13 Mar 2012, 17:51
The Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education will scrutinise various EU legislative proposals, including COM(2011)834 on SME competitiveness, at its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 14th March.
Officials from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will attend the meeting to discuss this proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.
Committee Chairman Damien English, TD said: “Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are an important contributor to growth and employment in Ireland and the European Union. If the EU and Ireland are to deliver on the Europe 2020 priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, competitiveness needs to be centre stage. SMEs and business start-ups will play a key role in creating jobs and reducing unemployment – however, increased competitiveness whether it is through the use of technology or cutting costs, will be a key factor, particularly for those involved in the export sector. Tomorrow, we will hear from officials from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on EU proposals in this area and will have a chance to raise any issues in relation to competitiveness and SMEs.”
This meeting will start at 9.30am on Wednesday, 14th March in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.
Committee proceedings can be followed live at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education
Membership
Damien English, TD (Chairman)
Ray Butler, TD
Áine Collins, TD
Joan Collins, TD
Michael Conaghan, TD
Barry Cowen, TD
Seán Crowe, TD
Tom Fleming, TD
Brendan Griffin, TD
John Halligan, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Anthony Lawlor, TD
John Lyons, TD
Nicky McFadden, TD
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, TD
Aengus Ó Snodaigh, TD
Willie O’Dea, TD
Brendan Ryan, TD
Brendan Smith, TD
Peadar Tóibín, TD
Senators
Deirdre Clune,
John Kelly,
Michael Mullins,
Marie Louise O’Donnell,
Averil Power,
Feargal Quinn