Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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14. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the terms of reference for the review of the Succeed in Ireland initiative have been finalised; the number of submissions received through the public consultation process; and when she expects the review to be completed. [30233/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As was announced previously, my Department will soon be commissioning an independent review of the Succeed-in-Ireland programme. That review, which will be carried out after details of the initiative’s full and final costs are available, will equip us with a thorough understanding of the programme’s results and its contribution to employment generation in the State. This is in the interests of good governance and ensuring value for money for the taxpayer.

On the 20th of April my Department launched a public consultation calling for observations on the draft terms of reference for that review. The consultation period ended on 26 May. I am pleased that the consultation process elicited 17 different submissions.

The responses that we received came from a broad range of stakeholders, including public representatives and the general public. Many of the submissions provided general observations on the Succeed-in-Ireland initiative and its perceived strengths. Others provided specific observations on the draft terms of references themselves. All were welcome contributions that will help guide our approach in the time ahead.

There has been no delay in finalising the terms of reference.  My Department is completing the examination of all the responses to the public consultation, a process which will help - as I have indicated - to shape the final text.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge that the Succeed-in-Ireland initiative has contributed to the Government’s ongoing efforts to win more foreign direct investment (FDI) and jobs for the people of this country. Securing more FDI will remain a key priority of mine as Minister for Enterprise and Innovation. I look forward to working, together with my Department and its Agencies, to attract more overseas investment and employment to Ireland.