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Select Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 32 - Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Revised) (21 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: I thank the Chairman for his support on this. The committee is always very constructive in its input. We have picked up a lot of good ideas from the committee and based on the committee's understanding of the enterprise sector, an understanding of where the boot is pinching. We find these engagements very useful and I express our appreciation to the committee for its work.

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Departmental Funding (22 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: The Consumer Association of Ireland made an application to my Department for funding in 2013. Their application was evaluated, approved and paid in December 2013. No application for funding for 2014 has been received from the organisation to date.

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Companies Law Issues (22 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: It is important to note that the contents of the financial statements of companies are governed by relevant EU Company Law Directives and Regulations and by the applicable accounting standards. There are no plans to amend this disclosure regime in relation to specific sectors in the economy, as this would be open to accusations of discrimination and, were it to be required generally in the...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Employment Rights Issues (22 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: Zero hour contracts are covered by contract law. A zero hour contract must be entered into freely between the employer and the employee – it cannot be forced upon an employee. Zero hour contracts are normally found in sectors such as retail, healthcare and hospitality. I am very conscious that in certain circumstances, they may be of great benefit to both employers and employees....

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Employment Rights Issues (22 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) carries out inspections of employer records with a view to determining compliance with employment rights legislations. These inspections arise - In response to complaints received of alleged non-compliance with relevant employment rights legislation; - As part of NERA inspections focusing on compliance in sectors where there is an...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Public Sector Management Appointments (22 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: In so far as my Department is concerned, all appointments to permanent and pensionable positions should be publicly advertised and subject to open and transparent recruitment mechanisms and that these principles apply to all such permanent and pensionable positions in my Department and its Agencies. In the case of appointment to positions on State Boards in particular, my priority is to...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Outsourcing of Public Services (22 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: No additional outsourcing has been undertaken by my Department since March 2012. The following tables detail the total amount of existing contracts that have been in operation on behalf of my Department and its Offices since 5th March 2012: Table 1: Outsourced Services for Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation Service outsourced Name of outsourcing company Estimated Savings...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Departmental Bodies Establishment (22 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: The following are the State Bodies/Boards under the remit of my Department. - State Bodies/New Agencies 1. Enterprise Ireland 2. IDA Ireland 3. Science Foundation Ireland 4. Shannon Development 5. County and City Enterprise Boards (35) 6. National Standards Authority of Ireland 7. Forfás 8. National Consumer Agency 9. The Competition Authority 10. Irish Auditing and...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Semi-State Bodies Remuneration (22 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: Salaries paid by Agencies to staff are subject to contracts which, in latter years, have been subject to specific clearance by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. I have asked all Agencies under the aegis of my Department to advise me of any instances of bonus payment since 2011 and I will communicate that information to the Deputy as soon as it is available. There were no...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Direct Investment (23 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: One of IDA Ireland's high level targets is that by the end of this year 20% of all greenfield investments will come from growth markets. To achieve this target, the Government provided IDA Ireland with the resources to establish offices and hire staff in emerging markets, including Brazil, India, Russia and China, the BRIC countries. In total, 17 people support the overseas marketing of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Direct Investment (23 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: IDA Ireland has approached this challenge in a strategic way. As the Deputy is aware, a target was set for 2014 and resources have been allocated in such a way as to ensure it will be met. The strategy is under review and we will be looking afresh at growth markets. Clearly, there is a need to balance resources against outcomes and look to the long term. On a man for man basis, the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Direct Investment (23 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: As I stated when IDA Ireland launched its annual report, Mr. O'Leary's leadership of the organisation has been exceptional. He leaves behind a fantastic legacy of achievement and an organisation that is both professional and extremely strong. I recently appointed a new chairman of IDA Ireland and the process to recruit a replacement for Mr. O'Leary is getting under way. I agree with the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Job Losses (23 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: Prior to this very unfortunate closure decision, I had kept in close contact with this case. In fact, I met senior company executives several times, including just before the announcement. The position is that the company has had to undertake a global review of its operations in the light of shrinking revenues and declining market opportunities. This decision was taken by the parent...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Job Losses (23 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: Grants provided by IDA Ireland are always subject to legal conditions. If a grant is provided and the company does not fulfil the conditions, the grant is repaid. The obligation to repay grants ceases when a company that spends many years in Ireland fulfils its programme of activity. That has always been the approach. In any sector there are parts going down and rising. For example,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Job Losses (23 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: I am very conscious of the difficulties any closure poses, but a company has to make decisions about its position. We seek and have sought to work with Lufthansa to put transformation programmes in place to support it. That has been a constant feature in recent years. I have met Lufthansa to make sure this offer is always on the table. Decisions of this nature are made ultimately by the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Job Losses (23 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: I have met all of the Deputies. Unfortunately, a decision has been taken on this issue.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Job Losses (23 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: I will have to consider that request. Unfortunately, I do not have a role at this point. The company has made a decision. That has been passed.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Job Losses (23 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: The challenge for me now is to find new opportunities. If proposals are forthcoming from workers that would help me and IDA Ireland to find an alternative, we will be delighted to receive them.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Job Creation (23 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: The Forfás annual employment survey, which reports on job gains and losses in companies supported by the enterprise development agencies, shows that 172 new jobs were created in IDA companies in Waterford in 2013, an increase of 55 on the number created in 2012. There are currently 28 IDA client companies employing more than 5,000 people in Waterford city and county. The number of net...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Job Creation (23 Jan 2014)

Richard Bruton: The strategy that the IDA published set a target of 50% job creation outside Dublin and Cork. It has not been possible to achieve that. That is not because the company has not been seeking to deliver it. The agency reports and makes efforts to promote the other regions. Unfortunately, the nature of mobile foreign investment has changed. We can see this in the type of wins the agency is...