Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland provide innovation supports to SMEs on behalf of my Department.

In the case of Enterprise Ireland, which plays a crucial role in fostering innovation among Irish SMEs, it offers a comprehensive suite of supports designed to assist small and medium enterprises in their research and innovation (R&I) efforts. These supports range from funding and grants to expert advice and access to a network of global connections.

Enterprise Ireland’s Research, Development & Innovation offer supports new product or service development with tailored grant rates. Through these diverse supports, Enterprise Ireland aims to boost the competitiveness and global reach of Irish SMEs, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the modern business landscape. Furthermore, encouraging SME involvement in innovation collaborations can significantly enhance their knowledge absorption capacities, fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation.

Enterprise Ireland's R&I Direct Net Payments to SMEs (Excludes payments to Large Companies and Infrastructural Investments)

Enterprise Ireland – Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund Payments to SMEs

In terms of IDA Ireland’s client portfolio, the IDA does not track how many of its clients fall under the SME definition of having a global footprint of fewer than 250 employees at a corporate level and, therefore, is not in a position to provide the data requested.

Currently IDA has 1,832 multinational client companies operating in Ireland employing 300,583 people. While the size of individual company presences in Ireland varies considerably, it is important to recall that they would generally be part of a company’s global footprint of greater than 250 employees in each case, irrespective of the size of the individual operation in Ireland.

However, the table below provides the total RD&I Grants paid by IDA Ireland to its multinational clients in the period 2020 to 2023.

RD&I Grants paid by IDA Ireland to its multinational clients