I thank the Deputy for her question. Although the technology sector has undergone a period of sustained growth for more than 20 years, modest contractions have occurred recently. Possible US trade actions on semiconductors and other challenges have also created a moment of international uncertainty in the sector. In response to these geopolitical and trade challenges, the Government has agreed to expedite its action plan for competitiveness and productivity. Furthermore, several short-term measures, such as enhanci…

In all the sectors the Deputy referenced, we are absolutely responding with significant policy interventions, particularly our action plan on competitiveness. While there was a huge increase in growth in the technological sector of approximately 15% or more during the pandemic period, we have seen a recalibration in some areas. While it is difficult for families to face news of uncertainty, the critical thing is there are huge opportunities. The sector is growing globally, which is incredible in an Irish context, w…

In respect of Carelon Global Solutions, we are working closely with the company. There is an established protocol in the Department for any company that is encountering difficulty or making announcements. We are the first responders in there working with them, providing skills and ensuring they have the pathway to further training and redeployment. That is a big challenge in some of the at-risk sectors. IDA Ireland is very clear on doing a risk profile. We try to get investment into such companies early and foresee…

I thank the Deputy for his question. Ireland is currently a strong competitive global economy. This performance is reflected in our exceptionally strong economic performance in recent years. However, the international context is rapidly changing and we recognise, as do many businesses, where our indigenous and foreign direct investment, FDI, sector are concerned, that they are facing increased challenges. In recognition of these challenges facing Ireland, the current programme for Government committed to the public…

I thank the Deputy for his question. He has been to the forefront in engaging with me in connection with Intel and it being significant in his locality. While I note comments by its chief executive, Intel’s Fab 24 is the most advanced manufacturing facility in Europe. We in Ireland are proud to have Intel here. As a Government, we will do everything we can to support it into the future. The new 7 nanometer, nm, chip it manufactures there is the lowest chip in Europe. In the wider context, at this point, we have onl…

I thank Deputy Neville. He is quite right to point out those key areas. As a Government, we are very committed to unblocking so many of the challenges to infrastructure delivery. The Deputy will see the decisions made by Cabinet in that regard. Commencing the planning Act will be key and central to delivering that pipeline. There are huge opportunities here, as I mentioned, through the Draghi report and the European Commission's competitive compass. For many companies, regulation is a problem. We are bringing throu…

I thank the Deputy for his question. The IDA has a landholding of 20 ha at Ballingarrane science and technology park in Clonmel, County Tipperary, and, in partnership with Tipperary County Council, has lodged a planning application for a 10,000 sq. m advanced building solution on a site area of approximately 3.4 ha. This application is currently proceeding through the planning process. IDA Ireland continues to work to market the site and proposed planning permission at Ballingarrane to potential new and existing in…

I will point out that we have seen a significant increase in IDA activity and employment in the mid-west region - approximately 16% over the past five years. The Deputy will know of very important client companies in his region, including Boston Scientific and Waystone, where there has been a new investment of 100 jobs. Working very closely with my colleague, Michael Murphy, we are doing a huge amount of work on delivering infrastructure to the region that will support the growth of employment. That is why we see 5…

To be absolutely clear, the figures I gave for the IDA's marketing in the mid-west region are for Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, which are categorised together. The Deputy will see the results I pointed out. There are 27,000 jobs in that sector. There is also a very significant investment in the capital fund, where we have our advanced factory units, and where the IDA part the Deputy referenced is seeing the opportunity of that investment as it goes through the planning process. We have to appreciate that bringing …

I thank the Deputy for his very important question. I acknowledge and thank the 2.8 million workers going to work today on what is International Workers' Day. I look forward to addressing the House in that respect later. I am committed to improving the pay of low-paid workers and the Government’s track record on this is beyond question. Since 2020, the national minimum wage has increased by 33.7%, from €10.10 to today’s rate of €13.50 an hour. The Deputy will agree that this is a substantial increase, and I fully e…

The Government has committed to achieving the living wage in the current Administration. The increases of 12% and 10% we have had in recent number years are significantly above wage growth in economy which is 3.5%. They are also above the inflation rate relating to our economy, which has now tapered down to about 1.75%. My key issue is to make and ensure that any increases are sustainable. We are doing that, and we have the evidence. The first piece of evidence is the joint report from the Departments of Enterprise…

I am not picking sides. I am ensuring that we have valuable employment and strong businesses. Anyone who says we have not improved workers' conditions is not backing that statement up with evidence. Auto-enrolment will be introduced on 1 January. There is a right to request remote working. Tips legislation to protect vulnerable workers has been introduced. Zero-hour contracts were banned. Parental leave has been introduced. A Fine Gael Government, with the Taoiseach at the time, took the lead on improving employmen…

I have had no meetings, interactions or correspondence with the business owner in question since my appointment as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment last year in connection with any of my work, and nor has my Department.

My actions demonstrate that we have supported employment and workers throughout our economy. We are committed to achieving a living wage. We are about 3.5% away from it under one metric, which is the survey data for the labour force. Second, we are on it in the CSO data relating to the structure of earnings. I pointed out clearly the number of improvements we have made. We are committed to auto-enrolment, which will come in on 1 January, to protect the futures of workers.

We have banned zero-hour contracts. We have worked to bring in tips and gratuities legislation to protect the most vulnerable workers. We have introduced a sick pay scheme that is ever-present. We were clear in our manifesto before we went into government that, at this point in time, we did not feel we could extend it any further. We have commissioned a review of employment legislation. We have committed to an action plan for collective bargaining in respect of which public consultation is now underway. In all thos…

It is a fact that the Government committed to an action plan on collective bargaining in its first three months in office. It is a fact that we are commencing auto-enrolment on 1 January.

It is a fact that we have commenced a review of all employment legislation. It is a fact that the Government has worked to protect the most vulnerable workers.

It is a fact that we have significantly increased the minimum wage in the years since the establishment of the Low Pay Commission.

It absolutely is. I have quoted the figure of an increase of 29% since 2022. That is a fact. Of people who are 15 to 19 who are entitled and legally able to work, only a quarter are earning sub-minimum rates. It is a very small number of people. Critically, we have to look at barriers of entry to education, which is very important. The evidence I have behind that has not been available to allow that decision to be taken. The Low Pay Commission was clear that this is a complex issue. It said that in its report. I am…

I thank Deputy McAuliffe for this important question. It is a matter that will pave the way for a significant future in Ireland for semiconductors and other areas. Important projects of common European interest are becoming increasingly important as a means to enhance the competitiveness of the EU and its member states. The new programme for Government contains a commitment to "Boost participation in Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) to increase competitiveness and productivity for Irish compan…