I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.
The table below details the funding provided to Enterprise Ireland by my Department in each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Year
|
Original Revised Estimate(€,000)*
|
Further Revised Estimate(€,000)
|
2021
|
380,311
|
626,710**
|
2022
|
374,480
|
|
2023
|
402,476
|
|
*The above figures represent the allocations provided to EI in respect of both its enterprise development programme (Subhead A7) and under the Science and Technology Development Programme (Subhead B4). The figures also include capital carryover monies allocated to EI in the years in question
** The Department had a Further Revised Estimate in 2021 which include significant additional once off funding to support a number of EI Covid specific initiatives
I would advise the Deputy that in addition to the funding provided by the exchequer, EI also has access to Own Resource Income of circa €90 million per annum which subject to the sanction of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform it may retain for use on programme activity.
The funding provided to Enterprise Ireland through my Department’s vote is key to promoting the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets and to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales.
The results achieved by Enterprise Ireland in recent years with almost 220,000 of our citizens directly employed by EI supported companies demonstrates the value of EI supports to our local and indigenous enterprises. These supports have been and continue to be crucial as businesses navigates through the unprecedented challenges of Brexit, Covid and now the impacts of the war in Ukraine. The increased funding being provided to Enterprise Ireland in 2023 demonstrates our commitment to ensure that EI has the necessary resources to continue to carry out its essential enterprise development and innovation work which is key to our future economic well-being.