Written Answers Nos. 1-30
10. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide an update on legislation to establish the national AI office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50480/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question. The EU AI Act entered into force in August 2024 and has a very ambitious timeline for national implementation. The Act is very broad in nature and both primary and secondary legislation are required to ensure full transposition of this Act.
As a first step, the designation of Competent Authorities and a Single Point of Contact was completed by means of a Statutory Instrument in late July of this year, SI 366/2025. This SI designated Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) responsible for the Annex I of the EU AI Act, the Notifying Authorities, and the Single Point of Contact. A Single Point of Contact has been established within my department and will streamline coordination between the various Irish regulators, the European Commission, and stakeholders for the AI Act. A dedicated AI unit within my Department performs this this role on an administrative basis, pending the formal establishment of the statutory body through primary legislation. My officials are currently working on an amendment to this SI to designate further market surveillance authorities for the purposes of the AI Act. Ireland has to date designated 13 market surveillance authorities and 4 notifying authorities for oversight and enforcement of the EU AI ACT in Ireland.
Currently, my officials, in collaboration with Government departments across a range of sectors, are developing the General Scheme of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence. This General Scheme will provide for the implementation and enforcement of the AI Act at national level in domestic legislation, including the establishment of a new National AI Office as an independent statutory entity which will act as central coordinating authority for the Act, empowerment of designated competent authorities with Market Surveillance Regulation powers pursuant to the AI Act and provisions for cooperation and sharing of information across the national competent authorities and the laying down of rules for penalties and other enforcement measures for non-compliance. It is my intention to bring this General scheme to Government within the next four weeks.
The Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland is a leader in the digital economy and artificial intelligence and recognise that harnessing the potential of AI and digital technologies more broadly, is vital to maintaining our competitiveness. My Department recently brought to Government the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity which includes a range measures specifically related to AI and digital adoption. The legislation for the AI Act will establish a robust, effective and proportionate regulatory framework that balances protection and innovation.
11. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the provisions he intends to promote to facilitate the circular economy and the reuse and repair of household items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49134/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to supporting the Circular Economy by embedding circularity across all stages of products’ lifecycles, from design, to production, to consumption.
The upcoming EU Circular Economy Act, due for adoption in 2026, aims to establish a Single Market for secondary raw materials, increase the supply of high-quality recycled materials and stimulate demand for these materials in the EU. It will contribute to the ambition set out in the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal to make the EU the world leader on the circular economy by 2030 and to double the EU circularity rate.
My Department is responsible for the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation which is the cornerstone of the Commission’s approach to more environmentally sustainable and circular products. It ensures that household items are built to last, can be repaired and recycled, placing circularity and sustainability at the heart of product design.
My Department is also currently working on the transposition of the Right to Repair Directive, which will come into force in July 2026. It will introduce measures directly targeted at consumers, ensuring they will be able to access affordable, transparent and convenient repair options for their household items.
Additionally, through the Green Transition Directive, which will be transposed by March 2026 and will enter into force in September 2026, my Department will assist in tackling practices like greenwashing, the premature obsolescence of goods, and ensuring that consumers can trust sustainability claims.
It is important to note this is a whole of government matter. I welcome the second Circular Economy Strategy, which was recently launched. The objectives of this strategy are to increase material circularity, decouple economic growth from resource use, foster innovation, competitiveness and job creation.
The combination of all these measures underpins and supports a sustainable product policy framework and allows consumers to make informed choices that promote reuse, repair and the wider circular economy.
12. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on his engagements with a company (details supplied) during their period of examinership; the supports and advice available to workers who will lose their jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49708/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 3rd of June 2025, Wellman International announced that they were entering Examinership to seek assistance in locating a buyer / investor for the site in Mullagh, Co. Cavan. Since then, IDA Ireland has implemented its job losses protocols involving established internal processes for dealing with situations of potential job losses with one of its client companies.
Officials in my Department have assured me that IDA Ireland is actively engaged with the company, including meetings with the leadership team on a regular basis. IDA Ireland, in conjunction with the company, has actively explored all avenues of opportunity for the site and impacted employees since this announcement.
I understand that the Examiner has identified a potential investor (UG World), which was presented to the High Court on the 10th of September 2025. The High Court has also approved a scheme to right size the plant, with 138 jobs to be retained. The Deputy will understand that I cannot comment on the Examinership which is a High Court led process.
In addition, the IDA Ireland regional team continues to partner with local agencies, to support impacted employees due to this announcement by the company. 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.
The types of supports and initiatives provided by local agencies has been communicated to the site leadership and includes:
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 has 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 on a local level introductions 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 will all relevant agencies on a regional basis to promote the site wider marketing.
I can assure the Deputy that IDA Ireland and all relevant local agencies will continue to support and assist the impacted employees, as and when appropriate.
14. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to develop a new national life sciences strategy. [37448/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe life sciences sector is one of the strongest drivers of our economy, fuelling both growth and exports. It combines a thriving indigenous enterprise base with some of the world's largest multinational companies, underpinned by a continually advancing world-class research ecosystem. Today, the sector employs over 100,000 people across the length and breadth of the country.
With this in mind the Programme for Government set out our commitment to publish a National Life Sciences Strategy that will guide the sector’s continued success and long-term impact. That commitment was further reaffirmed as a key deliverable in the recently published Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity.
This strategy will reflect the life sciences sector in Ireland and must be coherent, ambitious and responsive to emerging opportunities at a national, EU and global level. In order to achieve this, it will require extensive engagement with key stakeholders across the life sciences ecosystem and this engagement has begun.
My Department will continue to work in close collaboration with the relevant Departments, agencies, and key industry stakeholders to ensure the effective development and implementation of the strategy. A key part of that collaboration will be the planned initial public consultation which will be launched in the coming weeks, and I would encourage all interested stakeholders to submit observations.
Support for the life sciences sector—underpinned by the forthcoming National Strategy—is essential to safeguarding Ireland’s economic growth. The strategy will aim to foster innovation, boost competitiveness, and support high-value employment, while creating the right conditions to ensure access to medicines and medical technologies that improve health outcomes.
17. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the proposed Glass Bottle Site innovation hub aligns with commitments to fostering innovation and collaboration in his Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50481/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIncreasing our competitiveness and productivity is essential to securing Ireland’s economic future. The whole-of-Government Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity addresses current challenges and drives the reforms needed for our businesses and people to thrive.
The Action Plan recognises that success depends oncollaboration across Departments, agencies, industry, academia, and civil society. There a number of key actions specifically aimed at enhancing collaboration and strengthening the innovation ecosystem include scaling of Ireland’s Technology Centresin enterprise sectors todrive collaborative RD&I in SMEsand anchor high-growth Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) companies in Ireland
A central priority of the Action Plan is the creation within Enterprise Ireland of Start-up Ireland, a new coordinating approach that will align and strengthen the national start-up ecosystem. Start-up Ireland is a direct response to the recent OECD report on Ireland’s incubator and accelerator landscape, which highlighted the need for a more coherent, coordinated, and accessible support system for start-ups. The OECD’s recommendations have informed the design of Start-up Ireland, ensuring that it addresses identified gaps and positions Ireland’s start-up ecosystem for long-term success.
Within Enterprise Ireland, Start-up Ireland will oversee the rollout of a new National Accelerator Programme, which will succeed the NDRC at the end of 2026, and serve as a focal point for policy, investment, and ecosystem development, in line with European and global best practices. Start-up Ireland will also develop and deliver new programmes and supports, tailored to the needs of founders, to enhance coordination and strengthen the Irish start-up and innovation ecosystem.
Planning and consultation for Start-up Ireland are well advanced. As part of that process I and Enterprise Ireland met recently with representatives of the Glass Bottle Site consortium and we will continue to engage constructively with the consortium and other stakeholders as the project progresses.
19. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the IDA's application for planning permission for a factory on its green-field site at Creagh, Ballinasloe; the expected timeline for approval and any works to make the site investment-ready; and the further steps being planned to attract enterprise investment once permission is secured. [50752/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland has continued its strong commitment to regional development as one of four key strategic objectives of its 2025–2029 strategy, Adapt Intelligently. This ambitious strategy aims to secure 550 investment projects outside Dublin, accounting for 55% of all planned investments and has set ambitious targets for every region in Ireland, including 100 in the West.
There are 130 IDA Ireland client companies in the West Region, employing 31,334 people. There are 104 IDA supported companies in Galway City and County, employing 24,118 in total. The FDI performance in the West Region has been consistent over the past five years, with employment among IDA clients increasing by 14%.
The provision of property solutions is a key element in IDA’s marketing of the West Region and IDA actively promotes available buildings and land in IDA Business Parks and high-quality buildings in private ownership through its network of overseas offices. In Galway, IDA has recently completed the construction of a new 50,000 sq.ft. Advance Building Solution which it is currently marketing to potential clients. IDA's Regional Building Programme 2025 - 2029 includes a building in Castlebar, which is at site selection stage and an additional new building in Galway subject to the successful marketing of the existing building and is dependent on planning and procurement outcomes.
IDA positions the West Region as home to the leading cluster of Life Sciences industries. Ballinasloe is marketed as part of the West Region and benefits from its strong strategic location in close proximity to large FDI employers in Galway City, East Galway, and Athlone. IDA Ireland has available lands across the West Region, including in its Business & Technology Park in Ballinasloe and continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply and choice of competitive property solutions in regional locations.
As part of its strategy, IDA has committed to reinstating a previous expired Advance Planning Permit for an Advance Building Solution in Ballinasloe in conjunction with Galway County Council. IDA continues to engage with Galway County Council in respect of the proposed design and site location for the Advance Planning Permit.
20. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if usage data relating to the National Enterprise Hub is able to demonstrate the more popular or accessible business supports; the means by which this data is being used to inform the decision making process in relation to the development of new business supports and the expansion of existing business supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50589/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra27. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if there are statistics relating to the usage of the newly launched National Enterprise Hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50460/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 27 together.
I thank the Deputy for this question.
I was pleased to launch the National Enterprise Hub in July last year. This all of government initiative is staffed by expertly trained advisors. The Hub was designed to help businesses navigate and access a wide range of government supports.
At launch, the NEH provided guidance on 180 supports from 19 government departments and agencies. Since then, the service has grown significantly and now offers information on over 250 supports from 32 different Government bodies. These resources are available through the online portal at www.NEH gov.ie, or by speaking directly with one of the advisors who can access the specific needs of a business and connect them with the most appropriate supports or agencies.
The NEH was established with five primary goals, to improve access to supports, reduce friction for business owners, engage with businesses not currently availing of supports, drive a pipeline of engagement for all partner agencies and capture insights to information policy development.
Through the NEH, the Government is committed to reducing barriers and enhancing access to supports for all business owners. The Hub continues to evolve, with ongoing improvements to services and the way data is captured and utilised.
Since launching last year, the NEH has handled over 7,500 enquiries. Monthly volumes have grown steadily, with over 700 queries received in August alone, more than double the number recorded in January. In August the most searched categories were Fund your start-up, Get help with cashflow, and Get support to expand. The top individual supports in August were LEO Mentoring, LEO Business Advice and the Micro Finance Start up Loan.
This data not only highlights areas of greatest interest but also provides valuable insights into the evolving needs of Irish businesses.
To ensure the NEH remains current with the most up to date information, my department chairs a coordination group with representatives from across the Government Department and agencies. This group meets quarterly and is tasked with reviewing and updated NEH content on a monthly basis. Additionally, Enterprise Ireland’s NEH team chairs a monthly operations meeting to address practical matters relating to updates and planning.
My Department is also working on how to improve the NEH further with a greater emphasis on simplification.
21. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to establish a national start-up campus modelled on the successful French 'Station F'; if a well-supported and ready-to-go site in Sandyford would meet the criteria as a potential location for such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50691/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of Start-up Ireland is a key priority under the Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity.
Delivered by Enterprise Ireland, on behalf of my Department, it aims to support 1,000 new startups between 2025 and 2029 by helping founders to start, connect, and scale. The initiative will address the challenges, identified by a recent OECD report on the Irish start-up ecosystem, by providing for more integrated supports and coordinated pathways for entrepreneurs, and by targeting specific funding gaps.
This new central coordinating approach will enhance alignment and collaboration across the national start-up ecosystem, creating a more cohesive and founder-first ecosystem. Start-up Ireland will also oversee the rollout of a new National Accelerator Programme, succeeding the NDRC, and will act as a national focal point for policy, investment, and ecosystem development, aligning with European and global best practices.
The recent OECD report 'Supporting start-up globalisation in Ireland through incubation and acceleration' also recommended that Ireland promotes a flagship national entrepreneurship campus. This recommendation is reflected in the Programme for Government commitment to consider the development of a national start-up hub for entrepreneurs to engage with all Government Departments and agencies, fast-track the start-up process, and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.
As part of Start Up Ireland, Enterprise Ireland is considering the development a National Start-up Hub and this process is well advanced. I would encourage all interested stakeholders to engage directly with Enterprise Ireland.
22. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will meet with the insurance industry to find ways of incentivising those companies to pass on the significant claims reductions savings to the consumers. [50766/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to thank the Deputy for the question. Responsibility for policy on insurance matters lies with the Department of Finance and my colleague Minister Troy, in his capacity as Minister of State with special responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance. I know that Minister Troy, in his capacity as Chair of the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market, meets with the insurance industry regularly.
My Department, has responsibility for personal injuries policy, governance and oversight of the Injuries Resolution Board and the legislation underpinning it.
However, I am acutely aware of the impact that the cost of insurance has for business and overall competitiveness.
The 2020 Action Plan for Insurance Reform delivered significant progress on reforming the insurance sector including rebalancing the Duty of Care, introduction of the Personal Injuries Guidelines and the research output of the Injuries Resolution Board.
On the 24th July, the Government published its new ‘Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029 – A Stronger Market, a Fairer Future’.
The Action Plan contains 26 actions across a range of Departments which aim to increase insurance affordability, transparency and availability. My own Department and its agencies are leading on 11 of the actions. Earlier this month, my Department published the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity which outlines 85 actions to enhance Ireland’s economy, with 26 priority measures. It also highlights the importance of the delivery of the Action Plan on Insurance Reform for competitiveness.
A component of the Action Plan on Insurance Reform will be the continued strengthening of the Injuries Resolution Board.
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. In 2024 alone €76 million was saved through the work of the Board from the avoided legal costs associated with litigation. I want to see these savings, and those from other reforms in the new action plan being passed on to businesses.
I would also draw the Deputy’s attention to the establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum under the remit of my Department. A commitment in the Programme for Government, Minister Burke established this new group with the objectives of reducing the costs of running a business and addressing delays which can impact operations.
The forum brings together business owners, retailers, tourism operations, accounting professionals and representative groups, along with regulators and state agencies.
Both Minister Burke and I will continue to attend meetings of the Cabinet Committee Subgroup on Insurance Reform to drive progress on the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. Working alongside my colleagues across Government we will advocate on behalf of business to drive the insurance reform agenda taking account of the wider issue of competitiveness and impacts on our economy.
23. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will support increasing the national minimum wage to €17 per hour to address the cost of living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50126/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is of course aware of the very real concerns about the cost of living. At the same time, we have seen very significant increases in the national minimum wage in recent years (6% this year and 12% the year before).
Minimum wage employees work in a range of important jobs across Ireland, and I am committed to ensuring that they receive fair and sustainable wages.
Ireland currently has one of the highest nominal minimum wage rates in the world at €13.50. This is the second highest rate in the EU, surpassed only by Luxembourg.
The Low Pay Commission's report and recommendations for the 2026 National Minimum Wage were submitted to the me in July. They will be brought to Government for consideration as part of the budget, as is standard practice.
To move to a €17 minimum wage in one step would involve an increase of €3.50 or 26%. To put that in context, the latest set of forecasts from the Department of Finance have inflation at 2.1% next year with wage growth at 4.0%. To propose increasing wages at magnitudes of 6 or 7 times the prevailing rate is clearly out of step with economic reality.
We aware of employers’ concerns about the high cost of doing business across some of our vulnerable sectors such as hospitality, food services and retail. We want to protect the viability of these businesses and the livelihoods of those who are employed in them, while also helping low paid workers.
It is better to set the minimum wage in a way that reflects the prevailing economic conditions. The minimum wage should increase as the economy improves, as it has over the last few years.
The National Minimum Wage has increased substantially under this Government, with a 33% increase between 2020 and 2025.
Recent increases in the National Minimum Wage were ahead of inflation and projected wage growth and have brought about significant and real wage growth for the lowest paid workers in our economy.
The decision on the minimum wage for 2026 has not yet been taken and there is much to consider and reflect upon. That said, I expect that the National Minimum Wage will increase further over the coming years, but it is important that we manage these increases in a way that does not damage employment, income levels and competitiveness.
24. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will examine the means to simplify the process for registration of persons properties for short-term letting, which are a vital part of the rural economy. [50765/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 15 April, Government approved the General Scheme for the Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill. This Bill when enacted will provide the statutory basis for the introduction of a register for all Short Term Lettings (STLs) in Ireland, to be implemented and managed by Fáilte Ireland from 20 May 2026, ensuring compliance with the new EU Short Term Rental Regulation, which was adopted on 14 April 2024.
The new STL register will be available online and will provide a full picture of the stock of registered tourist accommodation across the state and has been broadly welcomed by the tourism sector.
From 20 May 2026, all STL hosts offering accommodation for periods up to and including 21 nights will be obliged to register with Fáilte Ireland via a digital system and confirm their compliance with planning requirements. The registration process will take just 5 minutes to complete and will result in a unique registration number being issued for each STL unit registered. This number must be displayed when listing the STL unit on any online platforms.
Fáilte Ireland has estimated that, based on data for August 2025 which has been screen scraped from publicly available STL listings across four major booking platforms, there are c.35,400 STL properties in the State currently being advertised online and up to 65% of these properties are advertised as “entire” houses and apartments. The research points to a 26.9% increase from an estimated 27,900 units listed in August 2022. It is important, in such a fast-growing area, that we have oversight and data on where this growth is happening.
The new Housing policy, proposed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D., and approved by Government on 15 April is to generally preclude new planning permissions for STLs in cities and towns with a Census population in excess of 10,000 persons and to enable local authorities have discretion to develop policies for other locations having regard to relevant local criteria to be set out in planning guidance.
Minister Browne will set out the planning guidance for STLs in a National Planning Statement on short term letting and will progress any necessary legislative changes to implement the new Planning requirements. The National Planning Statement will be published in advance of the final enactment of the STLT Bill to provide clarity for the tourism sector.
Government is mindful of concerns in both rural and major tourism regions where Short Term Lettings provide much needed accommodation for visitors. These concerns are being addressed through continued engagement with all stakeholders.
25. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the additional funding provided to his Department under the recent National Development Plan review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50464/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe review of the National Development Plan allocates a total of €3.68 billion in funding to support the capital programmes of my Department over the period of the NDP from 2026 out to 2030. The Plan provides for incremental increases in our annual core capital allocation from €680 million in 2026 to €790 million in 2030. Overall, exchequer funding for DETE’s capital programmes will increase by €400 million over the lifetime of the Plan.
This increase in the Department’s exchequer capital funding together with additional non-exchequer income generated by our Enterprise Agencies from equity and property related investments will be targeted at supporting Irish enterprises to start up, grow and scale internationally, to drive the competitiveness and productivity of businesses across every region of the country, to provide supports to attract inward investment, to support access to finance and to position Ireland as a destination of choice for tourism through product development and overseas marketing.
The funding will enable the Department and its Agencies to invest directly in Irish companies and to strengthen our indigenous base, in the face of potential geopolitical shocks. This will include new investment funds to support Irish companies where there is currently a funding gap and where business financing can be challenged.
Funding will also enable the development of a national start-up accelerator programme, development of regional incubators and enterprise centres and the positioning of Ireland internationally as a hub for entrepreneurs and start-ups.
The new Government Action Plan on Market Diversification will continue to support small, medium and large enterprise so they may grow, scale and compete internationally. The Plan on Market Diversification and the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, in responding to geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruption etc. will promote Ireland’s economic resilience, foster competitiveness and productivity and support trade and investment to ensure sustainable growth.
Foreign direct investment is also a priority for my Department and the funding secured under the NDP will support the purchase of FDI focused property acquisitions through the development of Next Generation Sites to attract companies seeking sites of significant scale, thus positioning Ireland to compete for investment and strengthening competitive advantage globally.
The additional capital funding will also support the implementation of the ‘National Semiconductor Strategy’, ‘Silicon Island’, which is key to establishing Ireland as a global research and innovation leader across the semiconductor value chain and in the application of semiconductors in the green and digital transitions.
26. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement he has had with Government colleagues regarding insurance and reducing the cost of insurance for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50461/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the impact that the cost of insurance has for business and a key focus of my Department is reducing the cost of doing business to drive competitiveness.
My colleague Minister Burke has established the Cost of Business Advisory Forum under the remit of the Department, with the objectives of reducing the costs of running a business and addressing delays which can impact operations. The forum brings together business owners, retailers, tourism operations, accounting professionals and representative groups, along with regulators and state agencies.
Earlier this month, my Department published the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity which outlines 85 actions to enhance Ireland’s economy, with 26 priority measures. This strategic plan aims to create jobs, boost productivity, attract foreign invest and make Ireland a more competitive destination for business.
The Programme for Government - Securing Ireland’s Future, sets out a range of commitments to build upon the success of the previous Government’s insurance reform programme. The commitments include the re-establishment of the Cabinet Committee sub-group on Insurance Reform which is focused on addressing issues within the sector, particularly regarding costs and availability. Both Minister Burke and I are members of the Cabinet Committee sub-group, which is chaired by the Tánaiste.
On the 24th July, the Government published its new ‘Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029 – A Stronger Market, a Fairer Future’. The Action Plan lists 26 actions (including 10 priority actions), led across a range of Government Departments to improve the availability and affordability of insurance. 11 of the actions relate to the work of my Department and its Agencies as part of a cross-Government approach.
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 non-adversarial 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. In 2024 alone €76 million was saved through the work of the Board from the avoided legal costs associated with litigation. I want to see these savings, and those from other reforms in the new action plan being passed on to businesses.
Minister Burke has addressed issues related to the cost of insurance with Government colleagues on several occasions in his capacity as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment;
• On 19th March 2025, meeting with the Ministers for Finance and Justice for a discussion regarding the Personal Injuries Guidelines.
• On 10th April 2025, attending 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, meeting 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 on the Injuries Resolution Board and the wider economy.
• On 9th July 2025, attending the Cabinet Committee Subgroup on Insurance Reform to consider market developments, the Action Plan for Insurance Reform, and the Personal Injuries Guidelines.
In the coming months, both Minister Burke and I will attend the next meeting of the Cabinet Committee sub-group on Insurance Reform to drive progress on the Action Plan and we 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.
28. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the actions he is taking to enhance the SME sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50576/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to assure the Deputy that I, along with the Government and my Department, fully recognise the vital role SMEs play in the Irish economy. In the Programme for Government, we have identified our intention to continue to support these businesses that are the lifeblood of our towns and communities.
I have the pleasure of attending the official opening of the Thrive Centre of Business Excellence in Navan this Friday evening. This innovative project provides a unique space for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, offering a wide range of supports and incentives, from the broad range of Government services, under one roof, to help businesses start, grow and succeed. This project is an excellent example of how central Government can work hand in hand with local Authorities to achieve greater outcomes and supports for the business community.
Meath County Council have appointed the first permanent Regional Enterprise Programme Manager in the Country, who will operate from the Thrive Centre of Excellence, focusing on collaborative initiatives to deliver enterprise growth for Meath, Wicklow and Kildare.
More broadly, in line with the Programme for Government, we have recently published the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. This whole-of-government plan focuses matters within Ireland’s domestic sphere of control. It has been shaped by extensive consultation with key stakeholders and a public consultation process.
The Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity identifies 3 main areas of focus to help enhance Irish SMEs and maintain their competitiveness in a global market.
First, by establishing Start-up Ireland as a central coordinating body to enhance alignment and collaboration across the national start-up ecosystem. This initiative will provide a unified strategic direction for start-up development, including the rollout of a new National Accelerator Programme, as a successor to the National Digital Research Centre (NDRC). Start-up Ireland will also act as a national focal point for policy, investment, ecosystem development and aligning with European and global best practices.
Secondly, by establishing an SME Scaling Fund to increase the available public capital for direct and indirect investment to support scaling, to improve access and choice for founders, and to encourage new private capital into Irish market.
Thirdly, by developing policy actions that will incentivise pension fund and institutional investor participation, either directly or indirectly, into scaling equity funds to further enhance the Irish scaling ecosystem and consider options for the development of incentives for the participation of retail savings in capital markets.
My Department has previously identified, through the White Paper on Enterprise, that Decarbonisation, Digitalisation and encouraging small businesses to start exporting are among the main tools we can use to enhance the competitiveness of Irish SMEs.
Enterprise Ireland’s strategy, ‘Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally (2025 – 2029),’ aims to accelerate sustainable Irish business growth. It supports SMEs through financial, policy, and strategic initiatives focused on innovation, digitalisation, leadership, and scaling. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment for SMEs and recognising their central role in Ireland’s economic success.
This is further supported by the Local Enterprise Office Policy Statement 2024 – 2030, which outlines how, through a variety of programmes and campaigns, the LEOs foster a strong entrepreneurial culture and promote enterprise nationally. Above all, there is an emphasis on a consistency of approach across the LEO network and a clear intention to contribute to the implementation of five of the priorities of the White Paper on Enterprise by encouraging small businesses to take steps to decarbonise, digitalise and seek growth through exports.
29. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 22 of 19 June 2025, the status of the preparation of the Second National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights; if the plan has been finalised; the timeline for publication of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50785/25]
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 still 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 has been taken to ensure we can present an ambitious plan with clear, deliverable actions that represent the expectations of stakeholders. Once the actions with other relevant Departments can be agreed, it will be presented to the Stakeholder Forum for consideration, with a view to publishing soon thereafter. A date has yet to be confirmed.
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.
30. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the extent to which his Department has engaged with other Government agencies and Departments regarding divergence in employment standards North and South, particularly in relation to remote and flexible working; the impact on cross-border employers and workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49959/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department engage regularly with their counterparts in Northern Ireland to discuss a range of employment rights policy matters, including remote and flexible work.
I have also engaged across Government and with stakeholders on the North-South labour market through the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF). During our plenary meeting in April we discussed the potential to strengthen the all-island labour market for the benefit of employers and workers on the entire island.
Working within the LEEF structure, the LEEF Shared Island Working Group, which is chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, facilitates engagement, discussion, and information sharing amongst members on the Government’s Shared Island Initiative. The working group discusses aspects of the shared island policy agenda which are related to the LEEF’s focus on the labour market. The working group is considering potential priority actions and these proposed actions will be brought to the LEEF Plenary for consideration in due course.
My Department is also co-funding the Working in Ireland Survey, which is currently being carried out by University College Dublin. The survey investigates a variety of employment quality factors across the entire island of Ireland, including work-life balance. I understand that field work is almost complete and it is anticipated that reports on the survey will become available later this year.
It is a priority of Government to ensure safe working environments, fair treatment and fair wages for workers, contributing to quality jobs and improved work life balance, while also taking into consideration the need to minimise the costs of doing business.
Recent employment rights developments here include the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 and Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) (Amendment) Bill 2025, which are both currently advancing through the legislative process. Important measures are also being introduced across Government including the pension auto-enrolment scheme and the transposition of the EU Pay Transparency Directive.
Officials in my Department will continue to engage with their counterparts in Northern Ireland to share important information and learnings on employment protections, including in the areas of remote and flexible working.
