Almost two-thirds of companies say more supports needed to drive business – FF

Fianna Fáil Jobs Spokesperson Dara Calleary says the latest EY Entrepreneur of the Year survey is further evidence of this Government’s anti-enterprise approach. The survey reveals that 64% of entrepreneurs (up from 37% last year) believe there are insufficient supports in place for businesses who are struggling or have failed.

Deputy Calleary explained, “Fianna Fáil has consistently supported, on a phased and voluntary basis, extending a full range of social protection supports to self-employed PRSI contributors as part of our commitment to foster an entrepreneurial culture as well as enhancing social solidarity. Entrepreneurs and the self-employed should be treated the same as PAYE employees so that they can contribute to pensions if they would like to.

“This latest data is systematic of the Government’s record of failing to support enterprise and business.  The 2016 Budget did little to promote entrepreneurism with scant attention paid to level the playing field with the UK and increase our global competitiveness.

“Another alarming finding is that one third of all businesses surveyed by EY pointed to the shortage of skilled talent as the number one challenge. Since Fine Gael and Labour came to power, an estimated 149,000 third level graduates have left Ireland, reflecting the outflow and erosion of our qualified graduate base. This Government has failed miserably to halt this brain drain.

“Fianna Fáil is pro enterprise and throughout our time in opposition, we have set out credible policies to incentivise enterprise start-ups and promote entrepreneurism.

“At the heart of our policy proposals are detailed measures to reward SMEs and low income self-employed persons who create employment. Some of the key measures include;

– Extending social protection supports to the self-employed
– Establish a fully licensed state enterprise bank to provide credit directly to SMEs;
– Make commercial rates work for business by revamping the current system;
– Provide progressive relief from employers’ PRSI for job creation;
– Enable SMEs access a greater share of public procurement tenders;
– Promoting entrepreneurship and developing skill focused apprenticeships

“Our detailed proposals will incentivise small business start-ups, provide direct accessible SME funding sources, promote entrepreneurism, embrace the latest technological tools and remove any disproportionate regulatory burdens so that entrepreneurs are encouraged to set up and grow their businesses”.