Vol. 535 No. 3
68 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated value of shareholdings in quoted technology companies held by Enterprise Ireland; their value 12 months ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12199/01]
The issue raised by the Deputy is a day-to-day matter for Enterprise Ireland and one in which I have no direct function.
I understand from Enterprise Ireland that the value of its holdings in quoted technology companies at the end of April 2000 was £98 million. The value on 30 April 2001 was £78 million.
During the period in question Enterprise Ireland disposed of all or part of its holdings in seven technology companies for a realisation of £53 million. Enterprise Ireland returned these funds to the Exchequer.
In addition, during the same period, a number of movements took place within the portfolio due primarily to companies not previously quoted obtaining a market quotation. These were valued at the time of placing at £83 million compared to the historic cost to Enterprise Ireland of £1 million.
