Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the existence of a group (details supplied), an independent non-profit making enterprise support group which alleviates unemployment in the area by fostering the growth of small businesses and employment in the local community; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that the group provides office facilities at a reasonable cost, together with professional business supports, mainly to start up businesses; if funding will be made available to this group to enable it to continue providing suitable accommodation and other services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40772/09]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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State funding for indigenous enterprise support is primarily channelled through the relevant State Agencies. The thirty-five County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) were established by the Government to develop indigenous enterprise 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. Enterprise Ireland offers a wide range of services to SMEs and to High Potential Start Up companies (HPSUs) and ensures that suitable supports are available across those areas critical to business functions. Financial and non-financial supports are provided to companies with a business strategy that encompasses all elements required for business success.

The group referred to by the Deputy has already had dealings with the enterprise development agencies and received support from Enterprise Ireland in the past under the Community Enterprise Centres (CEC) Scheme. A Capital Grant totalling €91,421* was paid in stages over the years 1997/8/9 towards the Capital Costs of the Centre. The Community Enterprise Centres Scheme is a community led initiative in the form of a partnership between the local community and the State. Its objective is to enhance the development of an enterprise climate through the provision of infrastructural facilities to support the establishment and expansion of micro enterprises through local community participation in both urban and rural locations.

In addition, Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Enterprise Board (CEB) further assisted the development of the Enterprise Centre in the 1996-98 period by way of Capital Grants of €56,731* and an Employment Grant of €6,348.69*. During the period 1998-2003 the Group were at various times contracted by the CEB to provide enterprise support services on its behalf. The total support under these service provider contracts was €52,700* in the period.(*Note — Amounts are stated in converted Euros).

My Department is not in a position to directly fund this group, but I would encourage them to continue to engage with relevant bodies such as their local CEB and to avail of opportunities to work with the CEB as they arise and as appropriate.