Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Notwithstanding that, I understand Senator Ned O'Sullivan might have some concerns about the Bill, but having read the legislation and the various debates on it I am satisfied that the movement from county enterprise boards, which were in place for more than 20 years, as stated by Senator Michael Mullins, to local enterprise offices is a good one. Furthermore, I am convinced by the fact that an issue that was of concern - namely, that we might lose some of the expertise in the county enterprise boards - is no longer a concern, as the staff will remain with the local enterprise offices for a minimum of three years in order to bed them in, and after that other staff can be brought in from the broader local authority area.

Around 750,000 jobs are provided through small businesses. The whole intention of the concept of local enterprise offices is to enhance and grow small indigenous business in Ireland. I am pleased that local enterprise offices provide much more autonomy and accountability at local level, given the make-up of their boards. As one who cut my teeth and spent most of my career in local government, I consider it important that there be accountability to local communities. I see that happening through this legislation. For that reason, I dispel any notion of a Japanese model that might be introduced here and I support the legislation.