Vol. 576 No. 5
87 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reasons for the reduction in funding for county enterprise boards; and her views on the damage this reduction will impact on local business ideas. [29949/03]
In deciding the 2004 Exchequer allocation, careful consideration was given to the appropriate prioritisation of funding given the limited resources available. In this context, I decided to significantly increase the funding provided by my Department to the science and technology budget which, obviously, constrained my ability to maintain funding in other areas. Notwithstanding this policy orientation, I remain strongly committed to the support and development of the indigenous sector. My Department closely monitors the CEBs budgetary situation on an ongoing basis and will continue to take a proactive stance in ensuring that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development throughout the country. I am confident that boards will still be in a position to provide an appropriate level of assistance to any good quality projects that present over the coming year.
