Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Many small businesses were lost during the downturn. It would be great to have a system where a lot of those people could re-enter the economy because they are badly needed. Small businesses, in particular, will face a daunting task due to Brexit. I appeal to the Leader to invite the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, to come in here for a debate on providing more funding to local enterprise offices, LEOs. She did secure extra funding for LEOs in this budget but more funding is required. LEOs can help to create start-up small businesses. They could act as a lifeblood and be the first port of call in local authorities for small businesses. LEOs can provide guidance and funding to get many small businesses off the ground. Such an initiative will play an important part in the future. We need small business enterprises in this country now more than ever. Small businesses will find things more difficult now than ever before, especially with Brexit. I can see a situation where small businesses will strive but will encounter a difficult period if Brexit comes to pass in 2019.Will the Leader request the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to come to the House to discuss the small business sector and sources of additional funding for local enterprise offices?