Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the uptake to date in relation to the micro finance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3331/13]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have availed of the microenterprise loan fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3340/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 29 together.

Microfinance Ireland (MFI) opened for business on Monday 1^st October 2012. At this stage, the number of applications received as of Monday 21^st January is 70, and a further 51 are in the pipeline with those applicants receiving assistance from the County Enterprise Boards.

Loans of up to €25,000 are available to microenterprises with viable business plans and repayment capacity, that have been refused access to credit from the banks. MFI is actively promoting the availability of its loan fund, for microenterprises with less than 10 staff, and are focusing in January and February on a media campaign to raise awareness of the Scheme across the country. My officials will be meeting MFI to discuss the publication of regular formal reporting shortly. It is envisaged that these reports will be available on the MFI website .