Finian McGrath
Ceist:429 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will examine and support a matter (details supplied). [3021/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 January 2011
Ceisteanna (381)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department's primary role is in implementing the Government's policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which supports job-creation. We also have a remit to ensure fair competition in the marketplace, to promote consumer protection and to support a balanced employment rights regime. Our activity is, therefore, primarily focused on:
attracting foreign direct investment,
facilitating the start-up and growth of indigenous enterprises,
increasing exports,
improving competitiveness,
encouraging innovation and growth through investment in research and development,
promoting fair competition for businesses and consumers,
upholding company law,
safeguarding the right of workers, including their entitlement to occupational safety and health, and
facilitating a positive industrial relations environment.
In this context, funding provided by my Department is primarily directed at encouraging the delivery of sustainable growth to promote employment generation and wealth creation. Accordingly, any funding provided to charitable organisations by my Department would only be in the context of a charitable organization being involved in support of the work I have listed above. My Department would not ordinarily be a direct source of funding for charitable organizations per se. If the Deputy wishes to establish whether my Department has provided funding to a particular charity, if he indicates the charity in question, I will have the matter examined and revert to him.