Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

Select Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 32 - Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Revised)

5:00 pm

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, we are, but, as I said, we are looking to employ more staff. However, we have the difficulty I have outlined.

On the one stop shop and LEOs, we are pretty happy. Of course, there are issues in some of the LEOs. For example, some staff had retired and there was an embargo on recruitment to replace them. Therefore, when the LEOs were taken over by the local authorities, there was a shortage of staff. We are going to ensure they will have the staff complement that they need.

If the Deputy wants to ask me about the direction I am taking in my role as Minister, small businesses are really important and I will be pushing for us to look at them. I made a major statement on the importance of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, but getting businesses up and running and helping start-ups and entrepreneurs is hugely important. That is what I will be doing.

On the one stop shop, I am quite happy, but, of course, I always want more money for the Department. However, we have to work within the 2016 allocation. We will be looking at the position to ensure we will be well financed for next year.

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