Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 74: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to review the operation of county enterprise boards to allow them respond to the new challenges presented by the current economic climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23925/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) were established by the Government to develop indigenous potential and stimulate economic activity at a local level, primarily through the provision of financial and technical support for the development of small and micro enterprises. The Boards form a nationwide support network for small business, and are responsible for areas not already covered by State Agencies.

The forms of financial assistance that are available from the CEB network, subject to certain criteria, include Capital Grants, Employment Grants, and Feasibility Study Grants. The provision of non-financial assistance can take the form of a wide range of business advice such as Programmes covering Business Management, Mentoring, E-commerce, Enterprise Education, and Women in Business networks.

My Department, in association with the CEB Central Coordination Unit within Enterprise Ireland (CCU), and with the CEB network, will continue to monitor the level of funding and range of support services offered by the CEBs to the micro-enterprise sector, particularly in the light of the current economic climate.

The Capital Allocation to the CEBs for 2009 is €20.229m for provision of supports to micro-enterprise. The Boards will continue to be actively involved in the area of economic development and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development.