Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 June 2012
13 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of small and medium enterprises that he hopes to target with the recently released guidelines on cloud computing, entitled, SWiFT 10: Adopting the Cloud — decision support for Cloud computing. [27307/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra"SWiFT 10 Adopting the Cloud — decision support for Cloud computing" is designed to provide guidance toall organisations, both large and small, on the various issues that need to be considered when moving to the Cloud. Cloud computing is a key sector identified in the Action Plan for Jobs 2012 and the development of this SWiFT by National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) marks the delivery of a Q2 measure under the Action Plan.
"SWiFT 10:" was launched on 21 May 2012. The Irish Internet Association disseminated information on the SWiFT to the 6,500 subscribers of their Newsletter and 12,500 followers on Twitter. Both mainstream and IT specialist media reported on the Launch.
It is intended for use as a means of assessing Cloud adoption prioritisation and suitability. The SWiFT guidance will support organisations to thoroughly assess the practical suitability of Cloud computing across the gamut of their business operations. It includes a thorough review of all legal, security, maturity and cost/benefit considerations.
SMEs in particular will be receptive to this SWiFT, as they are looking to reduce costs, increase efficiencies, increase agility and open up new avenues.
Recent research indicates that while SMEs are convinced of the merits of the Cloud, they are hesitant to take those first steps. SWiFT 10 will guide business owners and managers through the process and assist them in making the appropriate decisions and setting the right course for their Cloud adoption strategy.
SWiFT 10 helps organisations determine whether Cloud is a right fit for them or not. It provides not only a starting point for businesses considering Cloud, it guides them through all the features that need to be considered when adopting Cloud and helps organisations large and small assess the risks and more importantly the benefits for their business at a small cost of less than €20.
In this regard this SWiFT will clear some of the confusion which may be hampering Cloud adoption and provide a means of promoting and encouraging greater adoption among Irish SMEs. It is not possible at this stage to put a number on the SMEs that will avail of the SWiFT 10 guidance.
14 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the actions he has taken to improve credit conditions for small and medium enterprise; his views on the success or otherwise of these actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27537/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra19 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the level of support being offered to small and medium enterprises by the major banks; and the additional supports he believes this sector requires. [27327/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 19 together.
As the House is aware, the Government has imposed SME lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013. Both banks were required to sanction lending, including lending for working capital purposes, of at least €3 billion in 2011, €3.5 billion this year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs. Both banks achieved their 2011 targets. The progress on their lending plans is closely monitored each month.
Notwithstanding this close monitoring, access to finance in the current risk averse lending environment remains restricted for certain sectors. Mr. John Trethowan stated on Tuesday in his latest report that although the pillar banks are being supportive of medium and low risk new lending to well established SMEs and farms, there is little evidence of support for "enterprise risk taking" on new and increased lending in the banks' lending policies. The Deputy will be aware that I am introducing two targeted initiatives to support an additional flow of credit into the economy. I am currently finalising primary legislation to establish both a MicroEnterprise Loan Fund and a Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme, thereby supporting micro enterprises and specific categories of SMEs with commercially viable proposals that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by banks.
Further work with the banks is continuing to ensure that they meet the needs of non-traditional sectors, such as the technology and other emerging sectors. Enterprise Ireland is working with the banks to develop propositions for exporters and technology companies that are suited to different stages of growth and encouraging them to adopt cashflow lending as opposed to the asset backed approach that has been the norm in recent years. Knowledge sharing between EI and the pillar banks is on-going, including reciprocal secondments, sector briefings, and trade mission involvement.
Furthermore, the Development Capital Fund Scheme announced as a central recommendation in the Action Plan for Jobs will assist in increasing the availability of risk capital and closing the ‘equity gap' experienced by SMEs seeking risk capital in excess of €2m. This Fund was launched in March and a competitive call for expressions of interest was launched on 12 April 2012.
