Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the extent to which he proposes to address the issues raised by small and medium enterprises with a view to maximising their potential in the context of economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10126/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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There is widespread acceptance that small and medium enterprises are central to our economy. The appointment of my colleague, John Perry, T.D., as Minister for small Business is confirmation of the Government's commitment to this sector. The Programme for Government also outlines a number of measures which the Government will take to assist small and medium enterprises with a view to maximising their potential in the context of economic recovery.

In particular, the Government will introduce a Jobs Initiative which will facilitate jobs growth and sustainable enterprise. Full details on the Jobs Initiative will be announced next week involving measures across a number of different Government Departments.

I am very much aware, from my meetings to date with representative organisations from the SME sector, of the issues of concern to them and I, along with the Minister for Small Business, will be in ongoing contact with these organisations during our term of office to ensure that the various Government initiatives have the desired impact in terms of assisting economy recovery. Supports for the SME sector will be kept under review in consultation with the enterprise development agencies, and informed by the sector itself, in the light of international developments, national priorities and best practice.