Some County Clare companies may lose out on employment subsidies next year as government has yet to confirm details of the funding assistance.

The Mid-West is one of the worst hit areas in the past two years with highest unemployment and huge challenges facing
small and medium sized businesses.

The Minister has indicated that 50 companies in the Mid-West are receiving subsidies, under the First Call of the
Employment Subsidy Scheme. This results in 651 subsidies being handed out supporting in the region of 3,772 employees. These are vital financial supports for businesses and employers in the region under huge pressures. My concern though is that the next round of call for this scheme may not materialise and that the government will not follow up on this first and second rounds.

I asked the Tánaiste in the Dáil to account for how many Clare firms are in receipt of this award, and how many
have been turned down. I am satisfied that many firms who applied were successful, but some missed out because of the application process. Perhaps they would be looked upon favourably and assisted in a follow-up application.

These subsidies are vital in helping small and medium businesses get through a hugely difficult time for their sector. It
must be remembered that many of the inflated costs associated with doing business in this country were allowed spiral.

More worrying is that when I asked the Tánaiste when the third call for this scheme would take place, she could provide no
details. This is worrying. We need for government supports to continue in this region if jobs are to be maintained. I will be taking this matter up with the new Minister with responsibility for this area, Enterprise Minister Batt O’Keeffe,  when the Dáil returns. I would also encourage Clare businesses who qualify for the scheme to make their feelings known to the Minister O’Keeffe’s office also.

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications that were
received from County Clare based companies  in  relation  to the employment subsidy scheme first call;
the number of companies that were successful; the number of companies that  applied  but  were refused; the
reasons companies were refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
– Joe Carey.

*    For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 23rd March, 2010.

Ref No:  12212/10

R E P L Y

Tánaiste  and  Minister  for  Enterprise,  Trade  and Employment (Ms. Coughlan)

There  are  50 companies in the Mid West Region who are receiving 651 subsidies  under  the  First  Call  of the
Employment Subsidy Scheme.
These  subsidies  are  supporting  the  retention  either directly or indirectly of 3,772 employees.

Specifically  in  relation  to  County  Clare,  26  applications were received under the First Call of the
Employment Subsidy Scheme. 22 of these applications were successful and 4 companies were unsuccessful.

3  companies  were  unsuccessful as their applications had incomplete financial  documentation  and  1 company was deemed not
successful by the  Assessment  Team,  as  it  did  not  meet all of the eligibility criteria for the scheme.

DÁIL QUESTION

NO__122______

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans she has to introduce a third call to the employment subsidy scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
– Joe Carey.

*    For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 23rd March, 2010.

Ref No:  12214/10

R E P L Y

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms. Coughlan)

There are currently no plans to have a third call for applications under the Employment Subsidy Scheme.