John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 21: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the future of county enterprise boards; if he is satisfied with the investment return in previous years; the investment levels he will allow for the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8499/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) were set up in 1993 to provide support for micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level.

A fundamental review of the role of the CEBs in the development of the micro-enterprise sector in Ireland was conducted during 2004. This comprehensive review largely endorsed the activities and operations of the CEBs and concluded that there is justification for continued state support to micro-enterprises and that the CEB network can continue to play a key role in the overall delivery of a national enterprise policy. The role of the CEBs in embedding an entrepreneurial culture in Ireland was further endorsed in both the Enterprise Strategy Group Report and the Report of the Small Business Forum.

The CEBs provide both financial and non-financial assistance and through the provision of such support they have been central in assisting many micro-enterprises to develop their growth and export potential and, over time, to develop sufficient mass to access the services of Enterprise Ireland.

In 2007 alone over 900 projects received grant aid and over 2,200 net jobs were created in CEB assisted enterprises. In addition over 20,000 people participated on various CEB sponsored training courses.

In 2008 the total budget allocation for the 35 CEBs stands at over €33m of which over €20m is available for Capital expenditure alone. I believe that this level of funding is adequate in order to enable the CEBs to fulfill their remit in maximizing entrepreneurial development in the micro-enterprise sector throughout the country. It is my intention that an appropriate level of financial support for the CEB network will continue to be made available.

I am satisfied that the CEBs have made a significant contribution to the economic progress in Ireland over the last decade and I envisage that they will continue to play a central role in the ongoing development of indigenous enterprise particularly in the micro-enterprise sector. The recent establishment of the Central Coordination Unit within Enterprise Ireland will enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the CEBs.