Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2023
104. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is possible for a company to become an Enterprise Ireland client, thus allowing for the company to employ graduates in its respective sector with wage payment assistance from Enterprise Ireland, without Enterprise Ireland taking a percentage ownership stake in the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34616/23]
View answerThrough the Grad Start Initiative, Enterprise Ireland is supporting the recruitment and retention of graduates within its client companies. The hiring of graduates continues to bring fresh ideas and stimulate innovation by bringing a new perspective on products, processes, and business models.
This Initiative allows companies to hire up to three graduates at any one time for a graduate contract duration of two years. It is a broad-based graduate placement across all disciplines and sectors. Enterprise Ireland has designed and developed a dedicated website for its graduate offers and initiatives - www.gradhub.ie. To support its client companies to attract and recruit graduates, companies can advertise their opportunities via this website.
Enterprise Ireland provides financial support of €30,000 (€15,000 per year) or 50% of individual graduate salary costs (whichever is the lesser), with a limit of three graduates at any one time. Salary support is based on a full-time position. A graduate’s working week must be in line with a company’s standard working hours for full-time employees.
Enterprise Ireland does not make an equity investment via the Grad Start programme. Accordingly, Enterprise Ireland does not take a percentage ownership stake in the company through this form of support.
