John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have met representatives of ISME several times and the Deputy should look at the statement it issued yesterday. The county enterprise boards have been very effective. Our job at the moment is the consultation process. We are bringing businesspeople into the heart of decision making locally involving representatives of business and local government. The Deputy will know from his county how effective local government can be. It is important that we are integrating the best knowledge within every county with a centre of excellence with a very strong service level agreement with Enterprise Ireland. We are taking submissions at the moment and are refining clear objectives as outlined in the consultation paper the Deputy received yesterday. The intention is to roll out that plan next year. We need to implement it in every local authority area and it will be delivered effectively.

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