Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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241. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which he continues to support and drive the creation of new enterprises in the indigenous sector nationally with particular reference to the need to encourage the generation of employment in all regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44609/20]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Enterprise Ireland Regional plan, “Powering the Regions” was developed within the context of the EI Corporate Strategy “Build Scale Expand Reach 2017 – 2020”, and places the regions at the heart of economic growth in Ireland. The Regional plan identifies new “National Initiatives” which are impactful and will develop regions of scale. The overarching plan is underpinned by nine specific regional plans. Each plan incorporates national initiatives to grow and sustain economic growth in every region in Ireland. The Regional Plan together with the implementation of the Regional Enterprise Development Fund will help build productivity and resilience in the regional enterprise base.

Over €20 million was invested in Local Enterprise Office clients and start-ups last year, up from €18.2 million in 2018. The Local Enterprise Offices make a significant contribution to boosting local economies across the country. They are helping to create jobs in every area across Ireland with funding, supports and expert guidance. Year on year my Department has increased our support for the Local Enterprise Offices and we will continue to support them and ensure that training, mentoring and financial support is available to our small businesses and entrepreneurs in all counties helping them to plan, start and grow.