Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a place on the enterprise partnership scheme involving the Irish Research Council in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17082/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Enterprise Partnership Scheme, operated by the Irish Research Council, is an innovative initiative which facilitates Postgraduate Scholars and Postdoctoral Fellows to complete their research in an Higher Education Institution (HEI) in collaboration with an Enterprise Partner. By working closely with an Enterprise Partner, researchers benefit from an enhanced research experience as well as having the opportunity to learn key transferable skills relevant to career formation.

Applicants submit their proposal to the Council with the endorsement of the HEI and therein the Enterprise Partner is named. The relationship between the applicant, HEI and Enterprise Partner is a matter for the applicant, HEI and Enterprise Partner. The Council assesses the application in good faith. I understand that this application was recommended for funding on the premise that the company had committed to participate in the application. However, unfortunately it has now emerged that the company had not made this commitment.