Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Again, I refer to the fact that it is only when the committee deems a project suitable for funding that the submission is made to me for final approval. What my Department must seek, and what I can benefit from, is the expertise that is available beyond my Department. That is why the structure is set up as it is. Obviously, the applicant is also subject to rigorous screening within my Department to examine the person's suitability for permission to enter and reside in the State. There is also an undertaking within my Department looking at detailed due diligence, politically exposed persons and sanctions, checks in respect of prospective applicants and accessing reputable international databases as and when required to ensure that only reputable individuals are eligible for permission. There is a vast amount of experience and knowledge coming from other Departments and from within my Department. It is only when all of that has been assessed that the final decision is brought to me, and I must base that decision on the expertise and knowledge that have been used in coming to that decision.

The investment should also be aligned with overarching Government policy. That is not to say, without knowing the details of this case, whether it is in line. However, at present, investment in social infrastructure, especially social housing and nursing homes, is a key priority as set out in Project Ireland 2040, but there are agricultural projects included in it as well. Applications are also assessed on the basis of the profile of the applicant, the commercial viability of the project, employment outcomes associated with the proposed investment and the overall benefit to the Irish State.

I can only assume that all this was taken into account when assessing this particular project.

As for the Deputy's questioning of the process, arising from an internal audit report completed in 2018, a recommendation was made that a strategic review of the IIP be undertaken. It was decided that this would happen in two phases. Following a public procurement process, EY was awarded the contract to undertake the review. The first phase was to consider and review the overall policy, the current objectives and future options. Following the outcome of phase 1, phase 2, which is currently under way, will consider governance and oversight arrangements for the process, the associated resource options and the risks, including financial and reputational, associated with the operation of the programmes. Again, this is under way, so if concerns are raised at that stage about the overall process, we hope to address them.

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