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Job Creation Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Questions (451)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

451. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he and his Department have taken and plan to undertake to address the scourge of unemployment in counties Cavan and Monaghan; if he will advise of prospects in the pipeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34452/13]

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Written answers

The Government’s approach to tackling the unemployment problem is to focus resources on those individuals most at risk of long-term unemployment. In this context, together with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Social Protection, I launched the JobsPlus initiative last week. This is a new employer incentive scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection which will incentivise businesses to hire jobseekers from the Live Register, boost job creation and reduce long-term unemployment. Much of the application and approval process for JobsPlus will be completed online at www.jobsplus.ie.

In terms of job creation in Cavan and Monaghan, Enterprise Ireland’s (EI) activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies (HPSU), the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and Third Level institutions. EI provides a range of supports for start-ups including: the Competitive Feasibility Fund for the North East Region (Cavan, Monaghan and Louth) launched in February 2013; the Competitive Start-Up Fund, the Seed and Venture Capital and Development Capital Fund; the HALO Business Angel Partnership Programme that is mandated to match business angels to appropriate projects; the New Frontiers Programme and the Innovation Voucher Initiative.

EI has 99 client companies in County Cavan employing in excess of 4,000 people. To date in 2013, over €621,000 has been approved to Cavan companies and €420,000 paid. In County Monaghan, Enterprise Ireland has 124 client companies employing almost 3,500 people. To date in 2013, over €1.4m has been approved to Monaghan companies and €599,000 paid.

The Cavan and Monaghan County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) support the micro-enterprise sector at local level. Support is available, subject to certain criteria, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level, with priority being given to manufacturing and internationally traded services. In 2012, Cavan CEB paid out €234,185 to 20 projects and 477 people availed of Cavan CEB Training Programmes. To date in 2013, Cavan CEB has approved €234,500 in grant aid to 10 projects with the potential to create 47 full-time and 16 part-time jobs. In 2012, Monaghan CEB paid out €258,522 to 14 projects and 648 people availed of Monaghan CEB Training Programmes. To date in 2013, Monaghan CEB has approved grant aid of €171,220 to 6 start-up and developing companies with an expected job creation figure of 15.

Recent initiatives organised by these two CEBs to address job losses in the region, include:

- A €3.064 million project funded by the Special EU Programmes Body under the INTERREG IVA Programme entitled “Harnessing Natural Resources”. Overall, it is estimated that the project will result in the creation of up to 100 jobs.

- An Information Event in Castleblayney, inviting all relevant agencies to come together under one roof to provide information and support to the unemployed.

The Government also established a Microfinance Loan Fund in 2012, to improve access to credit for entrepreneurs and to facilitate the growth and expansion of viable businesses. This is particularly relevant to entrepreneurs who don’t have a track record in credit history, previous business experience, other assets to act as security etc. which financial institutions typically seek.

In accordance with its Horizon 2020 Strategy, IDA has invested in the provision of an extensive portfolio of property solutions in the North East Region which enhances its marketability for potential FDI opportunities. IDA will consider all opportunities to leverage its property portfolio in smaller population centres like Cavan and Monaghan in order to facilitate investment generation and job creation from the indigenous and non-traditional sectors of the economy.

The following revised reply was received on 27 September 2013.

Please note that the reply contained the following statement: "EI has 99 client companies in County Cavan employing in excess of 4,000 people. To date in 2013, over €621,000 has been approved to Cavan companies and €420,000 paid."

It has been brought to the Minister's attention that this statement was not factually correct and the reply should have referred to payments of €621,000 and approval of €420,000.

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