Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
376. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will ensure that the structure of local enterprise offices established to support business startups and enterprise will include representation from the local business community; if the services provided by LEOs will be judged using clearly stated indicators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5064/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ultimate aim of the reform of the micro and small business support infrastructure is to rejuvenate and enhance the current national model. This will ensure that the micro and small business sector is properly positioned to be a lead player in relation to job creation and to the economic recovery process.
This new model is designed to deliver enhanced tailored supports to the highest standards, benchmarked by Enterprise Ireland (EI) through its Centre of Excellence, delivered in partnership with the Local Authorities. A series of metrics are being developed which will be tailored to suit the size and capacity of each Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and will be included in a local Enterprise Development Plan that will be agreed annually between each LEO and EI which addresses the development needs of micro-enterprises in their respective counties.
An Implementation Working Group, chaired by my Department, charged with implementing the reform process, is close to finalising a Framework Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities. This SLA will provide for the establishment of an Evaluations and Approvals Committee for each LEO. Individuals from the local business sector with specific business experience and expertise will be invited to serve on the Committees.
In November last year, Minister Perry and I published a Consultation Paper which sets out the road map for the implementation of the reform process. Over 80 submissions were received and these responses will assist in shaping the policy and operational scope of the new LEOs. Many of the submissions make positive suggestions on how the reform could be rolled out effectively across a range of issues, including mentoring, training, staff development and structure of the LEO. The submissions will be published on my Department’s website in due course.
