Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016
148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is satisfied that all means of assistance available to the indigenous business sector are readily available and accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7725/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ State support service for micro and small businesses in each local area. The LEOs provide advice and direction, covering all government supports and requirements, to anyone who wishes to start or expand a business. This information is easily accessed through the ‘Supporting SMEs’ online search tool at: www.actionplanforjobs.ie.
The LEOs can also provide funding for projects that meet certain criteria, generally with regard to export potential, and other non-financial supports such as training and mentoring. Businesses should contact their local LEO by telephone or by email - contact details for all LEOs are available at: www.localenterprise.ie.
A new online tool which sets out the variety of supports available to all enterprises across all sectors is embedded or linked to over 30 Government websites including my Department’s website and the websites of the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) works in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets. They provide funding and supports for companies - from entrepreneurs with business propositions for a high potential start-up through to large companies expanding their activities, improving efficiency and growing international sales. Availability of all EI supports are communicated via www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/ and also through EI’s Development Advisors, EI Regional Offices and through public calls for applications.
In September 2015 I launched a new guide setting out the range of State supports available for the manufacturing sector. As part of the Government’s plans to support employment growth in the manufacturing sector, a key step is to ensure that businesses in the sector become more aware of the Government supports that are available to support them in their expansion. This new brochure which is available on my Department’s website brings together all these services in a single publication to assist the sector to tap into these supports and clarify the details of what is available from the various Government Organisations and Agencies. Details are at: https://www.djei.ie/en/News-And-Events/Department-News/2015/September/14092015.html.
In the area of access to finance, the last Government introduced a range of initiatives - from Microfinance Ireland to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, and from the Credit Guarantee Scheme to the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund - and continued to invest in seed and venture capital through Enterprise Ireland. These initiatives remain available and accessible to business and continue to provide increased access to credit and finance for Irish enterprise.
The Design and Crafts Council works closely with Enterprise Ireland to create and sustain jobs, and grow exports in the design sector. Under the Action Plan for Jobs 2016, the Council will continue to work to increase the profile of the design and craft sector in Ireland through its involvement in a number of key initiatives which will seek to maximise the economic impact and job creation potential of the sector. Information on the work of the Council including opportunities for those involved in the sector can be found at: www.dccoi.ie.
