Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The LEOs will roll out customs training. They will provide more supports to businesses in terms of advice and programmes. The LEOs play an important role as the first port of call for many businesses that want to find out what supports are available to them. They have been increasing the services they roll out to local enterprises. I felt it was important that we support them further. They deal with businesses across the board. In 2019, the LEOs have targeted the approval of 1,360 projects for grant support with protected associated job commitments. They have created more than 8,000 jobs in the past year through their work with local businesses. A total of 200 are participating in the newly expanded Lean for Micro programme being rolled out through the local enterprise offices. The LEOs have delivered training to more than 34,500 participants and mentoring to just over 9,000. They have a programme for preparing business for customs and are organising workshops to help businesses get to know and understand the requirements for customs because of Brexit.

An additional resource at business adviser grade, to focus on key clients with growth potential or in need of a plan to counteract the impacts of Brexit, will be recruited for the LEO network. The LEOs have experienced an increase in the demand for their services in the areas of mentoring, training and developmental programmes. The extra funding will be channelled towards supporting startups and developing businesses.

Each county LEO area has specific strengths, opportunities and weaknesses with regard to enterprise development and job creation. For example, local natural resources, sectoral strengths and demographics, including commuters, could lead to business development opportunities and international connections through the diaspora or town twinning could provide opportunities. It is important that all players, including the local authorities, LEADER companies and chambers of commerce, combine their efforts to maximise those opportunities. They play a very important role and the additional funding is to help them do their job better, with a particular focus on Brexit because they will be rolling out those training programmes.