Results 41-60 of 2,984 for speaker:Emer Higgins

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Departmental Correspondence (30 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: This correspondence refers to the 2021 Private Members Bill on Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) sponsored by a number of Deputies. It is a matter for the Deputies to progress the Bill. Last April, the then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, met with a group of representatives of Retired Associations in...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Departmental Correspondence (30 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: The Government is acutely aware that many businesses in all sectors are facing difficulties due to the cost-of-living crisis. With that in mind, as part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257 million for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses. Local Authorities, funded through the Department of...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Brexit Supports (30 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: The Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) was allocated to a suite of measures implemented by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the Department. These supports can be grouped under two broad headings: 1) Supports for enterprises to prepare for Brexit in order to mitigate the possible risk of impact and; 2) Supports aimed at mitigating the impact of Brexit by helping firms to compete, innovate...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Visa Agreements (30 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: My Department has responsibility for economic migration policy and the employment permits system which facilitates non-EEA nationals the opportunity to take up employment in the State for the benefit of the economy. Visa processes for any individuals seeking to enter Schengen countries are not within the responsibility of my Department. I have been informed by officials in the Department...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Business Supports (30 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: The Government is acutely aware that many businesses in all sectors are facing difficulties due to the cost-of-living crisis. On March 5th 2024, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and the Department of Social Protection published an assessment of the combined impact of proposed measures to improve working conditions in Ireland. Reflecting the findings of this assessment,...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Local Authorities (30 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: My Department provides funding through the A8 Subhead to Enterprise Ireland to support the operation of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) based within each of the 31 Local Authorities. However, my Department does not directly fund Local Authorities. On an annual basis, Enterprise Ireland transfers any balance of unused funds from the A8 Subhead back to my Department. These funds include...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: EU Directives (30 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: EU Directive 2019/1152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions in the European Union has been transposed. The European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No 686 of 2022) became law on 16 December 2022. The EU Commission has been informed that S.I. No 686 of 2022 was signed...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: EU Directives (30 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: Council Directive 96/71/EC on the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services was transposed into Irish law via the Protection of Employees (Part-time Work) Act 2001. Accordingly, the full range of Irish employee protection legislation applies to workers posted to work, or otherwise working, in the State. A "posted worker" is an employee who is sent by their employer to...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Business Supports (25 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: My Department does not provide any specific grants or supports to businesses for the refurbishment of vacant or derelict properties. I understand that several Local Authorities do offer a range of grants to businesses to encourage them to occupy vacant commercial premises within their local authority area. On the topic of vacant property more generally, the Department of Housing,...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Business Supports (25 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: As you will be aware, as part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257 million for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses. Local Authorities, funded through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, are administering the grant to qualifying businesses on behalf of the Department. Local...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Business Supports (25 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: Companies operating in the circular economy looking for advice and guidance should in the first instance speak with their Local Enterprise Office (LEO). LEOs are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. LEOs also provide a ‘signposting’ service for all...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Business Supports (25 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: As you are aware, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant scheme was announced as part of Budget 2024, as a vital measure for small and medium businesses. The scheme is a once off grant and is not a rates waiver and businesses should continue to pay their Local Authority rates as normal. In order to design the scheme officials in my Department consulted with a range of Government and...

Support for Carers: Motion [Private Members] (24 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: I thank the Cathaoirleach. I welcome the south Tipperary carers, who are still with us in the Gallery, and Denis and Josephine Higgins from Monaghan, who are also with us here today. I thank the Regional Group for tabling this Private Members' motion and for highlighting the fantastic work carers do throughout the country. As the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, said in her opening...

Seanad: Employment (Collective Redundancies and Miscellaneous Provisions) and Companies (Amendment) Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: I thank the Leas Cathaoirleach for his kind remarks. I am pleased to have the opportunity to present this Bill for the consideration of the House following its recent successful passage through the Dáil, led by my predecessor, the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond. The Bill will further enhance the protection of employees in a collective redundancy in a way that does not unduly impede...

Seanad: Employment (Collective Redundancies and Miscellaneous Provisions) and Companies (Amendment) Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and everyone in this Chamber for their kind words of congratulations but also of welcome to Seanad Éireann. Most importantly, I thank them for their collaboration with this Bill because it is very important. Senator Seery Kearney brings many skills and expertise in this exact field to the Chamber and I very much appreciate her input and contribution as...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Health Services Staff (24 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: Go raibh maith agat. I thank Deputy Tully for raising this issue for discussion in the House. She has been an advocate for people with disabilities and those working with them, which I really appreciate. The Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge the essential role section 39 community and voluntary...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Health Services Staff (24 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: I thank the Deputy again for raising this important issue. I fully appreciate what she has said about the recruitment and retention of staff. Staff in this area are vital because they provide the necessary resources and support that people like Kaitlin and her family need, and that is why the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is committed to sustainable...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Work Permits (23 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: Following review and consideration of sectoral submissions on the topic, and further consultation with the relevant stakeholders, I am informed by officials that the occupation of Sea-fisher will be made eligible for the General Employment Permit (GEP) in the coming weeks, with the relevant Statutory Instrument under consideration. It is planned that access to the GEP will be granted via...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: National Minimum Wage (23 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages includes two key areas: Minimum Wages, and Collective Bargaining. The Directive must be transposed into Irish law by 15th November 2024. My Department has received legal advice on the minimum wage elements of the Directive that Ireland’s current minimum wage setting framework, namely the Low Pay Commission, is largely already in compliance...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Enterprise Support Services (23 Apr 2024)

Emer Higgins: My Department supports entrepreneurs and innovators through the 31 Local Enterprise Offices, across the country. Any entrepreneur looking to start their own business should in the first instance speak with their Local Enterprise Office (LEO). LEOs are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start or...