Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

55. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of applications for and the number of businesses taking part in the trading online voucher scheme which is part of the national digital strategy in County Offaly, by year since its introduction. [41788/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme, designed and funded by my Department, is delivered on a nationwide basis by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO).  Applications are received directly by individual LEOs who award vouchers of up to €2,500 matched- funding to qualifying businesses on a competitive basis, following evaluation by an expert panel. Successful applicants are expected to complete their trading online project within 4 months, subsequent to which grants can be drawdown, following standard verification procedures. My Department does not hold information on the number of applications to the scheme.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is a demand-led scheme. Prospective applicants must attend an information session organised by the LEO prior to application to the scheme. This is designed to equip the business with some expert advice on how to think digitally for their business and to support the development of their trading online proposal.

The following table provides information on the number of attendees at information sessions and the number of applications approved under the scheme in Offaly from 2014 to date.