Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 September 2025
249. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline the Government’s strategy to support small and medium-sized businesses; and if he will provide details of any new financial or policy measures planned. [37625/25]
View answerI want to begin by assuring the Deputy that I, along with the Government and my Department, fully recognise the vital role SMEs play in the Irish economy.
While Ireland maintains a strong global competitive position, recent international developments and longstanding structural challenges such as high energy, labour, and regulatory costs are putting pressure on businesses, particularly SMEs.
In response, and in line with the Programme for Government, we have recently published the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. This whole-of-government plan focuses on matters within Ireland’s domestic sphere of control. It has been shaped by extensive consultation with key stakeholders and a public consultation process. The Plan includes targeted, evidence-based actions with clear timelines and departmental ownership, aiming to strengthen resilience, support indigenous enterprise, and attract investment and talent.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum, a Programme for Government commitment, comprises of SME & Industry representative organisations, Regulatory and State Bodies and Government Departments who will jointly consider issues that can lead to higher costs for businesses at a regional and national level in Ireland. The Forum held its inaugural meeting in June; in July the Forum examined Energy Costs and the Security of Supply, and September’s meeting will focus on Insurance costs. The Forum's next meeting in November will focus on Regulation and Planning. Other meetings will examine, Water Costs, Legal Services and Reporting and Compliance. The objective of the Forum is to present a report to Government in late Q1 2026, that will outline its findings and highlight those steps that can be taken to mitigate issues arising from increased costs or any associated regulatory or infrastructural issues that merit a changed approach.
In May 2025, we established the Small Business Unit within the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to ensure SMEs receive dedicated attention. Its responsibilities include liaising with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), implementing the SME Test, and overseeing the National Enterprise Hub (NEH).
To simplify access to supports, I launched the NEH in July 2024. It consolidates over 250 supports from 32 Departments and agencies and has handled over 7,500 enquiries. We’ve also enhanced the SME Test, embedding the “think small first” principle across Government to ensure new policies consider SME impact. The Small Business Unit hosts quarterly cross-Government meetings to monitor implementation, and I’ve asked all Offices and Agencies in my Department to apply the SME Test in developing new initiatives.
We are also strengthening the role of LEOs, which support businesses with up to 50 employees. I’ve expanded eligibility for LEO grants and schemes, and the LEO Policy Statement 2024–2030 outlines their strategic role in implementing the White Paper on Enterprise. A full review of LEO supports, and eligibility criteria will be commissioned in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland’s LEO Centre of Excellence, with findings due in the first half of 2026.
Finally, Enterprise Ireland’s strategy, Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally, aims to accelerate sustainable Irish business growth. It supports SMEs through financial, policy, and strategic initiatives focused on innovation, digitalisation, leadership, and scaling. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment for SMEs and recognising their central role in Ireland’s economic success.
