I have no direct input to decisions regarding the grant aiding of individual companies as it is an operational matter for the development agencies. However, I understand from Enterprise Ireland that Universal Dehydrates – now known as Sensient Technologies Corporation – has been paid no grant assistance since acquiring the company from the Campbell Soup Company in 1994. Under Campbell's ownership, from 1988 to 1994, the company had been paid a total of €381,664 in grant assistance, comprising €236,835 as research and development assistance and €144,829 as training assistance. In the 22 year period prior to 1988 the company was owned by three companies – Irish Sugar Company from 1966 to 1986, Premier Vegetables from 1986 to 1987 and Freshbake Limited from 1987 to 1988 – and received a total of €584,555 in grant assistance during that period. Therefore, the company has received a total of €966,219 in grant assistance since its inception in 1966.
There have been no repayments to Enterprise Ireland because any contingent liability on the outstanding grants had expired at the time of cessation of the main activity. The company is still operating an advanced freeze-drying facility on the site and there is one grant – amounting to €33,195 – still with contingent liability in respect of this. This liability is due to cease on 30 March 2002. Should the company cease the undertaking and dispose of the building before this date, it will be liable for this amount.
