Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to support encourage and foster the creation of jobs through the indigenous sector, both in terms of traditional industry and innovative proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31962/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices remain committed to supporting, encouraging, and fostering job creation through the indigenous sector for both traditional industries and innovative proposals in driving economic growth and employment opportunities in Ireland.
In that regard, my Department’s White Paper on enterprise policy builds on the resilience and sustainability of our economy as we engage with decarbonisation and technological change and the opportunities these will bring. This policy also builds on the Ministerial-led SME and Entrepreneurship Implementation Group.
Enterprise Ireland’s own strategy and in alignment with our enterprise policy sets out key policy priorities to support the continued creation of high-quality jobs in every part of the country. With a strong focus on innovation, digitalisation, sustainability and regional development, we will continue to deliver sustainable employment and economic growth at national and regional level in order to ensure balanced regional development.
Enterprise Ireland will also work with regionally based partners through the Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committees, and related funding streams, to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem and infrastructure.
In rolling out implementation of the White Paper on Enterprise, Enterprise Ireland will drive increased enterprise collaboration, through cluster and network development, working in partnership with stakeholders across the country’s enterprise ecosystem, including the Local Authorities, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Regional Assemblies, and higher and further education providers.
In fostering further entrepreneurship, increased start-up activity across the country will be targeted and this will be done in collaboration with the Local Enterprise Offices. Enterprise Ireland will also put specific focus on scaling of companies, enabling Irish firms to grow faster and further in global markets, including through increased leadership capability.
In addition, in embracing digital as a key export growth enabler for Irish enterprise, my Department is delivering growth in domestic and global marketplaces through the Online Retail Scheme, implemented through Enterprise Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Offices offer a suite of productivity and competitiveness supports to assist businesses on their twin transitions of decarbonisation and digitalisation. These supports can lead to increased efficiencies and cost savings in business as they embark on their digital and green journeys.
