Dr. Orlaigh Quinn:

The European Social Fund provides for co-financing. We can draw on that.

LEOs are an essential part of our enterprise strategy. We do not see that changing. There are 31 nationwide. They are run in partnership with Enterprise Ireland. We tend to see companies start with LEOs and then scale up or, sometimes, they will start with EI and scale the other way. It has been hugely important as the first-stop shop. They also work closely with Microfinance Ireland, which allows for funding for small grants to get started. That has been really important. Since they were established in 2014, 15,000 net jobs have been created by companies with LEOs. A huge number, some 1,300, have had start-up funding for their enterprises.

The Deputy spoke about female participation. Female participation in the workforce in Ireland is particularly low, yet we have the highest educated women. It is a point that I make regularly. We need to be able to tap into the talent in our own country. We have had huge success for female entrepreneurs. Enterprise Ireland put in specific funding for female entrepreneurs. In 2012, I think 7% of entrepreneurs were women. Last year, it was 28% because Enterprise Ireland is providing specific supports.