Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on whether a national mentoring strategy has benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3184/13]

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to develop a national mentoring strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3183/13]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 46 together.

I would like to acknowledge the importance of mentoring as a means of supporting start-up businesses and of sustaining and growing existing businesses. The mentoring programmes operated by the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and by Enterprise Ireland (EI) are a key element of the supports currently provided by those agencies to their respective client base.

The Deputy will be aware that the current system of supports to micro and small business will be enhanced as part of the Government’s reform of the national micro-enterprise and small business support infrastructure, which will be delivered through Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) on foot of a comprehensive service level agreement between Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Local Authorities. Enterprise Ireland will be charged with overseeing the delivery of supports, including mentoring programmes, across the LEO network.

Last November I launched a consultation paper to seek the views of all stakeholders on how the Government’s proposal to reform the national micro and small business support infrastructure can best be implemented. The closing date for receipt of submissions was extended to last Friday, 18th January, because of the level of interest. I received over 80 submissions, including submissions focussed on mentoring, which are now being considered by my Department. The submissions will also be considered in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and the Implementation Working Group which is overseeing the implementation of the Government’s proposals. The question of a national mentoring programme will be considered in that context.