Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2013
270. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department, or any of the bodies under the aegis of the Department have been requested to provide support to any tobacco or tobacco related company; the names of the companies involved; the nature of such support; and the level of support that has been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19944/13]
View answerI am informed by Enterprise Ireland that Exclusive Cigar Manufacturing Ireland Ltd was paid funding of €836,522.57, of which €85,281.87 was repaid. This funding was approved and paid under a number of the support programmes of the agency during the period 1992 to 2012.
In June 2012, Enterprise Ireland met the company and the issue of the provision of capital and internationalisation supports were discussed. As the company has a strong export focus, support through the Internationalisation Fund was deemed the most appropriate at the time. The agency is continuing to liaise with the company in regard to this Fund.
