Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that the 31 LEOs have done good work to date. In 2021, for instance, they contributed to the creation of 7,400 new jobs. They have supported small businesses through the provision of grants and assisted entrepreneurs in starting businesses. However, we have an opportunity to build on their knowledge and the knowledge of others to create an even more ambitious State body that is focused solely on indigenous business. An Irish enterprise agency could support established retailers on our main streets and help regenerate our town centres. This would support and enhance small businesses and help start-ups. Our reliance on multinational companies that are mostly based in urban areas has contributed to a growing regional imbalance in the economy. An Irish enterprise agency could help in addressing this imbalance. These SMEs, including coffee shops, small fashion stores or retail units, are often the engine of the domestic local economy. There needs to be an agency advocating for them and supporting them in growing the indigenous enterprise sector in a more focused and organised way. Such an agency could be the one-stop shop for both start-ups and established domestic businesses, providing advice and financial support to the indigenous SME sector.

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