Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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292. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons, companies or projects Enterprise Ireland referred to Dublin Business Innovation Centre in the years 2012 and 2013; the number of persons, companies or projects that were referred to Enterprise Ireland by DBIC in the years 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17419/14]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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293. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons, companies or projects that were referred to Enterprise Ireland by Dublin Business Innovation Centre and received feasibility grant funding in the years 2012 and 2013 and his views on whether it is appropriate that a number of entities performing the evaluation of high tech CSF applications themselves do not have websites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17420/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 293 together.

Working in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, the Dublin BIC (DBIC) helps to refine early stage business propositions with high potential and helps the promoter to build an Investor Ready Business Plan. This is a very valuable service in supporting early-stage enquiries and start-up companies. The DBIC will also advise the promoter in relation to the Funding Authority that would best be appropriate for his/her business.

The number of persons, companies or projects referred to Dublin BIC by Enterprise Ireland (EI) for assistance with developing investor plans was 58 in 2013. Figures for 2012 are not readily available and would take time to collate. I will endeavour to have the information required provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The number of persons, companies or projects referred by DBIC to EI is not tracked; however, the numbers are relatively small, simply because the majority of entrepreneurs will also have contacted EI directly.

DBIC as an organisation receives approximately 500 enquiries per year. Of these, the organisation engages in detail with approximately 60 persons/companies/projects per year with a focus on "Investor Ready Business Plan preparation". Of the 60, many would have contacted EI directly or may have been referred to Dublin BIC by EI. Many others would be signposted to their Local Enterprise Office (LEO); to the New Frontiers & Accelerator Programmes, as appropriate. Some would also be directed to participate in the early stage Enterprise Start 2 Programme operated by DBIC in partnership with EI. There is not a formal direct referral process in place.

Of the 58 projects referred to DBIC by EI,

- 6 Projects subsequently received Feasibility Grant funding; 2 Companies also received Feasibility funding to attend Trade Fairs in the United States;

- 10 Companies received Capital Investment following the DBIC assistance.

Evaluation of CSF applications is undertaken by a team of Enterprise Ireland Development Advisors and external assessors. The external assessors are all professionals who are required to have experience of technology start-ups and also and relevant sectoral expertise. EI look for two categories of expert; internet, telecoms, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), cloud computing and enterprise software or, alternatively, engineering, medical devices and clean-tech. These assessors are appointed following an open call for tender. The latest tender for assessors, was advertised publicly on the E-Tenders website in May 2012 and the call is still open. EI recently appointed five new assessors to the panel, in addition to the existing panel of experts.

The assessors usually contract with Enterprise Ireland through small consultancy firms who may not have more than a couple of employees. Such companies generally do not have websites, and it is not a requirement that they should have one. The selection and appointment of external evaluators is not based on the experience of the company, in every case it relates to the experience and expertise of the named individual who is being proposed. Accordingly, EI’s evaluators are all individuals with the relevant skills. It would be normal for such individuals to tender for work as part of a small consultancy business.