Written Answers Nos. 317-341
317. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has received a submission for funding from a group (details supplied) in County Westmeath, which is seeking to establish a national advanced manufacturing research centre; if he will ensure that it receives the necessary funding to enable it to proceed immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34483/15]
View answerUnder this year’s Action Plan for Jobs I have initiated the development of a business case for the possible establishment, governance and funding of an Advanced Manufacturing Centre which would enhance Ireland’s position on innovative and advanced manufacturing. This research work is being undertaken by a joint team involving IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland and is still a work in progress as there are significant strategic issues to be assessed. In the event of the business case being established that a national centre should be developed, and, crucially, funding being available for such a facility, the question of the location of such a centre would then be addressed and it is likely that an independent location consultation would be engaged to advise on this issue. I have not, at this stage, received any proposal from a group in Westmeath but in any event you will appreciate that deciding on the location of an Advanced Manufacturing Centre would be premature at this stage.
318. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the local enterprise office grant application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34576/15]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for assisting start-ups, business development and job creation in each local area. The LEOs can provide advice and direction, covering all government supports and requirements, to anyone who wishes to start or expand a business. The LEOs can also provide funding for projects that meet certain criteria, in certain circumstances and other non-financial supports.
For example, with regard to the financial supports available, it should be noted that the LEOs generally only grant assist enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector which over time can develop into strong export entities. However, there are other non-financial supports available, such as mentoring and training, and the LEO staff can advise as to which supports would be most appropriate.
Under the Service Level Agreement between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities, each LEO has set up an Evaluation & Approvals Committee comprising senior representatives of the Local Authority and Enterprise Ireland and five local individuals with specific areas of business expertise to evaluate all project applications submitted for financial support in line with enterprise policy.
These Committees typically meet once a month to evaluate applications on hand and make appropriate decisions on each one. For each application, the Committee can decide to approve, reject, seek further information from the applicant, or refer it to the Enterprise Ireland Investment Committee for final approval (if over €40,000).
In this instance, staff in the LEO met with the project promoter over the summer and sought additional information. The application was ultimately considered by the Committee at its meeting on 2 September and the decision communicated to the applicant shortly thereafter.
The reasons for any refusal are a matter between the LEO and the applicant, in which I have no function. However, if the applicant wishes to appeal the decision, he should contact the Head of the LEO Dublin City directly.
319. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs supported by Enterprise Ireland on 31 December 2014; and on 30 September 2015, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34682/15]
View answerEnterprise Ireland’s mission is to partner with entrepreneurs, Irish business, and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland’s international trade, innovation, leadership and competitiveness. The ultimate objective is increased employment and prosperity in Ireland. The companies that Enterprise Ireland works with are a vital source of employment, both direct and indirect, in every county in Ireland.
Employment data for Enterprise Ireland is collected annually as part of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Annual Employment Survey which measures the number of jobs in Agency assisted client companies.
Table 1 below identifies employment by county for 2014. The 2015 Annual Employment Survey is currently underway and it is expected that the results of this Survey will be available in December 2015.
Table 1 - Employment by County for 2014
|
County |
Employment 2014 |
|
Carlow |
2,691 |
|
Cavan |
4,663 |
|
Clare |
3,271 |
|
Cork |
22,609 |
|
Donegal |
3,302 |
|
Dublin |
61,203 |
|
Galway |
6,823 |
|
Kerry |
4,314 |
|
Kildare |
7,512 |
|
Kilkenny |
3,605 |
|
Laois |
1,179 |
|
Leitrim |
722 |
|
Limerick |
7,013 |
|
Longford |
2,360 |
|
Louth |
5,434 |
|
Mayo |
3,784 |
|
Meath |
6,658 |
|
Monaghan |
4,539 |
|
Offaly |
3,452 |
|
Roscommon |
1,560 |
|
Sligo |
1,853 |
|
Tipperary |
4,917 |
|
Waterford |
5,060 |
|
Westmeath |
3,436 |
|
Wexford |
4,484 |
|
Wicklow |
3,628 |
|
Total |
180,072 |
Source D/JEI Annual Employment Survey 2013 & 2014
320. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs supported by Enterprise Ireland on 31 December 2013; on 31 December 2014; on 30 September 2015, in the Dublin region, by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34683/15]
View answerEnterprise Ireland’s mission is to partner with entrepreneurs, Irish business, and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland’s international trade, innovation, leadership, and competitiveness. The ultimate objective is increased employment and prosperity in Ireland. The companies that Enterprise Ireland works with are a vital source of employment, both direct and indirect, in every county in Ireland.
Employment data for Enterprise Ireland is collected annually as part of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Annual Employment Survey which measures the number of jobs in Agency assisted client companies.
Table 1 below identifies the employment for Dublin for 2013 and 2014. The 2015 Annual Employment Survey is currently underway and it is expected that the results of this Survey will be available in December 2015.
Table 1 - Employment for Dublin for 2013 and 2014.
|
County |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Dublin |
63,799 |
61,203 |
Source D/JEI Annual Employment Survey 2013 & 2014
321. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs supported by Industrial Development Agency Ireland on 31 December 2014; on 30 September 2015, by county; the agency's strategy to ensure an equitable distribution of visits among counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34684/15]
View answer322. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs supported by Industrial Development Agency Ireland on 31 December 2013; 31 December 2014; 30 September 2015, in the Dublin region, by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34685/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.
I am informed by IDA Ireland that it does not track employment data on a local authority basis. Employment data is tracked at a county and regional level through the Annual Employment Survey. The figures for the number of IDA Ireland-supported jobs in 2015 will not be available until early next year after the completion of the 2015 Employment Survey. The number of IDA Ireland-supported jobs in 2013 was 167,357 and rose to 174,488 in 2014. The figures for both years on a county basis are set out in the attached tabular statement.
Earlier this year, IDA Ireland launched its new strategy for the next five years entitled ‘Winning – Foreign Direct Investment 2015-2019’. The strategy sets out the IDA’s commitment to achieve a significant increase in the amount of FDI projects going into regions and outlines strategic actions aimed at achieving that, including a €150m property investment plan spread out over five years, which will support the achievement of the organisation's regional goals.
The funding will be used to upgrade Ireland's business and technology parks, make investments in a number of strategic utility-intensive sites and build new advanced technology buildings in a number of regional locations.
Regional development is a major component of IDA Ireland’s new corporate strategy. For the first time ambitious investment targets have been set for each region, with a strong focus on securing a significant increase in the number of investments. Central to this is a strong ambition for employment growth throughout all regions over the lifetime of the strategy.
IDA Ireland has a long and credible track record of presenting potential investors with the best location options throughout Ireland for each client. The agency actively incentivises and encourages investors to consider a range of potential locations in Ireland, however, the ultimate locations selected are always decided by its clients and not by IDA Ireland.
Table of Total IDA Ireland Jobs by County 2013 and 2014 as per the Annual Employment Survey 2014.
|
County |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Carlow |
735 |
741 |
|
Cavan |
1,135 |
1,136 |
|
Clare |
6,216 |
6,343 |
|
Cork |
27,399 |
28,545 |
|
Donegal |
2,387 |
2,612 |
|
Dublin |
67,270 |
70,989 |
|
Galway |
13,508 |
13,862 |
|
Kerry |
1,638 |
1,874 |
|
Kildare |
10,250 |
10,412 |
|
Kilkenny |
617 |
716 |
|
Laois |
106 |
87 |
|
Leitrim |
692 |
613 |
|
Limerick |
7,435 |
7,906 |
|
Longford |
701 |
650 |
|
Louth |
2,568 |
3,029 |
|
Mayo |
3,728 |
3,932 |
|
Meath |
1,229 |
1,252 |
|
Monaghan |
365 |
275 |
|
Offaly |
896 |
890 |
|
Roscommon |
906 |
798 |
|
Sligo |
2,090 |
2,069 |
|
Tipperary NR |
313 |
326 |
|
Tipperary SR |
3,055 |
3,044 |
|
Waterford |
5,075 |
5,097 |
|
Westmeath |
2,217 |
2,465 |
|
Wexford |
2,413 |
2,483 |
|
Wicklow |
2,413 |
2,342 |
|
TOTAL: |
167,357 |
174,488 |
323. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Industrial Development Agency sponsored visits in each year since 2012, and to date in 2015, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34686/15]
View answer324. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Industrial Development Agency sponsored visits for each year since 2012, and to date in 2015 in the Dublin region, by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34687/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 323 and 324 together.
I am informed by IDA Ireland that information in relation to sponsored site visits by potential investors is provided on a county by county basis only and that from 2012 to the end of June 2015 there were a total of 1,310 IDA Ireland sponsored site visits by potential investors to various locations across the country. Details of the number of these site visits during this period, which include Co. Dublin are set out in the attached tabular statement.
IDA Ireland sponsored site visits by potential investors to specific locations in Ireland are only part of the long and complicated process involved in attracting foreign direct investment to this country. For reasons of client confidentiality and commercial sensitivity, IDA Ireland does not comment publicly on the success rate of such site visits. We must also remember that it is the investor in all cases who decides where to invest and an investment win for Ireland regardless of the location has to be seen as a plus for the country as a whole.
Growing both Foreign Direct Investment and indigenous enterprise is key to Ireland’s economic recovery. In February, the Government announced details of the Action Plan for Jobs: Regional initiative which seeks to capitalise on the strengths and assets of each region to maximise enterprise growth and job creation. The initiative will build on the success of the National Action Plan for Jobs, and encourage regional stakeholders - including enterprise agencies, local authorities, higher education institutions, other public bodies and the private sector - to come forward with innovative ideas to boost job creation in their own region. The goal is to increase employment levels by a further 10 to 15 per cent in each region by 2020 and to ensure the unemployment rate is within 1% of the State average. To date three Regional Action Plans have been launched (Midlands, South West and South East). Plans for the West and Mid West Regions will be launched in the coming weeks. Plans are currently in development for The Border and Mid East regions and work will commence shortly on the development of a plan for the Dublin region
In addition to a €150 million property investment programme led by IDA Ireland, which will provide advance availability of suitable buildings in regional locations, up to €100 million will be available through Enterprise Ireland for three separate competitive calls which will support entrepreneurs and enterprise growth in the regions. The first two of these calls were launched on 15th May. Each call will provide €5 million over the period 2015-2017 for community based-initiatives and for collaborative projects from Local Enterprise Offices respectively. A third Regional Competitive Fund of up to €40 million for collaborative regional enterprise initiatives will be announced later in the year.
We are determined that every region will benefit from the recovery. Earlier this year IDA Ireland launched its 5 year strategy for the period 2015 to 2019 which aims to create 80,000 new jobs in the economy over the period and increase investment into each region by between 30% and 40%.
Table shows the total number of IDA Ireland sponsored site visits by potential investors by county since 2012 to the end of June 2015.
|
County |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 Jan - June |
|
Carlow |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Clare |
14 |
5 |
9 |
8 |
|
Cork |
38 |
31 |
30 |
19 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
7 |
6 |
1 |
|
Dublin |
196 |
180 |
205 |
96 |
|
Galway |
18 |
15 |
19 |
16 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
3 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
|
Laois |
0 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
30 |
23 |
22 |
19 |
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Louth |
12 |
4 |
10 |
8 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
|
Meath |
0 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Offaly |
3 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
10 |
7 |
5 |
|
Tipperary |
5 |
4 |
3 |
8 |
|
Waterford |
26 |
14 |
11 |
19 |
|
Westmeath |
7 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
6 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
|
TOTAL |
378 |
326 |
359 |
247 |
325. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in the context of Industrial Development Agency’s Horizon 2020 strategy, and the target of locating 50% of investments outside Dublin and Cork, if he will provide a breakdown of the number of the agency's sponsored visits to Dublin, which also visited Cork; and the number of the agency's sponsored visits to Cork, which also visited Dublin, since 2012. [34688/15]
View answerI am informed by IDA Ireland that from 2012 to the end of June 2015 there were a total of 677 IDA Ireland sponsored site visits by potential investors to Dublin and 118 visits to Cork. Details of the number of these site visits during this period are set out in the attached tabular statement.
IDA Ireland sponsored site visits by potential investors to specific locations in Ireland are only part of the long and complicated process involved in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to this country. Depending on the requirements of the client company, some may visit Dublin and Cork on the same itinerary, or they may choose to visit either Dublin or Cork respectively. Presently, IDA Ireland does not have the facility to provide an instant cross reference of site visits for companies that have visited both Dublin and Cork.
Growing both Foreign Direct Investment and indigenous enterprise is key to Ireland’s economic recovery. In February, the Government announced details of the Action Plan for Jobs: Regional initiative which seeks to capitalise on the strengths and assets of each region to maximise enterprise growth and job creation. The initiative will build on the success of the National Action Plan for Jobs, and encourage regional stakeholders - including enterprise agencies, local authorities, higher education institutions, other public bodies and the private sector - to come forward with innovative ideas to boost job creation in their own region. The goal is to increase employment levels by a further 10 to 15 per cent in each region by 2020 and to ensure the unemployment rate is within 1% of the State average. To date three Regional Action Plans have been launched (Midlands, South West and South East). Plans for the West and Mid West Regions will be launched in the coming weeks. Plans are currently in development for The Border and Mid East regions and work will commence shortly on the development of a plan for the Dublin region
In addition to a €150 million property investment programme led by IDA Ireland, which will provide advance availability of suitable buildings in regional locations, up to €100 million will be available through Enterprise Ireland for three separate competitive calls which will support entrepreneurs and enterprise growth in the regions. The first two of these calls were launched on 15th May. Each call will provide €5 million over the period 2015-2017 for community based-initiatives and for collaborative projects from Local Enterprise Offices respectively. A third Regional Competitive Fund of up to €40 million for collaborative regional enterprise initiatives will be announced later in the year.
We are determined that every region will benefit from the recovery. Earlier this year IDA Ireland launched its 5 year strategy for the period 2015 to 2019 which aims to create 80,000 new jobs in the economy over the period and increase investment into each region by between 30% and 40%.
Table shows the total number of IDA Ireland sponsored site visits by potential investors to Dublin and Cork since 2012 to the end of June 2015.
|
Year |
Dublin |
Cork |
|
2012 |
196 |
38 |
|
2013 |
180 |
31 |
|
2014 |
205 |
30 |
|
2015 (to end of June) |
96 |
19 |
326. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs supported by each local enterprise office on 31 December 2014; 30 September 2015, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34689/15]
View answerAt the end of 2014, total direct employment among the 6,058 Local Enterprise Office (LEO) client companies stood at 31,326, of which 22,555 were full-time and 8,771 were part-time jobs. Details of the breakdown of LEO employment by individual LEO with total jobs growth in 2014 is set out in Table 1 below.
This data was collated as part of an Annual Employment Survey of LEO clients, which is conducted at the end of each year. Accordingly, statistics in relation to the number of jobs created in 2015 in LEO client companies will not be available until early next year.
As part of the reform programme that saw the CEB network dissolved and replaced by new LEOs, each LEO has prepared a Local Enterprise Development Plan (LEDP) for 2015 which sets out the range of new and existing activities that the LEO is pursuing within its functional area during the year to support entrepreneurial development. The LEDPs incorporate a set of metrics for the LEOs, which contain a range of targets such as in relation to job creation, against which their performance will be measured. This is an important new reform that will help to drive performance and results right through the new LEO network.
Table 1: LEO Employment 2014
|
LEO |
No Of Clients |
Total Jobs 2014 |
Total Jobs Growth 2014 |
|
Carlow |
206 |
1,152 |
207 |
|
Cavan |
195 |
1,049 |
108 |
|
Clare |
161 |
1,346 |
202 |
|
Cork City |
96 |
656 |
191 |
|
Cork South |
155 |
785 |
171 |
|
Cork West/North |
215 |
1,277 |
187 |
|
Donegal |
159 |
1,223 |
45 |
|
Dublin City |
258 |
1,431 |
453 |
|
Dublin Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
211 |
1,304 |
156 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
142 |
562 |
126 |
|
Dublin South |
229 |
1,146 |
58 |
|
Galway County/City |
239 |
882 |
105 |
|
Kerry |
444 |
1,794 |
85 |
|
Kildare |
103 |
683 |
63 |
|
Kilkenny |
243 |
1,154 |
196 |
|
Laois |
85 |
384 |
35 |
|
Leitrim |
126 |
388 |
117 |
|
Limerick |
216 |
1,292 |
198 |
|
Longford |
222 |
899 |
75 |
|
Louth |
197 |
656 |
66 |
|
Mayo |
182 |
1,060 |
53 |
|
Meath |
180 |
806 |
154 |
|
Monaghan |
170 |
904 |
61 |
|
Offaly |
194 |
931 |
115 |
|
Roscommon |
141 |
641 |
6 |
|
Sligo |
202 |
1,103 |
73 |
|
Tipperary North |
130 |
482 |
107 |
|
Tipperary South |
148 |
895 |
62 |
|
Waterford |
300 |
1,515 |
152 |
|
Westmeath |
242 |
1,284 |
38 |
|
Wexford |
170 |
1,070 |
210 |
|
Wicklow |
97 |
572 |
137 |
|
Total |
6,058 |
31,326 |
4,012 |
327. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the value of drawdowns issued under the credit guarantee scheme on 31 December 2014; on 30 September 2015; the value of approvals on these dates; for a breakdown of each drawdown and approval, by county; the reasons for the delay in the legislation to review the Scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34690/15]
View answerDetailed reports on the operation of the Credit Guarantee Scheme are published on my Department’s website on a quarterly basis. The fourth quarter report for 2014 shows that the amount of facilities sanctioned as at 31 December 2014 was €21.972m. However, arising from customer deadlines, ineligible applications, cancellations by customers and delays on customer consent to data sharing, the total amount of CGS facilities at 31 December 2014 was €16.050m.
In parallel with this initiative, a series of other non-bank Government backed funding sources for SMEs have been provided. These measures, in tandem with the many other actions contained in the annual Action Plan for Jobs process, have helped an extra 125,000 people back in to work since the first Action Plan has launched in February 2012.
Activity by Region is also detailed in the Report with 49.7% going to the East region, 13.6% going to the South West, 12.2% to the South East, 9.3% to the Midlands, 8.6% to the Mid West, 4% to the West, 2.2% to the North East and 0.4% to the North West.
The third quarter report for 2015 is currently being finalised and will be published in the near future. It will be a comprehensive report on the lines of previous reports.
The Deputy will be aware that the Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Bill, 2015 was published on 16 September 2015 to respond to the review of the earlier legislation on this topic. Detailed legal work on the Bill was required prior to finalisation and to facilitate the implementation of a role for the SBCI in the operation of the Scheme. This work is currently being finalised and the legislation will be introduced in the House in the near future.
328. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the value of drawdowns issued under the microfinance scheme on 31 December 2014; on 30 September 2015; the value of approvals on these dates; for a breakdown of each drawdown and approval, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34691/15]
View answerAs of 28th September 2015 Microfinance Ireland (MFI) has approved 683 applications to the value of €10.5m supporting 1,554 jobs.
In parallel with this initiative, a series of other non-bank Government backed funding sources for SMEs have been provided. These measures, in tandem with the many other actions contained in the annual Action Plan for Jobs process, have helped an extra 125,000 people back in to work since the first Action Plan has launched in February 2012.
All the figures that the Deputy has requested are available in the quarterly and yearly progress reports which are published on my Department’s website www.djei.ie. The progress report detailing the analysis and performance up to the quarterly period ending 30th June 2015 is available on the Department’s website. I will shortly receive the quarterly report for the period up until 30th September 2015 and I will publish on my Department’s website shortly afterwards.
329. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the value of drawdowns issued by each local enterprise office on 31 December 2014; on 30 September 2015; the value of approvals on these dates, for a breakdown of each drawdown and approval by local enterprise office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34692/15]
View answerIn 2014, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) approved a total of €14.359m in grant assistance in respect of 850 projects by their client companies and a total of €10.932m was paid out to clients by the end of the year. Details of the amounts approved and paid by the individual LEOs in 2014 is set out in Table 1 below.
In addition, the LEOs also awarded over €2m in investments to winning companies in the inaugural Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition, which attracted over 1,000 applications.
Verified information in relation to grant approvals and payments by LEOs to end September 2015 would not yet be fully updated on all the LEO databases.
Table 1: Value of Grants Approved and Paid by LEOs in 2014
|
LEO |
Approved |
Paid |
|
Carlow |
€417,000 |
€340,671 |
|
Cavan |
€388,500 |
€291,113 |
|
Clare |
€376,800 |
€248,130 |
|
Cork City |
€435,660 |
€191,744 |
|
Cork North & West |
€418,070 |
€237,217 |
|
Cork South |
€730,499 |
€544,017 |
|
Donegal |
€325,503 |
€374,693 |
|
Dublin City |
€1,024,750 |
€686,859 |
|
Dublin Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown |
€552,514 |
€501,815 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
€769,450 |
€502,520 |
|
Dublin South |
€641,268 |
€331,265 |
|
Galway County/City |
€384,110 |
€252,543 |
|
Kerry |
€306,026 |
€259,524 |
|
Kildare |
€285,325 |
€240,568 |
|
Kilkenny |
€467,708 |
€454,276 |
|
Laois |
€237,125 |
€185,410 |
|
Leitrim |
€235,785 |
€235,700 |
|
Limerick |
€806,385 |
€529,955 |
|
Longford |
€200,500 |
€241,048 |
|
Louth |
€307,472 |
€225,203 |
|
Mayo |
€454,506 |
€395,950 |
|
Meath |
€297,265 |
€143,098 |
|
Monaghan |
€435,269 |
€297,140 |
|
Offaly |
€340,313 |
€327,183 |
|
Roscommon |
€284,741 |
€384,281 |
|
Sligo |
€364,168 |
€389,040 |
|
Tipperary |
€934,885 |
€397,008 |
|
Waterford |
€614,646 |
€593,155 |
|
Westmeath |
€412,847 |
€300,332 |
|
Wexford |
€375,221 |
€347,588 |
|
Wicklow |
€534,258 |
€482,945 |
|
€14,358,569 |
€10,931,992 |
330. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of inspections carried out by the workplace relations bodies in each month in 2014, and to date in 2015, by county; the number of prosecutions undertaken in each county during that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34693/15]
View answerThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) was established on 1 October 2015.
Part of its functions comprises visiting employment premises and inspecting employer records with a view to determining compliance with employment rights legislation.
These inspections arise:
- In response to complaints received of alleged non-compliance with relevant employment rights legislation;
- As part of compliance campaigns which focus on compliance in a specific sector or a specific piece of legislation, or
- As routine inspections, which act as a control measure.
The WRC aims to achieve voluntary compliance with employment law through the provision of education and awareness, inspection of employers’ employment records and enforcement where necessary. While every effort is made to secure compliance, some employers either refuse or fail to rectify the breaches identified and/or pay money due to their employees. These employers are referred for prosecution.
Details in relation to the number of inspections and prosecutions undertaken in each county during 2014 and to end September are provided in the tables below (a monthly breakdown of the figures is not available):
Inspections
|
- |
2015 (To 30 September) |
2014 |
|
CARLOW |
48 |
53 |
|
CAVAN |
66 |
137 |
|
CLARE |
173 |
217 |
|
CORK |
134 |
304 |
|
DONEGAL |
123 |
153 |
|
DUBLIN |
683 |
1,021 |
|
GALWAY |
288 |
420 |
|
KERRY |
39 |
59 |
|
KILDARE |
135 |
316 |
|
KILKENNY |
75 |
158 |
|
LAOIGHIS |
68 |
124 |
|
LEITRIM |
17 |
23 |
|
LIMERICK |
273 |
546 |
|
LONGFORD |
41 |
73 |
|
LOUTH |
144 |
121 |
|
MAYO |
80 |
146 |
|
MEATH |
89 |
120 |
|
MONAGHAN |
49 |
82 |
|
OFFALY |
57 |
57 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
46 |
85 |
|
SLIGO |
42 |
57 |
|
TIPPERARY |
193 |
224 |
|
WATERFORD |
106 |
115 |
|
WESTMEATH |
84 |
153 |
|
WEXFORD |
199 |
337 |
|
WICKLOW |
283 |
490 |
|
TOTALS |
3,530 |
5,591 |
Prosecutions
|
- |
2015 (To 30 September) |
2014 |
|
CARLOW |
1 |
3 |
|
CAVAN |
3 |
2 |
|
CLARE |
3 |
1 |
|
CORK |
6 |
1 |
|
DONEGAL |
2 |
1 |
|
DUBLIN |
13 |
24 |
|
GALWAY |
3 |
3 |
|
KERRY |
0 |
0 |
|
KILDARE |
8 |
5 |
|
KILKENNY |
5 |
6 |
|
LAOIGHIS |
2 |
1 |
|
LEITRIM |
1 |
1 |
|
LIMERICK |
5 |
3 |
|
LONGFORD |
0 |
0 |
|
LOUTH |
4 |
1 |
|
MAYO |
0 |
1 |
|
MEATH |
1 |
1 |
|
MONAGHAN |
0 |
1 |
|
OFFALY |
14 |
4 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
0 |
1 |
|
SLIGO |
1 |
0 |
|
TIPPERARY |
4 |
6 |
|
WATERFORD |
3 |
1 |
|
WESTMEATH |
5 |
3 |
|
WEXFORD |
6 |
6 |
|
WICKLOW |
6 |
8 |
|
TOTAL |
96 |
84 |
331. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of inspection staff attached to the workplace relations bodies in 2014; and in 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34694/15]
View answerThe Workplace Relations Commission was established on 1 October 2015.
Part of its functions comprises visiting employment premises and inspecting employer records with a view to determining compliance with employment rights legislation.
These inspections arise:
- In response to complaints received of alleged non-compliance with relevant employment rights legislation;
- As part of compliance campaigns which focus on compliance in a specific sector or a specific piece of legislation, or
- As routine inspections, which act as a control measure.
There were 57 serving Inspectors at 1 October 2015; unchanged since 31 December 2014.
332. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications for innovation vouchers; the number issued; redeemed; the total value of vouchers redeemed for each year of the programme; the criteria for approval for a voucher; if it is possible for a voucher to be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34698/15]
View answerThe Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher Initiative was introduced in 2007 in order to drive an on-going innovation culture shift within small enterprise by promoting and encouraging knowledge transfer between Ireland’s public knowledge providers and the small business community and creating greater synergies between the two. Under the initiative, vouchers worth €5,000 are allocated to small businesses whose proposals, to work with public knowledge providers on specific innovation issues, meet certain criteria. The Innovation Voucher Programme has been running successfully since its inception and it is planned to continue the programme as long as the demand justifies it and it continues to meet a need in the small business sector.
It is not possible to supply numbers of all applications for vouchers as only those that pass basic eligibility criteria are recorded on Enterprise Ireland’s database. Vouchers are awarded following a review of both the eligibility of the applicant and the research question, problem or opportunity and approximately 80% of applications are successful. The main reasons for applications failing to be approved are; non-eligibility of the applicant, insufficient information, ineligible activity and low levels of innovation.
The number of innovation vouchers issued, redeemed and their value for each year since the programme commenced is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
IVs issued |
IVs redeemed |
Value of IVs redeemed €m |
|
2007 |
428 |
4 |
0.018 |
|
2008 |
588 |
206 |
1.0 |
|
2009 |
798 |
526 |
2.4 |
|
2010 |
855 |
524 |
2.6 |
|
2011 |
757 |
518 |
2.6 |
|
2012 |
767 |
525 |
2.5 |
|
2013 |
1008 |
527 |
2.5 |
|
2014 |
904 |
525 |
2.5 |
|
2015 (at end August) |
619 |
451 |
2.2 |
Applications are initially assessed by Enterprise Ireland against the following criteria:
- whether the company is a limited company
- that the company in question does not have a current “Active” voucher
- that the company has not received more than the maximum number of vouchers permitted. The maximum number of vouchers per company is three, one of which must be a co-funded voucher between Enterprise Ireland and the company.
- that the company has received less than 300k funding from Enterprise Ireland in the previous 5 years.
- the de minimus rule – ensures that the company has received less than 200k in the previous 3 years as per EU State Aid rules.
If the application satisfies the above eligibility criteria the application proceeds to an evaluation. The evaluation of the application must demonstrate that the proposed activity requires an innovative solution which will have additional value and on-going benefits for the company. Each application is assessed against an agreed list of eligible and ineligible activities. The full list of eligible and ineligible activities is available on the Enterprise Ireland website at www.innovationvouchers.ie .
Innovation vouchers may be extended, on the application of the knowledge provider, if Enterprise Ireland is satisfied that the project is underway before the expiry date for the voucher. Under normal circumstances only one extension is permitted and the maximum extension granted is 6 months.
333. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications received by the microenterprise loan fund in each year since its establishment, in tabular form; the number of loans approved; the total amount drawn down; the number of jobs supported by the fund; his plans for its future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34699/15]
View answerAs of 28th September 2015 Microfinance Ireland (MFI) has approved 683 applications to the value of €10.5m supporting 1,554 jobs.
In parallel with this initiative, a series of other non-bank Government backed funding sources for SMEs have been provided. These measures, in tandem with the many other actions contained in the annual Action Plan for Jobs process, have helped an extra 125,000 people back in to work since the first Action Plan has launched in February 2012.
All the figures that the Deputy has requested are available in the quarterly and yearly progress reports which are published on my Department’s website www.djei.ie. The progress report detailing the analysis and performance up to the quarterly period ending 30th June 2015 is available on the Department’s website. I will shortly receive the quarterly report for the period up until 30th September 2015 and I will publish on my Department’s website shortly afterwards. For the Deputy’s information I have attached the figures for years 2012, 2013 and 2014 at Appendix 1.
The Deputy will be aware that there was an extensive review of the Microfinance Fund and Microfinance Ireland undertaken by officials in my Department and which was published last April. As a result of the review a number of recommendations were made to improve the take up of the Scheme. These were:
- Removal of the requirement to be refused bank credit before seeking funding from Microfinance Ireland;
- Amending the Microfinance Ireland Scheme to provide a more flexible and adaptable framework for the Board of Microfinance Ireland to work within;
- Introducing an automatic bank referral system to Microfinance Ireland for all bank declined loans which fall within the loan limits offered by Microfinance Ireland;
- Continue with the promotion, advertising and awareness of the Fund by Microfinance Ireland with their relevant partners.
A new Statutory Instrument which removed the bank refusal requirement was recently introduced and a new Scheme was also introduced the aim of which is to ensure that the Board has a more flexible and adaptable framework in which to work within. Microfinance Ireland recently completed and is currently implementing the new communications strategy. Microfinance Ireland is also currently engaged with the three main banks in relation to introducing an automatic bank referral system.
Appendix 1
Microfinance Ireland Summary Annual performance
|
- |
Annual |
Annual |
Annual |
Fund |
|
Outturn 2014 |
Outturn 2013 |
Outturn 2012 |
end Dec 2014 |
|
|
Activity Levels |
(3 mths) |
|||
|
Applications Nos |
508 |
320 |
59 |
887 |
|
Applications €000 |
8,449 |
5,669 |
1,070 |
15,188 |
|
Approvals Nos |
274 |
127 |
12 |
413 |
|
Approvals €000 |
4,158 |
2,000 |
160 |
6,318 |
|
Drawdowns Nos |
223 |
119 |
4 |
346 |
|
Drawdowns €000 |
3,277 |
1,847 |
52 |
5,176 |
|
Jobs (Nos) (NET) |
581 |
289 |
21 |
891 |
Microfinance Ireland Summary Annual performance
|
- |
Annual |
Annual |
Annual |
Fund |
|
Outturn 2014 |
Outturn 2013 |
Outturn 2012 |
end Dec 2014 |
|
|
Activity Levels |
(3 mths) |
|||
|
Applications Nos |
508 |
320 |
59 |
887 |
|
Applications €000 |
8,449 |
5,669 |
1,070 |
15,188 |
|
Approvals Nos |
274 |
127 |
12 |
413 |
|
Approvals €000 |
4,158 |
2,000 |
160 |
6,318 |
|
Drawdowns Nos |
223 |
119 |
4 |
346 |
|
Drawdowns €000 |
3,277 |
1,847 |
52 |
5,176 |
|
Jobs (Nos) (NET) |
581 |
289 |
21 |
891 |
334. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the funding, in tabular form, Enterprise Ireland has provided from the high-potential start-up funding scheme; the total number of companies that have received funding, for each year from 2010 to 2015 to date; the cumulative total number of jobs that have been created after this form of funding has been provided to these companies; the cumulative amount of additional exports in euro that have been generated by these companies after they have received this form of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34700/15]
View answerEnterprise Ireland offers a range of financial and non-financial supports to assist clients to win business and sustain and create jobs through all stages of the business development cycle. Start-ups remain a key source of employment for the Irish economy and over time many start-ups will develop and grow and emerge as the medium and large sized companies of the future. Supporting Start-ups through feasibility funding, Competitive Start Funds, HPSU supports and the LEO network is critical to job creation now and in the future.
As part of Enterprise Ireland’s offering in the Start-up space the agency looks to develop and target High Potential Start-ups (HPSUs). HPSU companies are defined as start-up ventures that are:
- Introducing a new or innovative product or service to international markets.
- Involved in manufacturing or internationally traded services.
- Capable of creating 10 jobs in Ireland and realising €1 million in sales within three to four years of starting up.
- Led by an experienced management team.
- Headquartered and controlled in Ireland.
- Less than six years old.
Table 1 below outlines the number of HPSUs approved in the years 2010 to 2015 to date and the total amount paid to them in relation to all approvals from the year they became a HPSU. These companies have created 3,706 jobs (3,287 full time and 419 part time) between 2010 and 2014. The most recent export data available from the 2014 Annual Business Review survey shows that of the 476 HPSUs approved between 2010 and 2014, 331 (69%) returned a survey and reported exports totalling €157.7 million. In general, HPSUs require five years post approval to reach target milestones for sales and employment.
Table 1: Number of HPSUs for the years 2010 to 2015 and total amount of funding* paid to 5 October 2015.
|
Year Achieved |
Number of HPSUs Approved to 30/9/2015 |
Total Payments from year approved as HPSU to 5/10/2015 |
|
2010 |
80 |
€23,158,005 |
|
2011 |
93 |
€25,215,194 |
|
2012 |
97 |
€21,093,454 |
|
2013 |
104 |
€19,815,796 |
|
2014 |
102 |
€15,429,713 |
|
2015 |
66 |
€6,193,062 |
|
Total |
542 |
€110,905,224 |
*Payments are in relation to all approvals from the full suite of Enterprise Ireland client offers.
335. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of take-up of the development capital scheme to date in each year since its establishment; the number of jobs supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34701/15]
View answerThe Development Capital Scheme which is run through an open and competitive process, on foot of key actions under the APJ process has seen total commitments by the State of €75m to three funds. Under the Scheme, commitments were made to MML, BDO and Cardinal Carlyle that will provide equity or quasi equity of between €2m and €12m to established investee companies.
In parallel with this initiative, a series of other non-bank Government backed funding sources for SMEs have been provided. These measures, in tandem with the many other actions contained in the annual Action Plan for Jobs process, have helped an extra 125,000 people back in to work since the first Action Plan has launched in February 2012.
Each of the funds established under the Development Capital Scheme is aimed at providing funding for the mid-sized, mostly export-oriented businesses with clear growth and development prospects. The funds are targeted particularly at manufacturing and technology companies in traditional sectors including engineering, food, life sciences, services and electronics. All of the funds were established in the later parts of 2013 and commenced investment in 2014.
State investment in these funds is on the same terms as the private sector. The investment managers are responsible for making investment decisions within a clearly defined investment strategy over the life time of the fund. All three funds have invested in the Irish market and are looking for new investment opportunities. I look forward to seeing investment in Irish companies in the near term.
Table 1 below breaks down the level of investment in companies under this Scheme on an annual basis to Q2, 2015 and documents the number of actual investments and the number of companies in receipt of investment.
Table 1 – Investment Data
|
Year |
No. of Investments |
Amount |
No. of Companies |
|
2014 |
4 |
€29,993,997 |
4 |
|
Q2 2015 |
3 |
€40,212,892 |
3 |
|
Total |
7 |
€70,206,889 |
7 |
Table 2 below outlines the economic profile of the companies in receipt of investment as of the year end 2014. A survey to obtain the economic company profiles to the end of Q2, 2015 is currently being prepared.
Table 2 – Economic Profile of Companies
|
Year 2014 |
|||
|
Type |
Direct IRL Employment (FTE) |
Turnover |
Exports |
|
Development Capital |
872 |
€135,036,577 |
€75,837,462 |
|
Grand Total |
872 |
€135,036,577 |
€75,837,462 |
336. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of take-up of the seed and venture capital scheme to date in each year since its establishment; the number of jobs supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34702/15]
View answerSuccessive Governments have invested in the domestic venture capital sector over the last twenty years. This investment has sought to increase the availability of risk capital for SMEs to support economic growth through the continued development of the Seed and Venture Capital industry in Ireland, thereby achieving a more robust, commercially viable and sustainable sector.
In parallel with this initiative, a series of other non-bank Government backed funding sources for SMEs have been provided. These measures, in tandem with the many other actions contained in the annual Action Plan for Jobs process, have helped an extra 125,000 people back in to work since the first Action Plan has launched in February 2012.
As part of Budget 2013 the Government committed €175 million to the Seed and Venture Capital Scheme 2013-2018, with a target to leverage a further €525 million from the private sector making €700 million in additional capital available to high growth SMEs. Following the conclusion of an extensive and in-depth evaluation, the first call for expressions of interest under this scheme has concluded and commitments of €99.5m were made to a number of funds in the technology and life science sectors. All investment activity for 2015 will be reported in the Enterprise Ireland Annual Seed and Venture Capital Report 2015.
In June 2015, I announced a second call at €65m for expression of interest focused on early stage views with a strategy of investing in Irish start-ups. The specific objective is to ensure there is sufficient seed capital in the Irish market to meet demand and to support company creation and commercialisation of research. The deadline for expressions of interest for this process is 31 July 2015. Enterprise Ireland is currently evaluating the expressions of interest received against the published criteria and will make an investment decision in due course.
Under these Schemes, a minimum of double Enterprise Ireland’s commitment must be invested in Irish companies over the lifetime of each fund.
The annual Enterprise Ireland Seed & Venture Capital Report was launched in July. The report highlights that under the 2007–2012 Programme, Enterprise Ireland committed €175 million to continue to develop the seed and venture capital market in Ireland. Up to December 2014, fourteen new funds were launched with an Enterprise Ireland commitment of €174 million. It further noted that in 2014, venture capital funds in receipt of commitments under the Enterprise Ireland Seed and Venture Capital Schemes made 156 investments in Irish based companies, with a total investment value of €62 million. The report is available on the Enterprise Ireland Website.
Since inception, the funds supported under this Scheme have invested the following in Irish Companies;
|
Year |
No. Investments |
Amount |
No. Companies |
|
2007 |
1 |
€500,000 |
1 |
|
2008 |
17 |
€6,885,420 |
15 |
|
2009 |
32 |
€29,709,099 |
19 |
|
2010 |
41 |
€17,094,115 |
20 |
|
2011 |
93 |
€37,592,086 |
42 |
|
2012 |
116 |
€52,654,225 |
40 |
|
2013 |
142 |
€56,873,427 |
48 |
|
2014 |
146 |
€55,554,109 |
37 |
|
2015 |
81 |
€29,923,321 |
10 |
|
Grand Total |
669 |
€286,785,802 |
232 |
The table below outlines the economic profile of the companies in receipt of investment as of the year end 2014. A survey to obtain the economic data to the end of Q2 2015 is currently being prepared.
|
Type |
Direct IRL Employment (FTE) |
Turnover |
Exports |
|
Main VC Funds |
1,067 |
€100,859,730 |
€84,308,357 |
|
Seed VC Funds |
1,083 |
€156,908,908 |
€75,632,657 |
|
Grand Total |
2,150 |
€257,768,638 |
€159,941,014 |
337. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of take-up of the innovation fund Ireland in each year since its establishment, to date; the number of jobs supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34703/15]
View answerInnovation Fund Ireland is a Government initiative designed to attract leading international venture capital fund managers to Ireland to compliment the domestic venture capital sector. Innovation Fund Ireland funding involved Enterprise Ireland and NPRF investing together and separately. The NPRF has now been reconstituted as the Irish Strategic Investment Fund. The dual mandate of the ISIF – investment return and Irish economic impact – represents a new approach to investing and will require all transactions to generate both risk adjusted commercial returns and economic impact in Ireland.
In parallel with this initiative, a series of other non-bank Government backed funding sources for SMEs have been provided. These measures, in tandem with the many other actions contained in the annual Action Plan for Jobs process, have helped an extra 125,000 people back in to work since the first Action Plan has launched in February 2012.
Enterprise Ireland and the NPRF each had up to €125 million to make commitments to international Venture Fund Managers. These funds are committed to establishing a presence in the Irish market and agree to invest, at a minimum, the equivalent of Enterprise Ireland’s contribution, over the lifetime of the fund in Irish companies or companies with significant operations in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland issued two open competitive calls for proposals. To receive an investment through Innovation Fund Ireland venture capital fund managers have to meet, at a minimum, the following criteria to be considered for investment:
- An established global profile and network with a reputation for market leadership in venture capital investment.
- A proven track record of raising funds and generating superior returns for investors.
- A capacity to access high potential international investment opportunities with an investment team capable of attracting world-class entrepreneurs.
- An intention to establish a new and substantial presence in the venture capital market in Ireland and a willingness to invest a meaningful proportion of their venture capital fund in Irish companies or companies with significant Irish operations.
Enterprise Ireland alongside the NPRF/ISIF has made commitments to four Venture Capital funds including Sofinnova, Highland Venture Capital Europe and Lightstone Ventures. A further commitment has been made to a fund that has commenced investing and this will be announced in the near term. Two of these funds remain actively seeking opportunities.
Separately the NPRF/ISIF has made a number of commitments to funds including Polaris and DFJ Esprit. The ISIF comes under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance and the ISIF has published its economic impact report, which is available on the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) website.
Table 1 below detail the levels of fund investments in Irish companies to the end of Q2, 2015.
Table 1-Investment Levels
|
Year |
No. of Investments |
Amount |
No. of Companies |
|
2013 |
2 |
€7,447,620 |
2 |
|
2014 |
3 |
€32,169,146 |
2 |
|
2015 |
3 |
€3,190,381 |
3 |
|
Grand Total |
8 |
€42,807,147 |
7 |
Table 2 below outlines the economic profile of the companies involved in recent investments up until end of 2014.
Table 2- Economic Impact Data 2014 – IFI
|
Year |
Full Time Equivalents (Direct Ireland Employment) |
Turnover |
Exports |
|
2014 |
266 |
€29,951,000 |
€26,058,000 |
|
Total |
266 |
€29,951,000 |
€26,058,000 |
338. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payments under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34005/15]
View answerThe person named is not a participant in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme. However, he was a participant in REPS. He joined the scheme on 1/3/2008 and his participation ended on 31/12/13 having completed the full term of his contract. All payments due were fully made and there are no further payments due on this contract.
339. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the terms and conditions for new entrants into the national reserve will remain the same for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34023/15]
View answerThe EU Regulations governing the operation of the National Reserve set down that the priority for the allocation of entitlements from the National Reserve is given to the two categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant to farming’. For 2016 there is no designated funding from the Basic Payment Scheme to fund a National Reserve. The only source of funding available to the 2016 National Reserve will be from any unused funds from the 2015 National Reserve and from clawback arising from the sale of entitlements without land in 2016. Therefore the available resource will be limited. It is however expected that the level of demand in 2016 and subsequent years will be significantly less than in 2015 which was the first year of operation of the National Reserve under the Basic Payment Scheme.
If there is sufficient funding available to provide a National Reserve in 2016, application forms and terms and conditions governing the scheme will be available in early 2016 with a closing date of 15th May 2016.
340. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the entitlements of the new suckler cow scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34025/15]
View answerThe Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, and will involve a budget of some €300m over a six year period. It is intended to improve the quality of the national suckler herd and deliver an accelerated improvement in the environmental sustainability of the beef herd through the application of genomics technology. In recent weeks, the ICBF has issued every scheme applicant with detailed reports of the current status of animals in their herds. Participants will receive similar information related to the scheme and their individual herd on an ongoing basis. This is in addition to a training programme which will be rolled out over the next 12 months. I have also announced a series of information meetings for participating farmers which will commence next week.
An official from my Department has been in direct contact with the person named and had an in depth discussion regarding the specific requirements of the programme and addressed any queries that the participant raised.
341. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the remaining part of a grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34027/15]
View answerThe applicant in this case carried out work under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Grant aid amounting to €18,886 has already been paid . However, it has emerged that the applicant employed the services of a company that did not have tax clearance. The applicant has been advised of the circumstances of the case and the Department’s requirements to enable the remaining grant to be paid.
