Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress that has been made on the women in business startup drive since the end of the application period in September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51862/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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In line with the Governments Action Plan for Jobs 2012 Enterprise Ireland launched the Female Entrepreneurship Competitive Feasibility Fund in July 2012. Enterprise Ireland received 108 applications before the Fund closed on 4^th September 2012. The assessment committee deemed the applications to be exceptional in terms of quality and potential and recommended that the top 20 applicants should be proposed to the Enterprise Ireland Investment Committee for approval. The Committee approved €342,450 in total to these applicants. In addition to the grant support, each of the 20 female entrepreneurs will have an Enterprise Ireland approved mentor appointed to them; they will become part of a network and attend a series of topic based workshops to assist the growth of their enterprises.

Enterprise Ireland launched their first female only equity fund‘Competitive Start Fund for Female Entrepreneurs’ on 17^th September 2012 and this Fund will close on 3^rd December at 3pm. The purpose of the Competitive Start Fund for Female Entrepreneurs is to accelerate the growth of Female-led start-up companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets. Up to 10 companies are expected to benefit under this round of funding, and up to €500,000 is available.

Enterprise Ireland has sponsored numerous awards to raise the profile of female entrepreneurship and support the development of female role models for aspiring entrepreneurs.