Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will permit Enterprise Ireland to support small and medium enterprises in the purchase of good quality second-hand equipment which is deemed necessary to achieve efficiency and improve cost structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36179/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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A key objective for Enterprise Ireland is to assist its client companies to drive sustained efficiency and achieve continued improvements in their cost structure, as well as capacity development through investment in capital equipment. EI may financially support the purchase of both new and second hand equipment through some R&D programmes and more specifically through the Job Expansion Fund. The funding of equipment purchase is subject to state aid rules.

The Job Expansion Fund is designed to assist Enterprise Ireland client companies achieve increased employment. This Fund offers support of up to €150,000 to Irish based manufacturing and internationally traded services companies. It is designed to support business plans that demonstrate increases in employment, outputs, international trade and activities that are an integral part of the strategic development plans of the company. While second-hand equipment is eligible to be considered for support, the equipment must be less than seven years old to ensure quality.