Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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229. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will report on the status and operation of the protocol between his Department and Údarás na Gaeltachta regarding the work of and supports provided by local enterprise offices in Gaeltacht areas. [14889/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Currently no protocol exists between DJEI and Údarás na Gaeltachta regarding the work of and supports provided by Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in Gaeltacht areas. When the County Enterprise Boards were dissolved in April 2014 their functions, assets & liabilities transferred under primary legislation to Enterprise Ireland, with the functions being carried out through the Local Authorities through the establishment of Local Enterprise Offices.

A memorandum of understanding exists since 2009 between Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta in relation to areas of cooperation and coordination between the two agencies. This was updated in 2013 through the inclusion of an addendum to enable Údarás na Gaeltachta to optimise the resources available to its client companies through supports and programmes administered by Enterprise Ireland, with very specific criteria.

In that regard meetings and discussions have also taken place between Enterprise Ireland and Údarás to clarify the role of the LEOs and Údarás within Gaeltacht areas.