David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the witnesses for attending. Our news media are dominated by negativity every day, yet there is so much positive stuff going on. Perhaps they should fly the flag a bit higher and give people some hope. There are a lot of amazing people out there setting up their own businesses. It takes a lot of courage and bravery to take the risk and provide employment for others who do not want to take the risk or who probably cannot do so. Well done to the witnesses.

I am aware of the supports that have been given to small businesses across the country since the pandemic hit. Many businesses have survived because of that. Through the witnesses, I congratulate the Enterprise Ireland team across the country and staff in the LEOs on what they have done. It has been remarkable. People have gone above and beyond the call of duty in many instances and have saved jobs and livelihoods. I thank them for that.

As I have the floor, I will pose a few questions. I am interested in the lean approach to micro. Last year, there were 449 lean interventions and it is planned to scale them up to 2,000. In terms of climate action, there were also 293 green consultations and it is intended to increase that to 2,200. Does Enterprise Ireland have its own team of people in-house to do that? In my part of the world a company, the Leading Edge Group, does both lean and climate action supports for companies.

Could the witnesses comment on the need for export credit insurance? It was brought to my attention recently that some companies find it difficult to get export credit insurance. I know the Department commissioned a review on this recently and it is monitoring the situation. In the experience of the witnesses, are there companies under a bit of pressure in attracting export credit insurance? Has there been a change for some companies due to Brexit? Has some of the support dried up?

I am also interested in student enterprise education at second level and primary level. Has Enterprise Ireland carried out an evaluation of the student enterprise programme? I understand it has been running since 2003. It seems to be very successful. Has an evaluation been carried out on how many of those completing the programme have gone on to start their own businesses afterwards, as a direct result perhaps of the experience they gained of making their first euro through business, which can be very exciting for young people? What is the interaction of Enterprise Ireland with the third level sector in respect of that as well?

I also want to ask about the Open Doors initiative that has been established to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, migrants and people with disabilities to gain pathways to work. I know IDA Ireland is part of that process. Does Enterprise Ireland have any engagement with it?

The growth of Irish companies has been mentioned. It was stated that the aim is to have more public limited companies coming out of Ireland. Are there impediments to the growth of Irish companies? Is it the case that they grow to a certain level and then they get sold off? What is stopping them from growing further on their own? Quite a number of Irish companies grow to a certain level and are then bought up.

With respect to advance facilities, Youghal in my constituency has been devastated over the years and a lot of people leave the town for work every day. Reference was made to regional enterprise hubs and centres. Has Enterprise Ireland looked at the geography of the country and considered where there are blackspots, Youghal for instance, to establish advance facilities where people could set up companies? I have engaged with some people who have said Enterprise Ireland does not do that. Is it looking to move into that space?

The LEOs do a great job but I suggest that we need more of them in areas such as Cork, which is very large geographically. If there was access to excellent services in some of the more remote areas, it might improve matters a little.