ICTU to lodge EU complaint about BES extension

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is to lodge a formal complaint with the European Commission on the Government’s decision to extend the business expansion scheme (BES) and the seed capital scheme.

ICTU economic advisor Paul Sweeeny described the measures - announced in the Budget - as "expanded vehicles for tax avoidance for wealthy people. They are also state aid to the business sector at a time when the economy is booming."