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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 25 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 4

Written Answers. - Small Business Operations Programme.

Seamus Brennan

Ceist:

278 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will make a statement on the implementation of measures five and two of the small business operations programme (details supplied). [13552/96]

Measure 5 — pilot training projects — of the small business operational programme is intended to improve the business knowhow and the business environment of the small business sector by developing the strategic focus and skills of owners and managers. This measure of the SBOP is specifically designed to support innovative programmes of small business training.

Advertisements inviting applications for funding were placed in the national papers last February. The closing date for receipt of applications was 15 March 1996. Seventy applications for funding under this measure were received and have been considered by a working group within my Department. To date, eight projects have been approved for funding and it is intended that the remaining applicants will be informed of the outcome of their applications very shortly. The ongoing implementation of individual projects will be monitored by my Department for the duration of each project.
Measure 2 — public procurement — is designed to improve access to public markets for small business through a number of multi-faceted actions addressing market identification weakness among small businesses and barriers to entry in public procurement, whether arising on the demand or supply sides. The operational programme, as published, includes a number of submeasures and states that these "will include the establishment of relevant databases, general advisory services and specific support services related to sub-supply and tendering. A support service along similar lines will be developed in recognition of the North-South dimension of public procurement in Ireland." The measure is to be implemented by An Bord Tráchtála in co-operation with Forbairt.
A selection-implementation committee representative of my Department, the Department of Tourism and Trade, the Department of Finance, An Bord Tráchtála, Forbairt, the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, the Irish Institute of Purchasing Managers, Irish Small and Medium Enterprises and Small Firms Association was set up in February 1996 to select proposals from the agencies and to monitor their implementation. A detailed joint paper is being prepared by the two principal agencies — An Bord Tráchtála and Forbairt.
I have been informed that the design of this measure is nearing completion and that details of assistance to suppliers will be set down in an explanatory leaflet which will be distributed in the near future. This will list relevant contact names and phone numbers in An Bord Tráchtála and Forbairt.
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