Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2018
284. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she continues to encourage enterprise with a view to even greater job creation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50845/18]
View answerDriving more enterprise creation by supporting the indigenous sector is a key focus of mine and I am working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and with Enterprise Ireland (EI) to achieve this. A strong and resilient indigenous sector is a crucial part of a growing economy.
I recently announced a record budget allocation for my Department to help businesses, entrepreneurs and drive regional growth. The initiatives announced include:
- Getting Business Brexit Ready: €300m long-term Future Growth Loan Scheme; €8m extra for Brexit staffing & supports across enterprise and regulatory agencies; Roll out of customs training through LEOs and EI; €1m additional funding for InterTrade Ireland.
- Driving Indigenous Enterprise and Regional Growth: A new round of €175m for Seed and Venture Capital Fund; €5m Competitive Funding for LEOs; €10m extra for IDA Regional Property Programme; €2.75m for SMEs Regional Innovation and Technology Clusters Programme; €1.8m for Design Craft Council of Ireland; Doubling Retail Online Pilot Scheme to €1.25m.
- Boosting Innovation: €20m for Phase 1 of Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund; €2.75m additional for European Southern Observatory membership; €10m additional for PhD/Research Masters Programme; €0.5m additional for European Space Agency; €5m additional capital for six SFI world-class research centres, €1m additional capital for SFI’s Strategic Partnership Programme; €1m extra funding for Tyndall Institute.
In prioritising three key areas of Brexit, regional growth and innovation, I am confident that our business community will be best placed to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.
