Job creation is at the top of the Government's agenda. Since we came into office, we have been working hard to create the improved economic conditions which will support the maintenance of existing jobs and the creation of new ones. Our objective is to put the country back on the road to economic recovery and full employment. The Action Plan for Jobs, which I launched on 13 February, outlines the Government's plan to rebuild the economy and create jobs. The plan will improve access to finance for small businesses, reduce costs and red tape, and improve supports for exports, management and innovation.
Supporting new and existing indigenous businesses, across the country, to grow and export is central to our plans for recovery, growth and jobs and the Action Plan for Jobs contains a significant number of measures which are aimed specifically at the facilitation and incentivisation of growth among SMEs throughout the country. Among the measures announced are:
The introduction of a microfinance fund to provide loans of up to €25,000 to micro-enterprises in the Irish economy.
A drive to support 95 new High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) with a significant contribution to that number from ambitious international mobile entrepreneurs.
The reshaping of the micro-enterprise supports in Ireland to put in place an improved enterprise support structure for small businesses throughout Ireland.
The establishment of a potential exporter Division within Enterprise Ireland to stimulate greater activity within companies across all regions and to reorient those demonstrating real growth potential from the domestic to the international market place. The introduction of capital initiatives including the Development Capital Scheme and the Second Call of Innovation Fund Ireland.
Rolling out of a number of market initiatives, including Trade missions, an International Market Week, attracting 600 inward buyers to Ireland, driving the take up of the Going Global initiative, and working proactively with the Diaspora.
Establishment of a Senior Management team between EI and IDA to drive effective collaboration to deliver on key priorities such as procurement opportunities for SMEs and attracting inward start-ups.
It is important to clearly state that eligible companies have the same access to State services and supports, regardless of their location. Enterprise Ireland coordinates a range of supports delivered locally, including entrepreneurship programmes which are focused on identifying and assisting new business prospects across the country. Under the Regional Aid Guidelines, the Development agencies can support projects in less advantaged regions to a higher level of aid intensity, which can act as a significant incentive to the undertaking of projects which can aid job growth and expansion.
I am confident that the measures outlined in the Action Plan for Jobs, together with other policies and initiatives being pursued, will create the employment opportunities necessary for Bray and Co. Wicklow generally.