Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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142. To ask the Minister for Finance the package of measures that were announced in budget 2014 which were specifically targeted at supporting start ups and growing small businesses; if all of these measures have now been implemented; what the take-up has been like; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25945/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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On 9 April 2014, I published an update on the Budget 2014 €500m "Building Business and Creating Jobs Measures" on my Department's website at

Further to this, the Deputy should be aware that the SME Communications Strategy has been progressed.  On 19 May I officially launched the Supporting SMEs online tool at the opening of the Limerick Local Enterprise Office. This online tool is a cross-governmental initiative to help Irish start-ups and small businesses navigate the range of Government business supports that they could be eligible for. 

This online search tool is a central element of this campaign and helps SMEs to access information on the over 80 Government supports, totalling over €2bn, currently available. Over the past number of months we have collaborated with over 100 small businesses on this project and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

The Supporting SMEs Online Tool is now available at the Local Enterprise Office website

Government officials are currently showcasing the Supporting SMEs online tool at numerous events around Ireland.

The Government remains committed to the SME sector and sees it as the key engine of ongoing economic recovery and growth.  Consequently my Department, working with the other relevant Departments and Agencies, will continue to monitor both the availability of credit and the process of debt management with a view to taking appropriate actions as warranted to ensure that SMEs in Ireland have the opportunity to reach their full potential in terms of growth and employment generation.