Written Answers Nos. 51-70
51. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for the number of general employment permits approved in 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50839/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe employment permit system is designed to support businesses across the State in addressing skills and labour shortages that cannot be met through the Irish or EEA workforce. By facilitating access to talent from outside the EEA, the system enables companies to remain competitive, sustain operations, and continue delivering essential services.
General Employment Permits allow employers to recruit for a wide range of roles not listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List, ensuring the system remains responsive to evolving labour market needs.
In 2024, a total of 19,478 General Employment Permits were issued, of which 14,080 were new permits and 5,398 were renewals.
To date in 2025, the Department has issued 12,553 Employment Permits of which 7,752 are new permits and 4,771 are renewals. There have also been 30 transfers of employment permits in 2025.
Current processing dates for employment permits are published regularly on the department's website.
52. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of businesses that have been supported through energy efficiency grants in each county over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50435/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I believe it is essential that all businesses are supported and encouraged to become more energy efficient. By doing so businesses will not only become more sustainable, they will also reduce their energy costs and become more competitive. The agencies under my Department’s aegis: Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and IDA Ireland, have provided 1,738 energy efficiency grants to businesses over the past five years.
IDA
IDA Ireland does not offer a specific support focusing solely on energy efficiency, however the agency does offer its client companies green capital grants under the Environmental Aid Scheme. These supports enable clients to invest in initiatives outlined in their Climate Action Plan at scale, over multiple years.
Supports are designed to deliver measurable positive environmental impact, to strengthen site competitiveness and to future proof the business. IDA supports projects that address greenhouse gas reduction, circular economy and waste, efficient use of water, biodiversity, pollution control, climate adaptation and energy efficiency.
Table 1 below provides information on the number of businesses that they have supported with environmental grants over the past five years. To maintain client confidentiality, IDA Ireland does not share the regional breakdown of grants and supports provided to clients.
Table 1. Number of businesses supported with environmental grants.
|
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Total |
1 |
2 |
11 |
9 |
18 |
Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices
Between them, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), offer a number of energy related grants. The LEOs’ Energy Efficiency Grant offers 75% of project costs up to a maximum amount of €10,000 and is open to all small businesses with up to 50 employees.
The Climate Planning Fund for Business and the Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund meanwhile are available through Enterprise Ireland are part of the Green Transition Fund. The Fund contains a range of supports for businesses to make the green transition including: vouchers to help companies prepare a plan for the low-carbon and resource efficient economy of the future; capital support for companies to invest in improved energy efficiency and decarbonising their manufacturing processes; and grants to explore the development of new or improved products, services or processes in the areas of sustainability and decarbonisation.
I announced last year that €300m would be available to Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to support client companies to reduce their industrial emissions between now and 2030 through the Environmental Aid scheme. The scheme supports projects that aim to deliver significant scope 1 emissions reduction, improved energy efficiency, low carbon production methods and resource efficiency.
Table 2 sets out the county-by-county breakdown of the schemes offered through Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, over the past five years.
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
Further energy efficiency supports to business are available through The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which is an agency under the remit of my colleague, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien T.D., and they will respond directly to you in due course.
Table 2 – Enterprise Ireland/Local Enterprise Office Energy Efficiency Supports 2020 – 2025
|
County |
Energy Efficiency Grant (LEOs) |
Climate Planning Fund for Business (Enterprise Ireland) |
Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund ((Enterprise Ireland) |
Environmental Aid (Enterprise Ireland) |
Number of businesses that have been supported through energy efficiency grants in the past 5 years: |
|
Carlow |
40 |
19 |
1 |
0 |
60 |
|
Cavan |
32 |
25 |
5 |
2 |
64 |
|
Clare |
30 |
11 |
2 |
0 |
43 |
|
Cork |
107 |
93 |
20 |
3 |
266 |
|
Donegal |
36 |
13 |
5 |
0 |
53 |
|
Dublin |
49 |
190 |
10 |
3 |
252 |
|
Galway |
43 |
42 |
5 |
0 |
90 |
|
Kerry |
36 |
22 |
5 |
1 |
64 |
|
Kildare |
42 |
34 |
2 |
1 |
79 |
|
Kilkenny |
29 |
12 |
2 |
0 |
43 |
|
Laois |
25 |
10 |
1 |
0 |
36 |
|
Leitrim |
17 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
22 |
|
Limerick |
19 |
37 |
3 |
0 |
59 |
|
Longford |
32 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
38 |
|
Louth |
11 |
20 |
6 |
0 |
31 |
|
Mayo |
44 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
62 |
|
Meath |
31 |
28 |
2 |
0 |
61 |
|
Monaghan |
36 |
30 |
3 |
0 |
69 |
|
Offaly |
36 |
9 |
4 |
0 |
49 |
|
Roscommon |
24 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
29 |
|
Sligo |
21 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
21 |
|
Tipperary |
28 |
21 |
4 |
0 |
53 |
|
Waterford |
19 |
9 |
3 |
0 |
31 |
|
Westmeath |
35 |
14 |
1 |
0 |
50 |
|
Wexford |
20 |
14 |
3 |
0 |
37 |
|
Wicklow |
9 |
16 |
5 |
0 |
30 |
|
Total |
851 |
703 |
92 |
51 |
1,697
|
53. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the appeals process for the increased cost of business grant and power up grant for those businesses that were miscategorised; the number of businesses in Cork city and Cork county that submitted appeals; the number that were successful; if he will provide a timeframe for when businesses will receive their first payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50745/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ICOB and Power Up Reclassification Appeals Process opened on 24th July, 2025 and following an extension closed to appeals on 29th August, 2025.
The Local Authorities are administering the reclassification process on behalf of the Department. The Local Authorities are currently processing the appeals and verifying the information received in order to approve payments. Payments are currently being made by Local Authorities to approved businesses. Once all payments are made the county figures will be available.
54. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the discussions his Department have had with the IDA to ascertain plans and schedules for the development of the 30-hectare business park they own in Portlaoise, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50756/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland remains committed to regional development as one of four key strategic objectives of its 2025–2029 strategy, “Adapt Intelligently”, with an ambitious target for 550 of the 1000 investments targeted over the lifetime of the strategy to be in the regions including 40 in the Midlands.
There are currently 145 people employed across 5 IDA-supported companies in Laois. The FDI performance in the midlands has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 26 and a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Life Sciences, Technology, Global Business & Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies.
IDA Ireland partners with clients and key stakeholders to build on the strengths and competencies of the Midlands region with a particular focus on high value manufacturing, services and research and development opportunities across a number of established clusters in Life Sciences, Technology, and Global Business Services. 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.
The availability of suitable property can play a key part in investment decisions. In this regard, the key objective of IDA Ireland's regional property programme is to deliver agile, sustainable, flexible property offerings which supports Foreign Direct Investment and the growth and expansion of indigenous clients within the Enterprise Ireland portfolio.
The proposed Regional Building Programme 2025 - 2029 will consist of 23 projects across 21 locations in 8 regions and primarily manufacturing buildings. Over the next five years, IDA will aim to complete 6 buildings currently under construction, in planning or procurement stages including Cavan, Letterkenny, Drogheda, Mullingar, Longford, and Castlebar. Additionally, 6 new builds will commence in Dundalk, Limerick, Athlone, Sligo, Galway, and Waterford. All subject to successful, planning and procurement phases. IDA will also partner with local authorities and will deliver 9 Advance Planning Permits in Letterkenny, Mayo, Tullamore, Mullingar, Kilkenny, Navan, Portlaoise, Tralee and Roscommon.
As the Deputy is aware, IDA Ireland has made considerable investments in land, buildings and infrastructure across the Midlands region, acquiring c.18.46 hectares of land adjacent to the Business and Technology Park in Portlaoise in 2022 and an additional c.4.25 hectares in 2024 and currently has c.29.66 hectares available for promotion.
I am advised that the partnership with Laois County Council to deliver an Advance Planning Permit in Portlaoise is currently at the site selection stage.
55. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement there has been with his Department, other Government Departments, State agencies and industry, including pharma, technology and medtech, regarding changes to US tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50113/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDirect engagement on tariffs, including industry engagement at the international level, are primarily matters for my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. My Department, however, works closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as other relevant Departments such as Agriculture and Food, to ensure Ireland’s interests are represented at EU and international fora. The recent joint Action Plan on Market Diversification is testament to this cross-Government approach.
Within my remit, I am focused on strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness and supporting enterprise resilience. Recent actions include the publication of the Competitiveness and Productivity Action Plan, the forthcoming National Life Sciences Strategy, the recently published national semiconductor strategy, “Silicon Island”, and the development of a new national enterprise policy, “Enterprise 2035”, as committed to in the Programme for Government.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland continue to engage with companies from affected sectors and support the development of their operations in Ireland. My Department will continue to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other Departments to influence Europe’s position on tariffs and ensure a coordinated response to international trade developments.
I, along with my Department, continue to participate actively in the Government’s Trade Forum, which brings together key Departments and agencies along with stakeholders to coordinate Ireland’s response to international trade developments, including tariffs. The Forum provides a platform for regular engagement, information sharing, and the development of collective strategies to support Irish businesses and ensure a joined-up approach across Government.
57. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the extent to which the IDA is actively promoting south Tipperary as a location for foreign direct investment, with particular reference to the 50-acre IDA site at Ballingarrane, Clonmel; the engagement that has taken place with potential investors regarding this strategic site and other sites across south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47339/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the Programme for Government and the White Paper on Enterprise, and is a key focus of the work of my Department and its agencies. IDA Ireland is continuing 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 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects outside Dublin, accounting for 55% of all planned investments.
The availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and can be the key differentiator in investment decisions in the regions from both new and existing clients as well as clients of Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs.
There has been consistent FDI performance the IDA Mid-West Region, comprising Limerick, Clare and Tipperary with the employment of IDA clients increasing by 16% over the past 5 years. IDA has 153 client companies in the Mid-West Region, employing 27,968 people and within that, there are 17 IDA Ireland client companies employing 5,589 people in County Tipperary. The Mid-West region has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services, and Engineering & Industrial Technologies sectors.
As part of its property strategy, IDA, in partnership with Tipperary County Council, has been granted planning permission for a proposed 10,000 sq. m. Advanced Building Solution on a site of approx. 3.4 hectares at Ballingarrane Science and Technology Park, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
IDA Ireland continues to market the site and the proposed planning permission at Ballingarrane in conjunction with Tipperary County Council, to new and existing investors through IDA’s global teams in market and IDA’s regional offices.
58. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the provision of additional IDA lands for the Charleville region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50770/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key focus of our Programme for Government and Government's White Paper on Enterprise and is a central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. In that regard, IDA Ireland has reaffirmed its strong commitment to regional development as a core pillar of its current strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29" and aims to secure 550 investments outside Dublin over the next 5 years, accounting for 55% of all planned investments.
IDA Ireland’s strategy seeks to build on the successes to date and to support continued long-term investment through the transformation of the existing client base across Ireland and leveraging new opportunities and sectors. A key component of the strategy is the continued and ambitious focus on maximising regional investment opportunities for all regions including the South West region in the years ahead. This includes through the delivery of a supporting property portfolio and solutions for FDI and EI clients.
IDA’s continued positive intervention in terms of delivering and maintaining a portfolio of advanced property solutions to support such investments on a regional basis is paramount. In that regard, a ready supply of appropriately zoned land for development supports IDA fulfilling its remit and continued success in attracting investments from FDI and Enterprise Ireland clients to the regions.
IDA Ireland continually engages with key stakeholders, including infrastructure and service providers, Local Authorities and Cork County Council to ensure the identification of lands that are suitable for client investment in the long term. Regular meetings are held with respect to further understanding the IDA client base land requirements and the viability of appropriate zoning of suitable lands to ensure readiness for inward client investment across all activities and sectors as they arise. This targeted forward planning is vital to provide certainty and ensure Ireland has a competitive offering that meets the evolving needs of IDA Ireland clients.
The Charleville Park, of c.10Ha located on the Old Kilmallock Road in Charleville is maintained as part of IDA Ireland’s property portfolio and is available to accommodate investment and development by IDA and indigenous industries. The remaining 0.47 ha site is marketed to suitable qualifying client companies and is serviced to accommodate both manufacturing and office-based industries as required. This park is part of IDA’s overall strategic land bank portfolio in Cork offering greenfield sites to suit both manufacturing and international services clients, in a landscaped and serviced environment and is available to support IDA and Enterprise Ireland clients with appropriate services in place to accommodate same. There are over 280 hectares of lands available for marketing to IDA and EI clients in Cork.
The presence of strategic landbanks in several locations in Cork positions the greater Cork area for new Greenfield opportunities, which if successful will benefit Cork city and county and the wider South-West region. This is complemented by private sector activity in the development of manufacturing and office property solutions in the greater Cork area.
59. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement his Department has had with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on the development of a single application procedure for immigration and employment permission, mentioned in the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50798/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 13th December 2022, the Government agreed in principle to develop a single application procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions, in line with the recast Single Permit Directive. Since then, my Department has engaged extensively with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (DJHAM) to progress this commitment.
A crucial step in creating a single application procedure between my Department and DJHAM is the interoperability of our systems. I am pleased to inform you that on Monday 28th April 2025, the new ‘Employment Permits Online’ system was launched, providing a secure, cloud-based system for the application, processing, and issuance of employment permits. This system, which sits on a Microsoft Power Platform, is based on similar technologies that the DJHAM’s various systems are expected to move to and will support the infrastructure required for a single application process across both Departments.
Building on this, over the summer, the ICT units of both Departments met to discuss potential options for delivering a streamlined, customer-centred single application procedure and the feasibility of these options is being explored. Work on deciding on the best mechanism for delivery will continue at pace in the coming months considering input from the policy, ICT and operational teams within both Departments.
In addition to this important milestone, the project management team, co-chaired by my Department and DJHAM, have been laying the groundwork for the enhanced sharing of information between our respective IT systems, identifying any legislative changes required for this, and engaging with EU bodies and Member States with processes in place that are similar to what we are currently developing. With a modern, adaptable employment permit system now in place, this collaboration will continue in earnest over the next year, focusing on initial streamlining while working towards a fully implemented single application procedure.
With that in mind, on the 15th and 16th of September 2025, members of the programme management team from both Departments attended a single permit directive workshop with Dutch counterparts. Having a similar functional model as the Irish employment permit and immigration functions, both remaining in their respective ministries, this workshop provided insights into the process design of the Irish single application procedure.
The Competitiveness Action plan and the Market Diversification Action Plan both recognise the importance of enhancing service integration and delivery of the permits and visa systems. In addition to the development of a single application procedure, my officials are also engaging with officials in DJHAM Immigration Service Delivery to ensure on-going operational coherence.
These developments mark a necessary and significant step towards a more integrated and efficient employment permit and visa system, ultimately bringing us closer to our goal of a Single Permit application procedure. My Department remains committed to delivering a streamlined and customer focused service.
60. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures he is taking to support SMEs to make the shift to renewable energy and upskill in green tech; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50843/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSustainability is good for business and I am committed to boosting the competitiveness of SMEs by helping them to reduce the costs of doing business and become more sustainable. Towards this goal my Department is encouraging all businesses to avail of the wide range of supports, in particular the supports for assessing energy use, undertaking an energy audit and investment in decarbonising technologies, which are all detailed on the National Enterprise Hub.
One such support is the [Climate Toolkit 4 Business] which is a free online resource for SMEs to estimate and understand their carbon footprint across their operations. Businesses get a tailored climate action plan specific to their business, with recommendations on the most impactful steps that they can take to reduce their environmental impacts, and directions to the Government supports to help them including investment in renewable and green technologies. Jointly developed by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, in collaboration with the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Toolkit has delivered approximately 17,500 tailored climate action plans to help businesses on their zero-carbon journey.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Support Scheme for Energy Audits pays for a high-quality energy audit for SMEs that spend more than €10,000 annually on energy. There is also a range of energy efficiency modules on offer through the SEAI Energy Academy – a free, online e-learning platform designed and curated by Ireland's leading energy experts. This year, 1593 vouchers have been issued in relation to the energy audit with a value of €3.19 million.
SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrade Scheme offers up to €120,000 for a range of building upgrade measures including pumps, solar thermal, automatic controls, heat pumps, ventilation and wall insulation. and fabric. heat pumps, ventilation and wall insulation. Up to Q2 2025 120 grants had been approved to a value of €2.1 million.
Solar thermal grants are available to all businesses up to €15,000 and the Non-Domestic Microgen Grant provides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. Grant funding is available for systems up to a maximum 1000kWp.
Other supports available to business to support them on their sustainability journey include:
The Green for Business Scheme, which is provided through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), aims to help small businesses in lowering their carbon footprint, reducing their costs, and improving their environmental profile. The scheme is open to small businesses with up to 50 employees. So far this year 516 SMEs have been approved for the scheme, with an estimated value of €1.1 million.
The Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG), which is also available through the LEOs, supports companies to reduce their overall energy costs and carbon emissions by accelerating the adoption of low carbon technologies or processes identified through a Green for Business, Green Start or SEAI Energy Audit. Any business with up to 50 employees, who has completed one of the named prerequisite consultancy or audit programmes is eligible for the Energy Efficiency Grant. The grant offers 75% of project costs, up to a maximum of €10,000. So far this year 513 small businesses have been approved for the Energy Efficiency Grant, with an estimated value of €4.29 million.
Lastly, Skillnet Ireland, funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in partnership with industry, offers a range upskilling programmes and business supports to companies of all sizes. Green economy supports are available in the areas of renewable energies, particularly wind energy, energy efficiency, environmental, water and wastewater management, consultancy services and technologies. The Skillnet Ireland Climate Ready Academy offers leadership and skills support for enterprises that want to develop.
61. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures he is taking to address the phenomenon of shrinkflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50844/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraShrinkflation refers to instances where the size, weight, or content of a product is reduced while the price remains unchanged, resulting in a higher unit price. It can occur across a range of products.
Directive 98/6/EC on price indication allows Member States to adopt more favourable provisions for consumer information, but these must remain consistent with broader EU obligations. I am aware that the European Commission has opened infringement proceedings against a Member State for introducing mandatory shrinkflation labelling, citing concerns about proportionality and the potential impact on the free movement of goods within the Single Market.
There is a risk that unilateral national measures could lead to fragmentation of the Single Market. I understand that the European Commission is considering options under the ‘farm-to-fork’ strategy that may include proposals to strengthen the EU framework on consumer information and food labelling. The European Court of Auditors has also encouraged the Commission to review the existing legal framework and address any gaps that may affect the clarity, consistency, or effectiveness of consumer information rules.
Ireland has not formally raised the issue of shrinkflation at EU level to date, but my Department is closely monitoring these developments. Should proposals emerge that support a harmonised EU-wide approach to shrinkflation labelling—balancing consumer protection with the integrity of the Single Market—they will be considered in due course and discussed with relevant stakeholders.
62. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports his Department is putting in place to assist small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those without dedicated HR capacity, to prepare for the introduction of the auto-enrolment pension scheme (details supplied); if he is aware that many SMEs in areas such as Galway east have reported receiving little to no communication about the scheme and are concerned about the additional administrative costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50819/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Auto-enrolment pension scheme is under the remit of the Department of Social Protection, which has provided me with the information below.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce the Automatic Enrolment (AE) Retirement Savings System. The aim of introducing AE is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland and to provide workers with greater comfort and security regarding their retirement income. The new system - to be known as My Future Fund - will commence from 1 January 2026.
The national campaign to raise awareness of 'My Future Fund' is well underway, with the current focus being on awareness raising with employers. Thousands of employers and related professionals in HR and payroll have been directly reached through webinars, conferences and in person stakeholder meetings in recent months, most recently at the National Ploughing Championships. The second phase of the strategy commenced this summer with the launch of an advertising campaign on multiple media platforms.Additional campaigns targeted at employers and employees will be run before and after the launch in January 2026.
There is a very good, up-to-date information hub available to anyone who wants to learn more about My Future Fund and how it will work. This is at www.gov.ie/autoenrolment, and it includes links to information videos on the Department of Social Protection's YouTube channel.
Any queries on this should be directed to my colleague, Minister Dara Calleary TD.
63. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on his plans to establish start-up Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50580/25]
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.
Planning and consultation for Start-up Ireland are well advanced, with Enterprise Ireland set to deliver the initiative on behalf of my Department.
64. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures he is taking to address the funding gap that exists for SMEs in Ireland looking for equity finance to scale up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50577/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a strong start-up ecosystem, but scaling remains a challenge due to limited access to finance. A key barrier is the lack of capital for firms at the scale-up stage. A July 2024 report by my department, “The Use of Finance as a Catalyst to Develop a Scaling Ecosystem”, identified a suboptimal supply of capital in the market and recommended increasing State capital, incentivising private capital, and a review tax policy to support gro
To implement these recommendations, my department established the Finance for Scaling Implementation Working Group, supported by expert input and a market study by SQW economic research consultants. Commissioned by my Department and published in July 2025, this study found a capital gap of €860m–€1.3bn for Series A+ funding rounds starting from €3m.
I have directed my officials to develop a set of concrete actions to address these and broader challenges through the Finance for Scaling Implementation Strategy. This Strategy will align with the commitments outlined in the Programme for Government and supports the specific actions set out in the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.
The Strategy will present a two-phased approach, with immediate market interventions to provide capital to the market in Phase One, including through an Enterprise Scaling Fund, administered by Enterprise Ireland. Phase Two will explore policy measures to enable pension and institutional investment in scaling equity funds, strengthening Ireland’s scaling ecosystem.
65. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will support a substantial increase in the national minimum wage in 2026 to address the cost of living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50125/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Low Pay Commission has an evidence-based approach to its decision making. Its annual recommendations on the National Minimum Wage are informed by national and international research in the field of minimum wages and are guided by the statutory criteria it must consider when making its recommendations.
The Low Pay Commission has a statutory obligation to consider, inter alia, the effect that any national minimum wage recommendation will have on the cost of living in Ireland and as a result is very cognisant of the importance of its recommendation in light of current concerns about the cost of living.
In 2024, there was a significant uplift of 12% (€1.40) in the minimum wage, and this year the minimum wage increased by €0.80 an increase of over 6%. Both of these increases were well ahead of inflation and projected wage growth and have brought about substantial and real wage growth for the lowest paid workers in our economy.
The Government is aware of concerns about the cost of living. We are also aware of employers’ concerns about the high cost of doing business.
The Government is committed to ensuring a balance between a fair and sustainable rate for low paid workers, and one that will not have significant negative consequences for employers and competitiveness.
The Low Pay Commission's report will be published, and the rate of the 2026 National Minimum Wage will be announced following the budget.
67. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the details of the preparations underway for the establishment of the national AI office by August 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50601/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland is a leader in the digital economy and artificial intelligence and recognises 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, including a priority action to establish a National AI Office.
The AI Office will act as the central co-ordinating authority for EU AI Act and provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland, to ensure that we fully capture the strategic opportunity that AI presents.
Currently, my officials, are developing the General Scheme of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence. This General Scheme will provide for the implementation and enforcement of the EU AI Act at national level in domestic legislation, including the establishment of the AI Office as an independent statutory entity. It is my intention to bring this General scheme to Government within the next four weeks.
Detailed workplans have been developed to ensure the AI Office is in place by August 2026, informed by research and analysis which was prepared for my Department by a leading professional services firm. Funding for the new office will be determined as part of Budget 2026.
69. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of collective notices of redundancy received by the Department from January 2024 to August 2025 from American companies or subsidiaries of US companies operating in the State, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50112/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Protection of Employment Act 1977, as amended, employers must comply with a number of legal obligations when proposing collective redundancies. This includes undertaking a 30-day information and consultation process with employees’ representatives and notifying the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment at least 30 days before the first redundancy takes effect.
The information that must be provided to the Minister in a collective redundancy notification is set out in S.I. 324/2024. This includes the employer’s name and company registration number (if applicable).
S.I. 324/2024 does not require an employer to provide details of its country of origin or whether it is a subsidiary company. As such, I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
I can advise on the total number of collective redundancy notifications received during this period. In 2024, my Department received 166 collective redundancy notifications. To end-August in 2025, my Department received 152 collective redundancy notifications.
70. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the progress of the establishment of the new small business unit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50597/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Small Business Unit has been established in my Department, in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government and in recognition of the importance that the Government places on small businesses in Ireland.
The Unit has been tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across Government. There are a number of tools my Department and the Small Business Unit will employ to further its important work.
First, through the rigorous implementation of the SME Test. The SME Test tasks policy makers to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation, or regulation, may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate. Through the SME Test, we are driving home the importance of the “think small first” principle across Government.
Second, we have simplified access to grants and support programmes through the National Enterprise Hub. The NEH is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland and has over 250 different supports for businesses from 32 Departments and agencies. The NEH is staffed by a team of expert advisers who are on hand to offer advice directly to businesses. Since launching last year, the NEH has 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. My Department is working on how to improve the NEH further with a greater emphasis on simplification.
Third, we are ensuring the Local Enterprise Offices are properly resourced to help small businesses. The LEOs have a mandate to support small businesses with up to 50 employees and I have made changes to LEO grants and schemes to ensure more businesses are eligible.
Let me assure the Deputy that the Government and my Department are committed to backing businesses and will ensure the actions aimed at supporting small businesses in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
