asked the Minister for Finance if he will make available finance from a global grant under the EC Structural Funds to Enterprise Connacht-Ulster to help that organisation in its work to introduce small businesses to European partners.
Written Answers. - Connaught-Ulster Enterprise Funding.
38.
Under the National Development Plan, which forms the basis of Ireland's claim for assistance from the EC Structural Funds, support for the development of small businesses will be made available through a series of sectoral operational programmes covering the following sectors: Agriculture and Rural Development; Energy; Human Resources; Education, Training and Employment; Industrial Development; Roads; Sanitary and Local Services; Telecommunications and Postal Services; Tourism; and Access Transport.
The sectoral operational programmes are primarily the responsibility of the Ministers dealing with the sectors concerned.
In drawing up the plan and programmes, the Government recognised the importance of encouraging local development initiatives. Careful consideration was given to the merits of seeking a specific allocation from the EC Structural Funds to support such initiatives. The Government consider however that local development needs can be met most effectively through the sectoral programmes.
There are already in existence a large number of State agencies such as the IDA, SFADCo, Údarás na Gaeltachta and FÁS which provide a comprehensive range of services to support small business and development initiatives by local community groups. The increased allocation from the EC Structural Funds will greatly enhance the capacity of these agencies to contribute to local economic development. In the circumstances, the provision of a further, separate source of funding would not result in the most efficient and effective use of resources.