Tánaiste Congratulates Achievements of Young Enterprise Company "EC Direct" - CBS Midleton

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Friday 10th November 2000) attended a presentation by EC Direct from CBS Midleton, winners of the Young Enterprise "Company of the Year" and silver medallist at the Young Enterprise "Company of the Year" in Hanover, Germany in August 2000.

Speaking at the presentation in the Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork the Tánaiste said "One of the most important roles of Government is to create an environment which is conducive to the creation of the success of enterprise. Fostering that spirit of entrepreneurship is what will drive the creation of jobs, investment and growth. If we are serious about developing an enterprise culture, then we must start with our young people".

Young Enterprise Ireland (YEI), which was established in Cork in 1985, aims to inspire and educate young people to understand and value the role of work and enterprise through practical business-related projects that develop attitudes and skills for personal success, lifelong learning and employability.

The Tánaiste said "Young Enterprise Ireland is a major collaborative effort between schools, students and teachers, business volunteers and sponsoring organisations. The Programme enables young people to learn about business by doing it for themselves and most importantly, it cultivates a spirit of enterprise and innovation amongst young people".

The Tánaiste continued "The tremendous growth in the popularity of this programme is due in no small measure to the efforts of very committed people. The YEI Board, teachers, business volunteers, sponsors, Enterprise Boards and everyone involved with this scheme have shown by lending their support that they are firmly committed to promoting and encouraging an enterprise environment".

"The 7 transition year students of the CBS Midleton, who formed the company EC Direct, have clearly shown the kind of spirit of entrepreneurship emerging from our young school going population. Their achievments both at home and abroad are a great example of the quality of this programme and its participants", the Tánaiste added.

The Tánaiste also paid tribute to all those young people who took part in the programme. She said "despite the many pressures on students to-day, it was very encouraging to see the increasing popularity of schools programmes such as the Young Enterprise Ireland in our schools. The experience of participating in Programmes such as this will prove of great benefit to all students, both in school and in their future careers".

The Tánaiste concluded by again congratulating EC Direct and wished continued success to its members who will visit Berlin on the 12th November, at the invitation of the German Ministry of Economic Affairs, where they will give a presentation of their mini-firm.

Since 1993, the 35 City and County Enterprise, have been involved with second level schools in the delivery of a variety of programmes with the aim of encouraging creativity, initiative and enterprise skills among students. In addition to Young Enterprise Ireland (YEI), the Boards are also involved with promoting enterprise at second level through programmes such as the Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES), Step into Marketing, and other programmes specific to individual Boards.

• The Company’s Annual Report
• The Trade Display Stand
• Detailed interview with the Business Management Team (5 people)
• A 4 minute Oral Business Presentation to the public