Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 4

Written Answers. - Grant Application Procedures.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

21 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment whether he will expedite the procedures relating to applications for grant aid through the county enterprise boards with particular reference to the need for maximum impact at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Liz McManus

Question:

78 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to difficulties being experienced by the county enterprise boards in view of the bureaucratic procedures attached to the processing of applications, such as the requirement that relatively small financial allocations have to be approved by his Department; if his attention has been further drawn to the difficulties created by the £100,000 ceiling on projects which can be supported by the county enterprise boards; the plans, if any, he has to take steps to address these difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 78 together.

I have advised the chairpersons of all county enterprise boards that they should proceed on the basis of a grant approval capacity of £500,000 which will be subject to review depending on performance. Furthermore, I have directed that my Department introduce a procedure aimed at ensuring that clearance procedures in relation to county enterprise fund grants/notifications of £10,000 or less will normally be completed within four working days of the application being received from the county enterprise board concerned. Larger grants, of between £10,000 and £50,000, will normally be cleared within ten working days of the application being received by my Department.

As regards approval procedures at county level, Deputies will understand that these are primarily a matter for the individual county enterprise boards and their evaluation committees. It is understandable that there may have been some problems in establishing this system in a way that will guarantee both the proper evaluation of projects, and the necessary speed of response. However, I understand that most boards are well on the way to achieving this, ensuring that the county enterprise initiative is fully operational at all levels in the immediate future.

I should emphasise that at present, the county enterprise boards are operating on an interim basis, pending their establishment as independent legal entities. I am determined that this be achieved at the earliest possible date, following which it will be possible to devolve the grant approval process fully to the boards.