The Government Convenor of the Oireachtas Enterprise Committee and Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North, Michael Fitzpatrick, has welcomed the announcement by An Taoiseach that steps are to be taken to assist the enterprise sector.
“An Taoiseach has announced that each County Council will establish a ‘Business Support Unit’ as a point of contact to ensure a quick, co-ordinated response to businesses when dealing with local authorities.”
“An Tanaiste will meet with local authority managers shortly with the Minister for the Environment to discuss how they can increase their level of support to start-up enterprises and how conditions for running businesses can be improved locally.”
“I hear from local businesses in Kildare and beyond that cash flow is a major problem for them. In response to this, the Minister will shortly announce a number of improvements to reduce regulatory burdens to local small and medium enterprises. The Government is committing to reducing the payment period for businesses from Central Government from 30 to 15 days. This may be extended to the local authority, health and education sectors depending on the results of an assessment at the end of April.”
“Details of additional measures will be announced shortly.”
“It is vital that every practical support possible is given to the small business sector. They form a vital part of our economy and are valuable employers. In these tough economic times we must try to protect and promote small enterprise,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.