Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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87. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the funding available for the Enterprise Ireland community enterprise initiative competition; the number and value of the applications received; when he and Enterprise Ireland will announce the names of the successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41869/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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In February 2015, as part of Government’s Action Plan for Jobs: Regional Initiative, I announced details of a 5-year strategy aimed at accelerating jobs recovery in every part of the country. In May 2015, as part of this initiative, Enterprise Ireland launched a €5 million Community Enterprise Initiative Scheme. This competitive scheme was open to new and existing organisations, groups and alliances, to collaboratively seek to promote entrepreneurship, create jobs, foster innovation and enhance export opportunities for small business.

I understand from Enterprise Ireland that 138 submissions were made under the competitive Community Enterprise Initiative Scheme. Submissions are currently subject to assessment as to eligibility, identification of eligible expenditure in line with aid and scheme guidelines and a competitive evaluation process. Based on the recommendations of an external evaluation panel reviewing all eligible submissions, Enterprise Ireland may give its approval for funding of up to €5 million. I am informed that Enterprise Ireland envisages that details of successful applicants and the value of the approved projects will be announced in the first quarter of 2016.