Written Answers Nos. 101-120
101. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on current plans for the implementation of measures contained within the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49020/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra108. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence when he will bring forward an implementation plan for the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48890/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 108 together.
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and I, as Minister for Defence, welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on 9th February last. The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommends significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken over a period of 5 months by my Department and the Defence Forces. I returned to Government with a High Level Action Plan and a Memo for Government which were approved on July 12th of this year. As part of this, Government approved a move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission, which will entail funding increases to reach a defence budget of c. €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates process.
The High Level Action Plan set out proposed implementation and oversight structures, and the Implementation Oversight Group met for the first time on the 3rd of October. A civil/military Implementation Management Office (IMO) has been established to support the implementation of the overall transformation programme required to implement recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. The initial focus of the IMO is the implementation of the 38 early actions to be completed within 6 months of the Government decision on July 12th as set out in the High Level Action Plan and this includes the development of an Implementation Plan. Reporting mechanisms have been established to facilitate regular progress reports on the early actions to the IMO and the civil/military Strategic Management Committee.
104. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence when the Independent Chair of the Implementation Oversight Group for the High-Level Action Plan will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49050/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe High Level Action Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces set out proposed initial implementation and oversight structures.
A civil/military Implementation Management Office (IMO) has been established to support the implementation of the overall transformation programme required to implement recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. The initial focus of the IMO is the implementation of the 38 early actions as set out in the High Level Action Plan and the development of an Implementation Plan. Reporting mechanisms have been established to facilitate regular progress reports on the early actions to the IMO and the civil/military Strategic Management Committee.
The appointment of the Independent Chair of the Implementation Oversight Group is underway. The independent Chair will oversee and drive progress in relation to the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission.
In the interim, however the Deputy should be aware the significant work is progressing on the early actions and the development of the implementation plan.
The Implementation Oversight Group sat for the first time on the 3rd of October.
106. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently serving overseas by rank and Defence Forces branch in each respective location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48913/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 1st October, 2022, Ireland is contributing 548 personnel to 7 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations.
The number of personnel serving overseas by rank is outlined in the following table.
|
Rank |
Middle East |
Africa |
Balkans |
OP IRINI |
International Organisations |
|
Brigadier General |
2 |
||||
|
Colonel |
1 |
1 |
4 |
||
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
10 |
2 |
4 |
11 |
|
|
Commandant |
25 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
|
Captain |
29 |
2 |
1 |
||
|
Lieutenant |
13 |
1 |
|||
|
Sergeant Major |
6 |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Battalion Quarter Master Sergeant |
3 |
1 |
|||
|
Company Sergeant |
11 |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Company Quarter Master Sergeant |
11 |
||||
|
Sergeant |
51 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Corporal |
104 |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Private |
225 |
Personnel serving overseas by branch is outlined in the following Table.
|
Middle East |
Africa |
Balkans |
OP IRINI |
International Organisations |
|
|
Army |
463 |
14 |
16 |
19 |
|
|
Naval Service |
9 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Air Corps |
17 |
1 |
1 |
There are also two chaplains serving overseas. In addition Major General Maureen O'Brien is serving on secondment to the United Nations following her appointment by the UN as Deputy Military Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations.
107. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence the improvements that will be made to the pay and conditions of staff in the Defence Forces. [48906/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that a range of actions have been taken to address pay and conditions of staff in the Defence Forces, and the recent Report of the Commission on Defence Forces also makes a range of recommendations in this regard.
The Report proposes significant changes, including to the level of Defence provision in Ireland and recommendations in relation to capacity components required to achieve that provision. The Government’s High-Level Action Plan (HLAP), launched in July, set out proposed timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation, and identifies a number of pay-related recommendations for progression, including the intention to progress implementation of the following:
- Removing the requirement for a 3 Star Private/Able Seaman to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank,
- Ensuring that all personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank are paid the full rate of MSA applicable to the rank, and
- Providing immediate access to the Sea-going Service Commitment Scheme to direct entry personnel in the Navy.
I am pleased to announce that following consultation with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department can now proceed to implement the first two early actions, the removal of Marked Time and the payment of the full rate of MSA. This will result in the pay rates for Private 3 Star/Able Seaman in their first three years of service rising to €34,798 in Year 1, €36,128 in Year 2, and €37,353 in Year 3.
A number of other remunerative elements have been prioritised in the HLAP, including a commitment to commence further evaluation of:
- Replacing the existing sea-going allowances with less complex sea-going duty measures,
- Introducing Long Service Increments to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel,
- On the basis that all personnel should, in the first instance, be paid the full rate of MSA applicable to their rank, MSA should be abolished and the full applicable rate integrated into core pay.
The HLAP also states a commitment to commence an examination of options in relation to a mechanism for review of existing specialist pay rates and allowances.
I would also point to other improvements in pay and conditions including the extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit until 31st of December 2023, the review of the Naval Service Sea Going Service Commitment Scheme, resulting in the eligibility criteria to apply being reduced from 3 years to 1 years’ service. The Air Corps Pilots Service Commitment Scheme has also been extended to the end of 2024.
The Deputy may also be aware of increases in allowances due under the review of Technical Pay 2-6 which are currently being paid to eligible personnel, with all payments back dated to May 2021.
Separately, and specifically in terms of pay scales, the Defence Forces are paid increases in pay and allowances in line with Public Service pay agreements.
The Deputy may be aware that the current pay agreement, Building Momentum, provides for the following increases in 2022, namely:
- The equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement, on 1 February 2022 last,
- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2022. Fixed periodic pensionable allowances and allowances in the nature of pay also increased by 1% on this date.
The recently agreed, but yet to be balloted on, extension to this Building Momentum agreement, provides for further increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces. This extension provides for a 6.5 % increase, in addition to existing Building Momentum arrangements, as follows:
- 3%, backdated to 2nd Feb 2022
- 2 % on 1st March 2022
- 1.5% or €750, whichever is the greater, on 1st October 2023.
Pensionable allowances in the nature of pay will also benefit.
In addition to general round pay increases arising out of ongoing national pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Forces have also benefitted from the implementation of increases in Defence Forces allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.
It is also important to note that for those Defence Force personnel who have specialist appointments, based on training or qualifications, there are a range additional allowances available to them.
109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the programme of works to be carried out in 2023 to upgrade residential accommodation in Army barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48936/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, it has been a long-standing policy, to discontinue the historic provision of tied housing to Defence Forces personnel. This policy of discontinuing housing provision was introduced for the Defence Forces in the late 1990's and it is not intended to reverse this policy.
Separately, Single Living in Accommodation is provided for personnel where it is required for training and operational purposes. The provision of new and upgraded accommodation projects features prominently in the Defence Forces Infrastructure Plan. The Deputy may wish to note that I recently opened the newly refurbished Block 8 Accommodation in the Naval base at Haulbowline, which will allow for extra capacity in ensuring those on active service can avail of accommodation while on patrol duties. In addition, the Deputy may wish to note that the refurbishment of the USAC building at Renmore barracks has commenced construction while the refurbishment of Block H in McKee barracks will be completed in the coming weeks. As implementation of the Plan is gathering pace, the following projects, all aimed at improving capacity in accommodation, for serving personnel are due to commence construction in 2023:
- Refurbishment of Block 4 Haulbowline , Naval Service,
- New accommodation Block in Collins Barracks, Cork,
- Refurbishment of Block 1, Collins Barracks, Cork.
111. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the progress that is being made on the further evaluation being carried out on the issue of long-service increments in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48817/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government. I welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on 9th February last. The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommends significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken over a period of 5 months by my Department and the Defence Forces. This involved significant inter-departmental consultation, and I and my officials have engaged with key stakeholders to ascertain their views. Following this engagement, I returned to Government with a High Level Action Plan which was approved on July 12th of this year. As part of this, Government approved a move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission, which will entail funding increases to reach a defence budget of c. €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
The High Level Action Plan set out proposed implementation and oversight structures, and the Implementation Oversight Group met for the first time on the 3rd of October. A civil/military Implementation Management Office has been established to support the implementation of the overall transformation programme required to implement recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. The initial focus is the implementation of the 38 early actions as set out in the High Level Action Plan and the development of a detailed Implementation Plan. Reporting mechanisms have been established to facilitate regular progress reports on the early actions to the IMO and the civil/military Strategic Management Committee.
One of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces related to introducing Long Service Increments to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel. Though Long Service Increments exist in certain instances in the public sector, including certain ranks of the Defence Forces, they are not universal and as such, further evaluation is required on this recommendation, in order to ascertain how this could be progressed. Preliminary discussions on this recommendation have been undertaken as part of the development of the High Level Action Plan. Further evaluation of this recommendation will be progressed as one of the 38 early actions to be completed within 6 months of Government’s decision.
112. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the measures that are being taken to ensure that the recent Naval Service vessels that were decommissioned are replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48980/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the national development plan of €566 million over the 2022 to 2025 timeframe. The Defence annual capital budget for 2022 is €141 million, with an increased allocation of €176 million for 2023. This is following Government approval for a move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on Defence Forces, which will entail funding increases to reach a Defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates. This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and the Report of the Commission, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 was completed following extensive joint civil-military work. It provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas. The Equipment Planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging operational requirements and changes in technology, the Plan is kept under review and it is an ongoing iterative process.
The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme is ongoing and it includes radar and other equipment upgrades along with the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches. In this regard, the programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works are currently ongoing on LÉ Niamh. Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a multi-role vessel to replace the decommissioned flagship, LÉ Eithne, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in due course. Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace the decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara and it is expected these vessels will be transported to Ireland in 2023 following the completion of a programme of works.
This investment in Naval Service vessels and equipment is an indication of the Government's commitment to ensuring that the Naval Service continues to retain a range of flexible capabilities in order to carryout out the roles assigned.
113. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Defence his views on Ireland's ability to protect its coastal waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48989/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The main day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The Naval Service and the Air Corps carry out surveillance of the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and periodically patrol beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. I am advised that the fleet is managed to ensure maximum availability to meet operational requirements.
Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in that they undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while conducting their primary day-to-day tasking of providing a fishery protection service. At any one time the Naval Service can have a number of ships that are on active operations around the Irish EEZ whilst a number of others are undergoing routine resupply, maintenance and down time for ships companies.
I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be equipped and trained to best international standards. The Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats and emergencies under constant review. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces will continue to respond in an effective and timely manner to such events were they to occur in the State.
115. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 20 of 10 March 2022, if the engagement with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the issue of employment protection for members of the Reserve Defence Force who may be engaged in voluntary military service in support of the Permanent Defence Forces has concluded; the number of virtual and in-person official meetings, respectively that have taken place between his Department and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment on this issue; the dates of any such meetings; the measures that he expects to be put in place as a result of this engagement; the anticipated timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48914/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary roles allocated to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), thus far, have been to augment the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crises and to contribute to State ceremonial events. The Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 has now been signed into law, which serves to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas, in support of the PDF and where it is in the best interests of the PDF.
On the important matter of employment protection for members of the Reserve who may be so engaged on a voluntary basis, I wish to advise the Deputy that engagement by my officials with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), commenced with a series of both phone calls and virtual meetings held on 5 November 2021 and 21 March 2022. The contribution from officials in DETE on this matter has both informative and welcome. With their continued assistance, engagement is also underway between my officials and both employer and employee bodies on this matter.
In addition, the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar,TD, wrote to me on 24 November 2021, lending the continued support of his Department to the ongoing deliberations, which I welcome.
On the basis that this body of work is continuing, the Deputy will appreciate that I do not wish to comment further at this time pending the outcome of these discussions.
In tandem, I would also advise the Deputy that there is ongoing engagement by my officials with the military authorities and on an informal basis, with RDFRA, the Representative Association representing the RDF, on a range of practical and operational matters associated with the deployment of the RDF on a voluntary basis, in support of the PDF.
116. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will confirm the contracts that his Department has with top security. [49262/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its Offices, which include the Companies Registration Office, the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission, have no contracts with the company.
117. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has any contracts with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49163/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its Offices, which include the Companies Registration Office, the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission, does not have any contracts with the company.
118. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the name, function and establishment date of all the organisations and agencies that are funded by his Department; the number of employees in each; the salary of the chief executive in each organisation and agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49183/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is outlined in tubular form in the attached document.
|
Agency |
Function and Establishment Date |
Number of Employees |
Salary of Chief Executive |
|
IDA Ireland |
IDA Ireland's main objective is to encourage investment into Ireland by foreign owned companies. IDA Ireland was established in 1949 pursuant to the Industrial Development Act, 1950. |
325 |
€212,941 |
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) |
The main objective of the CCPC is to promote compliance with, and enforcement of, competition and consumer protection law in Ireland. The CCPC was established on 31 October 2014 pursuant to the Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2014. |
152 |
€187,578 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
The main objective of Enterprise Ireland is develop and grow Irish Enterprises in world markets. Enterprise Ireland was established in July 1998 pursuant to the Industrial Development (Enterprise Ireland) Act, 1998. |
758 |
€212,941 |
|
Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) |
The main objective of IAASA is to exam, enforce and provide oversight of certain listed entities and recognised accountancy bodies. There role also includes the adoption of standards on auditing, professional ethics and internal quality control and the inspection and promotion of improvements in the quality of auditing of Public Interest Entities. The Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority was established on 22 December 2005 pursuant to the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act, 2003. |
30 |
Salary scale: €145,283, €151,885, €159,042 and €166,194 |
|
Health and Safety Authority (HSA) |
The HSA is the national statutory body with responsibility for ensuring that all employed and self-employed, and those affected by work activity, are protected from work related injury and ill-health. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was established in 2005 pursuant to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. |
229 |
€153,575 |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) |
PIAB provides an independent assessment of personal injury claims for compensation following road traffic, workplace or public liability accidents. The PIAB was established on 13 April 2004 pursuant to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act, 2003. |
74 |
Salary scale: €145,283, €151,885, €159,042 and €166,194 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
The National Standards Authority of Ireland main objective is to inspire consumer confidence and create the infrastructure for products and services to be recognized and relied on, all over the world. The NSAI was established on 14 April 2004 pursuant to the National Standards Authority of Ireland Act, 1996. |
193 |
Salary scale: €145,283, €151,885, €159,042 and €166,194 |
|
Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) |
The CEA was established to promote and serve the public interest by ensuring high levels of compliance with company law through effective advocacy and proportionate, robust and dissuasive enforcement. The CEA was established on 7 July 2022 pursuant to the Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act, 2021. |
39 Civilians plus 9 Gardai |
Salary scale: €138,019, €144,292, €151,088 and €157,886 |
|
Intertrade Ireland |
Inter Trade Ireland is a North/South Agency reporting to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in Ireland and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland. It’s main objective is to exchange information and co-ordinate work on trade, business development and related matters, in areas where the two administrations specifically agree it would be in their mutual interest. Intertrade Ireland was established on 10 March 1999 pursuant to the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999. |
60 |
Salary Scale (aligned to Northern Ireland pay scales): £74 ,175 - £90,950 |
119. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants that are available for a business (details supplied) in tabular form. [49282/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices nationwide act as a ‘First Stop Shop’ for providing information, guidance, training and development and financial assistance to anyone looking to start, grow or pivot their own business. The Local Enterprise Offices act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to SME’s and can provide information and referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g., Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Offices offer direct grant aid to businesses operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities.
The Local Enterprise Offices can also provide a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. I would encourage anyone who is running their own business to speak with the experienced business advisors within their Local Enterprise Office regarding the assistance they can offer.
In particular, the Mentor programme, which is designed to match up the knowledge, skills, insights and entrepreneurial capability of experienced business practitioners with small business owner, can provide expert guidance on the best course of action to develop a small business.
Other programmes such as LEAN for Micro and Green for Micro provide business owners with tools and advice on reducing costs and increasing efficiencies within their business. In addition, I would encourage enterprises to enquire about digital supports such as the Digital Start Programme and the Trading Online Voucher scheme which can assist businesses in developing their e-commerce capabilities and includes further training in digital marketing and social media.
The above interventions along with supports available from other Government agencies can be found on the supportingsmes.gov.ie website. This is a cross-governmental guide to help small businesses know which of the over 170 Government supports are relevant to their business.
120. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details on all the supports available to assist entrepreneurs with disabilities.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49297/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for anyone, including people with disabilities, intending to start or grow a business. In that regard, the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant State supports available through agencies such as the Department of Social Protection, Revenue, Education and Training Boards, the Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland.
The LEO grant supports are available to all entrepreneurs provided their business meets the general eligibility criteria, such as operating in manufacturing or internationally traded services.
In addition, all entrepreneurs can avail of LEO training, mentoring and management development programmes.
Furthermore, LEOs can provide additional support to entrepreneurs with disabilities such as one to one mentoring or accommodations to assist with the completion of grant application forms or to complete training courses such as Start Your Own Business.
Enterprise Ireland is focused on ensuring that supports for entrepreneurs and enterprise are accessible to all, including people with disabilities. Enterprise Ireland continues to invest in additional content, available on eiLearn (https://eilearn.ie/) and are working in conjunction with stakeholders in the LEOs and third level colleges to develop new programmes and initiatives.
