Fine Gael is standing up for small business and the self-employed

Fine Gael today (Tuesday) launched a campaign to stand up for small businesses and self-employed people across Ireland. The campaign was launched at Krust Bakery in Dublin this morning by An Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael, Enda Kenny TD, Aine Collins TD, Liam Twomey TD and Tom Barry TD.

The Taoiseach said: “ Small businesses are the lifeblood of any economy and are a vital part of our plan to return the country to full employment by 2018. We want to help small businesses realise their potential and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the economic recovery that is beginning to take hold. For example, I have said before that we want to begin the process of equalising the income tax treatment of the employed and the self-employed. I want Irish small businesses to play a significant role in delivering full employment.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Áine Collins said: “Fine Gael is the pro-enterprise party and w e’re having a national conversation with small businesses and the self-employed to see how we can work together to make the most of economic recovery.

“We know that despite the progress made, we can do more for small businesses. Along with my colleagues on Fine Gael’s Internal Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Tom Barry (Chair) and Liam Twomey, we have been meeting with the businesses and financial community over the last number of weeks.

Fine Gael TD for Wexford and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Finance Committee, Liam Twomey said: “Now all members of the Fine Gael parliamentary party will engage directly with businesses all over Ireland to seek their views on the best way for them to realise the potential offered by the recovering economy. 

Tom Barry, Fine Gael TD for Cork East said: “We have drastically cut red tape for business and the ‘ Supporting SMEs Online Tool ’ brings together over 80 Government business supports into one website to help small businesses navigate and avail of the supports available to them. Central Bank research shows that start-up companies in their first five years of existence account for two thirds of all new jobs created in Ireland. Fine Gael is standing up for small businesses, an integral part of keeping small towns and villages alive and thriving.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party will engage with local businesses in towns and villages across Ireland
•   Small business people and the self-employed will be invited to take part in an online survey at www.finegael.ie/smallbusiness
• The results of our findings will inform our policy offering ahead of the General Election next year.