John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her policies to specifically support the retail sector; if her development agencies are providing specialised assistance to retail firms to help them deal with competitive pressures due to currency differentials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45128/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Enterprise Ireland's engagement with the retail sector is limited, as retailing is not an eligible sector that Enterprise Ireland can provide support to under the Industrial Development (Services Industries) Order 2003. Companies in the retail sector that engage in one of the eligible activities set out in the Order, and currently generate or intend to generate exports from the eligible activity in the near future are eligible to apply for Enterprise Ireland supports. Enterprise Ireland is precluded from providing financial assistance to the retail sector to establish a commercial presence/outlet in either the domestic or international markets.

The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) provide support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer in the start-up and extension phases, promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs, however, priority is given to projects in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It is considered inappropriate to grant-support other areas of business activity which may result in unacceptable deadweight and/or displacement concerns. The former refers to where projects would have proceeded anyway and the latter to where the projects simply displace business from other players in the market.