Minister Martin responds to ICTU complaint with ‘utter disbelief’

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, TD, today (Wednesday, December 20, 2006) has responded with ‘utter disbelief’ to the decision of the ICTU to lodge a formal complaint with the EU over the expansion of the Business Expansion Scheme.

“The expansion of the scheme announced in Budget 2007 is aimed at helping small businesses to grow and create jobs in communities across the country. The BES scheme has helped small businesses to create over 800,000 jobs, and this expansion will support an enterprise culture.”

“The expansion is in line with the proposal of the small business forum which has been working and considering the issues facing firms over the past 12 months. The suggestion that the scheme would be used as a tax avoidance measure flies in the face of the reality that anyone who invests in business is taking a risk.”

“I am inviting the Congress of Trade Unions to meet with me to discuss its concerns, and ensure that we continue to develop an environment which supports small business and the jobs it provides across the country, concluded Minister Martin.

ENDS

ETE 1648

For more details contact:

Jerry O’Connor,

Press Advisor,

Depart of Enterprise Trade and Employment,

087-6630338