Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 25: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the steps he is taking to support the role of County Enterprise Boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45445/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) have primary responsibility for the delivery of State support to the indigenous micro-enterprise sector i.e. businesses which employ 10 or less workers. In the current economic climate entrepreneurship, and the growth and development of small Irish businesses, is central to economic recovery and it is essential that Irish enterprises continue to be supported. The CEBs play a key role in this regard and their priorities for 2010 are to assist owner/managers in enhancing the survival and sustainability of their businesses in these difficult economic times and to assist people wishing to start their own business including those made redundant. The objective is to see as many of these micro start-ups as possible developing into companies with strong job creation and export potential, at which point they transfer to the Enterprise Ireland client portfolio.

To enable the CEBs to fulfil their role I secured funding of over €28m for the network of CEBs under the 2010 Estimates of which €14.9m has been allocated for Capital expenditure. This has been further supplemented by an additional €3.3m secured from savings elsewhere in my Department. During 2010 the CEBs will ensure that this funding is targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development. This will be done not just by direct grant aid to businesses and project promoters but also through the provision of a range of other important business supports such as mentoring, business training and business advice all of which help to stimulate indigenous enterprise creation.

My Department, in association with the CEB Central Coordination Unit within Enterprise Ireland (CCU), and with the CEB network, will continue to monitor the level of funding and range of support services offered by the CEBs to the micro-enterprise sector. I am also keen to ensure that the synergies between the CEBs and Enterprise Ireland are maximised, and that engagement with the development agencies is as seamless as possible for all small businesses including the important micro sector. I will shortly be bringing a Memorandum to the Government in this regard.