Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The scheme as constructed is deemed to be too complicated in terms of application. Many companies applied. It took three months for their applications to be processed and they were then told that they did not meet the criteria. We are trying to simplify the scheme so that companies can self-certify and get up and running. As mentioned by Deputy McGrath, many people are of the view that we are too dependent on FDI and that this scheme replaced the BES which was easier to access and was of greater benefit than the current one. The Indecon report is critical of the processing system in that, because it is too slow, companies are being left behind. We are providing for self-certification following an audit structure to be put in place. Many of the applications seem to occur in the last quarter of each year. We will not have the information sought by Deputy McGrath until after quarter four, which is when the largest quantity of applications are made, and on that basis I am unable to accept the amendment.

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