Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if particular incentives are being considered to encourage the entrepreneurial skills of younger persons throughout the country particularly in the aftermath of Covid-19 and Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52833/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEncouraging and promoting an enterprise culture is an important area of activity for Local Enterprise Offices. In seeking to develop a thriving enterprise culture, it is critical that young people from all backgrounds see enterprise as a viable career choice. The Local Enterprise Offices continue to reinforce entrepreneurship in the education system as a critical element in the future development of small business in Ireland through the Student Enterprise Programme. This Programme is Ireland’s largest and most successful student enterprise programme with close to 30,000 second level students taking part each year.
Students from 1st year to 6th year get to set up and run their own business and find out what it’s really like to be an entrepreneur by taking part in this 8-month long enterprise education learning programme. There are three categories: Junior (1st year students), Intermediate (2nd/3rd year students) and Senior (4th, 5th,6th year, LCA, LCVP and Youth Reach).
Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur is a programme run by the Local Enterprise Offices with the support of my Department and Enterprise Ireland. The competition is open to people between the ages of 18 and 35 with an innovative business idea, new start-up or established business and has an investment fund of up to 2 million Euro. In addition, the Junior Entrepreneur Programme has provided over 80,000 primary school pupils the opportunity to experience practical, real-life business learning as part of their formative education.
The Local Enterprise Offices also offer a wide range of management training and development courses to help entrepreneurs on their journey. All of the above are open to entrepreneurs regardless of their age and I am satisfied that this broad suite of programmes and interventions will continue to provide a healthy pipeline of entrepreneurs of all ages in the years ahead.
