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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“It is important we give this issue the full care and the deliberation it requires, rather than rushing into a decision that could have unintended consequences for young people and employers. The Government will make a decision on these rates after the economic impact assessment has been completed and any required legal advice is available to us.”
“While the study provides valuable information on the incidence and characteristics of subminimum employment in Ireland during 2022, it stops short of modelling the impact of making changes to youth rates in the here and now. Recent significant increases in the minimum wage show the Government’s commitment to fair wages for low-paid workers in our economy, but it is also important to acknowledge the challenges being faced by the small and medium enterprise sector in recent years. We know the use of subminimum youth rates is largely concentrated in the accommodation, food and retail sectors and that these sectors have reported considerable cost pressures in recent times.”
“I thank Deputy Murphy for raising this really important matter. As he will be aware, the Low Pay Commission recommended the abolition of the subminimum rates in March 2024. The Low Pay Commission highlighted in its report that this is a complex issue. It stated that the Government will need to give the findings and recommendations detailed consideration and deliberation, and highlighted the need for the Government to take its own legal advice on this really important matter. I agree with the commission that this is a complex issue. Our Department is giving these findings and recommendations its full consideration. Our Department has commissioned an economic impact assessment of the commission’s recommendations. These recommendations were accompanied by a research report by the ESRI.”
“This Government has been steadfast in its support for Ireland West Airport Knock through the regional airports programme. More than €20 million has been invested in key infrastructure, safety and security projects at the airport. There were record passenger numbers again. The trajectory for that airport is important. Work is being done with the board of Ireland West Airport Knock to attract investment. Aircraft maintenance companies have set up there already. This work is important. The former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and the former Minister, Simon Coveney, moved this on to ensure there was a feasibility study. The Minister of State at the time, Deputy Calleary, was also supportive in the Department. We need to work collectively to ensure it reaches its full potential. The SDZ has the potential to open up the Atlantic economic corridor.”
“We want to see, following that, a number of initiatives to ensure that there is investment in that strategic land bank to ensure it has critical services and utilities and that we have a plan to attract investment.”
“I think we are all in agreement that this is a critical piece of enterprise-enabling infrastructure for the west and north west. We have support from the Minister, Deputy Burke, and the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, who also have regional responsibilities. The development requires focus and commitment. I welcome the appointment of Dominick Healy in August last year. He is a very competent project manager. The roadmap will build on the consensus of the steering committee stakeholders which comprise a number of State agencies and key local authorities. The completion timeline of two years has been set by the SDZ development roadmap. We have a timeline of August 2026, two years after the appointment of the project manager.”
“The work of the project manager is overseen by a steering committee chaired by Mayo County Council and includes representatives from key stakeholders including the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, the Western Development Commission, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, Atlantic Technological University, Ireland West Airport Knock and the Department. The most recent meeting of the steering committee took place in December, with the next meeting expected in March. Officials from the Department have also liaised with relevant Departments and State bodies on issues of relevance to the SDZ.”
“The Department has engaged with the SDZ at Ireland West Airport Knock, including through the provision of more than €200,000 per year over a two-year period to Mayo County Council for the development of a roadmap for the development of the SDZ. A project manager for this work, who was appointed in August of last year, is developing a roadmap setting out the process for the development of the SDZ, for example by identifying the infrastructure required to advance the site, identifying the challenges facing the development, facilitating access of funding to deliver on specific project elements, and supporting the communication of the vision of the SDZ at a local level and to other interested parties.”
“I thank Deputy Conway-Walsh for raising this important matter. I look forward to working with her in delivering the SDZ at Ireland West Airport Knock. Balanced regional development is a key focus of this Government. My Department contributes to this objective through the work of its enterprise development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA as well as through the network of 31 LEOs which have a presence in every county. It is the responsibility of the nine regional enterprise plans which focus on initiatives to deliver growth in each of the nine regions of Ireland. The programme for Government commits to considering the development of economic SDZs for the regions. An SDZ, as it has been until now, is a planning designation and is typically followed by the development of a planning scheme for the SDZ by the relevant local authority.”
“I am not familiar with the detail of this specific case, but Ireland's system of industrial relations is essentially voluntary in nature. It has been a consistent policy of consecutive governments to support the development of the institutional framework within the WRC and the Labour Court. In this instance, we did receive advance notice of collective redundancies from the company which complied with the Protection of Employment Act in terms of supporting certain legal obligations. The consultation process has raised serious concerns, however, relating to what was being offered to the employees, who have the right to complain and to seek representation, which is what happened in this case. The machinery of the State is the WRC and Labour Court for any resolution.”
“The Department will continue to ensure workers' rights are strengthened, that we have robust legislation in place and that we continue to support workers.”
“As I said in my earlier contribution, Ireland has a robust suite of employment rights legislation to protect and support workers in redundancy situations. In the first instance, responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers rests with the employer and the workers and their representatives. The programme for Government supports the critical role of the WRC and the Labour Court, if it gets to that situation, in the context of industrial relations and employment rights. As the Deputy said earlier, we all welcome the fact the employees in the company have suspended their industrial action, which is very important. Their constructive discussions have led to a possible resolution and follow-up balloting by members.”
“On 14 February 2025, the Department received a collective redundancy notification in accordance with the legislation from the company named by the Deputy. Employees have the right to refer complaints to the WRC on a wide range of employment law breaches for adjudication and redress, including the right to refer a complaint should an employer fail to consult, and that was done in this case.”
“I note from media reports yesterday that there have been constructive discussions between the parties and that there may be a resolution in sight, which is welcomed by all. All employers are responsible for ensuring their employees receive all the protections afforded them under employment legislation. The Protection of Employment Act 1977 protects and supports workers in redundancy situations. The legislation imposes certain legal obligations on employers proposing collective redundancies, including the requirement for a 30-day consultation period with employees and their representatives. Employers must notify me, as Minister of State, and the Minister for enterprise, tourism and employment, of the proposals at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes effect. Employers may not issue notices of redundancy during this period.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. As he will be aware, Ireland has a comprehensive body of employment, equality and industrial relations legislation. Ireland’s system of industrial relations is essentially voluntary in nature. It has been the consistent policy of successive governments to support the industrial relations institutional framework. Indeed, the programme for Government commits to supporting the central role of the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court in industrial relations and employment rights. I would always encourage parties to make every effort to reach a resolution by agreement between themselves and with the help of the industrial relations machinery of the State if necessary.”
“I take on board the issues Deputy McGrath raised in respect of the registration period for the power up grant. As I said earlier, businesses were unable to amend a mischaracterisation of their sector, and this needs to be rectified. I will review this in consideration with Deputy McGrath.”
“I thank Deputy McGrath for raising this important issue and for his contribution here today. I reiterate and fully appreciate the important role Irish SMEs play, and their contribution to towns and villages throughout the country. I recognise the increased pressure of doing business. I would point to the speed at which this power up grant was delivered, with more than €150 million distributed through the local authorities in a two-month period. It has been of enormous benefit, with the flat rate of €4,000 representing an enormous cash injection for many of these businesses that desperately need it. It does alleviate some of the pressure, although not all of it. We paid out more than €400 million in 2024 to the businesses most affected.”
“I will take the specific points raised around post offices into consideration in the next steps in the consultation. We are engaging with the Department of public expenditure and reform and local authorities on this in order to arrive at a swift resolution.”
“In total, more than €158 million has been paid out through the power up grant. Taken together, these grant schemes paid out more than €400 million in a very short space of time. I express my appreciation to all workers in local authorities for getting these important grant supports out to businesses so quickly. A business must have received the second phase of the ICOB to be eligible for the power up grant. This was to ensure businesses were able to get payments as quickly as possible. The Department is aware of the issue the Deputy raised in the power up registration process where businesses were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classifications. The Department is actively working on this issue with businesses in relation to registration during the ICOB process. It is reviewing the issues.”
“The first phase was a broad scheme that distributed €154 million to 75,000 SMEs in all sectors of the economy in recognition of the higher cost of doing businesses. The second phase was targeted specifically at businesses operating in the sectors most impacted by increasing costs such as energy, which were mainly retail, hospitality and beauty businesses. Almost 39,000 SMEs in those sectors received a second ICOB payment, and a total of €90 million was paid out through this second phase of ICOB in 2024. As part of budget 2025, which was introduced in October, and in recognition of high energy costs, the Department introduced the power up grant, which was again delivered by the local authorities. Under this scheme, almost 39,000 SMEs in the retail and hospitality sectors received a flat grant of €4,000 in the final months of the year.”
“I thank Deputy McGrath for raising the important issue. I know how important SMEs and small businesses are in his constituency in County Tipperary. I fully recognise the cost pressures SMEs are facing and the impact this is having on their ability to keep their doors open. As the Deputy stated, the programme for Government contains several important commitments, including with regard to VAT reductions and adjustments to PRSI, in respect of improving the business environment to make matters easier for Ireland’s hardworking business owners. Last year, the Government introduced two business support schemes that were designed by the Department and administered by local authorities. The increased cost of business scheme was launched in March 2024 and was delivered in two phases.”
“The Department probably needs to do a better job in reassuring private providers because we are very much reliant on them right across the State. In my constituency, I know they are extremely important and really provide an important service. I refer to not just the providers but their staff as well. The core funding element did look at how we can strengthen staffing pay and recognition. We need to continue to do that. I will raise the issue the Deputy has raised with the Minister, Deputy Foley, and ensure we continue to invest in the sector and that the proper governance structures are in place.”
“I agree with the sentiment of the matter the Deputy raised tonight. Certainly, the Department is committed to working with all core funding partner services concerned about their viability and to ensure we have oversight around case management processes. In this instance, it is between the provider, the local city and county childcare committee, and Pobal working together to assess and provide support to the early years and care services because we know how vital they are and we must ensure they are put on a more sustainable financial footing. If any services have concerns, they need to reach out to their local city and county childcare committee and the Department in respect of being informed of the types of support that may be available.”
“The Dublin City Childcare Committee and Pobal are assisting the service with considering all options that maintain its current capacity and hours, which may include temporary sustainability funding if appropriate. The decision by a service to close is ultimately a private business matter with which the Department cannot interfere. A meeting will take place between the board members and the parents-guardians this evening to discuss the potential closure of the afternoon session. The children attending the afternoon session have been offered a place in the service’s sister service, which is within 1 km of the service. Four of the eight children attending this session have accepted the offer of a place in the sister service. Additionally, other alternative arrangements are also being explored.”
“In addition to the core funding grant for early learning and childcare providers towards operating costs, which the services avail of, case management supports are also available from the Department for any services experiencing financial difficulty or that have concerns about their viability. This support can take the form of assisting services with interpreting analysis of staff ratios and cash flow, financial support for services, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances. These supports can be accessed by any core funding partner service by contacting their local city or county childcare committee. I have been informed by the Minister and her Department that the service in question is engaging with the Dublin City Childcare Committee and Pobal in relation to these supports.”
“I thank Deputy Sherlock for raising this important matter and for offering us the opportunity to respond. I am taking this Topical Issue matter on behalf of the Minister for children, Deputy Foley. With regard to resources through core funding, core funding is a grant to providers designed to support quality, sustainability and enhanced public management, with associated conditions in relation to fee control and cost transparency, incorporating funding for administration and to support the employment of graduate staff. The introduction of core funding in 2022 brought a significant increase in investment for this sector. This increased year on year and core funding now stands at €331 million in the current programme year.”
“Supporting the transition to a circular economy will not only help us to meet EU targets for waste reduction and recycling, it will also create new opportunities for businesses that embrace sustainable practices. The programme for Government offers an exciting vision for Ireland's future and places a strong emphasis on the growth and success of small businesses and communities. For rural counties such as Mayo, this means more support for local businesses, better access to resources for innovation and development and a clear path towards sustainable and balanced regional growth. I am truly committed to working alongside my colleagues and everyone in this House to deliver these ambitions so that small businesses flourish and communities grow and prosper.”
“The programme for Government places a strong emphasis on digitalisation and sustainability in the retail sector. I am committed to ensuring that retail businesses in County Mayo have the resources to transition to the digital economy to improve their competitiveness and reach new customers. Through continued engagement with the retail forum, we will work alongside retail stakeholders to address challenges and create a sustainable, forward-thinking retail environment. The programme for Government also sets out a commitment to a circular economy and promoting sustainable practices that extend the lives of products, reduce waste and create new business opportunities. This vision will benefit businesses by providing a platform for innovation in such areas as repair, reuse and eco-design.”
“To this end, the Government is committed to publishing and resourcing new regional enterprise plans which will be based on in-depth reviews and tailored to meet the specific needs of regions such as the north west. We will also reform the smart regions enterprise innovation scheme to ensure that the €145 million available will help to build local enterprise infrastructure, foster innovation and support early stage research. I am excited to see the potential these plans have to benefit, in particular, the areas of green energy, tourism and agri-business which are all vital sectors. As the largest private sector employer, the retail sector also plays an essential role in the economy and I am especially focused on supporting it. Retail businesses, including small local shops and large stores, are critical to the vibrancy of our communities.”
“On regulation, my Department also recognises the importance of thinking small first. My officials have developed an SME test that requires policymakers to consider the impact major policy initiatives would have on SMEs. We will further roll out the use of the SME test across all measures that affect SMEs. We will also take the opportunity to look back and identify regulations that are now redundant in order to reduce unnecessary red tape. Regional growth is a key focus of the programme for Government, that is ensuring that our towns, villages and rural areas thrive. This is especially important to me because County Mayo has much potential for the development of various sectors.”
“One of the initiatives in this regard will be the strengthening of the supports provided by Enterprise Ireland, which will continue to assist Irish companies to scale globally. Furthermore, local enterprise offices which are crucial to the growth of small businesses, will receive additional resources to support local entrepreneurs and better assist small indigenous exporters. This will ensure businesses have the tools and expertise they need to expand and succeed. In addition, I will highlight the increased cost of business scheme and the power up grant, which both received 750,000 applications from SMEs in 2024. These initiatives have been vital in helping businesses to manage rising operational costs and invest in growth opportunities. I am deeply committed to seeing these supports expanded and made more accessible to businesses.”
“These businesses are the lifeblood of our towns, villages and rural communities. From local retailers to family run enterprises, the programme for Government aims to provide targeted support to businesses of all sizes to ensure they continue to thrive. As Minister of State with responsibility for small businesses and retail, my primary focus will be to ensure small businesses, especially those in rural areas of counties such as Mayo, are supported in every way possible. Alongside my colleagues, the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, and the Minister of State, Deputy Niamh Smyth, I will work diligently over the next five years to implement measures that enhance the competitiveness and productivity of Irish businesses with a particular focus on SMEs.”
“I am honoured to have been appointed Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for small businesses and retail and as Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for the circular economy. The programme for Government lays out an ambitious roadmap for the coming years. I am deeply committed to ensuring its successful delivery, with a particular focus on the tremendous opportunities it will bring to my county, Mayo. As we move forward, the health and vibrancy of the Irish economy is central to our efforts. Small businesses lie at the heart of the economy's success. As more than 99% of businesses employ fewer than 50 people, SMEs account for more than 40% of employment in our economy.”