Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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82. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount paid to each external consultant for evaluation of each proposal submitted to the Enterprise Ireland competitive start fund during the years 2012 and 2013; if this amount is fixed per proposal evaluated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14486/14]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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83. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the name of each external consultant and the total amount paid to each external consultant for evaluation of proposals for the Enterprise Ireland competitive start fund for the years 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14487/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.

The purpose of the Competitive Start Fund (CSF) is to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets. The CSF is designed to enable those companies reach key commercial and technical milestones.

During 2012 and 2013 a total of 1,212 applications were received under the CSF and each application was evaluated by an external assessor. The cost of the external assessment varies depending on the nature and complexity of the application. The average cost of assessments in 2012 and 2013 was €73.34 and €70.64 respectively. Enterprise Ireland has not set a fixed amount per proposal evaluated.

The external assessors are professionals who are required to have experience of technology start-ups and also relevant sectoral expertise. The assessors are appointed following an open call for tender. The tender was advertised in May 2012 on and the call remains open for applications on an ongoing basis.

Details of the total amount paid to each external assessor for the evaluation of proposals under the CSF for the years 2012 & 2013 is set out in the Table below.

Table - Assessors who conducted CSF application assessments in 2012 & 2013