Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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332. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will support the introduction of a support scheme for small businesses where the Government would employ a person to look after the accounts and payroll for several small new businesses, thus encouraging more entrepreneurs to start their own businesses and help job creation. [3780/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The issue of financial capability is one that has been highlighted by many as a major concern for SMEs, particularly new businesses, in the current economic environment.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government, in an attempt to address these concerns announced in the Budget a specific provision for a subsidised pilot financial training programme for small businesses consisting of two days dedicated offsite training together with expert mentoring support. This measure is being developed by Skillnets Management Works Programme and is designed to improve the financial capability of SMEs. 1,000 SMEs are due to take part in the pilot programme in 2014.

The Deputy’s suggestion that the State introduce a scheme to cover costs of accounts and payroll services is interesting and I would welcome further details on his proposal. However, I have to point out that operational aid is forbidden in Ireland under the EU State Aid regulations and my Department’s initial reaction is that the proposed scheme might well fall under the operational aid category.