Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the efforts that are being made to retain jobs in existing industries especially in the small indigenous factories; his views on whether some of the structures put in place to support employment are geared towards larger employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24287/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The 35 County and City Enterprise Boards provide support to indigenous micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases by both financial and non-financial assistance. In 2009, the CEBs assisted the micro-enterprise sector through the provision of €10.365 million in grant assistance to 1,120 client projects. In addition, the Boards also provided 25,819 client participants with a variety of soft supports such as training and mentoring, management development and start your own business courses. All of this contributes to job creation by boosting the survival rate amongst micro businesses and facilitating the future growth and employment potential of those businesses. In 2010, with the €28.3 million funding secured by my Department, the CEBs will continue to assist micro-enterprises throughout the country to stimulate the development of indigenous enterprise, to boost employment creation and to maximise entrepreneurial development.

Enterprise Ireland's remit is to support start-ups that have the potential to employ more than 10 people and achieve €1 million in exports. These are start-ups that are typically highly innovative and are in a position to sell globally from their earliest stage. Stimulating the flow of new High Potential Start-ups and supporting their growth is one of the fundamental policies within Enterprise Ireland's overall strategy for indigenous industry.

In 2009, Enterprise Ireland supported the business plans of 73 High Potential Start-up Companies. These young companies are an integral part of the Government's blue print for the Smart Economy and are from sectors as diverse as life sciences, bio-tech and medical technology, food, telecommunications and internet services. They are expected to create over 900 new jobs over the next three years, bringing total employment in these businesses to almost 1,500. Total sales over the same period are expected to reach €600 million, with exports accounting for over 80% of this figure.