John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

On the last point, where there has been a lacuna affecting enterprises with between ten and 50 employees, Enterprise Ireland will have overall responsibility and a mandate regarding the staff employed in local government and the enterprise staff in their new role. They will very much fall under the remit of the Minister, Deputy Bruton.

It is very important that we develop expertise. There is considerable expertise in every county. When the potential in third level colleges and those who are currently working within the enterprise structure is taken into consideration, it will be apparent that these people will still be in the service. People with expertise in local government can tap into the voluntary sector. Under the current structure, people give of their time voluntarily on the county enterprise boards and have been very effective to date in delivering sustainable jobs in small communities. We hope to expand beyond this and offer a host of enhanced services that include companies that were excluded up to now.

With regard to the timeframe, the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, will be bringing forward legislation as soon as possible on the dissolution of the enterprise boards and the setting up of the new structure. The Government is determined to roll out the service as quickly as possible. If we are talking about kick-starting the 200,000 small companies which generate €90 billion in the Irish economy, we must take these points on board. Since my appointment, I have been greatly encouraged by the determination of Irish companies, including small businesses with brilliant ideas and which want to commercialise them.

The Deputy referred to expertise. The micro-finance fund will be announced. It will be geared specifically towards those with new ideas to grow jobs. As the Minister stated correctly, this proposal involves a fundamental change in the roll-out of services locally. It involves a big difference of mindset. We are committed to ensuring that people with ideas will be supported in every possible way.

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