John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for her question. The CEBs stimulate enterprise potential at local level and play a key role in creating jobs in the local economy. I fully respect where the Deputy is coming from, namely, that an allocation of funding to a enterprise board may have been spent. There is a system at the year end whereby there can be a reallocation of unspent funding. Much of the funding is in the form of repayable loans. Clearly, the mentoring, supports and entrepreneurial encouragement given by enterprise boards have been very effective. The case for the need for the continuation of such supports has been well made. The funding allocated by enterprise boards is only a small part of the supports given. There is also support given by the banks on foot of the investment in the two pillar banks. They will be very much focused on lending such support. Some €20 million will be made available to small companies over the next three years. Such companies will work with the enterprise boards. Enterprise Week is very much promoted by enterprise boards in local counties. Enterprise boards play a critical role in providing mentoring and assistance with the formulation of business plans. I agree with the Deputy that they have been successful. They have encouraged many successful businesses and when the plans are finally put together by the Government, I am sure they will provide a focused service with solution-centred desks for small companies in every region.

See this speech in context