Vol. 464 No. 1
24 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if the programme to contact potential enterpreneurs currently working abroad to establish businesses in Ireland has led to a return of Irish emigrants. [4854/96]
There are no statistics available to me on the number of Irish emigrants who have returned to Ireland to establish a business.
The programme referred to by the Deputy is a new initiative under Forbairt's enterprise development programme. The enterprise development programme itself has been specifically designed to provide a range of supports to those seeking to establish their own businesses for the first time, and has been operating successfully for several years.
To get the new initiative under way, Forbairt has arranged to make a presentation, later this month in London, to the UCD Alumni UK Chapter. This presentation will highlight the supports available to returning emigrants with a view to encouraging them to establish a project back in Ireland.
Forbairt expect that between 50 and 70 people will attend the event. Depending on its success, a further similar function will be held in London next September or October. Consideration will also be given to holding similar functions elsewhere.
