John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans in regard to county enterprise boards when the current round of EU funding ends in 2006; if he plans to give a commitment on the structures and funding beyond this date to remove the uncertainty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12608/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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County and city enterprise boards, CEBs, play an extremely important role in developing the small business sector in Ireland and, to support them in delivering their programmes, nearly €30 million in Exchequer funds has been allocated to fund them in 2005.

The CEBs have been co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the current National Development Plan 2000-2006. I am aware that concerns exist about the future of the boards after the end of the current round of EU funding in 2006. At this stage, it is still not clear what level of EU funds will be available for Ireland in the next round of funding and, accordingly, it is likely to be some time before we will know how much EU funding, if any, will be available to support the CEBs programmes after 2006.

Notwithstanding the uncertainty about EU funding that exists at present, I can confirm that it is my intention that an appropriate level of funding for the CEBs will be maintained for the foreseeable future. However, as with any programme of expenditure, the amount to be provided each year will have to be determined in the context of the usual budgetary constraints. As regards structures, the Government has approved a recommendation contained in the enterprise strategy group for the establishment of a new central co-ordination unit within Enterprise Ireland, which will provide the CEBs with central direction, technical support, shared services and quality assurance with a view to enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the CEBs. Discussions have already commenced between my Department and the relevant agencies regarding the steps necessary to implement the ESG's recommendation on this topic. While I have no plans at this time for any other changes to the structure of the network of CEBs throughout the country, the position will always be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances.