Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
388. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 32 of 29 June 2023, to detail the disability training that is provided to staff working in local enterprise offices; if this training is optional or compulsory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36243/23]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports for all intending to start or grow a business. In that regard, the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant State supports available through agencies such as the Department of Social Protection, Revenue, Education and Training Boards and Microfinance Ireland.
The LEO grant supports are available to all entrepreneurs equally, provided their business meets the general eligibility criteria, such as operating in manufacturing or internationally traded services. In addition, all entrepreneurs can avail of LEO training, mentoring and management development programmes.
Enterprise Ireland provides capability and development training for LEO staff to support them to proactively engage with Clients. Training is provided across a range of business topics and is designed to help LEO Executives identify the problems facing client businesses, determine their causes and support owner/managers plan and implement appropriate solutions allowing them to prosper and grow.
The LEO’s as units with the Local Authority are committed to ensuring that all of their supports are fully accessible which ensures that a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use.
In addition as with all sections within the Local Authority the LEOs are subject to a Disability Implementation Plan which promotes universal access to all public spaces, buildings and services owned and operated by Local Authorities with each Local Authority employing an Access Officer promote universal access to all public spaces, buildings and services owned and operated by Local Authorities.
