John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Importantly, it is our intention to have a one-stop-shop solution for enterprise in every county. On the current duplication of providers, it is important that we would have facilitation, involving not only county enterprise boards but partnership and FÁS. Streamlining is needed. It is our intention to bring forward a plan in the next 100 days that will set the possibilities of getting value for money. Critically important is the administrative costs of county enterprise boards. Given there are 35 of them in the State, there is duplication that we want to eliminate.

The backbone of the economy is small indigenous companies based in the community. I would agree with the Deputy that the boards have been successful in the past. It is critical that the work ongoing with enterprise boards, in mentoring and support to companies, is continued. Having said that the system needs major refocussing. We need to ensure that there is a one-stop-shop solution in every county or region that will offer support to small companies.

On the future role of enterprise boards, there are many providers of job initiatives in counties at present. It is our intention to bring them all together in a one-stop-shop facility that will be clear in its message, will cut down on the cost and will give the end-user - the business person with the ideas - the critical support, and to ensure that the funding is available to them.

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