Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 221: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the support services for self-employed persons who are out of work. [12208/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

People who were previously self-employed and who are out of work can avail of the services of the state agencies for a range of supports. For those seeking employment, a variety of supports are available through the Department of Social Protection, including the services to jobseekers provided by FAS. Further details of services for jobseekers are available on the website www.fas.ie .

The Action Plan for Jobs, which I launched on 13 February, includes a number of initiatives which will support those wishing to start up new businesses, including:

The introduction of a microfinance fund to provide loans of up to €25,000 to small business start-ups.

A focus on improving bank lending practices to support job creation and on ensuring that lending targets for the pillar banks are met.

A commitment to maintaining a strong business development function in the Community Enterprise Centres, which provide both a support network for emerging entrepreneurs and micro industries.

A specific focus on supporting female entrepreneurs in a new Business Start-Up drive for women.

Additionally, and as outlined in the Action Plan for Jobs, I have been reviewing the structure of enterprise supports in recent months and, in particular, the role of the CEBs. A new "one-stop-shop" micro enterprise support structure will be established through the dissolution of the existing CEB structures and the creation of a new Micro Enterprise and Small Business Unit in Enterprise Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland will work with the Local Authorities to establish a new network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). The LEOs will combine the enterprise support service previously provided by the CEBs and the business support work of the Business Support Units in the Local Authorities. This will provide an enhanced service to micro-enterprises through seamless access to both Enterprise Ireland 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.