Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I absolutely agree with the Minister of State with regard to trying to encourage smaller businesses and, perhaps, start-ups to move into the area of innovation. He is aware that I live in an area which is similar to that in which he resides. In that context, he will also be aware that the value of innovation vouchers for universities, in terms of processing them and so on, is quite limited, particularly when the level of research involved is taken into account. Perhaps that matter might be examined in terms of making the position with regard to vouchers more flexible. For example, would it be possible for the colleges to receive the money directly? I am not familiar with the entire process but it seems to be somewhat cumbersome, especially for those with small businesses. I accept that €5,000 is a great deal of money and that there is a need to manage the system properly. However, perhaps a more flexible approach might be taken.