Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2012
286. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he expects the local enterprise office to open in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44437/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMicro and small businesses are a crucial part of our economy. Ensuring that more micro and small businesses can start up, expand and export is a key pillar of our plans for jobs and growth. That is why the Government has decided to implement an ambitious reform in the delivery of service to small and micro business. This will include: The development of a new Small and Micro Business Division within Enterprise Ireland (EI) as a centre of excellence in the provision of supports to the small and micro enterprise sectors;The dissolution of the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), of which Meath CEB is one, and the transfer of their functions, assets and liabilities to Enterprise Ireland (EI), and;The establishment of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to provide a high quality, innovative, “one-stop-shop” support service for small businesses within Local Authorities, and providing early access to the services of national bodies; Integration of key local authority business services into the Local Enterprise Office and promotion of a local environment in which enterprise can thrive.
Not only is it important that this restructuring is conducted as a priority, we must ensure that the new model is fit for purpose. A high level Implementation Working Group (IWG) Chaired by my Department is currently progressing the range of issues involved, including a focus on functions, structures and staffing, all of which will form the basis of a detailed and ambitious Service Level Agreement between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities. A project plan is also in preparation which will set out clear milestones and timelines for implementation. In tandem with the work of the IWG my Department is engaged with the Office of the Attorney General regarding the detailed primary legislation that will be necessary to implement the new arrangements.
It should be noted that it is business as usual for CEB clients, with no disruption or diminution of services. It is my intention to complete the transition process as rapidly as practicable, and I aim to give administrative effect to the new structures as soon as possible, in advance of the formal enactment of legislation.
I will shortly announce details with Enterprise Ireland of the new small and micro business division. Before Christmas, I expect to set out details of the legislative path to underpin these reforms which I hope can be completed in Quarter 2 of 2013 and by the end of the year I intend announcing details of the Service Level Agreement between Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities that will cover a full range of services and targets to be delivered by the LEOs.
