Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister correctly pointed out that businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector, will be looking at all party manifestos in the coming days. As we know, an election is imminent. The Minister also pointed out that small businesses are the backbone of our communities, in particular rural communities. They are very dependent on small businesses. Some 62% of private sector employees in County Clare are employed by small businesses, which is the ninth highest rate in the country. Small businesses are the beating heart and ensure communities can prosper and people can gain employment in their own communities.

KPMG said that budget 2025 is good, but not great, "a feelgood budget, but in the end it has wrought few significant changes".

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