Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 104: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the European Globalisation Fund for a company (detail supplied) in County Limerick can be used to grant-aid business start-up applications. [9373/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) funds active labour market interventions for a range of measures including business start up and aid for self-employment.

Co-funded assistance measures including aid for business start-ups, self-employment and entrepreneurship programmes was sought under the EGF application submitted in June 2009 for those workers made redundant at DELL's Raheen plant and at ancillary enterprises in the Mid-West region. This application was subsequently approved by the EU budgetary authorities at the end of 2009.

Some of the approved EGF funding will be used to provide grant aid for business start-ups. Enterprise Ireland and the relevant City and County Enterprise Boards (CEBS) have responsibility for the provision of entrepreneurial supports under the EGF. It is envisaged that circa €2m will be available to fund a range of entrepreneurial supports over the duration of the EGF implementation period.

The CEBs will handle most business start up applications and these will be assessed in accordance with CEB eligibility criteria. The CEBs provided advice to individual workers at the EGF Information Fair held in Raheen on 12 and 13 February last and is planning follow up action with interested workers.

The City and County Enterprise Boards continue to remain available to any of those who were unable to attend the Information Fair and who wish to explore opportunities for starting their own businesses.