Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

5 o’clock

The budget for 2017 saw a 5% increase, amounting to over €15 million, for the Department's innovation programme, with a capital provision of just under €323 million, which has increased from €307 million. The budget also introduced measures to support small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs, along with the lower 10% tax for capital gains relief as well. That will encourage and reward those who are at risk in starting a business that generates growth and jobs. Savings have been identified in the Department and they have been redirected to the research and development programme.

With regard to Innovation 2020 and the implementation group, 53 actions were initiated in 2016 and 45 actions were initiated-----

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