ISME want reduction in public sector spending

The Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association has warned the Government that employer’s PRSI, commercial rates and public sector spending hav to be reduced in next week's emergency Budget.

If next week’s Budget is to have a positive impact, ISME said, a number of key priorities including competitiveness, maintaining employment and cuts in public expenditure need to be addressed.

ISME chief executive Mark Fielding said: "Without companies there will be no jobs and without jobs there will be no economy, it’s as simple as that. It is vital, as witnessed by recent unemployment figures, that policies are introduced to reduce business costs and maintain employment.

"The excessive level of public expenditure also needs to be reined in once and for all, instead of overburdening the economy with tax increases."