Dublin Chamber calls for 'root and branch' public sector reform

The abolition of upward-only rent reviews, modernisation of bankruptcy laws, and "root and branch" public sector reform must be part of the next Programme for Government, according to Dublin Chamber.

The measures are included in the chamber’s election manifesto which will be unveiled tonight at its AGM dinner.

Imelda Reynolds, newly elected President of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, said: "The next Government needs a resilient business sector that will assist in rebuilding the economy and create employment."

Dublin Chamber is asking each political party to commit to outlawing upward-only rent review clauses, reforming the bankruptcy law to encourage entrepreneurship and requiring NAMA to release property into the market to stimulate economic activity.

They also want the Business Expansion Scheme broadened with the European Commission.

Ms Reynolds said: "The perception of Ireland as a so-called ‘Celtic Tiger’ built solely on an overblown construction sector must be changed. The growth of domestic and exporting trading businesses and employment is fundamental to this perception."

The Dublin Chamber has also called for an improvement in the productivity in the management and operation of the public sector and the greater use of outsourcing, greater privatisation and creating an executive Mayor for Dublin, who is responsible for the cost effective delivery of local services.

The Chamber has also called for a commitment from the next government to invest in key infrastructure projects to ensure that Dublin is an attractive and competitive location for business.

This includes the swift delivery of the DART underground and Metro North, sustained investment in next generation broadband, a second run way at Dublin airport, an upgraded water distribution network, a waste to energy facility in Poolbeg and the delivery of the Grangegorman Campus.