Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Enterprise Ireland makes a projection of what will be the level of activity in this year. It is a combination of the approvals it made in 2012 with those made historically. Consequently, it is not all about making approvals, as it built into that figure a certain number of approvals made in 2012 that will mature in 2012 but much of the budget pertains to the previous years. Consequently, one cannot suddenly ramp up programmes across the board on the basis of underspending but these particular allocations I seek today are maturing commitments. They are ongoing programmes that can be met today in order that the Department has the scope in next year's budget to meet commitments. I believe the best way to utilise the underspend is to put it into things one knows will mature. If such commitments can be met now, it leaves the Department with greater spending capacity next year. Interestingly, even though this level of underspend has taken place, Enterprise Ireland is set to deliver on the target for the number of job projects it would approve this year. Moreover, its export sales are on target. As of today, the companies Enterprise Ireland expected to support and the flow of projects it hoped to get across the line are meeting the targets it set for itself and metrics are available to show this. Obviously, however, it is a disappointment that the innovation fund has not been taken up as quickly as would have been hoped. One company did not fulfil to the extent that was expected and it will be necessary to have a replacement.

As for the other issues raised, Deputy Tóibín raised the question of whether the draw-down of grants was cumbersome. They certainly are not intended to be and if the Deputy wishes to send case studies to the Department, I certainly will have them assessed. One hears how some people will rave about an organisation while others will state they have nothing but heartache when they deal with that organisation. However, I would be happy to investigate any case in this regard. In my experience, I find Enterprise Ireland to be particularly supportive and that it goes as far as it can with companies. Obviously, it is dealing with State money and must be sure that proposals are commercially robust. As for any cases that Deputies have brought to my attention, I must state the decisions being taken by Enterprise Ireland, if they were being questioned, were robust. However, one certainly wishes to avoid having sand in the wheels of any of these schemes.