State aid is essentially government subsidies or other advantages used to either improve the running of state sponsored bodies, to achieve social or public policy objectives, to encourage investment or to correct market failures. The European Commission plays the role of enforcer under the State aid rules. To address developments in State aid at EU level and their implications for the national economy and public policy, Public Affairs Ireland is holding a seminar on this important topic. The seminar will:

• Provide a refresher on the EU State aid regime
• Identify the implications of EU State aid rules for government intervention in the marketplace
• Examine recent developments in the application of State aid rules for the financial services sector
• Look at “State aid risk” in funding programmes
• Address the implications of a finding that government intervention constitutes State Aid
• Provide guidance on appropriate clearance and review mechanisms that apply at EU level
• Identify exceptions to the State Aid rules