Enterprise Ireland has reported over €28 million invested in venture funds over the course of 2001.
Of the €28 million, €14.3 million was invested in 21 companies in first-round investment, while the remainder was split between a further 30 companies.
Speaking at this morning's announcement, the Tánaiste, Ms Harney said the amount represented the second highest investment in the Venture Capital Measure of the Operational Programme for Industrial Development in its lifetime.
"This is the second highest level of investment during the five year life of the initiative and is a significant achievement bearing in mind that 2001 was the last year for investment," she said.
"The support of a positive venture capital market is vital to the development of business. "It is equally important that the private sector should be the lead players in providing such important funding at critical points in the development of success driven businesses.