Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2023
100. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of the grants and supports available from his Department to assist persons with disabilities in establishing, building and sustaining their own businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9091/23]
View answerThe 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, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Revenue Commissioners, Education and Training Boards, the Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Office grant supports are available to all entrepreneurs provided their business meets the eligibility criteria of the support they are applying for.
In addition, all entrepreneurs can avail of Local Enterprise Office training, mentoring and management development programmes. Furthermore, Local Enterprise Offices can provide additional support to entrepreneurs 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's focus has been on making sure our supports for entrepreneurs and enterprise are accessible to all, including people with disabilities. Enterprise Ireland does not break down participant numbers, or have separate budgets, for EI supports and programmes specifically for people with disabilities.
Enterprise Ireland have invested in additional content available on eiLearn and are working in conjunction with stakeholders including third level colleges to develop new programmes and initiatives.
