Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In one way, the transformed LEOs are one stop shops. They are totally different from the local enterprise boards of the past. They give advice and signpost financial assistance, a matter about which we spoke, and other supports for those who wish to start their own business. It is important to note that there are 31 LEOs located around the country and that they work closely with Enterprise Ireland.

Working with microbusinesses is important for LEOs. They created 3,500 jobs last year. They were put in place in 2014. The LEOs are good value for money. There is access to a LEO in every county, and there are two in the larger counties. They are a one-stop-shop and they have a very important role to play for start-ups, particularly in access to finance. One of the problems many start-up companies have is not being able to access finance. The Minister said that microfinance is in place, and while grants range from €2,000 to €25,000, the average loan is about €15,000. There is a major take-up of these loans in every constituency. The efforts of the local enterprise office in County Wicklow, Deputy Donnelly's county, for example, resulted in some 74 jobs being created. The credit guarantee scheme approved more than €54 million and supported 4,400 jobs last year. A great deal of financial help is available for start-up companies. That is very important as we move forward.

As the Minister rightly said, small business is the way forward. We will not get foreign direct investment into every part of Ireland. It will probably be focused on the hubs. Careful consideration has to be given to the LEOs, and as Minister of State with responsibility for small business, I intend to visit as many LEOs as possible to ensure they are working. That is very important as taxpayer's money is involved. We must ensure they are delivering to the counties and that there is transparency.