Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
75. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that he is taking to support existing levels of employment in regional towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58141/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivering balanced regional growth and sustainable local job creation is a core objective of this Government and is a key component in the recently published White Paper on Enterprise.
The White Paper emphasises the role my department and agencies continue to play in achieving this objective through direct assistance to businesses as well as promotion and enhancement of the regional enterprise ecosystem to encourage businesses to invest and create jobs.
Enterprise Ireland has a continued focus on supporting enterprise in all regions to adapt to a challenging market environment, and on maximising job retention and creation. Enterprise Ireland’s strategy has set targets of creating 45,000 new jobs by 2024 and that over two-thirds of new jobs will be created outside Dublin.
Regional development is at the centre of IDA’s strategy. The IDA is committed to more balanced, compact regional development and will target half of all investments from 2021- 2024 to regional locations.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are at the very heart of business development and entrepreneurship in towns and communities across the country and will continue to enhance their advisory services for locally trading firms.
The nine Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 focus on undertaking collaborative initiatives that can help strengthen the regional enterprise ecosystem thereby realising enterprise growth and job creation. Up to €145m has been secured to 2027 under the European Regional Development Fund to support projects coming from the Regional Enterprise Plans, with the first call expected early next year.
Government is very conscious of the increased cost of doing business for employers as a result increased energy costs in more recent times.
Recognising this significant challenge, and to protect levels of employment across the country, Government introduced a significant package in the Budget 2023 to help business in the current economic climate.
This includes the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme designed to support eligible businesses that have experienced a significant increase in their electricity and/or natural gas costs.
The reduced rate of VAT on gas and electricity from 13.5% to 9% has also been extended until the 28th February 2023.
A new €200 million Ukraine Enterprise Crisis Scheme for manufacturing and internationally traded firms has been introduced along with a €1.2 billion State-backed Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme to assist the wider business sector with liquidity and to invest in energy efficiency.
Government will continue to focus on sustainable employment across the country and this commitment is reaffirmed in the White Paper which includes the target of unemployment not exceeding one percentage point of the national unemployment rate in any region.
