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

Yes; there will be reorientation of staff and a customer service charter. There will be training for all staff, with a focus on enterprise, job creation and recognition of an enterprise culture. One must remember that the job of the elected councillors - some of whom we saw the other day in Meath - concerns business in the county. In the motions at council meetings, there must be value to the county in how jobs are created in villages and towns in places such as Meath.

That is the focus of training. The new system will also incorporate an evaluation committee and community based enterprises.

This change gives autonomy to every chief executive officer to create an enterprise culture. The best example of this is in County Meath where the chief executive of Meath County Council, Ms Jackie Maguire, will work with the head of the local enterprise office, Mr. Hugh Reilly. This position is replicated elsewhere in the country. The local enterprise offices are an extraordinary vehicle involving training, an evaluation board and community and social enterprise. The 40 elected members of Meath County Council have a major responsibility in this regard as they now have a mandate to drive business in the county. The Government cannot create jobs. It is, therefore, a matter for every elected representative and official to promote enterprise in their respective counties. If they produce enterprise ideas, they will receive State support.

See this speech in context