John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to the Deputy's last question on tourism, the answer is "Yes". Fáilte Ireland is the State agency charged with supporting the tourism sector but having said that, any viable business proposals, including those connected with the tourism sector and which fulfil the normal eligibility criteria for financial aid or soft supports, may have access to LEO funding. The LEO functions will rest legally with Enterprise Ireland, incorporating work with both women and young entrepreneurs, which is the key. The bulk of the 61,000 new jobs created in the last year were generated by companies which are less than five years old. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will retain responsibility for policy. The LEOs will operate as part of the local authority structure in terms of administration, code of conduct, management and financial management. An evaluation and approval committee will be established in each LEO consisting of a chair, city or county manager, a representative of Enterprise Ireland and five local individuals with specific areas of business expertise. This will be very much a one-stop-shop for business, incorporating every aspect of business. It will facilitate female entrepreneurs and others. There will be clear evaluations for businesses on how they can deal with rates and the stacked-up costs of business. They will have autonomy from June next with the local authorities.

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