Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of meetings held by the Small Business Forum; when it is likely to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31636/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Small Business Forum, which I have set up to consider the current environment for conducting small business in Ireland, has held two plenary sessions to date. In addition, the forum has held a number of thematic workshops covering various areas of interest identified by the initial plenary meetings. I should also mention that the forum has been very proactive in seeking to obtain the views of the small business community. The forum published a public invitation for submissions and has received some 60 submissions from interested parties to date. Furthermore, the forum has held a number of meetings with small businesses around the country recently to discuss their concerns and to identify any suggestions they might have for improvements in the environment for small business. Some 80 businesses have been involved in these meetings. I have asked the forum to report back to me, with its findings, by 31 March 2006.