisteanna (75)

Malcolm Byrne

Ceist:

75. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment how the southeast regional enterprise plan has acted to ensure that the green economy becomes an engine for future job creation and economic growth in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33051/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Niamh Smyth)

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 (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. The South-East REP outlines five key strategic objectives in this regard – including driving green growth. The Plan is working to ensure that the green economy drives future job creation and economic growth in several ways including supporting the development of green enterprises, leveraging renewable energy opportunities, and promoting skills programmes. Some of the initiatives supported by the Plan in this context include:

• Establishment of the South-East Offshore Wind Partnership, which is enabling engagement between the ports, airport, local authorities, industry and enterprise agencies alongside the education and training bodies to ensure that the opportunities presented by offshore wind are realised.

• Through the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, €1 million in funding has been secured for Greentech HQ's new business accelerator programme, Business Advantage and Sustainability South-East (B.A.S.S.E). This initiative will provide SMEs with the tools, mentorship and strategic frameworks needed to scale successfully and sustainably.

• There is ongoing engagement with key stakeholders on green skills including the South East Technical University (SETU), the Regional Skills Forum, education and training boards (ETBs), and the Engineering the South-East Cluster. A baseline assessment of green skills requirements based on 2030 targets has been undertaken and a range of courses on sustainability have now been developed in response. These are being delivered by a range of providers including SETU, ETBs and Skillnet Ireland.

• The REP Programme Manager participates on the South-East Regional Skills Forum, which has sustainability as an ongoing agenda item. The Forum monitors industry requirements and is steering a strategic approach to regional green skills.

• South-East stakeholders inputted to the national Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan 2024. They also work to promote awareness and take up of the range of supports available through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) network including the Green for Business Scheme and the Energy Efficiency Grant.

• The Engineering the South-East Cluster is continuing to develop its partnerships with many of the agencies and service providers in the region including IDA Ireland, Greentech HQ, the LEOs and the ETBs. Offshore wind is a key focus for the cluster with a number of skills, research, and supply chain initiatives in this area.

The current REPs run from 2022 to the end of this year and the Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish and resource new plans. Building on progress to date, these will be informed by several factors including an independent review of the REP initiative currently underway, a Regional Enterprise Policy Statement to be published later this year, and stakeholder consultation. This process should lead to formulation of new Regional Enterprise Plans ready for launch in early 2026.

Employment Rights

Ceisteanna (76)

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

76. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the development of the voluntary code of practice to support the hiring of workers with a disability, as committed to in the Programme for Government; to outline the expected timeline for its publication and implementation following initial stakeholder engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33157/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

As set out previously, work has begun on the design of a voluntary Code of Practice to support the hiring of workers with a disability.

Some businesses and state agencies already have some form of best practice, which is very encouraging.

I believe that there is a role for a voluntary code that will have a particular focus on neurodiversity, learning from excellent examples already being applied in various private sector settings. Engagement with stakeholders on this has already commenced and I look forward to the results of this work.

The forthcoming National Disability Strategy will include employment as an important consideration, one of five key pillars. The National Disability Strategy is intended as a whole-of-government framework for the implementation of the UNCRPD in Ireland and is intended for publication in the coming months.

Enterprise Policy

Ceisteanna (77)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

77. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagements that he, or any representative of his Department or associated State agencies, have had in respect of the former BOSE factory at Carrickmacross, considering the latest owners (details supplied) are putting the premises up for resale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33112/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Newbaze factory in Carrickmacross was officially opened in November 2019. Enterprise Ireland (EI) supported Newbaze as they sought to establish themselves as an infant formula and nutritional powders manufacturer. They also supported the company to explore the innovation networks and ecosystem available to them in Ireland.EI met the company CEO on 05 March 2025, and at that meeting, he confirmed the business was no longer viable in Ireland due to inflationary pressures and market conditions. As a result, the company has taken the decision to sell the plant in Carrickmacross and have appointed an Irish agent to support the sale process. Enterprise Ireland had a further meeting with the company on 17 June 2025 where they outlined that they continue to seek a buyer for the site. EI will continue to support the company by facilitating introductions to potential buyers where appropriate.

Small and Medium Enterprises

Ceisteanna (78)

Paul Lawless

Ceist:

78. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has conducted or plans to conduct any reviews into the barriers Mayo based SMEs face in accessing Government business grants; and if he will consider streamlining the application process to boost uptake in rural counties. [33215/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Last year my department launched the National Enterprise Hub as a service open to all businesses to help them access and find the right Government support to help their business. Its overall goal is to simplify access to the many grants and supports available to businesses across Government.

It provides business owners with an easy entry point to the wide enterprise supports eco-system. The National Enterprise Hub provides access to a team of expert advisers through a dedicated phone line and enquiry form. The advisers help to diagnose the needs of the individual business, directing them to the appropriate available supports or indeed put them in direct contact with the relevant agency.

The Hub is a centralised signposting service for over 250 Government supports as well as outbound contact with businesses to encourage take up of available assistance in areas such as decarbonisation, digitalisation, skills development and innovation.

My Department chairs a coordination group with representatives from Government Departments and agencies to ensure the National Enterprise Hub includes comprehensive and up to date information on the range of business supports available across Government Departments and Agencies. Through the insights and data from the NEH, changes or updates to schemes to improve access will be considered. My Department is also looking at ways to simplify and streamline access to grants through the NEH.

In addition, the Local Enterprise Office Policy Statement outlines how the work of the LEOs will adapt to contribute to the implementation of five of the priorities of the White Paper on Enterprise – decarbonisation, digitalisation, increasing exporters, enabling the locally traded sector to thrive, and stepping up enterprise innovation.

Action 4 of the Policy Statement commits to a review of all existing LEO schemes, with consideration to be given to the eligibility criteria, and where identified, that schemes will be simplified and rationalised to ease the administrative burden on small businesses. This action also commits that any new programmes introduced will be based on common eligibility criteria to ensure consistency across the LEO network of supports offered and to make navigation easier for businesses. A full review of the supports offered through the Local Enterprise Offices will commence later this year with the evaluation informing future changes and improvements to LEO schemes.

Business Supports

Ceisteanna (79)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

79. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide an overview of his intentions to fulfil the Programme for Government pledge to better support the hospitality sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32781/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased cost pressures on SME’s generally and commits to put in place initiatives to support them. This includes possible changes to VAT, PRSI and other measures in line with the normal budget process and also assisting businesses in adopting sustainable practices and digital technologies.

In relation to general advice for these SME’s, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) located within the 31 Local Authorities, are the first stop shop for local businesses in Ireland. I will ensure that they are resourced to help local businesses by providing business advice, training and mentoring, productivity supports, and direct grant assistance to small businesses.

Furthermore, our tourism development agency Fáilte Ireland provides a range of supports to Tourism and Food Businesses. Fáilte Ireland’s work centres on those enterprises that focus on the visitor and engage at destination level in cross promotion and selling with other tourism businesses, or those that market directly to visitors. This approach sees Fáilte Ireland provide strong coverage across the hotel sector, and in addition it works with key restaurants, pubs, cafes, distilleries, and microbreweries that demonstrate an interest in tourism at destination level.

In relation to longer term policy, the Tourism Policy Framework 2025 – 2030 was published by the previous Government last November. I have asked my officials to consider how commitments in the Programme for Government align with the Policy Framework and to prioritise the finalisation of a new Tourism Policy which reflects the Programme and other Government priorities. This new Policy Statement will also consider any additional supports that need to be put in place to further support the tourism and hospitality sector.

Question No. 80 answered with Question No. 34.

• Written Answers Nos. 41-60
• Written Answers Nos. 81-100