Alan Dillon
Mayo · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Landlords are generally not in a position to supervise day-to-day waste management practices within occupied properties. The Government therefore has significant concerns regarding both the practicality and effectiveness of these provisions.”
“The Government has commissioned an independent study to examine the feasibility of moving Ireland's household waste collection system from the current side-by-side competition model to a franchise-based system. That study is examining the environmental, economic, operational and consumer implications of alternative market structures.”
“If the evidence supports significant changes to the market structure, the Government will consider those recommendations carefully. If the evidence suggests improvements can be achieved through strengthened regulation, enhanced enforcement or targeted reforms within the existing framework, those options should also be considered.”
“We also want to see a well-designed waste collection system that not only delivers environmental benefits but also provides householders with the opportunity to reduce their own household waste costs through reducing residual waste, correctly segregating recyclable materials and correctly segregating organic materials.”
“We have a lack of capacity so we need to continue that, and investment certainty is really important in that regard but also to enable Ireland to meet both our national and European obligations, which are far reaching. These will all benefit from a stable and predictable policy framework.”
“Ireland requires continued investment across the waste and resource sector. We need investment in collection infrastructure, recycling capacity, material recovery technologies, organic waste treatment, digital systems and innovation. Those making long-term investments require certainty regarding Government policy.”
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“This work is part of a broader policy framework that includes forthcoming renewable heat obligations and the heat networks Bill, both of which are progressing through Government and will provide the regulatory certainty and investment signals needed to scale up renewable heat and district heating infrastructure. In short, we are moving from strategy to action. The biomethane implementation group is central to ensuring that we can translate a coordinated policy into accountable and transparent action.”
“The group will meet again in September of this year and is currently finalising a progress report that will be published shortly on www.gov.ie . This report will provide updates on the key deliverables including the biomethane sustainability charter and the development of the biomethane information hub and communications strategy. The charter is a priority action under the strategy. It has now been finalised following extensive consultation and is being prepared for publication. The charter will set out best practice guidelines to ensure that anaerobic digestion is developed in a more environmentally sustainable manner, protecting waste, soil, biodiversity, and ensuring that health and safety standards are maintained.”
“I thank the Deputy for the question and welcome the opportunity to provide an update on the Government's progress on delivering on our biomethane ambitions. The Government has committed to supporting the production of up to 5.7 TW of indigenous produced biomethane by 2030, a key pillar of our national and EU climate and energy targets. A critical first step on this journey was the publication of the national biomethane strategy, which outlines 25 strategic actions to drive growth across the sector. To oversee this work, the biomethane implementation group, chaired by my Department, was established in 2024. It has met four times to date, bringing together key Government Departments, agencies and sectoral stakeholders.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question and I can certainly respond later in relation to that. The focus now is on delivering the 15 sectoral adaptation plans. That is really important. As I said earlier, we need to take significant steps to future proof Ireland's key infrastructure around electricity and gas. We will put these plans out for consultation. That is really important. What we want to do is ensure that we plan ahead, invest wisely and protect our key infrastructure to ensure future adaptation measures are introduced as we deal with future serious and extreme weather events.”
“Again, I thank the Deputy for his question on concerns that have been raised in relation to the publication of the risk assessment, which is both comprehensive and evidence based framework that identifies, ranks and prioritises the climate risks, as the Deputy has outlined. What is essential here is that it draws on international best practices from the UK, New Zealand and the EU. It highlights the complex risks, including those we saw during Storm Éowyn, which impact across the energy system and forestry. Through the framework and the 13 different adaptation plans that will be finalised this year, we will have plans that can deliver real world actions while also putting strategies in place to protect communities, infrastructure and the economy. They will be led out through various Departments and through local authority-led actions.”
“The national climate change risk assessment is a key deliverable under this framework. The risk assessment is a significant piece of work that will support our understanding of the risks of climate change and will help the Government to prioritise actions and direct resources to counter the risks that we must deal with most urgently into the future. My Department is leading on the national co-ordination of sectoral adaptation actions to ensure cross-cutting issues are identified and addressed. Across Government, 15 sectoral adaptation plans, SAPs, will be completed this year. These will set out the extensive adaptation actions and measures that will be actioned over the next few years and that the sectors will build into their long-terms plans. The risk assessment provides the necessary evidence base to inform and support this work.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question. I welcome the publication of Ireland's first national climate change risk assessment. We can already see the effects of climate change through the impact of storms including Babet, Darragh and, most recently, Éowyn. Attribution studies inform us that climate change is adding significantly to the strength of these extreme weather events. Adapting to the new reality and building resilience to the impact of climate change is critical. The Government is committed to protecting Ireland’s present and future generations by developing climate adaptation measures to manage the impact of extreme weather events. We recognise the need to support communities, businesses and ecosystems as climate risks continue to rise. Last year, the Government approved Ireland’s second national adaptation framework.”
“The Bill is necessarily complex, but the aim is to ensure the process it underpins will not be. We have been very careful to ensure that workers are not burdened with an onerous process to navigate. The customer journey should enable workers to vindicate their rights through a clear and easy to understand pathway. We have balanced this with safeguards for employers who may still be trading and should not be deemed insolvent. We have also ensured that the system is robust to ensure taxpayers' money is protected. While the Bill itself is quite technical, its intention is clear, and it will require further enhanced protection for employees where their employers become or are deemed insolvent.”
“We also want to be very clear with regard to real insolvencies. It is important to note that among the public and in the media, there is much commentary on corporate insolvencies or liquidations, restructuring and closures, and this often gives rise to conflicting figures. Our Department is currently working on analysis of closures in the hospitality sector and is very much focused on ensuring the data is fully accurate in its publication. I refer to the Bill itself and the positive impact it will certainly make. It will ensure that a new cohort of workers is protected under the insolvency payments scheme. The Bill will provide for a new statutory process for an employee to seek to have his or her employer deemed insolvent. My officials have worked carefully to ensure this process is as streamlined as possible.”
“Government did approve a memo recently around competitiveness and productivity. There are some short-term, medium-term and long-term challenges that we need to address. We have made changes with regard to an incremental increase to the living wage while protecting workers, and we will continue to protect workers around the minimum wage. We await the Low Pay Commission's report in July. However, we have never, ever refused any recommendation previously. We have always honoured employees because we certainly value fair pay for workers. We will continue to do that. While accepting Deputy Nolan's issues with regard to vulnerable businesses within hospitality, food services and retail, it is about striking the balance between protecting the business while ensuring that livelihoods are also protected.”
“These rights have been honoured and, indeed, in this case, the State honoured the Debenhams workers at a cost of over €13 million. Deputies Nolan and McGrath raised issues and challenges around small businesses and the importance of trying to keep businesses supported. It is a key priority of this Government. Through the programme for Government, we have a very pro-business, pro-enterprise focus. Within our Department, we are now setting up the small business unit and within that, we will have the cost of doing business advisory forum. That will be very much focused on how we can support businesses with increased labour costs, regulatory burdens and energy costs. We want to ensure that businesses can remain viable while striking that balance with the challenges they face.”
“In recognition of the challenge in tracking down employees from many years ago, this does not apply for historical cases. I am very happy to clarify this. Deputies Conor D. McGuinness, O'Donoghue and Gould raised issues around the Debenhams workers. To clarify, this Bill is totally separate from the issues that were raised as part of the Debenhams case. This was already a recognised insolvency and liquidation. The Government has always sought to ensure that the concerns of the Debenhams workers were heard. The State's welfare employment and training services responded to the needs but also provided that safety net through the Social Insurance Fund for employees to ensure they received their statutory redundancy.”
“Employees should not be required to have legal representation. I was asked whether an application may be made where the employee is deceased. A person may apply on behalf of that employee, including on behalf of his or her estate. We also had questions raised by Deputy Lawlor regarding the historical cases. Our initial proposal was that historical cases in instances of two years could apply. However, we subsequently decided to change this to allow applications in exceptional circumstances for another two years, which gives a total of four years to apply. This Bill has catered to some of the needs with regard to historical events. Deputy Gibney also raised the issue of how the requirement to serve notice on employers only applies to future claims deemed insolvent.”
“Employees also have rights to information and participation as creditors. Some Deputies spoke about the time it has taken for this Bill to come before the House. The matter was raised by Deputies Conway-Walsh and O'Flynn. This is legislation that Government is prioritising on the basis that it is complex but also it is a cross-cutting issue. The issues raised in the Supreme Court judgment required careful analysis and significant legal advice. That time has been put to good use. We have worked through many issues and developed a workable policy solution. Now we believe that not only do we have a workable solution, but its implementation is practical. We believe that this will vindicate the directive-based rights of employees who have previously been unable to access them. We are determined to focus on making it easy to access the process.”
“I thank all the Deputies who contributed to this considered debate. I would like to respond to some of the matters raised. Deputy Guirke asked about what is currently being done to support workers where a company is an insolvency. The State has always been to the fore in providing a safety net for employees in the event that their employer enters insolvency. Where the employer is unable to pay, the State covers eligible employees' statutory redundancy payment from the Social Insurance Fund. Where an employer is legally insolvent, the State covers pay-related entitlements, such as arrears of wages, minimum notice and employment rights awards also through the Social Insurance Fund. In addition, under company law, employees' outstanding pay-related entitlements are given preferential creditor status in a liquidation.”
“Therefore, it is only correct that they require and undergo the full planning and permit process to ensure considerations in a range of areas and factors, including location, visual impact, land zoning plans and ecology, are factored in. I will work with the Senator to expedite these guidelines over the next number of months to ensure there is a centralised plan across the country.”
“Priority deliverables under the biomethane strategy include the development of planning guidelines. Many communities, not just that of the Senator's in Cork, deserve the right to engage in the planning process so that there is extensive consultation, they have oversight of any environmental assessments being undertaken and that in respect of this engagement between the local authority and the developer if it is private, there is a community dividend in terms of a community fund being established for these key infrastructural projects because they are significant and have an impact on the environment, the biosphere and local communities.”
“We are working through the guidelines in the biomethane implementation group. We have not yet published them but we will certainly work towards the objective of publishing them later this year.”
“Priority deliverables under the strategy include the development of planning guidelines - I know this is one issue Senator Lynch wants to be raised - to support local authorities when assessing AD planning applications and a review of resourcing requirements of our key Government agencies to support development of the industry. These guidelines will be developed by the biomethane implementation group, which is chaired by my Department, in close collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage along with Teagasc and the SEAI. I met recently with Gas Networks Ireland, GNI, which is committed to decarbonising our gas network by repurposing it to transport renewable gases - ultimately, hydrogen and biomethane. GNI has established a dedicated biomethane team.”
“They are sustainability, demand for biomethane, the bioeconomy and the circular economy, the economics of biomethane, and enabling policy requirements. Each pillar has been aligned with 25 key strategic actions. Each action looks to address the challenges and support the opportunities anaerobic digestion and biomethane production have to offer. Although this is a very well established technology in Europe with over 20,000 plants in operation, biomethane production and anaerobic digestion, AD, plants are considered a new form of technology in Ireland. A clearer understanding of AD technology and consistency of approach by planning authorities when assessing AD projects will improve our planning and permitting processes.”
“A first step to realising this ambition was the publication of the national biomethane strategy. The previous Ministers for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Agriculture, Food and the Marine published this strategy in May 2024. Subsequently, we have seen the most recent publication of the national planning framework. This will set out our sectoral climate targets across many of the regions across Ireland and will enable regional assemblies to formally look at strategic sites and planning to deliver on this ambition. The biomethane strategy sets out the necessary policy and regulatory measures and provides a roadmap to developing a biomethane industry of scale in Ireland. The development of the strategy focused on a framework of five interlinking pillars seen as critical to target delivery.”
“I thank Senator Lynch for raising this important topic, which is particularly important for her constituency in Cork. It is an important issue. I recently attended the all-Ireland summit on the bioeconomy. This was a really important summit that brought together key industry partners, academia and those working in the bioeconomy, the biomethane sector and the circular economy. There was significant discussion around where we can improve our circularity and how the Government has committed to delivering up to 5.7 TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. Delivery of this target and the use of biomethane in our energy system will have multiple cross-sectoral benefits for Ireland’s economy, energy security and emissions profile. I think Senator Lynch agrees with that initiative.”
“The Government will continue to protect the measures which have been put in place to support collective bargaining, within a volunteerist, industrial relations framework, which has served the State well to date. It is also important to do this in a manner that is ambitious, balanced, legislatively sustainable and cognisant of the views of the public consultation that my Department will conclude, on the basis that the Government opposes this Private Members' Bill, while reiterating our continued support for proactive engagement with workers, their representatives and their employers.”
“Following this work and in line with relevant legislation, statutory sick pay will remain at five days. Another piece of legislation which has had a significant positive impact for workers is the Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Act 2022. This Act has been in operation for more than two years and obliges employers to distribute tips fairly and to prominently display the tips distribution policy for its employees. Regarding the wider work in this area, there has also been significant development at EU level with my Department to engage in work within the EU platform work directive, which entered into force on 1 December 2024 and which will be transposed by 2 December 2025.”
“This amended the Protection of Employment Act 1977 to further enhance the protection of employees facing collective redundancies, caused by employers' insolvency. Since the introduction of statutory sick leave in 2023, business owners, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, have consistently raised concerns about the collective impact of such measures, in light of rising costs of input and security costs. We saw the introduction of statutory sick pay, which marked a key policy development for Ireland. The entitlement was originally for three days and was increased to five days in January 2024. Recent research from the Department has shown that firms in the retail, accommodation and food services sectors are likely to be more impacted should the statutory sick pay entitlement increase from five days to seven days.”
“These important regulations provide for the statutory protection of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, which now applies to members of the Defence Forces. In 2024, the Employment Permits Act 2024 introduced significant changes, including the introduction of a new seasonal employment permit. This is a short-term permit which will allow non-EEA nationals to work in seasonal employment for up to seven months per year. Last year also saw the commencement of the rights to request remote working under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. In July of last year, we saw the commencements of the Employment (Collective Redundancies and Miscellaneous Provisions) and Companies (Amendment) Act 2024.”
“Since then, the inaugural meeting of the group took place in March and the group's work programme has been agreed and published on the Department's website. The work programme contains three items: the determination of employment status; review of the Unfair Dismissals Act 1997; and review of the notice period in the minimum notice of terms of the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018. The work of the group will be critically important in the coming years. It will provide a unique, independent and expert analysis on our suite of employment rights and protections. Another important development took place in January this year when the European Communities Organisation of Working Time (Defence Forces) Regulations 2025 was signed into law.”
“It is intended that the consultation will help guide us in finalising the proposals, both legislative and administrative, which may be considered for inclusion in Ireland’s action plan. I want to make the process of finalising this action plan as open and transparent as possible. I also highlight the many positive and progressive changes to workers' rights which the Government has introduced in recent years. These employment law developments have resulted in significant improvements for conditions of workers. I would like to mention the legislation introduced in July 2024, which provided for the establishment of the Employment Law Review Group, ELRG. This work kicked off in January of this year, when the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, announced the appointment of the chairperson and members of the ELRG.”
“In 2023, a technical group was established with the social partners to discuss collective bargaining and Ireland's action plan. It has been meeting regularly and constructively. The capacity of our social partners to engage effectively in collective bargaining is also a key element of the directive. I hope that the Government can further support the social partners in this area. Government supports for collective bargaining is reflected in the programme for Government which contains a commitment to finalise an action plan on the promotion of collective bargaining by the end of this year. I am pleased my Department held a public consultation process on the promotion of collective bargaining from 14 April to 12 May. My Department is now carefully reviewing the submissions received.”
“These agreements demonstrate how effective the joint labour committee system can be when representatives of employees and employers voluntarily negotiate together to identify a mutually beneficial agreement. Members will also be aware of the directive on adequate minimum wages, which aims to promote collective bargaining on wages in all EU member states. It sets out that each member state in which the collective bargaining coverage rate is less than a threshold of 80%, as is the case in the majority of member states including Ireland, shall provide for a "framework of enabling conditions" for collective bargaining and shall also establish an action plan to promote collective bargaining by end of 2025. There is no obligation on member states to reach any prescribed level of collective bargaining coverage within any defined time period.”
“A strong and well-functioning collective bargaining system supports productivity and fair wages, especially in low-paid sectors. For example, the 2024 sectoral employment order for the construction sector comes into effect on 1 August and will introduce higher rates of pay for craft and general construction workers. Their pay will increase by 3.4% in August 2025 and by a further 3.2% in August 2026. The sectoral employment order process is a statutory wage-setting mechanism provided for in the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015 and is based on the principles of collective bargaining. In addition, three new employment regulation orders came into effect last year, covering workers in the early years learning, security and contract cleaning sectors.”
“Ireland’s attractiveness as an investment location and the basis for much of our competitive advantage have been due to the stability and industrial peace provided by our voluntary model for social dialogue. This has also fostered a stable and co-operative industrial relations environment, facilitated numerous successful resolutions of industrial disputes and the negotiation of collective agreements that have benefited both workers and their employers. The voluntarist system of industrial relations allows for tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of different sectors and workplaces. By fostering a co-operative and non-confrontational approach to industrial relations, the voluntarist system has contributed to industrial peace and stability. The system is based on mutual respect and trust between employers and trade unions.”
“The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015 defines "collective bargaining" as comprising voluntary engagements or negotiations with the object of reaching agreement regarding working conditions or terms of employment or non-employment of workers. There is an extensive range of statutory provisions designed to support collective bargaining. The freedom of association and the right to organise and bargain collectively are also guaranteed in several international instruments the State has ratified and is therefore bound to uphold under international law. This long-standing tradition of a voluntarist system has served us well through the decades.”
“In addition, the Bill fundamentally misrepresents the legal basis of employment regulation orders, EROs, which are intended to be sectoral wage-setting mechanisms negotiated at joint labour committees, not applicable to individual employers or trade unions. Certain sections of the Bill, such as those related to unfair dismissal for seeking trade union recognition, are already covered under existing legislation, specifically the Unfair Dismissals Acts. It has been the consistent policy of successive Irish Governments to promote collective bargaining through legislation and by the development of an institutional framework supportive of a voluntary system of industrial relations that is premised upon freedom of contract and freedom of association.”
“Legal advice provided to the Government since the Bill was originally considered by this House outlines how this Bill gives rise to an apparent breach of Article 40 of the Constitution, at least insofar as it proposes an employer be compelled to recognise and engage with a trade union under threat of criminal sanction. Article 40 of the Constitution guarantees the right of citizens to form associations and unions. The Supreme Court has also held there is no duty on employers to recognise unions. Any legislation which seeks to compel an employer to consult or engage with a trade union would therefore be at significant risk of being found to be unconstitutional.”
“I welcome the opportunity to discuss Government's position on Second Stage of this Private Members' Bill, the Trade Union Recognition Bill 2021. The Bill aims to establish a legal mechanism for trade union recognition for workers, who constitute at least 20% of employees in an employment or any category within that employment. It also proposes criminal sanctions for employers who fail to recognise and engage with the trade union. After careful consideration, Government will oppose this Bill for several compelling reasons. I will outline these reasons and the plans the Government has for strengthening supports for collective bargaining this year.”
“It is clear that over the past few years the Government has taken significant and proactive steps to improve employment rights, provide additional protection and establish better working conditions for workers. These initiatives, as well as numerous upcoming developments in 2025 and beyond, underscore the dedication of the Government to fostering a fairer and more transparent workplace and supporting the workers of Ireland. On International Workers' Day, let us celebrate the crucial role the Irish workforce plays in our nation's competitiveness and success.”
“The Government has shown continued commitment to strengthening and protecting workers' conditions, fair treatment and fair wages for workers. However, as Minister of State with responsibility for small businesses and retail, I know it is also important that we acknowledge the challenges the enterprise sector has faced over the past number of years. We are conscious of the impact of these measures on businesses, in particular as they are managing rising prices, supply chain issues and the increasing need to adapt to a digital and climate transition. My Department carried out assessments on the impact of legislative changes, including a statutory review, published in March 2024, of the Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Act. Most recently, we carried out research on the impact of the statutory sick leave provisions.”
“Every worker in Ireland is entitled to a safe working environment and every employer is legally obliged to provide a safe working environment. There is a strong legislative regime in Ireland to underpin that obligation and protect workers in terms of work-related health and safety. I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the great work undertaken by the Health and Safety Authority, HSA. I had the pleasure of meeting its chair, CEO and board members yesterday to discuss how they support employers in Ireland. My Department is collaborating with the Department on the upcoming national disability strategy and we will continue to facilitate ongoing dialogue between disabled people's organisations and employer representatives to fully support the employment of people with disabilities.”
“The Minister, Deputy Burke, recently announced the launch of a public consultation to obtain the views of interested stakeholders on the content of the action plan and we want to ensure that the working conditions of young people are fair and appropriate. Therefore, my Department has launched a public consultation on the proposal to extend the late working hour exemption for young persons to unlicensed premises so that they fully align with those provided for in the regulations for licensed premises under the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996. We will also see developments such as the implementation of the EU pay and transparency directive and the introduction of a pension auto enrolment system, which is a commitment in the programme for Government and a key priority for the Minister for Social Protection.”
“A strong and well-functioning collective bargaining system is an important element in the economy. It supports and promotes fair wages, in particular in low-paid sectors. A number of Deputies have raised this topic today. Collective bargaining agreements also play a positive role in increasing productivity for businesses that promote the protection of industrial harmony, which is crucial to our economy. Officials in my Department are working to develop an action plan to promote collective bargaining which, under the EU directive on adequate minimum wages, must be submitted to the EU Commission by November of this year.”
“The Minister, Deputy Burke, spoke earlier about the legislation introduced in July last year, providing for the establishment of the Employment Law Review Group, ELRG. It was convened at its inaugural plenary meeting last March. Its work programme, which was determined by the Minister, in consultation with the ELRG has been published on the Department's website. It contains three items which the ELRG will review, namely the determination of employment status, a review of the Unfair Dismissals Act and a review of notice periods in the minimum notice of the terms of the Employment Act 1973. I was pleased to meet the group at its inaugural meeting earlier this year and wish Professor Michael Doherty the very best in his work, along with all of its members, in progressing the this important work.”
“Remote working has also become a new norm for many employers and employees in the wake of the pandemic. The right to request a remote working arrangement was commenced under the work-life balance Act in March of last year. My Department will review the operation of the remote working provisions of the Act later this year as required by the legislation. The work-life balance Act also requires a review of the flexible working provisions of the Act currently available to parents and carers. This part of the Act is under the remit of the Department of children, disability and equality. The protection of employees Bill 2025 will ensure workers of employers which cease trading without formally winding up will be able to recover moneys owed to them from the insolvency payment scheme.”
“One of the key objectives of this Bill is to bridge the income gap experienced by people who are required to retire at an age which is lower than the age at which they can access the State pension. The Bill contains limited exemptions, including retirement age set by law, and allows employer to objectively justify the application of the retirement age by reference to the individual employee. I am very mindful of ensuring both employers and employees have the time to get to grips with this new employment right. That is why I am committed to ensuring that there is an appropriate lead-in time and information campaign on the new right following the Bill's enactment. The Bill completed Second Stage in the Dáil in early April and I hope the Dáil and Seanad will move ahead to enact it in the coming months.”
“The employment contractual retirement age Bill 2025 will allow, but in no way compel, an employee to stay in employment until the State pension age of 66. The Bill implements a commitment included in the Government's response to the Pension Commission's recommendations and implementation plan. An employee who consents to retire at their contractual retirement age can still do so. This element of consent reflects the fact that many employees may want to retire at the contractual retirement age. The Government's wider objectives are to make the pensions system sustainable in the face of significant demographic change and to improve the adequacy and predictability of retirement income.”
“The Government is committed to supporting workers by recognising the work of the independent Low Pay Commission, supporting the central role of the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court, improving the employment of people with disabilities, promoting flexible working conditions and arrangements, and also publishing an action plan for collective bargaining. The Minister, Deputy Burke, has previously outlined a number of improvements to employment rights that the Government continues to make. My Department has already started a body of work to fulfil our commitments under the programme for Government. The Minister, Deputy Burke, and I are advancing legislation to protect older workers who have a contractual retirement age below the State pension age.”
“I thank all the Deputies for their contributions today. It is an honour to stand before the House on International Workers' Day, a day dedicated to recognising the invaluable contribution of workers across Ireland and the world. As Minister of State with responsibility for small business and retail, I acknowledge and celebrate the hard work, dedication and resilience of our workforce, which forms the backbone of our economy and society and is the core of Ireland's competitiveness. Ireland's stable industrial relations climate and low levels of industrial unrest provide certainty for both domestic and international businesses investing in Ireland, making us a competitive and attractive place in which to work and invest. The programme for Government sets out a strong commitment to economic and employment growth and competitiveness.”
“The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is working with the SEAI to try to streamline the grant applications, not just for businesses, but for homes under the warmer homes scheme. Where businesses or customers successfully make an application to get onto the scheme, the scheme takes into consideration the likelihood of trying to procure a contractor. That extends out the timeline so, in effect, the timeline could be 18 months before an actual contractor is available to do it. However, I think the SEAI should measure when the actual grant is processed and approved, and then it is up to the business itself to find out when the works commence. It is a vital support, and there is a commitment to enhance this scheme into the future, with approximately €1.8 million already committed. We want to go even further in future to support business.”
“We will continue on that trajectory. A timeline regarding the applications is with the SEAI, which administers the scheme. I can get that to the Deputy.”
“A key priority for the Government within our competitiveness plan is to engage with the Department of energy, climate and environment to ensure we can drive down the cost of energy, not just for residential consumers, but for businesses to ensure they remain viable. It is probably one of the most important areas we can focus on and currently are focused on. We are providing grants to small businesses around emissions and ensuring that they have access to grants to support their transition to more carbon-efficient and green initiatives. This is an important energy grant scheme. The 200 applications demonstrate there is a confidence and commitment from businesses to engage in this process. We have also previously seen many businesses invest in new refrigeration units, and I know that was supported through our Department.”