Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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109. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the stage at which the creation of the new local enterprise offices are at; and when will they be functioning. [18635/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The CEB Restructuring project is the first radical reform of the system for the delivery of State support to micro and small businesses since the establishment of the County and City Enterprise Boards in 1993. This reform will bring about a new level of engagement and interaction at both national and local level in relation to enterprise support and stimulation and economic recovery and growth.

Notwithstanding the fact that it is a complex project much progress has taken place. In particular agreement has being reached recently on the Framework Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities. This is a key document and will be the blueprint for each Local Enterprise Office going forward. The SLA sets out the structure, functions and role of the LEO as well as the respective roles of Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authority. It lays down the operating environment for each LEO i.e. protocols relating to project selection and evaluation, budgetary matters, corporate governance matters as well as the policies, guidelines and metrics required in each LEO. In addition the new LEO branding and associated logo has been designed and agreed. I will shortly publish and launch the SLA, and the LEO branding and logo both of which are tangible steps to the full rollout of the new infrastructure.

The finalisation of LEO locations, accommodation arrangements and personnel resources for each LEO is continuing and increased focus will now be placed on the “housekeeping” issues such as integration of IT systems and Financial Management systems, management of transfer of data etc. all of which will be central to a smooth transition from a CEB structure to a Local Authority based LEO. It is vital to get these elements right so as to ensure a seamless transition in terms of client service and delivery upon dissolution of the CEBs. In relation to the formal dissolution of the CEBs officials of my Department are continuing, in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, to develop draft legislation with a view to bringing the Bill to Government shortly, with a view to enactment before the summer recess.