Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he is concerned with the number of small businesses which have closed down over the past two years; his estimate of the numbers involved and the numbers unemployed as a consequence and his plans to reverse this trend. [36316/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Statistical information as sought by the Deputy is not collected through my Department. Responsibility for statistical information rests with the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Information is collected by the CSO under a new format under the EU Business Demography Regulation which only came into force in late 2007 and is subsequently published under the CSO Business Demography returns. I understand that some preliminary information covering business cessations, or "enterprise deaths" under the CSO classification, should be released by the CSO in November.

Information relating to company liquidations over the last two years provided by the Companies Registration Office is contained in the table attached below. It should be noted that this information covers companies of all sizes and that members liquidations would involve solvent companies. The Government's priority is to ensure that the business environment continues to be supportive of enterprises. Addressing the needs of SMEs is a particular priority that my Department will continue to support.

Our Enterprise Development Agencies continue to play a key role in stimulating the development of new businesses, facilitating the expansion of existing companies and targeting new foreign direct investment through a broad range of initiatives, including direct financial and non-financial supports to enterprises. These supports are aimed at improving productivity, market knowledge, competitiveness and leadership and management capabilities so that firms can compete successfully and grow their businesses and exports.

The Government have significantly expanded the range of measures and supports specifically targeted to assist unemployed individuals to get back into employment. The Department of Education and Skills have almost doubled the job search support capacity of FÁS this year to over 154,000 referrals from the National Employment Action Plan. From a training and education perspective, this year the Department of Education and Skills will be providing: · Over 160,000 training and employment places for the unemployed. This compares to 66,000 places provided in 2008. · 170,000 full time and part-time Further Education places. · 156,000 full time Higher Education places. All Higher Education programmes covered by the Free Fees Scheme are open to unemployed people.

These measures are designed to provide the unemployed with upskilling and re-skilling opportunities so that they can increase their employability thereby improving their prospects of securing employment in the future.