Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

This scheme will continue to evolve. Deputy Coveney is correct to state it is a demand-led scheme. Because of the nature of demand-led schemes, it is difficult to forecast and be accurate on what will be the demand from the public. This is true not only with regard to the number of applications but also the number which feed through to contracts being signed and work being undertaken. Both of these variables varied and we had to secure additional funding for the scheme. I was happy to do so in the manner I did because it was orderly and feasible as my Department has unspent allocations which could be transferred.

Considering the overall picture for the SEI and the various schemes it has, if I recall correctly, the original budget allocation in 2007 was approximately €31 million. Next year, the allocation will be €63 million, which more than doubles the figure.

See this speech in context