Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2023
77. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 49 of 12 October 2023, for an update on the implementation of the white paper on enterprise; the details of the first update report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51390/23]
View answerLaunched in December 2022, the White Paper on Enterprise sets out the Government’s approach to enterprise policy for the period to 2030. The White Paper sets out Ireland`s industrial policy for the medium- to long-term, building on Ireland`s economic strengths of an open economy with strong trade and foreign direct investment, a vibrant innovation hub, and a resilient labour market.
In May of this year, I published the first in a series of consecutive two-year Implementation Plans of cross-government activity to implement the policy direction set out in the White Paper.
This first implementation plan covers the period 2023-24 and identifies a portfolio of 40 key initiatives across all seven policy priorities that were identified within the White Paper on Enterprise. Whilst my Department and the enterprise agencies are leading on the bulk of these initiatives, additional activities are under the remit of other Departments across Government. My Department continues to both collaborate and monitor progress across Government in this regard.
Update reports on the progress on the Implementation Plan are developed every six months, and implementation is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on the Economy and Investment. The first Update Report was developed during Q3 2023 and details the progress made during the first six months of 2023. Detailed information is provided on progress across the 40 key initiatives that were identified and agreed as part of the 2023-2024 Implementation Plan.
Key updates detailed within the report include progress made on the National Strategy for Offshore Wind, the commencement of our four new European Digital Innovation Hubs as well as the launch of a pilot LEO framework to address previous gaps in support for Irish enterprise with export potential that have between 10 and 50 full time employees.
The Update Report also contains updates on the 15 key targets set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, where updated data are available.
The Update Report will be brought to Government next week, where it is expected to be published thereafter. Preparations are now underway by officials in my Department for the development of the next update report in Q1 2024, which will cover the second six months of 2023.
