Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)

Government progress in acting on the findings of the report of the Small Business Forum is welcome, for example, the threshold for exemption from the requirement for companies to have their accounts audited has increased. The VAT registration turnover thresholds have also increased. Budget measures to help businesses are also very welcome. Deputy Stagg might be interested in this. The increase in the research and development tax credit from 20% to 25 % is welcome, as are the three-year exemptions from corporation and capital gains tax up to €40,000 for start-up companies and the increase in capital spending on science, technology and innovation.

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