Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2013
138. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he has taken to ensure that all job creation bodies, which seek to promote enterprises, do not pass on excessive cost to client companies. [18621/13]
View answerEnterprise Ireland does not levy direct charges on clients and at all times endeavours to keep costs to a minimum. However, where a client company elects to participate in knowledge events or to commission specific research in the field EI will charge a contributory fee. The fact that such activities are subsidised by Enterprise Ireland renders it a support to a business rather than a charge. Examples of events where Enterprise Ireland client companies contribute to overall costs include the following:
- Client Management Development – In partnership with international and Irish business schools, Enterprise Ireland has put in place a number of programmes that assist companies to builds skills and competencies, grow their businesses and develop their export potential. The general rule in these cases is that Enterprise Ireland will cover 70% of the costs of the company if it is an SME and 50% of the costs if it is a large company. The balance of the cost is covered by the company.
- Participation on an Outward/Trade Mission – A mission participation fee of €500 is sought per participating company. The fee represents a contribution toward receptions, group transport/transfers and administration. Additional costs may be levied directly to the client depending on the specifics of the trade mission.
- Participation at Trade Fairs – Enterprise Ireland seeks to recoup 50% of the total gross costs (floor space, design and construction costs and any additional costs of client companies’ participation on the stand) of the space they occupy or benefit from. Enterprise Ireland pays 100% of the space it occupies on the stand.
County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) support micro enterprises through direct grant aid and training and support measures - the latter being subsidised by the Boards. The Board may charge fees to clients for participation in their training or mentoring programmes. Whilst these charges are based on a number of factors - such as trainer costs - the CEBs will always consider the participant’s ability to pay. If the participant is unemployed, the Board may decide to waive the fee. CEBs also provide a facility to pay by way of installments. Fees for specific interventions such as the National Mentoring Scheme provide for a fixed rate of payment to the mentor. Management Development courses are usually offered through a package of interventions. These include various training elements at a set fee.
The two Enterprise Agencies who report to my Department and who have significant property portfolios, namely IDA Ireland and Shannon Development, have confirmed that, where businesses are in difficulties, they have, on a case by case basis, responded to and facilitated companies’ requests for reduced rent and will continue to do so. I can assure the Deputy that the Enterprise Development Agencies continually seek to keep fees to a minimum.
