Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 87: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number and amount of grants approved for dispersal under the CORD enterprise platform programme scheme for 2009; the amount dispersed to date; the reason for delays in the dispersal of such grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29585/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

CORD (Commercialisation Of Research and Development) The aim of the Campus Enterprise Programme is to support the development of third level campus-based companies and support towards assessing the commercial viability of innovative technologies. The programme also provides specifically designed business development and mentor facilities under the Enterprise Platform Programme. Those eligible to apply for this initiative include: ·2057knowledge-based campus companies ·2057academic entrepreneurs ·2057researchers associated with PATs and Technology Centres Programmes ·2057non academics interested in establishing campus companies Nationally it is anticipated that 12-15 Enterprise Platform Programmes would take place in 2009 with up to 150 participants. To date four programmes have started, a further two just commencing, with an additional six due to start in the latter part of the year. Three programmes are still at the planning stage, however, Enterprise Ireland is confident these will commence in late 2009.

In regard to the number of participants which have been approved to date: ·2057Typically (based on past experience) Enterprise Ireland approves 40% of CORD projects in the first half of the year, with 60% being approved in the latter half. ·2057Earlier this year, seven participants were approved a total of €248,000 of which €71,500 has been paid out to date. ·2057In recent weeks, a large number of applicant interviews have been completed and the total number of participants approved by EI has increased to 31, which have been approved a total of €930,000 as of today's date. As stated, EI expects the total number of participants to increase significantly in the coming months.