Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2017
72. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the date on which the terms of reference for the review of the Succeed in Ireland initiative were finalised; the status of the review to date; the financial obligations in regard to the Succeed in Ireland initiative that have arose as the termination of the contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31070/17]
View answerAs was announced previously, my Department will soon be commissioning an independent review of the Succeed-in-Ireland programme. That review, which will be carried out after details of the initiative’s full and final costs are available, will equip us with a thorough understanding of the programme’s results and its contribution to employment generation in the State. This is in the interests of good governance and ensuring value for money for the taxpayer.
On 20 April my Department launched a public consultation calling for observations on the draft terms of reference for that review. The consultation period ended on 26 May. I am pleased that the consultation process elicited 17 different submissions. The responses that we received came from a broad range of stakeholders, including public representatives and the general public.
The terms of reference have not yet been finalised. My Department is completing the examination of all the responses to the public consultation, a process which will help to shape the final text.
The IDA has paid €2.27m to Connect Ireland in respect of confirmed jobs to date. In addition and in accordance with the terms of the contract, a further advance payment of €1.54m was made in respect of potential future jobs that have not yet been created. This advance payment is refundable to the IDA by Connect Ireland in the event that these further potential jobs do not materialise.
