Written Answers Nos. 347-370
347. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the current situation regarding a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34239/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current status of the development of the National Children's Science Centre (NCSC) at the Earlsfort Terrace complex is as follows:
The project is being promoted by the Irish Children's Museum Ltd (ICML).
Arbitration proceedings were brought by ICML against the OPW. In their Interim Award, the arbitrator found in favour of the ICML.
In accordance with the 2013 Settlement Agreement, the OPW is legally bound to be the Contracting Authority for the development and construction of the project.
The project is in receipt of planning permission, a fire safety certification and a disability access certificate.
Prior to advancing the project any further a Government decision will be required to agree the provision of capital funding, to identify and appoint a Sponsoring Agency and an Approving Authority for the Project (in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines) and to provide clarity regarding the NCSC operating model (post construction).
348. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the new walls constructed at Athenry Castle were designed by professional architects; the reason the walls were constructed; the cost of constructing the walls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34342/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW will respond direct to the Deputy
349. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 311 of 17 June 2025, to outline the amount the OPW has spent maintaining publicly owned vacant buildings in each of the years since each individual property was first vacated, broken down by property type and by year, in tabular form. [34477/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and the OPW will respond directly to the Deputy.
350. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 311 of 29 May 2025 and 311 on 17th of June 2025, the breakdown of the funding allocated to maintaining vacant properties owned by the OPW, broken down by property since they were first vacated; the breakdown of the funding allocated to maintaining vacant properties owned by the OPW broken down by property since in each of the years since they were first vacated; the breakdown of the overall cost to maintain empty properties owned by the OPW in each of the years since they were first vacated; the breakdown of the average cost to bring a vacant property owned by the OPW into use for social housing in each of the years since they were first vacate; the breakdown of the overall cost to bring vacant properties owned by the OPW back into use for social housing in each of the years since they were first vacate; the breakdown of the overall cost to maintain former Garda stations owned by the OPW that are now vacant in each of the years since they were first vacated; and the breakdown of the overall cost to maintain decentralisation sites owned by the OPW that are now vacant in each of the years since they were first vacate, in tabular form. [34478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and the OPW will respond directly to the Deputy.
351. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the actions he is taking to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities, particularly in areas such as Dublin Bay north; if he will outline how employers are being supported to create more inclusive and accessible workplaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33568/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe forthcoming National Disability Strategy will include employment as an important consideration as one of its five key pillars. The strategy will contain a number of actions for my department, including engagement with employers and employer bodies to raise awareness and to foster positive attitudes towards the employment of people with disabilities.
The Department of Social Protection has a broad range of schemes in place, such as Work and Access and the Wage Subsidy Scheme, that aim to support both employers and disabled people.
The enterprise agencies of my Department also operate a number of initiatives to support the employment of people with a disability. The Local Enterprise Offices offer tailored supports for persons with disabilities to support entrepreneurship opportunities. In addition, Open Door Mentoring by Enterprise Ireland provides entrepreneurial, mentoring and capability supports to all emerging entrepreneurs, including those with a disability. IDA Ireland also connects client companies with under-represented potential employees, including those with disabilities.
352. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has a designated head of procurement; if each agency or public body under his Department’s remit also has a designated head of procurement; and if so, to list those entities, along with the name or grade of the person holding that role. [33639/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its Offices operates a devolved procurement function which is led at Principal Officer level. Each Business Unit and Office is responsible for the procurement of their own individual contracts with the support and advice from the Principal Officer in the Department who heads up the Procurement Co-ordination Unit.
In respect of the Agencies of my Department the following is the position.
The Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has three members of staff who support procurement activities across the organisation and those staff report to the Head of Administration at Assistant Principal level.
In the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) individual Directors are responsible for procurement compliance with advice and assistance provided by the Governance & Support Operations Directorate.
Enterprise Ireland has a designated Head of Procurement role at Level E grade. The position is currently vacant, and recruitment is in progress.
IDA Ireland has a devolved system of procurement and provides compliance support to contract managers/budget holders through its designated Procurement Specialist, which is a permanent management oversight position.
The Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)’s Head of Corporate Services, Principal Officer (Higher) equivalent acts as Head of Procurement.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) designated Head of Procurement is, at Grade D level.
In the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) the responsibility for procurement falls within the portfolio of the Head of Finance and Facilities Management. This role is undertaken by an experienced Assistant Principal (Higher grade). In addition, the Authority retains the services of a procurement advisor, to support its procurement activities.
In Fáilte Ireland, the Head of Finance, (principal officer equivalent) has overall responsibility for procurement. A procurement manger (assistant principal equivalent) and their team report into the Head of Finance.
Tourism Ireland’s procurement function is managed by a Procurement Officer Grade D, with oversight by Tourism Ireland’s Financial Controller.
Finally, the Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIRB) is a self-funded body. The procurement function is under the Finance Directorate. Their Finance Manager is the Injuries Resolution Board nominated Procurement Officer. They are currently in the process of recruiting a dedicated Procurement Officer to work in this area.
353. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of staff within his Department and its agencies who hold a formal procurement qualification or certification (for example, CIPS, NFQ Level 6 or higher in procurement, EU public procurement training), broken down by organisation, in tabular form. [33657/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department regularly facilitates informal Procurement Training through in-house programmes offered by its internal Learning and Career Development Unit and its Procurement Unit. Further public procurement training, though non-accredited, is readily accessible through the various programmes available to staff members through the Office of Government Procurement’s (OGP) Commercial Skills Academy (CSA).
In terms of accredited training, though not an essential qualification for those in procurement-related roles, is highly encouraged and supported through my Department’s annual Advanced Payment of Fees Scheme where staff members are invited to apply for funding for third-level courses in subject areas relevant to the mandate of the Department.
In respect of the agencies that come within my remit, they are statutorily independent in their functions and this is an operational matter for them. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the agencies for direct reply.
I have set out in the table below a record of the numbers of staff members in my Department and its offices who currently hold accredited qualifications in Procurement.
|
Organisation |
Number of Employees with Accredited Qualifications in Procurement |
|
Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment |
5 |
|
Personal Injuries Resolutions Board |
2 |
|
IDA Ireland |
3 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
4 |
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) |
3 |
354. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department and each agency or public body under its remit uses a formal contract management system or procurement tracking platform; to list the systems in use; and if they are centrally monitored or independently operated. [33675/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department maintains a contracts register. It is based on Lotus Notes and we are currently examining options to upgrade it. Under our devolved procurement model, Business Units and the Offices of the Department are required to update the Register upon the signing of a contract and enter the specific details of the contract. The register is administered by my Department’s Procurement Co-ordination Unit.
In respect of the Agencies of my Department the following is the position.
The Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) uses an internal Excel spreadsheet to centrally monitor its contracts.
The Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) uses Microsoft products to manage procurement information. It is monitored centrally.
Enterprise Ireland uses an excel based Contracts Register to record details all contracts. It is monitored centrally.
Fáilte Ireland uses a formal Contract Management System called ACCORD that is centrally monitored by its Procurement Unit.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) uses a contracts register, which is manually updated and recorded in Microsoft Excel. It is centrally monitored.
The Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), uses an internal Excel spreadsheet to track its contracts. It is monitored centrally.
IDA Ireland contracts are managed via the relevant IDA named contract manager. IDA’s Capital Projects are designed, procured and managed by IDA appointed external consultants.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) uses a financial system, Integra to issue purchase orders and approve invoices. This is also used in respect of payments for contracts.
Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIRB) uses an internally developed excel system to manage contracts and procurement which is monitored in house under the Director of Finance.
Tourism Ireland maintains its contracts register via MS SharePoint. SharePoint is also used for procurement process tracking purposes. These SharePoint sites were created and are monitored centrally by Tourism Ireland’s ICT Team.
355. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures he will take to improve the consumer protections of home buyers arising from a case in County Meath (details supplied) and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33694/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra356. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the most appropriate category under which a steel and plant hire company should apply for a critical skills employment permits for a metal fabricator who is a non-EU/EEA national; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33733/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra357. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on his Department's engagement with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment on reaching an agreement to implement a resolution regarding the ICOB and power up grant appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33738/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn total, €400 million in grant aid was successfully paid to SMEs right across the country in 2024 under the Increased Cost of Business scheme and the Power Up grant.
Following the launch of Power Up, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and local authorities became aware of an issue where businesses misclassified their business sector and were subsequently not eligible for the grant.
In order to address this, the Government recently approved an appeals process that will give those businesses in the retail, hospitality and beauty sectors that were not eligible for ICOB and the Power Up grant because of the misclassification issue, an opportunity to register for those grants.
This is not a re-opening of those grant schemes, this is designed solely to allow those who originally misclassified their business sector an opportunity to register for the grants.
Subject to agreement with the local authorities, it is intended to open the appeals process as soon as possible and local authorities will contact the eligible businesses and inform them of the necessary steps to apply.
358. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for a full list of all documents, reports, strategies, and resources that have been “unpublished” by his Department over the past ten years (details supplied), including all such materials that have been “unpublished” by divisions, sections and units of his Department that became part of the Minister’s Department following a transfer of functions; and who “unpublished” the materials under a different Minister or Department. [33805/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has not actively ‘unpublished’ any relevant documents, reports, strategies, and resources over the past 10 years, notwithstanding any temporary, technical matter that would impact on website access which is resolved as soon as possible. I am wholly committed to the open publication of government information. The referenced article mentions content across the www.gov.ie website. My Department operates via a standalone website www.enterprise.gov.ie. Item no 7 referenced within that article is readily available at enterprise.gov.ie/en/news-and-events/department-news/2023/august/09082023.html and has never been actively ‘unpublished’ by my Department.
Press releases from my Department are also shared across the www.gov.ie website. Gov.ie is a trusted platform for Government communications, handling approximately 75 million page views in 2024 and was the key communications tool and information resource for the public during covid-19 in particular. The gov.ie information service now also incorporates the latest news and updates from government that were previously published on the merrionstreet.ie website. I wish to inform the Deputy that the gov.ie website underwent a major system upgrade in April 2025 with 183,707 pages migrated, along with 9,737 images and 133,925 documents. In a mass movement of web content, it is inevitable that some broken links will occur and that these will take time to identify and resolve. An audit conducted post-migration revealed less than 1% of all pages were affected by broken links. Any broken links were replaced with placeholder text, “Item has been unpublished or removed”, rather than returning an error. Government departments and public service bodies were alerted to the broken links on their pages and resolution of the issue is ongoing by these organisations.
I can assure the Deputy there is no coordinated campaign underway to suppress information nor has any systematic removal of links or documents taken place. The issue here is a technical one which is being actively worked on to resolve. Pending full resolution of this issue, if the Deputy or indeed any member of the public requires access to a particular document that is affected by this issue, they are welcome to contact my Department.
359. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the recommended pay increase for the contract cleaning industry will be approved by Government. [33938/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoint Labour Committees (JLCs) are independent in their functions and I have no role in relation to the negotiation of a proposal for an Employment Regulation Order (ERO).
Under legislation, my role in the ERO process is clearly defined. As soon as practicable after receiving a copy of the proposals for an ERO from the Labour Court, where I am satisfied that Sections 42A and 42B of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 have been complied with, and where I consider it appropriate to do so, I will make an ERO giving effect to the proposals; or should I refuse to make such an Order, I will notify the Court as to the reasons why.
The most recent ERO for the Contract Cleaning Sector came into effect on 1 June 2024. It is available to the public here: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/255/made/en/printS.I. No. 255/2024 - Employment Regulation (Amendment) Order (Contract Cleaning Industry Joint Labour Committee) 2024 on www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/255/made/en/print
I can confirm that no proposal has been received to date from the Labour Court for a new ERO for this sector.
360. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if there are any new employment regulation orders which are under discussion for the contract cleaning sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33959/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoint Labour Committees (JLCs) are independent in their functions and I have no role in relation to the negotiation of a proposal for an Employment Regulation Order (ERO).
Under legislation, my role in the ERO process is clearly defined. As soon as practicable after receiving a copy of the proposals for an ERO from the Labour Court, where I am satisfied that Sections 42A and 42B of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 have been complied with, and where I consider it appropriate to do so, I will make an ERO giving effect to the proposals; or should I refuse to make such an Order, I must notify the Court as to the reasons why.
The most recent ERO for the Contract Cleaning Sector came into effect on 1 June 2024. It is available to the public here: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/255/made/en/print
I can confirm that no proposal has been received to date from the Labour Court for a new ERO for this sector.
361. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his Department’s policy on the disability equality training available for staff in the Civil Service; if this training includes information on reasonable accommodations and neurodiversity; if those in managerial roles are required to attend additional training on this subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33985/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in my Department’s People Strategy, the Department is wholly committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace.
My Department is a JAM Card friendly organisation since July 2024 with over 80% of staff having completed the JAM Card e-training and remains an ongoing initiative. In June last year, my Department also launched its first ED&I Strategy, which has a specific focus on providing equal opportunities for all staff, and on improving the culture of awareness around different needs in our workplace.
As part of the development of this Strategy, all members of our Management Board and all members of our ED&I Strategy Working Group undertook ‘Inclusive Leadership’ training with the Irish Centre for Diversity. Actions under our ED&I Strategy include bringing inclusive leadership and inclusive management training to all managers in our Department through OneLearning, and a commitment to continue our offering of ED&I related training and information sessions throughout the Strategy’s lifetime.
My Department’s Learning and Career Development Unit places a strong focus on disability awareness training and has facilitated several training sessions and webinars with organisations such as Ability Focus, Irish Centre for Diversity, AsIAm, ADHD Ireland, and Employers for Change amongst others; all of which presented segments on neurodiversity and reasonable accommodation. While attendance at same is optional, it is highly encouraged and promoted to all staff members regularly.
At present and on an ongoing basis, there are also several training sessions available on the Civil Service-wide OneLearning platform which is always accessible to staff members. Current offerings include:
• Equality and Human Rights: Understanding your Role
• Managing for an Inclusive Workforce
• Equality and Human Rights in the Public Service
In my Department we also have a Disability Liaison Officer who provides support to staff with disabilities, particularly in seeking reasonable accommodations. This year we have expanded this role to provide more support to managers seeking training, advice and awareness around managing staff with reasonable accommodations.
362. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by his Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34090/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has not built or commissioned to be built any infrastructure projects and as such no such projects are currently running late on delivery or currently over budget.
363. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the date on which the planned Competitiveness Summit will take place; who will be invited to participate in this Summit; whether the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity will be announced in advance of or at this summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34149/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Competitiveness Summit will take place on Monday, 7th July. The Competitiveness Summit will be hosted by An Taoiseach, and as such, invitations are a matter for that Department. In September 2024, the Competitiveness Summit was attended by a number of Ministers, the Chair of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, along with representatives of the OECD, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and the CCPC.
I intend to bring forward a draft of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity for discussion at the Competitiveness Summit, and for consideration by the Government ahead of finalisation and publication.
The Action Plan will focus on domestic policy measures which can make the Irish economy more competitive and resilient to economic shocks – a large part of this will focus on SMEs. It is expected that the Plan will address areas which are impacting on the ability of SMEs to compete internationally, these include but are not limited to: business costs, SME scaling, and increasing the rate of RD&I among firms.
The overarching objective of the Action Plan is to maintain and improve Ireland's position as a competitive and productive economy capable of withstanding shocks, building on our strengths and developing our indigenous enterprise base while continuing to attract investment and talent from abroad. The Action Plan will, therefore, contain a set of actionable recommendations with clearly defined implementation timelines and departmental ownership.
364. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when he will approve the proposed Contract Cleaning Joint Labour Committee proposal for an Employment Regulation Order (27th February 2025) to increase pay in the sector to €14.10 per-hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34241/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoint Labour Committees (JLCs) are independent in their functions and I have no role in relation to the negotiation of a proposal for an Employment Regulation Order (ERO).
Under legislation, my role in the ERO process is clearly defined. As soon as practicable after receiving a copy of the proposals for an ERO from the Labour Court, where I am satisfied that Sections 42A and 42B of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 have been complied with, and where I consider it appropriate to do so, I will make an ERO giving effect to the proposals; or should I refuse to make such an Order, I will notify the Court as to the reasons why.
The most recent ERO for the Contract Cleaning Sector came into effect on 1 June 2024. It is available to the public here: S.I. No. 255/2024 - Employment Regulation (Amendment) Order (Contract Cleaning Industry Joint Labour Committee) 2024 (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/255/made/en/print).
I can confirm that no proposal has been received to date from the Labour Court for a new ERO for this sector.
365. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current vacancies, by job title, at Enterprise Ireland; and the expected timeframe for the filling of each, in tabular form. [34262/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra366. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if, as part of preparation of the planned Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, he has considered the proposals submitted by organisation (details supplied) on Irish business with digital compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34285/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to international economic developments, and in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department is currently preparing the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. This plan will be brought to a Competitiveness Summit for consideration in July and will be finalised and published shortly thereafter.
The Action Plan will reflect a whole-of-government approach to addressing domestic drivers of competitiveness, focusing on areas firmly within our national control. Its development has been informed by extensive consultation across Government Departments and with external stakeholders.
My Department has already conducted a series of bilateral engagements with key Government partners, including but not limited to the areas of infrastructure, housing, research, regulatory reform and innovation (including digitalisation and the adoption of advanced technologies). These discussions will continue in the coming weeks, alongside broader stakeholder engagement and public consultation. The views of SMEs, business representative organisations, and enterprise agencies will also be actively sought during this process.
I have received the submission referred to and I thank the relevant organisation for their very useful and comprehensive set of inputs. The development of the Action Plan is currently underway and my Department is actively considering all submissions received.
367. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to set out the planned timeline and steps involved in preparation of a new life sciences strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34290/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Life-Sciences sector – which includes pharma, biopharma and medtech – remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s industrial success, driving significant exports, and attracting foreign and indigenous investments in research and development (R&D), capital expenditure and employment. It currently accounts for over 100,000 jobs and over €130 billion in exports.
Over recent decades, Ireland has developed a cohesive and integrated Life-Sciences ecosystem consisting of highly innovative indigenous companies, large well-established FDI multinationals, a continually developing world-class research base and a strong industry-focused clinical community.
Continued support for the Life-Sciences sector is critical to fostering innovation, sustaining economic growth, enhancing EU and global competitiveness in healthcare, and improving public health outcomes. Recognising this, the Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future 2025 – sets out our commitment to publish a National Life Sciences Strategy that will guide the sector’s continued success and long-term impact.
To ensure that this Strategy is evidence-based, ambitious and responsive to emerging opportunities, it will be developed through extensive engagement with key stakeholders across the Life-Sciences ecosystem. It will also take into account developments at EU level, including relevant EU legislation currently being proposed, as well as the new EU Life Sciences Strategy which is expected to be published shortly.
The development of this Strategy is a critical undertaking, one that warrants careful planning and sufficient time to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. The Strategy must deliver a well-informed and forward-looking set of actions that not only consolidates Ireland’s position as a global leader in the sector, but also creates new pathways for innovation, drives sustainable economic growth, strengthens the workforce, and improves health outcomes for all. In light of this, my Department is currently considering the timeline for the development of this Strategy having identified and committed to the dedicated resources required.
368. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has examined the capabilities of Irish businesses to implement market diversification, particularly in non-English-speaking markets; if new measures are being considered to support Irish business to enhance the necessary capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34292/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government continues to actively support Irish businesses in diversifying into non-English-speaking and broader international markets. In light of increasing global economic uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics, my Department through Enterprise Ireland has placed a strong emphasis on enabling market diversification. This approach is central to ensuring that Irish enterprises remain competitive, agile, and well-positioned to seize new international opportunities.
The Government recognises that this is a dynamic and evolving situation, which is being monitored closely. A key element of the Government’s response is the forthcoming Action Plan on Market Diversification, currently being developed jointly by my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Action Plan provides an opportunity now for new ambition in our approach to market diversification. The Action Plan will provide a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to enhance Ireland’s economic and trading relationships with new and emerging markets. It will also consider actions which can be taken in established markets where there is value to be maintained and potentially more value available.
Enterprise Ireland continues to support Irish businesses in diversifying their export markets and is actively helping companies to reduce reliance on traditional markets by exploring opportunities in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and continental Europe. Enterprise Ireland has Market Advisors in 42 offices across 30 countries who work to provide local insights, connections, and practical support. There is a strong focus on European markets, which offer opportunities in sectors like digital tech, life sciences, and agri-tech. Enterprise Ireland’s European base includes offices in Brussels, Paris, Sweden among many others. Since 2019, Enterprise Ireland has opened bases in Munich and Lyon and most recently in Switzerland in 2025.
Enterprise Ireland offers dedicated supports to help businesses expand internationally, including the Strategic Consultancy Grant for expert advice and the Market Discovery Fund. I will be actively engaging with businesses to promote these schemes and drive uptake at scale.
My Department will continue to work closely with the enterprise agencies to ensure that firms have the tools, resources, and strategic support they need to succeed in a challenging and competitive global environment.
369. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of foreign direct investment (FDI) jobs in counties Clare, Galway and Limerick in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; the number of FDI jobs created and lost respectively in counties Clare, Galway and Limerick in the same years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34426/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvestments by IDA Ireland client companies consistently generate highly skilled jobs nationwide. IDA Ireland’s portfolio now comprises more than 1,800 clients across a diverse range of sectors in every county in Ireland. Employment levels within the FDI sector remain above 300,000 for the third consecutive year. The 2024 employment figure of 302,566 represented a slight increase (0.2%) in client employment over 2023 and accounted for 10.8% of overall national employment. Job growth was recorded in Modern Manufacturing and Traditional Manufacturing, up 0.8% and 0.4% respectively. Business, Financial and Other Services also reported an increase - 1.7% - whilst ICT saw numbers decline by 1.2%, reinforcing the critical importance of continued diversification across new and emerging sectors to drive sustained future growth.
I should also highlight that regional development continues to be a key element of Government's enterprise policy and is a key focus of the work of my Department and our agencies, including the IDA. In this regard, the IDA delivered strong regional performance in 2024. There were 137 investments outside of Dublin, representing 59% of total investments and the total number of regional jobs now stands at 165,484. The Mid-West Region saw the strongest level of growth, up 3.1%. There was also growth in the Border Region - up 2.2% - Southeast Region - up 2.3% - Dublin Region - up 0.07% - and the West Region up - 0.15%. Elsewhere, the Southwest Region was down by 0.2% whilst the Mideast and the Midlands regions declined by 3.3% and 0.45% respectively.
The new IDA Ireland Strategy "Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29" continues to prioritise growth and transformation through innovation, digitalisation, talent development and sustainability across key strategic sectors as well as attraction of new investment in the key future-orientated sectors of digitalisation and AI, semiconductors, health, and sustainability. Fundamental to driving continued growth is a focus on competitiveness, agile policies, and delivery of national infrastructure. The strategy reaffirms IDA’s continued focus on the regions and IDA is targeting 55% of investments to regional locations (550 of 1,000 over the lifetime of the Strategy).
The total number of IDA-supported jobs and jobs created and lost in Clare, Limerick and Galway from 2022-2024, is set out in the table below:
|
- |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
|
Clare |
Total Jobs |
6,194 |
5,842 |
6,041 |
|
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
912 |
491 |
406 |
|
|
Job Losses |
-863 |
-843 |
-207 |
|
|
Net Change |
+49 |
--352 |
+199 |
|
|
Limerick |
Total Jobs |
15,063 |
15,763 |
16,068 |
|
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
1,278 |
1,247 |
713 |
|
|
Job Losses |
-281 |
-547 |
-408 |
|
|
Net Change |
+997 |
+700 |
+305 |
|
|
Galway |
Total Jobs |
24,669 |
24,197 |
24,118 |
|
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
2,362 |
1,136 |
945 |
|
|
Job Losses |
-492 |
-1,608 |
-1,024 |
|
|
Net Change |
+1,870 |
-472 |
-79 |
Source: Annual Employment Survey 2024
370. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the amount Discover Ireland has paid for advertisements on a platform (details supplied) in the past 12 months; if there is any oversight or control over which websites the advertisements are seen on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33744/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the last 12 months, from June 2024 to May 2025, Fáilte Ireland has spent €493,207 (including VAT) on Google ads as part of its marketing activity to drive domestic tourism activity in Ireland across the year.
This activity relates to PPC (Pay Per Click) and YouTube activity only. All YouTube activity ran on YouTube.com.
Brand Safeguards:
Through its media buying agency, Fáilte Ireland has in place a number of safeguards that are implemented to protect position/placement of brand ads:
• The agency is IAB Brand Safety Gold Standard certified, a certificate to verify every step possible is being taken to serve ads in brand safe and suitable environments.
• An independent third-party TAG audit of brand safety settings is completed each year and the agency has been certified in reaching the optimum levels to prevent any brand safety issues arising.
• Negative contextual settings around numerous unsafe segments such as violence, piracy, extremism etc. are in place on Fáilte Ireland campaigns.
• Thousands of negative keywords are excluded on Fáilte Ireland’s PPC campaigns.
• Inclusion lists based on channel/market etc. and global exclusion lists are in place for campaigns and are updated regularly.
• Internal audit of publishers completed regularly by the agency to ensure minimum threshold applied on top of their own internal controls.
