Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide additional funding to efficient county enterprise boards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17966/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In determining the allocations for individual city and county enterprise boards, or CEBs, this year, my Department adopted a systematic approach to ensure the maximum degree of objectivity and equity of treatment. That approach involved the provision of a basic allocation to each board, as well as an additional allocation that was determined mainly by population but which also took account of issues such as unemployment, capacity to spend, existing commitments and regional spread. I do not expect to be in a position to provide any additional funding under any heading to any board this year.

With regard to the issue of efficiency, my Department, in partnership with the CEBs, continually monitors and evaluates the level of service provided by the boards to their client base. There is both a formal procedures manual and operating agreement in place between the Department and the boards to ensure that the efficient delivery of services by all CEBs is standardised across the country.