Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on reports that there was a 60% increase in the number of companies collapsing in the first three months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007; the estimate of the expected impact of this fall in business activity on the Exchequer, in particular on corporation tax receipts; if there are fiscal or other measures under preparation for the support of indigenous enterprises and start-ups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15600/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The economic environment for business is more challenging as we move into the early months of 2008. The reported Exchequer Statement at the end of the first quarter showed Corporation Tax receipts were marginally behind profile at that stage. However, as the bulk of Corporation Tax is collected towards the end of the year it is too early to predict the full year performance at this juncture. While this is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, on the basis of data supplied by him, I understand that the performance of enterprise agency assisted companies for the first quarter of 2008 is similar to the same period in 2007. I am also encouraged by the fact that overall job losses in agency assisted companies notified for the first quarter of this year are, in fact, below the level recorded for the first three months of 2007.

The enterprise development agencies under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment provide a range of supports and programmes to assist indigenous enterprises and start ups and continue to develop and refine their client offerings in light of the changing business environment. Further details of the scope and range of schemes in support of indigenous enterprises can be obtained from my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the first instance.