Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 310: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grant support or assistance available to a small to medium business, employing 18 people, manufacturing textiles, and exporting around the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26434/07]

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 indigenous companies in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. Enterprise Ireland supports companies employing 10 or more people, and start-up companies which have the potential to employ 10 or more people and reach or exceed €1m in exports over three years.

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 services are provided by specialists in Enterprise Ireland through its Dublin and 34 offices worldwide.

This independent support involves a range of services including identifying new opportunities, providing technical "know how" and expertise and promoting clients both in Ireland and overseas.

Enterprise Ireland's Innovation Vouchers scheme is open to all small companies with less than 50 employees in the country. Companies can apply for a voucher worth €5,000 and if successful, the voucher can be exchanged for advice and expertise from accredited knowledge providers. The only exclusions are companies in the transportation and agricultural sectors in line with state aid guidelines. Details of services available from Enterprise Ireland are available on its website at www.enterprise-ireland.com