Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to have the opportunity to debate the Finance Bill, which is welcome. It introduces supports for business, makes the tax system fairer and lightens the burden on low and middle-income earners. The principal aims of the Bill are to support enterprise and innovation, to advance sustainable development and ensure a fair tax system.

As a member of the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Joint Committee on Finance I welcome these moves. In particular, I welcome the continuing trend of supporting small and medium sized business. Small and medium sized businesses account for up to 40% of the Irish workforce and represent a vital component of the economy, but not just the economy. It is also important to the social infrastructure in the communities across Dublin and the country. Operating both domestically and internationally, small and medium industries provide invaluable goods and services in support of larger industries.

Today, Dublin City Enterprise Board came before the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment. One of the biggest challenges facing the enterprise board was the lack of space for its start-up businesses. One way of solving the problem of lack of space for start-up businesses would be to let entrepreneurs listen to the Opposition because that would certainly deaden any enthusiasm an entrepreneur would have for starting a business. Thankfully, entrepreneurs do not listen to the Opposition, which is why we have a healthy and strong economy.

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