Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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72. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to simplify the application process for enterprise grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50458/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that there are a number of measures underway to simplify the application process for enterprise grants, particularly those administered through the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland.

Following instruction from my Department the Local Enterprise Offices Centre of Excellence has completed a comprehensive review of application requirements for each of its grants. This has resulted in significant reduction in the number of questions across multiple grant schemes. For example, the questions in applications for Priming and Business Expansion grants have been reduced by 47%, the Green for Business grant by 30% and the Feasibility grant by 28%.

Enterprise Ireland is also driving progress through two major initiatives. The Service Delivery Transformation Programme has introduced a new operating model, along with advanced technology and data capabilities, to deliver service excellence. The Start Up Ireland Programme also is focused on creating a better journey for start-ups and entrepreneurs, strengthening ecosystem coordination, and enhancing both national and international connectivity. Together, these programmes will help deliver greater impact and support for Irish enterprise.

Work is also underway with the National Enterprise Hub to examine how it can be utilised to reduce the administrative burden for SMEs applying for Government supports. Scoping work is taking place to identify common data points in applications, starting with agencies under the DETE umbrella, and to consider how the NEH can be further developed in line with the 'once-only' principle of data provision.

These reforms are designed to reduce administrative burden, improve efficiency and make enterprise supports more accessible to business across the country.