Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:104 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the support he will give to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21168/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 April 2012
Ceisteanna (104)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, supporting balanced regional development and creating jobs in rural locations is a priority. It is only through the creation of jobs in these locations that the issues highlighted can be addressed. To this end, the Action Plan for Jobs sets out an ambitious plan for developing employment initiatives within communities. The range of actions set out in the plan recognises that while it is Government who will create the right operating environment for business growth and job creation, it is the local entrepreneurs who will create the jobs. To support these local entrepreneurs, it is crucial that enterprise supports are available locally. The establishment of a one-stop-shop to provide microenterprise support through the dissolution of the existing CEB offices and the creation of a new network of Local Enterprise offices will ensure an enhanced delivery of support to microenterprises nationally, with a seamless progression, where appropriate, to further Enterprise Ireland supports. Additionally, Enterprise Ireland's network of offices allows the agency to drive take-up of its services and supports such as entrepreneurship programmes focused on identifying new business opportunities, at a local level, thereby maximising take up and impact. Enterprise Ireland has also provided €61.4m in support towards the establishment of 134 locally owned Community Enterprise Centres (CECs) across the country, the majority in rural areas, which have enabled entrepreneurs to establish, provide employment and to grow their businesses in their own locality. Under the Action Plan for Jobs, a further programme of support is being rolled out for the maintenance or establishment of a strong business development function in the existing CECs. This will see 30 centres benefit from a full-time business development function, providing a 50% grant towards eligible costs or €50,000 over two years. Applications from eligible centres under this scheme are currently being assessed.