Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 30 together.

Local authorities play a central role in supporting economic development and enterprise at local level. They do this in a number of ways including through their capital and current budgets, economic planning and development and the provision of goods and services as well as community infrastructure.

Business Support Units (or similar arrangements) have been put in place in all county and city councils. These Units provide a dedicated one-stop-shop approach for businesses in areas such as planning and water services. They also refer business to appropriate enterprise support and development bodies. In addition, the local government led County/City Development Boards are engaged in economic development and the promotion of enterprise in their areas.

I am also acutely aware of the pressures on small and medium sized businesses at the present time. My Department, this year and in recent years, has requested local authorities to exercise restraint in setting commercial rates to support competitiveness in the economy and to protect the interests of communities. Local authorities have responded positively to these requests. Across the 88 local authorities, annual rates on valuation declined by an average of 0.64% from 2010 to 2011. The Programme for Government provides for an expanded role for local authorities in local enterprise and community development. This in turn will assist in maximising the impact of investment to produce jobs at local level. The assignment of the community brief to my Department is important in this regard. Against this background my Department will be working closely with local government and local development interests to achieve the alignment of both sectors under democratic leadership to the benefit of the local communities which they serve.