Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications received for grants from the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund to date; the number which have been successful; the names of each applicant company; the names and amount received of all successful applicant companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25354/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government approved a total of €100m for the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund to be disbursed over 2009 and 2010. A total of €50m has been included in the estimate of my Department for this purpose in 2009. Under the scheme, Enterprise Ireland can give up to €500,000 to viable companies with robust business models that are facing difficulties as a result of the current economic environment. The fund will supply direct financial support to internationally trading enterprises that are investing in cost reduction or other measures to gain sales in overseas markets. This fund will also be a key factor in sustaining client company employment.

The provision of grant assistance to 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 not released the individual company names and amounts approved as this is commercially sensitive information.

However, I have been informed by Enterprise Ireland that to date approximately €6m has been approved for 16 projects, €20m is under active negotiation with another 30 companies and over 100 further enquiries have been received. In summary, Enterprise Ireland has committed €6m and is negotiating the commitment of a further €20m leaving a balance of €24m in the Fund in 2009.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 84: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment whether, if the full amount allocated to the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund is not distributed by the end of 2009, the remaining amount will be carried forward into 2010. [25375/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government approved an amount of €100m in total for the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund for the years 2009 and 2010. A total of €50m has been included in the estimate of my Department for this purpose in 2009. Under the scheme, Enterprise Ireland can give up to €500,000 to viable companies with robust business models that are facing difficulties as a result of the current economic environment. The fund will supply direct financial support to internationally trading enterprises that are investing in cost reduction or other measures to gain sales in overseas markets. This fund will also be a key factor in sustaining client company employment.

The question of carry-over of any unexpended funds from 2009 to 2010 will be decided in the context of the finalisation of my Department's estimate for 2010.