Martin to have 7% increased spend

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Micheál Martin, will have 7% in increased funding for his Department in 2005, after the Estimates were announced tonight.

The estimate for the Department for 2005 is €1.2bn, which represents an increase of €80.5m (7%) over 2004.

In addition, €332m, an increase of €39.2m (13%), will be provided from the National Training Fund to support key training initiatives.

“This enhanced funding allocation will allow my Department to progress its mandate of growing Ireland’s competitiveness and delivering quality employment in an equitable way”, the Minister said.