merrion street

Minister for Small Business, John Perry, T.D., speaking following his first meeting with the Small Firms Association today [Wednesday] thanked the SFA for their open and frank discussions with him, on various issues impacting on small businesses across the country.

Minister Perry said:'in appointing a Minister for Small Business, the Government is clearly highlighting the important role small businesses can play in enabling economic recovery and job creation.'

The meeting discussed issues such as Access to Credit and the obligations on the banks to honour their lending commitments under the recapitalisation packages; public procurement processes; reducing red tape and administrative burdens on SMEs; extending the 15 day prompt payment requirement to State Agencies to assist SME cash flow and a review of Bankruptcy laws to give a second chance to honest entrepreneurs.

Minister Perry said that the Programme for Government contains a package of measures designed to assist SMEs. Many of these measures are being addressed during the Government's first 100 days in office. The proposed Jobs Fund will be a key deliverer for SMEs.

'This is my first meeting with the SFA and I look forward to future meetings with them during my term in office. By working together in partnership, we can identify a number of common priorities that can be delivered quickly so as to re-build confidence and get the domestic economy working' Minister Perry concluded.