Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I welcome the conclusions of the report that there is a role for county enterprise boards in micro-enterprises in various counties. We are aware of the opportunities that have grown from small beginnings, particularly from seed capital from the county enterprise boards. I hope the Tánaiste will be recommending to Government a role for the county enterprise boards.

Several enterprise boards have been in contact seeking greater certainty about their future and their financial viability. Would the Tánaiste consider, in the context of the 2005 Estimates, that there will be an increased role and extra funds available to county enterprise boards? Could they be brought more into the mainstream of local authority activities and become more directly accountable to local authorities? There is representation.

I am in favour of accountability through public representatives but not through people who are unelected. Public representatives have a role and are directly elected by the people. Would the Tánaiste consider that in the context of the devolution of powers and greater accountability through public representatives regarding the work being done at county enterprise board level?

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