Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)

I welcome the opportunity to take part in this Government debate on economic issues, particularly focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises. In such a debate we need to focus on and recognise the positives still there in our economy and the large array of supports and schemes available for small and medium-sized enterprises. We have a dynamic and well-educated labour force. We have flexible markets. The tax burden on labour and capital is low. Our participation in the euro provides insulation against currency speculation, and there is no greater example of the benefit of being in the euro than recent times. We have a pro-business society.

Regarding support for small and medium-sized enterprises, we must remember the important role played by State bodies such as county enterprise boards. I welcome some of the representatives from Carlow County Enterprise Board here this evening. They received a 9.4% increase for 2009.

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