Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 287: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will support a matter (details supplied). [7688/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Action Plan for Jobs, which I launched yesterday, outlines the Government's plan to rebuild the economy and create jobs. The plan will improve access to finance for small businesses, reduce costs and red tape, and improve supports for exports, management and innovation. There are a number of actions contained in the plan specifically directed at indigenous industry, including construction.

Without doubt, the construction sector in Ireland has witnessed a dramatic decline in recent years. However, under the Plan, there are opportunities for the sector both domestically and in overseas markets. For example, Government investment in infrastructure under the Capital Programme will directly support in the region of 30,000 jobs in construction in the period to 2016. Employment will be maintained and created through investment in schools, hospitals, roads and water services.

While small companies and independent contractors dominate the sector, there is a growing base of Irish construction and engineering companies undertaking projects abroad. Enterprise Ireland clients in the construction and timber sector had a turnover of more than €6.4bn in 2010, of which more than €1.3bn was exported. While employment conditions remain very challenging, more than 23,000 people were working in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in the sector during 2011.

Enterprise Ireland support is targeted primarily at exporting companies. However, the agency can provide support for domestically trading companies wishing to explore new opportunities in overseas markets, such as the Going Global Competitive Fund, First Flight Workshops and interaction and advice with EI personnel, including those based in overseas markets. Enterprise Ireland's Public Procurement Unit is focused on developing opportunities for participation in tender opportunities for client companies through supporting Contracting Authorities in identifying innovative SMEs. In addition, the agency is actively supporting the adoption and use of Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Circular 10/10 Guidelines on improving access to tender opportunities for SMEs. While not specifically aimed at construction contractors, Enterprise Ireland's supports are focused on addressing issues concerning all SME inclusion and participation. Details of Enterprise Ireland's supports are available on the agency's website www.enterprise-ireland.com

I have been reviewing the structure of enterprise supports in recent months and, in particular, the role of the CEBs. Under the Action Plan for Jobs it is proposed that a new "one-stop-shop" micro enterprise support structure be established through the dissolution of the existing CEB structures and the creation of a new Micro Enterprise and Small Business Unit in EI. Enterprise Ireland will work with the Local Authorities to establish a new network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in each Local Authority. The LEOs will combine the enterprise support service of the previous CEBs and the business support work of the Business Support Units in the Local Authorities, offering an enhanced service because of their seamless access to both EI expertise and the broader business services of the Local Authority. The intention is that the new LEOs will act as a focal point for a series of important new policy initiatives aimed at small businesses. The Deputy may wish to access the full details of the Action Plan for Jobs on my Department's website www.djei.ie .