Written answers

Thursday, 27 October 2016

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Local Enterprise Offices

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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189. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the case of a person (details supplied) who sought information from the enterprise board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32504/16]

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The State support bodies within the remit of my Department' which provide assistance to micro and small businesses in County Kerry are Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO). Kerry County Enterprise Board was legally dissolved on 14th April 2014 and the LEO Kerry was established on the same day.

The LEOs are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance' financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. Soft supports in the form of training and mentoring can also be provided to anyone wishing to start or expand their business. The LEOs also provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant state supports available through agencies such as Revenue' Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland. The LEOs can also offer advice and guidance in areas such as Local Authority rates' Public Procurement and other regulations affecting business.

Both Enterprise Ireland and LEO Kerry have confirmed that they have had no contact with the person in question or his company. As Kerry County Enterprise Board has not traded since its dissolution in April 2014' the Head of Enterprise in LEO Kerry has suggested that the person in question may have been in contact with one of the Local Development Companies which provides assistance under the LEADER programme which is now within the remit of the Department of Arts' Heritage' Regional' Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

If the person in question wishes to contact the LEO Kerry for assistance' the Head of Enterprise will be happy to engage with him directly. Contact details: LEO Kerry' County Buildings' Rathass' Tralee 066 7183522 tomas.hayes@leo.kerrycoco.ie.

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