Written Answers Nos. 314-333
314. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of WTE staff, by job title and gender, working at IDA offices in Johannesburg and Tokyo as of 17 November 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65399/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to place significant importance in promoting Ireland as a destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and we work alongside IDA Ireland to strengthen Ireland’s business environment and FDI value proposition and to identify and support strategic sectors in line with the IDA's current strategy.
In the first half of the year, there were 179 investments, a 37% increase on the same period last year, that are expected to lead to the creation of over 10,000 jobs. Notably, 52 of these investments were new or first-time investments into the country, while 43 were RD&I projects, reflecting Ireland's growing international reputation as a location for cutting edge innovation.
Global companies at the cutting-edge of their industries continue to select Ireland as their location of choice from which to grow and expand their international business. Stability and access to world class talent, coupled with the country’s position as a strategic hub for technological innovation, are amongst the primary reasons behind corporate decisions to locate here.
IDA Ireland continues to target investments from across the globe through their network of offices and with their Team Ireland colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Bord Bia and Culture Ireland.
In that regard, the table below outlines the number of WTE staff, by job title and gender, based in IDA offices located in Johannesburg and Tokyo as of 17 November 2025.
Johannesburg
|
Job Title |
WTE (Whole-Time Equivalent) |
Gender |
|
Pathfinder (not included in IDA headcount) |
41% |
Female |
Tokyo
|
Job Title |
WTE |
Gender |
|
Director, Asia Pacific |
1 |
Male |
|
Country Manager |
1 |
Male |
|
Sales & Marketing Executive |
1 |
Male |
|
Office Admin |
1 |
Female |
315. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he and his Department took to protect the four pillars of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which are due diligence duty, EU wide civil liability regime, climate transition plan implementation, and stakeholder engagement, prior to the passing of the Omnibus Package at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65402/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, simplification and burden reduction is a key issue at EU level with a view to improving EU competitiveness and ensuring there aren’t disproportionate burdens on business, particularly SMEs.
In line with the call from EU leaders to make early progress on the Omnibus on Sustainability, a negotiating mandate was agreed by Member States on 23 June 2025 on the content aspect of the proposal. The European Parliament adopted a position on the proposal earlier this month. Trilogue negotiations are now underway.
I welcome progress to date on the proposal which will significantly help EU enterprises, and most of all our SMEs. While changes have been proposed to the published Directive, in the context of the EU simplification and burden reduction agenda, the intention remains to promote responsible business conduct. The Council’s negotiating mandate retains obligations in relation to due diligence, a civil liability regime, climate transition plans and stakeholder engagement.
316. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide details all IDA Ireland client companies with operations in Tipperary. [65455/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key focus of our Programme for Government and is central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. In that regard, IDA Ireland partners with client companies and key stakeholders in all regions in pursuit of its objective to maximise regional opportunities.
Under its current strategy, “Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29” IDA Ireland is targeting 1,000 investments, with 55% (550) in regional locations. This ambitious target reflects IDA Ireland’s ongoing commitment to support transformation and growth across all regions. In this regard, IDA is targeting 100 investments to the Mid-West region, which includes Tipperary - up from 76 under its previous strategy, 2021–2024, when 95 investments were won.
There are currently 153 IDA-supported companies in the Mid-West, directly employing 27,698 people and 17 of these are in Tipperary, employing 5,589 people, although I am fully aware that one company has recently announced closure plans. Overall, the FDI performance in the region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 16%. The Mid-West has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies.
The table below lists the 17 IDA client companies located in County Tipperary.
|
Abbott Ireland Vascular Division Clonmel |
|
Amneal Ireland Limited |
|
Boston Scientific Clonmel Limited |
|
CIM Enviro Europe Ltd (t/a CIM) |
|
Eltex Manufacturing Limited |
|
Fiserv Solutions (Europe) Ltd (Nenagh) |
|
Gaelic Laboratories |
|
Horizon Offsite Limited |
|
HydroTech Engineering |
|
Infosys BPM (Clonmel) |
|
Integrity Project Solutions Limited (Ireland) |
|
MSD (Ireland) |
|
Niche Generics Limited (Clonmel) |
|
Pinewood Laboratories |
|
Taylor Made Glass and Systems Limited - company closure recently announced |
|
Technopath Manufacturing Ltd |
|
Waystone Centralised Services (Cashel) |
As I noted earlier, I am aware that Taylor Made Glass and Systems has recently announced the planned closure of its factory in Templemore, Co Tipperary where 62 people are employed. In this regard, the established protocols sees the IDA partnering with other support agencies at a local level to implement the Job Loss Protocol. This entails providing a coordinated response by relevant Government Departments and Agencies at a local level to support impacted employees, although this work may not formally commence until after the staff consultation period has been concluded. The types of supports/initiatives provided by local agencies can include the following:
• 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; and when individuals will be available, which can be shared with other potential employers.
• Recruitment opportunities through identification and connection with other employers who may be hiring across the locality and wider region.
• Marketing of the property solution, when appropriate through agents appointed by the company, and by IDA Ireland through its global office network.
• Information sessions by the Department of Social Protection's Intreo Office to impacted employees on social welfare services and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.
• Identification and provision of training and further education opportunities for employees e.g. ETBs; Skillnet; Universities.
• Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEO’s and Enterprise Ireland.
317. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has measures in place to support the Irish fashion and textile sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64602/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland offers a suite of supports that can be strategically leveraged by Irish fashion and design businesses to expand into key international markets such as the EU, UK, and US. These supports are designed to help companies validate new markets, build brand competitiveness, and scale internationally.
Enterprise Ireland has a dedicated consumer team with a sub-sector lead dedicated to fashion and design, supported by consumer experts across our international network. Enterprise Ireland offers a wide range of funding options for fashion and design entrepreneurs, whether they are just starting out or scaling internationally including:
• The Pre-Seed Start Fund, which provides up to €100,000 to companies to test the feasibility of business strategies.
• Market Research Grants of up to €35,000 to deepen insights in existing markets.
• New Markets Validation Grants of up to €150,000 to explore new markets.
• Strategic Training Grants for leadership, operational effectiveness, and decarbonisation training.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland also offer Digitalisation and Sustainability supports to the sector.
EI, in partnership with the Design & Crafts Council Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, plays a key role in supporting fashion and design initiatives in Ireland, particularly through its involvement in Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo, which is the country’s largest international trade show for craft and design. Held annually at the RDS Dublin, it is a trade-only event that connects Irish designers and makers with over 4,000 buyers from Ireland and abroad.
In 2025 Enterprise Ireland led on a Market Study Visit programme to build ambition to internationalise the fashion and design sector. These programmes combine educational insights from in-market experts with showcasing and networking events to connect Irish clients with potential stakeholders. These programmes commenced in the US in September 2024 with follow on programmes in the Middle East, Canada and Scandinavia in 2025.
318. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether any national requirements exist for reporting, investigating, and documenting incidents involving hazardous materials at non-EPA-licensed facilities; and if he will publish the relevant regulatory framework. [65622/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the national body in Ireland with responsibility for ensuring workers and those affected by a work activity are protected from work related injury and ill health. This responsibility arises from the functions of the HSA as set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Where an employee is injured as a result of an occupationally related workplace incident resulting in the employee being unable to perform their normal work duties for three or more consecutive days, excluding the day of the accident, their employer has a statutory duty to report the incident to the HSA within 10 working days.
The HSA conducts proactive inspections across all sectors of the economy which include many different types of workplaces, many of which would be non-EPA licensed premises.
The Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety Health and Welfare (General Application) Regulations 2007 require employers to ensure the safety, health and welfare of their employees. This includes the reporting of all workplace accidents/incidents/dangerous occurrences resulting in fatal and non-fatal injuries (where an employee is injured and cannot perform their normal work duties for three consecutive days) which would including incidents involving hazardous materials. Details of these requirements can be found in the HSA’s Guidance on the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations 2016.
Accidents can be reported to the HSA in two ways: by hard copy, i.e. completing the Incident Report Form (IR1) and posting it to the HSA Contact Centre (Health and Safety Authority, The Metropolitan Building , James Joyce Street, Dublin 1), or reporting online.
It should be noted that only fatal and non-fatal injuries are reportable to the HSA under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations 2016. Fatal accidents must be reported immediately to the HSA or Gardaí. Subsequently, the formal report should be submitted to the HSA within five working days of the death. Non-fatal accidents or dangerous occurrences should be reported to the HSA within ten working days of the incident.
In addition to the above requirements, Regulation 6 (1) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances) Regulations 2024 requires employers to inform the HSA in the event of any unforeseeable event or an accident at the workplace which is likely to result in an abnormal exposure of employees to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances. This information would come under Dangerous Occurrence Reporting System.
Outside of these provisions, any further queries should be directed to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment.
319. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will develop specific productivity metrics for the residential construction sector, including output per labour hour and output per euro of State-supported programmes such as Built to Innovate, Construct Innovate and the MMC Demonstration Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65725/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraProductivity statistics are published on an annual basis by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Typical labour productivity statistics capture gross value added (GVA) per hour of work. The CSO does not calculate labour productivity for residential construction on its own because the data for such specific GVA and hours is lacking. The sectoral breakdown for construction, which is set down at EU level, does not differentiate between the construction of residential buildings and the construction of non-residential buildings.
The latest CSO data (September 2025) shows that labour productivity for the Construction sector was €43.5 per hour in 2024, marginally higher than €43 per hour in 2023. Looking at the sub-sectors separately, for 2024 labour productivity stood at €35.5 per hour in Construction of Buildings (down from 39.9 in 2023), €33.4 per hour in Civil Engineering (up from €28 in 2023), and €53.9 per hour in Specialised Construction Activities (up from €49.6 in 2023).
According to the CSO, in 2024, 324 million hours of work were estimated for the construction sector, an increase of 10.4% on 2019 (pre-COVID), when 293.5 million hours were worked. CSO data shows that in the recent past, peak hours worked in the construction sector were in 2007, with an estimated 466 million hours worked. This dropped to a low of 141.5 million hours in 2012. Source: www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/fp/fp-cnap/constructionanationalaccountsperspective2024/productivity/
My Department, working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and other relevant stakeholders, is progressing work to increase innovation and delivery capacity in the residential construction sector through promoting the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). This is a strong focus in the new Government Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities.
MMC is an umbrella term used to capture a range of innovative construction processes like panelised housing or 3D volumetric/modular pods. More widespread adoption of MMC can help increase productivity in home building; cutting construction times and helping in the faster delivery of high-quality, sustainable, and more-affordable housing.
The recently published new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 contains a range of actions to increase skills and support MMC, including continued direct engagement by Enterprise Ireland (EI) with the residential construction sector under the Built to Innovate programme.
EI’s Built to Innovate package of innovation and productivity supports has, to date, supported 45 companies since its rollout in 2022 under the Housing for All plan. This includes primary structure offsite manufacturers, homebuilders and main contractors and subcontractors and design teams. To date, more than €6.5 million has been approved for investment in these firms. A key action in the new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities, is to double overall investment under Enterprise Ireland’s Built to Innovate programme, to drive adoption of efficient construction practices and the use of MMC.
Construct Innovate is Ireland’s national technology centre for construction research and innovation. It was established in 2022 and is funded by my Department through EI. As with all Technology Centres, Construct Innovate reports quarterly to EI on its technical and financial performance and is measured against the set KPIs. Additionally, mid-way through the funding cycle, every Technology Centre undergoes a thorough a formal evaluation carried out by independent, international experts who assess whether the Centre is on track on delivering on the key metrics, including whether there is evidence of economic impact (EVA, jobs, turnover). Construct Innovate has just gone through such evaluation process (week starting November 10th 2025) and the outcome will be known to EI towards the end of November.
The Government is establishing a National Demonstration Park for MMC which will be located on the National Construction Training Campus at Mount Lucas, Co. Offaly. The Park will be Ireland’s flagship centre for MMC, showcasing learning and innovation to drive sustained change in housing delivery. The Demonstration Park is currently under construction, and metrics have not yet been developed. The Project is being led by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and delivered by Laois-Offaly ETB and Solas, with funding jointly provided by DFHERIS, my Department, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
320. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council’s Competitiveness Bulletin on public-sector performance will be published (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65728/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra321. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide Ireland’s scores and rankings under the Blavatnik Index of Public Administration for each year since the index was first produced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65729/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 321 together.
An effective public administration system is crucial for both economic management and broader societal wellbeing. It provides the institutional foundations that underpin our national competitiveness and productivity, and creates the conditions needed to attract investment, foster innovation, and support sustainable growth.
The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is currently developing a research bulletin examining the performance of Ireland’s public sector. This work is informed by the new Blavatnik Index of Public Administration, which applies a newly developed analytical framework that draws on 82 metrics across 17 data sources.
As this is a new measure, data is only available for 2024. Ireland ranks 24th out of 120 countries. The results highlight strong performance in HR Management, Diversity and Inclusion, and Tax Administration, alongside weaker outcomes in Digital Services, Procurement, and Technology and Workplaces. The timing of the publication of the NCPC bulletin is a matter for the Council, however, it is in the final stages of drafting and is expected to be available by the end of November.
The NCPC uses a wide variety of international benchmarks to contextualise Ireland’s performance and support evidence-based policymaking. As the Council notes, such indices can be valuable tools for identifying comparative strengths and vulnerabilities. However, given the developmental nature of the Blavatnik Index, it should be interpreted as a diagnostic tool rather than a definitive scorecard.
I look forward to the forthcoming publication of the NCPC bulletin and to continued engagement with the Council on this critically important issue.
322. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will publish a time series of public-sector productivity indicators for the past ten years, broken down by major areas of public administration where possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65730/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic sector productivity and performance is primarily a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. The Public Service Performance Report (PSPR) facilitates the review of performance information presented by each Department and Office in the Revised Estimates for Public Services (REV). Performance reporting was first introduced in Ireland in 2012 as part of a suite of reforms to the Public Expenditure Framework. The first Public Service Performance Report (PSPR) was published in 2017. The latest Public Service Performance Report (2024) was published in June 2025. This report sets out annual performance in the major areas of public administration by Vote Group.
323. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will commission, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, a survey of construction SMEs in Cork city and county to identify barriers to starter-home delivery including material costs, labour shortages, access to finance and regulatory burdens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65731/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2022, Enterprise Ireland’s Built to Innovate programme has focused on driving productivity and innovation, including Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) adoption, amongst residential offsite manufacturing and housebuilding companies in the domestic market all over the country, including in Cork City. Through this programme, Enterprise Ireland is establishing a close relationship with SMEs in the sector, all over Ireland. There is no plan currently to undertake a survey of construction SMEs in Cork city.
Under the new Housing Plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities, Enterprise Ireland will increase its level of company engagement under Built to Innovate, promoting tailored financial and soft supports, aiming to achieve a doubling of the €6.5 million already invested in small and medium sized firms in the residential construction sector.
Built to Innovate offers different grant aid packages across four areas. The Digital package supports the implementation of Industry 4.0, digitally enabled Lean systems to develop offsite manufacturing capability to increase output and produce more complex, higher value products. The Lean construction grant package is designed to deliver higher levels of on time and on budget project delivery, through implementing Lean methodologies onsite and the increased use of offsite and near site production. The Research & Innovation grant package is designed to support the development of products that will increase Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV), and reduce the embodied carbon, in residential construction. Finally, through the Sustainability package, Enterprise Ireland can support clients on their journey to sustainability through targeted grants that enable them to develop high impact carbon reduction plans.
To date, 45 companies have been supported under the Built to Innovate programme, including Primary Structure Offsite Manufacturers, Homebuilders and Main Contractors, and Subcontractors and design teams. A total of over €6.5 million in grants has been allocated to supporting these businesses over the last three years and Enterprise Ireland has also facilitated industry workshops to explore challenges and opportunities for the residential construction sector.
My Department is engaged in work to identify and address barriers to adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), and has established and chairs the MMC Leadership and Integration Group. The Group involves a range of Departments and Agencies and engages directly with industry representative bodies to better understand the challenges for the industry. This Group is taking an ecosystem view on addressing barriers to wider deployment of MMC and innovation adoption in residential construction, including a range of industry and public sector challenges across: procurement; regulation and standards; skills development; enterprise capacity and capability; research & innovation; and access to finance.
My Department is also represented in the implementation structures for the Government’s Housing Plan, including the Industry Capability Working Group, which meets monthly and to which my Department and Enterprise Ireland provide regular updates on barriers and enablers relating to SME development and scaling in the residential construction sector.
The Deputy may also be aware that in response to concerns expressed by the ESRI, Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council around the major demands on construction workforce, the Department of Further and Higher Education have appointed Indecon to complete a report analysing skills supply and demand, and to develop a national framework for meeting priority construction workforce needs. The research for this report is being managed by an oversight group of officials led by the Department of Further and Higher Education, and including my Department, the Department of Housing, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and the Department of Public Expenditure. The conclusions of this draft report, which is currently being finalised, reflect on a number of factors including: Multi-Sector demand pressures, Low productivity in the construction sector, Skills shortfall, especially in skilled trades, and Domestic training limitations
In relation to cost of building homes, the Housing for All Total Development Cost report was published in September 2024 by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This provides a detailed examination of overall development costs across four building types. The study was disseminated to the construction sector in Ireland so as to inform decision-making on construction projects by clients and design teams at design, planning, tender and construction stages.
Finally, the Build Report is an annual overview of construction sector performance and capacity, by presenting the latest data and policy developments to show construction sector trends in: investment, planning and delivery, costs, employment, skills, MMC adoption, productivity and sustainability. In doing so, the report assesses construction sector capacity and identifies policy implications for delivery of the National Development Plan (NDP). Built Report 2025 was published this month by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and can be accessed here: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/48e002fa/Build_Report_2025.pdf
324. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will publish regional breakdowns of construction SME challenges, including specific data for Cork city and county, as part of its annual reporting from 2026 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65732/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Government’s new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, my Department, working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), and other relevant stakeholders, is progressing work to increase innovation and delivery capacity in the residential construction sector through promoting the adoption of modern methods of construction (MMC). More widespread adoption of MMC can help deliver the Government’s ambition of high-quality affordable housing for everyone.
The MMC Leadership and Integration Group, established by my Department, involves a range of Departments, Agencies and industry representative bodies. The Group takes a broad ecosystem view on identifying addressing barriers to wider deployment of MMC and innovation adoption in residential construction and to drive further development and greater adoption of MMC in residential construction. The work of this Group is nationwide in scope and does not generate data on a regional or county basis.
Arising from the work of the MMC Leadership and Integration Group, my Department and DHLGH jointly published the Roadmap for increased adoption of MMC in public housing delivery in July 2023. The Roadmap addresses a range of industry and public sector challenges across: procurement; regulation and standards; skills development; enterprise capacity and capability; research & innovation; and access to finance. The MMC Leadership and Integration Group will continue its work under the Government’s new Housing Plan, engaging with industry bodies, and supporting the implementation of a range of new actions contained in the Plan to boost MMC adoption and delivery capacity in the residential construction sector.
The Deputy may also be aware that the Construction Sector Group (CSG), comprising representatives of key industry bodies, as well as senior representatives of relevant government departments and agencies with responsibility for policy and delivery of infrastructure, is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and reports to the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. The CSG ensures regular and open dialogue between government and industry on how best to achieve and maintain a sustainable and innovative construction sector positioned to successfully deliver on the commitments in Project Ireland 2040.
The Deputy's attention is also drawn to the "Build Report", which is an annual overview of construction sector performance and capacity, and presents the latest data and policy developments to show construction sector trends in: investment, planning and delivery, costs, employment, skills, MMC adoption, productivity and sustainability. In doing so, the report assesses construction sector capacity and identifies policy implications for delivery of the National Development Plan (NDP). Built Report 2025 was published this month by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and can be accessed here: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/48e002fa/Build_Report_2025.pdf
Finally, Enterprise Ireland’s Built to Innovate programme, which commenced in 2022 and is funded by my Department, provides grant support packages for homebuilders and construction SMEs throughout the country, including Cork city and County, to help increase innovation and productivity, including MMC adoption, in the domestic market. Built to Innovate offers different grant aid packages across: Digital, Lean, Research & Innovation, and Sustainability. To date, 45 companies have been supported under the Built to Innovate programme, including Primary Structure Offsite Manufacturers, Homebuilders and Main Contractors, and Subcontractors and design teams. A total of over €6.5 million in grants has been allocated to supporting these businesses over the last three years. Under the new Housing Plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities, Enterprise Ireland will increase its level of company engagement, promoting tailored financial and soft supports, aiming to achieve a doubling of the €6.5 million already invested in small and medium sized firms in the residential construction sector.
325. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the timeline to transpose the EU Platform Workers Directive into Irish law; the legislative pathway his Department envisages for the transposition; if he favours pre-legislative scrutiny of the heads of a Bill in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65771/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Improving Working Conditions in Platform Work Directive entered into force on 1 December 2024. EU Member States have until 2 December 2026 to transpose the Directive into national law.
The Directive is complex and wide ranging. It seeks to ensure people working though digital labour platforms have the correct legal employment status that corresponds to their actual working arrangements, enabling them to benefit from the employment rights they are entitled to.
The Directive also aims to regulate the use of algorithms by digital labour platforms. The Directive will make the use of algorithms in human resources management in platform work more transparent, ensuring that automated systems are monitored by qualified staff, and that workers have the right to contest automated decisions. The Directive also imposes substantial limitations on the processing of personal data by these systems.
transposition forum with relevant government stakeholders to review the consultation outcomes and discuss transposition measures.
My Department is also represented at the EU Official Expert Group on the Transposition of the Directive which has been established by the European Commission. This Group has met seven times to date and will meet a final time in December to approve the report. The Group will issue a final report on transposition by the end of 2025 which will be an important source of guidance for Member States.
Once these measures have been fully considered by all relevant government stakeholders, the Department will set out a clear and definitive legislative pathway. Work on the transposition of the Platform Work Directive remains ongoing, and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment are committed to progressing it without delay.The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has recently completed consultations with Government Departments, and the public consultation process has also concluded. In the coming weeks, the Department will convene a
326. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the means by which his Department intends to take account of the 2023 Supreme Court “Karshan ruling” when transposing the EU Platform Workers Directive into law; whether the five step framework in that ruling will be applied to the determination of the employment status of platform workers and those working in the gig economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65772/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Improving Working Conditions in Platform Work Directive entered into force on 1 December 2024. EU Member States have until 2 December 2026 to transpose the Directive into national law.
The Directive is complex and wide ranging. It seeks to ensure people working though digital labour platforms have the correct legal employment status that corresponds to their actual working arrangements, enabling them to benefit from the employment rights they are entitled to.
The Directive also aims to regulate the use of algorithms by digital labour platforms. The Directive will make the use of algorithms in human resources management in platform work more transparent, ensuring that automated systems are monitored by qualified staff, and that workers have the right to contest automated decisions. The Directive also imposes substantial limitations on the processing of personal data by these systems.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has recently completed consultations with Government Departments, and the public consultation process has also concluded. In the coming weeks, the Department will convene a transposition forum with relevant government stakeholders to review the consultation outcomes and discuss transposition measures.
It is anticipated that the ruling of the Supreme Court in the Domino’s Pizza case (Revenue Commissioners v. Karshan (Midlands) Ltd. T/A Domino’s Pizza); five-step framework included in that judgment; and subsequent Revenue, Department of Social Protection, WRC Code of Practice on Determining Employment Status published in November 2024 will be considered with respect to the provisions of Chapter II of the Platform Work Directive, which concerns employment status.
327. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment following on from the recent guidance from the Revenue Commissioners which provides employers an opportunity to correct any payroll tax issues arising from the Supreme Court Karshan ruling of 2023, the means by which his Department and the industrial relations institutions under its aegis will ensure that all employers who have previously classified their employees as self-employed are adhering to the ruling; the means by which the institutions intend to enforce this; whether he anticipates more staff will be required to adjudicate on cases arising from the ruling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65775/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Ireland, there are a number of statutory bodies whose remit includes determining the employment status of a person. Each of these bodies make their determinations independently of each other in respect of the particular functions for which they are responsible. While Revenue has responsibility for determination of employment status of a worker for taxation purposes, responsibility for determination of employment status of a worker for PRSI purposes falls to the Department of Social Protection (DSP).
Following the Supreme Court’s judgment in ‘The Revenue Commissioners v Karshan (Midlands) Ltd. t/a Domino’s Pizza’ , I understand that the Revenue Commissioners are now providing employers with an opportunity to correct any payroll tax issues in respect of 2024 and where relevant, 2025.
The Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) are independent statutory offices under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s functions include adjudication, mediation, conciliation, information provision, and inspection of employer records for compliance. The Labour Court is the court of last resort in industrial relations disputes and the sole appellate body in employment rights cases. Whether a person is an employee under employment rights legislation may be determined by the WRC’s Adjudication Service and the Labour Court (on appeal), as a preliminary issue, and in such cases, the current law is applied and where employment status is an issue, the Karshan ruling is one of the factors considered and applied where appropriate.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to support the central role of the WRC and the Labour Court in industrial relations and employment rights. My Department together with the workplace relations bodies actively monitor the rate of complaints and continuously evaluate resource requirements which are necessary for the performance of their functions.
328. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the 2025 and 2026 capital budget allocation for his Department, in tabular form. [65885/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revised Estimate Volume 2025 allocated total Capital funding of €712.14 million to my Department. The breakdown of this capital allocation is set out in the Table below:
|
A - Jobs and Enterprise Development Programme |
|
|
Subhead |
Capital Allocation |
|
|
€,000 |
|
A.4 Intertrade Ireland |
11,830 |
|
A.5 IDA Ireland |
215,022 |
|
A.6 NSAI |
500 |
|
A.7 Enterprise Ireland |
117,778 |
|
A.8 Local Enterprise Development |
50,816 |
|
A.9 Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme |
7,000 |
|
A.10 Matching Funding for PEACEPLUS |
1,040 |
|
A.14 SBCI Loan Schemes |
1 |
|
A.15 Humanitarian Relief Scheme |
1 |
|
A.16 Micro Finance Ireland |
1 |
|
A.17 National Design Centre |
1 |
|
A.19 Shared Island Fund Contribution to Dept for the Economy |
250 |
|
A.20 ICOB and POWER UP |
17,315 |
|
B - Enterprise, Innovation and Commercialisation Programme |
|
|
B.4 Science and Technology Development |
151,723 |
|
B.5 Subscriptions to International Organisations |
26,216 |
|
B.8 Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund |
38,000 |
|
D - Tourism Programme |
|
|
D.3 Fáilte Ireland |
3,550 |
|
D.4 Tourism Ireland |
990 |
|
D.5 Overseas Tourism Marketing Fund |
14,256 |
|
D.6 Tourism Product Development |
33,169 |
|
EU Just Transition Fund |
22,681 |
The breakdown of 2026 Capital allocations will be confirmed in the 2026 Revised Estimate Volume which is expected to be published shortly by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
329. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider adding the early learning and childcare sector to the list of occupations that need a minimum salary of €30,000 per annum to qualify for a general employment permit, to allow the childcare sector fill the gap in qualified Irish childcare sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65929/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's employment permits system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills or labour shortages in the State in the short to medium term. This objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish or EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is genuine.
The system is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills Occupation List and the Ineligible Occupations List that set out skills that are in high demand or employments that are not eligible for consideration for an employment permit. The standard Minimum Annual Remuneration for a General Employment Permit is €34,000, and €38,000 for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, with a relevant degree, or €64,000 without a relevant degree.
More broadly, new Employment Regulation Orders (ERO) came into effect on 13th October 2025, providing for minimum hourly rates of pay and other conditions of employment in the sector. The EROs apply to approximately 35,000 staff working in the Early Years and School-Age Childcare sector. It is estimated that around 23,000 of these workers will benefit from increased wages as a result of the new minimum pay rates introduced through the EROs.
The Occupations Lists are subject to periodic review which includes a public consultation inviting submissions from interested stakeholders to provide their observations and experiences for changes, based on evidence. Receipt of submissions to the current review which I launched earlier this year closed on Friday, 19th of September. I can confirm that submissions related to this role have been received under this consultation period. Officials from my department are currently engaging with other government departments with responsibility for various sectors of employment, including the Department of Children, Disability and Equality' to consider these submissions and the evidence provided. A report containing recommendations will be prepared in the coming months.
330. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of former secretary general’s, retired civil servants, directors of service, retired city/county managers or those of a similar grade in his Department that have subsequently served on State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66003/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is not held by my Department.
In making appointments to State boards under my remit, my Department operates in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards, published in November 2014.
The Public Appointments Service has responsibility for managing an open, accessible and transparent system to support Ministers in making State board appointments and it is open to the public to apply for positions advertised on the stateboards.ie website.
While the information requested may form part of the original application and appointment process for State Board membership, under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements, my Department does not have access to this information once appointments have been made.
The names of individuals currently serving on State Boards under the aegis of my Department are available on the following link: https://membership.stateboards.ie/en/department/Department%20of%20Enterprise,%20Tourism%20and%20Employment/
331. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the amount his Department and any body under his aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66077/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department and offices have had a nil spend with the 'Association of Translators and Interpreters Ireland ' for the period 2020 to 1 November 2025.
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.
332. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the amount his Department and any body under his aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66095/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department and its offices have spent a total of €135,676.03 between 2020 and 1 November 2025 on the services of the company 'Translations.ie' ( see attached table ).
In respect of the agencies that come within my remit , they are statutorily independent in their functions and this in an operational matter for them. I have, therefore, referred to the Deputy's question to the agencies for direct reply.
Summary of amount spent by DETE and its offices on the services of 'Translations.ie ' in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2020 |
117.38 |
|
2021 |
21,081.76 |
|
2022 |
51,340.93 |
|
2023 |
27,533.59 |
|
2024 |
17,478.02 |
|
2025 |
18,124.35 |
|
Total |
135,676.03 |
333. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide the Department’s annual expenditure on State Claims Agency costs for the years 2020–2025. [66350/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department and offices had paid the State Claims Agency a total of €4,645,396.81 from between 2020 and 31 October 2025 (see attached table).
Summary of amount expenditure by DETE and its offices on SCA ' in the years 2020 to 31 October 2025
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2020 |
168,614.22 |
|
2021 |
303,201.59 |
|
2022 |
355,767.29 |
|
2023 |
2,911,905.38 |
|
2024 |
555,805.00 |
|
2025 |
350,103.33 |
|
Total |
4,645,396.81 |
