Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding job potential. [13902/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Job creation is central to our economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. The role of my Department is to drive Ireland's competitiveness and productivity by creating the conditions where enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation can flourish and quality employment opportunities are grown and maintained and to ensure that we have the right policies in place that will support and grow our enterprise base in order to facilitate both job creation and job retention. The Government's Jobs Initiative will facilitate the implementation of a number of measures across a range of Government Departments.

Within that context, my Department, through the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) provides support to micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases by both financial and non-financial assistance. The remit of these Boards as part of a nationwide Network is to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulate entrepreneurship in their area throughout the country. Business growth, job creation and retention are central to the activities of the CEBs.

CEBs can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. The forms of financial assistance, which are available, subject to certain restrictions and conditions, include Priming Grants, Business Expansion/Development Grants, and Feasibility/Innovation Study Grants. The CEBs give priority to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector and must always give consideration to any potential for deadweight and displacement arising from a proposed enterprise.

In addition, the CEBs deliver a wide range of non-financial supports such as Business Management, Mentoring, E-commerce, Enterprise Education, and Women in Business Networks. These supports are designed to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises and to assist new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow.

As Minister, I welcome contributions on measures which will further assist in Ireland's economic recovery. In relation to the specific proposal being made, as the CEBs unique role positions them as a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business I would advise that contact be made in the first instance with their local CEB to discuss the proposal in more detail. Contact details for each CEB may be found at their website www.enterpriseboards.ie.

In addition, the National Training and Employment Authority, FÁS, operating under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills, operates training and employment programmes, provides a recruitments service to jobseekers and employers, an advisory service for industry, and supports community-based enterprises, and I would advise that contact be made as appropriate with FÁS to discuss employer recruitment services. Further details may be explored through the FÁS website www.fas.ie.