Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether Enterprise Ireland and Invest NI should offer similar packages to potential investors; the action she has taken to develop such consistency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25426/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The 2006 Comprehensive Study on the All-Island Economy sets out the economic rationale for North/South collaboration as well as making concrete proposals for economic initiatives. The case for an all island approach is made where market failure arises from the existence of the border or where public goods and services could be more efficiently produced on a co-ordinated basis.

In the matter of enterprise, the Study identified a number of areas where co-ordinated policy intervention could prove beneficial including co-operation on trade and investment promotion, enhanced co-operation in support of enterprise and business development and improved regulatory environment.

The clients of Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland are faced with similar challenges wherever their location on the island and, in many instances, both agencies offer largely parallel solutions to their clients where such an approach is appropriate. The Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are working together to ensure that the potential for development is exploited and that the challenges are met. In keeping with this goal, Enterprise Ireland's approach is to work in partnership with Invest NI and InterTradeIreland in an effort to maximise the benefits to all their clients.

For example, Enterprise Ireland and Invest NI ran a Cross Border Enterprise Incubation Programme known as the Transform Programme with 43 participants from both jurisdictions. It concluded in August 2008 and more than 60% of these businesses are trading successfully today.

In April 2009 the two agencies launched a new initiative, Propel Ideas into Business Programme, which was strongly supported by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). This Programme targets entrepreneurs who have ambitious business ideas with the objective of putting them through an intensive business development programme to make their projects 'investor ready'.

As far as Enterprise Ireland is concerned, financial support is tailored to the requirements of individual companies on the basis of clearly demonstrated need. The agency has been very successful in providing financial support towards the cost of establishing, growing and expanding businesses. The EI funding is typically a mix of equity and grants and is specifically intended to meet expenses in the areas of research and design, training, job creation and acquisition of capital assets.

Enterprise Ireland's grant aid offer must comply with the stipulations of the European Commission with regard to State Aid. Grants for industry are one instrument which can be used in order to develop enterprise and Enterprise Ireland's broad view is that the differential aid rates allowed in the BMW Region have been of benefit not solely with regard to the rate of start-ups but in terms of the development of existing companies.

Non-financial supports are available for all EI supported projects. These include access to the Enterprise Ireland overseas office network for marketing/market research, technical/technology and training advice, knowledge events and seminars.

It is in the interest of all parties to continue to work together for the benefit of the all island economy and I am confident that every effort will continue to be made in this regard.