Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 81: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of industries in County Kildare that have sought assistance under the initiatives that she has determined to assist companies to overcome the economic downturn; the results of such applications; the funding allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47281/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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To date in 2009, 16 companies in County Kildare have been approved funding by Enterprise Ireland of €7,072,700 under the Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) and the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund. Additionally, almost €1.4m has been approved by Enterprise Ireland in 2009 to 32 companies for activities such as Research and Development, Management Development, Mentoring, Trade Fair Participation and other supports designed to aid the development and growth of client companies.

Figures for the County Enterprise Boards are compiled on an annual basis and figures in respect of 2009 will not be available until early in 2010. However, Kildare County Enterprise Board have received approximately 57 applications seeking financial assistance of which 26 grant applications have been approved for funding to date, totalling €319,000. FÁS estimates that expenditure in 2009 will exceed €20 million on training and employment programmes in County Kildare. To date in 2009, FÁS has been in direct contact with: · 133 companies regarding the Work Placement Programme, · 148 companies promoting the business improvement tool Excellence

Through People, and · 422 companies with over 900 apprentices, many who availed of the Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme and the other supports to assist with redundant apprentices. It is expected that approximately 3,000- 3,500 people will avail of FÁS programmes directly in County Kildare this year.