Corporate governance
IDA Ireland is an Autonomous Statutory Agency set up under the Industrial Development Acts 1986 – 2006. The Agency operates in accordance with the provisions of the Acts and under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who is empowered to provide funds to discharge its obligations and issue general policy directives/seek information on the Agency's activities.
While the primary source of corporate governance for IDA Ireland is the Industrial Development Acts, the Agency is also required to comply with a range of other Statutory (National and EU) and Administrative Requirements. IDA Ireland affirms that it met its obligations in regard to all of these requirements. In particular it has the following procedures in place to ensure compliance with specific requirements:
1. General Administrative and Policy Requirements
At national level, IDA Ireland works closely with officials of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and officials of other Government Departments and State Agencies, in advancing its Objectives and ensuring compliance with Statutory, Administrative and Ministerial/Government Requirements. At local level, the Agency works closely with Local Authorities, Educational Establishments, other State Agencies and a wide range of local organisations/public representatives to develop the local environment necessary for attracting new investment.
IDA Ireland is continuing to implement a policy directive issued by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 15 October 2003 and which reads as follows:
'In March 2002 the European Commission adopted a Multi-Sectoral Framework on regional aid for large investment projects. The Commission also decided to propose a number of measures under Article 88(1) of the Treaty as set out in the Framework. In order to comply with the outstanding requirements the current Administrative Rules relating to industrial development regional aid schemes for the period 2000 to 2006 are hereby amended. In accordance with the powers conferred on the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment by Section 13 of the Industrial Development Act, 1986, I hereby direct by way of general policy and subject to compliance with the Act that IDA's support to initial investment projects and job creation projects linked to investment be delivered in accordance with these rules in the period 2000 to 2006'.
2. Code of Practice for the Governance of State bodies
IDA Ireland fully complies with this Code of Practice and in particular affirms its compliance with the following Sections.
Section 9.2 & 10.2: Complied with by the Chairman of the Board in a separate letter furnished to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Section 10.1 & 10.2 (iii): an effective system of internal financial control is maintained and operated by the Agency. (Statement of Internal Financial Control, page 30).
Section 10.2 (v): Government policy on the pay of Chief Executives and State body employees is being complied with. (Notes to the Financial Statements, No.9 page 39, and Board 2007, page 21).
Section 10.2 (vi): Government guidelines on the payment of Directors' fees are being complied with. (Notes to the Financial Statements, No.9 page 39, and Board 2007, page 21).
Section 11: The Board of IDA has established processes to ensure sound corporate planning, etc., as required by this Section. (Statement of Internal Financial Control, page 30, and Board 2007, page 21).
Section 12.1 & 2: The Chairman of the Board, in the separate letter furnished to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, confirms that IDA has complied with its obligations under tax law.
The schemes and programmes administered by IDA are in accordance with the legislation governing the operation of the Agency and appropriate risk management systems are in place.
3. Revenue Commissioners Statement of Practice SP - IT/1/04 on Tax Treatment of Remuneration of Members of State and State Sponsored Committees and Boards
IDA Ireland fully complies with this Statement of Practice.
4. Guidelines for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals
IDA has well-established robust procedures in place for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure projects arising under the Capital Grants or Property programmes. These procedures comply with the principles set out in the Guidelines for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals.
5. Employment Equality Acts, 1998 and 2004
Equality is an established priority for IDA. The organization has a progressive equality and diversity agenda and new initiatives are developed on an on-going basis.
IDA Ireland values diversity and strives to be an equality employer where individual contribution is encouraged and differences are valued. To this end it is committed to ensuring that no staff member of IDA, or applicant for employment with IDA, receives less favourable treatment than any other on grounds of gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, membership of the traveller community or any other grounds not relevant to good employment practice. This applies to recruitment, working conditions and development opportunities.
IDA is committed to maintaining and developing a balanced work/life environment for all staff.
6. The Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act, 2005
This Act, which replaces the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare Act, 1988, consolidates and updates the existing law and IDA Ireland continues to take appropriate measures to protect the safety, health and welfare of all employees and visitors within its offices to meet the provisions of this Act. This extends to the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002, and 2004.
7. Worker Participation (State Enterprise) Act, 1988
Sub Board consultative structures are operating effectively in IDA Ireland and are a recognised feature of the organisation's communications and consultative structure. The Joint Consultative Committee is welcomed as a positive process by both management and staff. Additionally, a further partnership arrangement has been established with the Trade Union to progress actions under the 'Towards 2016' National Agreement.
8. Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995 and Standards in Public Office Act, 2001
In accordance with the above Acts all IDA Ireland Board Members and staff holding designated positions have completed statements of interest in compliance with the provisions of the Acts.
9. Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 and 2003
IDA Ireland complies with these Acts. Requests for information under these Acts should be addressed to the Freedom of Information Executive, IDA Ireland, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2.
10. Energy Efficiency
In compliance with the Government memorandum of June 2001 IDA Ireland, in the design, planning and construction of office and manufacturing buildings on its Business and Technology Parks, applies 'best practice' principles in all cases. IDA's offices in the regions also conform to 'best practice' principles. The offices in Dublin are managed by Forfàs.