TÁNAISTE APPOINTS JANE WILLIAMS NEW CHAIR FOR FORUM

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, today (Thursday, 2nd July 1998) appointed a new Chairperson to the Small Business and Services Forum and launched the Annual Report on Small Business in Ireland 1997.

Speaking at the Small Business and Services Forum, the Tánaiste announced her appointment of Jane Williams of Commencements Ltd. as the new Chairperson of the Forum. "I am confident that Ms. Williams' considerable experience in the small business sector, both as a small business person herself and in dealing with a wide spectrum of issues relevant to small business, will be of great benefit to the Forum. Ms. Williams, who has agreed to undertake this task for 2 years, is the founder of Network, the organisation for women in business".

The Tánaiste thanked Dr. Aidan O'Boyle, the outgoing Chairman, for the dedication, commitment and dynamism that he brought to the role since the Forum's establishment in September 1995. The Tánaiste said "He has succeeded in establishing the Forum as an effective and united voice in advancing the cause of small business. He has helped ensure that the small business agenda has remained at the fore in public policy making."

"The second annual Report summarises progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the Small Business Task Force and also provides an update on other developments relevant to small business in Ireland. "There are Chapters on the work of the Small Business and Services Forum, on the work carried out at European Union level for small business and also a number of case studies of small businesses who have benefited from some sources of assistance," the Tánaiste explained.

"As can be seen from the Annual Report, 1997 was a good year for small business. There was an increase in business confidence during the year with small business experiencing a healthy growth period. Further improvements were made to the operating environment for small business during the period, which contributed to this growth in employment and level of confidence. Examples of progress achieved include the enactment of Prompt Payment legislation, the establishment of an advisory service to assist small firms access public markets, changes in the basis of accounting for VAT, reductions in the rate of Corporation Tax and reductions in Capital Gains Tax," the Tánaiste said.