Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

It is an evolving situation. This is a significant first step in what we think will be a significant approach to the provision of infrastructure and the creation of jobs. As I said in my reply, the NPRF will come back to me shortly with proposals for the establishment of the strategic investment fund. My understanding of the nature of the fund is that people will apply to it. Entrepreneurs will apply to the fund. Like any investment bank there will be an assessment of their proposal and business plan and they will get an advance of venture capital on that basis.

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