In a positive development for new and emerging companies, the Minister for Finance recently confirmed that European Commission State Aid approval had been received for the new Employment and Investment Incentive (‘EII’) and Seed Capital Schemes introduced in Finance Act 2011. Both reliefs will now apply for all eligible shares issued from 25 November 2011 to 31 December 2013. The Minister has decided to permit additional investments in qualifying BES companies right up until 31 December 2011, to qualify for relief under the BES scheme.