Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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424. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider, given the frequency of flooding events, putting a form of the emergency business flooding support scheme and the enhanced scheme on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48769/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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In 2018 government agreed (Government Decision S180/20/10/1272C of 27 November 2018) that the then Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation would undertake responsibility for the management of a standing Scheme to implement an emergency humanitarian financial grant Scheme for small businesses, community, voluntary and sporting bodies which have been unable to secure flood insurance and which experience flood damage to their premises. However, the Department does not currently have any vires to establish a permanent humanitarian Scheme through its suite of legislation. Pending the development of a legislative basis for a Standing Scheme, it is necessary to seek Government approval for an ad hoc Scheme to provide this emergency humanitarian grant.

Putting the emergency business flooding support scheme on a statutory basis is a priority for my department and officials are currently developing proposals for a legislative basis for the scheme.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Increased female participation in our workforce is vital for our economy and in the interests of our society we need to ensure that women can realise their full entrepreneurial potential.

For anyone who is considering starting their own business, regardless of the sector they are operating in, I would encourage them to seek the advice and support of their Local Enterprise Office (LEO).

Since their establishment in 2014, the LEOs have been an essential resource for Irish entrepreneurs, acting as a ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. The LEOs offer a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g. Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Bord Bia, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.

The LEOs provide a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. For anyone starting a new business, I would recommend enquiring about the Start Your Own Business Programme (SYOB), this guides clients through the various aspects of business and business planning.

For those looking to develop an Agri-Food Business, the LEOs work with a large number of food producers and host the Food Starter Programme, a short online programme designed to help early-stage food-based start-ups. The objective is to provide the participants with a base knowledge of what is involved in setting up a food business. The content is designed to provide participants with information which will allow them to avoid the pit falls normally associated with this journey. While certain aspects of the programme are relevant to those setting up cafes/restaurants, the core programme content is designed for those producing food to be sold through third parties i.e. food producers.

The LEOs have been particularly supportive of women entrepreneurs. This was highlighted recently by National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) which took place on 19th October with LEO hosted events nationwide. Each year, NWED offers an opportunity to learn and be inspired by female entrepreneurs and experienced business owners.

In all cases I would recommend speaking to a LEO Business Advisor to determine what Government assistance is available to them and what their next steps should be.