Written answers

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Small and Medium Enterprises Development

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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248. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has engaged with successful indigenous Kerry companies (details supplied) to learn from their approach in order to see if it can be applied in other cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18536/14]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by Enterprise Ireland that they have an active engagement with the companies concerned that the Deputy has referred to. Enterprise Ireland’s objective in working with all of its client companies is to bring the best expertise, advice and support to bear on the company’s development plan. Given its role of assisting companies to grow and internationalise, Enterprise Ireland, through its interactions and by addressing business opportunities and challenges with companies, evolves and tailors its approaches to working with its clients. This is an ongoing process and each company presents its own development plan and journey which is unique to that company.

Enterprise Ireland consults regularly with its clients and is active in taking feedback about the challenges facing Irish companies, in addition to the factors underlying the many success stories which exist across the country. Enterprise Ireland places considerable importance on sharing the experience of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders with nascent entrepreneurs and start-ups as well as companies striving to scale and enter new markets. In essence, Enterprise Ireland promotes experience and knowledge sharing among companies and peers in business. Enterprise Ireland does this through the establishment of networks, peer-to-peer groups and by supporting mentoring of businesses.

The Deputy will be aware that yesterday, on behalf of the Government and together with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, I formally launched the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) throughout the country. The LEOs represent a transformation of the support structure for micro and small enterprises across every county. The new service means that national enterprise policy and local business supports have been brought together to strengthen the local business culture and environment, combining the best of the former County and City Enterprise Boards and the Local Authorities, overseen by the Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland. The 31 LEO Offices are now the local hub for enterprise support and will deliver not just the existing range of supports that were available from the CEB network, such as mentoring, but in addition will provide:

- An enhanced advice and guidance service embracing all other local and national supports, backed by protocols relating to information exchange, mutual contacts and client referrals with other key agencies – (Revenue, Social Protection, and the Credit Review Office);

- Seamless progression of clients to Enterprise Ireland;

- Direct referral to the Microfinance Ireland and Loan Guarantee Schemes and;

- Direct advice and guidance on Local Authority rates, procurement and regulations affecting business.
I should also point out that I have been very active in seeking the input and views of a broad cross-section of companies and entrepreneurs in Ireland, particularly as part of the development each year of the Action Plan for Jobs.

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