Association representing small businesses calls for tax changes to support SMEs

Isme seeks revisions to minimum wage calculation, a reduction of Vat rate for food service sector to 9%, and changes to PRSI

Isme chief executive Neill McDonnell said Ireland must not be one of the most expensive States in the eurozone to live and 'we should aspire to be the most affordable'.

The Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Association (Isme) has called for changes to taxation and the calculation of the minimum wage to support businesses as it sets out its priorities for this year.

This comes as government formation talks are set to resume soon following the Christmas break.