Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013
386. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will examine a business plan in respect of a training centre (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he will provide advice, assistance, grant aid, and so on, to ensure that this major project will accommodate up to 2,500 students and create jobs at the earliest possible date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23849/13]
View answerNeither my Department, nor its Enterprise Development Agencies, in particular Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) provide funding for the establishment of Training Centres.
These Agencies do however, provide a suite of programmes to assist companies to develop their enterprises and support both start up and established businesses. All companies eligible for support from the Agencies have the same access to State services regardless of their location or status.
Enterprise Ireland focuses on supporting companies with a clear export focus.
While grant-aid is generally available only to manufacturing and internationally-traded services, CEBs can also provide indirect assistance such as advice and mentoring to locally trading businesses. The Kerry County Enterprise Board may be able to offer the promoters of the proposed Training Centre at Lyreacrompane, advice on the future development of their Business Plan and the contact details are available on the following website: http://www.kerryenterprise.ie/.
Policy matters in regard to education and training issues, including FETAC Certification, are the responsibility of my colleague, Mr Ruairí Quinn, T.D., Minister for Education and Skills. Any questions that the promoters of the proposed Training Centre may have in that regard, should be directed to that Department.
