New Improved System For Local Enterprise Offices

A new improved system of Local Enterprise Offices in each local authority with more funding, more staff and more services will be up and running in April, the Government announced today.

Key features of the new Local Enterprise Office (LEO) system will include:

• Additional funding of €3.5m in 2014

• 170 dedicated staff across the LEOs system, supplemented by a new Graduate Recruitment Programme to take place shortly and supported by a further 40 Local Authority staff

• Additional services including a new Young Entrepreneurship Fund, Microfinance Ireland, Credit Guarantee Scheme, and access to services from Revenue and Dept Social Protection

• System will combine new supports with business services currently delivered by CEBs and those delivered by Local Authorities in a "first-stop shop" located in Local Authority offices , under overall framework set by Minister for Jobs and Enterprise Ireland

• Each LEO, embedded in a local authority, will develop a local plan for boosting enterprise, with targets including be new business start-ups, business expansions and jobs created or sustained as well as wider economic impacts such as exports, mentoring, training and enterprise promotion. This represents a fundamental reform of local government so that services are delivered and decisions made closer to the people

• New training programmes for all staff in customer support, and a new customer service charter which will include targets for levels of service delivery.

The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs also today published the eighth quarterly progress report under the Action Plan for Jobs, showing that 299 out of the 333 actions committed to in the 2013 plan have been delivered. The system of public quarterly progress reports is a crucial part of the Action Plan for Jobs system – the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs holding themselves accountable in public on delivery every quarter ensures that implementation actually happens, in contrast with many high-profile plans under previous Governments.

The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD said: "Following Ireland's successful exit from the bailout in December, the Government is determined that 2014 will be 'the year for jobs'. This means a relentless drive for job creation and the continued implementation of the Action Plan for Jobs and Pathways to Work.

"Brick-by-brick we are rebuilding a competitive, enterprise and export focused economy and reforming local government so that it can become an engine of economic development. Implementation of our plan is key and I'm happy to report that 95% of the actions required under the Action Plan for Jobs during the past two years have been delivered.

"While positive movements in the Live Register and our international rankings as an economy are welcome, there is no more urgent task than for us as a Government than getting Ireland working and this will be the constant focus of the Year for Jobs."

(CD/JP)