Ivor Callely
Ceist:120 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the progress, if any, that has been made by the county enterprise boards in preparing a strategic plan for each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Enterprise Boards Plans.
The primary objectives of each county enterprise board are to focus, develop and support local entrepreneurship and enterprise within a framework of a coherent integrated county enterprise action plan so as to build an economy of real strength and permanence which will result in the creation of sustainable employment.
In achieving its primary objectives each board should, following consultations with interested relevant parties, and in particular, with the State development agencies, the social partners, business interests and community groups, draft and publish a three year county enterprise action plan.
To assist the boards in drafting their plans I have already arranged for guidelines in this regard to be circulated to them. I am also directing the State industrial development agencies which are represented on the boards to co-operate fully in providing information relevant to the formulation of their plans.
Since their inaugural meetings in September-October I understand that the boards are in the process of preparing their plans which should take several months to draft and complete.