Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 February 2013
125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of enterprises that have received approval in each of the past four years to date in both the manufacturing an/or service sectors which have encompassed the use of innovation and technology; the number of jobs created in the course thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9445/13]
View answerAs innovation and technology are aspects of employment across most sectors it is not possible to disaggregate the information as sought by the Deputy. Similarly, it is not possible to disaggregate the number of grant approvals by the enterprise agencies that are innovation and technology related in the manufacturing and services sectors.
My Department and its agencies are focused on the development and support of internationally trading manufacturing and services firms in Ireland, and have a clear and steady focus on the potential and opportunities that exist and can be created by prioritising innovation as a key driver of success. Enterprise development agencies, Enterprise Ireland (EI), IDA and Science Foundation Ireland, provide a spectrum of innovation and technology development programmes that deliver financial, technical and experiential support to help companies become more innovative, encourage and support competitiveness, and help them grow their sales and exports in order to create a climate in which sustainable employment will grow and expand.
EI is focused on the growth of world-class Irish companies to achieve strong positions in global markets and works directly with businesses, and the research and investment communities in Ireland to build sustainable competitive advantage for our economy. EI has a range of initiatives focusing on innovation which support businesses to compete sustainably in international markets, in the areas of Organisational and Management Development, Research and Development, Operations and Production, Finance and Investment, Business Strategy and Start-Up.
