Sinn Féin urge uptake of InterTradeIreland R & D grants
Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has urged companies based in the north to take up the grants for research and development available through the economic all-Ireland Body InterTradeIreland.
Ms Gildernew was speaking after InterTradeIreland gave evidence to the economic sub-committee of the 'Preparation for Government' committee at Stormont today.
Ms Gildernew said:
"InterTradeIreland has grants available to support research and development in companies based in the north if they work in partnership with a 26 County based company or organisation. They will also help arrange and facilitate that north/south partnership.
"This is an excellent opportunity that I would urge particularly small and medium sized enterprises to look at seriously.
"All of the recent economic data shows that all-Ireland trade and economic activity is growing. It is also clear that in the north SME‚s are unfortunately not putting enough resources into R & D. Yet, the benefits of greater R & D expenditure not just for individual companies but for the economy as a whole are clear to see." ENDS