Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2023
50. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a breakdown for the current and capital budget allocations for the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher Scheme of the Revised Estimates for 2023; the number of staff required to support the operation of the scheme; the pay scale of the staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26445/23]
View answerThe Innovation Voucher Programme was developed to build links between Ireland's publicly funded knowledge providers (i.e. higher education institutes, public research bodies) and small and medium-sized businesses. Innovation Vouchers worth €5,000 are available to assist a company or companies to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider.
Innovation is essential if companies want to stay ahead in competitive and fast-changing markets. Each Innovation Voucher gives a company €5,000 worth of time with an expert, third-level researcher to help them tease out an idea, develop a new product, or address an important business or technical challenge.
Innovation Vouchers are paid by Enterprise Ireland through Subhead B4, Capital only. The 2023 Budget allocation is €1,872,000. The Innovation Vouchers Scheme is managed within Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Infrastructure and Collaboration Department, Research and Innovation Division and a Level E (€74,701 to €91,745) per annum or equivalent grade is assigned within that Department who is also supported by Enterprise Ireland’s Grants Management Department.
