Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies who made grant refunds in respect of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland; the reason those refunds were made; the number of jobs involved; the names of the companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18216/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of grant assistance for individual companies, and the related matter of companies refunding grants where appropriate, is a matter for Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland themselves, and not one in which I have a direct function.

I have made enquiries with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland regarding their latest available figures in respect of grant refunds.

IDA Ireland report that in 2004 a total of 31 companies made grant refunds to the agency, as a result of company closures or due to a reduction in employment in those companies. The number of jobs involved totalled 3440. In 2005 a total of 36 companies made grant refunds as a result of company closures or due to a reduction in employment in those companies. In respect of 2005 the number of jobs involved totalled 2061.

Enterprise Ireland report that in 2004 a total of 23 companies made grant refunds to the agency, and in 2005 a total of 12 companies made refunds. Grant refunds were made to Enterprise Ireland as a result of company closures, or non-compliance with grant conditions or agreements. Enterprise Ireland estimate the reduction in employment associated with closures giving rise to the repayment of grants made over 2004 and 2005 at 1,130.

IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland have not released the names of companies who refunded moneys on the basis that this information is commercially sensitive and may impact negatively on companies who continue to trade in Ireland or overseas.