Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach cited several smart economy initiatives that have been taken in the innovation area. Regarding a specific initiative mentioned, Innovation Fund Ireland's €500 million was to increase the availability of capital to small research and development companies. How much of that fund, if any, has been accessed? What is the current take-up and the processing procedure regarding same?

In earlier replies, the Taoiseach cited a number of areas, each of which we welcome. However, I am sure the House would like to know how much of the matter is still paperwork and how much has occurred in terms of delivery. How many companies have been able to access and are currently benefiting from announced innovation?

Something caught the imagination during the course of last year, namely, the ESB's announcement of the creation of some 3,700 new jobs covering the areas of new meters, smart networks, electric vehicles and wind energy to name but a few. This announcement was lauded and applauded by the Taoiseach's Department at the time and rightly so if the former delivers. How many of the promised 3,700 additional jobs within the ESB have been created? Has the Taoiseach concern regarding initiatives being announced and the timeframe between their announcement and the actual production of real jobs?

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