Written answers

Thursday, 8 July 2010

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation

County Enterprise Boards

10:00 pm

Photo of John PerryJohn Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on the way the micro-enterprise sector can be further assisted in view of the difficulties currently facing that sector; the role county enterprise boards can play in that regard; his further views on whether their remit should be strengthened taking into account, [i]inter alia[/i], the proposals in the Fianna Fáil document, Accountable Responsible and Democratic Local Government, relating to boards and the increased demands the boards are experiencing for their services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31439/10]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Since their establishment the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) have had primary responsibility for the delivery of State support to the indigenous micro-enterprise sector i.e. businesses which employ 10 or less workers. The CEBs, through both financial and non-financial assistance, support the sector in the start-up and expansion phases and stimulate enterprise potential at local level. The current priorities for the CEBs are to assist owner/managers in enhancing the survival and sustainability of their businesses in these difficult economic times and to assist people wishing to start their own business including those made redundant.

A thriving micro-enterprise sector is vital to a strong economy and to the overall quality of life and standard of living in this country and over the last fifteen years the CEBs have played a crucial role in supporting growth and productivity in that sector and in supporting the spread of entrepreneurship across the Country. I am of the view that State support for that sector should continue to be provided and such support should be delivered as close to the client as possible. To this end I am reviewing what institutional arrangements might best deliver the necessary supports to the micro-enterprise sector and I am evaluating the appropriateness of the current structures of the thirty-five CEBs as part of that process.

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