Seanad debates

Thursday, 17 October 2013

11:20 am

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The threshold that applies when making appeals to the Credit Review Office has been increased to €3 million. The Build Your Own Business initiative will promote entrepreneurship and support small and medium-sized enterprises. The long-term unemployed will be able to avail of a two-year income tax exemption if they start businesses. The VAT cash receipt threshold is being increased to €2 million. The higher earners restriction that applies under the employment and investment incentive is being removed. Improvements are being made to research and development cash credits. I have listed some of the 25 new measures that are being introduced to help entrepreneurs and small businesses. I do not think we will take any lectures from Fianna Fáil in that regard.

Senator Bacik spoke about the promotion of women in business and political life. She complimented and congratulated the two new Supreme Court judges who have been appointed. We would all like to join her in congratulating the two ladies in question.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien congratulated those involved in the new Walsh distillery that is to be developed on the banks of the River Barrow near Leighlinbridge. She spoke about the differences between the financial grant arrangements offered by Enterprise Ireland and its counterpart in Scotland. We are coming up against such difficulties with regard to grant aid, etc., as we fight with other countries to get jobs here. That is why it is of paramount importance that we maintain our corporation tax rate of 12.5%.

Senator Hayden called for a debate on the Living City initiative. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to come to the House for such a debate.

Senator Barrett referred to the merger of the industrial relations agencies that was proposed in the report of an bord snip nua. He called on the Minister, Deputy Howlin, to give this House an update on whether that merger will happen. We will certainly correspond with the Minister on that matter.

Senators Keane and Clune spoke about the valuation Bill. It had been indicated that the Bill would be with us next month, but I understand there are further delays in that regard. I cannot say for certain that it will be here next month. I hope the problem will be rectified. I understand that other amendments will be made to the Bill before it comes to us. I hope it will be introduced next month, but I am not confident in that respect at this stage.

I understand that the local government Bill will be introduced in the other House. It will certainly be with us before Christmas.

Senator MacSharry and many other Members called on the Minister for Health to come to the House to discuss medical cards and the service plan. I am sure the Minister will accede to our request in that regard.

Senator O'Keeffe spoke about the many positive measures in the budget, including the investment in research and the development of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of the telephone allowance. It has not been an easy budget, given that €2.5 billion has had to be taken out of the economy. If anyone says it has been an easy budget, I will refute that. Many cuts have had to be made. People on this side of the House would have preferred it if we had not been required to make such decisions. We must get the economy back working and we must deal with the deficit that exists. That is our intention.

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