Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

We have often referred to the important role that small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses contribute to employment in this country. They are the backbone, particularly in the current economic climate. I understand ISME has made a submission or request to be considered as part of the partnership talks. Its members, who have a lot to contribute, represent thousands of small businesses across the country. Is it not important to have ISME at the table? This is particularly so because of the view they have expounded on many occasions concerning levels of bureaucracy and red tape that prohibit many businesses getting off the ground. Many already in existence are strangled by this. ISME could contribute from that perspective and its contribution would be expansive and useful because of that experience.

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