Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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296. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he will take to address the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30168/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that the Westmeath LEO met with the company concerned during April 2014, when the attendees were fully briefed on LEO services. The company subsequently applied for tradeshow assistance and I understand from the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Westmeath that they were approved funding to exhibit at a tradeshow in the UK in 2015. The LEO received no further applications for any other assistance from the company.

LEO Westmeath is happy to meet with the company again and outline the services available to them. In this regard, I would suggest that the company should make contact again with the LEO to discuss their current situation and needs as the LEO is best placed to advise the company at this stage in its development. Further information is available from LEO Westmeath, Áras an Chontae, Mount Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Email: , website: www.localenterprise.ie/Westmeath.

In regard to Enterprise Ireland assistance, the Agency supports high potential start-ups which are companies that are internationally focused and that have the potential to employ at least 10 persons within three to four years of starting and to generate revenues of at least €1 million.

While I understand from Enterprise Ireland that they met with the company in 2014, I would nevertheless suggest that the company completes and returns the Outline Business Proposition which is available from Enterprise Ireland. This will enable the Agency to assess the business and its stage of development with regard to where Enterprise Ireland may be able to assist.

I would also recommend that the company consider attending an export workshop organised by Enterprise Ireland’s team from their Potential Exporters Division. In addition, the company have the option of using Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre services to explore export markets. Further information on the Agency’s services is available at .