Harris assures businesses they will continue to be prioritised at meeting with Fine Gael group

The new leader of Fine Gael has said businesses will continue to be supported and their challenges will be responded to at a meeting with a party representative group.

Fine Gael established its Small Business and Enterprise Council in September 2022 and has engaged with and listened to the views of business people in a series of roadshows across the country.

The party has also held a series of events nationwide, including two major conferences,  to give those involved in the SME sector an opportunity to engage with senior Government ministers on the issues they feel are of the utmost importance.

Speaking following a meeting last night with the Fine Gael Small Business and Enterprise Council, Fine Gael Leader and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris, said:

“I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with colleagues from the Fine Gael Small Business and Enterprise Council.

“This is one of the policy areas that I intend to focus on as Fine Gael leader. Small businesses are at the heart of our communities – they are crucial to the local economy, to employment in the regions and to the social fabric of our country.

“I want to thank the members for the chance to engage and for all their work, for travelling and listening to people. It is now essential we gather that information and take concrete steps to address the concerns of this vital part of our economy and society.”

Kathryn Lynch, business consultant and Chair of the Fine Gael Small Business and Enterprise Council, said:

“The Council was delighted to have the opportunity to meet the new leader of Fine Gael, Minister Simon Harris, to discuss how Government can continue to support small and medium sized businesses.

“It is welcome that Minister Harris has stated that he wants to prioritise the sector and we had a positive and engaging meeting during which we spoke about a range of issues.

“Irish businesses have experienced significant challenges and volatility over the past number of years. These businesses add so much to our economy and our communities, and we must respond to those challenges with solutions.

“Minister Harris’ engagement with the council is positive and we will work with him and Fine Gael on solutions to ensure that businesses can grow and thrive into the future.”