Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants which are available to a company (details supplied) in County Wexford who wish to start up a new business. [10548/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of grant assistance for individual companies is a matter for the development agency or body concerned, and not one in which I have a direct function.

Enterprise Ireland has primary responsibility for Irish companies in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors, and supports companies employing ten or more people, and start-up companies which have the potential to employ ten or more people and reach or exceed €1 million in exports over three years.

Enterprise Ireland operates under policy directions given by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment or as specified by the Enterprise Ireland board. The key focus of Enterprise Ireland's policy is to work with indigenous companies which have the potential to develop sustainable export sales and to qualify for support, a company should demonstrate clear potential to do so. All projects have to be commercially viable and must be supported by a business plan. Every business development plan is considered on its individual merits.

Enterprise Ireland has a wide range of supports for start-up companies that meet the above criteria. As part of its new strategy launched in May last year, Enterprise Ireland now works more intensively with such high-potential start-ups, HPSUs, at an early stage to accelerate growth. As well as providing direct financial support, Enterprise Ireland can also help build management capability, provide business advice and mentoring and, through its overseas network, assist HPSUs to develop their exports.

Enterprise Ireland's range of supports for companies includes strategy development, production and operations, marketing, human resources development, finance and research and development. In addition, a wide range of support and knowledge is provided by specialists in Enterprise Ireland's offices in Dublin and through its 33 offices worldwide. That independent support involves a range of services including identifying new opportunities, providing technical know how and expertise, providing market and technical information and promoting clients both in Ireland and overseas.