Call for €2bn training fund for Irish small firms in budget

Azets also urged Finance Minister Michael McGrath to set the national minimum wage increase to around 5% instead of 12%

Azets Ireland CEO Neil Hughes urged the Government to set aside €2bn 'to establish a SME innovation fund so Irish SMEs can harness the opportunities of the twin digital and green transition'. File picture

Finance Minister Michael McGrath should set aside €2bn for a fund to help Irish small firms to train staff, business advisory firm Azets has urged in its submission ahead of October’s budget.

Azets, which was formerly called Baker Tilly Ireland, also wants the Government to intervene to peg the rise in the national minimum wage to around 5%, instead of a recommended increase of 12%, to lessen what would be “a significant burden on SMEs”.