Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026
149. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has considered the feasibility and potential value of State agencies or funds investing more in public share purchases of Irish scale-ups as a means of incentivising the greater use of IPOs as a financing mechanising for scaling Irish enterprises. [49951/26]
View answerMy Department, through Enterprise Ireland, plays a central role in supporting the scaling of indigenous Irish enterprises, with a strong focus on export growth, productivity and international competitiveness.
A comprehensive range of supports is already in place for companies at all stages of their scaling journey. These include financial supports such as grants for research, development and innovation, as well as equity investment and access to venture capital through Enterprise Ireland and its Seed and Venture Capital Schemes.
These investments often come with the added benefit of strategic guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals, helping start-ups navigate the complexities of scaling a business. By combining financial support with expert advice, Enterprise Ireland ensures that start-ups have the resources and knowledge needed to achieve sustainable growth and compete on a global stage.
Enterprise Ireland’s current mandate is primarily focused on supporting companies across the pre-seed to late-stage private investment phases and on broader enterprise development objectives.
Enterprise Ireland does not currently invest directly into publicly listed equities, and any such activity would represent a significant extension of its remit, requiring additional specialist investment expertise and enhanced governance arrangements. Any such proposal would need to be carefully considered in terms of its overall costs and likely impact.
Enterprise Ireland does support companies in preparing for and accessing public markets. It sponsors initiatives such as the Euronext IPO Ready Programme, which assists firms in building the governance, capability and investor readiness needed to pursue an IPO where appropriate.
My Department remains committed to supporting companies to scale and succeed, ensuring they have the opportunity to access the full range of appropriate funding pathways, including public markets where this aligns with their growth strategy.
