Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Conway-Walsh for her question. I am happy to inform the Deputy that my Department is making significant progress in simplifying the application process for enterprise grants, particularly those administered through the local enterprise offices and Enterprise Ireland.

Following instruction from my Department through the recently established small business unit, the Enterprise Ireland LEO centre of excellence has completed a comprehensive review of application requirements for each of the LEO grants. This has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of questions across multiple grant schemes. For example, the number of questions regarding the priming and business expansion grants has reduced by 47%, the green for business grant by 30% and the feasibility grant by 28%. Work has already commenced with the online application service provider to make the recommended changes and to merge the application processes for the digital for business and green for business consultancies with the respective follow-on grants: grow digital and the energy-efficiency grant.

Enterprise Ireland is also driving this process through major initiatives. The service delivery transformation programme will introduce a new operating model, along with advanced technology and data capabilities, to deliver service excellence. The start-up Ireland programme is focused on creating a better journey for start-ups and entrepreneurs, strengthening ecosystem co-ordination and enhancing both national and international connectivity. Together, these programmes will help to deliver greater impact and support for Irish enterprise.

Work is also under way with the National Enterprise Hub to examine how it can be utilised to reduce the administrative burden for SMEs applying for Government supports. Scoping work is taking place to identify common data points in applications, starting with agencies under the control of my Department, and to consider how the National Enterprise Hub can be further developed in line with the "once-only" principle of data provision.

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