Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 427: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of persons who have applied for the entrepreneur or investor visa scheme; and the number who were successful. [30489/12]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 428: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons involved in the technology industry who have been granted an entrepreneur or investor visa. [30490/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 427 and 428 together.

My Department has been open to accept applications under the The Immigrant Investor Programme and the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme since 16 April of this year. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service have informed me that, to date, five applications have been lodged for the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, which are being examined as part of the evaluation process outlined in the published guidelines. At this early stage therefore no applications have been approved or rejected. Nevertheless this early interest is encouraging as it was envisaged that applicants would require quite some time to put together their applications and supporting business plans. To date no formal applications have been received from investors but I understand that there continues to be a significant number of enquiries from potential participants and their representatives.