Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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318. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the local enterprise office grant application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34576/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for assisting start-ups, business development and job creation in each local area. The LEOs can provide advice and direction, covering all government supports and requirements, to anyone who wishes to start or expand a business. The LEOs can also provide funding for projects that meet certain criteria, in certain circumstances and other non-financial supports. For example, with regard to the financial supports available, it should be noted that the LEOs generally only grant assist enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector which over time can develop into strong export entities. However, there are other non-financial supports available, such as mentoring and training, and the LEO staff can advise as to which supports would be most appropriate.

Under the Service Level Agreement between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities, each LEO has set up an Evaluation & Approvals Committee comprising senior representatives of the Local Authority and Enterprise Ireland and five local individuals with specific areas of business expertise to evaluate all project applications submitted for financial support in line with enterprise policy.

These Committees typically meet once a month to evaluate applications on hand and make appropriate decisions on each one. For each application, the Committee can decide to approve, reject, seek further information from the applicant, or refer it to the Enterprise Ireland Investment Committee for final approval (if over €40,000).

In this instance, staff in the LEO met with the project promoter over the summer and sought additional information. The application was ultimately considered by the Committee at its meeting on 2 September and the decision communicated to the applicant shortly thereafter.

The reasons for any refusal are a matter between the LEO and the applicant, in which I have no function. However, if the applicant wishes to appeal the decision, he should contact the Head of the LEO Dublin City directly.