Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2016
273. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if there are specific measures or schemes overseen by her Department to promote or support self-employment as a viable option for persons with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35566/16]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the First-Stop-Shop front line service assisting in delivering business growth and jobs for the micro-enterprise sector. They pull together Government Departments and Agencies to support anyone with a good business idea and to strengthen the enterprise sector in the local area. The LEOs can support anyone considering entrepreneurship as a career option, including the self-employed and persons with disabilities. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, the LEOs can offer direct financial assistance to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities.
The LEOs may also be able to offer ‘soft’ supports in the form of training, or providing a mentor to work with the business proposer. In addition, the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant state supports available through agencies such as Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, Education and Training Boards, Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland. The LEOs can also offer advice and guidance in areas such as Local Authority rates, public procurement and other regulations affecting business.
Enterprise Ireland provides a range of supports, both financial and non-financial, to foster entrepreneurship throughout the country. These supports are available to all entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility requirements. People with disabilities can avail of these supports once they meet the required eligibility for the respective support.
The ‘Supporting SMEs’ online search tool (www.actionplanforjobs.ie), contains information on the range of Government supports for SMEs.
