John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans for investment in micro-enterprise in 2011; his views on how best such investment can be delivered; his further views on whether the delivery of services in a locally-accessible, flexible and efficient manner is essential for the micro-enterprise sector; if he will ensure that county enterprise boards (details supplied) are adequately funded to meet the increased demands of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31440/10]

Batt 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.

The Capital Allocation for the CEBs in 2010 is almost €15m. This allocation represents a strong State investment in the micro-enterprise sector notwithstanding the significant pressure on Public finances. Individual CEBs are prioritising and managing available funding in a targeted manner in order to maximise entrepreneurial development at local level.

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.